17 American Attractions That Not Even Americans Want to Visit
If you’re planning a trip to the United States, you might have a list of popular tourist attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, or the Golden Gate Bridge.
However, there are some American attractions that not even Americans want to visit.
According to a recent article, there are 17 American attractions that most Americans don’t even think of visiting.
These attractions are located nationwide and range from quirky to downright bizarre.
1. The Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a popular tourist destination in Los Angeles.
However, many visitors are disappointed by the experience. The walk is crowded and dirty, and the stars are often difficult to find.
Plus, many celebrities honored on the walk are no longer relevant, making it a somewhat outdated attraction.
2. The Plymouth Rock
According to legend, Plymouth Rock is the spot where the Pilgrims first landed in America in 1620.
However, the reality is somewhat less impressive. The rock itself is small and unremarkable, and there’s no concrete evidence that it’s the actual spot where the Pilgrims landed.
If you’re interested in early American history, you might still want to visit Plymouth Rock.
But, if you’re expecting a grand monument or impressive sight, you’ll likely be disappointed.
3. The Forgotten Alamo
Replica
This replica was built in the 1950s for the movie “The Alamo” and has since been used as a movie set for many other films.
Despite its historical significance, the replica has fallen into disrepair over the years.
The buildings are crumbling, and the grounds are overgrown with weeds.
4. The Deserted Ghost Towns
These towns were once thriving communities, but they were abandoned for various reasons, such as mining booms that went bust or natural disasters that made the area uninhabitable.
One such ghost town is Bodie, California, which was once a bustling mining town. Today, it is a state park open to visitors.
Another ghost town is St. Elmo, Colorado, which was once a popular railroad stop. The town is abandoned today, but many buildings still stand.
5. The Dull Wax Figure Galleries
Wax museums have been around for centuries, once considered a popular form of entertainment.
However, the wax figure galleries in the US have become outdated and uninteresting.
The figures are often poorly crafted, and the exhibits are usually not well-maintained.
While some of the wax museums in the US have tried to modernize their exhibits by including interactive displays, the overall experience is still underwhelming.
6. The Outdated Technology Exhibits
Technology constantly evolves, and museums showcasing outdated technology have quickly become irrelevant.
Many of the technology exhibits in the US are outdated and uninteresting.
The exhibits often showcase old computers, televisions, and other electronics that are no longer used.
While it can be interesting to see how technology has evolved over time, the exhibits in many US museums are not engaging enough to hold Americans’ attention.
7. The Excessive Souvenir Shops
Finding souvenir shops at tourist attractions is common, but some take it to the extreme.
You might find yourself walking through a maze of shops selling the same items repeatedly.
After a while, T-shirts, keychains, and magnets with the attraction’s name plastered on them can start to feel like a waste of money.
If you want to bring home a souvenir, consider looking for unique items you can’t find everywhere.
8. The Overpriced Theme Restaurants
When hunger strikes, you might be tempted to head to the nearest restaurant at the attraction.
However, be prepared to pay a premium for the convenience. Many theme restaurants at American attractions charge high prices for mediocre food.
Consider bringing your snacks or eating beforehand to avoid overpaying for a meal.
If you eat at a theme restaurant, look for reviews online beforehand to find the best options.
9. The Lackluster Four Corners Monument
The Four Corners Monument, where four states- Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, meet at a single point, is a bucket list destination for many.
However, visitors have reported being disappointed by the monument’s lackluster appearance.
The monument consists of a simple brass marker embedded in concrete, surrounded by a plaza with a few souvenir stands.
The monument is located in a remote area, and the journey to reach it can be quite long and tedious.
10. The Oversold Mystery Spot
The Mystery Spot in Santa Cruz, California, is marketed as a place where the laws of physics and gravity do not apply.
However, visitors have reported that it is not as mysterious as it sounds. The attraction is a small area with a tilted floor, which creates an optical illusion that makes objects appear to roll uphill.
The admission fee is also quite steep, and the experience might not be worth the price.
11. The Salton Sea, California
The Salton Sea in California has faced significant environmental challenges, leading to decreased water levels and increased pollution.
As a result, the area has experienced toxic dust and air pollution, making it less appealing as a tourist destination.
Industrial and agricultural pollutants, along with the lake’s high salinity and shrinking size, have contributed to these issues.
12. Jails and Prisons
While some historic jails offer tours, places like San Quentin State Prison may not be on everyone’s itinerary.
Jails and prisons are like the ultimate “anti-vacation” spots for Americans.
They’re not exactly known for their sunny beaches and fun activities.
Instead, they’re associated with things like overcrowding, unpleasant living conditions, and, well, the whole “incarceration” thing.
It’s safe to say that they don’t make the top of anyone’s travel bucket list.
13. The Dakota Access Pipeline Protest Camps, North Dakota
The Dakota Access Pipeline protest camps in North Dakota were like a thrilling movie full of drama and controversy set in the wild west.
Some folks might find visiting for a crash course in activism and indigenous rights exciting, but others might want to steer clear to avoid getting caught up in heated arguments and braving the cold weather.
14. Skid Row, Los Angeles, California
Skid Row in Los Angeles, California, is a place of contrast: It’s an American attraction due to its notoriety and unique culture, but many Americans may not want to visit due to its reputation for homelessness, poverty, and safety concerns.
While it may offer an eye-opening experience for some, others may feel uncomfortable or unsafe exploring its streets.
15. The Garment District, New York City
The Garment District in New York is an American attraction known for its vibrant fashion scene and iconic landmarks like the Fashion Institute of Technology.
However, some Americans might not prioritize visiting due to the hustle and bustle of the area.
It’s irrelevant, especially if they’re not interested in fashion or shopping.
16. The World’s Largest Ball Of Twine, Kansas
The World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Kansas is an American attraction that not all Americans would prioritize visiting.
While it holds significance as a quirky roadside attraction, it might not resonate with everyone’s interests or preferences.
Some Americans prioritize visiting more well-known or mainstream attractions, while others may simply not be aware of or interested in visiting offbeat sites like the Ball of Twine.
17. Winchester Mystery House, California
The Winchester Mystery House in California is a fascinating American attraction known for its eerie history and architectural oddities.
Legend has it that Sarah believed she was haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles and continuously built and renovated the house to confuse the ghosts.
But unless you like staircases that lead to nowhere, doors that open into walls, and other architectural oddities, you may find it boring.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s surprising that even some Americans overlook certain attractions in their own country.
Despite the abundance of remarkable destinations across America, some lesser-known spots struggle to attract visitors.
This is due to remote locations, limited accessibility, and being overshadowed by more popular sites.
