That’s what I thought - smaller than expected - when son and I visited on the drive from Chicago to Seattle. It was late in the afternoon and parking was free but I thought it would be grander. Not a tourist trap but less than hoped for.
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When I was a kid–we’re talking road trips on mostly two lane roads–South of the Border was a pretty big deal because of the fireworks they sold. They had a HUGE selection that you just couldn’t get anywhere else. And cheap. Except for some cheap toys I don’t remember much about the place except for the fireworks.
I agree. I was let down by both the Mona Lisa and Stonehenge. The Mona Lisa is so small and to me, it’s not that impressive. Stonehenge was interesting, but I wasn’t blown away by it like I was expecting to be.
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The one place in the world I’ve ever disliked and would pass on revisiting is New Orleans. The architecture was fine but generally the vibe just isn’t my thing. And yes, the smell of vomit was overwhelming - seeing them hose down streets in the morning only validated what my nose was smelling.
I lived in Rio de Janeiro in the mid-70s and sadly it didn’t live up to the hype, and I was unhappy there, so I guess I’d probably add it to the “never again” list.
I would pass on the Polynesian Cultural Center on O’ahu, just as I would a luau - I’d rather go to a hula recital or event (like Merrie Monarch).
But other than that I’ve found something to appreciate about even the kitchiest places even if that’s not my thing.
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I don’t consider the Mona Lisa or the Eiffel Tower, etc to be tourist traps. They are just attractions that are very popular with tourists.
To me, a tourist trap is an over-hyped, overly commercialized attraction that’s purely a money-grabber.
The Mona Lisa might be underwhelming, but I don’t consider it a tourist trap.
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The alternative to Buc-ee’s is Busy Bee.
Fishermen’s wharf and Giraradelli square in San Francisco.
Solvang and Andersons Pea Soup. The Anderson’s billboards beckon travelers as they travel up the coast but I don’t see why some people feel the need to stop.
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Wow so many places I like on this thread. To me, a tourist trap is one that had no real value, not just a place that is crowded and has some souvenirs.
Love Cape Cod and have found plenty of nice restaurants and shops. However, we go for the beach, the hikes, biking, kayaking and occasional fishing boat trips, not shopping.
Love Disney. It is a popular amusement park, but not a trap because you know what you are getting into. It is completely fake, but just plain fun.
I grew up in the NYC suburbs and live in the same area so anything one does is bound to have crowds of people. But I love the energy of NYC, the museums, and just walking around. I even like Times Square, especially now that much of it is closed to traffic (don’t love the characters but the energy is great). Also love the Jersey shore boardwalks, even with the tacky stores and big crowds.
Enjoyed Stonehenge but don’t need to go again.
Agree on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We were passing through the area on a very hot day and I had no idea it was so spread out. The family abandoned me for somewhere indoor, but I walked much of it.
Four corners was sort of silly and fun as it was on our way. Definitely not worth a major detour.
I found Versailles to be underwhelming and way too crowded.
Felt the same about the Mona Lisa. And it was SO insanely crowded you could barely see it. A million tourists with selfie sticks that weren’t even looking at the painting. Just getting a picture of themselves with it. Ugh.
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Well…how about Cracker Barrel? The last time I ate there, the souvenir section and gift section was almost as large as the restaurant. Is that still the case?
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Branson, MO. My kids went to camp near there for a few years and we spent one night there pre-drop off the second year. Never again. More than once I have voiced the opinion that if there is a hell on earth it is Branson.
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It’s sad about the Mona Lisa. When I was a student in Paris many moons ago I used to go the Louvre all the time on Sundays (it was free) and it was rarely crowded. I could just look at my leisure and appreciate the art. When I took my kids there 9 years ago there was a massive crowd and you could barely see the painting, let alone stand and appreciate.
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Yes. I was there during the same trip we stopped at Buc ee’s. I think the blueberry pancakes are delicious.
I bought myself a tiny cow salt shaker for 99 cents. The man behind me in line was just flabbergasted that you can still buy something “ kind of cute” for under a dollar.
I generally love them. They are popular for a reason.
Some I haven’t loved:
Times Square
Bourbon Street
Hollywood Blvd.
Cancun (so many better places on the Gulf.)
I 
these tourist traps and will see them every single time I am in these places.
The Forbidden City
The Great Wall
Venice
The Eiffel Tower
Checkpoint Charlie
The Grand Canyon
Big Sur
So many others.
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If you go someplace with the intent of visiting it’s a vacation not a tourist trap. If there are things unrelated to the reason your there then they are tourist traps. Gatlinburg by itself isn’t a tourist trap. People need places to stay and eat while visiting the Smoky Mountains assuming they aren’t interested in camping. Ripley’s Believe it or Not etc. are tourist traps. Similar on the coast is Myrtle Beach. You need the hotels and restaurants to support the vacation to the coast but the rest of it is a tourist trap. Mount Rushmore may be underwhelming and in my estimation a poor reason to visit the Black Hills by itself (Go to Custer State Park and Wind Cave and the Mammoth Dig if you’re in the area) but it’s not a tourist trap. I have mixed emotions about campy things such as the Corn Palace and Car Henge.
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Indeed it is! We were there last summer on a college trip. I know some folks don’t like it, but we did. And it was very near Pigeon Forge and Dollywood.
And, since Dolly Parton is a genuine national treasure, I will defend Dollywood to the end!
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Dollywood is awesome!
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Or in the Midwest …Wally’s!
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Me, too! I actually enjoyed The Alamo and went into the little history building and we all stayed more than I thought we would. I was so underwhelmed and disappointed in the Riverwalk. It was pretty, but small, and basically just restaurants…not shopping! I had envisioned it being twice as wide, 2 miles long and full of shopping and restaurants. I have to say…they do great advertising!
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NOPE—public ladies room, maybe 15 yrs ago. Wife and D interrupted someone shooting up