OverRated and Underwhelming: The Most “Meh” Popular Tourist Destinations

Big hype doesn’t always mean good times. Sometimes we visit a place based on rave reviews and discover it’s really just “meh.” Here travelers share the places they thought were most overrated. 

Hollywood

The iconic Hollywood sign on a mountain.
Photo Credit: Maks Ershov via Shutterstock.com.

We all long for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, but the real thing typically disappoints. Hollywood Boulevard is dirty, crowded, and nothing like you’d expect from the movies. 

Los Angeles is a fantastic city to visit, but avoid the tourist trap that is Hollywood. 

Times Square on NYE

Confetti falling over Time's Square in New York on New Year's Eve.
Photo Credit: Simon Dux Media via Shutterstock.com.

Tourist flock to the iconic square to usher in the new year with millions of their closest friends. It sounds fun, but the reality is dirty, crowded, cold, and lacks bathrooms. 

Niagra Falls

Niagra falls from above with a rainbow visible in the mist.
Photo Credit: Facto Photo via Shutterstock.com.

US travelers don’t need a passport to visit the New York side of the falls, but it’s not worth it. The Canadian side offers a cleaner experience and better views. 

Dubai

Styalized photo of Dubai marina and buildings from above
Photo Credit: Ashraf Jandali via Shutterstock.com.

Dubai is clean and rich, but it’s also oppressively hot and oppressive in other ways. The culture celebrates wealth but still oppresses women and members of the LGBTQ community. 

Branson MO

Picture of the Water Tower over Branson MO
Photo Credit: Chad Robertson Media via Shutterstock.com.

Tourist traps get a bad rap. Branson is fun if you know what to expect going in. It’s a town built for weekenders. 

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle beach at sunset
Photo Credit: Sean Pavone via Shutterstock.com.

One Reddit user described Myrtle Beach as “Redneck Rivera.”  It does provide a lot of kid-friendly activities, though. 

Cairo

view of the Pyramids and Sphynx on the Gizas plateau in Egypt.
Photo credit: Merydolla via Shutterstock.com.

Everyone wants to see the pyramids, but no one wants to deal with the massive number of low-rate swindlers near the great Giza Platuae. The pyramids are impressive, but the litter and peddlers greatly detract from the experience. 

Four Corners

The four corners monument where Utah, Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico meet.
Photo Credit: Images by Dr. Alan Lipkin via Shutterstock.com.

There’s one part of the US where four states meet in perfect harmony. The four corners allow tourists to stand in four states simultaneously, but it’s really a long line of waiting for the perfect Instagram photo. 

Mt. Rushmore

Mt. Rushmore on a clear sunny day.
Photo Credit: Jess Kraft via Shutterstock.com.

Come to South Dakota to gawk at a giant sculpture of past presidents. Though it’s a cool feat, the mountain isn’t as impressive as the surrounding scenery. 

Pisa

The tower of Pisa leaning behind a church
Photo Credit: Gabriele Maltinti via Shutterstock.com.

The leaning tower of Pisa is an iconic attraction near Florence, but typically not worth the trip. Tourists flock to the area to get the same tired photo of someone holding the tower. It hasn’t been funny for years. 

The Little Mermaid

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen on rocks from the shore.
Photo Credit: LI SEN via Shutterstock.com.

The Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen sits atop many travelers’ bucket lists, but most are shocked to see how small and underwhelming it is. 

Visit Aspen in the Shoulder Season for a Vacation that Doesn’t Disappoint 

Photo Credit: jdross75 via Shutterstock.com

Aspen is a winter wonderland perfect for outdoor skiing adventures. But if you don’t enjoy skiing, you should consider visiting during the shoulder season instead. Here’s why shoulder season is Aspen’s best kept secret!

The Best Parts of California Won’t Leave You Feeling Underwhelmed

picture of palm trees pointing toward the sky
Photo Credit: Tonktiti via Shutterstock.com.

California is a massive state with a huge variety of cities, ecosystems, and things to do. Find out the best the Golden State has to offer and start planning your visit!

Check out the 41 Best Things To Do in California

Visit Texas for an Abundance of Great Experiences

barn with the Texas Lone Star flag painted on the roof
Photo Credit: Joe Belanger via Shutterstock.com.

Planning a trip to the Lone Star State? With four iconic cities and miles of wilderness, it’s tough to decide what to do!

Here’s What You Should Do and See When You Visit Texas

The Best Places to Visit in the US

map of portion of the US covered with sunglasses, magnifying glass, and other travel icons
Photo Credit: Alexander Lukatskiy via Shutterstock.com.

The US bursts with cool cities, gorgeous national parks, and niche cuisines. There’s something for everyone to enjoy in the diverse country!

Here’s the Best Places to Visit in the US for your specific travel goals!

Why Georgia Needs To Be On Your List

Picture of the fountain at Forsyth Park in Savannah Georgia
Photo Credit: Sean Pavone via Shutterstock.com

Head on down to Georgia for a plethora of fun activies. Here’s what you should see when you visit the Peach State!
 

Source: Reddit