I've traveled to all 50 states. These are the 7 most overrated tourist attractions in the US.
South Dakota's Black Hills region offers more than just Mount Rushmore.
Like most spots on this list, I'd revisit Mount Rushmore if I were in the Black Hills area of South Dakota, but I wouldn't center an entire trip around it.
The monument is impressive, but in its immediate vicinity, there isn't much more to do than hike a couple of very short trails.
I'd instead plan a trip around the entire Black Hills Region, with stops at Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park.
The line for photos at the Southernmost Point of the US in Key West, Florida, is often extraordinarily long.
Key West, Florida, is one of my favorite cities in the US. Despite all the city has to offer, many visitors first make a beeline for the Southernmost Point.
As the title implies, it's a simple monument that marks the southernmost point of the US, just 90 miles north of Cuba. Although I visited the point and thought it was a fun photo opportunity, the line for pictures was extraordinarily long.
There are many other places in the area where I'd rather spend that time, with Key West's exciting culture, museums, history, food, and excellent outdoor-recreation opportunities.
I recommend avoiding Salem, Massachusetts, in October.
I first visited Salem, Massachusetts, on a whim while traveling nearby one October. However, I didn't realize the city is inundated with visitors throughout the entire month — not just on Halloween.
Infamous for the Salem Witch Trials, the city has become a tourist destination for lovers of everything spooky, especially as Halloween approaches.
Most of my visit was spent finding a parking spot, with the hoards of crowds limiting the appeal for me.
I'd love to visit outside October and recommend only spooky-season fanatics plan a trip during that time frame.
This story was originally published on September 26, 2024, and most recently updated on November 24, 2025.
