These are the biggest tourist traps in America, according to tourists
The rental marketplace analyzed TripAdvisor reviews for the top 230 tourist attractions in the country with more than 100 reviews, then looked for reviews with terms related to being overpriced, overrated and too expensive: common indicators of a tourist trap. The attractions were then ranked by percentage of these types of reviews.
At the top of the list is Seattle's iconic Space Needle, with more than 4% of its reviews grumbling about sky-high prices and an underwhelming payoff. Out of more than 20,000 reviews, 814 called it overpriced, overrated or flat-out disappointing. Apparently, the view from 605 feet isn't enough to make everyone happy.
Coming in at second place is Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Nearly 4% of guests left unimpressed, calling it "expensive," "not worth it" and complaining there's "not much to see." Though Florida is home to the country's number one attraction according to Tripadvisor's Best of the Best awards, several of Florida's other attractions are a big disappointment for many: Disney's Hollywood Studios, Epcot World Showcase and Universal's Islands of Adventure also made the list of the top 20 tourist traps. Sunshine, yes. Value for money? Not always.
Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia comes in third. Almost 3% of visitors think the living history museum charges too much for what you actually get. In fourth place is Graceland, Elvis's home in Memphis. Reviewers feel the price is fit for The King but the experience was less than majestic.
Rounding out the top five is Atlanta's Georgia Aquarium, where more than 600 reviewers out of 23,000 called it overpriced and a letdown.
The study also highlighted attractions that got raves, and the Haygoods Show in Branson, Missouri, was named the best bang for your buck in the country.
America's biggest tourist traps
Space Needle, Seattle
Busch Gardens, Tampa
Colonial Williamsburg, Williamsburg
Graceland, Memphis
Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta
The Island in Pigeon Forge, Pigeon Forge
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey
Skydeck Chicago—Willis Tower, Chicago
One World Observatory
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