Tourist Traps In America That Are Actually Worth Visiting

Every unsuspecting traveler has been swindled by a glimmering sign, cutting-edge website, or too-good-to-be-true marketing jargon and found themselves in a tourist trap during their otherwise blissful vacation. Before they know it, they've shelled out way too much money for one drab afternoon, stood in a ridiculously long line with no meaningful payoff, and left feeling like they should have hung out by the hotel pool instead. Need help staying away from them? Check out the savvy traveler's guide to avoiding tourist traps and scams. 

However, not every place that looks like a tourist trap should actually be avoided. They may be cheesy, crowded, and pricy, but some tourist traps in America are actually worth visiting, whether it's because they're full of surprisingly delicious and historic restaurants and bars or they present exhibits that are so eye-popping and record-breaking, you'll be itching to boast to your friends back home about them. At these tourist traps throughout the United States, you might leave scratching your head or with your wallet empty, but you'll be glad you visited. Here are some of America's so-called tourist traps that deserve to be on your bucket list.

When you think of Coney Island, you probably think of kitschy boardwalk games, sticky treats, and amusement park rides. And if you do, you're right — but this still isn't an average eye-rolling boardwalk. Stretched alongside 3 miles of beaches, Coney Island is home to a historic boardwalk dating back to 1923 and attractions for people with every interest, such as the New York Aquarium, the Abe Stark Ice Skating Rink, and the wow-worthy Parachute Jump. With such a long list of fun and history, it's no surprise that Coney Island is a New York City landmark and one of the most recognized boardwalks on the planet.

With so much to do on Coney Island, it's difficult to know where to start, but one way to enjoy classic boardwalk fun all in one place is by heading to Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. Here, visitors can ride the iconic Wonder Wheel — a staple of the area since 1920 — and check out modern rides like a virtual reality zombie experience and a haunted house. Then, fill your belly at the first-ever Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs restaurant, which is also where the iconic annual hot dog eating contest is held. You can also finish your meal with a classic boardwalk sweet like cotton candy or funnel cake from Paul's Daughter, a popular stop since 1962. Stick around on Friday summer nights to watch the fireworks.

Most public figures have crowds of both fans and haters, but not Dolly Parton. As one of the most successful country singers of all time, an actress, and philanthropist, it's not shocking that Parton's Dollywood theme park is just as beloved as she is. The park is not far from the one-bedroom home where she famously spent her childhood, and Dollywood is a celebration of Tennessee's Smoky Mountains featuring country-style fun like a historic steam train on which visitors can see the whole of the park, an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring American timeless comfort cuisine, and, of course, live music. Country music stages fill the park, and you might even be lucky enough to hear a surprise performance from Parton herself.

Throughout the nearly dozen themed areas of Dollywood, families will find rides and attractions for kids and adults of every age. For those looking for a thrill, take a spin on the Lightning Rod, which launches riders up to 73 mph, making it the swiftest roller coaster at the park. However, on Big Bear Mountain, kids can enjoy a roller coaster that's more their speed. They'll also find endless fun at Dollywood's Country Fair, which is full of rides ideal for young kids. But don't leave Dollywood without picking up a loaf of cinnamon bread from the Grist Mill, which finishes the freshly-made, sweet bread with buttercream icing or apple butter.

Castles aren't par course for America, but thanks to newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst, there is one famous example. San Simeon (California) has a castle with 165 rooms where people can see the Gilded Age come to life and embark on their choice of several tours. A long list of unique tour options gives visitors the opportunity to do everything from admiring Hearst's art collection by moonlight to learning how the castle operated behind the scenes by checking out spaces like the industrial-sized kitchen.

Visiting this residence on a quarter-of-a-million acres offers more than a glimpse into the life of the rich during the 1920s; it's also a quirky history lesson. Despite the property's size — it also includes pools, terraces, and gardens — Hearst Castle is technically unfinished, as the publisher left his home in 1947 as his health declined. Hearst spent 30 years creating his masterpiece, exploring various architectural styles, and hosting the biggest names of the day. He dubbed it "La Cuesta Encantada," which means "The Enchanted Hill" in Spanish, and the name was certainly apt. Perched on a hilltop, it includes otherworldly spaces like the Gothic Study, where Hearst looked over his newspapers every evening before publication, and the Neptune Pool, surrounded by statues and regal columns.

Everyone has been to a carnival funhouse, but the House on the Rock in Spring Green, Wisconsin — literally a house built atop sky-high rocks with views — takes the cake. It all began in 1960 when Alex Jordan put his imagination to work and created a house full of bizarre exhibits in a record-breaking collection that grew as the years went on. Or, depending on who you ask, you might hear that Jordan built it to taunt his famous architect neighbor, Frank Lloyd Wright. It's so massive that visitors can choose from three self-guided tours to see the odd monstrosity, including the three-hour tour that presents every room of the house. If you want to make a weekend out of your stopover to see all that The House on the Rock hides, then book a stay at its resort with a 27-hole golf course and spa.

Just a few of the must-see rooms in the house include the huge Infinity Room, which allows visitors to admire the landscape via glass walls; the Doll House Room, with the planet's biggest collection of small-scale doll houses; and the Organ Room, with three of the largest musical organs on Earth. There is also the Heritage of the Sea, which features a model of the Titanic and a sculpture of a 200-foot-tall sea monster. Need a break from the eye-popping nature of the house? Just outside are relaxing Japanese gardens with a waterfall. If you can dream it up, you'll probably find it at the House on the Rock.

We've all wondered if life exists beyond our planet (and if they're accepting new residents). At the International UFO Museum and Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico, you can find out for just $7. The museum was inspired by the infamous Roswell Incident and was co-founded by a public information officer involved in the mysterious event. In 1947, debris crashed into Roswell, and government officials presented conflicting reports about the rubble. That snowballed into conspiracy theories and even a book claiming that the tinfoil remnants were from a UFO, now referred to as the Roswell Incident.

The public information officer and others involved in the incident opened the nonprofit museum in 1992. Since then, international visitors have flocked to the museum to learn about crop circles, UFO sightings, supposed alien abductions, and, of course, the Roswell Incident — arguably the most iconic UFO happening in American history. Throughout the museum, people will see writings, photos, and videos, as well as listen to recordings that seek to explain what has long been unexplained when it comes to life in space. It also sells plenty of extraterrestrial goodies,  like plastic space blaster guns and alien postcards.

Mall shopping is no longer all the rage in the United States, but that isn't the case if your mall has an aquarium, a 7-acre Nickelodeon amusement park, and more than 500 stores. With 40 million visitors annually and a convenient location across from an airport, the Mall of America in Bloomington (Minnesota) is as happening now as it was when it opened in 1992. The biggest mall in the country is so massive that it even offers $25, hour-and-a-half-long tours where visitors can learn mall secrets and tidbits like where to see 36,000 Swarovski crystals at the same time and why the ground in Nickelodeon Universe isn't level. Even if you just want to do some shopping, you'll leave with your hands full at the Mall of America with shops such as Banana Republic, Champs Sports, and Crayola. Did we mention that Minnesota doesn't charge sales tax on clothes and shoes?

However, be sure you put your purchases in the car before exploring the Mall of America's countless other experiences. Kids and adults alike will revel in the longest indoor zipline in America while everyone will marvel at the oversized LEGO sculptures in the LEGO store. Check out 10,000 sea creatures and pet stingrays at the aquarium before working your way out of the room in a real-life puzzle at The Escape Game.

Waterfalls often feature on bucket lists, but few cascades are as iconic as this. After all, this waterfall is so strong that it plummets 6 million cubic feet of water per minute at 25 mph down 3,000 feet. That's what makes Niagara Falls one of the most visited spots on the planet, attracting millions of people each year to see the free attraction that's open every day. It's been that way since the 400-acre Niagara Falls State Park was founded in 1885, making it the first state park in America.

There's a lot more to do at Niagara Falls than take photos for social media. Visitors can partake in the Cave of the Winds experience, which allows them to feel the power of the waterfall, or see Niagara Falls via a two-floor boat on the Maid of the Mist, a 150-year-old tradition that brings people past American Falls and onto the basin of Horseshoe Falls so they can see the glory of the rushing water up-close. To learn about it all from the ground, stick to the one-hour Beyond The View walking tour, which shares the history of the falls. Finally, finish up your trip with a locally sourced meal at the Top of the Falls Restaurant, which, as its name suggests, offers unforgettable waterfall views thanks to its sky-high location, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an outdoor terrace. You can also snag a view of all three cascades at the Niagara Falls State Park Observation Tower.

Unlike most tourist traps, you don't have to spend money at Pike Place Market — it's one of the best free things to do when visiting Seattle — but once you see the 200-plus stores and restaurants here spread across 9 acres, it will be hard to keep that wallet under wraps. It's the biggest spot for one-stop-shopping in all of Seattle and one of the most popular places to visit in the city, with 10 million yearly visitors. Dating back to 1907, Pike Place Market is also the oldest continuously-running farmers' market in America and has plenty of ways for visitors to leave satisfied.

Russian bakery and café Piroshky Piroshky features variations of the namesake turnover sandwich like smoked salmon pate, potato and cheese, and chicken pot pie. For more international eats, head to Hellenika Cultured Creamery, which sells Mediterranean-inspired ice cream in fun flavors. Looking for a stiff drink? Rachel's Ginger Beer is known for its Moscow Mules as well as other riffs on ginger beer. Elsewhere, Old Stove Brewing Co. serves craft beers in a taproom overlooking the Puget Sound.

You're sure to meet a crowd at the Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, one of the biggest and most storied public markets in the country. The lines are worth it to taste authentic, international fare from more than 80 family-owned businesses. It's all inside a National Historic Landmark, where visitors can find everything from mouthwatering desserts to sit-down meals enjoyed in a space that's always bustling, another reason Philadelphia is one of the most underrated travel destinations worldwide. 

As you traverse the market's countless rows of delectable fare, you'll pass one section largely occupied by Amish farmers selling pretzels, produce, meat, and more. To enjoy what has been called the best sandwich in the country, head to DiNic's Roast Pork. No matter whether it's Thanksgiving or not, you can always opt for the Stuffin' Cranberry Sandwich, a Gobbler-like concoction at The Original Turkey. Got a sweet tooth? Have a taste of history at Termini Brothers Bakery, a more-than-century-old institution known for its cannoli with homemade pastry shells.

It's crazy. It's loud. It's bright. And although chic New Yorkers might roll their eyes at it, Times Square is a must-visit, and probably more than once; it has an endless list of sights and stores to see, ranging from the cutting-edge to the historic. It has been a staple of the city since 1905 when its name was spurred by the creation of the New York Times Tower there, which was dubbed Times Tower and was considered the first architecturally beautiful skyscraper in the Big Apple. Now, it's all about the flashy in Times Square, and it's a sight to see no matter the time of day, especially from 11:57 p.m. to midnight, when all of its digital billboards sync to show a piece by a modern artist.

There's always something to do in Times Square, no matter when you're there or what you're into. Broadway fans should make a point to pop by Sardi's, a more-than-century-old restaurant known for being the home of 1,200 caricatures of iconic Broadway figures. Looking for something more subtle? Head to the Nothing Really Matters speakeasy, nestled inside a former subway station, which is one of the best secret speakeasies in New York.

The Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California, is now a massive 24,000-square-foot mansion with 160 rooms, but it began as a humble eight-room abode. But therein lies its mystery! No one knows why former owner and heiress Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester felt compelled to spend nearly four decades continuously adding onto her home, but it's paid off for the public, who can now explore one of the most mysterious places on the planet.

Visitors can see the mansion through an hour-long guided tour, which explores 110 rooms, including some of the most iconic on the property, like Winchester's own bedroom, as well as the strange Stairs to Nowhere. True fans can also pay to see even more of the home, such as the basement and the Crystal Bedroom. You can easily get lost in the bizarre history of the house, and you might even catch glimpses of a few of its former residents — for nearly a century, people have experienced paranormal activity at the Winchester Mystery House.