Nobody likes to feel like they have been ripped off. You want to feel like you received value for your money, an incredible experience, or even a great deal. However, life isn't always full of good deals. These 12 destinations and attractions were rated as the biggest rip-offs in the US. Take a look at this list then avoid these places. You will be happier with the money in your pocket than down the drain after visiting one of these places.
Note: The content of this article does not reflect the Writer’s personal beliefs.
Disney World
While many people absolutely love Disney World, others find the park to be overpriced and underwhelming. A study by Casino revealed that 60% of people found Disney World to be the biggest rip-off when it comes to US attractions. Park tickets currently start at $109 per day which is quite a pretty penny especially if you are bringing your whole family. Just the cost alone makes it seem like you are paying a lot and getting just a little. Once inside the park, you still have to buy food, souvenirs, and anything else in all the pretty shops that line Main Street. We can see why people may think that a trip to Disney World is overrated.
The National Mall
The National Mall in Washington DC is actually completely free to visit. You can walk the entire mall and never pay a cent. However, the price to stay at a nearby hotel or eat at a nearby restaurant can be extreme. Casino.org listed the National Mall as the number two biggest rip-off in America when it comes to tourist attractions. Participants in the survey claimed the garbage, the aggressive vendors, and the blocked walkways made the destination miserable to visit. There are also no real stores nearby so you are forced to walk farther and farther to find anything you may need. The Mall may be free but it will take a toll in other ways.
The Alamo
The Alamo was the third worst US tourist attraction to visit in the casino.org study. Visiting the Alamo may appear to be free at first glance, but, once you arrive, you will find that it is not free at all. A self-guided tour costs $45 and you have to pay even more to upgrade your tickets to include admission to certain exhibits. When prices sneak up on you, no one is happy! That is why visiting the Alamo may end up being a rip-off and a price trap.
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
Users on Buzzfeed reported that one of the biggest tourist traps in the US is the glass bridge over the Grand Canyon. The parking lot for bridge access is apparently $20 plus another $30 for the bus to get to the bridge. The user states that taking photos on the bridge is prohibited but you can buy pictures for another fee. All those fees add up for a view you can get for free from other angles of the Canyon. Do not go to the glass bridge unless you want to spend a small fortune!
Plymouth Rock
Plymouth Rock is a boulder said to be the first place that Pilgrims stepped when they reached land. However, the validity of the physical rock itself has been questioned by many historians. Is it really the same rock? We have no way of knowing for sure...
While parking and visiting the rock is free according to Tripsavvy, many people claim that the landmark is lame and a waste of time. Yes, you are just looking at a rock. You will have to use your imagination a whole lot to make this tourist attraction interesting and exciting.
The Space Needle
The Space Needle is one of the most iconic buildings in Seattle. However, many people find the attraction to be overrated. The ticket price is pretty steep, ranging from $35 to $40 depending on the time of day and day of the week. According to the Imperfect Idealist, you can pretty much see everything in under an hour. There is typically a line to get to the top and, once there, the views are described by many as being just "okay". Maybe visit a different, less expensive building to see the same sights.
Pier 39
Pier 39 in San Francisco is considered a must-see for tourists. The Pier is the natural home to bunches of sea lions who laze around on the docks. Other than the sea lions, there is not much else to see. The stores on the Pier are pretty much all chain restaurants and are often very overpriced. The pier is getting older and often very crowded so it is hard to walk around. If you want to see the sea lions, great! But be prepared to battle the crowds.
Empire State Building
Heading to the top of the Empire State Building is going to cost you and it may be a waste of money. First of all, know that the regular ticket for the 86th floor is not at the top of the building and will still cost you $44 for an adult according to ESBNY. If you want to go to the 102nd floor, you will have to pay $79. Is this a reasonable cost for a view? Many think not and consider it a rip-off. Perhaps just book a hotel room with a nice city view.
Ben and Jerry's Factory Tour
Casino.org listed the Ben and Jerry's factory tour as the biggest rip-off in Vermont. The ice cream headquarters gets thousands of visitors every week but the general consensus is that it is not worth the money. While the tour may only be $10 for a thirty-minute tour, you don't get that much for the money. According to Bill on the Road, there is a walk through a graveyard of retired ice cream flavors, a view of the factory from a small window where you can't take photos, and then a question and answer session. That's it. Maybe just buy a pint of ice cream instead.
The Hoover Dam
Getting to the Hoover Dam is a pretty easy 45-minute drive from Las Vegas. But is the drive worth the trip or is the attraction a rip-off? It's free to visit the dam and look at it but if you want to park or take a tour, you will have to pay. With parking at $10 and a guided tour costing $30, you may want to reconsider paying. An article by Feeling Vegas says that looking at the dam from the outside is the coolest part of the whole attraction. It is impressive looking! So don't pay the extra money, it's not worth it!
Old Faithful
Old Faithful is one of the most iconic spots to visit in Yellowstone National Park. The geyser erupts on a very set schedule every single day. You can even plan your visiting times based on when it will spout. However, you will have to pay $35 to enter the park and then plan to stand with hundreds of people to watch the geyser (according to Roads and Destinations, 4 million people visit every year!). Keep in mind, as well, that you can't get too close to the actual water spout and will need to stand quite a ways back. Might not be worth the price to see some water shoot in the air for between 1 and 5 minutes...
Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana used to have tons and tons of glaciers but most of them have melted away. According to the National Park Service, the glaciers are completely melting and may not come back. You can pay the $30 entrance fee to get into the park and take some very scenic hikes, but just bear in mind you may not actually see a glacier, despite the park's name. It is quite deceiving.
This article was inspired by Casino.org and first appeared on Spatula Desserts
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