7 Better Alternatives to Overpriced U.S. Tourist Traps

There’s no need to fight crowds or blow your budget for memorable, meaningful travel. Lesser-known or less-commercialized attractions and destinations can reward travelers with adventures that are more affordable and often more authentic. While there’s certainly no shame in hitting the hot spots — who wouldn’t want to see the Colosseum on their first trip to Rome? — going beyond the guidebook and seeking out other attractions can both stretch your travel dollar and offer richer, more intentional experiences. Here are seven great alternatives to overpriced tourist destinations in the U.S. 

Frenchmen Street – New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans’ most famous thoroughfare is undeniably fun, but it’s also crowded and touristy, with overpriced cocktails and run-of-the-mill souvenir shops. Local music lovers and visitors in the know often opt for Frenchmen Street. This stretch located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood in the Bywater district is the go-to for jazz, blues, reggae, and other live music seven days a week and (almost) 24 hours a day. Beyond Frenchmen Street, Faubourg Marigny (located just a mile downriver from the French Quarter) is chock-full of lively bars, restaurants, and historic architecture painted in colors as cheerful as the residents of the city itself.

NASA Kennedy Space Center – Merritt Island, Florida

There’s no doubt that Walt Disney World excels in make-believe magic, and the theme park has visitors who happily return year after year. But long lines and stratospheric prices (including surcharges to avoid the longest waits) can leave people wishing for their own fairy godmother. Luckily, there’s real magic not far away at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where non-astronauts can get a taste of space and a fascinating glimpse into how those otherworldly journeys actually take place. 

The bus tour offers unparalleled views of the launch pads and a chance to stand under the massive Saturn V rocket that carried people to the moon. Stroll through the Rocket Garden and make sure to book the Shuttle Launch and Hyperdeck VR packages for unbelievably realistic simulations of actual space experiences. As a bonus during Florida’s sweltering summers, most of Kennedy’s attractions can be found indoors in air-conditioned comfort.

Chicago Architecture River Cruise – Chicago, Illinois

If you’re passionate about Ferris wheels, then the Centennial Wheel at Chicago’s Navy Pier is probably worth the $20 ticket. (Admission to the pier is free, but parking most definitely is not.) Beyond the wheel, however, the experience could be considered a classic tourist trap, with overpriced and uninspiring food options and shopping that’s found at any suburban mall. For an unforgettable look at the buildings that make Chicago great, book a relaxing river tour that gives insight into the city’s most iconic skyscrapers. 

True building buffs should book the 90-minute, $56 journey offered by the Chicago Architecture Center aboard the First Lady, while families may enjoy the more relaxed cruises from Wendella (starting at $28 for adults, $14 for kids ages 4 to 12 — younger kids cruise free).

Walla Walla Valley – Washington

The superb vintages from California’s Napa Valley put the region on the map decades ago. While we wouldn’t necessarily call it a tourist trap, unfortunately the crowds and the cost have only gone up over the years. For a step (and a taste) back in time while still enjoying excellent wines, head north and east to Washington’s Walla Walla Valley, where the wines are high-quality but the vibes remain low-key. For sweeping views and award-winning wines, check out Echolands. Walk-ins are welcome for $20 tasting flights, and a two-bottle purchase waives the fee. Want to explore on foot? Downtown Walla Walla and nearby neighborhoods have about 40 wineries to discover.

Hartford’s Mansions – Hartford, Connecticut

Newport’s oceanfront mansions are jaw-droppingly gorgeous, but most are crowded during summer and fall, and they close between early November and late May. (Ticket prices quickly add up, too.) For Gilded Age grandeur on a non-robber baron budget, Hartford, Connecticut, has you covered. 

The home of author Samuel Clemens (we know him as Mark Twain, who coined the term “Gilded Age”) is often called “America’s Downton Abbey,” and the grand 25-room Victorian home and museum is a must-see. Next door is the more modest home of abolitionist author Harriett Beecher-Stowe, whose 1852 novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin helped propel the end of slavery in the United States. Be sure to tour the Wadsworth Atheneum, the country’s oldest continuously operating public art museum, and make time for the quirky 90-foot-long, one- room “Facade House” of A. Everett “Chick” Austin, one of the museum’s curators.

Staten Island Ferry – New York, New York

No tickets, no reservations, and no cost: Native New Yorkers will always recommend the free Staten Island Ferry over any tourist tour. This commuter route operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the Whitehall Terminal at the tip of Manhattan to the St. George Ferry Terminal on Staten Island. The ride is particularly pretty when the evening lights begin to illuminate the city and Statue of Liberty. Keep in mind that the ferry does not stop at Ellis Island, so you’ll need to book ferry tickets through Statue City Cruises for that.

The Presidio – San Francisco, California

Crowded with tourists and the souvenir shops and restaurants that cater to them, Fisherman’s Wharf is famous for being famous but highly avoided by San Francisco locals. Pass on Pier 39 and head instead to the Presidio. Formerly a military outpost and now a national park, it’s where you’ll find miles of beaches and epic skyline and Golden Gate Bridge views. Best of all is the Presidio GO shuttle, which takes you from downtown to the park and its attractions for free.