America's Worst Tourist Trap

The tourist trap: an American tradition. If you’ve ever driven across the United States, you’ve likely seen at least one billboard advertising some strange, quirky, and downright weird attraction as a “must-see” stop. Perhaps you’ve even been lured in before to check out Leila’s Hair Museum, Wall Drug, or the World’s Largest Ball of Twine, only to be left underwhelmed and, well, trapped. But which destination in the U.S. lays claim to the title of the country’s worst tourist trap? 

Finding the Answer

Well, thanks to a report from Casago Vacation Rentals, there is now a definitive answer to that question. Casago analyzed data from Tripadvisor^® to identify the United States’ worst tourist traps. Casago looked at reviews from Tripadvisor and counted how many times the words “tourist trap” were mentioned in reviews of certain locations. To make the cut, a destination needed at least five instances of the phrase and couldn’t include “not a tourist trap.”

Fisherman’s Wharf

The number one result? Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco. According to the San Francisco Travel Association, Fisherman’s Wharf “is the city’s top-rated tourist attraction year after year.” So why do so many tourists leave feeling like they’ve been suckered and trapped? There are several cool attractions located at Fisherman’s Wharf. You can see sea lions bathing in the sun, ride in a historic cable car, or get a bird’s eye view of the city from the SkyStar Observation Wheel.

Why All the Hate?

In many ways though, the experience may not be worth it. According to reviewers, the area is overcrowded and overpriced. One Tripadvisor reviewer commented, “It is a nice area to walk around, but prices are hiked up.” The area is packed with mediocre restaurants and shops offering run-of-the-mill products at exorbitant prices. Tourists can get the same coastal experience at much less crowded locations without the headache.

Better Options

According to San Francisco travel agent Andrey Zakharenko, Fisherman’s Wharf is worth a quick stop, but there are better options nearby. Zakharenko told Reader’s Digest, “just a little to the left of it, you’ve got Ghirardelli Square in Fort Mason, where there are more local vendors and more interesting places to visit.” This sentiment is supported by one local who commented that visitors should, “Take your Bay Cruise and Alcatraz tour then move elsewhere.”

Does Fisherman’s Wharf really deserve to be labeled as America’s worst tourist trap? Plan a quick stop on your next trip to the Bay Area to decide for yourself – but maybe keep your wallet closed – or just take the advice of those who’ve gone before you and avoid it altogether.

References: Fisherman’s Wharf | New Report: This Is the No. 1 Tourist Trap in America (Hint: It’s Not the Empire State Building) | Tourist Trap on Steroids | Nice Area but a Tourist Trap | Our Ultimate Tourist Trap