Nearly 90 percent of Americans have fallen for a tourist trap recently, and in Cooperstown, New York, almost 300,000 visitors pour into a town with fewer than 2,000 residents every year. These numbers reveal how small towns can get overrun by tourism while locals quietly look the other way.
Small towns in the U.S. often carry charm, history, and a sense of community that draws visitors from near and far. However, some of these towns have grown into overhyped tourist destinations that may leave you feeling disappointed. What was once a hidden gem may now be filled with overpriced attractions, long lines, and swarms of tourists.
For those looking to escape the crowds or find a truly authentic experience, here are 13 U.S. small towns that locals might not admit have turned into tourist traps.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona attracts over 3 million visitors per year, driving a $1 billion tourism economy and supporting thousands of local businesses. A recent 25% jump in high-income tourists and ongoing development have led to commercialization, higher prices, crowding, and the transformation of many formerly quiet scenic spots.
While the natural scenery remains breathtaking, the influx of tourists has created a much more commercialized atmosphere. The town now faces long lines and high prices, diminishing the sense of peace that initially drew people to this desert retreat.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg, with only 3,799 residents, now sees over 11 million national park visitors pass through each year, driving a tourism boom. Since 2016, hundreds of new businesses have opened, with crowds, souvenir shops, and resort activity transforming its formerly quiet mountain town character.
While the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains a must-see, many of Gatlinburg’s attractions, such as wax museums and t-shirt shops, offer little beyond a crowded, commercialized environment. Locals often avoid the main strip and prefer quieter spots around the mountains to experience the area’s authentic charm.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe sees over 15 million visitor days yearly and $4.1 billion in tourism spending. Surrounding towns now face congestion and inflated prices as chain stores and casinos crowd out peaceful spaces, making natural escapes increasingly difficult to find. What was once a peaceful lakeside getaway is now a crowded tourist destination.
The sheer volume of visitors has led to traffic jams, high accommodation costs, and crowded public areas. Though the scenery remains stunning, the region’s increasing commercialization makes it harder to experience the tranquil, natural beauty that once made Lake Tahoe so special.
Branson, Missouri
Branson attracts up to 65,000 visitors per day, generating $1.5 billion in tourism revenue annually. Themed theaters, chain restaurants, and tourist malls now dominate, replacing much of the small-town charm with crowds and commercial attractions.
While Branson is still known for its live music venues, many visitors are disillusioned by the attractions’ overly commercialized, kitschy nature. Locals often bypass the tourist-heavy areas, seeking out quieter spots to enjoy the natural beauty of the Ozarks without the heavy tourist crowds.
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Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach now attracts roughly 18.2 million visitors a year, generating over $13 billion in direct visitor spending and more than $26 billion in total economic impact for the Grand Strand region.
Though there are still beautiful stretches of beach, the area is now synonymous with crowded boardwalks, overdeveloped coastal land, and long lines at popular tourist attractions. Locals steer clear of the overhyped spots, opting for quieter, less commercialized areas away from the busy main drag.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe now draws about 2 million overnight visitors a year and was recently ranked the top U.S. city destination by a major travel magazine, which has pushed lodging and dining prices higher.
While the city still offers cultural experiences, the growing number of tourists has led to overcrowding and commercialization. Many locals prefer to visit less-trafficked areas or spend their time in nearby towns that offer the same unique atmosphere without the inflated prices and mass tourism.
Napa Valley, California
Napa Valley is widely known for its world-class wineries and picturesque vineyards. While the region’s beauty remains undeniable, the influx of visitors has turned it into a high-end tourist trap, with inflated prices for everything from wine tastings to accommodations.
The scenic drive through the valley, once peaceful and serene, now features long lines and high-priced tours. Many locals avoid the more popular wineries and instead visit lesser-known spots, where they can enjoy quality wine without paying the premium prices synonymous with Napa Valley tourism.
Key West, Florida
Known for its laid-back vibe and famous sunsets, Key West has shifted from a quiet island escape into a packed tourist hotspot that now hosts roughly a million visitors a year. What was once a refuge for artists and writers is increasingly dominated by cruise ship crowds, high-priced dining, and blocks of tourist-oriented shops.
Though the island’s charm remains evident, the overwhelming tourist presence has led to crowded streets and a lack of authentic local experiences. Locals often head to quieter areas of the Florida Keys to escape the hustle and bustle of Key West, seeking out the tranquil atmosphere that originally drew them to the area.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville’s artsy, alternative vibe now draws around 14 million visits a year, generating roughly $3 billion in visitor spending and turning the small mountain city into a busy, often crowded destination packed with cafes, boutiques, breweries, and festivals.
Though the mountain views and craft beer scene remain attractive, many locals now avoid downtown during peak tourist season. Instead, they explore the surrounding mountains and lesser-known neighborhoods, where they can enjoy the region’s natural beauty without the overwhelming crowds.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is known for its quaint charm and historic architecture, but its popularity has come with a downside. The island is now filled with expensive hotels, upscale boutiques, and crowded beaches during peak season. The once peaceful atmosphere has been replaced by high-end shops and long waits at popular restaurants.
Though the island remains beautiful, the influx of tourists has made it difficult to find peace and solitude, especially for those who were once drawn to Nantucket’s quiet, laid-back atmosphere. Locals often seek refuge on nearby, less crowded islands, enjoying the same stunning scenery without the heavy crowds.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Pigeon Forge has a resident population of about 6,000 but welcomes over 10 million visitors annually. Visitor spending in the area reaches hundreds of millions of dollars each year, fueling a tourism-focused economy.
Locals tend to avoid the heart of town, opting instead for the serene, peaceful areas around it, such as quieter parts of the Smokies, where they can escape the massive crowds. The overwhelming commercialism has made it a far cry from the natural beauty the area once offered.
Galveston, Texas
Once a peaceful beachfront getaway, Galveston has become a hub for tourists with overdeveloped waterfronts and crowded tourist spots. The island’s appeal has been overshadowed by a growing number of high-rise condos, chain restaurants, and amusement parks.
What was once a charming seaside retreat is now filled with tourists seeking beachfront entertainment and overpriced attractions. Many locals seek quieter areas away from the crowded tourist zones to enjoy the island’s more authentic experiences.
Redwood City, California
Redwood City, a Bay Area city of over 80,000 people, faces growing coastal flooding threats while its revamped waterfront and lively downtown draw more tourists. The city’s bayfront parks, marinas, and outdoor recreation spots help fuel this tourist boom, keeping the waterfront busy much of the year.
Although its proximity to Silicon Valley gives it a unique draw, rising flood risks and overcrowding have made it harder for locals to enjoy the region’s natural beauty without the influx of tourists.
Key Takeaway
While these small towns have a lot to offer, their overwhelming popularity has led to a rise in tourist traps that undermine the very charm they once offered. For a truly authentic experience, it’s worth exploring lesser-known spots in and around these towns, where the crowds are thinner and the genuine local culture shines through.
20 of the Worst American Tourist Attractions, Ranked in Order
20 of the Worst American Tourist Attractions, Ranked in Order
If you’ve found yourself here, it’s likely because you’re on a noble quest for the worst of the worst—the crème de la crème of the most underwhelming and downright disappointing tourist traps America offers. Maybe you’re looking to avoid common pitfalls, or perhaps just a connoisseur of the hilariously bad.
Whatever the reason, here is a list that’s sure to entertain, if not educate. Hold onto the hats and explore the ranking, in sequential order, of the 20 worst American tourist attractions.
