1. Times Square – New York City, New York
Ask a New Yorker about Times Square, and you’ll likely get a dramatic eye roll. Sure, the flashing lights and larger-than-life billboards are dazzling, but to locals, it’s a chaotic maze of slow-walking tourists, costumed characters looking for tips, and overpriced chain restaurants. Most New Yorkers actively avoid it unless they’re cutting through to catch a Broadway show—and even then, they’ll take the side streets. It’s loud, crowded, and everything costs way more than it should shares Lonely Planet.
There’s also this weird feeling of being in a commercial—everything’s trying to sell you something. You’ll rarely find a true local grabbing a slice of pizza there or snapping photos. They know better places for food, entertainment, and a good city vibe. If you’re visiting, go ahead and take your photos—but don’t expect to find many locals lingering adds Thrillist.
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame – Los Angeles, California
The stars on the sidewalk might feel glamorous, but most Angelenos steer clear. It’s crowded, gritty, and more than a little underwhelming once you’re there. Between the folks in off-brand superhero costumes asking for money and the endless souvenir shops, it’s more tourist trap than Tinseltown magic. Locals usually only come through if they have out-of-town guests in tow says Time Out.
Parking is a nightmare, and there’s not much else to do unless you want to buy a $12 hot dog or snap a photo of a star whose name you barely recognize. Plus, it’s not uncommon to see some less-than-glamorous street activity in the area. Many people who live in LA recommend other neighborhoods like Los Feliz or Silver Lake for a more authentic experience. If you’re hoping to spot celebrities, this isn’t the place explains PEOPLE.
3. Fisherman’s Wharf – San Francisco, California
It’s the kind of place people from San Francisco might have visited as kids, but now? They avoid it like a seagull avoids a quiet moment. Between the overpriced clam chowder and the endless booths of souvenir sweatshirts, it’s just not where locals spend their time. And don’t get them started on the crowds—especially in the summer.
The sea lions at Pier 39 are cute, sure, but they’re not enough to outweigh the overpriced parking and the constant buzz of selfie sticks. Most Bay Area folks prefer quieter spots like Crissy Field or the Ferry Building. There, you get the waterfront vibes without all the chaos. Fisherman’s Wharf is for first-timers, not Friday hangouts.
4. The Alamo – San Antonio, Texas
Yes, it’s historic. Yes, it’s iconic. But for San Antonio locals, the Alamo is more of a school field trip memory than a must-see destination. It’s surprisingly small, and after you’ve seen it once, you’ve pretty much seen it for life.
It’s usually packed with tourists looking for that big moment, only to realize it’s not exactly the blockbuster attraction they imagined. Plus, the surrounding area has a bit of a tourist trap vibe, filled with chain restaurants and trinket shops. Locals would rather spend time along the River Walk or head to the missions that are a little more peaceful and a lot less crowded. The Alamo might be legendary, but it’s not exactly loved by the people who live nearby.
5. Mall of America – Bloomington, Minnesota
It’s massive, sure. There’s even a theme park inside. But for people who live near it, the Mall of America is kind of exhausting. You can’t just “pop in for a quick errand”—it’s a full-day commitment, even if you’re just trying to find new socks.
Locals know to avoid it during weekends, holidays, and pretty much all of December. The crowds are intense, the parking can test your patience, and honestly, most of the stores are the same as any other mall. Minnesotans tend to favor their smaller, more manageable neighborhood shopping centers. Unless they’re taking their kids to Nickelodeon Universe or hosting out-of-town guests, most steer clear.
6. Bourbon Street – New Orleans, Louisiana
It’s wild. It’s messy. And it’s exactly where most New Orleanians don’t go on a night out. While tourists are throwing beads and sipping fluorescent drinks from fishbowls, locals are rolling their eyes and heading to a different part of the city.
Ask someone from New Orleans where they go to have fun, and they’ll likely point you toward Frenchmen Street or some hidden gem in the Bywater. Bourbon Street is loud, crowded, and honestly kind of smells weird. It’s a party street, sure—but it’s not where the real culture or best music lives. Locals know better than to try to drive through it, walk through it, or even be near it during Mardi Gras.
7. Pike Place Market – Seattle, Washington
It’s beautiful and photogenic, with flying fish and colorful flowers. But Seattleites know it’s best enjoyed early on a weekday—otherwise, it’s too packed to move. The market gets swarmed with tourists, and trying to grab a coffee or fresh produce becomes a full-contact sport.
Locals will sometimes go for the food stalls or to impress visiting friends, but most of the time, they skip it. Parking is expensive and hard to find, and the nearby streets are often clogged. Seattle has tons of other great neighborhoods with amazing eats and fewer crowds. Plus, you won’t have to dodge people taking selfies with the gum wall.
8. Navy Pier – Chicago, Illinois
On paper, it sounds great: a Ferris wheel, waterfront views, fireworks in the summer. But Chicagoans know Navy Pier as the land of long lines and tourist traps. Most locals might go once every few years, usually when a friend’s visiting from out of town.
The restaurants are generic, and you’ll pay a premium for food you could get better (and cheaper) just a few blocks away. Plus, it’s swamped in the summer and can feel downright desolate in the winter. Chicago has plenty of beautiful lakefront spots, and most of them feel a lot more authentic than Navy Pier. Locals would much rather be hanging out at the beach near Lincoln Park or grabbing a bite in Wicker Park.
9. South Beach – Miami, Florida
It looks like paradise in pictures—clear water, flashy cars, palm trees. But for Miami residents, South Beach can feel like one big, overpriced spectacle. The traffic is brutal, the parking is worse, and the crowds are filled with folks trying to live out a music video.
Locals usually head to less chaotic beaches like North Beach or even spots down in Key Biscayne. South Beach has its charms, but they’re often overshadowed by the noise and chaos. Drinks cost a fortune, and don’t even think about getting a quiet moment to enjoy the view. It’s not where people from Miami go to unwind.
10. The Gateway Arch – St. Louis, Missouri
It’s iconic, no doubt about it. But once you’ve ridden the tiny elevator to the top, there’s not much reason to return. St. Louis locals usually pass by it without giving it much thought—it’s just kind of there. And the immediate area doesn’t offer much else unless you’re into long walks along concrete pathways.
People from St. Louis are much more likely to recommend Forest Park, which is full of museums and green space. The Arch feels like something you check off a list, not a place to spend a relaxing afternoon. Plus, it can be sweltering in the summer with very little shade. It’s a symbol of the city, sure, but not necessarily a beloved hangout.
11. Las Vegas Strip – Las Vegas, Nevada
Tourists see glitz and glamour. Locals see traffic jams, sky-high prices, and endless chaos. The Strip is where everything costs twice as much and takes twice as long. While visitors are marveling at the lights and fountains, locals are steering clear and muttering about the congestion.
Most people who live in Vegas will direct you to off-Strip spots with better food and more chill vibes. The Strip is designed to keep you spending—walking from one casino to the next can take forever, and everything is built to disorient you. Locals only hit the Strip when absolutely necessary, usually to show it off to guests. Otherwise, they avoid it like the plague.
12. Salem During October – Salem, Massachusetts
Witchy and fun? Sure. But for the people who live in Salem, October is more of a nightmare. The town gets completely overrun with tourists chasing spooky vibes and selfies with gravestones. Locals find themselves stuck in traffic, overcharged for parking, and generally overwhelmed.
Shops get crowded, restaurants have wait times out the door, and daily errands turn into logistical puzzles. Most residents either leave town for the month or learn to hunker down and avoid downtown entirely. While Salem does have a cool vibe year-round, October transforms it into something unrecognizable. For locals, the magic wears off fast.