Tourist Destinations in America that Are a Waste of Time and Money to Visit

When people travel they have expectations. Sometimes, they're overblown or based on hype. That's a setup for a big letdown when you arrive at your hoped for hot spot. The list offered here isn't meant to steer you away, but to offer a realistic view.

In no particular order, I offer some tourist destinations in America that are a waste of time and money.

Hollywood, California

There was a time when Hollywood was glamorous, but that's not today, brother. Shops with overpriced trinkets, not much in the way of restaurants, and a Walk of Fame that is really just a sidewalk with some stars pressed into it.

People visit Hollywood from all over the world hoping to see stars, glitz and glamor. There is plenty to make a Los Angeles visit fun and worthwhile, but Hollywood doesn't warrant much more than a quick drive through.

Beverly Hills Star Tours

If you fall for the hype and take a tour of the Stars' homes, expect to see more gates, block walls, long driveways, and trees than houses or stars.

Times Square, New York, New York

The first time I visited New York City I subway hopped, just getting off at random stops and looking around. When I saw Times Square, I was really letdown. The name implies some sort of European style grand plaza. Nope, just a few streets coming together. Of course, there is a lot to do in New York City. Times Square, however, doesn't offer much.

South Beach, Miami

If your idea of a good beach day isn't watching the silicone showdown, try another stretch of sand. Actually, I think South Beach is like so much that is famous, it thrives on reputation alone. Expect to spend a lot more than you would at other beach locales.

South Padre Island, Texas

With so many good beaches in America, why go to a tourist trap that you have to travel through Texas to get to?

Forty Acre Rock, South Carolina

It wouldn't be that bad of a nature park, if it wasn't so damn full of litter. Have some pride, people! Besides, if you've been to real mountains, a big slab of rock isn't as impressive as it might sound.

Branson, Missouri

Take the camp of Las Vegas, dumb it down a little, lessen the excitement, through in bad restaurants. If you want a more authentic country music experience, go to Nashville. As for better theme park destinations, there are many. Another drawback - if you go outside of Branson, you are still in Missouri.

Ceation Museum, Petersburg, Kentucky

Tired of watching reruns of The Flintsones and want to see how people really lived with dinosaurs? The Creation Museum is for you. Displays with humans and dinosaurs hanging out together, a fanciful explanation of creation, and made up "science" await you. Just check your brain at the entrance.

On the plus side, it's only 7 miles from the Cincinnati airport, so you don't have to foot-pedal your rental rock car far after you hop off your Pterodactyl.

The Holyland Experience, Orlando, Florida

Can you imagine the disappointment. You bring the kids to Orlando on a three day excursion. One day at Disneyworld, maybe Universal Studios the next. On day three, they are excited, thinking maybe Seaworld or Epcot Center. No, you tell them, we are going to the Holyland Experience to see the Christus Gardens and then we're taking in a replica of a gruesome crucifixion site!