Tourist Traps That Aren’t Worth It on the West Coast

It’s time to spill the overpriced coffee. While the West Coast has plenty of amazing places worth the hype, there are also some attractions that just don’t live up to it. We’re talking packed parking lots, $8 hot dogs, and vibes so forced you can practically hear the Yelp reviews being typed in real time. Here are the biggest tourist traps you can skip—don’t say we didn’t warn you.

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1. Pike Place Market – Seattle, WA

Yes, the fish-throwing is iconic. Yes, there are great eats somewhere in there. But most of the time, you’re shoulder-to-shoulder with 1,000 other people trying to snap the same shot of a fish midair. Locals say it’s for tourists, and they’re not wrong. Unless you’re dying for the original Starbucks (spoiler: it tastes the same), you can probably just walk the waterfront and call it a day.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf – San Francisco, CA

This place is loud, overpriced, and kind of smells like crab guts and tourist regret. The views of the bay are great, but the endless souvenir shops and chain restaurants? Not so much. Save your wallet and grab a bowl of chowder somewhere less chaotic—like nearby North Beach.

3. Hollywood Walk of Fame – Los Angeles, CA

It sounds glamorous until you’re stepping over dirty stars, avoiding costumed Elmos demanding tips, and wondering where all the “Hollywood magic” went. Locals avoid it entirely. If you want a true LA experience, skip the sidewalk and head to Griffith Park or a local film event instead.

4. Winchester Mystery House – San Jose, CA

It’s marketed as spooky and fascinating—but most visitors leave saying it’s just… confusing and overpriced. The “mystery” gets old fast, and the guided tours often feel rushed and a little too polished. A cool old house, sure, but not $45 cool.

5. Multnomah Falls – Oregon

We’re gonna get hate for this one—but hear us out. It’s stunning, yes. But the crowds? Unreal. Parking? A nightmare. And the whole viewing area feels like a waiting line at Disneyland. If you’re craving waterfalls, Oregon has dozens with just as much beauty and way fewer selfie sticks.

6. Solvang – California

Billed as a Danish-style village, but really it’s just… wine tasting, kitschy windmills, and a ton of gift shops selling novelty socks. Cute for a quick photo, but most visitors agree it’s underwhelming and overpriced. You’ll spend more time trying to find parking than enjoying it.

7. Space Needle – Seattle, WA

Unless you’re super into observation decks, this one’s a tough sell at $35+ a ticket. Locals recommend grabbing a drink at a rooftop bar instead—you’ll get the same view, plus snacks. And the line for the elevator alone could kill your afternoon.

8. Lombard Street – San Francisco, CA

It’s just a twisty road. That’s it. You can look at pictures online and have the same experience without circling Russian Hill in traffic for an hour. It’s pretty—but so are a dozen other places in the city that don’t come with bumper-to-bumper car chaos.

9. Santa Monica Pier – California

The pier looks iconic in movies, but in real life it’s a bit… sticky? Packed with vendors, scammers, and too many people trying to film TikToks in the middle of foot traffic. If you want a chill beach day, head south to Manhattan Beach instead.

10. The Original Starbucks – Seattle, WA

We already dragged Pike Place, but let’s double down. The original Starbucks is cool in theory, but inside? It’s a small, packed space with the same drinks you can get anywhere. There’s usually a long line just to buy a coffee that’ll be cold before you make it back outside.

MORE ON THE WEST COAST:

READ MORE: The Best of Oregon

READ MORE: The Best of Washington

READ MORE: The Best of California

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