20 Worst Tourist Traps in Massachusetts

The state that gave us the American Revolution also revolutionized the art of tourist disappointment.

From overpriced duck tours that spend more time in traffic than water to “historic” houses that have been renovated more times than a reality TV star’s face, the Bay State knows how to monetize mediocrity.

These attractions prove that Americans will pay premium prices to see absolutely anything labeled “historic“.

1. Plymouth Rock, Plymouth

Plymouth Rock stands as one of America’s most legendary landmarks. Every school kid learns about this famous boulder where the Pilgrims supposedly first stepped foot in the New World back in 1620.

But here’s the catch – the whole story is basically a myth. The Pilgrims actually landed at Provincetown Harbor on the opposite side of Cape Cod Bay. There’s no written record of Plymouth Rock until 1715, nearly 100 years after the Mayflower arrived.

What you’ll find today is just a small, unimpressive granite slab sitting in a hole with “1620” carved on it. Over 1 million people visit this disappointing rock each year, only to discover it’s exactly what one reviewer called it: “just a rock in a hole.”

2. Salem Witch Museum, Salem

The Salem Witch Museum ranks as the second biggest tourist trap in the entire world according to recent studies. This popular attraction draws visitors year-round, not just during Halloween season.

The museum focuses on the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692, when over 200 people were accused of witchcraft and 20 were executed. You’d think such a fascinating and dark piece of American history would make for an engaging experience.

But here’s the deal – out of 9,240 Google reviews, 113 visitors specifically called it a tourist trap. Many complain about overcrowding, overpriced admission, and exhibits that feel more like cheap theater than educational experiences.

3. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, also known as Quincy Market, sits right in the heart of historic Boston. This 18th-century meeting hall played a crucial role in American independence and earned the nickname “Cradle of Liberty.”

The marketplace features dozens of food vendors, street performers, and souvenir shops spread across multiple historic buildings. On paper, it sounds like the perfect blend of history and entertainment.

But you’re better off exploring Boston’s authentic neighborhoods instead. The food is overpriced and mediocre, the crowds are overwhelming, and the whole experience feels manufactured for tourists rather than showcasing real Boston culture.

4. Cheers Bar (Bull & Finch Pub), Boston

The Bull & Finch Pub inspired the hit TV show “Cheers” that ran for 11 seasons. Millions of Americans grew up watching Sam, Norm, and the gang gather at this fictional bar “where everybody knows your name.”

The real bar sits on Beacon Street in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. Fans of the show often make pilgrimages here expecting to find the warm, welcoming atmosphere from television.

Here’s the catch – the actual bar looks nothing like the TV set. It’s dark, cramped, and dingy. The food is expensive and disappointing. Even 30 years after the show ended, tourists still pack this tiny space, making it uncomfortable for everyone.

5. Newbury Street Shopping, Boston

Newbury Street stretches eight blocks through Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. This famous shopping district features everything from high-end boutiques to quirky vintage stores and sidewalk cafes.

The street attracts both locals and tourists looking for unique finds and people-watching opportunities. Many travel guides list it as a must-visit Boston destination for shopping enthusiasts.

But the reality is far less glamorous. Most shops sell overpriced items you can find anywhere else. The crowds make browsing unpleasant, especially on weekends. You’re better off exploring Boston’s authentic neighborhoods where locals actually shop.

6. Boston Duck Tours, Boston

Boston Duck Tours use amphibious vehicles from World War II to show visitors the city by land and water. These bright yellow “ducks” are impossible to miss as they cruise through downtown Boston before splashing into the Charles River.

The tours promise a unique perspective on Boston’s history and landmarks. Guides often encourage passengers to quack at pedestrians, adding a playful element to the sightseeing experience.

That’s why so many families choose this option for their Boston visit. But the reality falls short of expectations. The tours are expensive, the vehicles are uncomfortable, and you’ll see more of Boston’s traffic than its actual attractions.

7. Freedom Trail Red Line, Boston

The Freedom Trail follows a 2.5-mile red brick line through downtown Boston, connecting 16 historically significant sites. This self-guided walking tour takes visitors past landmarks like the Boston Tea Party Ships and Paul Revere’s House.

The trail promises an easy way to see Boston’s most important historical sites in one afternoon. Maps and guidebooks make it seem like the perfect introduction to the city’s revolutionary history.

But here’s the deal – following the red line often leads you through busy streets with minimal historical context. Many of the “historic” sites charge separate admission fees. You’ll spend more time dodging traffic and crowds than actually learning about American history.

8. Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Boston

The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum recreates the famous 1773 protest that helped spark the American Revolution. Visitors can board replica ships and participate in reenactments of the historic tea dumping.

The museum promises an interactive experience where you can “make history come alive.” Professional actors guide visitors through the events leading up to the Boston Tea Party.

The problem is the steep admission price for what amounts to a brief, theatrical performance. The ships are replicas, not authentic vessels. You’re better off reading about the Boston Tea Party in a good history book than paying premium prices for this sanitized version.

9. Fenway Park Green Monster Tours, Boston

Fenway Park opened in 1912 and remains one of baseball’s most iconic stadiums. The famous Green Monster left field wall stands 37 feet tall and creates unique playing conditions found nowhere else in Major League Baseball.

Tours promise behind-the-scenes access to areas normally off-limits to fans. You’ll see the press box, walk on the warning track, and learn about the stadium’s rich history.

But the tours are expensive and often rushed. You’ll spend most of your time in crowded groups listening to guides recite basic facts you could learn online. The experience feels more like a money grab than genuine access to baseball history.

10. Harvard University Campus Tours, Cambridge

Harvard University, founded in 1636, stands as America’s oldest institution of higher education. The campus features beautiful historic buildings and claims famous alumni like eight U.S. presidents.

Campus tours promise insider access to one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Student guides share stories about Harvard traditions and point out famous landmarks like the John Harvard statue.

Here’s the catch – these tours show you the same few buildings every tourist sees. You won’t get inside classrooms or libraries where actual learning happens. The experience feels more like window shopping at an exclusive club than educational exploration.

11. Cape Cod National Seashore Visitor Centers, Cape Cod

Cape Cod National Seashore protects 40 miles of pristine coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The area features beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, and diverse wildlife habitats that attract nature lovers from around the world.

Multiple visitor centers promise to enhance your Cape Cod experience with exhibits, films, and ranger programs. These facilities claim to provide essential information about the area’s natural and cultural history.

But here’s the deal – most visitor centers offer little more than basic brochures and outdated displays. You’ll waste valuable beach time sitting through generic presentations about topics you could research online. The real Cape Cod experience happens outdoors, not in stuffy buildings.

12. Mohawk Trail Scenic Drive, Western Massachusetts

The Mohawk Trail stretches 63 miles through the Berkshire Mountains, following an ancient Native American path. This scenic route promises spectacular fall foliage views and charming New England villages.

Tourism boards heavily promote this drive as one of America’s most beautiful scenic routes. Gift shops and roadside attractions line the highway, promising authentic mountain experiences.

That’s why thousands of leaf-peepers crowd this narrow, winding road every autumn. But the reality involves bumper-to-bumper traffic, overpriced tourist shops selling cheap souvenirs, and limited parking at scenic overlooks. You’re better off exploring less crowded back roads for genuine mountain beauty.

13. Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge

Old Sturbridge Village recreates life in a 1830s New England farming community. This living history museum features over 40 historic buildings, costumed interpreters, and demonstrations of traditional crafts.

The village promises an immersive experience where visitors can step back in time and learn about 19th-century rural life. Admission includes access to all buildings, demonstrations, and special events.

But the steep entrance fee buys you a sanitized version of history that glosses over the harsh realities of 1830s life. The costumed actors often seem bored, and many buildings remain closed during off-peak times. You’ll spend more time walking between empty buildings than actually learning about history.

14. Plimoth Patuxet Museums (Mayflower II), Plymouth

The Mayflower II represents a full-size replica of the famous ship that brought the Pilgrims to America in 1620. This floating museum allows visitors to explore the cramped quarters where 102 passengers spent 66 days crossing the Atlantic.

Costumed interpreters portray Pilgrim passengers and crew members, sharing stories about their dangerous journey to the New World. The experience promises authentic insights into one of America’s founding moments.

Here’s the catch – the ship is often closed for maintenance, and when it’s open, crowds make exploration difficult. The replica bears little resemblance to the actual Mayflower, which was much smaller and more primitive than this sanitized version.

15. House of Seven Gables, Salem

The House of Seven Gables inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous 1851 novel of the same name. This 1668 mansion features the distinctive gabled roofline that gave the book its title.

Tours promise insights into both the house’s colonial history and its connection to American literature. The property includes Hawthorne’s birthplace and beautiful seaside gardens.

But you’re better off reading Hawthorne’s novel than paying for this overpriced house tour. The connection between the actual house and the fictional story is tenuous at best. Most of the “historic” features were added during 20th-century renovations to match the book’s descriptions.

16. Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield

The Basketball Hall of Fame honors the sport invented in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1891. This three-story museum features interactive exhibits, memorabilia from basketball legends, and a regulation court for shooting hoops.

The facility promises to celebrate basketball’s greatest players, coaches, and moments. Visitors can test their skills at various basketball challenges and learn about the game’s evolution.

That’s why basketball fans make pilgrimages to this shrine of their favorite sport. But the museum feels more like an expensive arcade than a serious hall of fame. Most exhibits focus on flashy technology rather than meaningful basketball history. You’ll leave knowing less about the sport than when you arrived.

17. Gillette Stadium Tours, Foxborough

Gillette Stadium serves as home to the New England Patriots NFL team and New England Revolution soccer club. The facility opened in 2002 and features modern amenities and the Patriots Hall of Fame.

Stadium tours promise behind-the-scenes access to areas normally restricted to players and staff. Visitors can see locker rooms, walk through the player tunnel, and visit the Patriots’ trophy room.

But here’s the deal – these tours are expensive and often cancelled due to team activities or events. When they do run, you’ll see mostly empty rooms and hallways. The experience adds little to your understanding of professional football beyond what you’d see on television.

18. Lexington Battle Green, Lexington

Lexington Battle Green marks the site where the first shots of the American Revolution were fired on April 19, 1775. This small triangular park features monuments commemorating the eight colonists who died in the opening battle.

The site promises to transport visitors back to that fateful morning when “the shot heard ’round the world” began America’s fight for independence. Historical markers explain the events leading up to the confrontation.

The reality is far less inspiring. You’ll find yourself staring at a small patch of grass surrounded by busy streets and modern buildings. The “historic” monuments were erected long after the battle, and traffic noise drowns out any sense of historical significance.

19. Concord’s Old North Bridge, Concord

Old North Bridge spans the Concord River where colonial militia confronted British troops on April 19, 1775. This site witnessed the “shot heard ’round the world” that Ralph Waldo Emerson immortalized in his famous poem.

The bridge and surrounding Minute Man National Historical Park promise to preserve this crucial moment in American history. Visitors can walk across the replica bridge and explore the battlefield where the Revolution truly began.

But you’re better off reading about the battle than making the trip to see this reconstructed bridge. The current structure is a modern replica, not the original bridge where history unfolded. The surrounding area feels more like a suburban park than a revolutionary battlefield.

20. Martha’s Vineyard Ferry Rides, Various Ports

Ferry rides to Martha’s Vineyard promise scenic journeys across Nantucket Sound to this exclusive island retreat. Multiple ferry companies operate from ports in Woods Hole, Hyannis, and other Cape Cod locations.

The ferries claim to offer beautiful ocean views and the excitement of approaching this famous island playground of the wealthy and famous. Many visitors consider the ferry ride part of the Martha’s Vineyard experience.

Here’s the catch – these ferries are expensive, often delayed, and frequently overcrowded during peak season. You’ll spend more time waiting in line and sitting in traffic than enjoying ocean views. The actual ride offers little more than you’d see from any boat on Cape Cod waters.