10 overrated tourist attractions in the US - and where to go instead

Instead of seeing New York City from the top of the Empire State Building, go to Top of the Rock.

Skip the long lines at the Empire State Building and head to the Top of the Rock instead, where you'll get better views of New York City, Central Park, and of the Empire State Building itself.

Instead of waiting in line for an overpriced Philly cheesesteak at Pat's King of Steaks in Philadelphia, try a cheesesteak from another local spot.

Getting a Philly cheesesteak - a long, crusty roll filled with thinly sliced sautéed rib eye beef and melted cheese - is a must when visiting Philadelphia, but knowing where to get it from makes all the difference.

Instead of going to Walt Disney World, go to Universal Studios for a theme park experience.

Instead of Plymouth Rock, go to the Pilgrim Monument for a piece of history and great views.

While Plymouth Rock in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is historically important as the site where the Mayflower Pilgrims landed, it's just a rock and the experience of seeing it can be pretty underwhelming.

Instead of going to Bourbon Street, go to Frenchmen Street for a true New Orleans experience.

Instead of staring up at Mount Rushmore from a tiny viewing platform, take a drive through South Dakota's Badlands National Park.

Instead, go to South Dakota'sBadlands National Park With nearly 243,000 acres of protected land, visitors can view incredible rock formations and wildlife they won't see anywhere else in the world, including mountain goats, rabbits, bobcats, antelope, and even bison.

Instead of going up to the Willis Tower for views of Chicago, go to The Signature Room restaurant at the 95th floor of the John Hancock Center.

While the Willis Tower in Chicago, Illinois, does boast impressive views of the city's skyline, tickets cost $20 and you might have to wait in line for hours before you're able to go up.

Instead of getting lost in the crowd at Hollywood Boulevard, go to West Hollywood.

Instead of simply looking at the White House from outside, check out the amazing artifacts at the the Smithsonian in Washington, DC.

Instead of waiting in long lines to see Alcatraz, take the ferry to Angel Island.

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