14 Ancient U.S. Cities Where History Isn’t Worth the Price Tag
The U.S. has some well-preserved historic destinations, some of which could transport you to a different time period, but not all historic cities live up to their reputation.
Some might sound appealing, but when you’re dropping money on tickets, tours, and overpriced souvenirs, you may wonder if the experience is worth the hype. The promise of history is too easy to get lured in by, but some of these ancient towns just don’t deliver that ‘wow’ factor.
Williamsburg, Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg is often hailed as a living history museum, but let’s be honest: it’s a pricey one. It might feel like you’re in the 18th century, but the prices will quickly bring you back to the 21st. It is a sharp reminder that we live in expensive times. It’s a stop that tends to leave your wallet more depleted than you expect.
Salem, Massachusetts
Nowadays, Salem is famous for its witch trials, but they’re casting a spell on your credit card. The city can sometimes feel like a Halloween park with high-priced museums and endless witch-themed merch. There’s history here, sure, but you might discover that the tales of the past are lost in tourist traps.
St. Augustine, Florida
Cobblestone streets, Spanish architecture — St. Augustine is often touted as the oldest city in the U.S., but it’s also full of expensive attractions and ghost tours that can feel more like a money grab than a historical experience. The appeal of the city’s old fort and charm can be draining if you’re just a ticketed experience away.
Jamestown, Virginia
Jamestown is the first of America’s settlements, but the cost will bewilder you. It’s hard to justify spending that much to see reconstructed sites. Jamestown has appeal for the history buff, but casual visitors will likely be disappointed by the price.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall are in Philly, but to see all of it you’re going to have to pay for a slew of attractions. The historical landmarks are iconic and important, but they aren’t cheap and sometimes the lines are too much. A good Philly cheesesteak might get you more than a full historical tour here!
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Plymouth, famous for its rock and Pilgrim lore, isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. The famous rock is surprisingly small, and you may spend more for a parking spot than the view. Plymouth is a piece of early American history, but it’s not a must see for everyone.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
It has Native American history, and charming adobe buildings, but costs may surprise visitors. Admission to museums and galleries is expensive and the whole experience can be a little too curated. Some visitors might feel short-changed by the ‘touristiness’.
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket’s whaling history and sweet cottages are pretty, but pricey. Dining and sightseeing are all on the expensive side, and not enough for those who want to delve deep into history without having to break the bank. You might like the atmosphere, but not the prices.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is a lovely coastal city with Spanish influences, but its history is a foreground to high-end shops and restaurants. If you’re a tourist hoping for historical depth, you will discover that the area is undeniably beautiful, but the history is not exactly at the forefront.
San Antonio, Texas
After the Alamo, San Antonio’s historical offerings can seem thin. The Alamo is free to visit, but everything around it — tours, souvenirs — comes with a price. San Antonio may not be for people looking for an in-depth history lesson.
Natchez, Mississippi
The homes in Natchez are antebellum, but that can be expensive in terms of tours. The cost of admission is astronomical – despite the beautiful architecture of each house. For visitors, it might be a case of wishing they had chosen a scenic drive instead of paying to see each interior.
Savannah, Georgia
Southern charm is everywhere in Savannah, but historical attractions are expensive. Although the city’s old homes, cemeteries and historic squares are beautiful, many of them require entry fees. It’s inviting, but those costs mount after a couple of stops.
Alexandria, Virginia
Colonial history abounds in Alexandria, but visitors might be surprised by the price to experience it. The fees, however, can feel a bit steep considering what you’re getting between tours, boat rides, and historical sites. You’ll have charm in the city, but you’ll wonder if it’s worth every dollar.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Some of the historical tours and attractions in New Orleans can be more costly than you expect, but New Orleans has a deep history and vibrant culture. Walking through the French Quarter is free, but it’s a different story once you leave the confines of the Quarter and dip into museums and guided tours. The history is fascinating, but the city’s energy is captivating, so it may be more about ambiance than anything.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.
But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.
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