5 Places in Pennsylvania I Wouldn’t Take My Worst Enemy

There is no doubt that there are tons of attractions in Pennsylvania worth visiting. Some of my all-time favorites include Chanticleer Garden, Lacawac Sanctuary, and the Strasburg Railroad. And although these are lesser-known hidden gems, I also enjoy popular attractions like Hershey’s Chocolate World, Independence National Historical Park, and the Poconos. But if I am honest, many of these well-known spots are meant for folks visiting the area, and some locals might view them as overrated and oftentimes overpriced.

Don’t get me wrong, tourist traps in Pennsylvania have a purpose, too, and we love that they provide entertainment for our visitors. However, locals might avoid these places altogether. If you’re visiting or you live in the area, check out my list of overrated attractions in Pennsylvania that I wouldn’t take my worst enemy to. Well…maybe just once!

1. Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown

I don’t hate Dorney Park. In fact, I recommend going to this iconic amusement park at least once. If you have young kids, they will have a blast here. At this stage in my life, I no longer enjoy waiting in long lines for rides, food, or access to most attractions in Pennsylvania. Plus, the price of admission and food can literally break the bank, especially if you have a large group of people with you. If my worst enemy wants to cover all my costs, I will gladly take them to Dorney Park for a day of adventure. However, if I had it my way, I would choose to explore Ohiopyle State Park to slide down the natural water slides instead.

2. Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia

As one of the most popular tourist attractions in Philly, it’s not a bad idea to visit Eastern State Penitentiary. Although it’s a bit pricey, the self-guided prison tour will leave you with lasting memories. Unfortunately, this place is known to be haunted, and I don’t know what energies are lurking around that could potentially follow me home (no thank you!). So, for that reason, I prefer to avoid this iconic penitentiary that once housed the infamous Al Capone. Absolutely, I would take my archrival here and just leave them.

3. King of Prussia Mall, Upper Merion Township

King of Prussia is by far the largest mall I have ever visited. With over 450 stores, you could easily spend hours getting lost here. Of course, a day of shopping sounds like a dream come true (well, for some of us, anyway). I am ok with the occasional visit to King of Prussia to grab a quick item, but spending the day there would be too overwhelming for me. The mall is a great place to leave my nemesis, so that I can shop in peace at Peddler’s Village. The old-fashioned village in Pennsylvania with its unique shops, charming gardens, and whimsical art installations is more up my alley. 

4. Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

On game day, the energy at Citizens Bank Park is out of this world. Phillies fans are the absolute best! However, due to heavy traffic, parking nightmares, and high prices, I prefer to skip this high-energy event space altogether. But if my worst enemy is a New York Mets fan, I would absolutely take them here, hoping that the Phillies would kick their butts. That would be the ultimate win-win situation for me.   

5. Dave & Buster's, Multiple Locations

Can you blame me for adding Dave & Buster's to my list? Sure, this indoor entertainment venue is tons of fun. But if I am honest, the barcade is pretty much the same no matter what city or state you’re in. You can “Eat, Drink, and Play,” and the sports bar definitely delivers on that promise. With a wide selection of food and games, D&B is a wonderful place for large groups and for hosting parties and special events. Beyond that, I will sit this one out and opt for the low-key vibes and retro board and arcade games at Queen and Rook Game Cafe.

Do you agree with my list of overrated attractions in Pennsylvania? What tourist traps did I miss? Sound off on our nomination page. 

And if you’re planning to visit the Keystone State this year, use our Only In Your State itinerary planner to create a full list of adventures in Pennsylvania in minutes.