How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Denton, Texas, United States

1. Denton County Courthomy Square

Historic square filled with shops and eateries; avoid overpriced, generic souvenirs by researching unique local stores.

Unique Shops: Look for small boutiques offering locally made items.
Local Cuisine: Opt for authentic Texas comfort food instead of chain restaurants.
Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and better negotiate prices.

Popular tourist destination for college tours; explore less-crowded areas like the Lyceum and Art Gallery.

Art Gallery Exploration: Discover lesser-known art pieces in the UNT On Campus art gallery.
Historic Lyceum Building: Enjoy a quiet moment in this beautiful, historical building.
Self-Guided Tours: Utilize university maps for self-guided tours and skip busy guided group tours.

Touristy market with overpriced products; seek out local farmers and artisans for genuine finds.

Local Farmer Interaction: Ask vendors about their farm or product origins.
Off-Market Finds: Explore less crowded aisles for unique, off-market finds.
Market Hours: Arrive early or later in the day to avoid peak crowds and high prices.

Pricey shows with limited availability; check for local performance groups offering similar experiences at lower costs.

Local Performance Groups: Research community theater groups and their show offerings.
Advance Booking: Book tickets in advance to secure seats at lower prices.
Avoid Peak Times: Avoid high-demand show times and opt for less popular performance days.

Crowded park attracting tourists; explore lesser-known trails for a more peaceful experience.

Lesser-Known Trails: Research and hike less popular park trails.
Early or Late Hours: Visit the park during off-peak hours for a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere.
Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in less crowded areas of the park.

Overcrowded by tourists; visit during non-event days for a calmer atmosphere.

Non-Event Days: Check university event calendars to avoid busy days.
Campus Exploration: Explore the Texas Woman's University campus while avoiding the park.
Alternative Viewpoints: Find alternative viewpoints of the park for a unique perspective.

Overpriced drinks and busy atmosphere; visit during off-peak hours or explore alternative craft breweries.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Alternative Breweries: Research lesser-known craft breweries for unique experiences.
Happy Hours: Take advantage of happy hour specials at local breweries.

Long lines and high fees; check for free public star gazing events.

Free Public Events: Find out about free public star gazing nights.
Advance Booking: Book tickets in advance for guided tours during peak times.
Avoid Peak Times: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and high prices.

Overpriced shopping with chain stores; seek out local boutiques and outlet malls.

Local Boutiques: Research and visit unique, locally-owned boutiques.
Outlet Malls: Explore outlet malls for brand name items at lower costs.
Shopping Strategies: Plan your shopping strategy and stick to a budget to avoid overspending.

Expensive shows with limited availability; check for student or matinee performances.

Student Performances: Attend student performances to support local talent at lower costs.
Matinee Shows: Opt for matinee shows instead of evening performances for lower prices.
Group Discounts: Check if group discounts are available for larger parties.

Overpriced admission and crowded exhibits; research alternative museums or visit during off-peak hours.

Alternative Museums: Research lesser-known, locally focused museums.
Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and high prices.
Online Discounts: Check if online tickets offer a discounted price.

Overpriced coffee and long lines; visit during off-peak hours or explore alternative coffee shops.

Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
Alternative Coffee Shops: Research lesser-known, locally owned coffee shops.
Loyalty Programs: Join loyalty programs for discounts and perks.

Expensive tickets and crowded festival; plan ahead and arrive early.

Advance Booking: Book tickets in advance for lower prices.
Early Arrival: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and avoid crowds.
Bring Your Own Food: Pack snacks or meals instead of relying on festival food vendors.

Overpriced activities and crowded events; plan ahead and avoid peak times.

Advance Planning: Plan your visit well in advance to secure accommodations and tickets.
Avoid Peak Times: Avoid peak times and busy days during the event.
Local Restaurants: Explore local restaurants for authentic, reasonably priced meals.

High house edge and overpriced games; research alternative casinos or gaming options.

Alternative Casinos: Research lesser-known casinos for better odds.
Online Games: Explore online games for more competitive odds.
Strategic Gaming: Learn strategies for specific games to improve your chances of winning.