The US is the third most popular travel destination for international tourists — but with so many attractions on offer, how can holidaymakers know which sights are worth seeing, and which aren't?

These maps might help. HawaiianIslands.com analyzed over 17,000 TripAdvisor reviews for destinations across the States, ranking the tourist spots based on how many posts described them as "overrated" or "underrated."

Key Findings:

• America's most underwhelming attraction is the Volcano Bay Water Park at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. For every 1,000 reviews of the spot, 39.9 say it is overrated.
• Of the 20 most overrated tourist destinations in the US, eight are theme parks, including SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas, and both of America’s LEGOLAND parks (Florida and California).
• The country's best hidden gem is Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens in Washington, DC. According to HawaiianIslands' analysis, the tourist spot gets 83 "underrated" mentions for every 1,000 reviews.

Click to enlarge images

Via HawaiianIslands.com.

[Image credit: Reno Laithienne]