If you’re not familiar with the concept of dark tourism, take a second to become enlightened. Dark tourism refers to destinations around the world which are exploited for tourism purposes, but they have a sinister history associated with the area.
Dark tourism is gaining popularity in recent years, as people become more perceptive to the truths of the world. Here is a brief look at some of the most interesting dark tourism destinations in the United States.
The Sixth Floor Museum, Dallas, Texas
Even those who were not alive to witness the horrific events of the JFK assassination are fairly informed as to what went down that fateful day. The violent nature of John F. Kennedy’s assassination tends to make this particular destination stand out in the minds of tourists.
In Dallas, you can find several options for touring the final route of the beloved President. Get the inside scoop and all the gory details about the last seconds of the former President’s life and death.
Of course, this isn’t the only thing to do on your tourism spree in Dallas. You could spend your whole adventure traveling the streets of this city, finding new experiences at every turn before winding up in one of the best bars in Dallas to relax and enjoy your evening.
On the outskirts of the city, you can get a feel for what it’s like to live life as a true Texan farmer (including plenty of state of the art farming equipment). Farming is a huge source of income for the state, and residents take their botany seriously.
Pearl Harbor, Oahu, Hawaii
When the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, a dark history was instantly sealed in the minds of millions of Americans. The attack was the beginning of WWII, and more than 2,000 U.S. lives were lost in what seemed like a blink of an eye.
Tourists still have the privilege of touring the USS Arizona, USS Missouri, and a few other sunken fleet ships. The national memorial park area will place you back into the chaotic chasm of December 7, 1941.
Alcatraz, San Francisco, California
Far off in the San Francisco Bay sits an old, abandoned prison. Alcatraz housed some of the most notorious additions to the list of U.S. criminals. Among some of the most infamous characters are Al Capone and George ‘Machine-Gun’ Kelly.
Alcatraz was the prison of prisons. Only the most violent and terrifying offenders were sent to the island. Take a journey through the prison where more than 2,000 hardcore criminals were barred and restrained from the comings and goings of everyday life.
The Museum Of Death, Las Angeles, California
Travel to Hollywood Boulevard to tour the Museum of Death, and get up close and personal with some of the world’s most notorious serial killers. Take a look at some of their casual artwork, see replicas of death masks, actual crime scene footage, compelling taxidermy, and more.