16 Forgotten U.S. Vacation Spots That Were Big in the ’90s
This list looks back at U.S. vacation spots that drew big crowds in the ’90s but have since slipped off the radar.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
Back in the ’90s, these places were road trip staples, family favorites, or must-see attractions that had everyone buzzing. These forgotten vacation gems once lit up summer plans and still deserve a little recognition.
1. South of the Border – Dillon, South Carolina
John Margolies on Wikimedia Commons
Billboards for South of the Border lined highways for miles in the ’90s, teasing a neon wonderland of sombreros, shops, and fireworks. Families pulled over just to snap photos or grab a souvenir. It felt like a rite of passage during long road trips on I-95.
2. Action Park – Vernon, New Jersey
Joe Shlabotnik from Forest Hills, Queens, USA on Wikimedia Commons
This waterpark was infamous in the ’90s, and kids loved the chaos. Wild rides, little regulation, and sheer adrenaline made Action Park legendary. While the danger made headlines, it also made memories that stuck for life.
3. Storybook Forest – Pennsylvania
Boldfrontiers on Wikimedia Commons
This charming park brought fairy tales to life for generations. In the ’90s, walking through scenes from Little Red Riding Hood or Jack and the Beanstalk felt like stepping into a real-life storybook. Now it lives mostly in old family photo albums.
4. The Enchanted Forest – Ellicott City, Maryland
ConneeConehead101 on Wikimedia Commons
Before malls and highways took over, this quirky story-themed park was a huge draw. Kids climbed through oversized mushrooms and met fairy tale characters in real life. It quietly faded out, but locals still remember its magic.
5. Lake Compounce – Bristol, Connecticut
Tichnor Brothers, Publisher on Wikimedia Commons
Though it is still open today, it was especially popular in the ’90s when classic rides and water slides were enough to thrill any kid. It had that blend of old-school charm and summer chaos that families craved. Now it often gets passed over for bigger parks.
6. Ghost Town in the Sky – Maggie Valley, North Carolina
Dsorrells on Wikimedia Commons
Back then, the thrill of a chairlift ride to a wild west town on top of a mountain was unmatched. Kids watched shootouts and cowboys while adults took in the views. These days, it is more ghost than town.
7. Cypress Gardens – Winter Haven, Florida
Bruchey at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia Commons
Before theme park giants took over Florida, Cypress Gardens stood out for its lush gardens and water ski shows. It was picturesque, peaceful, and popular during the ’90s. Eventually, it was transformed into something completely different.
8. Marineland – Niagara Falls, New York
Andre Carrotflower on Wikimedia Commons
It was a big draw for ’90s families wanting both whales and waterfalls in one trip. Marineland offered marine shows and animal attractions just steps away from natural wonders. Today, its popularity has faded under controversy and competition.
9. Santa’s Village – Jefferson, New Hampshire
Alex McLeod on Wikimedia Commons
A Christmas-themed park that was open year-round? That felt magical to every ’90s kid who visited. Though still operating, it no longer sparks the same national buzz it once did.
10. Dinosaur World – Beaver, Arkansas
Michael Barera on Wikimedia Commons
Fiberglass dinosaurs scattered across a field made this one unforgettable. It felt like walking into your favorite dinosaur book. Most people today do not even know it ever existed.
11. Dogpatch USA – Marble Falls, Arkansas
Photolitherland (talk)Chris Litherland on Wikimedia Commons
Built around the “Li’l Abner” comics, this park had hillbilly charm and cartoon flair. It was unique, weird, and very ’90s. Once it closed, it became one of those “did that really exist?” spots.
12. River Country – Orlando, Florida
Steven & Courtney Johnson & Horwitz from USA on Wikimedia Commons
Walt Disney World’s original water park had a backwoods swimming hole vibe that fit the ’90s perfectly. Floating in inner tubes and watching live banjo shows was part of the charm. Its closure in the 2000s left fans heartbroken.
13. The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz, California
Sanjay ach on Wikimedia Commons
This gravity-defying roadside stop had tourists scratching their heads. In the ’90s, it felt like magic or maybe aliens. Though still around, it now sits quietly in the shadow of flashier attractions.
14. House on the Rock – Spring Green, Wisconsin
Ronincmc on Wikimedia Commons
The bizarre collections and maze-like layout made this a road trip must. Visitors in the ’90s never forgot the carousel, giant sea creature, or endless rooms of strange decor. Today, fewer travelers stumble across it.
15. Heritage USA – Fort Mill, South Carolina
User:Toddbarwick on Wikimedia Commons
Created by televangelists, this religious theme park had hotels, water slides, and even a replica Upper Room. In the ’90s, it was massive and always in the news. Scandal closed it down, but it once held Disneyland-level dreams.
16. Marineland of the Pacific – Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Gary B. Edstrom gedstrom@pacbell.net on Wikimedia Commons
Before SeaWorld expanded, this was the place to watch orcas and dolphins on the West Coast. The ’90s kids remember it as a class trip favorite. It quietly disappeared, but not before making waves.