Each one of us enjoys taking nice vacations and having the chance to travel and discover. What if, however, we told you that a few of the most beautiful tourist locations on earth are currently off-limits? We are to blame for the popular places our grandparents used to visit no longer being accessible or no longer existing. Look back at the popular tourist destinations from the past that are now only known in history and appreciate what has been lost forever.
The Statue of Liberty Torch
For more than a century, Lady Liberty has greeted millions of immigrants arriving at the American shore. Tourists who want to get to know her personally are another group she attracts. In the past, you could climb up to her torch and observe New York City and the statue from above. As can be seen, the view was breathtaking. The crowd-holding balcony was deemed dangerous in 1916, however, and an edict was issued.
Likely, we’ll never get the chance to witness what others once adored. Maybe the rules will change in the future. But for the time being, we’ll just have to picture the situation from the ground up. It’s still very wonderful, really!
The Sutro Baths
There used to be a huge swimming complex in San Francisco. It had both freshwater and saltwater pools, and it was known as the Sutro Baths. The project, which was carried out under the mayor’s direct supervision, was a complete success. The building was operational between 1896 and 1964. However, the bills soon followed. All of those pools’ upkeep and maintenance costs were skyrocketing. What followed is known to you!
The Sutro Baths were sold by the city, and the entire complex was shut down. Then, a strange fire in 1966 destroyed the whole building. Even now, some of the building is still standing. But as you might expect, everything that made it unique has been permanently lost.
Chichen Itza Pyramid
In the past, Chichen Itza was a location where visitors could see majestic, ancient pyramids and ascend them. Think about the sights from up there! That encounter was available to travelers without interruption for hundreds of years. However, the sheer quantity of people interested in old stones soon became overpowering. To protect the environment, the Mexican government stopped it. Crazy? In our opinion, no. Sad news for wanderers, no? Of course!
According to rumors, graffiti was a problem. Or perhaps climbing up there was just too risky for so many people. Still unknown!
Guaira Falls
They advised against pursuing waterfalls. But nobody in the world paid attention. On the former Paraguay and Brazil boundary stood the magnificent Guaira Falls. But if you go there right now, you’ll discover that nothing is left to see. The waterfalls could be heard 20 miles away and used to spew out 13 million gallons of water each second. But in 1982, when they were inundated to make a reservoir, everything changed.
They were once a well-liked tourist destination, but after the Itaipu dam was built, they were flooded to create an artificial lake. Even if there are still many alternative water attractions available, we must admit that this is a loss.
The Azure Window
If you’ve ever considered traveling to Malta, it’s possible that your interest was sparked by the Azure Window, which was featured on numerous destination travel sites. Also, Instagram has made a huge issue out of it. This limestone masterpiece, which was depicted in Game of Thrones, was a favorite of influencers who wanted to flaunt their skills next to it. Thank goodness so many people recorded this beautiful natural landscape on film. But the window is well and truly gone!
We cannot contest that Mother Nature was given the last say. It has endured countless storms throughout the years, but one proved to be too powerful. The natural framework collapsed in March 2017.
The Underwater Amazon
Up until very recently, the coral reefs off the coast of Indonesia were rather stunning. The “Underwater Amazon” was a concentration of coral and marine life close to Raja Ampat. It was considered as one of the best in the world, so one would assume that it would be safeguarded. However, there was a debate incident in 2017. Amazingly, a British cruise ship struck it after deviating from its intended course. Yes, I mean it.
1,600 square meters of the reef were damaged in the disaster, and scientists don’t think it will start to recover any time soon. It might require 100 years for nature to recreate it.
New York’s Hippodrome
There are many old-fashioned picnic entertainment locations in NYC. The historic New York Hippodrome in Manhattan has undergone a significant makeover and is no longer visible. Today, it’s merely an office building, although it once served many more purposes. It was the largest theater in the world at its height. It used to accommodate 5,000 people and was used for traveling plays, circuses, and movies.
There was no doubt that it was the place to be. Before it closed in 1939, Harry Houdini made an appearance there and gave a performance. It’s fascinating to view it in vintage pictures. Sadly, we are aware that the magic is permanently gone.
Kaimu Beach
While it persisted, Kaimu Beach in Hawaii was a truly magnificent site. The area was well-known for having a black sand beach, which was an oddly pleasant tint. Up until 1990, tens of thousands of tourists went to this exceptional event. There are hardly many places on earth where you can feel the sand between your toes. Thanks to the Kilauea volcano, there is now one less. This place had no chance at all when it erupted.
The settlement of Kalapana was also buried in addition to the beach being destroyed. Locals were able to repair it, but the beach presented different challenges. Everything is now just a dreamlike picture.
The Legzira Beach Arch
Instagram has helped Morocco gain a lot of attention in recent years. There are always people taking selfies in this country, whether it be at romantic sunset weddings or in the blue city. A group of arching rock formations has become one of the more well-known tourist destinations. This natural marvel, which can be found at Legzira Beach, is regarded as the best site to see sunsets. But regrettably, everything has changed for the worst.
In reality, one of the two renowned beach arches collapsed in 2016. It gave way from its own weight! Although both will soon be gone, one is still standing, according to scientists. Even for rocks, gravity is an inevitable force.
AstroWorld
It’s easy to overlook Six Flags AstroWorld because Six Flags has so many parks spread across America. You never knew that? Maybe that’s because it’s been abandoned for a while and is now fully destroyed. At one time, it served as a playground for kids in Houston, Texas, where they could ride roller coasters and splash about in pools. On 104 acres of land, it operated for 37 years. But the business ultimately opted to remove it from their list of parks, and that was all.
Even though you can’t experience its thrills, you may still admire it in pictures. Additionally, you might recall it by listening to rapper Travis Scott’s most recent album. He gave it this very park’s name.
The Pioneer Cabin Tree
Where can we drive through a huge tree, as we’ve always wanted to do? Visitors to Calaveras Big Trees State Park in California used to be able to. The Pioneer Cabin Tree can be seen in this view, and most cars at the time had little trouble passing through. Its age made it even more attractive, and thousands of people were drawn to the park by it. Though nothing endures forever!
The attraction was well-liked even recently. But all changed in 2017 after a severe storm tore through the region. The Pioneer Cabin Tree collapsed at that time and remained down. Rest in peace, tree!
Vance Creek Bridge
Without a question, Instagram likes, and clicks are addictive. We’ve seen that millennials’ hunger for social media recognition has now reached alarming extremes. In this light, the abandoned Vance Creek Bridge in Mason County, Washington, became rather popular. The Simpson Logging Company first constructed it in 1929. Visitors can enjoy spectacular vistas from its 347-foot height. However, all these visitors began to worry about the current proprietors.
It was only a matter of time until a fatal tragedy made headlines due to the structure’s excessively high concentration of adrenaline junkies. Vance Creek Bridge was consequently completely shut down.
The Yosemite Firefall
Most people undoubtedly believe you can’t ignite a waterfall. Based on logic, there would be every reason to think that. But you ought to have visited Yosemite National Park to observe the Yosemite Firefall. Up until 1968, this was a summertime event that gave tourists breath-taking sights. Hot embers were poured from the top of the falls by the proprietors of a nearby hotel, and as they descended, it appeared to be a waterfall of fire.
It was a clever gimmick that attracted a lot of tourists. But finally, it drew too many people! The event was therefore definitively over.
Heritage USA Christian Theme Park
Each theme park has a unique touch and theme. The Bible was the focus of Heritage USA in South Carolina. It was developed in the 1980s by well-known televangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. There was a water park there. It was advertised as having an “American Christian theme.” It first appeared to have a promising commercial future. 6 million people arrived each year. However, the park was shuttered after 11 years. Why so abruptly?
As we all know, Jim Bakker was involved in a significant scandal. He was found guilty of fraud and was immediately sent to prison. His original project is still standing today, but it is only a remnant.
Wedding Cake Rock
We’ve got a place for you if you like cake and you like rocks. In truth, though, we don’t. After all, this is a list of historical locations. Australia’s Wedding Cake Rock used to be a fantastic site to sit and take it all in, drawing the largest thrill-seekers to the edge of its appetizing-looking white rock. We can see the appeal because it really did resemble a huge cake. Officials, though, felt differently about the situation.
To prevent people from going too close to the edge, a barrier was built in 2015. According to experts, Wedding Cake Rock may completely collapse over the next ten years. You must stay away for the time being. Soon, it won’t be seen from a distance!
The Jeffrey Pine
It was a beautiful tree that was by itself. The Jeffrey Pine, which once occupied Sentinel Dome in Yosemite, grew directly out of the granite. It gained notoriety when renowned photographer Ansel Adams caught it. Many visitors wanted to view it while they were nearby. However, regardless of how well-liked it was, it wasn’t meant to be. The Jeffrey Pine stood tall until it was unable to continue.
In 2003, the old tree toppled. According to park officials, it couldn’t endure a powerful storm. It may sound like a tragic tale, but perhaps it was appropriate. It had been around for 400 years!
The Original Penn Station
Everyone in New York is familiar with Penn Station. It is a significant transportation hub for the metro and is frequently rather crowded. It’s unlikely that many have paused to consider how it seemed in the past. Don’t think about it too much; the solution is right here, in the form of a picture. Even the busiest travelers back then enjoyed the sight of the historic Penn station. Built in 1910, it was undoubtedly glitzy.
It was not your typical city skyscraper, what with the elaborate construction and the enormous glass ceiling. Sadly, in 1963 it was demolished and rebuilt. Now, all we can do is try to envision how it really felt!
The Lascaux Cave Paintings
All archaeology enthusiasts wish they could still visit this ancient marvel, but regrettably, they are unable to. When their dog accidentally went into a mysterious cavern in 1940, a group of local French teenagers found the Lascaux Cave Paintings. They found roughly 17,000-year-old caveman art inside. Since then, waves of visitors have flocked to see them, but no matter how hard officials try, the site still has issues.
Due to the thousands of people breathing inside, they first had to seal it. Fungus was developing on the old paintings as a result of the increased humidity. When they quickly discovered a black mold infestation, they had no choice but to close it down after they reopened it. Very unfortunate indeed!
Disney’s River Country
Have you ever heard of River Country from Disney? It wasn’t constructed to the high standards of today, but this was the first Walt Disney World water park. Over the years, there have been ongoing renovations, and in 2001, it was completely closed for upkeep. We don’t know why they never tried to reopen; perhaps the demand was too great to support it, or perhaps they just moved on to bigger, better parks.
Currently, it is simply another deserted water park in the cemetery of failed enterprises. It’s covered with plants, and most people think it looks awful. Disney revealed in 2018 that the location would become a brand-new attraction.
The Berlin Wall
An extended era of hostility between the United States and its allies and the Soviet Union and theirs was known as the “cold war.” It was a rather heated fight since each power aspired to conquer the entire planet. For many years, Germany was trapped in the middle. The Russians and the Americans each controlled one-half of Berlin. The end consequence was the construction of a wall that divided East Germany from West Germany until 1989.
The moment the wall ultimately came down as a result of popular pressure was legendary. What about the wall, though, in its former state? It is no longer accessible in the manner seen in this picture. Few people, though, are sad about it!
Thailand’s Maya Bay
On Thailand’s Phi Phi Leh Island, Maya Bay saw an influx of millions of visitors. It was lovely, gorgeous, and covered with pure, white sand. Even if it sounds absurd, the authorities began to get very concerned about all those tourists. Yes, tourism is an important sector in Thailand. But everything has a limit, and the traffic was beginning to seriously harm the environment.
Officials in Thailand were worried about the coral reefs since boats had damaged 50% of them. The rubbish was also making the lovely sand somewhat dirty. For years, it has been shuttered. And even though new regulations are expected to go into effect when it opens in 2022, don’t be shocked if this doesn’t stay.
Love Lock Bridge
An odd custom used to be practiced on a Parisian bridge that crossed the Seine River. People would affix little locks to the Pont des Arts Bridge, which over time produced an amazing show. Before officials discovered there were 700,000 locks snipped on the bridge, everything was amusing. That came out to 45 tons when they completed the calculations. They were worried that the bridge might fall apart under the weight!
Municipal personnel severed them in 2015, putting an end to the locks. But Paris also has a ton of other attractions. You won’t get bored, so don’t worry.
The Tree of Ténéré
We have the tree for you if you’ve been wondering about the most solitary tree on earth. At one time, such was the accepted view of the Tree of Ténéré. It is located out here in the heart of the Sahara’s desert on its own. What’s it doing there, exactly? Why did it live? All of those are valid inquiries. It appears that the neighborhood formerly had a little more livability. One, brave seed was able to grow since the place was welcoming enough.
For many centuries, the resultant tree served as a beacon for local travelers. When a crazy person drove it over with his truck, everything changed. All traces of the Tree of Ténéré are now lost. Locals erected a sculpture there as a sign of goodwill.
The Old Man of the Mountain
There was once a stunning natural structure in New Hampshire. Locals in the White Mountains observed what seemed to be a face on the peak’s side. It goes without saying that this attracted travelers from all around who were eager to view the marvel on the mountain. According to American politician Daniel Webster, it was a sign from the creator. He explained: “God Almighty has set up a sign to illustrate that there He produces mankind. It’s in the highlands of New Hampshire.”
All of it seems high. But we regret to inform you that the elderly man has passed away. The face fractured and slipped off in 2003. In honor of him, his supporters really arranged flowers next to his grave. gloomy times
The World of Sid and Marty Krofft
Over the years, kids’ television has advanced significantly. Nowadays, we take CGI for granted, yet that is obviously rather new. Puppets were frequently used in earlier times, which were much more low-tech. In the 1960s and 1970s, Sid and Marty Krofft scored several successes. Popular songs like Land of the Lost and The Banana Splits were produced by them. They believed they would be successful at amusement parks since they were experiencing rating success. How did they come up with that ridiculous idea?
Atlanta, Georgia’s The World of Sid and Marty Krofft was an indoor amusement park with rides, crafts, and entertainment. After the first day, hardly anyone returned. It shut down just six months later!
India’s Natural History Museum
Many thousands of precious relics are kept in museums. We would expect that these areas have excellent security. When a fire destroyed the entire Natural History Museum in New Delhi, India, in 2016, they learned the hard way where their weak points were. Despite efforts to put out the fire, everything was essentially lost. Simply put, the fire was too powerful for delicate items to endure.
Even 30 fire trucks could not extinguish the flames. Not to mention the many visitors to the museum, archaeologists and historians were horrified. Many process samples were permanently lost. Among them, is a 160-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton!
Chunks of the Great Wall of China
Unquestionably one of the world’s seven marvels of architecture is the Great Wall of China. It was constructed so long ago and is so lengthy. Yes, impressive. But we were unaware that some of the irreplaceable components had been demolished recently. Why would that occur? Well, 5,000 miles of duty occasionally necessitates the removal of undesirable elements. We have no doubt that it was a difficult choice.
The Chinese authorities became aware that a portion of the wall was deteriorating naturally. Believe it or not, there was even some vandalism-related damage. We are pleased to inform you that most of it still survives today in its whole original splendor.
The Duckbill Rock Formation
For those who have never heard of it, Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area is in Oregon. It is a spotless illustration of the undeveloped American countryside from before colonization. There used to be a unique location there that attracted more tourists than any other. The duckbill rock formation is shown here. If you look closely, it resembles a duck quite a bit. How did this natural occurrence take place?
We are unable to be sure. It appears to be a very rare occurrence. Unfortunately, the stone bird was purposefully destroyed by vandals in 2016. Isn’t it unfortunate? Whoever they are, they are cursed!
The Chacaltaya Glacier
In its heyday, the Chacaltaya Glacier drew a lot of winter athletes. It was a well-known ski resort destination for many years. It was our favorite glacier in Bolivia, dating back 18,000 years! Nobody could have predicted that it would vanish. However, the structure did diminish over a few years until almost nothing remained. That’s, to put it mildly, a little unsettling. What took place?
The ice started to shift in the 1980s. One of the tallest glaciers in the world eventually vanished as a result of the ice’s degradation. There are several deserted ski resorts there now. We can see why they gave up!
Mukurob
Some could say that this knob is quite the knob. But we regret to inform you that it has vanished. The Mukurob, often known as the “Finger of God,” is what a plateau may become after 50,000 years of erosion. Though the alterations were slow, they eventually led to an attractive scene. The largest tourist destination in Namibia’s desert, Mukurob captivated both visitors and geologists. It certainly appears solid when viewed in a photograph. What may have occurred?
No one is certain of the cause; however, others attribute it to an earthquake in distant Armenia. All we know is that on December 7, 1988, The Mukurob fell off its perch. Goodbye, Mukurob!
The Borscht Belt
Jewish families from New York City used to make the Catskill Mountains their top summer vacation spot. They constructed villas and bungalows while having a blast in the sun. In jest, it became referred to as “The Borscht Belt.” It used to draw 150,000 visitors a year at its height. This location may be familiar to you if you’ve seen Dirty Dancing or The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It was the ideal location, and famous comedians would visit and test out their stuff there. Until it wasn’t.
Why did it turn down? Many factors, most likely. However, Time Magazine reports that: “A new generation of Jewish-Americans selected alternative leisure destinations when railroad service to the area started to be reduced.”
The Caves of Altamira
When these charcoal paintings were uncovered, anthropologists were ecstatic. They’re not just impressive, but one of them dates to 35,000 years back. It’s amazing that it has lived to teach us so much about individuals in the past. However, the quality of the art has declined nowadays. We are glad to say that no one did anything on purpose. However, the paint on the walls was affected by the human breath that was smogging up the caverns. The hues started to shift.
Due to the potential for danger, the public was soon forbidden from accessing the caverns. Since 2002, admission has been forbidden. All you can do is observe a copy nearby. But it’s not the same!
The Roxy Theater
Glamour was the keyword during the height of Hollywood. The Roxy Theater in New York City’s Times Square was a stunning location to watch the newest film. When it was opened in 1927, 6,000 people could fit inside. On the stage, there were also theater performances. Apart from enjoying the performance in and of itself, people also found it fascinating to watch the city’s elite dress up in furs, heels, and pearls.
The Roxy Theater is no longer there, in case you were feeling inclined to go out. The 1960s saw a decline in ticket sales. The choice was made to destroy the structure. The act was completed!
Yemen’s Sana’a
One of the oldest cities on the earth is Sana’a in Yemen. Some of the structures date back thousands of years. Few places can claim to still have its originals, making this location particularly unique. We wish to travel to Sana’a, which was just inscribed to the UNESCO World Heritage List. However, for a variety of reasons, the city has grown to be extremely hazardous.
Years of hostilities with Saudi Arabia, which is close, as well as several local attacks, have proven to be highly explosive. It’s uncertain how long the warning to tourists to stay away will be in effect. In the end, we hope the historic treasures will still be standing!
Timbuktu
Timbuktu has been mentioned in both music and film. It appears to be a well-known location that people frequent. But really, is it? We must now inform you that this area is dangerous and has been for a long time. Lots of individuals have been attacked in the old city, which is 20 kilometers north of the Niger River in Mali. It is not advised to visit, to put it mildly.
This attraction isn’t really gone, like many other places throughout the world. However, given the current circumstances, it is essentially meaningless. You might never get the opportunity to visit this location. We do, however, hope to be mistaken!
A Huge Part of Korea
Most people have noted that when it comes to Korea, globe maps cover both the North and the South. But it wasn’t always like that. The elderly may still have hazy memories of the once-unified, indivisible Korea. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was established in 1945. That’s North Korea, and subsequent nuclear tests have dashed any expectations for a reconciliation. The Kim family who has ruled it cannot be made to comply. Any time, they may blow us all up!
The Korea of the past is genuinely nonexistent after so much time and isolation. How will the parts ever be put back together if the walls ever come down?
The Ambassador Hotel
The old Hollywood glitz was a distinct experience. One location where the Oscars formerly took place was the Ambassador Hotel, where stars like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers walked the red carpet. For many years, the hotel was a popular hangout for celebrities like Robert F. Kennedy. Sadly, that is also the location of his murder. However, movie fans visited the spot even after the award ceremony was shifted to a different place.
The hotel wasn’t meant to be, despite persistent efforts to keep it open. It was fully destroyed in the 1990s. Pictures and videos are all that are left, but thankfully the tales continue.
Pravcicka Brana in the Czech Republic
For who knows how long, Pravcicka Brana was a sandstone arch in the Czech Republic. It was a genuine natural marvel that attracted many visitors. Before authorities made the activity illegal, many of people did so because it was thrilling to get to the summit and snap photos. Why did they act in such a nasty manner? Well, erosion has its impact, just like so many other natural phenomena. The building simply lost its ability to support itself over time, making it dangerous.
Nobody wanted to witness the next Instagram user fall to the ground amid a mound of pebbles. Even if we comprehend the prohibition, we are nonetheless disappointed that we cannot ascend.
The Caribbean Town of Plymouth
The Caribbean is a destination for leisure, not mayhem. Typically, you will receive just that down there. However, there was nothing they could do to stop an unpleasant volcanic explosion from occurring in the town of Plymouth on the island of Montserrat. Although they had formerly welcomed visitors for a day of sun and pleasure, everyone fled before the region was submerged in hot, molten lava. Yikes!
That volcano is still gurgling and threatening to erupt today. Today, tourists do come to the island, but Plymouth is just not the same.
The Historic RKO Pictures Studio Lot
RKO Radio Pictures was once the main Hollywood studio in the business, located in the heart of Culver City, California, when the business was established, the film industry was only starting off. The business operated until 1959 before closing. After then, the website developed into a hip place to think about movies. After all, it was here that some of the very first films were developed into some of our greatest movies.
But wait if you want to arrange a trip because of this. The disbanded group is no longer present in any way. That very much puts an end to it; it was destroyed in 1976.