12 U.S. Cities That Should Be Off Your Travel Bucket List

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You want to find that perfect balance between excitement and relaxation when planning a trip. Not all of them live up to the hype. Some cities may look like they should be on your must-visit list, but you may wonder why they were ever on your list.

Since it’s not always easy to tell what’s worth the detour, here’s a look at 12 U.S. cities that might not be worth the detour to save you time, money, and disappointment. These places may no longer live up to their promises or have just gotten old. So, let’s dive in and find out why these are the best destinations to skip.

Atlantic City, New Jersey

The “Vegas of the East” moniker is often slapped on Atlantic City. The boardwalk has a nostalgic charm, but many of the casinos and attractions are very dated. If you want an unforgettable gaming and entertainment experience, Las Vegas is still the place to be.

Bakersfield, California

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Bakersfield is famous for its contribution to country music, but there isn’t much else to entice visitors to the city. Downtown is underwhelming, and there are limited outdoor activities. Other nearby places, such as Sequoia National Park, are much more rewarding for those who want a taste of California’s natural beauty.

Gary, Indiana

Gary has been a struggling industrial town for decades with its economy declining. There are abandoned buildings everywhere in the city, and the city lacks the vibes travelers often seek. Although there are a few historical sites, these are hardly enough to make a trip just for these few.

Scranton, Pennsylvania

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Scranton is notorious as the setting of the hit show The Office, but otherwise, there’s not much to see. The city soon loses its charm when visiting the show’s landmarks and has no dynamic attractions or scenery. A brief visit might be a treat to fans, but it’s not a place to linger.

Daytona Beach, Florida

Daytona Beach is famed for its racing events and lively spring break parties, but beyond those peak moments, the city tends to feel a bit underwhelming. They can be crowded, and the beaches aren’t nearly as pristine as others in Florida. If a quiet beach is what you’re after, Sarasota or Clearwater are the better options.

Sturgis, South Dakota

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No town in the world comes alive as much as Sturgis does during its annual motorcycle rally, where bikers from all over the country come to ride. Apart from that event, the town is tranquil and there aren’t many attractions. Unless you’re attending the rally, there is no reason to visit.

Springfield, Illinois

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Springfield is the capital of Illinois and is a significant historical site because of its association with Abraham Lincoln, but beyond the Lincoln sites, there isn’t much to keep tourists’ attention. It doesn’t have the same energy or the many attractions of larger, more dynamic cities.

Dover, Delaware

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Dover may be the capital of Delaware, but it’s not a bustling tourist spot with the allure and amenities that go along with one. It’s a speedway town with a couple of historical landmarks, but nothing here makes for a great vacation. There is more culture and entertainment in neighboring cities.

Fargo, North Dakota

The movie and TV show made Fargo famous, but there is not much else for visitors to see beyond that quirky connection. The winters are harsh, and there aren’t as many attractions, so the city is small. However, if you’re looking for a Midwestern adventure, more engaging cities exist to explore.

Ketchikan, Alaska

Cruise ships stop in Ketchikan, but there isn’t much beyond tourist shops and a few cultural sites. The natural scenery surrounding the town is lovely, but it can be a tourist trap. Other towns give you a more authentic Alaskan experience with more adventure and exploration.

Branson, Missouri

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Branson has a reputation as a family-friendly entertainment and live show mecca, but it can feel overly commercialized. Many attractions are specific to a certain audience, and if live country music and theme parks aren’t your thing, you might lack options.

Lubbock, Texas

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Most of Lubbock is a college town (Texas Tech University), but there isn’t much for tourists. The city doesn’t have much to see, and the flat, arid surroundings are not pretty. Austin or San Antonio are far more enticing for a true Texan adventure.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.