15 Trending US Destinations Everyone’s Ditching in 2025
Planning your 2025 trips? It’s worth thinking about some destinations losing their undertaking and starting to fall from grace before you arrange your itinerary. Some US hotspots aren’t seeing their population increase or attracting more visitors because of everything from simple economic struggles to environmental pressures. Understanding these trends will allow you to make smarter travel decisions and help you be a more sustainable traveler.
According to Statista, New York City was the most visited U.S. city by international tourists in 2023, attracting nearly 9 million visitors. Miami came in second with 4.4 million visitors, followed by Los Angeles with 3.6 million.
Here’s a look at 15 US cities facing challenges and why they’re falling out of favor.
San Francisco, California
Challenges:
- Housing Affordability continues to dominate as one of its most significant issues.
- Changing the Tech Landscape leads to fewer job opportunities in a city once synonymous with tech growth.
Once a must-see for international travelers, San Francisco’s demographic and economic shifts impact tourism.
El Monte, California
Challenges:
- Like the rest of California, housing and living costs are significant.
- Limited Economic Development gives fewer reasons for travelers or new businesses to visit.
El Monte is yet another example of how suburban cities around major hubs like LA are feeling the pressure.
Aurora, Illinois
Challenges:
- The lack of economic infrastructure investments keeps both businesses and visitors at bay.
- Aging Amenities leave much room for improvement in creating engaging tourism experiences.
Though located near Chicago, Aurora needs help to carve its identity as a tourist destination or business hub.
St. Louis, Missouri
Challenges:
- High Crime Rates are impacting the overall quality of life.
- Economic Decline is making it harder for the city to retain its vibrancy.
St. Louis struggles to attract new residents and visitors despite its cultural gems like the Gateway Arch.
Birmingham, Alabama
Challenges:
- Aging Infrastructure and need for more investment in public transport and utilities.
- Economic Challenges have stagnated growth, leaving residents seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Though it boasts civil rights landmarks, Birmingham’s appeal is dampened by ongoing urban challenges.
Baltimore, Maryland
Challenges:
- Safety Concerns: Persistently high crime rates are driving residents and visitors away.
- Economic Struggles: Declining job opportunities and slow economic growth make it less appealing for long-term prospects.
Baltimore has a rich history, but many tourists skip it due to ongoing safety and infrastructure concerns.
Santa Ana, California
Challenges:
- The High Cost of Living, especially skyrocketing housing prices, is pricing out both locals and potential visitors.
- Urban Crowding reduces the overall tourist experience. Santa Ana is the fourth most densely populated city in the United States, with a population of 300,000 or more.
With Southern California’s overall costs rising, Santa Ana is becoming less attractive in the greater LA area.
Jackson, Mississippi
Challenges:
- NPR mentions that the Water Infrastructure Problems and frequent disruptions affect the city’s livability.
- Economic Challenges further discourage growth and external visitors.
Though historically significant, Jackson must gain appeal as it grapples with fundamental urban issues.
Paradise, Nevada
Challenges:
- Water Scarcity driven by climate change is becoming a pressing concern.
- Desert Ecology faces long-term environmental sustainability challenges.
While still a hub for Vegas’s overflow visitors, its dwindling water resources could soon make Paradise less popular.
Detroit, Michigan
Challenges:
- A Long Economic Recovery Curve continues to hinder the city.
- Despite revitalization efforts, Neighborhood Inequalities persist, creating a mixed urban experience for residents and visitors.
Detroit’s renaissance is underway, but the city remains a work in progress in appealing to a broader audience.
Flint, Michigan
Challenges:
- Critical Water Quality Issues continue to plague the region despite national attention.
- Outdated infrastructure keeps Flint’s potential from being fully realized.
Travelers are steering clear of Flint amid its ongoing efforts to rebuild vital systems.
Rochester, New York
Challenges:
- Like many former industrial towns, economic decline has impacted its attractiveness.
- Fewer new regional developments are leading to stalled growth.
No significant new tourist or economic projects overshadow the city’s charm.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Challenges:
- Rising Heat Levels due to climate change deter year-round visitors.
- A lack of modern amenities in certain areas limits its broader appeal.
While it still draws in particular niches, Albuquerque needs to help retain long-term traveler interest.
Shreveport, Louisiana
Challenges:
- Public Safety impacts tourism and relocation rates.
- Limited Leisure Offerings stall its chances of competing with popular Louisiana destinations like New Orleans.
Despite its historic landmarks, Shreveport isn’t retaining the same allure it once had.
Akron, Ohio
Challenges:
- Economic Stagnation impacts local and regional appeal.
- Lack of substantial tourism investments compared to other Midwest cities.
Known primarily for its industrial past, Akron needs help to evolve as a modern urban hot spot.
Instead of following the most popular destinations, why not check out cities with promising emerging infrastructure, a unique cultural touch, or a dedication to sustainable practices? Some may face difficulties now, but continued urban planning and changing tourist behavior could eventually revive them.
Did you change your mind about where you want to travel next? If so, leave your thoughts in the comments.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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