17 American Cities That Leave Visitors Regretting Their Trip Entirely
“Not all that glitters is gold.” This is true for some American cities; travelers will come and go away disappointed, even though the city has a reputation for being a place to be seen and glamorous. There’s more to most of these places than what meets the eye.
Are you planning your next adventure? Instead of choosing cities by chance, read this list before you pack your bags and find out which U.S. cities often leave visitors wishing they’d made a different choice.
Los Angeles, California
The “City of Angels” often lures visitors with promises of Hollywood glamor. Many don’t see the dream crumbles when you’re stuck in stifling traffic in smog-filled skies. Winding, poorly marked roads and trails can make trying to catch even a glimpse of the iconic Hollywood Sign a truly frustrating experience.
Factor in Universal Studios and Santa Monica’s double-digit parking fees, and you’ll likely be less glam than each other in frustration. If you are in the market for a little more chill Californian beach town, there is no need to leave; explore a few coastal towns nearby, like Laguna Beach.
Miami, Florida
The glitzy beaches and Art Deco buildings of Miami look fantastic on Instagram, but in real life, another picture develops. Though South Beach is packed shoulder to shoulder with tourists, the nightlife is lousy, and the cover charges are high.
Further stress comes from parking with scarce places and numbingly high prices. And summer humidity makes you feel like you’re not walking through paradise but trapped inside a sauna. For a Florida escape, perhaps the Florida Keys will be calmer.
Las Vegas, Nevada
It’s dazzling, loud, and unforgettable, but not constantly in a good way. While Las Vegas promises excitement, it’s one that overwhelms first-timers. Casinos can drain more than your energy; endless crowds and round-the-clock noise aren’t for everyone.
The rest of The Strip and surrounding areas are so dull that people wouldn’t want to venture outside. If you’re not into gambling or nightlife, the city may leave you asking, “Is this it?” Don’t go for the chaos; head to nearby Red Rock Canyon.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is full of culture but equally full of people who get exhausted and disappointed. Bourbon Street smells of booze, and partygoers pack it like a can of sardines.
In areas outside of the French Quarter, high crime rates and dilapidated neighborhoods give travelers the creeps. Throw in unexpected heat and humidity (even in spring), and you have a recipe for discomfort.
If you are in New Orleans, try to make things more authentic to you…go on a ghost tour, enjoy some jazz, and leave the tourist hot spots alone.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle advertises fresh coffee, vibrant markets, and stunning views. Despite all the careful planning, the city’s equally infamous gloomy weather can ruin your day. Pike Place Market is so crowded and filled with pricey food stalls that it has more of an aura of a tourist trap than a quaint local haunt.
Other issues with the city include traffic and steep hills, and nearby places like Mount Rainier are hours away. If you’re not a true rain lover, the charm of “The Emerald City” might be lost on you.
Orlando, Florida
As the world’s theme park capital—with plenty of options for every thrill seeker—Orlando also overwhelms many. Remember theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios, where you wait for hours in line in swampy weather?
Other than the parks, the city has no attractions for adults. Watch out for additional expenses like parking fees, food prices inside the parks, and “fast passes” if you want to skip the lines.
San Francisco, California
However, San Francisco is an overwhelming city despite the allure of the Golden Gate Bridge and the wild Haight-Ashbury neighborhoods. Golden Gate Park and Fisherman’s Wharf come with so many tourists that the areas feel like sardine cans rather than peaceful escapes, and parking is impossible.
Despite all that, visitors see the visible homeless crisis and skyrocketing costs and wonder if it was worth the trip. To get a feel of the natural beauty of the Bay Area, Marin County or Sausalito would have fitted fine.
Chicago, Illinois
“The Windy City” sometimes confuses travelers. Many visitors say the city doesn’t have enough unique attractions to justify the cost. Millennium Park and Navy Pier are the indisputable highlights of a Chicago visit.
Traffic is harsh, road systems are confusing, and unexpected parking charges worsen things. The winters can be downright bone-chilling if you’re not up for outdoor sightseeing by at least late April.
Honolulu, Hawaii
For many, visiting Hawaii is a bucket list dream, but Honolulu all too often feels like a concrete jungle in a tropical bow. Nearly year-round, Waikiki Beach is filled with tourists, and everything in the area is astronomical! From food prices to activities and accommodations.
The crowded atmosphere also prevents you from slowing down to the relaxing, slower pace for which Hawaii is famous. If you’re looking for an authentic island experience, Maui or Kauai could be the way to go.
Washington, D.C.
D.C. has plenty to draw visitors between its historic monuments and free museums. However, things can go awry very quickly if you’re not used to the logistics of operating a long-term live stream.
Every outing is a challenge of tight security, long lines, and less parking. And if you come in summer? Well, be prepared for oppressive heat and a National Mall whipped into a tourist froth. More for a cultural experience? Why not Alexandria, Virginia, instead?
New York City, New York
This city that never sleeps can also wear you out. For some travelers, it feels as if this fast-paced, crowded, and fast-paced (again) city is overwhelmingly busy.
Accommodations and activities can also dash, leaving you worrying about the money you spend instead of enjoying your experience. Here is a list of smaller cities in upstate NY, or imagine Vermont or Massachusetts to be a bit more relaxed.
El Paso, Texas
Without tourist infrastructure and with great destinations only on hiking trails and desert scenery, El Paso isn’t for everyone looking for city life or a more diverse tourist experience.
Although it provides plenty for outdoor enthusiasts and a great mix of cultural influences, those wanting big city life or lots of things to do may be disappointed by the bleak choice of options.
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport has high violent crime rates and a humid, biting, mosquito-infested climate. Though the city is unique in its own right and certainly provides a peek into the history and tradition of Louisiana, such problems might overshadow the allure of the place for travelers. Research and be aware of local conditions before visiting.
Gary, Indiana
Once a bustling industrial center, Gary is haunted by urban decay, marked by countless boarded-up buildings and few tourist attractions.
The city has historical importance and is still tightly knit, but its present state makes it less attractive as a destination for visitors. You may find nearby cities more developed enough in terms of tourism infrastructure.
Houston, Texas
Houston has plenty of places to visit, but its broad development and high traffic can be overwhelming if you do not know the area. High humidity and heat can also make it uncomfortable during summer.
Smaller cities in the Lone Star State are well worth exploring, and you might want to check out the more manageable and perhaps cheaper versions of Austin or San Antonio.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is famous for its rich history, costly universities, and busy city streets—a fast life that can sometimes be overwhelming. Driving in the city center is notoriously stressful, as the traffic is notoriously congested.
Moreover, the prices of accommodations and attractions increase steeply, especially during peak tourist season. If you’d like a slower-paced trip, check out some other small New England towns, such as Cape Cod or Newport, Rhode Island.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Not all tourists will be entertained by the city’s restrictive liquor laws and predominantly conservative atmosphere.
Salt Lake City features beautiful natural landscapes and many fun outdoor recreation opportunities; however, its cultural dynamics may not be right for all travelers. Visitors should know these factors when planning their trip to this picturesque destination.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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