What is the United States known for nowadays? Your guess is as good as mine…
That said, ‘America The Beautiful’ largely lives up to the name, but there have been some major disappointments in my homeland travels as well.
Not every destination is a banger.
Whether it’s places not living up to epic photos, resort fees out the wazoo, or beaches conjuring comparisons of murky rivers instead of vacation paradises, I haven’t quite ‘been everywhere’ like Johnny Cash — but I’ve crossed the 50 city threshold.
As such, I’ve decided to share 5 destinations I’ll never return to in the US based on real experiences — ones that have stuck in my mind as the biggest letdowns with no reason to circle back.
5) Colorado Springzzz: Uhh, Do You Like Rocks?
Truth be told, I barely remember my trip to Colorado Springs.
No, that’s not because I had one too many at a local bar — it’s because I found this city to be incredibly boring and remember almost nothing except looking forward to my road trip through Wyoming and South Dakota’s lush Black Hills.
Colorado Springs is mostly known for its bizarre, otherworldly rock formations, such as Garden of the Gods and Balanced Rock — much like how the Leaning Tower of Pisa is famous mainly for its cheesy photo poses.
Are the famed red rocks pretty? Sure, but I wouldn’t fly back to a city with nothing else to do but gawk at boulders (cue Shrek).
Best alternative: The easy answer is Utah, especially Zion. However, I suggest San Diego’s best-kept secret — Potato Chip Rock — that’s a lot more impressive and a more scenic hike with insane views stretching for miles.
4) Las Vegas: Fee This, Fee That & Nothing Is Real
I can’t be the only one not impressed by “Sin City”. In fact, I know I’m not. Tourism numbers have been dropping while prices have been surging.
I scored a great deal at Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World last spring, and my bank account is still recovering despite the so-called promotion…
Factor in a Knights game, overpriced meals, watered-down cocktails that cost $25, and extra fees for practically anything worthwhile — even if you don’t gamble, you still feel like you lost.
Don’t get me wrong, The Strip is worth seeing, but what is even the point of the Monorail? You have to venture off course to ride it, and it doesn’t even go downtown, meaning an expensive Uber is in the cards.
It’s not just prices either. Every city has a sense of authenticity in one form or another, but Vegas has become an artificial playground for everything that doesn’t matter.
Count me out on Vegas. It’s too pricey, too materialistic, and more frustrating than it is enjoyable.
Best alternative: We recommend Lake Tahoe as the best of both worlds mixing stunning nature, glamorous resorts, and yes, casinos.
3) Oakland: The Armpit Of California
Who likes armpits? That’s probably not a filter on Tinder, huh?
Oaklanders may be prideful, but it’s no vacation destination. I’ve had the (dis)pleasure of visiting twice, and I was more hopeful the first time than I was the last.
At least the last time, I discovered Alameda…
That said, there’s nothing enticing about visiting this side of The Bay unless you want photos of San Fran’s towering, jam-packed skyline.
I gave it a chance to find hidden gems, and even Oakland’s Chinatown lacked personality or flair. It came across as a place with questionable A ratings from health inspectors — even for an adventurous foodie like me.
Dirty, crime-ridden, and ghostly in it’s one supposed attraction of Jack London Square, the only way you’ll find me in Oakland is if there’s a cheap flight, then I’m hitting the BART straight to Frisco.
Best alternative: San Francisco is the obvious choice, but don’t sleep on San Jose for less crowds and surprising attractions that truly wowed me on my visit.
2) Albuquerque: Big City With Little To Do
One can only wonder why New Mexico chose Santa Fe as the capital city. After visiting Albuquerque, it seems to me they know the drab cityscape and underwhelming mountains aren’t the best representation.
Factor in unsightly streets riddled with crime and a bunch of ‘Edgars’ walking around with waistbands at their kneecaps, and it’s not the most visitor-friendly at first glance.
Old Town was okay, but even then, I’ve been to far better ones. I’d say any other notable New Mexico destination is more alluring than Albuquerque, whether it be Taos, aforementioned Santa Fe, or even the bizarre town of Roswell. 👽
You won’t find me in Albuquerque again. It’s by far the most disappointing major US city I’ve visited, despite being very affordable.
Best alternative: People may say I’m crazy, but the border city of El Paso is far more welcoming, much safer, culturally vibrant, and offers gorgeous hikes, especially in spring and fall.
1) Galveston: America’s Most Over-Hyped Beach Destination
Not everyone has the privilege of traveling at their leisure, so when you have the chance to book a beautiful beach vacation, I don’t know why anyone would choose Galveston.
From a distance, the Gulf waters can gleam blue. But when you’re front and center with your toes in the water and you-know-what in the sand, you might feel you’re at the Mississippi River rather than a popular beach town.
Forgive me for sore memories, but on my last trip to Galveston, I stepped on a squishy, soiled diaper right on the beach.
That doesn’t help me ever want to go back, despite Texas being my home state. Factor in a cheesy boardwalk and less-than-stellar hotel options for a bustling cruise port and weekend getaway from Houston, Galveston is hard to justify.
Best alternative: Mississippi is hot right now! Check out the new Amtrak Mardi Gras route to beach hop Gulf towns with white sand and (hopefully) no diapers.
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