I’ve Visited Over 50 US Cities: Here Are The 5 I’ll Never Go Back To

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What is the United States recognized for these days? Your guess is nearly as good as mine…

That stated, ‘America The Beautiful’ largely lives as much as the identify, however there have been some main disappointments in my homeland travels as properly.

Not each vacation spot is a banger.

Whether it is locations not residing as much as epic pictures, resort charges out the wazoo, or seashores conjuring comparisons of murky rivers as an alternative of trip paradises, I have never fairly ‘been in every single place’ like Johnny Cash — however I’ve crossed the 50 metropolis threshold.

As such, I’ve determined to share 5 locations I’ll by no means return to within the US primarily based on actual experiences — ones which have caught in my thoughts as the most important letdowns with no cause to circle again.

5) Colorado Springzzz: Uhh, Do You Like Rocks?

Truth be advised, I barely bear in mind my journey to Colorado Springs.

No, that is not as a result of I had one too many at an area bar — it is as a result of I discovered this metropolis to be extremely boring and bear in mind nearly nothing besides trying ahead to my street journey via Wyoming and South Dakota’s lush Black Hills.

Colorado Springs is generally recognized for its weird, otherworldly rock formations, corresponding to Garden of the Gods and Balanced Rock — very similar to how the Leaning Tower of Pisa is legendary primarily for its tacky photograph poses.

Are the famed pink rocks fairly? Sure, however I would not fly again to a metropolis with nothing else to do however gawk at boulders (cue Shrek).

Best various: The simple reply is Utah, particularly Zion. However, I counsel San Diego’s best-kept secret — Potato Chip Rock — that is much more spectacular and a extra scenic hike with insane views stretching for miles.

4) Las Vegas: Fee This, Fee That & Nothing Is Real

I can not be the one one not impressed by “Sin City”. In truth, I do know I’m not. Tourism numbers have been dropping whereas costs have been surging.

I scored an ideal deal at (*50*) final spring, and my checking account remains to be recovering regardless of the so-called promotion…

Factor in a Knights recreation, overpriced meals, watered-down cocktails that value $25, and additional charges for virtually something worthwhile — even should you do not gamble, you continue to really feel such as you misplaced.

Don’t get me improper, The Strip is value seeing, however what’s even the purpose of the Monorail? You need to enterprise off track to trip it, and it would not even go downtown, which means an costly Uber is within the playing cards.

It’s not simply costs both. Every metropolis has a way of authenticity in a single type or one other, however Vegas has grow to be a synthetic playground for all the things that does not matter.

Count me out on Vegas. It’s too dear, too materialistic, and extra irritating than it’s fulfilling.

Best various: We advocate Lake Tahoe as the very best of each worlds mixing beautiful nature, glamorous resorts, and sure, casinos.

3) Oakland: The Armpit Of California

Who likes armpits? That’s most likely not a filter on Tinder, huh?

Oaklanders could also be prideful, but it surely’s no trip vacation spot. I’ve had the (dis)pleasure of visiting twice, and I used to be extra hopeful the primary time than I used to be the final.

At least the final time, I found Alameda…

That stated, there’s nothing attractive about visiting this aspect of The Bay until you need pictures of San Fran’s towering, jam-packed skyline.

I gave it an opportunity to seek out hidden gems, and even Oakland’s Chinatown lacked persona or aptitude. It got here throughout as a spot with questionable A rankings from well being inspectors — even for an adventurous foodie like me.

Dirty, crime-ridden, and ghostly in it is one supposed attraction of Jack London Square, the one means you will discover me in Oakland is that if there’s an inexpensive flight, then I’m hitting the BART straight to Frisco.

Best various: San Francisco is the apparent alternative, however do not sleep on San Jose for much less crowds and stunning sights that actually wowed me on my go to.

2) Albuquerque: Big City With Little To Do

One can solely surprise why New Mexico selected Santa Fe because the capital metropolis. After visiting Albuquerque, it appears to me they know the drab cityscape and underwhelming mountains aren’t the very best illustration.

Factor in unpleasant streets riddled with crime and a bunch of ‘Edgars’ strolling round with waistbands at their kneecaps, and it is not probably the most visitor-friendly at first look.

Old Town was okay, however even then, I’ve been to much better ones. I’d say some other notable New Mexico vacation spot is extra alluring than Albuquerque, whether or not or not it’s Taos, aforementioned Santa Fe, and even the weird city of Roswell. 👽

You will not discover me in Albuquerque once more. It’s by far probably the most disappointing main US metropolis I’ve visited, regardless of being very inexpensive.

Best various: People might say I’m loopy, however the border metropolis of El Paso is way extra welcoming, a lot safer, culturally vibrant, and presents beautiful hikes, particularly in spring and fall.

1) Galveston: America’s Most Over-Hyped Beach Destination

Not everybody has the privilege of touring at their leisure, so when you will have the prospect to guide a ravishing seashore trip, I do not know why anybody would select Galveston.

From a distance, the Gulf waters can gleam blue. But once you’re entrance and middle together with your toes within the water and you-know-what within the sand, you would possibly really feel you are on the Mississippi River fairly than a preferred seashore city.

Forgive me for sore recollections, however on my final journey to Galveston, I stepped on a squishy, dirty diaper proper on the seashore.

That would not assist me ever need to return, regardless of Texas being my residence state. Factor in a tacky boardwalk and less-than-stellar resort choices for a bustling cruise port and weekend getaway from Houston, Galveston is difficult to justify.

Best various: Mississippi is scorching proper now! Check out the brand new Amtrak Mardi Gras path to seashore hop Gulf cities with white sand and (hopefully) no diapers.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist primarily based in San Diego has visited 36 international locations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a lightweight on lesser-known gems.