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

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What’s america recognized for these days? Your guess is pretty much as good as mine…

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

Not each vacation spot is a banger.

Whether or not it is locations not residing as much as epic images, resort charges out the wazoo, or seashores conjuring comparisons of murky rivers as an alternative of trip paradises, I have not fairly ‘been all over the place’ like Johnny Money — however I’ve crossed the 50 metropolis threshold.

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

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

Fact 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 a neighborhood 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 highway journey by means of Wyoming and South Dakota’s lush Black Hills.

Colorado Springs is usually recognized for its weird, otherworldly rock formations, equivalent to Backyard 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? Certain, however I would not fly again to a metropolis with nothing else to do however gawk at boulders (cue Shrek).

Greatest different: The simple reply is Utah, particularly Zion. Nevertheless, I recommend 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: Price This, Price That & Nothing Is Actual

I am unable to be the one one not impressed by “Sin Metropolis”. In actual fact, I do know I am not. Tourism numbers have been dropping whereas costs have been surging.

I scored an awesome deal at Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World final spring, and my checking account remains to be recovering regardless of the so-called promotion…

Consider a Knights sport, overpriced meals, watered-down cocktails that price $25, and additional charges for virtually something worthwhile — even in the event you do not gamble, you continue to really feel such as you misplaced.

Do not get me unsuitable, The Strip is value seeing, however what’s even the purpose of the Monorail? It’s a must to enterprise off track to trip it, and it would not even go downtown, that means an costly Uber is within the playing cards.

It isn’t simply costs both. Each metropolis has a way of authenticity in a single type or one other, however Vegas has develop into a man-made playground for every part that does not matter.

Depend me out on Vegas. It is too expensive, too materialistic, and extra irritating than it’s gratifying.

Greatest different: We suggest Lake Tahoe as the most effective of each worlds mixing beautiful nature, glamorous resorts, and sure, casinos.

3) Oakland: The Armpit Of California

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

Oaklanders could also be prideful, nevertheless it’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.

Not less than the final time, I found Alameda…

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

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

Soiled, crime-ridden, and ghostly in it is one supposed attraction of Jack London Sq., the one method you may discover me in Oakland is that if there’s an affordable flight, then I am hitting the BART straight to Frisco.

Greatest different: San Francisco is the apparent alternative, however do not sleep on San Jose for much less crowds and shocking points of interest that really wowed me on my go to.

2) Albuquerque: Huge Metropolis 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 most effective illustration.

Consider ugly streets riddled with crime and a bunch of ‘Edgars’ strolling round with waistbands at their kneecaps, and it isn’t essentially the most visitor-friendly at first look.

Previous City was okay, however even then, I have been to much better ones. I would say another notable New Mexico vacation spot is extra alluring than Albuquerque, whether 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 is by far essentially the most disappointing main US metropolis I’ve visited, regardless of being very inexpensive.

Greatest different: Individuals could say I am loopy, however the border metropolis of El Paso is much extra welcoming, a lot safer, culturally vibrant, and provides beautiful hikes, particularly in spring and fall.

1) Galveston: America’s Most Over-Hyped Seaside Vacation spot

Not everybody has the privilege of touring at their leisure, so when you could have the prospect to e-book a wonderful seaside trip, I do not know why anybody would select Galveston.

From a distance, the Gulf waters can gleam blue. However if you’re entrance and heart together with your toes within the water and you-know-what within the sand, you may really feel you are on the Mississippi River moderately than a well-liked seaside city.

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

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

Greatest different: Mississippi is sizzling proper now! Try the brand new Amtrak Mardi Gras path to seaside hop Gulf cities with white sand and (hopefully) no diapers.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a give attention to sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.