Have you ever traveled to a city that you’ve heard endless hype about but were completely underwhelmed when you finally visited? You are not alone! Let’s go over some of the most overrated cities in the United States, according to real travelers’ experiences, so you can make more informed choices with your vacation time.
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Many travelers consider Myrtle Beach overrated for a few reasons. They mention that the city has become overly commercialized, with an abundance of chain restaurants, souvenir shops, and tourist traps, making it feel less authentic. Some visitors have also noted that the accommodations, beaches, or overall cleanliness don’t always match the high expectations set by its reputation.
While these critiques exist, Myrtle Beach remains a beloved destination for many due to its family-friendly activities, affordability, and wide range of attractions. It largely depends on individual travel preferences.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas is a bucket-list destination for many after having seen the bright lights and spectacular glitz in countless movies and TV shows. But many think that the silver screen makes this city look a lot better than it is in reality. One visitor says, “It’s a hot, crowded place full of drunk tourists. I’m sure the suburbs are nice, but hanging out on the strip gets old fast.”
3. Los Angeles, California
The glamour of Hollywood brings millions of tourists every year, but many of them arrive disappointed when they see how different the city is when compared to what’s shown on television. The city is large, sprawling, and filled with traffic. A user said, “Los Angeles sucks as a tourist. Great place to live though.”
4. Austin, Texas
“I think that living here can be really fun, but as a tourist, you’re pretty much just drinking, and there isn’t even a lot of entertainment for folks who are drinking… I think a lot of people come for festivals, so they already have something to do by default, but if you’re not coming for a festival, it can be kind of boring,” said one resident. This capital city of Texas has many festivals like Austin City Limits and South by Southwest, but outside of these events, you may not find many unique things to do.
5. Asheville, North Carolina
This southern US city is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, but despite its beautiful scenery, many complain that it’s become too crowded. “I had so much fun here 10 years ago. It’s become literally the busiest place I think I’ve ever seen now. I’m not sure what everyone’s doing there anymore. LOL. I think it’s moved from underrated to overrated in 5 years,” says one visitor.
6. Denver, Colorado
“Proximity to the mountains is the appeal of Denver. I enjoy living here but I can’t say it’s a place I’d recommend for tourists to visit unless you’re coming for an event or something. Fly in and drive to the mountains instead.” Although the surrounding areas of Denver have a lot to offer in terms of natural beauty, the city itself is lacking. One user even said, “Colorado is a beautiful state but Denver has no soul.”
7. Branson, Missouri
Branson is a popular tourist destination in the Ozarks known for being family-friendly and filled with activities and entertainment. Some visitors aren’t impressed by the kitschy tourist traps. “It’s like Vegas…if it were run by Ned Flanders.” Another user describes Branson as “Hot and muggy weather, congested, overpriced, gimmicky.”
8. Orlando, Florida
People come from all over the world to visit the famous theme parks in Orlando, including Walt Disney World and the Universal Resort. One visitor says that these attractions take away from the city’s character. “The parks are expensive and crowded. There’s nothing authentic about the city — it exists only for tourism.”
9. Houston, Texas
As the largest city in Texas, you’d think that Houston would have an endless amount of activities and attractions, but some travelers were disappointed by their trip. “The Space Center is amazing, but there really isn’t much to do, and it takes ages to get anywhere since the city is so spread out and has really bad traffic. Houston barbeque is also pretty overrated, and didn’t stand out against barbeque I’ve had elsewhere,” says one Houston visitor.
10. Nashville, Tennessee
As the country music capital of the US, Nashville boasts a vibrant live music scene. However, many tourists felt bombarded by the heavy crowds of drunk tourists on the main drag, Broadway Street. Some also complain that there are far too many bachelorette parties filling up the bars and clubs.
11. Honolulu, Hawaii
Although Honolulu is usually the first place that a new visitor to Hawaii goes, most locals prefer to stay away from the crowds in this capital city located on the island of Oahu. “It’s a good place and all, but a little bit too obvious, and honestly the Big Island has a lot more to offer and a really good National park!” Many people prefer the islands of Maui or Kauai.
12. San Francisco, California
Although some travelers felt that San Francisco was underrated, the majority seemed to point to the feeling of uncleanliness and crime as reasons not to go back. Since the tech boom, the city has become very crowded and expensive, leading to a lot of traffic and homelessness.
13. Miami, Florida
Miami is the second-largest city in Florida and a major tourist destination thanks to its vibrant nightlife and white-sand beaches. Some visitors are less enthused to find heavy traffic, humid weather, and expensive prices when they arrive at this major metropolitan port. Several people have also complained that the locals are less than welcoming.
Source: Reddit
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