I’ve visited more than 50 American cities: here are the 5 I’ll never go back to

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What is the United States known for today? Your guess is as good as mine…

That said, “America The Beautiful” largely lives up to its name, but there have also been some major disappointments during my travels to my home country.

Not every destination is a blast.

Whether it’s places that don’t live up to epic photo expectations, resort fees out the wazoo, or beaches that evoke comparisons to murky rivers rather than vacation paradises, I haven’t been as “everywhere” as Johnny Cash — but I have crossed the 50-city threshold.

That’s why I decided to share 5 destinations I will never return to in the US based on real experiences – the ones that have stuck in my mind as the biggest disappointments with no reason to return.

5) Colorado Springzzz: Uhh, do you like rocks?

To be honest, 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 town incredibly boring and remembered almost nothing except that I was looking forward to my road trip through Wyoming and the lush Black Hills of South Dakota.

Colorado Springs is best known for its bizarre, otherworldly rock formations, such as Garden of the Gods And Balanced rock – just as the Leaning Tower of Pisa is mostly famous for its cheesy photo poses.

Are the famous red rocks beautiful? Sure, but I wouldn’t fly back to a city with nothing to do but stare at boulders (cue Shrek).

Best alternative: The easy answer is Utah, especially Zion. However, I would suggest that San Diego’s best kept secret – Potato Chip Rock – is much more impressive and a more beautiful hike with amazing views that stretch for miles.

4) Las Vegas: pay this, pay that & Nothing is real

I can’t be the only one not impressed by “Sin City”. In fact, I know I’m not. The number of tourists has fallen, while prices have risen.

I scored a lot on it Las Vegas Hilton at Resorts World last spring, and my bank account is still recovering despite the so-called promotion…

Add to that a Knights game, overpriced meals, watered-down cocktails that cost $25, and extra charges for pretty much anything worth doing – even if you don’t gamble, you still feel like you’ve lost.

Don’t get me wrong: The Strip is worth seeing, but what’s the point of the Monorail anyway? You have to go off course to ride it, and it doesn’t even go downtown, which means an expensive Uber is in the offing.

It’s not just prizes 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 in Vegas. It’s too expensive, too materialistic, and more frustrating than enjoyable.

Best alternative: We recommend Lake Tahoe as the best of both worlds: a mix of breathtaking 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 proud, but it’s not a vacation destination. I’ve had the (dis)pleasure of being there twice, and the first time I was more hopeful than 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, bustling skyline.

I gave it a shot 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 to an adventurous foodie like me.

Dirty, crime-ridden and spooky in its supposed appeal Jack London SquareThe only way you’ll find me in Oakland is if there’s a cheap flight, I’ll take the BART straight to Frisco.

Best alternative: San Francisco is the obvious choice, but don’t sleep on San Jose for its fewer crowds and surprising attractions that really impressed me during my visit.

2) Albuquerque: big city with little to do

One can only wonder why New Mexico chose Santa Fe as its capital. After visiting Albuquerque it seems to me that they know that the boring cityscape and disappointing mountains are not the best representation.

Add to that the ugly, crime-ridden streets and a bunch of ‘Edgars’ walking around with waistbands on their kneecaps, and it’s not the most visitor-friendly at first glance.

Old Town was okay, but even then I’ve been to much better ones. I’d say any other notable destination in New Mexico is more appealing than Albuquerque, whether it’s Taos, the aforementioned Santa Fe, or even the bizarre town of Roswell. 👽

You won’t find me in Albuquerque anymore. It is by far the most disappointing major American city I have visited, despite being very affordable.

Best alternative: People may say I’m crazy, but the border city of El Paso is much more welcoming, much safer, culturally vibrant, and offers beautiful hikes, especially in the spring and fall.

1) Galveston: America’s most overhyped beach destination

Not everyone has the privilege of traveling at leisure, so if you have the opportunity to book a nice beach vacation, I don’t know why anyone would choose Galveston.

From a distance the waters of the Gulf can shine blue. But when you’re standing front and center with your toes in the water and you know what in the sand, you might feel like you’re on the Mississippi River instead of at a popular beach town.

Forgive me for the painful memories, but on my last trip to Galveston I stepped on a soft, dirty diaper right on the beach.

That doesn’t help me ever want to go back, even though Texas is my home state. Add to that a cheap boardwalk and less-than-stellar hotel options for a bustling cruise port and a 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 Gulf beach hopping towns with white sand and (hopefully) no diapers.

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.