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Top American Destinations To Avoid In 2013
Here's the thing, though: I'm a pretty open-minded traveler. I've had plenty of unpleasant run-ins, transportation failures and otherwise terrible experiences – it comes with the territory. But I'm also not one to throw an entire city into the negative category. Instead, I took the most complained about places and looked into why they have a stigma, and conversely, wrote about what might make the social media users change their minds. Maybe the bad taste in these travelers' mouths will never go away, but hopefully this will end up changing some perceptions.
Detroit, Michigan
Complaint: "just plain depressing"
The Point: Once one of America's most prosperous cities, today Detroit seems more like a post-industrial ruin. Corrupt city officials, economic decline and budget mismanagement have caused law and order to break down in the city. In October, the Detroit Police Officers union went so far as to warn visitors to enter the city "at their own risk," and ALT (Alternative Luxury Travel) travel agency called Detroit the "Most Dangerous U.S. City to Visit for Gay Travelers" because of its increase in crime and the shuttering of a high number of landmark gay bars.
The Counterpoint: If you're looking for trouble in Detroit, you can easily find it – but that doesn't mean it will find you. The city still has a thriving music, art and theater scene, drawing creatives from around the country and world to live and visit here. And if you like cars, you can visit museums dedicated to both Ford and Chrysler, take a tour of the former estates of auto barons, or check out one of the many automobile-related annual events. There is still a lot of hope for this city, and earlier this year Gadling even wrote about it as a sustainable city to watch.
Reno, Nevada
Complaint: "ZERO attempt at a culture"
The Point: Reno makes the list of cities to avoid because, as one Twitter user put it, "it felt like where old gamblers go to die." It bills itself as the second largest tourist town in Nevada, and can't seem to shake the runner-up epithet of a tame, rundown version of Las Vegas. Most people sell the city by pointing out how close it is to Tahoe, which isn't really a reason to stay in Reno at all.
The Counterpoint: If you don't like casinos – Reno's number one tourist attraction – it might seem you are in trouble. The truth is, this city has the same good eats, music, nightlife and boutiques you find in any other major metropolitan areas – you just have to search a little harder to find the gems. The Nevada Museum of Art also has a surprisingly prestigious collection and is well worth a visit (even if it's just to kill some time during your layover to another destination). Yes, the pace of life is slower here than other major metropolitan areas, but many visitors might find that a redeeming quality instead of a negative one.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Complaint: "dodging trucks that were allowed to drive on the beach"
The Point: When you imagine a day along the shore, you probably don't conjure images of laying your beach towel next to cars and trucks. On parts of Daytona Beach, automobiles are allowed to park in the sand during select hours of the day, making the beach vibe turn from tropical to tailgating party.
The Counterpoint: Here's the thing: Daytona Beach is the home of NASCAR, so if you're visiting for a racing event, you probably don't mind a few cars on the beach. In fact, you might even enjoy the novelty of it. If you're not into it, that's OK too: there are plenty of other stretches of sand in for you to discover.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Complaint: "boring and flat"
The Point: Salt Lake City doesn't top many travel bucket lists, mostly because the local culture isn't too supportive of those who like to imbibe. Just a few years ago, the capital of Utah lifted a prohibition that limited the number of bars on each city block to two, but the city can't seem to escape the conservative stigma.
The Counterpoint: Fostered in part by the Sundance Film Festival, Salt Lake City has a growing film and art scene. Summer visitors can watch live bands outdoors during the annual Twilight Concert Series, and those who come in winter should know that the city is known for its close proximity to the slopes – 14 ski resorts are within an hour of Salt Lake City. Year round, the city has many small businesses worth seeking out, which makes it a great destination for those looking to skip chain restaurants and big box stores. And if your complaint is that the city is flat, take a trip to the nearby Bonneville Salt Flats, and you might be surprised to find out how beautiful a flat landscape can be.
Los Angeles, California
Complaint: "smoggy and snooty"
The Point: Los Angeles is notorious for its smog, a haze produced by millions of vehicles operating in a low basin surrounded by mountains. It's also an expensive place to visit, and the people who live there have a reputation as struggling actors, models and rock stars who will do anything to get ahead.
The Counterpoint: Multiple California government agencies have been working to reduce smog. It's still a major problem, but it's not a reason to avoid the city's numerous landmarks and other attractions. Besides, the nearly 4 million people who live there don't seem to be too turned off by it. And that sheer number of people discredits the "snooty" point. Choose your company wisely and you can avoid self-important people with stars in their eyes – or at least learn to roll your own eyes and walk away.
Do you echo these social media users' sentiments, or can you get behind one of the cities above? Similarly, if you had a bad experience in a U.S. city and think it should be on the list, let Gadling readers know in the comments below.
Editor's note: In an earlier version of this article, the population of Los Angeles was incorrectly identified. The article has been updated to accurately reflect the current population of the city.
[Photo credit: Flickr user Ben Amstutz]
Complaint: "just plain depressing"
The Point: Once one of America's most prosperous cities, today Detroit seems more like a post-industrial ruin. Corrupt city officials, economic decline and budget mismanagement have caused law and order to break down in the city. In October, the Detroit Police Officers union went so far as to warn visitors to enter the city "at their own risk," and ALT (Alternative Luxury Travel) travel agency called Detroit the "Most Dangerous U.S. City to Visit for Gay Travelers" because of its increase in crime and the shuttering of a high number of landmark gay bars.
The Counterpoint: If you're looking for trouble in Detroit, you can easily find it – but that doesn't mean it will find you. The city still has a thriving music, art and theater scene, drawing creatives from around the country and world to live and visit here. And if you like cars, you can visit museums dedicated to both Ford and Chrysler, take a tour of the former estates of auto barons, or check out one of the many automobile-related annual events. There is still a lot of hope for this city, and earlier this year Gadling even wrote about it as a sustainable city to watch.
Reno, Nevada
Complaint: "ZERO attempt at a culture"
The Point: Reno makes the list of cities to avoid because, as one Twitter user put it, "it felt like where old gamblers go to die." It bills itself as the second largest tourist town in Nevada, and can't seem to shake the runner-up epithet of a tame, rundown version of Las Vegas. Most people sell the city by pointing out how close it is to Tahoe, which isn't really a reason to stay in Reno at all.
The Counterpoint: If you don't like casinos – Reno's number one tourist attraction – it might seem you are in trouble. The truth is, this city has the same good eats, music, nightlife and boutiques you find in any other major metropolitan areas – you just have to search a little harder to find the gems. The Nevada Museum of Art also has a surprisingly prestigious collection and is well worth a visit (even if it's just to kill some time during your layover to another destination). Yes, the pace of life is slower here than other major metropolitan areas, but many visitors might find that a redeeming quality instead of a negative one.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Complaint: "dodging trucks that were allowed to drive on the beach"
The Point: When you imagine a day along the shore, you probably don't conjure images of laying your beach towel next to cars and trucks. On parts of Daytona Beach, automobiles are allowed to park in the sand during select hours of the day, making the beach vibe turn from tropical to tailgating party.
The Counterpoint: Here's the thing: Daytona Beach is the home of NASCAR, so if you're visiting for a racing event, you probably don't mind a few cars on the beach. In fact, you might even enjoy the novelty of it. If you're not into it, that's OK too: there are plenty of other stretches of sand in for you to discover.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Complaint: "boring and flat"
The Point: Salt Lake City doesn't top many travel bucket lists, mostly because the local culture isn't too supportive of those who like to imbibe. Just a few years ago, the capital of Utah lifted a prohibition that limited the number of bars on each city block to two, but the city can't seem to escape the conservative stigma.
The Counterpoint: Fostered in part by the Sundance Film Festival, Salt Lake City has a growing film and art scene. Summer visitors can watch live bands outdoors during the annual Twilight Concert Series, and those who come in winter should know that the city is known for its close proximity to the slopes – 14 ski resorts are within an hour of Salt Lake City. Year round, the city has many small businesses worth seeking out, which makes it a great destination for those looking to skip chain restaurants and big box stores. And if your complaint is that the city is flat, take a trip to the nearby Bonneville Salt Flats, and you might be surprised to find out how beautiful a flat landscape can be.
Los Angeles, California
Complaint: "smoggy and snooty"
The Point: Los Angeles is notorious for its smog, a haze produced by millions of vehicles operating in a low basin surrounded by mountains. It's also an expensive place to visit, and the people who live there have a reputation as struggling actors, models and rock stars who will do anything to get ahead.
The Counterpoint: Multiple California government agencies have been working to reduce smog. It's still a major problem, but it's not a reason to avoid the city's numerous landmarks and other attractions. Besides, the nearly 4 million people who live there don't seem to be too turned off by it. And that sheer number of people discredits the "snooty" point. Choose your company wisely and you can avoid self-important people with stars in their eyes – or at least learn to roll your own eyes and walk away.
Do you echo these social media users' sentiments, or can you get behind one of the cities above? Similarly, if you had a bad experience in a U.S. city and think it should be on the list, let Gadling readers know in the comments below.
Editor's note: In an earlier version of this article, the population of Los Angeles was incorrectly identified. The article has been updated to accurately reflect the current population of the city.
[Photo credit: Flickr user Ben Amstutz]
Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, Learning, Skiing, Surfing, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, North America, United States
Reader Comments (Page 4 of 11)
ProudRenoite Jan 8th 2013 2:50PM
Wow.... it's idiots like this "writer" who keep perpetuating the negative image & stereotype that Reno, and Renoites, have been working hard to banish. I, personally, would recommend Reno over Las Vegas any day. What we lack in glitz, we make up for in substance. Reno's more than casinos, and biased "scribes" need not comment on situations they know nothing about.
Zero attempt at culture???? When was the last time you came to Reno... in the 80's? Reno has, and has had, a very burgeoning art & culture explosion that keeps growing. Organizations such as Nevada Museum of Art, Sierra Arts, Artown, Nevada Art Council, and many more having been working tirelessly over the last couple decades.
And yes, we're proud of the fact that we are in such close proximity to Lake Tahoe... because it's beautiful. It's gorgeous. Sorry if it's no Lake Mead and surrounded by desert. As an outdoor destination, Reno provides miles and miles of hiking trails, cycling routes, camping spots.... every explosion of nature anyone could ever want.
We who live in Northern Nevada, and in & around the Reno area, love it. That's why we're still here. Come join us, visit us, partake in everything Reno has to offer... we do have a lot more than casinos. As a travel destination, it far exceeds anything Las Vegas could ever begin to offer.
Rob Jan 8th 2013 2:40PM
They've been allowing cars on Daytona beach since the dawn of cars. You go there knowing that or you don't go there... knowing that. It's part of the culture that unfortuneately the big money hotels are trying to do away with. It didn't get the name " The World's Most Famous Beach" for nothing.
Lucy Jan 8th 2013 2:49PM
Salt Lake is Beautiful. TOO VISIT!! They have awesome Mountains, 4 seasons -- really 5, one is road construction.
As far as the alcohol, the beer is "unleaded" which is 3%, and the surrounding states the beer is 6% "leaded"..
Not sure how they are doing the bars now days'. If you go to a restaurant, the "liquor bottles are hidden from the public, behind a wall" if they have a liquor license.
With Utah being very, very, very conservative, and "liquor is a Taboo" they do not want their children to see the liquor being served..
My opinion, they do not want their kids to see, it's the same bottles they have hidden at home.. lol...,
The best place to go is Park City, mostly if there is a "inversion-smog". your above if and east of Salt Lake City.
Reno,
Well .... I've called it the Armpit of America..
Slower paced, but also, depressed looking, and dirty..
Reno has the Air Shows, and Hot August Nights for attractions...
Never really cared for this city at all....
I can talk smack about both places.. Lived in Utah the first 40 years of my life, then to Reno for 2 years, and moved again.
Pros for Utah, the BEAUTY...
Cons: Too much of the Dominant Religion involved with politics.
Pros for Reno: Lake Tahoe, which is also BEAUTIFUL.
Cons: Dirty, depressing, just ehhh....
Lucy Jan 9th 2013 4:38AM
I forgot to add this additional comment for the Reno Cons...
"Reno is so close to hell you can see Sparks!!!!"
Joseph Jan 8th 2013 2:54PM
Okay. I have to defend my hometown, Reno. First, a little history: Reno was Reno long before Vegas was Vegas. The city has a fabled past and scores of wonderful stories and events that put Reno on the map. The very first hotel-casino in the world, The Mapes, was built in 1947 for example (please look that up on Wikipedia). It does live up to its nickname, "The Biggest Little City in the World" and it is a unique and special place. In the past 10 years or so Reno's economy has suffered due to the recent economic downturn and the phenomena of numerous "Indian" casinos that have popped up all over California and other states that neighbor Nevada. Yet, people still come to Reno for entertainment, fabulous and diverse dining and a great place to get away in very beautiful natural surroundings. The complaint statement "zero attempt at a culture" is completely misleading and obviously spoken by someone who hasn't spent more than a day in the city (or less). Please look at the counterpoint statement with which I totally agree. I'm a musician and I make a living doing what I love in this area. How could that happen in a culturally deficient city? There is the world-class Reno Philharmonic, Nevada Opera, and a number of fine local theater companies including Brüka. There are numerous venues that support a thriving local music scene with artists and bands of all musical genres. The Nevada Museum of Art. The Nevada Historical Society. On any given day I can go to an Ethiopian, Peruvian, or Salvadorian restaurant. Plus all the usuals. Great Chinese food til 3 am. Or an awesome Austrian bakery. Or Whole Foods. Sounds like a city with culture, wouldn't you say?
I like Nailbunny's last comment and I don't care for negative and sensational bashing articles like this. However, this one stirred me up and made me take a stand for our city that deserves to be seen in a better light.
Joanne Jan 8th 2013 4:37PM
I enjoyed my trip to Reno. I did some shopping in the shops near the casinos and found some nice things to give the following Christmas. The Truckee River is there and the forest is nearby. The shows were very entertaining. It isn't the fast paced Las Vegas, but that is not what you go to Reno for.
James Miculka Jan 8th 2013 2:50PM
I love Los Angeles and is one of my favourite destinations. I live in South-central Texas and hour from Austin and San Antonio, so interesting places are nearby but that doesn't stop me from getting to Los Angeles several times a year. Maybe on a few days I can see the mountains from downtown, but the vast array of cultureal culinaria that is available is amazing. Little Tokyo has some of the best sushi on the West Coast, Chinatown has some of the best and not very expensive Dim Sum places around and Koreatown is a world unto its own. Even with traffic jams all around, Santa Monica National Recreation Area allows one to get away into nature right in the heart of Los Angeles. Even better are some of the walks led by National Park Service Rangers. I never rent a car and can easily get around using public transportation be it the mountains are the surrounding beaches. I'm counting they days until I can get my next sushi fix in Los Angeles.
capitaine souris Jan 8th 2013 2:55PM
I agree with Joe who clarifies who is an America. Our country called America is composed of United States. But the country we live in is AMERICA. We who live here are Americans.(not United Stations.) Our country is on the North American continent. We are therefore also North Americans. People who live in Canada are Canadians. They, too, like us, live on the North American continent and are North Americans.(not Americans.) Mexicans are North Americans and Brazilians are South American. We, as a country, should say we are from America. There are a number of countries that have in their name "united states."We are at fault for not calling our country by its right name. The name of the song is ÄMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL", not UNITED STATES THE BEAUTIFUL.
Controversy Jan 8th 2013 3:27PM
I think Reno is a beautiful mountain town to visit. There are picturesque mountains all around and cool running creeks in the middle of the city. In the winter there is snow and everything gets covered like a winter wonderland. There is always a place to get reasonably priced food. The people are friendly as if you were camping, most folks will give you a smile or a wave. The craps tables are friendly and you can tell the best places to visit by watching/asking the locals. The base culture there are native indians. If you look hard enough you can find them. There is an easy going spiritual vibe if you are able to recognize it and not partying 24/7.
Los Angeles is beautifully culturally diverse. There is so much good food it's hard to describe. There are different sections to visit depending on your mood. I loved to go to China Town for their noodle soup and there are many other pockets of culture. It is hard to get directions but if you go to one of those travel sites, or ask a local, I am sure a tourist can find whatever they are looking for in Los Angeles. I loved the beautiful people and the interesting beaches as well as Hollywood and Beverly Hills for window shopping or people watching.
It's sad to me those places got a bad wrap. I have never been to the other places so, no comment.
Roma Jan 8th 2013 3:29PM
You forgot to mention Atlanta, Ga....air pollution from the traffic and world's busiest airport... crazy rude traffic...big time crime....and so much more that can't even be mentioned here.
Griff Jan 9th 2013 4:50PM
Been to Detroit 3 x's this year. Found downtown clean easy to get around. Stayed at MGM, great place. Eat at Roma's Italian restaraunt, great food. All roads in and out of city repaved. City will prosper with people moving into buildings being converted to lofts, retail will follow. If I were younger I would invest there. Put Chicago as number 1 dump.
Janeen Jan 8th 2013 3:47PM
Love Salt Lake. Going again in September. This article was dumb. Not everybody is looking for a cookie cutter tourist trap.
lola Jan 8th 2013 7:19PM
I have to disagree about LA being the worst place to visit. I spent 1 week in downtown LA and had a wonderful time. No smog and no snooty people and what some perceive as smog, is often the marine layer from the ocean and usually dissipates later in the day. I can't wait to go back again, LA is one of my fav places to visit along with San Diego.
Jack Webb's Ghost Jan 8th 2013 4:50PM
Los Angeles? You forgot to mention the crime.
Sky Jan 8th 2013 4:07PM
Gary, Indiana should be 1st on the list.
sadiemae1214 Jan 8th 2013 4:08PM
They left out "Hutchinson, Kansas". No point, no counterpoint, just plain boring.
Made #7 on the list of the 13 most boring towns in America. Trust me, it is!
Shellee Jan 8th 2013 4:23PM
I live in Carson City, a stone's throw from Reno. We actually have LESS than Reno, which saddens me to no end. I wish Carson City would play up some of our touristy things, or create some, instead of just being a gateway to Virginia City, Reno, Mound House (for prostitution) and Lake Tahoe.
Jacob Jan 8th 2013 4:13PM
I happen to LOVE Reno, NV. I think it is actually a gem that most people overlook, and I'm not supporting it because it is near Tahoe. There is so much to do in this little city I call home. There are Hot Air Balloon Races, Hot August Nights Car Show, Street Vibrations Motorcycle Festival, and Airplane Races. There are award winning shows that come to the Eldorado showroom each year not to mention the amazing musical performances at both Sammy's Showroom in Harrah's and The Grand Exhibition Hall inside of the Grand Sierra. Com Row has the world's tallest climbing wall and the Truckee River provides an amazing spot for rafting, kayaking, and tubing in the summer months. During the winter you can go ice skating in the middle of downtown. There are great shops located in the midtown area where you can also find amazing restaurants and coffee shops. There is a great bar scene as well as some great venues for local comedy. We have both a local AAA baseball team as well as a D-League NBA team. Huge artists are always coming through the Reno Events Center and we are the proud hosts of the National Bowling Tournament. You can't go wrong with coming through town during great events such as The Rib Cook-off, Italian Festival, and BBQ Brews and Blues Festival. The downtown Pioneer Center hosts amazing Broadway Shows as well as amazing performances from the Reno Pops Orchestra. There are also some nice blackbox theaters such as Brukah Theater and the Good Luck Macbeth Theater. If you like a good rodeo then you have to look no further than The Reno Livestock Events Center. I am appalled that anyone could come to this city and not find something to do here. I moved here in 2007 and I would never live anywhere else.
cc Jan 9th 2013 4:30PM
I moved my family here in 2010 from SF and it was the best decision of my life! I LOVE RENO!! Low cost of living, no income tax, world class winter and summer sports, great restaurants, shopping, events, museums, parks, medical care, gorgeous scenery and most of all...super friendly locals!!!! :)
jany Jan 8th 2013 4:18PM
I'm a former Renoite. I now live in the Augusta Maine area and let me tell you, there are huge differences. I miss the culture and mountains and ....well just everything about Northern Nevada.
There are a few things in this area of Augusta that are ok., but; they roll up the sidewalks around 10pm. At least in Reno, you can still go to a show at a casino, bowl, catch a bite to eat. And skiing, camping, hunting, shopping and the musuem's. Hell Reno is close to Virginia City, Pyramid Lake and of course Tahoe.
Dude, you really need to get out and about...