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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 6 of 11)
Handsomish Jan 8th 2013 10:00PM
So what is the political climate in Reno, Salt Lake City and Daytona Beach? I'll give you a hint. They're predominantly GOP, by a long shot. So why are they failing? Get your twisted political fallacy philosophy out of the travel sections. We didn't come here for that. You are truly lost. Go ahead, hide away in your little "Christian" berg, passing judgement on the rest of the world. I seriously doubt that any of us will see you in heaven, as you still haven't grasped humility, forgiveness, and leaving judgement to a higher power.
Tom Jan 9th 2013 1:25AM
The cities yoiu cite are not failing due to crime and corrupt administrations. They are, according to the author, just boring.
John Howell Jan 8th 2013 5:25PM
They blew it on Salt Lake City. It's long since become a myth, perpetuated by people who didn't do their homework, about not being able to get a drink, it's within easy driving distance of world-class skiing, and it makes a great home base for summer outdoor recreation.
Kristen Jan 8th 2013 5:31PM
I've had the privledge of living in the LA area for three years. The city itself is comparable to most major cities. However, I certainly would not rate it so low. As for snooty people, they only exist in the television and movie realm. Actors are people, plain and simple, who have every day lives. I've seen them grocery shop, bank, head to the beach, attend movies, get arrested, and some were members of my church and regular attenders.
I currently reside in NH but go back and vacation there often and plan on moving back some time in the future.
Casey Jan 8th 2013 5:45PM
To be kind, I'd wrap this article up as an unsuccessful attempt at debunking stigmas attached to a few American cities. SCREAM your headline, whisper your point. Do you know how many people read every word of an article? You, and your editor. If I had not stopped to read a few of the comments I never would have gone back to read the first two paragraphs.... good grief. I certainly wasn't going to share the article, and still won't.
I do have a bias as I lived in Reno for more than 20 years. Anyone with an ounce of google know-how could quickly discover culture in Reno. Get your ass out of the cab and the casino.
julie birmingham Jan 8th 2013 5:48PM
We enjoyed LA last summer. We ate our first night at a restruant name On The Boulvard....I had a fried soft shell crab ..it was wonderful.
I have always had stars in my eyes ...so I loved LA..
bilko Jan 8th 2013 6:05PM
I moved to Los Angeles 32 years ago. Believe it or not, the city is cleaner - both air and aesthetically. The weather is fantastic and the women are easy. Just tell her YOU think she's got talent, and you're in. Kidding! Kind of. No, the problem with this city is overcrowding and no central planning. It is still a car driven society without enough room for the cars. In the exploding San Fernando Valley, 2 home lots are bought and knocked down and 32 apartment or condo units are built and stacked four high. Each old home had spaces for two cars, four total. Each unit has room for ONE car. You go from 4 parking spaces to 32 parking spaces. Where do the other 32 park? In the residential neighborhoods. Multiply that by 10,000 - there is no infratructure from government planners. Looking for a parking spot at a place of business, trying to send a kid to public school, property taxes, super-inflated gas taxes, taxes on small businesses make this almost a temporary place to live. Certainly difficult to retire here. The weather is great, but that's about it.
Dayv Jan 8th 2013 6:02PM
Point and Counterpoint: I've been to all the citries mentioned in this article and comments (those within the continental United States). Perhaps, it was in my capacity as an over-the-road trucker that slanted my view and experiences, certainly with regards to my being there, so I have to stand with those who offer positive comments about those cities. Granted, there's a distinct difference between traveling to a location for a recreational visit and doing so as a part of business, and one tempers one's opinion by circumstances. It has also been pointed out that the issues - smog, crime, lacks in interest and culture - aren't exactly unique to those specific areas. We can find the downside everywhere we look, so we have to associate each place with what initially drew us there. Los Angeles, the thoughts of happening upon stars and celebrities, Reno, the divorce capital, Salt Lake City, the Mormon Tabernacle, Detroit, the automobile capital, Daytona Beach, racing and the sands, for good or bad, these influence what we see and experience. For my part, I've had good and bad experiences in all of the above, not to mention Boston, New York City, Baltimore, Chicago and the like. (Sorry, I've not been to Hawaii, but I can tell you a bit about Fairbanks, Alaska.)
Peter Jan 8th 2013 6:02PM
Maybe if our government would spend more of our tax dollars improving our major cities and helping our own people instead of rebuilding the middle east and sending billions all over the world, there wouldn't be articles like this anymore. Every city mentioned here is a great place.
bilko Jan 8th 2013 6:25PM
Well put.
mike Jan 8th 2013 6:11PM
Haha I cant believe New Jersey is not on the list unbelievable well i guess nobody consenters new jersey a destinations it is one of those places that think they are New York.
Renoite Jan 8th 2013 6:14PM
The comment "Zero Attempt at Culture" is so completely false it shows that the writer made no attempt at research. Artown, the month-long ARTS festival, fills the community every year in July and has done so for over 15 years. The Reno Philharmonic, which has one of the most exciting young conductors in the nation, has been in business for over 40 years. Nevada Opera, where the world-famous mezzo soprano Dolora Zajick was discovered and developed, is over 40. The Holland Project is developing young artist of every stripe. I could give you more specifics on the area's culture but perhaps you should go back and try a little harder.
As for outdoor activities, the area has a white-water rafting course downtown that is host to a festival every year and used daily by kayakers. The area has outstanding hiking and mountain biking accessible to every visitor from hotels, without having to drive to Lake Tahoe.
For you to have written that the only reason people come to Reno is to gamble is grossly inaccurate. Go back and try to really research the destination before you slam it.
Ray C Jan 8th 2013 6:17PM
Orlando the greatest
dc Jan 9th 2013 4:11PM
It is very hard to find good night life in SLC. I lived downtown for many years,and it is like the entire city shut down at 10:00 pm. I has gotten a bit better since the Olympics--there is definitely more culture and activities that are not surrounded by the LDS church, which pretty much owns the entire stae.
Pinokeeo Jan 8th 2013 6:24PM
Detroit might be bad but in Dearborn,The Henry Ford Museum and Village are my favorite places to visit on our trip to the west.The history here is the best.I sure would like to see Henry Ford come back to life.
Gail Jan 9th 2013 9:19AM
It's reallynot necessary to insult either the writer or people who live in these areas in order to get a point across. Grow up, Geeze....You all sound like a bunch of snotty teenagers skipping school.
StevoD Jan 8th 2013 6:34PM
I grew up in the LA area and moved to Utah 4 years ago, so I know something of both. I live some 30 miles south of Salt Lake, but seem to find an excuse to go downtown almost weekly. As a Mormon, I'm not bothered by the culture but find it weird being in the majority instead of minority. I miss very little of Southern California (except the winter weather, now is Utah's smoggy season). I like being able to drive 10-15 minutes and be in the real mountains. If you like camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, boating etc. Utah is the other "Sportsman's Paradise" (sorry, Louisiana). On the urban side, I don't think there is a more liveable and workable downtown than SLC. I used to work there and would take long walks at lunch. (I would never do that in downtown LA). There is an interesting mixture of old and new, and they are preserving many older buildings with redevelopment. They have (and are) developing a great public transportation system that connects outlying areas. I like living in Utah and I'm glad I moved.
Rose Gagnon Jan 8th 2013 6:34PM
I got such a laugh from those designations! Reno is a town where you can really relax and have a great meal. You don't have to dress up for it either. Carson City is my favorite, though and I think all the other sites have choices, too. I wish someone would tell me about Florida! I live in Washington Sate and it is VERY conservative. I live in the Eastern side where everyone is a little rough but the history is awsome.EVERYONE in this state is paranoid to some degree. Sit in the airport at Reno and watch them coming in gripping their carry on luggage, which is the only luggage they brought, sadly because jeans an jean jackets are not dress up clothes!
mike Jan 9th 2013 7:42AM
My family went to Park city for 2 weeks. I only wish i could move there. It was great and ultra clean. The mountains were beautiful, we did not have any trouble eating or having a drink. I cannot say enough good things about our trip.
Mary E. Sayler Jan 8th 2013 6:40PM
The LA Basin was known by the Natives as "The Valley of the Smokes". Their campfires left a haze 24/7. At one time Orange County was part of LA County and as a child I saw the results of the Smug Pots protecting the citrus groves in OC. During the Winter I would come home from school with two black lines down from my nose, that was from breathing in the smug that was carried in the air. It was this haze that began the Green movement in CA many years ago. Most native Californians are very concerned about the environment and do what they can to keep the air clean. Anyone that complains about Smog (Smug + fog) should have lived in the basin in the 1940's and 1950's as I did. Los Angeles is a great city with something for any interest you could possibly have. What is great is that you can visit the Mountains and the Beach all in one day!