Welcome to the Hype Check!
We’ve gone and analyzed thousands of traveler reviews, social media posts, and tourism data to identify the 25 U.S. cities that most frequently leave visitors underwhelmed.
From overpriced attractions to underwhelming experiences, these cities often don't live up to the high expectations many tourists have, based on their reputations. For this ranking we have focused our methodology focuses on recurring complaints such as cost, overcrowding, and lackluster attractions.
25: San Diego, California
Average hotel rate: $250/night
Zoo admission: $70 for adults
Peak summer crowds: 30% above average
Public transportation satisfaction: 60%
San Diego offers beautiful beaches and the most famous zoo in the country—but high costs and overcrowding during peak seasons often diminish the experience for tourists.
24: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Historic site entry fees: Up to $20
Cheesesteak satisfaction: Divided opinions
Public cleanliness rating: Below average
Average hotel rate: $210/night
Philadelphia's rich history is a draw (and rightly so), but cleanliness and inconsistent food experiences often disappoint tourists. Although, running up the Rocky steps is always awesome!
23: Boston, Massachusetts
Average hotel rate: $300/night
Traffic congestion rank: 5th in the U.S.
Historic site density: High
Public transportation satisfaction: 70%
Boston's historical significance is undeniable, but high costs and traffic woes can certainly mar the experience for some.
22: Denver, Colorado
Altitude: 5,280 feet (1,609 meters)
Average hotel rate: $220/night
Air quality index: Frequently exceeds 100 (moderate concern)
Public transportation coverage: 65% of metro area
While Denver can boast impressive scenic mountain views, visitors often report issues with altitude sickness and unexpectedly poor air quality, thus making the stay less enjoyable.
21: Charleston, South Carolina
Average summer humidity: 75%
Historic tour costs: $30 per person
Limited nightlife options
Public transportation availability: Limited
Charleston's charm is undeniable, but the oppressive humidity and limited evening activities can leave tourists seeking more dynamic experiences.
Chris Pruitt, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
20: Portland, Oregon
Annual rainfall: 43 inches (109 cm)
Homelessness rate: 1.5 times the national average
Public transportation satisfaction: 60%
Average hotel rate: $200/night
Portland's quirky culture attracts many, but persistent rain and visible homelessness issues often overshadow the city's appeal.
Spicypepper999, Wikimedia Commons
19: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Art gallery saturation: 250+ galleries
Average art piece price: $1,500
Limited public transportation:
Average hotel rate: $180/night
Santa Fe's rich art scene is impressive, but that art sure ain't cheap, and limited mobility options can make the city feel inaccessible to some visitors.
Asaavedra32, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
18: Nashville, Tennessee
Live music venues: 180+
Average drink price on Broadway: $12
Weekend tourist increase: 40%
Average hotel rate: $250/night
Nashville's vibrant music scene is a draw, but high prices and overwhelming weekend crowds can detract from the experience.
17: Savannah, Georgia
Historic district size: 2.5 square miles
Ghost tour costs: $25 per person
Summer mosquito index: High
Public transportation availability: Limited
Savannah's historic charm is definitely nice, but the small area, pricey tours, and insect-filled summer months can bug people (pun totally intended).
16: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Average winter temperature: 10°F (-12°C)
Mall of America distance from downtown: 15 miles
Public transit coverage: 60% of metro area
Average hotel rate: $190/night
Minneapolis offers cultural attractions, but harsh winters and limited transit options can hinder the tourist experience.
15: Dallas, Texas
Average summer temperature: 96°F (36°C)
Traffic congestion rank: 14th in the U.S.
Public park space per resident: 6.3 acres
Average hotel rate: $210/night
Dallas has its merits, but extreme heat and traffic issues often leave visitors feeling frustrated.
75316serk, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
14: Seattle, Washington
Annual cloudy days: 226
Pike Place Market satisfaction: Mixed reviews
Cost of living index: 172 (U.S. average is 100)
Average hotel rate: $240/night
Seattle's iconic landmarks are well-known, but frequent gray skies and high costs can dampen (pun intended once again) the tourist experience.
King of Hearts, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
13: Chicago, Illinois
Average hotel rate: $230/night
Crime rate: 3.7 per 1,000 residents
Public transit satisfaction: 65%
Average winter temperature: 26°F (-3°C)
Chicago's architecture and food scene are highlights, but safety concerns and transit issues can be drawbacks for visitors. And deep-dish pizza really isn't that great.
quinntheislander, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
12: Austin, Texas
Average summer temperature: 97°F (36°C)
Live music venues: 250+
Housing affordability index: 75 (U.S. average is 100)
Average hotel rate: $220/night
Austin's music scene is vibrant, but extreme heat and rising costs are common tourist complaints.
11: Orlando, Florida
Theme park ticket prices: $150+ per day
Average wait times: 45 minutes per ride
Summer humidity: 80%
Average hotel rate: $200/night
Orlando's attractions are world-famous, but high costs and long lines often lead to visitor fatigue. And if theme parks aren't your bag then there's even less reason to be there.
10: Miami, Florida
Average hotel rate: $280/night
Beach overcrowding index: High during peak season
Nightlife satisfaction: Mixed reviews
Public transportation availability: Limited
Miami's beaches and nightlife are renowned, but overcrowding and high expenses can diminish the allure.
9: San Francisco, California
Average hotel rate: $350/night
Homelessness rate: 0.8% of population
Public cleanliness rating: Below average
Average summer temperature: 68°F (20°C)
San Francisco's iconic sights are must-sees, but high costs and visible homelessness issues often concern tourists.
8: New Orleans, Louisiana
Average summer temperature: 92°F (33°C)
Bourbon Street satisfaction: Mixed reviews
Public safety rating: Below average
Average hotel rate: $190/night
New Orleans' culture is rich, but heat and safety concerns can impact the visitor experience.
7: Las Vegas, Nevada
Average hotel rate: $200/night
Resort fees: $45 per night
Visitor satisfaction: Declining due to high costs
Average summer temperature: 104°F (40°C)
Las Vegas offers entertainment galore, but hidden fees and rising prices are turning tourists away. Although, come out ahead at the Blackjack tables and there's nothing to complain about.
6: Branson, Missouri
Average show ticket price: $55
Attraction diversity index: Low—most attractions revolve around country music
Public transportation: Virtually nonexistent
Visitor age skew: 60% of tourists are over age 55
Branson markets itself as a wholesome family destination, but many younger or more adventurous tourists feel left out due to a narrow focus on country acts and limited cultural variety.
Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Flickr
5: New York City, New York
Times Square crowd density: Extremely high
Average hotel rate: $350/night in central Manhattan
Transit congestion index: Very high
Visitor satisfaction for Times Square: Often ranked low in post-visit surveys
New York is iconic, but overwhelming crowds, high costs, and underwhelming attractions like Times Square frustrate many tourists.
Jose Francisco Fernandez Saura, Pexels
4: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Average hotel rate: $230/night
Tourist satisfaction rating: 3.2 stars (TripAdvisor average)
Crime rate: Among highest per capita in U.S. cities of its size
Beach cleanliness rating: Frequently reported as inconsistent
While the beach is the main draw, many visitors are let down by dated boardwalks, heavy commercialization, and serious safety concerns—especially after dark.
3: Houston, Texas
Average summer temperature: 94°F (34°C) with high humidity
Public transit satisfaction: 48% approval
Traffic congestion rank: 11th in the U.S.
Tourist attraction reviews: NASA is a highlight; others get lukewarm ratings
Houston offers big-city energy, but its car dependency, oppressive weather, and scattered tourist infrastructure often fail to impress out-of-town guests.
2: Washington, D.C.
Museum satisfaction: High, but often overcrowded
Traffic congestion rank: 3rd worst in U.S.
Summer humidity index: 78% average in July
Accommodation tax rate: 14.95%
The capital has impressive monuments and free museums, but oppressive summer weather, bureaucratic vibes, and traffic headaches leave many tourists regretting their trip timing.
1: Los Angeles, California
Average hotel rate: $325/night
Tourist attraction reviews: Many marked “overrated” or “unsafe”
Traffic satisfaction score: 1.8/5
Expectations gap: Consistently ranked top in “Most Disappointing U.S. City” surveys
Los Angeles may be the entertainment capital of the world, but it tops our list due to an overwhelming mismatch between expectation and reality. Overhyped landmarks, choking traffic, and a gritty, sprawling urban core leave many tourists shocked at how little magic they feel once they arrive.
You Might Also Like:
These American Cities Are Paying People Thousands Of Dollars To Move There
The Best And Worst Things About Every U.S. State
The 100 Most Dangerous Cities In America—Is Yours On The List?
