Reasons Why Tourists Are Avoiding These 16 American Cities
The United States has a ton of amazing cities, monuments, and natural wonders to experience. There’s so much to see, from the bright lights of New York City to the majestic Grand Canyon to the beautiful beaches of California.
But it’s no secret that America has serious problems that have escalated in the last few years. Shootings, drug use, poverty, and other issues have grown in many US cities and have caused a steep decline in tourism to these areas. Having lived in San Francisco and San Diego, I’ve witnessed the concerning changes over the years.
Travelers are taking note of these concerns and are steering clear of many once-popular cities, scared off by high crime, traffic jams, or feeling unwelcome. Let’s dig deeper into the exact reasons why.
1. Detroit, Michigan: Drug Dealing and Gang Violence
Detroit is the birthplace of Motown music and the American automobile, but safety concerns tourists. It’s a city that’s been working hard to bounce back, and some neighborhoods still struggle with crime, probably even higher here than in most US cities.
Ensure you steer clear of the unofficial “Red Zone” east of Gratiot Avenue and west of Kelly Road. This area is known for gang activity and drug dealing.
2. Chicago, Illinois: Gun Violence
Chicago is a fantastic summer destination known for its stunning lakefront, delicious deep-dish pizza, and vibrant jazz scene. But news reports about shootings have tourists rethinking their itinerary.
Crime, particularly violent crime, is higher than average in Chicago. This has led some tourists to cancel trips, hurting the city’s tourism industry. Like earlier curfews in Millennium Park, the city is trying to work on solutions.
3. Atlanta, Georgia: Pickpocketing and Scams
This lively city is bursting with culture and fun, from whale sharks at the Georgia Aquarium to the refreshing World of Coca-Cola. While it’s not a city tourists shy away from, it does have a reputation for petty crimes.
Pickpocketing is a common nuisance, especially in crowded areas and on public transportation. Scams also pop up, like fake taxi meters or shady ticket sellers.
4. New York City, New York: Big Crowds
The city that never sleeps, the land of towering skyscrapers and steaming hot dog stands, is on everyone’s travel bucket list. However, tourists often complain about the sheer number of people in New York City and how difficult it can be to navigate.
Waiting in line for anything is a chore, and good luck getting last-minute Broadway tickets or restaurant reservations. Pickpockets also thrive in big crowds where it’s easy for tourists to get distracted and overwhelmed.
5. Baltimore, Maryland: Theft and Drug Dealing
Baltimore, also known as “Charm City,” is known for amazing crab cakes and historical pirate ships. However, some areas have a rough reputation for drugs, assaults, and robberies.
Areas like West Baltimore are best avoided, especially at night. Think dark alleys and deserted streets; not exactly the vibe for sightseeing. Even some neighborhoods with cool names, like Monument Street or Rosemont, are no-go zones.
6. San Francisco, California: Drugs and Crime
San Francisco is the city by the bay, with beautiful views, amazing food, and cable cars. But tourists have noticed the rise in crime and drug use, especially downtown in the Tenderloin District. It’s got a reputation for seedy hotels and a higher incidence of drug activity.
Unfortunately, the Tenderloin is right next to Union Square, one of the busiest tourist spots in the city where many hotels are located, so it’s easy to wander into it accidentally. I
f you’re booking a hotel for the first time in SF, you’ll be better off avoiding hotels near Union Square and instead opting for places near Fisherman’s Warf, North Beach, the Marina District, Nob Hill, or Hayes Valley.
6. Austin, Texas: Terrible Traffic
Austin is the world’s live music capital, with epic festivals like South by Southwest. Don’t forget the relaxing outdoor activities, killer food, quirky art, and shopping. But there’s one thing some tourists are dodging: the horrendous traffic!
Austin’s traffic is notorious, with residents spending 53 hours a year stuck in gridlock. Spending your vacation in traffic jams is not exactly the vibe many people are after!
7. Miami, Florida: Dangerous Neighborhoods
Miami is famous for its sizzling beaches, Art Deco district, and nonstop party scene. But some areas make tourists feel less welcome and a little more nervous. Steer clear of Liberty City and Overtown, known for higher crime rates.
Downtown Miami is lively by day but can feel sketchy at night. So, is Miami safe? It depends on where you go.
8. Dallas, Texas: High Violent Crime Rate
Dallas, Texas, has two sides: friendly and fierce. It’s got museums, zoos, and endless shopping, but its violent crime rate is among the highest in the U.S.
With over 1.2 million Texans holding concealed-carry permits and no restrictions on assault weapons, safety can be a concern. So, tourists can enjoy the sights, but they need to stay cautious.
9. Jacksonville, Florida: Racism
Jacksonville is known for its urban parks, beautiful beaches, and vibrant arts scene. It’s a gateway to Florida’s natural wonders, with attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo and the annual Jazz Festival.
However, tourists are increasingly avoiding Jacksonville due to its troubling history and ongoing issues with racism. Recent racially motivated violence has scarred the city’s reputation, making some visitors hesitant to explore.
10. Los Angeles, California: Gangs and Homelessness
Los Angeles shines as the entertainment capital with Hollywood, beaches, and endless sunshine. Yet, despite its allure, tourists often avoid it due to notorious gang activity and a significant homeless population. Tourists visiting the Hollywood area are often disappointed to see that it’s a lot rougher around the edges than the movies might portray.
Skid Row, located downtown, is home to people experiencing severe poverty who live in tent cities. Areas like Watts, Compton, and East LA also face high crime rates, casting a shadow over the city’s glamorous image. Travelers would be better off sticking to areas like Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Malibu, West Hollywood, and Venice Beach.
11. Houston, Texas: Dangerous Neighborhoods
Houston is home to the Johnson Space Center, where you can learn about NASA’s space missions. Plus, the Museum District features 19 museums within walking distance.
Despite its many attractions, tourists are increasingly wary of visiting Houston due to safety concerns like neighborhoods with high crime rates. Areas like Greenspoint, nicknamed “Gunspoint,” and Sunnyside are notorious for violent crime and theft.
12. Sacramento, California: Homelessness
Sacramento is the capital of California, so it sounds like it could be a cool trip, right? History, nature, and diverse eats attract visitors to this Northern city. However, some tourists are giving Sacramento a pass, primarily due to its significant homelessness issue, especially downtown around K Street.
People experiencing homelessness, addiction issues, and mental health struggles can make tourists feel less secure, particularly after dark.
13. Las Vegas, Nevada: Assault and Theft
Las Vegas dazzles as the Entertainment Capital of the World with incredible shows, vibrant nightlife, and gambling galore. But it’s not all glitter—some areas have higher crime rates, making tourists feel unsafe.
The Strip can be a hotspot for pickpocketing and scams, while Downtown and Fremont Street are less safe, especially after dark, along with East Las Vegas, which has reported high crime rates.
14. Portland, Oregon: Car Theft
If you crave beautiful parks, craft beer, coffee culture, and good food—Portland is the way to go. But tourists are wary these days due to a rise in car thefts. Smash-and-grab incidents make visitors nervous about leaving valuables in their cars, even in busy areas.
Getting your car window broken and having to repair it on vacation is not exactly the peaceful getaway you’d hope for on a trip!
15. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Poor Public Transportation
Word on the streets is that Philly’s SEPTA system can be unpredictable and unreliable. Long waits, route changes, and the occasional missing bus can throw off your vacation plans. If you really want to go, it’s best to stick to Center City if you can—it’s walkable and easy to grab a rideshare if you need it.
Have You Visited Any of These Cities?
What was your experience like? Share with us in the comments!
