Most Overrated Cities in the U.S., According to Travelers

Described as "overrated" and "underwhelming," these five American cities disappointed travelers the most.

Most Overrated Cities in the U.S., According to Travelers

With so much of the world to explore, it can be overwhelming to decide which cities to visit. In the U.S. alone, it's difficult to determine where to go in the South versus the West or the Northeast. And some cities are so highly regarded that they're guaranteed to disappoint those who are expecting something else.

Data analysts reviewed tens of thousands of online traveler reviews of the 85 most visited cities in the world. Described as "overrated" and "underwhelming," these five American cities disappointed travelers the most.

While some of these surprised us, others did not.

5. San Francisco, California

Fisherman's Wharf Sign San Francisco Cable Car

Percentage of disappointed tourists: 10%

Most disappointing attraction: Fisherman’s Wharf

* The ranking report comes from a 2024 data analysis reviewing tens of thousands of online travel reviews of 85 popular destinations from sites like Tripadvisor to identify which ones travelers deemed overrated.

Why San Francisco Is Overrated

San Francisco skyline with Oakland Bay Bridge at sunset, California, USA

San Francisco was hit hard by the pandemic following a mass exodus of residents looking for a more affordable cost of living. While it's starting to bounce back, it's still having a difficult time with tourism. In fact, Macy's announced in February 2024 that it would close its Union Square location, following closures of Nordstrom's and the Westfield Mall downtown.

What travelers seem most underwhelmed by, though, is Fisherman's Wharf. And we don't blame them. Any local would tell you that the area is overrun by trinket shops and cheesy attractions like Madame Tussauds wax museum. Instead, head to North Beach for a European experience of Italian cafes and gelaterias. Or check out one of the city's parks — like Dolores or Golden Gate — which each have their own unique vibe.

4. Boston, Massachusetts

Museum of Science at Science Park and Charles River Boston

Percentage of disappointed tourists: 10.7%

Most disappointing attraction: Museum of Science

Why Boston Is Overrated

This is one that we're actually surprised by, except for the fact that maybe travelers visiting Boston are looking for a New York City experience, and we agree that this is not that. But that's also what we love about it.

It's walkable, seeped with history and has a Dunkin' on just about every corner. If museums are what you're looking for, then go to New York. But if you're looking for a more laidback New England vibe with strong Irish roots (and pubs to boot!), then we suggest travelers just readjust their expectations for this one.

3. Los Angeles, California

Percentage of disappointed tourists: 11%

Most disappointing attraction: Hollywood Walk of Fame

Why Los Angeles Is Overrated

Oh, Los Angeles. America's second-largest city is definitely that. It's so big and sprawling that it's difficult to get your bearings and know where to go when visiting. The Hollywood Walk of Fame suffers from similar issues as Fisherman's Wharf. It's filled with cheesy trinket shops and street entertainers looking to scam any tourist who will let them. Sure, it's iconic, but Los Angeles is so much more than Hollywood.

Instead, head to the beaches in Venice or Santa Monica. Or check out the trending Arts District downtown. And if you really want to get close to the celeb action, go to a comedy club on Sunset Boulevard.

2. Miami, Florida

Percentage of disappointed tourists: 14%

Most disappointing attraction: Little Havana

Why Miami Is Overrated

What was deemed the No. 1 overrated American city in 2022 has moved up in this ranking, but it was still dissatisfying for 14 percent of its visitors in 2023. It looks like Little Havana is what's underwhelming people, and that doesn't surprise us since it's such a small part of what this massive city has to offer. In fact, you can get through Little Havana in just a few hours.

Miami is like the other major cities on this list in that it has so much to explore that travelers often get duped into going to the only tourist attractions in town. To stay away from the crowds, you may also want to avoid South Beach (although it can be an interesting scene) and head to the Coconut Grove or Brickell neighborhoods instead. Better yet, rent a boat and get out on the water.

1. Las Vegas, Nevada

Hustle and bustle of crowds during the day on the famous Fremont Street in the heart of downtown Las Vegas with its Casinos, Neon Lights and Street Entertainment

Percentage of disappointed tourists: 15.3%

Most disappointing attraction: Fremont Street Experience

Why Las Vegas Is Overrated

Aerial view of Las Vegas strip in Nevada

Are we surprised? No. This concrete playground for adults screams overrated due to its lack of culture or authenticity — unless you consider oversized resorts authentic (which we don't).

What is surprising is that Vegas dethroned Miami this year for the top spot, jumping up a whopping 4 percentage points. What seems to be travelers' biggest complaint is that the Fremont Street Experience is no longer family-friendly, with the rowdiness of the Strip making its way north toward downtown.

For more overrated tourist attractions in the U.S., check out "Americans Hate These 10 Vacation Spots the Most."