us cities not to visit

10 of the Worst Cities To Travel in the United States

Chris Phelan

October 5, 2023

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Nothing beats the feeling of exploring a new city. From the restaurants to the nightlife to the architecture – and everything in between – exploring a new town is at the top of most travelers' to-do lists. However, not all cities are worth the trip! Recently, a group of adventurers converged in an online discussion with one goal: reveal the worst cities to visit in the United States.

1. Detroit, Michigan

It seems like Detroit has been in a state of rebuilding for decades now. Although the downtown area has been given a facelift, many travelers say all bets are off once you leave downtown.

“Once outside downtown Detroit every street I saw had abandoned homes that looked like there had been a war there,” one man says. “It was disturbing to see a city in such terrible shape. I used to hear people make fun of Detroit and thought they were just exaggerating. Then I saw Detroit for myself. It is truly bad.”

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

Don't get me wrong, New Orleans is a tourist's haven for debauchery and fun times, and it's a city everybody should visit. However, after you and a group of friends stroll down Bourbon Street once, please do yourself a favor and call it a night. Venturing outside the touristy area is a recipe for getting mugged, harassed, or worse. 

3. San Francisco, California

Despite its gorgeous landscape and rich history, San Francisco has unfortunately suffered from an increased homeless population problem in recent years.

As a result, the city's beauty has been marred by a large number of vagrants and homeless people, with many visitors admitting to being shocked the first time they visit. The city has vowed to fight this problem, but the unhoused population problem across America seems to be an issue without a clear solution.

4. St. Louis, Missouri

Although generally, the city of St. Louis is safe, the part of town known as East St. Louis lives up to its dangerous reputation. One traveler admits that it is the city he will avoid for the rest of his life. “I will never go within a 100 miles of East St. Louis ever again,” he says. “That's the ‘Purge' right there. No law. No order. Nothing but potential violence and death even in broad daylight.”

5. Provo, Utah

Utah has plenty of breathtaking scenery, which is why it's shocking to read that so many people don't like visiting. Countless travelers complain that despite its beauty, there's nothing to do while you're there. For lack of a better word, Provo is boring – and nobody wants to visit a boring town.

6. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Nicknamed the “City of Brotherly Love,” Philadelphia manages to turn off many visitors due to its high crime rate and rundown neighborhoods.

One woman who recently visited the city didn't give a glowing testimonial, “Philadelphia after dark is a pretty dangerous place where decent people will stop and ask if you are ok and tell you to go home or stop in the nearest bar and get a cab.”

7. Los Angeles, California

Many tourists get lured by the bright lights and old Hollywood charm that can only be found in Los Angeles. But, unfortunately, many neighborhoods in Los Angeles aren't what visitors expect: replace bright lights with urban blight and Hollywood charm with dilapidated buildings and a severe homeless population problem that poses obvious challenges for visitors.

8. Baltimore, Maryland

There's been television shows and movies produced based on the level of violence and corruption in Baltimore, so it shouldn't be a surprise that the town makes this list. I have many friends who live in the area, and all of them have given me the same advice: don't walk alone at night. In related news, I'd love it if they moved outside the city, like, yesterday.

9. Seattle, Washington

When the weather is favorable, travelers are near-unanimous in calling Seattle one of their favorite American cities to visit. However, statistics don't lie. Seattle only enjoys an average of 152 days of sunny weather per year, which means you most likely will be dealing with heavy cloud cover and rainfall whenever you visit this iconic Pacific Northwest town.

10. El Paso, Texas

Plenty of cities lack imagination, architecture, and passion; El Paso is the most notable. “El Paso, TX struck me as utterly charmless, full of strip malls and truck stops,” one traveler laments. “Plus, the hills surrounding it give one an unpleasant view across the Rio Grande at Juarez, Mexico, for a long time the most violent city in North America.” That description doesn't make you want to visit, does it?

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Places the U.S. Government Warns Not to Travel Right Now

You may want to reconsider traveling to these countries right now.

Do Not Travel to These Countries

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Crime, civil unrest and terrorism are common risk factors for countries that end up on the State Department's "Do Not Travel" advisory list.

In 2024, tourism across the globe is “well on track” to return to pre-pandemic levels, according to projections by UN Tourism.

Global conflicts and natural disasters , ranging from a series of coups across Africa to catastrophic earthquakes in the Middle East affected international travel patterns throughout 2023. Still, international tourist arrivals reached 87% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, according to estimates by UN Tourism .

In January 2024 alone, about 4.6 million U.S. citizens left the country for international destinations, 17% higher than the same month in 2019, according to the International Trade Administration . But some destinations warrant more caution than others.

On Oct. 19, 2023, following the outbreak of war between Israel and Gaza and flaring tensions in the region, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution advisory due to “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests.” Prior to this update, the most recent worldwide caution advisory was issued in 2022 after a U.S. strike killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s successor as leader of Al Qaeda, causing “a higher potential for anti-American violence.” The worldwide caution advisory remains in effect.

The U.S. State Department also issues individual travel advisory levels for more than 200 countries globally, continually updating them based on a variety of risk indicators such as health, terrorism and civil unrest. Travel advisory levels range from Level 1, which means exercise normal precautions, to Level 4, which means do not travel there.

About 10% of countries – 19 total – have a Level 4: “Do Not Travel” advisory as of Mar. 4. In Level 4 countries, the U.S. government may have “very limited ability” to step in should travelers’ safety or security be at risk, according to the State Department. Crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism are common risk factors associated with Level 4 countries.

So far in 2024, the State Department made changes to the existing Level 4 advisories for Myanmar, Iran and Gaza, and moved Niger and Lebanon off of the Level 4 list.

Places With a Level 4 Travel Advisory

These are the primary areas the U.S. government says not to travel to right now, in alphabetical order:

Jump to Place: Afghanistan Belarus Burkina Faso Central African Republic Myanmar (formerly Burma) Gaza Haiti Iran Iraq Libya Mali Mexico North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Russia Somalia South Sudan Sudan Syria Ukraine Venezuela Yemen

Afghanistan: The Central Asian country is wrestling with “terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping and crime,” according to the State Department. U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for wrongful detention and kidnapping. In 2022, the government reinstituted public floggings and executions, and women’s rights are disappearing under Taliban control. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul halted operations in August 2021. Since the Taliban took control , many forms of international aid have been halted . Meanwhile, in 2023, some of the year’s deadliest earthquakes killed more than 2,400 in Afghanistan while the country continues to face a years-long extreme drought.

Belarus: Belarus, which shares a western border with Russia and a southern border with Ukraine, has been flagged for “Belarusian authorities’ continued facilitation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the buildup of Russian military forces in Belarus, the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, the potential of civil unrest, the risk of detention, and the Embassy’s limited ability to assist U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Belarus.” The U.S. Embassy in Minsk halted operations in February 2022.

Burkina Faso: Terrorism, crime and kidnapping are plaguing this West African nation. Terrorist attacks may target hotels, restaurants and schools with little to no warning, and the East and Sahel regions of the country are under a state of emergency. In late November 2023, hundreds died in clashes between state security forces and rebels near the country’s border with Mali. In June, more than 2 million people in Burkina Faso were displaced due to “violence linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group.”

Central African Republic: While there have not been specific incidents of U.S. citizens targeted with violence or crime, violent crime and sudden closure of roads and borders is common. The advisory states that “Embassy Bangui’s limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens, crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping” is a factor in its assessment. Recent data from UNICEF suggests the country has the worst drinking water accessibility of all countries in 2022.

Myanmar (Formerly Burma): Armed conflict and civil unrest are the primary reasons to not travel to this Southeast Asian country, which experienced a military coup in early 2021. Limited health care resources, wrongful detentions and “areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance” are also listed as risk factors. After Ukraine and Israel, Myanmar had the highest conflict-related death toll in 2023.

Gaza : Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization as designated by the State Department, controls much of the Gaza Strip, which shares borders with both Israel and Egypt. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fighters broke across the border into Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and soldiers in a brazen attack that stunned Israelis. On Oct. 10, Israel hit the Gaza Strip with “the fiercest air strikes in its 75-year conflict” according to Reuters . The conflict has since escalated into war between Israel and Hamas, with regular Israeli airstrikes leading to extensive civilian casualties in Gaza. As of mid-December, nearly 85% of Gaza’s population were displaced from their homes, according to UN estimates . The region continues to face shortages of food , water, electricity and medical supplies , with conditions deemed “far beyond a humanitarian crisis.” The State Department warns of terrorism and armed conflict within Gaza’s borders.

Haiti: In July 2023, the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince in response to the increased risk of kidnapping and violent crime in the country , as well as armed conflict between gangs and police. The travel advisory states that cases of kidnapping “often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings.” The travel advisory also states that “U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible” given “the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.” A series of gang attacks in late September 2023 caused thousands to flee their homes, and many aid groups have been forced to cut or suspend operations amid escalating violence in recent months.

Iran: Terrorism, kidnapping and civil unrest are risk factors for all travelers to Iran, while U.S. citizens are specifically at risk for “arbitrary arrest.” U.S.-Iranian nationals such as students, journalists and business travelers have been arrested on charges of espionage and threatening national security. Executions in Iran rose sharply between 2021 and 2022, bringing the country’s total to nearly 580 people over the year, according to a report by Amnesty International released in May 2023.

Iraq: The State Department cites “terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict [and] civil unrest” as cause for the country’s Level 4 distinction. Iraq’s northern borders, and its border with Syria, are especially dangerous. Since the escalation of conflict in neighboring Israel in October, there has been an increase in attacks against Iraqi military bases, which host U.S. troops and other international forces. In October 2023, non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members were ordered to leave the U.S. embassy in Baghdad.

Libya: Following the end of its dictatorship over a decade ago, Libya has been wrought with internal conflict between armed groups in the East and West. Armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and terrorism are all risk factors. U.S. citizens have been targets of kidnapping for ransom, with terrorists targeting hotels and airports frequented by Westerners. The U.S. Embassy in Tripoli halted operations in 2014. In mid-September 2023, floods, which some say were intensified by climate change , killed thousands in eastern Libya. Clashes between armed factions escalated across the country in the latter half of 2023, including in the capital city of Tripoli and in Benghazi.

Mali: After experiencing military coups in 2020 and 2021, crime, terrorism and kidnapping are all prevalent threats in this West African landlocked nation. In July 2022, non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families were ordered to leave the country due to higher risk of terrorist activity. A U.N. report in August 2023 said that military groups in the country, including both Mali security forces and possibly Russian Wagner mercenaries, were spreading terror through the use of violence against women and human rights abuses. Democratic elections were supposed to occur in February 2024, but Mali’s military junta postponed the plans indefinitely. In December, the U.N. officially ended a decade-long peacekeeping presence in the country, which had been among the agency’s deadliest missions, with hundreds of the mission personnel killed since 2013.

Mexico: Each state in Mexico is assessed separately for travel advisory levels. Six of the 32 states in Mexico are designated as Level 4: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. Crime and kidnapping are listed as the primary risk factors throughout the country. Nearly 112,000 people were missing across the country as of October, a number the U.N. has called “alarming.”

North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea): U.S. passports are not valid for travel “to, in, or through” this country, home to one of the world's longest-running dynastic dictatorships. The travel advisory states that the Level 4 distinction is due to “the continuing serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals.” In July 2023, a U.S. soldier fled across the border into North Korea, where he is believed to be in North Korean custody, the first American detained in the North in nearly five years. He was returned to U.S. custody in September 2023.

Russia: The travel advisory for Russia cites its invasion of Ukraine , harassment of U.S. citizens by Russian government officials and arbitrary law enforcement as a few of the reasons for the Level 4 designation. Chechnya and Mount Elbrus are specifically listed as Level 4 regions. Terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping and wrongful detention are all noted as risks.

Russia Invades Ukraine: A Timeline

Somalia: A severe drought resulting from five failed rainy seasons in a row killed 43,000 people in 2022, and caused a famine amid conflict with Islamist insurgents . Violent crime is common throughout Somalia , pirates frequent its coast off the Horn of Africa, and medical facilities, where they exist, have limited capacity. Crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health and kidnapping are all risk factors. In January 2024, some passengers aboard a U.N.-contracted helicopter were taken hostage by al-Shabaab militants after the vehicle crashed in central Somalia.

South Sudan: Crime, kidnapping and armed conflict are the primary risk factors for South Sudan, which separated from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest country . Weapons are readily available, and travelers have been victims of sexual assault and armed robbery.

Sudan: The U.S. evacuated its embassy in Khartoum in April 2023, and the country closed its airspace due to the ongoing conflict in the country, only permitting humanitarian aid and evacuation efforts. Fighting has escalated in the region between two warring generals seeking to gain control after a military coup in 2021 ousted the country’s prime minister. Civil unrest is the primary risk factor for Africa’s third largest country by area. Crime, terrorism, kidnapping and armed conflict are also noted. The International Criminal Court began investigating alleged war crimes and violence against African ethnic groups in the country in 2023. Millions have fled their homes due to conflict, and the U.N. has said its efforts to provide aid have been hindered by a lack of support, safety and resources. As recently as December 2023, the United Nations warned of catastrophic famine , with millions of children at-risk for malnutrition .

Syria: The advisory states that “No part of Syria is safe from violence,” with terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict and risk of unjust detention all potential risk factors. U.S. citizens are often a target for kidnappings and detention. The U.S. Embassy in Damascus halted operations in 2012. Fighting in neighboring Israel has escalated since October, and the conflict has spilled over into Syria, where the U.S. has carried out air strikes following drone and rocket attacks against American troops in Syria and Iraq, triggered by the Israel-Hamas war.

Ukraine: Russian setbacks in their invasion of Ukraine buoyed hopes in Ukraine in 2023. However, Ukraine is a Level 4 country due to Russia’s invasion, with crime and civil unrest also noted as risk factors. The country’s forces shot down two Russian fighter jets on Christmas Eve 2023, in a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said “sets the right mood for the entire year ahead.”

Venezuela: Human rights abuses and lack of health care plague this South American nation, which has been in a political crisis since 2014. In 2019, diplomatic personnel were withdrawn from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. Threats in the country include crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, wrongful detention and poor health infrastructure.

Yemen: Six of the nine risk factors defined by the State Department – terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict and landmines – are all present in Yemen. Despite private companies offering tourist visits to the Yemeni island of Socotra, the U.S. government argues those arranging such visits “are putting tourists in danger.” Civil war and cholera are also both present throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy in Sanaa halted operations in 2015. The country has experienced a relative lull in the civil war fighting, but as peace negotiations have gotten traction, flare ups in the fighting have jeopardized progress. Most recently, the U.S. and U.K. have carried out a series of airstrikes in the country, targeting Iran-backed Houthi sites.

Other Countries to Watch

Since Jan. 1, the State Department has updated travel advisories for 17 different countries as well as for the West Bank and Gaza, adding information about specific regions or risk factors, or simply renewing an existing advisory. Travel advisory levels can change based on several factors in a nation, such as increased civil unrest, policies that affect human rights or higher risks of unlawful detention.

The State Department has given about 25 countries an assessment of Level 3, meaning it recommends people “reconsider travel” to those destinations.

On Oct. 14, one week after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, Israel and the West Bank were both moved from Level 2 to Level 3, while Gaza remains at Level 4. The region’s travel advisory was updated in November to reflect travel restrictions for certain government employees who have not already left the area, and it was updated again on Jan. 3.

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in early October, the U.S. State Department raised Lebanon ’s travel advisory level from a Level 3 to a Level 4 level due to “the unpredictable security situation related to rocket, missile, and artillery exchanges” between Israel and Hezbollah or other militant groups. In December, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut returned to normal staffing and presence, and on Jan. 29, the country was moved back to Level 3. Crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping and unexploded landmines are listed as the country’s primary risk factors. However, the country’s borders with Syria and with Israel, as well as refugee settlements within Lebanon, are specifically noted as Level 4 regions.

China became a Level 3 country in late 2020, with an update in December 2022 citing “the surge in COVID-19 cases, arbitrary enforcement of local laws, and COVID-19-related restrictions” as the reason for the advisory. In June 2023, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) was moved from the Level 3 to the Level 2 list, but travelers are still advised to be cautious in the area due to “arbitrary enforcement of local laws.” Meanwhile, Macau remains at Level 3.

Following an attempted coup in August 2023, Niger was elevated to Level 4 in August and the Department of State ordered all non-emergency U.S. government personnel and family members to leave the U.S. Embassy in Niamey. In early January 2024, the overall risk level for the country was lowered back to Level 3. Despite the new classification, the State Department still asks non-emergency government personnel and eligible family members to depart the country.

In mid-December 2023 there was an explosion at Guinea’s main fuel depot which has since affected access to health care and basic goods and services. The country was subsequently designated a Level 3 nation after having previously been Level 2. Concerns about civil unrest, health, crime and fuel shortages impacting local infrastructure were listed as the primary risk factors contributing to the change.

Several Level 3 countries are among the worst countries for human trafficking, as designated by the State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report . Level 3 countries on this list include Papua New Guinea, Guinea Bissau, China and Chad. There are also nine Level 4 countries designated as among the worst for human trafficking: Afghanistan, Belarus, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Russia, Syria, South Sudan and Venezuela.

Over 70 countries are currently at Level 2, meaning the State Department recommends travelers “exercise increased caution” when traveling to those destinations.

Botswana became the newest Level 2 country on Feb. 26 after having previously been Level 1, with crime noted as the primary risk factor.

France, which saw nationwide protests throughout 2023, has civil unrest and terrorism noted as risk factors for its Level 2 status, and Sweden’s Level 2 status is associated with risks of terrorism.

The Level 2 travel advisory for the Bahamas was updated in January to reflect water safety concerns. The advisory warns that “activities involving commercial recreational watercraft, including water tours, are not consistently regulated” and notes that government personnel are “not permitted to use independently operated jet-ski rentals on New Providence and Paradise Islands.” It also warns visitors to be mindful of sharks, weather and water conditions. The advisory also says that crime is a primary risk factor with gang-on-gang violence contributing to high homicide rates in some areas. Visitors are asked to “be vigilant” and to not physically resist robbery attempts.

Bangladesh 's Level 2 travel advisory was updated in October 2023 to add a note about the country’s general election , which took place Jan. 7, 2024. The advisory states “demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.” The U.S. has since claimed the country’s election was not free nor fair.

In November 2023, several Level 2 travel advisories were updated with new cautionary information. The advisory for Ghana was updated to reflect threats against LGBTQI+ travelers specifically, noting “anti-LGBTQI+ rhetoric and violence have increased in recent years.” Meanwhile, the advisory for South Africa was updated in February to note that routes recommended by GPS may be unsafe with higher risk for crime.

Turkmenistan was moved off of the Level 2 list to become the newest addition to the Level 1 list on Jan. 22, meaning normal precautions are recommended but there are no risk factors causing travelers to practice increased caution.

The State Department asks travelers to pay attention to travel advisory levels and alerts , review country information pages for their destinations and read related country security reports before going abroad.

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Tags: Russia , Ukraine , Travel , Coronavirus , Travel Tips , Israel , Gaza , violence , Civil War , crime , kidnapping , international relations

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Everyone has a different idea of what makes a great vacation. Would you prefer to browse wineries or take a city trolley tour? Visit theme parks or museums? At the end of the vacation day, anyone on a trip is a tourist, but it is the places that go out of their way to become a tourist trap at the expense of the town itself that are the opposite of enjoyable for the discerning traveler. There are also those small or oddball places that, try as they might to attract visitors, simply are not all that interesting.

And there are a lot of these destinations all across the United States that are incredibly popular, maybe even too popular. Lines, high prices and simply too many people can ruin the most exciting of destinations. Tourist traps have their bad reputation for a reason. There are so many incredible places to visit across the United States that no one should spend their time on a bad trip. We’ve compiled a list of the bad, the ugly, the weird (not in a good way), and the just plain boring so that you don’t have to find out the hard way. And then, a couple of destinations that we found out the easy way are incredible places to spend your time.

25 Locals avoid: Atlantic City, New Jersey

The once-great Atlantic City has seen better days. According to the New York Post, between 2012 and 2014, five out of the city’s twelve beachside casinos closed, turning the city into “a slum with high crime and high unemployment — plus a beach and boardwalk grafted on”. It’s definitely no longer the glittering boardwalk empire of yesteryear and hardly worth the trip.

24 Locals avoid: Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

Hampton Beach is one of New Hampshire's few ocean beaches. A long-time tourist spot, Hampton is home to a casino and ballroom and a tchotchke-shop lined boardwalk. The concentration of all of these things, along with hotels on hotels means that no one can park or move much at the beach or around town, as the town’s population swells with all the people who spend their summer in The Hamptons. New Hampshire Magazine described Hampton Beach as “Skee-ball, saltwater taffy, henna tattoos, bawdy T-shirts, raucous music, skimpy clothes.” There are great beaches nearby in Rye and Salisbury and Gloucester, Massachusetts where you can go to the beach without all the nonsense.

23 Locals avoid: Bentonville, Arkansas and the Walmart Museum

Bentonville, Arkansas, is the headquarters and founding location of Walmart. You can go into the Walton family's original 5&10 store and the Walmart museum next door, which, according to the Daily Meal, includes the original store tiles and the Spark Cafe Soda Fountain. Travel bloggers Tommy and Kali (of their blog of the same name) found a wall of broken items that were accepted as returns and made their own Walmart name tags. If that doesn't excite any particular visions of R&R, then this museum is one you can forget.

22 Locals avoid: Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas

The Comal River is a popular floating spot that My San Antonio bemoaned as being overcrowded and rampant with rowdy tourists. My San Antonio also included this spot on their list of the 11 worst tourist traps in Texas. If you need a Texas tubing experience do not fear, there are plenty of places to cool off, like the nearby Guadalupe River, suggested by My San Antonio, so avoid the loud and packed Comal and opt for the quieter Guadalupe.

21 Would Visit: Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a true success story for downtown revitalization. According to the Atlantic, Depression-era Asheville was hit hard, and by the 1960s until the 1980s, downtown was a veritable ghost town. Now Asheville has become a vibrant city known especially for a world-class food scene, according to Food & Wine magazine, and fun spots like the Asheville Pinball Museum. Some of the top and must-visit restaurants are the tapas restaurant Curate, Southern comfort joint Tupelo Honey, and the French Eatery Bouchon. A taste of opulence and history can be found at the Biltmore Estate.

20 Locals avoid: Niagara Falls, New York

Flocks of poncho-bedecked tourists descend upon Niagara Falls and board boats to go get wet in the falls – 30 million per year, to be exact. Since the 1800s, Niagara Falls has become the “honeymoon capital of the world". According to Niagara Cruises, the first couple to honeymoon there was former VP Aaron Burr and his wife, Theodosia. By the 1950s, according to Niagara Cruises, the popularity of the Falls had increased, especially following the release of the Marilyn Monroe film, about a couple honeymooning at the falls. Honeymooners certainly have their own things to get up to, but there just doesn’t seem to be much else aside from expensive cruise tours of the falls. For example, note the contrast of TripAdvisor’s 43 things to do in Niagara, New York to their 165 things to do in Montreal, Quebec. Unless those ubiquitous bright plastic ponchos strike you as romantic, you can skip Niagara.

19 Locals avoid: Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, Boston, Massachusetts

There are so many reasons to go to Boston. Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, because of the busy shops and the historic setting, seem like must-see locations. But the more interesting and important historical sites, unique shopping, and incredible food are within a couple walking blocks in every direction, according to Best Life, who list Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market on their list of tourist traps that locals very much dislike.

18 Would visit: Burlington, Vermont

Burlington, Vermont is a dynamic and beautiful city with a small-town feel. Right on Lake Champlain and within an easy distance of the hiking in the Green Mountains, Burlington, Vermont is a college town alive with artistic endeavors, breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants. The New York Times suggests spending an evening dancing at Red Square or Nectar's, an afternoon at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, or having a bite at American Flatbread.

17 Locals avoid: Salem, Massachusetts in October

Salem, Massachusetts is a great place to visit – this well-preserved colonial New England town has a world-class art museum, lots of historical landmarks, and a vibrant local art and occult scene, according to the Travel Channel online. Just don’t go in October. Because of the Witch Trials of 1692 to 1693, the town has become a mecca for all things Halloween with its annual Haunted Happenings, and tourists eat it up, according to the Salem News. The Salem News noted that most of their tourist is "witch-related" – the estimate of visitors on Halloween alone was up to 100,000, by 2014. With the glut of tourists in October, go any other time of year. The Huffington Post suggests winter.

16 Locals avoid: Roswell, New Mexico

The relatively small, desert town of Roswell, New Mexico is famous because in 1947, rancher W. W. Brazel found the remains of what he thought to be a flying saucer on his nearby ranch, wrote TIME in 2015. The official explanation TIME reported was that the debris belonged to a fallen weather balloon, but the hubbub around the over-the-top reporting of the event lead to conspiracies that the government covered up actual alien contact. And so, Roswell became the center of UFO enthusiasm in the United States. And while there is a UFO Museum and an art museum in Roswell, it’s mostly a town in the desert where, according to officials records, a UFO never landed.

15 Locals avoid: Alliance, Nebraska and Carhenge

If you can't make it to the UK to see the prehistoric and mysterious ritual site of Stonehenge, why not go see one in rural Nebraska made out of cars? Because it's in Nebraska and is made out of cars. In fact, the 1987 monument called Carhenge was built by artist Jim Reinders to commemorate his father's life, according to the monument's website. And while there was heart behind the making of the monument, it's still just a bunch of cars stuck in the ground. The Street, who listed Carhenge among the worst tourist attractions in the US had this to say about the site, "Really? Really?"

14 Locals avoid: Orlando, Florida

Orlando is known the world over as the home of Disney World, Universal, and other theme parks. Overcrowded theme parks that require waiting in lines for hours in the sweltering Florida heat. And all of these are very expensive, according to Creative Travel Guide. While some people love Orlando and its parks, the heat and the waiting would make others (like myself) run in the opposite direction. Other Internet lists of things to do in Orlando that aren't park-related, like those made by Visit Orlando or other bloggers, include things that are also parks – like the mini golf or Fun Spot America. Unless you have kids to entertain, don't bother with all the heat and hassle of Orlando.

13 Locals avoid: Ardmore, Oklahoma

Ardmore bills itself as an Oklahoma tourist spot, according to the city's tourism website, but it really seems to be a small town with big aspirations. It is home to the Eliza Cruce Hall Doll Museum, a display of rare dolls in the Ardmore Public Library. There is the Lake Murray State Park, the Southwest Historical Museum, the Military Memorial Museum, and the small Gold Mountain Casino. Unless you have intersecting interests in rare dolls, military history, and gambling, you should find another small town to spend your weekend vacation in.

12 Locals avoid: Los Alamos, New Mexico

Historical site and location of the Manhattan Project? Yes. Radioactive? Also yes. Greg Mello, a member of the nuclear watchdog Los Alamos Study Group who was interviewed by the Santa Fe New Mexican in 2015 noted that "Los Alamos will never be clean." As recently as this year, according to U.S. News, a lab worker injured on the job was found to have been infected with radiation. So read about the fascinating science that happened and continued to happen at Los Alamos, but skip the visit.

11 Locals avoid: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

When you go to a new place and there are multiple airbrush t-shirt shops and open-air “7D” movie theaters, you may have stumbled into a tourist trap, (what even are these other 4 dimensions that these movie theaters offer?). Gatlinburg is nestled in the Smoky Mountains and on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, so there is plenty to attract nature lovers. But in downtown Gatlinburg, it is the hokey souvenir shops and Ripley's Believe It or Not-type spectacle that bring tourists in in droves. Best Life noted that the four thousand full-time residents of Gatlinburg have to grapple with the twelve million visitors to Sevier County every year.

10 Locals avoid: Cleveland, Ohio

Sure, it's home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but the fact that there isn't much else to do or see in the metropolis landed it on Flocka's list of the "8 Worst Cities to Visit in the US". Forbes has also listed it as one of the most miserable cities in the United States multiple times – there's a reason the city is known as "the mistake by the lake". Don't make the mistake and visit.

9 Locals avoid: Nashville, Tennessee

There is a lot going on in Nashville, Tennessee, from the abundant tourist traps (Broadway) to places genuinely worth the visit (the Ryman Auditorium), according to Thrillist. Nashville is on this list, however, because of how inaccessible the city can be. With the exception of the very small downtown area, Nashville is a collection of suburban neighborhoods and strip malls, according to Nashville Guru. And while there are some interesting things in those strip malls, as an outsider those spots can be tough to navigate. If you don't know a local, or can't stand country music, skip Music City.

8 Locals avoid: McLean, Texas and the Devil's Wire Museum

Did you know that there's a museum in Texas dedicated to the history of barbed wire? Are you going to forget that fact almost immediately? Us, too. The Street also included this museum among its worst tourist attractions in America. While the small museum in tiny McLean, Texas (population 707, according to the Census Bureau) no doubt has an exhaustive history of barbed wire, it is one historical topic that doesn't seem worth the gas money. Roadtrippers also called the town "nearly-abandoned ghost town frozen in time", so there isn't much else to do there, either.

7 Locals avoid: Mitchell, South Dakota and the Corn Palace

Now, if the Corn Palace were made out of corn, it might qualify as impressive. It isn't. It is an homage to the golden crop complete with murals made of corn that is advertised as "the world's only corn palace." Some 500,000 people visit each year, according the Corn Palace website. The palace was so popular after its founding in 1892 that the building had to be expanded to accommodate more visitors. According to the Corn Palace, the current building is the third corn palace. But there is an online live feed of the Corn Palace, so just stay home and eat some popcorn and cheesy corn and have a similar experience.

6 Locals avoid: Rehoboth, Delaware

Rehoboth, Delaware has gone the way of many a boardwalk beach, according to Best Life. The once-quiet coastal town now attracts tourists galore. Best Life noted that this town of only 1400 attracts thousands of tourists a year. So the overpriced eateries and gimmicky shops catering to tourists moved into the boardwalk, along with theme parks like Funland and Jungle Jim's, pushing out the locals. Don't be one of those tourists.

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The 10 worst u.s. cities for a weekend getaway.

Avoid these 10 U.S. cities if you don't want to deal with crowds, noise, and stress.

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When looking to get away for the weekend, you may be drawn to well-known U.S. cities noted for their vibes, amenities, or tourist attractions. But when you’re planning a relaxing trip, the last thing you want to do is visit an area with crowds of tourists.

If you're looking to step up your travel game with a weekend getaway that's both fun and peaceful, steer clear of these over-crowded, over-priced, and sometimes over-hyped U.S. cities.

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Lake Tahoe, California

Lake Tahoe has a reputation for being where celebrities visit for year-round fun. But there’s a very big reason not to visit.

This naturally beautiful area is struggling under the weight of tourism so badly that the roads have become dust, traffic jams are common, and the lake itself is losing its clarity and beauty.

Once a pristine natural destination, the beaches are now packed and the trails are worn, creating a less enjoyable experience and more damage to the environment.

New York City, New York

The Big Apple has long been an attractive destination and a world-class city. While it still holds its appeal, there are few cities in the country worse in terms of omnipresent tourists, high prices, and limited benefits.

Sure, it can be fun to see Times Square or take in a show on Broadway, but you’ll have to book everything in advance to have a chance at the experience. Even then, the crowds can be overwhelming.

The city really never sleeps, thanks to the crowds and other noise pollution, so a relaxing trip isn’t as likely as you’d expect.

Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles has all of the promise of Hollywood but doesn’t deliver for many people. A weekend trip here will mean lots of traffic, whether you’re on I-5 or I-405.

Although the city is considered safe, the downtown area is often very crowded, pushing prices and access to restaurants and attractions to the limit.

The weather in L.A. is often good, but it can be very hot for some. You may also find managing Los Angeles International Airport exhausting.

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Lake Mead, Arizona

Lake Mead was once an exceptional experience for a weekend getaway, but quite a bit has changed in the last few years.

For one, water levels have fallen so much that there’s limited access in some areas. While it’s not likely the crowds will be overwhelming, the drought has moved many of the amenities that once flourished here away.

There’s less to do, temperatures are hot, and the water at Hoover Dam may soon be insufficient to generate the hydroelectric power the region needs.

New Haven, Connecticut

New Haven paints a pretty image of crisp fall leaves, antiquing, and fine dining, which sounds like an ideal weekend getaway. Unfortunately, it’s not as pretty as it seems in the pictures.

New Haven has one of the highest crime rates in the United States, and much of the city lives below poverty. It's understandable if tourism isn't high on their list of priorities.

San Francisco, California

Another California city on the list, San Francisco, has quite a bit to offer for a weekend getaway, including entertainment and some sightseeing. However, the crowds can be exasperating.

A trip to some of the tourism hotspots like Alcatraz can suck up all of your time waiting. Waiting is the name of the game in many of the city’s attractions.

Like other cities on this list, San Fran is best experienced on a longer getaway.

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Sedona, Arizona

Though a weekend getaway in the hills of Sedona sounds incredible because of its weather and golf, the area has become far more difficult to enjoy in those aspects.

The shopping — which has long been a popular activity in the area — has become very tourist-focused, and it’s not uncommon to have to sidestep the numerous timeshare professionals hoping to get you to sign up.

Popular attractions like Slide Rock State Park attract so many people that it can take a long wait in line to get in, and then the park area is overcrowded with tourists.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas may be known for its over-the-top lifestyle, from casinos to incredible entertainment, and it’s long been a popular location to visit for a weekend getaway.

However, many things make it less enjoyable, starting with the very high prices for everything. You’ll also need to plan meals out at off times to ensure there’s availability and to book taxis well in advance to ensure you don’t have to wait a long time.

Miami, Florida

Miami is one of the hottest cities in the country to visit, and while the beach is an attractive option, the crowds make it hard to enjoy this location.

There’s lots of traffic, plenty of tourists making it hard to navigate on foot, and very high prices on just about anything. The city also isn’t very family-friendly and, though it was once the destination for young people, it’s become much less accessible.

Miami may be a good destination for spring break, but you’re unlikely to find a weekend of relaxation here.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

The thrill of Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras may have attracted you as a young college student, but New Orleans doesn’t often make the list of one of the best places for a weekend getaway.

The city isn’t the cleanest place to visit, and the crowds are often shoulder-to-shoulder. That often means long lines for simple meals and a lack of ability to find a hotel within your price point.

New Orleans is still a party city, with loud music and lots of action, but everything from horse manure to debauchery in the streets makes the city far less attractive today.

Bottom line

You can still visit these destinations with some careful planning, especially if you rack up points and rewards with any of these top travel credit cards .

Just plan to visit during the off-season, make reservations as far in advance as possible, and don’t expect to do it all if you only have a few days.

As an alternative, consider visiting the cities within a 30-minute drive to any of these locations. You’ll likely get similar weather and proximity to the same attractions, but with lower prices and fewer crowds.

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15 Secret places you're NOT allowed to Visit in the U.S.A

Explore the top 15 secret and off-limits locations across the U.S., from Area 51 to hidden NSA spy hubs. Perfect for travelers intrigued by America's most secretive spots.

Secret Places, Restricted Areas & Closed Cities in the U.S.A

There is nothing which sparks curiosity more than secret places and restricted areas...especially in the US.

The United States of America is a hub of secret and restricted places from  Area 51, closed U.S Cities such as Mercury, Nevada   and even  NSA Spy hubs  dotted around many U.S states from  Los Angeles  and  New York City , to even  Dallas  and  Seattle !

Is there an NSA spy hub in your state?  Read on and you will find out later in this article.

• What have they got to hide?

These secret and restricted places are the talk of many conspiracy theorists, with the same questions always being asked.

• Why can't I go?
• Why is the place so secretive?

Then due to the lack of answers or contradicting answers given by the Government or officials, people start to make up there own theories, using the little evidence which can be gathered. " maybe it's Aliens" , "maybe its a UFO" , "is it a secret area for the rich & powerful?".

To help ease your curiosity here at Town and Tourist we have put a list of the 15 most secretive places and restricted areas across the U.S. As a bonus we have also included a section on the U.S.A's last "closed town" Mercury, Nevada.

1. Area 51, Nevada U.S.A

Area 51 has been the source of conspiracy theories for many decades now in the U.S.A.

It is one of the most  Secretive places on earth  and according to many conspiracy theorists the source of many cover ups! Officially ,the site is an Air Force Facility in the Nevada desert. However, it took the  CIA  till  2013  to publicly acknowledge it's existence!

Another name for Area 51 is  Groom Lake,  it was believed to have been originally setup to test & research top secret aircraft and advanced weapons technologies for the CIA back in  1955.

The official purpose or mission of the base is still covert and highly classified.

The secrecy which surrounds Area 51 has made many theorists believe a  UFO or Aliens were once captured there!

Area 51 aerial shot. [Secret places] Photo by popularmechanics.com (Restricted Areas USA)

Area 51 is officially off limits with the area around the Groom lake area, controlled by Surveillance, security and even motion sensors.

The area above area 51 is a no fly zone for commercial and civilian aircraft.

On all government U.S maps it officially does not exist and is a secret place with no registered roads leading up to it.

Can you visit Area 51?

If you really want to get as close as you can to Area 51, head to the nearby town of  Rachel, on the famous "Extraterrestrial highway" .

This area is pretty close to Area 51 and popular for tourists, Conspiracy theorists and UFO enthusiasts.

Area 51 sign 2019, No drones allowed! (Restricted Areas USA)

2. Coca Cola Vault, Georgia, U.S.A

What is more heavily guarded the some of the most prized jewels in the world?  Only Coca Cola's secret recipe for immense success.

Some call it the " Billion Dollar Formula " and it's the secret to Coca Colas unique flavor and blend, which can not be found in nature.

Many have tried to replicate it over the years but it is never quite the same.

The closely guarded formula is one of the most highly regarded industry secrets and housed inside the  Coca Cola Vault  in the  Word of Coca Cola Museum in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.

Coca Cola Vault which houses the secret formula of Coca Cola. (Secret Places). Photo by: Documentary Tube. (Restricted Areas USA)

Can I visit the Coca Cola Vault?

Coca Cola is an Iconic beverage with a timeless flavor...with the recipe closely guarded. However, this article has made your curiosity start to bubble you can still take a tour of the Coca Cola Vault inside the World of the Coca Cola Vault...you can even see the door!

However, be aware that it is restricted to enter inside the vault for anybody with high security surrounding the heavy duty vault.

3. Dulce Base, New Mexico, US

Dulce a small town Northern New Mexico, close to the Colorado border. The secret town of Dulce houses around 2,600 people, (mostly Native American).

However, this hidden little town is believed to hold many strange secrets.

Some people believe that  Dulce , is home to  Dulce Base  a Giant underground facility, where weird experiments are done and advanced biological technologies were developed.

Dulce Base Aerial Shot. Photo by Huffpost.com (Secret Places) (Restricted Areas USA)

According a  Huffington Post report . a former U.S government employed explosive engineer (With High level security clearance) named  Philip Schneider  took part in building a " Secret Underground Base " in 1979 at Dulce, New Mexico.

Schneider alleged he was suspicious of the standard engineering operation.

When he noticed the presence of  Green Berets  and Special Forces operatives.

He alleges that while drilling he actually came face to face with a 7 foot grey, slimy alien and shot it dead!

Dulce Base Diagram Image by Skeptoid.com (Secret Places)

But wait it gets even crazier, according to reports from the engineers there was an underground battle, with 60 people losing their life!

Although this sounds like science fiction, many have pointed out that Philip Schneider, as an outspoken critic of the U.S government on their alleged Alien cover up,

faced an untimely death due to a Suicide...coincidence or did he see something down there.

Dulce Base, Underground drilling.

Photo by Subversiveelement.com

(Secret places) (Restricted Areas USA)

Overall, this gigantic subterranean facility is believed to house, all sorts of weird gene mixing and splicing tests. From human clone creation to Freakish human-alien hybrids.Either way the Dulce Base is one of the  U.S.A's most secret places.

4. Mount Weather, Virginia, US

A secret underground Military base, embedded inside a Mountain! No this isan't something from a James Bond Movie, it's in fact a real place! Mount weather is located just  74km or 46 miles  from  Washington DC .

Dubbed as a " Emergency Operations Center" , this heavy duty fortress is used to house all the highest levels of U.S government should there be a national disaster.

Built during the Cold War era,  Mount Weather  is ran by the  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  for the purpose of protecting not just high level American politicians, but also some of the US's national treasures, such as the art currently in the National Gallery.

This is not your standard security bunker, with a vast array of facilities from hospitals and Cafeterias to power plants and event a mass transit station to allow communication to the nation should there be an emergency.

Mount Weather (Hidden Places) Photo by: nbcwashington.com (Restricted Areas USA)

Mount Weather has been called the " Perfect place to go if there was an Apocalypse " .

As you have everything you need, security, food and advanced communication technologies at the highest level.

It was actually used during the  9/11 attacks  with government officials being airlifted to the facility when the disaster struck.

Can I go if there is an Emergency?

Unfortunately, you can't just knock on the door during the next zombie apocalypse...the fortress has a perimeter set up with the most secure technology in the world, a host of armed guards and of course razor wire cladded fences! So you will struggle to find out whats inside this secret place.

5. Club 33, California

Located in  Anaheim, California, Club 33 is a secret place inside Disneyland for the exclusive elite...with no kids allowed.

An an "Invitation Only private club" you need someone inside the club to get you an invite...oh and then I forgot to mention you have to pay  $100,000 !

Now that's "Mickey Mouse Money" as they say in the U.K.

Located at the intersection of Royal Street & Orleans Street in New Orleans Square, this club was setup in 1967 as a place to host investors, dignitaries and celebrities.

Club 33 Secret Place in DisneyLand.

Photo by Pete Hottelet. (thedrinksbusiness.com) (Restricted Areas USA)

This design of Club 33 was done by Mr Walt Disney himself as a perfect place for him to entertain business associates.

It is quite a secret as to what the inside of Club 33 is like, however we do know it's the only place in Disney to serve alcohol courtesy of the 1901 lounge...so at least thats something for the  $100,000 price tag . Oh and after the initial cost members pay  $30,000  per year to maintain the membership.

Membership perks at Club 33?

Apart from the Alcohol as a member of this secret place, you will have access to two fine dining halls, valet parking, vip card and even a jazz lounge called the Le Salon Nouveau.

However, i think the real reason many will join the hidden place, is for the valuable business connections and subsequent business deals to be made here by the rich and powerful of the U.S.A.

6. North Brother Island, New York, US

North Brother island is one of the most infamous and secretive places in the U.S.A.

Located on New York City's East River, this abandoned & secret place has a dark past, which results in it being a forbidden area today.

What happened on the North Brother Island?

While, the state of New York purchased the island in  1885  as a place to build  Riverside hospital .

This was a specialist hospital designed to house people with very contagious diseases like tuberculosis, typhus, yellow fever & even smallpox.

North Brother Island and the abandoned Riverside hospital. Photo by AbandonedNY. (Restricted Areas USA)

A famous patient at this hospital was "Typhoid Mary", the first american officially diagnosed with typhoid fever.

During World War 2, this quarantine facility was setup to help military veterans. After that it was setup as a rehab facility for heroin addicts!

These days it is a officially a "bird sanctuary" and the state of New York city has officially FORBIDDEN anyone from visiting!

What has North Brother Island got to hide?

This has sparked many questions from people wondering what have they got to hide?

Is there still patients in the Hospital? Is the ghost of "Typhoid Mary" on the Island?   Some people say it's what the movie " Shutter Island " was inspired by with Leonardo Dicaprio.

Despite the urges to keep away by New York State, many people have tried to sneak on the secret island just to take one last glimpse of the hidden and infamous  Riverside hospital !

7. Fort Knox - U.S.A

Fort Knox is dubbed the most secure place in U.S.A and even the world! As the largest gold Bullion depository in the United States, this place is a restricted fortress!  So what is stored in Fort Knox?

Apart from precious metals, such as gold and silver (it is estimated that 2% of the worlds mined metals are stored here)...what other hidden treasures are here.

According to many sources, Fort Knox once held the royal crown of Hungary and even copies of the Magna Carta! Some theorists even believe Fort Knox is holding the holy grail of Mary Madelene for the Knights Templar! For more on this read the Da Vinci code by Darren brown!

Fort Knox - The a very secure and secret place. photo by the event chronicle (Restricted Areas USA)

As Fort Knox is the most secure place in the world it's pretty difficult to really know what secrete treasures are in there. For aspiring thief's, Fort Knox would be the ultimate haul.

However, with the building made up of 4200 cubic yards of concrete, 16,000 cubic feet of granite and 750 tonnes of reinforced solid steel...this would not be an easy "job".

This is not even accounted the security surrounding the actual vault...with some theorists stating they would have lasers, armed drones and even land mines!

8. Bohemian Grove, California.

An exclusive club for the elite, rich and powerful which controls america..

Bohemian Grove has been around for over 150 years.  Nestled on 2,700 acres of California redwoods.

The secret club is believed to be a right wing hub of control for the elites of the U.S.A.

They are believed to have influence over everything from politics to industry and even trade...meeting two weeks every year.

How to become a member of Bohemian Grove?

To become a member of this secret club you have to be someone of the elite and of significance.

Then you need to be invited by a current member and then you must pay  $25,000 plus annual fees.

Prominent members include Republican Presidents, high up politicians, business mogul's and even a few popular artists.

Notable Members of this Secret Place:

Presidents Ronald Reagan and Richard Nixon were both members of Bohemian Grove. (A Secret place or an American institution, you decide Photo by

Wikipedia Commons.

(Restricted Areas USA)

9. Robins Island, New York

Robins Island is a 435 acre private island. Located off the coast of New Suffolk, New York. It is forbidden for public to enter Robin Island and is a restricted area.

Robins island has been plagued with many stories of failed ventures and many owners...it's quite a mystery.

Today it is officially a  nature reserve and Sanctuary.

The owner  "Mr Louis Bacon"  has spent lots on rebuilding the natural eco system of the island, bringing in mature oak trees and improving the wildlife.

As he does not want to see it destroyed by Commercialization.

There is a chance this could open in the future to public so keep your ears open for  Robins Island - the jewel of the Peconic

Dmadeo | Wikimedia Commons

Fun Fact: Robbins Island has the healthiest population of turtles, in the state of New York.

10. NSA Hidden Spy Hubs Across the U.S.A

The nsa's most secret places to spy on you.

Is the NSA spying on you??  This is a question which is on the minds of many US citizens these days, with the recent scandals and data protection laws being addressed, it can be a worry for many.

The truth lies behind the fortified walls of certain windowless skyscrapers all over many U.S states.

These fortress like buildings are  restricted, secret  and build to withstand terrorist attacks and even natural disasters.

You may walk past one of these buildings every day and not even notice it.

These are the  NSA Spy Hubs .  Is there one in your state?

The Fortress like and secretive  NSA spy hubs  are all over the United states, here are just some of the states which have being confirmed according to a  source.  States/cities with a confirmed NSA spy hub include:   Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Los Angles, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle and of course Washington D.C.

NSA and AT&T Spying Partnership:

These NSA spy hubs, are part of the controversial National Security Agency Surveillance program and an Integral part of one of the worlds largest largest telecommunications networks. (AT&T) .

This basically means that the NSA has access to every piece of data transmitted by it's citizens, across the United States.

The  NSA  regards  AT&T  to be one of its most trusted partners and has spoke previously of the company’s  “extreme willingness to help" .

Many people have concerns about the ethics surrounding this spying and the secret power that the NSA has.

Due to the NSA's unique relationship with phone and internet providers across the U.S.A, you can be assured that they leverage this communications infrastructure and the Spying hubs across the U.S.A to  monitors billions of emails, phone calls and even online chats!

According to our source  (the intercept)  , they have revealed a body of evidence including  classified NSA documents, public records, and interviews with former AT&T employees which indicates that the secret buildings are central to an NSA spying initiative!

Full list of Restricted Access NSA Spy Hubs:

As you might of guessed these building have restricted access and what goes on inside is officially top secret. However, here are some of the exact addresses of the NSA spy hubs.

• Seattle, Washington. 1122 3rd Avenue.
• San Francisco, California, 611 Folsom Street
• Chicago, Illinois, 10 South Canal Street
• 420 South Grand Avenue, Los Angles, California.
• 4211 Bryan Street, Dallas, Texas
• 51 Peachtree centre avenue, Atlanta, Georgia.
• 30E Street, Southwest, Washington D.C,
• 811 10T, New York.

11. Niihau, USA

This Hawaiian Island is a secret place, which acts sanctuary for many rare animal species and houses just  130 local residents .

With tourists having restricted access, it's no wonder that this place has been nicknamed the  Forbidden island

Aerial view of Niʻihau Island in Hawaiʻi, looking southwestward from the north. Taken by Christopher P. Becker (polihale.com) on 25 Sep 2007 from a helicopter. Via

Wiki Creative Commons

12. Diego Garcia, Indian Ocean, U.S.A occupied.

Legend has it that diego garcia has a secret prison and is even the landing place of the mh370.

Diego Garcia is a small Island in the Indian Ocean and is technically an overseas territory of Great Britain.

However, in 1966, the United States were given rights to use the island in return for cancelling a $14million debt owed by Great Britain.

As a restricted area and U.S military base it has been the subject of a wide range of conspiracy theories, from it housing a secret prison to the landing place of the MH370.

Diego Garcia (U.S.A Secret Places) Source:

USGS/NASA Landsat data/Gallo Images/Getty images. (A secret place with alot of controversy) (Restricted Areas USA)

It is public knowledge that Diego Garcia is a launching point for military flights to Afghanistan & Iraq.

It is also a ground station for the Global Positioning System (GPS) ran by the United States Air Force.

The actual base of Diego Garcia is home to  654 buildings  and around  4,000 military personnel.

The secrecy of what really goes on at this military base was brought to light in 2009, with the United States military evicting several thousand of the islands local residents!

There was outcry by many, but the United states Military did not respond on the specific reason for the mass eviction...it's all top secret.

13. The Marshall Islands - Pacific Proving Grounds, U.S.A

Bikini Atoll - The Secret US Nuclear Testing Island.

The  Pacific Proving Grounds  was the name given by  the United States  government for number of sites in the Marshall  Islands   and the Pacific Ocean, which it conducted  nuclear testing  between  1946-1962  .

During this time the United States conducted 67 nuclear tests on the Marshall Islands, with the first on nuclear weapon test (codename able) launched on Bikini Atoll in  1946.

If the Nuclear power of all these tests were combined and then averaged out over that historically period it would be equal to  1.6 Hiroshima sized explosions per day!

The largest ever American Nuclear weapons test( 15 mega tonnes ) was detonated 280 miles northwest from  Bikini Atoll .

As you can imagine, the fallout from such intense nuclear testing was immense, with  radioactive fallout even detected on cattle in Tennessee!

“ We located the one spot on Earth that hadn’t been touched by the war and blew it to hell, ” Bob Hope reportedly once said.

Bikini Islanders Exiled?

During the Nuclear testing phase Bikini islanders were exiled and forbidden from the islands. In 1970's they were allowed to return, however then they were  removed again in 1978 !

The reason this time was it was noticed that the islanders had been ingesting dangerously high levels of radiation from eating foods, which were grown on the former nuclear testing site.

This forgotten ground zero, with never been the same and although the local islanders can return, many still worry about the radiation and other fallout from this dark period in history. Sources.  Washington Post       Guardian News

14. Menwith Hill Royal Air force Station - U.K [Leased to U.S.A]

Menwith Hill  is a Royal Air Force Base located in the United Kingdom.

This is one of the most secretive places in U.K and thus subject to a vast array of conspiracy theories.

Back in 1954, the British War Office purchased 550 acres of land and leased it to the United States Military.

What goes on in Menwith Royal Air Force Base?

So what goes on in  Menwith Royal Air Force Station?

While what goes on at  Menwith Hill  is top secret, it is thought that it was originally setup during the Cold war for spying and intelligence gathering.

These days on NSA and Echelon spies can enter the base, with what they are working on kept very secret.

This has even led to protests from the locals demanding what is going on so close to their homes...the battle continues, but for now whatever is going on will remain restricted.

Vyacheslav Argenberg | Wikimedia Commons

15. Closed Cities, Hidden towns? Mecury, Nevada.

Are there any closed cities still in the u.s.a.

One such type of area which is kept secret, restricted and closed of from the rest of society are U.S closed cities!  So what is a "Closed city"?

It's like a normal city with people working and living there lives but it's closed off from other parts of society.

The first closed city ever built was in  Washington State.  T

he city was restricted and closed with the closest thing to it being a high security military base.

But it get's even more secret and restricting...not only is no one allowed to enter,  but no one is allowed to leave!

Why create a closed City?

Usually, the first question on everyones mind is...why?

The official government report on closed cities such as this in the U.S.A was that it was closed off and a restricted area to prevent " sensitive military secrets and research being leaked out".

The train of thought is that the majority of these closed U.S Cities were created for the top secret "Manhattan Project", which main goal was to develop the first Nuclear Bomb.

Popular areas such as  Los Alamos, Oak Ridge, Tennessee  and  New Mexico  were closed to outsiders, made restricted areas and placed under control of the U.S.A military.

According to

In January 2019 a Man was shot after he led Police on a Chase into the closed Town and Restricted Area of Mercury, Nevada. Photo by SOURCE: Ken Lund/Wikimedia Commons (Secret Places USA)

Back in  1941,  the town of Dugway, Utah was made a closed city by the US Government. This was to be the hub research for biological and chemical warfare testing.

The idea of the town was to act as a place to house all the researchers, and their families.

This has three benefits, the first is the researchers are close to the testing facilities, the second is that is area is restricted and secret so that "No one comes in or out" without government approval.

This prevents secrets & sensitive military information being leaked out.

The third one and probably the most sinister, is that if there was a terrible accident and dangerous contamination via a biological or chemical weapon, then the area would be effectively quarantined.

From a common sense perspective this makes sense, however it's quite likely that the researchers and families who were worked in the secret restricted areas would also not be allowed to leave should such an accident occur.

Mercury, Nevada - The U.S.A's most closed, hidden and restricted town.

Although the majority of these historic closed cities are now no longer closed, there are still a few left in the U.S.A.

The first is the town of  Mercury, Nevada. This was a thriving hub in the 1950's with a population of 10,000.

It was the home to everything a normal town has, schools, bars, restaurants.

However, it was also home to the scientists who tested the first ever nuclear bombs!

Mercury, Nevada Today?

These days it has restricted access and you are forbidden to head into the town without government clearance.

The exact numbers on the amount of people who still live there is classified, although it is rumoured that around 500 people live there still who are mostly researchers.

Closed cities like Mercury, Nevada are not too common in the U.S these days, however in places like Russia and North Korea there are many and even North Korea as a whole is very restricted area.

• If your plan on road tripping to these secret spots check out:  Ultimate Car Rental Travel Hacks!
• For the best hotel prices, check out this post:  How to find the Best Hotel Deals??

Don’t have time to plan??

Planning a vacation can be really time consuming and even stressful at times!!

If you would like a fully organised,  bespoke tour  or  vacation plan , including everything you need  Flights ,  Hotels, Accommodation and activities!

Check out this page here:  Which are the Best travel Tours?

Want to discover America's Abandoned Amusement Parks?

Check out this great article for you.

13 Most Creepy Abandoned Amusement Parks in America!

Ukrainian ghost town of Pripyat, the abandoned ferris wheel is a true symbol of the Chernobyl nuclear Disaster! Photo by: Sergei Supinsky / AFP/Getty Images.

Want to discover Americas top driving roads? Check out this fantastic article:

25 Most Epic Driving Roads in the U.S.A: Road Trip Ideas!

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Here are the top 19 countries that the US State Department says aren't safe for American citizens to travel to

• The State Department ranks countries worldwide by their safety level for US citizens.
• The countries deemed too dangerous for travel are often known for civil unrest, military actions, and kidnappings.
• Avoid traveling to these 19 countries that the US has labeled as "Do Not Travel." 

The State Department cautioned against traveling to Venezuela due to "crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws" as well as "wrongful detentions, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure." 

Many Venezuelan migrants have fled to the US to seek asylum from "crimes against humanity," Insider previously reported. 

"Violent crimes, such as homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and carjacking, are common," the State Department's warning said, adding that there is a "risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals." 

"Do not travel to Iraq due to terrorism, kidnapping, armed conflict, civil unrest , and Mission Iraq's limited capacity to provide support to U.S. citizens," the State Department has cautioned .

"Terrorist and insurgent groups regularly attack Iraqi security forces and civilians. Anti-U.S. militias threaten U.S. citizens and international companies throughout Iraq." 

The US conflict in Iraq post-9/11 has been one of the most deadly, amounting to tens of thousands of deaths, Insider previously reported. 

The State Department advised against  traveling to Somalia due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health issues, kidnapping, and piracy."

"Violent crime, such as kidnapping and murder, is common throughout Somalia, including Puntland and the Somaliland region. Illegal roadblocks are widespread," the department warned of the East African country, where "terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks."

In October, two car bombings in the country's capital of Mogadishu left over 120 dead and 150 more injured, Reuters reported. 

The US State Department warned of "kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest" in the poverty-stricken country of Haiti. 

"Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings," according to the department's December 2022 warning. 

Hundreds of Haitians have also died due to a cholera outbreak, Insider reported in December. 

The State Department has warned against travel to Ukraine since Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022.

"Those choosing to remain in Ukraine should exercise caution due to the potential for military attacks, crime, and civil unrest," per the agency. 

The Federal Aviation Administration and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency have "prohibited flights into, out of, and over Ukraine due to ongoing military actions."

Afghanistan

US citizens should not travel to Afghanistan due to "armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping," the State Department said . 

"Travel to all areas of Afghanistan is unsafe and the risk of kidnapping or violence against U.S. citizens in Afghanistan is high," according to the department. "The U.S. Embassy in Kabul suspended operations on August 31, 2021. Since that time, U.S. citizens have been unjustly detained."

The department added that its ability to assist detained Americans is "extremely limited." 

Americans shouldn't travel to Yemen because of "terrorism, civil unrest, health risks, kidnapping, armed conflict, and landmines," the State Department said . 

"A civil war continues in Yemen. In addition, terrorist groups continue to plot and conduct attacks in Yemen," according to the notice. "Military conflict has caused significant destruction of infrastructure, housing, medical facilities, schools, and power and water utilities."

The US government cannot assist American citizens in emergencies since the US Embassy in Sana'a suspended operations in 2015, according to the department. 

The US warns against traveling to Syria due to "terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, armed conflict, and risk of unjust detention," according to the State Department. 

The country has endured armed conflict since 2011, the department said , adding starkly that "no part of Syria is safe from violence."

"Protests and demonstrations are quelled by government forces through aggressive tactics and protestors, activists, and political dissenters are routinely detained without access to legal representation or communications with friends and family," the State Department warned.

The State Department placed Sudan on the list due to civil unrest, crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and armed conflict. 

"Sudan is experiencing sporadic civil unrest and protests across the country," the department said . "Crime, such as kidnapping, armed robbery, home invasion, and carjacking can occur. This type of crime is more frequent outside of Khartoum."

There is also violence along the borders with Chad and South Sudan, per the agency. 

South Sudan

South Sudan is rife with armed conflict among different political groups and ethnicities, according to the State Department. 

"Violent crime, such as carjackings, shootings, ambushes, assaults, robberies, and kidnappings is common throughout South Sudan, including Juba. Foreign nationals have been the victims of rape, sexual assault, armed robberies, and other violent crimes," the department warned , adding that weapons are "readily available" to the population at large.

North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)

The US State Department warned of the "serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals" in North Korea, calling it a "critical threat." 

"All U.S. passports are invalid for travel to, in, or through the DPRK unless specially validated for such travel under the authority of the Secretary of State," the department warned. "The U.S. government is unable to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in North Korea as it does not have diplomatic or consular relations with North Korea."

Tensions between North Korea and other democratic nations have risen as the country continues to conduct ballistic missile tests . 

US citizens should avoid travel to Libya due to "crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict," according to the Department of State . 

"Crime levels in Libya remain high, including the threat of kidnapping for ransom. Westerners and U.S. citizens have been targets of these crimes," the department said. "Militia or armed groups sometimes detain travelers for arbitrary reasons, do not grant detainees access to a lawyer or a legal process, and do not allow detainees to inform others of their status."

The State Department warned against travel to Iran due to kidnapping and arbitrary arrests and detentions on "spurious charges." The US doesn't have diplomatic relations with Iran.

"Iranian authorities continue to unjustly detain and imprison U.S. nationals, particularly dual national U.S.-Iranian nationals--including students, journalists, business travelers, and academics--on charges including espionage and posing a threat to national security," the department warned.

Burma (Myanmar)

The State Department cited protests and military actions as reasons not to travel to Burma, adding that at least one US national had been wrongfully detained by the Burmese military.

"Do not travel to Burma due to civil unrest and armed conflict," the State Department warned . "Exercise increased caution due to wrongful detentions and areas with land mines and unexploded ordnance."

The State Department has warned against travel to Russia since President Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. US citizens in Russia may be harassed, singled out, or arbitrarily detained, the department said. 

"The U.S. government's ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel, the number of U.S. staff, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at U.S. consulates," the department said. 

The State Department warned against travel to Mali because of crime, terroristic threats, and kidnapping. 

"Violent crime, such as kidnapping and armed robbery, is common in Mali. Violent crime is a particular concern during local holidays and seasonal events in Bamako, its suburbs, and Mali's southern regions.  Roadblocks and random police checkpoints are commonplace throughout the country, especially at night," the department said. 

Central African Republic

US citizens should avoid travel to the Central African Republic due to crime, civil unrest, kidnappings, and the embassy's limited capacity to provide support to US citizens, the State Department warned . 

"Although there have been no specific incidents of violence or threats targeting U.S. citizens, civil unrest, demonstrations, and election-related violence (including renewed outbreaks of armed conflict) may occur throughout the country, including the capital of Bangui," the department said. "Violent crime, such as armed robbery, aggravated battery, and homicide, is common."

Burkina Faso

Terrorism, crime, and kidnapping should ward US citizens off from travel to Burkina Faso, according to the State Department. 

"Terrorist groups continue plotting attacks in Burkina Faso," the agency said. "Kidnapping and hostage taking is a threat throughout the country. On May 10, 2019 a hostage rescue operation freed four international hostages that had been kidnapped in Burkina Faso and in neighboring Benin."

The US is not able to provide emergency assistance to its citizens in the country, the department added. 

The State Department warned against travel to Belarus in eastern Europe due to "arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of detention, the Russian military attack on neighboring Ukraine, and the buildup of Russian military in Belarus along the border with Ukraine."

"Due to Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine from Belarus, U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region," the department said. 

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The Best Cities in the US: 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards

By CNT Editors

Now in its 36th iteration, our annual Readers’ Choice Awards continues to capture the travel experiences our readers love best, from hotels and airlines to cruises , islands , and luggage . This year, you traveled farther and deeper; seeking out remote properties; sailing on smaller, more intimate ships; and prioritizing destinations you’ve been waiting years to visit. At least that’s what a staggering 526,518 of you told us in our annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey. Now, you can use the results to decide where you’re going next—these are the best cities in the US, as voted by our readers.

View the Readers' Choice Award winners for the best cities in the world here.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Good things come in small packages, and nowhere is that more evident than in these 10 dynamic, reader-favorite cities. Whether you're on the lookout for a cutting-edge arts scene, inventive new restaurants, or eye-catching architecture, you're bound to find the next big new thing in travel.

Stunning Sedona is a must for the traveler seeking photos-won’t-do-it-justice wilderness. By day, explore its distinct red-rock monoliths, pine forests, and canyons for extraordinary views, or head into town to check out the art galleries. On clear nights, take the sky’s mind-boggling stretch of stars and stay in adobe cottages at the Enchantment Resort , a former private ranch turned luxury resort and spa. As an added bonus, Sedona is about a two-hour drive from the Grand Canyon—casual day trip to the country’s most spectacular natural wonder, anyone?

9. Annapolis

Everyone’s a sailor in picturesque Annapolis, a charming town with brick-lined streets and structures that date back centuries—and, of course, the US Naval Academy. Even if you aren’t a fresh-faced recruit in bright whites, you can still tour the academy’s excellent museum and model gallery or simply take a leisurely stroll through its Beaux Arts campus. Given its location on the Chesapeake Bay , it should come as no surprise that Annapolis is a wonderland for seafood lovers as well—a visit to O’Learys Seafood Restaurant for crab cakes is an essential part of any visit.

8. Pensacola

Florida certainly has no shortage of beautiful beaches, but few places have the blindingly white sand and Caribbean-blue waters you’ll find in and around this town. Head to the nearby barrier islands for the best (and least crowded) stretches of sand: Pensacola Beach on Santa Rosa Island is often cited as the crown jewel of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, complete with dolphin-rich waters and sand so soft you’d swear you were walking on baby powder. Back on the mainland, spend an afternoon walking through the Chappie James Museum—a must-visit site that honors Daniel “Chappie” James Jr., a Tuskegee Airman who became the first African American to become a four-star general in any branch of the military.

7. St. Augustine

History lovers often flock to Savannah and Charleston to marvel at old buildings and ancient trees, but those cities are practically babies compared to St. Augustine. Founded in 1565, this Spanish-influenced city shines with its ​​colonial architecture and old brick streets—not to mention historic treasures like Flagler College and the imposing Castillo de San Marcos—but the drinking and dining scenes here are totally modern. Be sure to grab some sunset cocktails at The Reef (preferably after surfing at Vilano Beach.)

After a pandemic that found many of us escaping to the great outdoors, readers continue to be drawn to Aspen. It’s home to some of the best ski slopes in the US—and some of the best resorts, too. The Little Nell is a popular choice for ski-in-ski-out; you can also stay at The St. Regis Aspen Resort , only a three-minute walk from the base of Aspen Mountain. If you’re more about the “après” than the “ski,” head to Meat and Cheese for the best charcuterie in town, or make a reservation at Matsuhisa Aspen , where chef Nobu Matsuhisa fuses Japanese cuisine and Peruvian ingredients. And if you've discounted the city as a summer destination, don’t: there's plenty to do here when it warms up, like hiking the Grottos Trail just east of town, or checking out the revolving contemporary art collection at the Aspen Art Museum .

5. Savannah, Georgia

Mossy, moody Savannah has no shortage of 'grammable views. Start with a walk along its cobblestoned historic district past horse-drawn carriages and ornate architecture, or find shade under live oak trees drooping with Spanish moss. Book in advance to nab a room at the Gastonian , a historic bed and breakfast just two blocks from 30-acre Forsyth Park . And for a fantastic dining experience, go to The Grey , an elegantly reborn former Greyhound Bus depot, where James Beard Award–winning chef Mashama Bailey serves elevated takes on Southern classics, like foie gras and grits and tempura-fried catfish.

4. Greenville, South Carolina

Want to get in on a secret? Plan a trip to Greenville now and you might see it just on the cusp of stardom. The food lover’s town has a farm-to-table scene that continues to rise in the ranks (try Jianna for Italian and freshly shucked oysters, and Vault & Vator, the city's first speakeasy, for a strong, well-crafted cocktail), and its craft beer scene is seeing a similar explosion. Paired with its dynamic urban spaces are abundant natural resources, including 32-acre Falls Park, which runs through the middle of town, and the Swamp Rabbit bike trail—now at a whopping 22 miles and counting.

3. Alexandria, Virginia

Washingtonians are all in on the secret, but it’s no surprise the rest of the world is catching up: Alexandria, Virginia, the charming, historic city just across the Potomac River from our nation's capital , draws travelers and would-be residents alike. Most folks start to imagine moving there immediately after setting foot in Old Town, once they’ve strolled the red-brick sidewalks, clocking street after street of perfectly preserved rowhouses from the 18th and 19th centuries. When you visit, scope out King Street, packed with boutiques, restaurants, and specialty shops; then land at the waterfront, where you can watch the boats bobbing on the water before touring the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a collective of galleries and artists’ studios. End the day at Gadsby’s Tavern, where some of our founding fathers used to drink—don’t mind the actors in colonial garb.

2. Santa Fe

Santa Fe acts as both New Mexico’s political and creative capital: Wander its wide streets, flanked by adobe houses, and you’ll begin to see why artists like Georgia O'Keeffe were so inspired by this eclectic, historic town. ( Traveler readers also can't stay away—Santa Fe has long been a regular on this list.) The city’s many art institutions, 250-plus galleries (notably SITE Santa Fe, in the Railyard, an emerging contemporary arts hub), and Spanish colonial churches keep culture fiends busy. If the fantastical is more your thing, Meow Wolf’s House of Eternal Return is an explorable art experience with more than 70 rooms of immersive art. To recharge after an active day of museum-hopping, we recommend ordering 505 Manhattans at Radish & Rye, whose 75 bourbons and whiskeys are an antidote to tequila overload.

1. Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston may be a small town, but this city punches well above its weight. When you consider everything it has to offer—history, culture, food, charm—it’s no wonder the so-called Holy City has repeatedly topped our list of the best small cities in the US. While its robust F&B scene , which includes a steady annual circuit of nationally recognized food and culture festivals, continues to be a draw, visitors are rarely prepared for the city's good looks. Stately homes, cobblestone streets, waterfront views, and an abundance of flowering window boxes only add to its welcoming vibe. Find a seat among its many outdoor terraces for a drink and some fresh oysters (we recommend hitting the Ordinary ), and try to resist the urge to up and move here.

Sure, you’ll find some familiar names on this list of the best big cities in the US, but go beyond what you might expect and you’ll find some surprising gems that are always a good idea for a reason.

With an abundance of dreamy beaches, Art Deco architecture, and incredible Cuban food, Miami was once again voted one of the best cities in the US this year. And while some of its beloved clichés (think expensive cars and neon bikinis) can still be found, the Magic City is so much more than a party destination. Art lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to museums ( Pérez Art Museum Miami is a stand-out), while travelers seeking chic cafes and vinyl shops will feel right at home in the Wynwood Arts District .

9. Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. may have finally shed its buttoned-up reputation. Yes, we're still riding the high from the 2016 opening of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture , designed by world-renowned British-Ghanian architect David Adjaye. But then came the smartly revitalized Wharf, with its can't-miss waterfront views, and the arrival of hotel Eaton , which prioritizes activism instead of pillow mints—not to mention the city’s stylish Airbnbs. Suddenly, we can't seem to get enough of the place. Something's brewing in D.C., and it's not just the craft beer.

8. Nashville

A southern city with a small-town feel, you might find that a weekend isn’t enough to get all you can out of Nashville . Music City is known for its legendary honky tonks on Lower Broadway, but be sure to take time away from the buzz of the strip to explore the city’s shops and restaurants . You’ve likely heard of Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack , but also stop into Hatch Show Print , which has been creating show posters for Nashville’s biggest venues for more than 140 years, to check out their vintage letterpress machinery and take home a piece of Nashville history.

7. New York City

New York City buzzes as though perpetually caffeinated (and most of its residents probably are)—packed with people moving, creating, and making the most of every block. After a requisite visit to a few world-class museums (you can never take enough trips to the Met or the Guggenheim ), make like a local by tucking into soup dumplings in Chinatown , pizza in Greenwich Village, and steak frites in Soho, and walking it all off on the High Line ; or picnic in Bryant Park. Of course, there are four boroughs beyond Manhattan, and they deserve love, too; stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge for a drink at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge , or venture out to Long Island City for a day at MoMa PS1 . In this town for all seasons, there's no wrong itinerary.

For one of the oldest cities in the US, Boston sure has aged with style. To get a quick refresher on our nation’s history, walk the Freedom Trail , a 2.5-mile route along a string of historic sites that takes you through the country’s founding. Other activities worth adding to your itinerary include slurping up oysters at Neptune , visiting the eclectic salon-style art display at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum , and catching a ball game at Fenway Park . Just be sure to learn the words to “Sweet Caroline” before you go.

5. San Francisco

While San Francisco is on the small side for a major city, at just 49 square miles, it packs a punch. Yes, there’s Alcatraz and the famed Golden Gate Bridge , but you could also spend a whole day wandering through the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art or discovering street art in the character-filled Mission District. Treat yourself to some pampering at one of the city’s fantastic spas , or head north and take in the majesty of the redwoods in Muir Woods . Add in some of the best restaurants and bars in the world and a hotel scene that truly has something for everyone, and you’ll likely find that one visit to the city by the bay just isn’t enough.

4. New Orleans

It's easy to experience New Orleans through its most popular attractions: Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street, Cafe du Monde (which is great, don't get us wrong), and Preservation Hall jazz (also fantastic). But there's so much more to this soulful city. Its Creole, Cajun, and French roots inform everything from the music on Frenchman Street to the food and cocktails in the French Quarter over to the Bywater. It's also worth exploring the revitalized Warehouse District, home to the city's Ace Hotel , where you could easily stumble on half a dozen excellent galleries all within a few blocks' radius, or spend a whole day in contemplation at the National WWII Museum .

3. Milwaukee

So much more than just a day trip from Chicago , Milwaukee has many (if not all) of the same qualities that make other cities on this list buzz—and then some. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, the city’s surprisingly eco-diverse location makes it a hotbed of locavore cuisine. A spate of award-winning restaurants have helped Milwaukee shed its beer-and-cheer reputation, though you can still get your fill of both between fine dinners. The dedicated revitalization of neighborhoods such as the historic Third Ward and Lincoln Village has also kept visitors busy with specialty shops, galleries, and more creative businesses.

2. San Diego

Several years ago, travelers headed to San Diego might have wondered what they would do in the city, besides hitting the beaches . No longer. With a recent string of hot hotel openings (like the Guild and the Carté) and a legit food scene that offers up some of the best Mexican dishes and seafood platters you'll ever taste, San Diego has officially stepped out from the shadow of its big sister to the north, earning world-class destination status that goes well beyond the waves. Come for the sunshine, sure; but stay for everything else.

1. Chicago, Illinois

It's no wonder Chicago is topping this list yet again. A world-class destination known for its impressive architecture, first-rate museums, brilliant chefs, and massive brewing scene, it’ll take several repeat visits to get through your list of must-dos. Most people start downtown—from the Magnificent Mile to the ritzy Gold Coast to funky Old Town—but there are 77 neighborhoods to explore, where you'll find cutting-edge restaurants , chilled-out corner bars , and, no matter where you go, some of the most pleasant people you'll find anywhere.

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America's Best Towns to Visit

10 great US towns to check out now

These destinations, selected by CNN Travel editors, offer loads of personality and plenty to see and do without the elbow-to-elbow crowds of the big tourist cities.

Making the most of life on the lake: How this town got its cool reputation

This ‘scruffy little city’ tastes and sounds great

Why ‘Beer City USA’ is so much more than a drinking town

From ‘ghost town’ to ‘popping’: How this Southern destination got its groove back

This Grand Canyon pit stop is now a bona fide hot spot

The laid-back California dream lives on here

This coastal culinary hub has a ‘big-city feel in a small-city package’

‘Grit City’ shines thanks to stunning scenery and glass art

This Rhode Island gem moved rivers to emerge as New England’s creative capital

Our top town offers first-rate arts, food and festivals and a hard look at its complicated history

how we chose

We tapped our network of CNN Travel contributors for nominations for our inaugural list, winnowing the finalists to 10 by looking at each town's attractions, food and beverage offerings, nightlife and cultural scene, sense of identity, proximity to other interesting spots and wow factor. We also looked at lodging options and the ease of getting there and around.

PHOTO CREDITS

• Intro : Chris Johnson/Visit Richmond
• Duluth : Visit Duluth
• Knoxville : SeanPavonePhoto/iStockphoto/Getty Images
• Grand Rapids : Ideology/Experience Grand Rapids
• Macon : Visit Macon
• Flagstaff : CNN
• San Luis Obispo : Brittany App/Visit SLO
• Portland : Visit Portland
• Tacoma : CNN/Travel Tacoma/Museum of Glass
• Providence : N. Millard/GoProvidence.com
• Richmond : Richmond Region Tourism

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The most beautiful cities in the U.S. to visit right now

The best cities to visit in the U.S. brim with charm, breathtaking architecture and so much to do.

Photograph: Shutterstock

You could spend a lifetime traveling America and not see all that's worth seeing, which makes coming up with the list of best cities in the USA a tough task. Every region is home to its own trip-worthy urban destinations that boast  natural wonders ,   impressive architecture , and  incredibly diverse restaurants.

From coast to coast, we've rounded the cities that top our list of recommendations when plotting out your USA travel bucket list.  New York ,  Los Angeles  and San Francisco are obvious for a reason—they stand as American icons and offer endless must-see attractions. If you're looking for something even sexier, head to  Las Vegas  for gambling and pool parties, or  Miami  for rooftop vibes and beaches packed with some of the fittest people you've ever seen. To experience a taste of the South, there's bustling and historic  New Orleans , filled with a celebration of culture and music every day of the week. At the same time, cities like Nashville offer Southern charm, live music and hearty fare that will make you feel right at home.

Whether you crave nightly live music to keep you dancing, are an art lover looking to explore galleries and museums, or are more interested in eating your way through town, our handpicked selection of the best cities to visit in the USA has you covered.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Most beautiful cities in the U.S.

1.  portland, or.

Portland is known for many things: its eccentric culture, its incredibly creative restaurants (that have only gotten more exciting post-pandemic), its theater and arts scene, and its outdoor beauty top the list of reasons to visit. The best things to do in Portland  are long, but some of our favorite activities include eating and more eating. Visit one of the area's best restaurants , opt to experience the zillions of  food trucks , indulge in a gourmet doughnut or stop by a brewery or two . When you want to get moving, hop on a bike to tour the town, hike through one of the many parks or take a stroll through an art museum.

2.  Boston, MA

History and modernity are joined at the hip in Boston, one of America’s first big cities and still one of its best. It’s the place where federal architecture harkens back to the 1600s, juxtaposed with ultra-modern buildings by Frank Gehry, Walter Gropius and I.M. Pei. Speaking of architecture: be sure to see the Back Bay row houses, the usual Instagram fodder that is actually an eye-catching must-see. From chowder to lobster rolls, Boston also loves its seafood, so be sure to visit the city's best raw bars and lobster shacks while you're in town.

3.  San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, a beautiful city built on massive hills and surrounded by water, is a place that marches to the beat of its own drum. Novices are always shocked at how chilly it is here, so pack a heavy sweater at any time of year, and use it while doing the classic tourist activities: riding a cable car, taking a day tour to Alcatraz Island , walking across the Golden Gate Bridge or laughing at the chubby sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf . If you want to branch out and experience the city as a local would, we recommend visiting one of SF's hottest restaurants —from Michelin-starred establishments  to cheap eats —grabbing a drink on a rooftop bar or heading out for a hike in nature . 

4.  Seattle, WA

From its emerald parks to the endless views of Puget Sound, Seattle is the crowning jewel of the Pacific Northwest. You'll see it all from the top of the iconic Space Needle—a 360-degree rotating atrium with a glass floor—but don't stop there. Seattle is full of incredible restaurants and world-class museums like the Seattle Art Museum and the Museum of Pop Culture . It's also the home of famed glass artist Dale Chihuly's Garden and Glass . And while the grunge era that put the city on the map is long gone, there are still plenty of excellent music venues to check out including Neumos and the Showbox .

5.  Charleston, SC

Charleston is truly one of America’s great metropolises, steeped in the history of the nation while boasting a thoroughly modern attitude toward the arts, culture and cuisine—you just need one quick glance at our list of the best Charleston restaurants to see that. Since around 1670, the architecture—and particularly the churches on every corner—has been enough of a reason to head to South Carolina’s jewel, but recently the city has become a food and drink haven as well. Water views and hipsters abound at the Pavilion Bar ; City Market sells the city’s signature sweetgrass baskets; and dinner at  Husk is a transcendental experience.

6.  New Orleans, LA

After 300 years of existence, New Orleans is in the midst of a renaissance—except for the streets, which are the bumpiest you've ever encountered in a major metropolis. They love to dress up and party here, so put on a wig and mask, and hit the French Quarter and the Marigny for fabulous food at the best New Orleans restaurants . Grab a to-go cup filled with craft cocktails from one of the city’s best bars , and indulge in the live music for which New Orleans is famous. Then dig deeper by visiting the Bywater neighborhood, home to an intoxicating mix of art and funk with incredible murals on every block, and stop at Bacchanal Wine for a munch, a sip, and a song (or two). One thing to remember while here: always keep an eye on the iconic architecture that defines this one-in-a-million, music-loving city.

7.  Milwaukee, WI

You probably didn’t know that Milwaukee holds the world’s largest music festival, Summerfest , over three consecutive weekends in June and July. When the massive festival goes down, the pretty city by Lake Michigan goes more than a little crazy. With 12 stages, over 600 artists and more than half a million fans rolling through, they're taking advantage of the warm weather in a big way. During the rest of the year, think cheese curds, beer breweries, cornhole tournaments and Packers fanatics, juxtaposed with a gorgeous art museum and the annual Sculpture Milwaukee outdoor showcase all over town (summer/fall). It’s a vibrant, friendly city that Harley-Davidson calls home—don’t miss their massive museum here.

8.  Salt Lake City, UT

No matter where you are in Salt Lake City, the snowcapped Rocky Mountains are never out of sight. They tower over the uber-clean city, a stunning landscape fit for a painting. And while Salt Lake is well-known for its Mormon heritage, there's more to the scene here than meets the eye. Restaurants range from the fine-dining favorite Log Haven to a healthy variety of ethnic and international restaurants. And while alcohol isn't as readily available here as in some cities, it's much easier to find than you think, including at the White Horse  downtown. While there, don't forget to take in a little of the outdoors: hiking, swimming, and picnicking at the Great Salt Lake is a good place to start.

9.  Chicago, IL

Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, deep-dish pizza, and the Cubbies: just three of the wonderful things that put Chicago on the world’s radar. It’s a big city with a friendly vibe that’s got a whole street, Rush Street, devoted to drinking and dancing. You can party there until 4am, but save some strength for the festivals this city loves to put on, from  Taste of Chicago  in the summer and July's  Pitchfork Music Fest to the big daddy of them all, Lollapalooza . This oh-so-cold city hunkers down in the winter, unless the Bears are playing football, in which case shirtless guys will brave subzero temps to cheer on their boys at Soldier Field.

10.  Los Angeles, CA

Sun, sand, and movies (in which the city is often the star) make Los Angeles a place the world wants to see in real life. Start at the Hotel Erwin’s rooftop in Venice for an expansive view of the whole city, then explore everything from the ocean to the mountains as you crisscross L.A. County. Expect its famous traffic to slow you down as you head to Malibu for a surfing session; make a pit stop at the Getty Museum , then step in the stars’ footprints at TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood . Blow your shopping budget on Rodeo Drive , then head south to Anaheim to pilot the Millenium Falcon at Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge universe.

11.  Nashville, TN

Honky-tonks and museums might not seem to go together, but their marriage in Nashville is a strong one indeed. For some drinking and dancing, head straight for Broadway, where Legend’s Corner , Nudie’s , and Tootsie’s have been serving up country, blues, and whiskey forever. You can start early (10am) and go late into the night (3am) in Music City—if you’ve got the fortitude, of course. Is day drinking not your idea of vacation fun? Start with the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum  and move on to the museums devoted to Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash ; all are right downtown and terrific. See Historic RCA Studio B , where Elvis made countless records, and drive out to the Bluebird Cafe and the Grand Ole Opry . Don’t forget that this is a party town so feel free to visit with a group, rent a barcycle (which is exactly what it sounds like), and roam among the best Nashville bars , singing as you go.

12.  Washington, DC

One of America’s most beautiful cities, stately Washington, D.C. just keeps getting better. The National Mall is truly majestic, with the Capitol building glowing at one end, the Lincoln Memorial at the other, and various Smithsonian museums lining each side. See them all (take a look at our list of the best museums in D.C . for a start), but plan to spend extra time at the new(ish) National Museum of African American History & Culture . Beyond politics, monuments and museums, D.C. boats some cool, emerging neighborhoods like the Wharf (eat at Officina or Del Mar de Fabio Trabocchi ) and Southeast, where the Nationals play baseball and craft beer rules at Bluejacket nearby. Take a look at our guide to where to stay in Washington, D.C. if you’re planning a visit.

13.  St. Louis, MO

For a small-town vibe in a big city, St. Louis is the place to be. Settled by Europeans in 1764, this 'Gateway to the West' has long been the center of America. A few musts while in town: a visit to the famous (and giant) Gateway Arch , a walk through the National Blues Museum , and a stop at BB’s Jazz Blues and Soups . Clearly, blues and barbecue go hand-in-hand here, with classic BBQ joints like Pappy’s Smokehouse and Sugarfire that slow-cook with style. Locals are so serious about the cuisine that the Q in the Lou cookoff is fall's hottest ticket.

14.  Miami, FL

Things constantly sizzle in Miami, where Latin beats and eats swirl in an Art Deco dream. South Beach is the spot for sunning all day on the white sand and clubbing all night. For a really hot time, stop in at the World Erotic Art Museum . For true art lovers, Art Basel Miami in December offers up creative installations, parties and intellectualism. Your itinerary should also be packed full of trips to the city's  best restaurants  from classic Cuban mainstays to Michelin-starred Italian spots.

15.  New York City, NY

Needless to say: there is no place like New York City. An incredible melting pot of cultures, neighborhoods , languages and personal styles, a stroll down any street in Manhattan is always a fascinating experience. Classic old buildings exist shoulder-to-shoulder with new ultra-modern architecture like those in Hudson Yards , constantly morphing the city’s identity into exciting new molds. When in town, indulge in more than one Broadway show , visit all the museums , stroll around Central Park , eat the best bagels in NYC (and any drool-worthy haute cuisine you can manage), drink at a speakeasy , catch a Yankee game, and start wondering why you haven’t moved here yet.

16.  San Diego, CA

It’s not a myth: San Diego boasts the very best weather across America, with 70-degree Fahrenheit temperatures, low humidity, and sunny skies all year round. Add in the beautiful bay and beaches, a famous zoo and the endearing madness of Comic-Con International, and it’ll become impossible not to love this quintessential California city. Foodies adore the seafood and Mexican cuisine done to perfection here; gamblers flock to Pechanga and Viejas , the two posh Native American casinos nearby; and kids dream of Legoland . San Diego has something for everyone. 

17.  Las Vegas, NV

Ah, Vegas. The place that every foreigner cannot wait to visit when seeing America. More lightbulbs in one place than anywhere, more ways to gamble than your wallet can bear, the glitter, glitz, and jangling slot machines are the city’s signature perks. But Vegas is more than just casinos rising out of the desert. Head off the famed Strip to downtown’s fascinating Mob Museum and find out who built this decadent mecca in the first place. Eat at a world-class chef’s world-renowned restaurant ( Joël Robuchon , anyone?), drive supercars at 200mph with Exotics Racing and zip out to Red Rock Canyon for a mind-bending desert experience. Whatever you want, Vegas always has it.

18.  Orlando. FL

With theme parks like Universal Studios Florida, Legoland  and Walt Disney World , Orlando has been the place for families for generations. And now, with the arrival of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney World, there will be plenty of adults with no kids descending on Orlando as well. The city is ready, with an impressive range of restaurants anchored by DoveCote Brasserie and The Boheme  and an equally adult club scene that pays homage all sorts of tunes, from country and hip hip to rock and pop.

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USA Today names St. Louis among nation's most walkable cities to visit

St. Louis has been recognized as one of the most walkable cities to visit in the country by USA Today.

USA Today 10Best announced on Wednesday that St. Louis is the tenth Most Walkable City to Visit in the United States.

Throughout the year, USA Today 10Best publishes numerous  Readers' Choice Awards , which highlight the best in travel, food and drink, and lifestyle. Industry experts help nominate their favorite 20 points of interest and then readers help narrow the list down to the top 10 choices.

Ahead of St. Louis as the country's most walkable cities were:

• No. 1: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• No. 2: Providence, Rhode Island
• No. 3: Key West, Florida
• No. 4: St. Augustine, Florida
• No. 5: New Orleans, Louisana
• No. 6: Boston, Massachusetts
• No. 7: Chicago, Illinois
• No. 8: New York City, New York
• No. 9: Chattanooga, Tennessee

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at [email protected] .

First new pandas to arrive in U.S. in over 20 years are on their way from China

YA’AN, China — The first new giant pandas to arrive in the U.S. in more than two decades are traveling to San Diego from China as Beijing resumes using the black-and-white bears as a tool of diplomacy.

A farewell ceremony Wednesday near the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base in China’s southwestern Sichuan province was attended by representatives of both China and the U.S., including San Diego Zoo officials and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. The panda crates were then loaded into a truck that drove to the airport in Chengdu, the provincial capital.

Gloria said he was “overjoyed” that pandas would be returning to the San Diego Zoo, which has cooperated with China on pandas for almost 30 years but hasn’t hosted any since 2019.

“It continues our long history of being really positive actors in the conservation of animals generally, but particularly endangered animals, like the pandas used to be,” he said in an interview at the panda base before the send-off ceremony.

It’s also a step forward for relations between the U.S. and China, the world’s two largest economies, as they try to repair ties strained by disputes over trade, technology, the status of Taiwan and other issues.

“This is a wonderful way to engage our two countries in something that is undeniably positive,” Gloria said.

The pandas’ departure was surrounded by secrecy to avoid drawing crowds, including fans whose enthusiasm for the bears can verge on obsessive .

San Diego Zoo officials said that the bears, which are on loan for 10 years, wouldn’t be viewable by the public for several weeks while they get settled and that their debut date would be shared later.

The two bears are Yun Chuan, a 4-year-old male, and Xin Bao, a 3-year-old female. Yun Chuan’s mother, Zhen Zhen, was born at the San Diego Zoo in 2007.Yun Chuan is “pretty outgoing and lively,” said Huang Shan, a giant panda caretaker at the Ya’an facility. “He likes interacting with the caretakers and often runs over when he hears their footsteps.”

Xin Bao is “a bit more introverted, but she’s very smart and alert,” Huang said. “She pays close attention to sounds like birds chirping and insects buzzing.”

The two pandas “seem to like each other,” he said, spending “quite a long time” interacting through a communication tunnel during their pre-departure quarantine.

Several pandas living in the U.S. returned to China last year, including three from the National Zoo in Washington , leaving the four bears at Zoo Atlanta as the only pandas in the U.S. With the loan agreement for them expiring this year, there were concerns that the U.S. might end up with none of the bears after decades of panda diplomacy with China.

Hopes were raised in November when Chinese President Xi Jinping suggested during a visit to California that more pandas could be on the way to the U.S., and specifically San Diego.

“We hopped on the very next flight we could and came over and had some meetings to learn what that timing might look like,” said Paul Baribault, president and chief executive of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which runs the zoo.

More pandas are expected to arrive at other U.S. zoos , including in Washington and San Francisco.

During their quarantine period in China, Yun Chuan and Xin Bao have been provided with medical care and training, including learning commands in English.

They also had to be prepared for their 7,000-mile plane journey, getting used to spending time in their crates.

They are being accompanied by caretakers and veterinarians from both China and the U.S., including Americans who came to China earlier and “got to know the pandas well,” Huang said.

The Chinese team will spend about three months in San Diego helping the pandas settle in.

The pandas will be well-fed during their journey. “We have prepared a variety of delicious and well-textured bamboo shoots, along with carrots, apples, cornbread and their favorite bamboo,” Huang said.

In the U.S., however, they will have to get used to different bamboo varieties from the ones in Sichuan — which may be especially difficult for Yun Chuan, a picky eater.

“It might take them some time initially to adjust to the new diet from the American side,” Huang said. “They may not eat as well in the beginning, but we believe that because the San Diego Zoo has previously fed our pandas, they will adapt quickly.”

In preparation for their arrival, the panda habitat at the San Diego Zoo has been “completely renovated,” said Megan Owen, vice president of conservation science at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. It has grown several times in size and had “a great deal of complexity” added to it.

“We’ve included topographical features that are similar to what you might see here,” she said in Ya’an, such as steep hillside, lots of trees and other foliage.

As for when the pandas will be ready for public viewing, it depends on how long they spend in quarantine on arrival and whether they’ll need additional time to adapt to their enclosure.

“It’s up to them to let us know when they’re ready,” Owen said.

Janis Mackey Frayer reported from Ya’an, China, and Jennifer Jett from Hong Kong.

Janis Mackey Frayer is a Beijing-based correspondent for NBC News.

Jennifer Jett is the Asia Digital Editor for NBC News, based in Hong Kong.