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11 of the Worst U.S. States To Visit, According to Americans

Many Americans have traveled across the country and have opinions on which state is the worst to visit. Some states have been deemed less desirable than others, whether it’s due to a lack of attractions or cultural diversity, high cost of living, or just an overall creepy vibe. Let’s see what Americans have shared on an online platform discussion.

1. Iowa: Not A Lot Going On

American Midwest Barn Landscape. Sunset over a farm field with a traditional red barn at the horizon.
Photo credit: ehrlif / Shutterstock.com

While Iowa might be a mighty fine place to live, Americans did not deem it worthy of visiting. This is mainly due to its lack of popular tourist attractions, and bustling cities. The state also experiences cold winters and hot summers, which might deter travelers who prefer more temperate climates.

2. West Virginia: Creepy Vibes

Historic buildings and shops on High Street in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia.
Photo credit: Jon Bilous / Shutterstock.com

When discussing the worst state to visit in the U.S., one American didn’t hesitate to name West Virginia as their pick. Despite feeling guilty about their opinion due to the state’s existing issues, this user couldn’t ignore the eerie and unsettling vibes they experienced while passing through certain parts of West Virginia. It wasn’t just a stereotype from “Deliverance,” but a feeling they had every time they visited.

3. Kansas: A Poverty-Stricken Place

Augusta, Kansas United States - August 16 2021: a view of the main street in the morning with a truck parked in front of a store
Editorial credit: Sabrina Janelle Gordon / Shutterstock.com

According to a blunt and opinionated resident in Kansas, their state is nothing more than a “drug-ridden ****hole with no hope and few job opportunities that don’t involve working yourself into an early grave.” The small towns are dominated by a handful of businesses and an overwhelming number of churches, leaving little room for diversity or growth. With six churches and only four businesses in their town alone, this user isn’t exactly singing praises for their state.

4. Oklahoma: A Vast Emptiness

Panorama landscape scenic aerial view of a suburban settlement in a beautiful detached houses the Stroud town Oklahoma US
Editorial credit: ungvar / Shutterstock.com

For one American, Oklahoma is a vast emptiness that is disappointing to visit. After a four-hour drive through the state, they only came across the ruins of dilapidated houses in empty fields and a measly four towns. There needed to be more to see or experience, making it an uneventful and lackluster journey.

5. Florida: Because It’s Florida

Orlando, Florida. January 11, 2019 Entrance Arch of Walt Disney Theme Parks at Lake Buena Vista area .
Editorial credit: VIAVAL TOURS / Shutterstock.com

Some might think of Florida as a tourist paradise, but for some Americans, it’s the worst state to visit due to its reputation for strange happenings. From alligator attacks to bizarre news stories, Florida has become the butt of jokes and the epitome of weirdness. 

6. New Mexico: A Whole Scam

Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA downtown skyline at dusk.
Editorial credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

According to a local, the worst state to visit is New Mexico, and they don’t mince words. It’s a “whole {explextive} scam” with high prices even at popular burger joints. The lack of attractions is disappointing, leaving only the sunsets as a redeeming quality, so the user joined the military to escape the state entirely.

7. Texas: Big Egos, Unearned Pride

ATX City Skyline Texas Flag patriotic National Pride Displays the Lone Star State with a Colorful Austin Texas Skyline Cityscape Capital Cities Background on a Nice Sunny Summer Blue Sky Day
Editorial credit: Roschetzky Photography / Shutterstock.com

While Texas may have plenty of attractions, a savvy user believes it’s the worst state to visit due to the oversized egos and unearned pride of those who live there. Sure, there are plenty of things to see and do, but this user finds the inflated sense of Texan pride off-putting and a barrier to a more enjoyable travel experience.

8. California: The Worst State?

Classic panoramic view of San Francisco skyline with famous Oakland Bay Bridge illuminated in beautiful golden evening light at sunset in summer, San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA
Editorial credit: canadastock / Shutterstock.com

According to one well-traveled individual, California is the worst state to visit out of the 48 states they’ve visited. While they didn’t explicitly state the reason for their opinion, the high cost of living, traffic congestion, and overcrowding in some areas contributed to their assessment.

9. New York: A Costly Visit

New York City skyline with urban skyscrapers at sunset, USA.
Editorial credit: ventdusud / Shutterstock.com

For one person, even visiting New York is not worth the continually rising cost of living, making it the worst state to visit. They believe the expenses outweigh the experience, leaving little to no reason to visit.

10. Alabama: No Infrastructure, No Culture

Welcome to Sweet Home Alabama Road Sign along Interstate 10 in Robertsdale, Alabama USA, near the State Border with Florida
Editorial credit: Allard One / Shutterstock.com

Alabama doesn’t impress this American who believes it’s the worst state to visit due to poor infrastructure, lack of culture, and tourist attractions. Additionally, the state’s roads and transportation systems need improvement, further solidifying this user’s opinion to skip Alabama altogether.

11. Arkansas: Horrible Roads

Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA town skyline from above at dawn.
Editorial credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com

Arkansas doesn’t get any love from one commenter who believes it’s the worst state to visit due to poorly maintained roads. Driving is difficult and not enjoyable, leaving little else to appreciate in the state.

Source: Reddit

The 10 Best States According to Americans

A panoramic view of the very picturesque Tahquamenon Falls and Tahquamenon River during Autumn, Upper Peninsula, Michigan, USA
Editorial credit: Doug Lemke / Shutterstock.com

Some states are known for their natural beauty, while others boast bustling cities and a thriving economy. However, which state is truly the best? On an online platform, many travelers and locals shared their views. Let’s see what’s their best state and why!

Read more: The 10 Best States in the U.S. According to Americans

Green Bay, Wisconsin Named the Best Place to Live in the United States 2023–2024

Lambeau Field Green Bay Wisconsin from above
Photo credit: Grindstone Media Group / Shutterstock.com

U.S. News and World Report released their list of the best places to live in the U.S. today. They analyze 150 metro areas in the United States each year to find the best places to live. The report is based on the quality of life and the job market in each metro area, as well as the value of living there and people’s desire to live there.

Read more: Green Bay, Wisconsin Named the Best Place to Live in the United States 2023–2024

10 of the Most Boring States in the U.S. According to Americans

River through the City - a look at Dayton, Ohio from above the confluence of the Great Maimi and Mad Rivers
Photo credit: Beeline Aerial / Shutterstock.com

Each of the 50 different and distinct United States states has particular attractions and features. But not every state is created equal, and some may be regarded as less intriguing or engaging than others. On an online platform, Americans recently shared their experiences of visiting the most unattractive and boring states. Let’s find out the states.

Read more: 10 of the Most Boring States in the U.S. According to Americans 

12 of the Most Underrated U.S. Cities You Can’t Afford to Miss

Portland, Maine, USA coastal townscape.
Photo credit: Sean Pavone // Shutterstock.com

Feeling restless and bored of the usual ho-hum tourist spots across the good ole USA? Craving something more thrilling and exciting? Well, you’re in for a treat! Fellow wanderers have spilled the beans on some of the best-kept secrets in the country, and we’re inviting you to come along for the ride!

Read more: 12 of the Most Underrated U.S. Cities You Can’t Afford to Miss

Washington State Road Trip Itinerary for 1st-Time Visitors/Beginner Hikers

Scenic,Picture,Lake,With,Mount,Shuksan,Reflection,In,Washington,,Usa
Editorial credit: Galyna Andrushko / Shutterstock.com

There are SO many cool things to see and do in Washington – it’s amazing! You can hike a mountain with snow, walk through a rainforest, and lounge on an oceanside beach all on the same day.

Read more: Washington State Road Trip Itinerary for 1st-Time Visitors/Beginner Hikers

12 of the Worst Tourist Destinations in the United States According to Americans

Mount Rushmore
Photo credit: Canva

Recently on an online platform, Americans have shared their thoughts on the worst tourist destinations in the U.S.

Read more: 12 of the Worst Tourist Destinations in the United States According to Americans

20 Comments

  1. Wow….you got a masters degree to write this trite garbage? Thank you, maybe people will quit visiting and moving to my state since is listed here. My only complaint about my state is that it’s over crowded with tourists so I rarely get to enjoy all parks, lakes and other features. That and too many people are moving here to escape there states that they now hate so much. Wow…just Wow. Thank you!

  2. An opinion is free speech everyone has the right to have one.

  3. California had problems with the cost of living, traffic and congestion back when people wanted to move there. I think the writer is shying away from the real reason Cali is on this list. I think rising crime, homelessness, open air use of highly addictive hard drugs, rolling blackouts, high taxes, aggressive bureaucrats who harass businesses (except for weed dispensaries), strict zoning laws, a one-party government full of hacks who act like everyone else is a racist while simultaneously engaging in racial tribalism, bad inner city public schools, over 100 billion dollars of wasted tax-payers money that went into the pockets of a select few private contractors who are supposed to build a bullet train that should have been finished a long time ago and billions of dollars ago might be some of the reasons Cali is on this list.

  4. Lol. While I hate Oklahoma as a state because I live here, there is a ton of stuff to see. It has 9 out of 11 ecosystems ranging from rolling hills to steep plateaus. Swamps with alligators in the south, the salt plains where you can dig up crystals, dune park with true dune sands for four wheeling and off roading, alabaster caverns with one of the largest deposits of black alabaster in the world. The Arbuckle mountain range where the majority of geological tools were designed and testednand dozens of lakes. To say there is nothing to see because someone drove thru the state is pure ignorance.

  5. I haven’t traveled to every state, but I’ve traveled to every state on this list except California. Every state has its pros and cons. I think New Mexico is one of the most beautiful states I’ve been to. Alabama has a lot to do and has alot of infrastructure. The sunrise and sunsets are beautiful in Kansas. Florida has very friendly people and tropical feel. It can sometimes get chilly in Florida, but doesn’t last long.

  6. No doubt! Probably a basement dweller.

  7. Did a child throwing a temper tantrum write this?

  8. Rodney G Patton Sr says:

    Did you fall and hit your head!?
    I’ve driven every State in the lower 48 for many miles, Mexico and Canada. Every State has it’s unique quality. So until you have been out there for awhile please keep your opinion to yourself because it obvious you don’t know what you’re saying.
    3.5 + miles out on the open road for myself and you?

  9. elizabeth rodgers says:

    Is this satire?

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