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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. Better Life says:

    This article is a waist of time.

  2. I’m glad I didn’t read the full article and just skimmed it. Because even skimming it I could clearly see it was an absolute joke. I’ve seen 5th grade research articles written better than this. Every state has something to offer it’s just matter of what peaks your interest.

    And to make asinine comments about states like Cali, New York (which even I don’t care for those two), Florida, Texas and even Kansas. Shows that little research was done. And based on the tourism data for each of those areas. This article is an absolute fabrication based on one or a couple maybe 3-5 peoples opinions. It comes from a very elitest, or snobbish point of view.

    FYI… if Florida was so bad it would t have the highest tourist or transplant rate for the last 10 years.

  3. When wondering about worst states to live in I always go to someone from Pakistan.

  4. The people who call those places the worst states are most likely the ones who have negative attitudes about everything.

  5. Texas is on this list? TEXAS? Good. Don’t visit. People who visit usually end up staying and we’re full. We’re beyond full…because Texas is amazing.

  6. Love this comment! Can’t wait to move there when we retire.

  7. Don’t visit Florida. But keep in mind its the most moved to state. But hey keep falling for the dmeonkkkrats bs about the state.

  8. Jon Lynch (@JonLync40948939) says:

    I’ve been all over Florida, from Key West to Jacksonville to Pensacola and always discovered something new and interesting each and every time. BTW, I don’t really care for theme parks in general.

  9. Each ENTIRE state seems to be judged by ONE person who visited. I’m so glad this is a comprehensive in depth researched article with more than just 10 people putting in their 2 cents worth. (Sarcasm)

  10. Patrick Dunn says:

    So 10 people were polled for this? Each entry states “one person” or “a commenter” making it sound like a very small opinion. 😅

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