15 U.S. Cities That Are Getting Overrun By Tourists
When you’re looking for a place to take a relaxed vacation, it can be tempting to pick something close to home. Choosing a domestic destination, especially a city, can be a great way to travel quickly and relatively easily since it cuts down on transportation needs. However, picking a U.S. city to visit isn’t always a surefire way to avoid large crowds. Check out this list of 15 U.S. cities that tourists overrun to see which cities have the largest crowds!
1. Miami, FL
A paradise of beaches, Latin culture, and excellent nightlife, tourists constantly overrun Miami. Whether we’re talking about Miami Beach or the surrounding restaurants/clubs, Miami hosts many people daily. That means it can be challenging to find an open spot on the beach for your towel or a decent place to eat at night without a reservation. It doesn’t help that many cruise ships leave the ports of Miami, contributing to the constant stream of tourists to and from the city.
2. New York City, NY
Consistently one of the most visited cities in the world, New York is constantly teeming with tourists. As the home of Broadway and plenty of famous sights, such as Times Square, Central Park, and the Statue of Liberty, it makes sense why so many people want to visit this iconic city. Unfortunately, the constant stream of tourists on top of all its inhabitants can make it challenging to navigate the city. It can also be expensive, from the hotels and restaurants to basic amenities. If you want to visit New York, be prepared to spend a pretty penny and get cozy with other travelers.
3. New Orleans, LA
Also known as “the Big Easy,” New Orleans is one of the top party cities in the country. With the party come the people. Nearly 40% of New Orleans’s total revenue relies on traffic from tourists, whether on the famous Bourbon Street or to the Cajun-crocodile tours. This means that the city has a significant incentive to attract tourists and keep them coming, especially during the high season. Don’t be surprised when you encounter big crowds everywhere you go and high prices to match.
4. Charleston, SC
With up to nine tourists for every resident, it is fair to say that tourists overrun Charleston. This beautiful coastal city is known for its cobblestone streets, delicious food, beaches, and French Quarter. Unfortunately, it is also known for high prices and crowds. You can expect to face large crowds if you’re trying to get into the best restaurants or visit the most popular beaches.
5. Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii is one of the most sought-after destinations in the United States, so it is no wonder the tourist traffic is through the roof. All Hawaiian islands are struggling with tourism growth, but Honolulu is one of the most overrun places. Honolulu is constantly crowded as a popular spot for romantic getaways, cultural experiences, sports, and simply lying by the beach. Some beaches near Honolulu, such as Waikiki Beach, have started ranking among the most crowded beaches in the United States. It certainly makes it hard to enjoy a beach paradise if you fight many tourists for space (and peace).
6. Orlando, FL
Everyone has heard about the magic of Disney and the other famous theme parks in Orlando. It is the stereotypical dream of many children (and adults) to visit Orlando and the parks themselves. Unfortunately, because there is such a big industry around theme parks in Orlando, it is overrun by tourists at most times of the year. To visit the parks and go to the most popular spots, you must be prepared to spend lots of time waiting in line or pay for the convenience of skipping the line.
7. Las Vegas, NV
It should be no wonder that Las Vegas has made this list! Las Vegas is absolutely synonymous with a crazy night out, gambling, and flashy shows. With such a high concentration of casinos, shows, and restaurants, Las Vegas attracts many tourists daily. With plenty of infrastructure for conventions and large gatherings, the city can get even crazier at certain times of the year. These fluctuations can make it hard to get around the city or find decent hotel deals.
8. Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is already known for terrible transportation and traffic. Now, imagine layering on tons of tourists trying to get a glimpse of Hollywood. Long known for its connections to the entertainment industry, Los Angeles remains a top destination for national and international tourists. It’s not unusual for residents to have difficulty getting around their own city due to tourists taking selfies or trying to get close to the Hollywood Walk of Fame or famous Hollywood sign. With these big crowds, it can be difficult to enjoy precisely the sights you go to Los Angeles to see.
9. Seattle, WA
Seattle is easily one of the most visited cities on the West Coast, and you can tell when you visit. With iconic attractions, such as the Space Needle, Seattle Art Museum, Pike Place Market, and the Chihuly Museum, tourists constantly flock to Seattle to have the experience for themselves. On top of this, cruise ships stop in Seattle’s ports throughout the week, releasing their mobs of passengers in the city as well. The tourism crowds have gotten so bad that many locals have left these iconic areas.
10. San Francisco, CA
Save me, San Francisco? These days, it should probably be “save me from San Francisco.” With amazing attractions, such as the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and the cable cars, it is no wonder tourists from around the world want to see San Francisco for themselves. Unfortunately, the sights come with hordes of tourists, as well as an extremely high population of unhoused individuals. This can make it quite uncomfortable, and at times, unsafe to visit San Francisco.
11. Key West, FL
With its beautiful beaches and laid-back reputation, Key West receives way too many tourists every year. From the history of Ernest Hemingway, colorful homes, and outdoor opportunities, Key West is extremely popular with tourists. Unfortunately, this means that the attractions you want to see are overrun by other people, from the restaurants to the hotels. If you wish to relax on the beach or pull into a slice of key lime pie, you can expect to see plenty of other tourists in Key West.
12. Chicago, IL
The best time to visit Chicago is undoubtedly the summer. With excellent weather and long days, in addition to the stunning museums, Chicago is a summer destination for U.S. tourists. Unfortunately, this has gotten out of hand in recent years, especially behind the music festival Lollapalooza. The large influx of tourists during the summertimemakes it difficult to appreciate Chicago’s best attractions and get around the city easily. Want to get a good photo at the Bean? Forget it! It can be that bad!
13. Napa, CA
If you imagine yourself in Napa Valley, you likely don’t imagine yourself surrounded by other people trying to see the same wineries or taste the same bottles as you. However, the city of Napa and its surrounding valley have become even more popular destinations in recent years. Tourists flock to the small town to use it as a jumping-off point to visit nearby vineyards. Since the area is home to over 400 wineries, tourists tend to visit and stay several days exploring.This can strain tourist services and availability, especially if you want to visit the most famous wineries or dine in the best restaurants.
14. Philadelphia, PA
History-buffs have been flocking to Philadelphia for many years. With classic attractions, such as the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, it’s no wonder that Philadelphia has come to attract lots of tourists, trying to glimpse a part of history. However, the importance and prominence of these sights attracts many people. It can be quite uncomfortable to try to move around the top sights in Philadelphia for this reason.
15. Denver, CO
If you’re planning to go during the high season in the winter, you’ll witness why Denver, Colorado, has made this list. In the past decades, Denver has become known as the mile-high outdoor paradise. This quirky city leaves you perfectly positioned to explore the surrounding nature by biking or hiking in the Rocky Mountains or skiing down the same peaks. However, the prevalence of ski resorts nearby means that during the best times to visit, you’ll find tons of other tourists and high prices to match.
Voted the Best: 16 Top Cities to Live in the USA
Are you in the market for a new home? Are you curious about your options but unsure where to start looking? We’ve selected the best places to live in the USA based on several factors. Crime rate, affordability, weather, job opportunities, and beauty all contribute to these cities’ high quality of life.
Voted the Best: 16 Top Cities to Live in the USA
Avoid These Markets! 13 US Cities That Are Overcrowding
It’s been the dream of many to live in a big city that feels like it’s the center of the world and where the possibilities seem endless. Some are fortunate enough to be born in larger cities, but others must relocate to them.
Avoid These Markets! 13 US Cities That Are Overcrowding
14 Most Sought-After Cities Among American Expats
Do you dream of moving from the US to Europe? Want some help deciding where to go? Here are 15 of the most popular European cities for American expats.
