Here’s a tongue-in-cheek top ten of the worst places to visit in the USA, based on my personal pet peeves and local quirks:

N°1: Knoxville – downtown can feel empty and quiet, especially in evenings; not a lively tourist hub.

N°2: Downtown Atlanta – pockets with safety concerns after dark make wandering risky.

N°3: Transamerica Pyramid area, San Francisco – visible homelessness and drug activity around the Financial District can be off-putting.

N°4: The Pentagon – heavily secured, not actually a tourist destination, and generally off-limits to casual sightseeing.

N°5: Kuwohi (formerly Clingmans Dome, Great Smoky Mountains) – beautiful but cold and windy at the summit; dress for alpine conditions. (National Park Service)

N°6: The Alabama/Georgia/Tennessee tri-point – a tiny marker; underwhelming unless you like novelty roadside stops.

N°7: World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta – very touristy and commercial; you may leave feeling like a walking ATM.

N°8: Virginia – huge state with much to love, but parts feel politically or culturally bland to some travelers.

N°9: Death Valley National Park – its name is literal for summer; extreme heat makes it uncomfortable for many visitors.

N°10: Parts of rural Texas – strong gun culture and sparse services in places can feel intimidating if you’re not used to it.

Taste varies wildly; what’s awful to one traveler is treasure to another. Travel smarter: research local conditions, respect communities, and pick destinations that match your comfort level. and have fun.