The Overrated and The Outstanding: 10 Swaps for a Better Trip
Here are ten classic American tourist destinations and our recommendations for where to go instead. Each section provides the practical details you need to make an informed choice for your next vacation.
1. Instead of Times Square, New York City… Explore Greenwich Village.
Times Square is a dizzying vortex of billboards, costumed characters, and chain restaurants. While its sheer energy is something to behold for a few minutes, it offers little of New York’s true character. The crowds are immense, prices are inflated, and the experience is often stressful, especially for those with mobility concerns or a sensitivity to noise and light.
For a taste of historic, charming, and vibrant New York, head downtown to Greenwich Village or its quieter neighbor, the West Village. Here, you’ll find tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and legendary jazz clubs. Washington Square Park, with its iconic arch and lively street performers, is the neighborhood’s heart. It’s a place for walking, discovering, and lingering over a coffee at a sidewalk cafe.
When to Go: Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) offer pleasant walking weather. Temperatures are typically 50-70°F (10-21°C). Weekday mornings are the quietest time to explore.
Getting There & Around: The Village is easily accessible via multiple subway lines (A, C, E, B, D, F, M to West 4th St station). It is a highly walkable neighborhood, but be aware that some historic streets are cobblestoned, which can be challenging. Many street corners have curb cuts for wheelchairs and strollers.
Accessibility: While the neighborhood is mostly flat, historic buildings may have steps at their entrances. For specific accessibility questions about a shop or restaurant, it’s wise to call ahead. A simple script could be: “Hello, I’m planning a visit and use a wheelchair. Could you please tell me if your entrance is step-free and if you have an accessible restroom?”
A Simple Car-Free Day Plan: Start your morning at Washington Square Park. From there, wander west into the maze of charming streets in the West Village. Explore Bleecker Street for its famous music venues and bakeries. For lunch, find a casual spot on MacDougal Street. In the afternoon, browse the independent bookstores. For the evening, consider catching a low-cost comedy show or a world-class jazz performance at the Village Vanguard or Blue Note. This is a perfect example of what to do instead of visiting Times Square for an evening show.
2. Instead of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles… Visit Griffith Observatory.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is often a surprising disappointment. The sidewalks are crowded, parts of the neighborhood can feel neglected, and the experience amounts to looking down at stars on the pavement while navigating throngs of people. It rarely lives up to the glamorous image portrayed in films.
For a truly stellar Los Angeles experience, head to Griffith Observatory. Perched on a hill in Griffith Park, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire L.A. basin, the Pacific Ocean, and the iconic Hollywood Sign. Inside, you’ll find fascinating, free-to-access science exhibits. The building itself is a beautiful Art Deco landmark. It’s a place that inspires wonder about both the cosmos and the city below.
When to Go: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the worst crowds and find better parking. For stunning sunset views, arrive in the late afternoon, but be prepared for heavy traffic. Check the weather forecast for a clear day; L.A. haze can obscure the view. The observatory is open Friday-Sunday, so plan accordingly.
Getting There & Around: Driving and parking can be extremely challenging and expensive. The best option is the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz public bus, which runs every 20-25 minutes from the Vermont/Sunset Metro Red Line station. It’s a low-cost, stress-free way to get up the hill.
Accessibility: The Griffith Observatory building, its grounds, and telescopes are generally ADA-accessible, a term meaning they comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards for access. The park’s hiking trails vary greatly in difficulty and accessibility. More information can be found through the official park service website.
Costs: Admission to the Observatory building, grounds, and telescopes is always free. There is a modest fee for the planetarium shows, which are well worth it.
3. Instead of Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco… Enjoy the Ferry Building Marketplace.
Fisherman’s Wharf, particularly Pier 39, is San Francisco’s most famous tourist zone, but it’s largely comprised of souvenir shops and national chain restaurants. While the sea lions are a fun sight, the area is often packed shoulder-to-shoulder, and the food offerings are rarely a reflection of the city’s celebrated culinary scene.
A far more authentic and delicious alternative is the Ferry Building Marketplace at the foot of Market Street. This beautifully restored 1898 landmark is a vibrant hub for local, artisanal food. You’ll find everything from fresh oysters and artisan cheese to local coffee roasters and gourmet chocolate. You can assemble a perfect picnic to enjoy on the benches out back with stunning views of the Bay Bridge. The Embarcadero, the waterfront promenade it sits on, is perfect for a scenic, flat walk.
When to Go: Weekday mornings are calmest. For a livelier experience, visit during the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and especially Saturdays, when it’s at its largest. This is one of the best alternatives to popular vacation spots for food lovers.
Getting There & Around: The Ferry Building is a major transit hub. The historic F-Market & Wharves streetcars, many of which are wheelchair accessible, stop right in front. It’s also served by MUNI buses and is a pleasant, flat walk from many downtown hotels.
Safety & Etiquette: As in any major city, be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. The Embarcadero is well-lit and generally safe, but it’s always wise to stay in populated areas after dark.
