Beyond the Obvious: National Treasures and Architectural Marvels
Sometimes the most rewarding destinations are those that encourage us to look closer, whether it’s at the rich history of a mission trail or the soaring lines of a city’s skyline.
7. Instead of Just The Alamo, San Antonio… Explore the Missions National Historical Park.
The Alamo is a vital piece of Texas history, but the site itself is relatively small and can be seen in under an hour. The downtown location means it is perpetually crowded, and many visitors leave feeling they’ve missed a larger story.
To truly understand San Antonio’s heritage, expand your visit to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes four other magnificent Spanish colonial missions: Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada. Connected by a beautiful walking and biking path along the San Antonio River, these missions are active church communities set within historic stone walls. Mission San José, known as the “Queen of the Missions,” is particularly stunning with its restored compound.
When to Go: Fall, winter, and spring offer the most pleasant weather for exploring. Summer can be very hot and humid. Arrive early in the morning to enjoy the sites in cooler temperatures and with fewer people.
Getting There & Around: The missions are south of downtown. You can drive and park at each site for free. A great alternative is the VIVA Mission (Route 40) bus operated by the local transit authority, which connects all the missions. For active travelers, renting a bike and riding the 8-mile Mission Reach trail is a fantastic way to see the park.
Costs & Passes: There is no entrance fee to visit the missions. This makes it an incredible value. If you plan to visit other national parks, consider purchasing a pass from the National Park Service (NPS). The America the Beautiful annual pass is great for most adults, while U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over can get a lifetime Senior Pass for a one-time fee, offering huge savings.
8. Instead of Navy Pier, Chicago… Take a Chicago Architecture River Cruise.
Navy Pier is a popular family destination with a Ferris wheel and various amusements, but like many such piers, it is dominated by chain restaurants and tourist shops. It offers nice views of the skyline from a distance, but it doesn’t immerse you in what makes Chicago truly special: its groundbreaking architecture.
The single best way to experience Chicago’s world-class architecture is on a river cruise. Dozens of docent-led tours navigate the Chicago River, providing a comfortable seat and an expert narrative on the city’s history, from the Great Chicago Fire to the modern masterpieces of steel and glass. You will see iconic buildings from a unique perspective and gain a deep appreciation for the city’s design legacy. This is one of the most highly-rated experiences in the entire country for good reason.
When to Go: Cruises run from April to November. A daytime cruise is best for clear architectural photos, while a twilight or evening cruise offers a magical view of the illuminated skyline.
Logistics: Book your tickets online in advance, especially for weekend or holiday sailings, as they often sell out. Several reputable companies offer tours, with the Chicago Architecture Center’s tour being among the most acclaimed. Tours typically last 75-90 minutes.
Accessibility: Most of the larger tour boats are ADA-accessible on their main decks. When booking, confirm with the tour company about their specific accommodations for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. They can guide you to the correct dock and boarding area.
9. Instead of Niagara Falls (U.S. Side)… Hike in Letchworth State Park, NY.
While the power of Niagara Falls is undeniable, the experience on the U.S. side can feel somewhat limited, with the most panoramic views famously located on the Canadian side. The surrounding town has struggled to build an atmosphere that matches the natural wonder.
For a spectacular and more immersive waterfall experience in New York, drive about 90 minutes south to Letchworth State Park. Often called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the park features the Genesee River roaring through a deep gorge with three major waterfalls—the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls. The park offers over 66 miles of hiking trails, stunning scenic overlooks accessible by car, and a sense of tranquility that is hard to find at Niagara. In the fall, the colorful foliage is breathtaking.
When to Go: Late spring for full, powerful waterfalls. Summer for lush green scenery. And autumn (late September to mid-October) for world-class fall colors. Some park roads close in winter.
Getting There & Around: A car is essential to explore the park’s 17-mile length. The main park road connects numerous overlooks, picnic areas, and trailheads. A vehicle entrance fee is charged during the peak season.
Safety: Stay on marked trails. The gorge cliffs are steep and unstable. Pay attention to all posted signs and barriers, especially near the waterfalls. When hiking, carry water and let someone know your route.
10. Instead of Mount Rushmore… Explore Custer State Park & the Black Hills, SD.
Mount Rushmore is an impressive feat of engineering and an American icon. However, many visitors are surprised by how small it appears and find that the experience is limited to viewing it from one main plaza. It can feel like a long way to go for a 30-minute stop.
The true gem of the region is Custer State Park, just a short drive away. This 71,000-acre park offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the country, stunning scenic drives, and beautiful lakes. It provides a much more varied and full-day (or multi-day) experience. Combine this with the otherworldly landscapes of the Badlands and the rich Native American history at the Crazy Horse Memorial for a truly comprehensive Black Hills trip.
When to Go: Late spring and early fall (May-June, September-October) are best. You’ll miss the summer crowds and heat. Weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers. For official alerts and conditions, check the National Park Service website for parks in the area.
Logistics & Itinerary: A 3-Day Black Hills Sample Plan
Day 1: Custer State Park. Enter the park and drive the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road early in the morning for the best chance to see the park’s famous herd of 1,300 bison, plus pronghorn, deer, and prairie dogs. In the afternoon, drive the stunning Needles Highway (closed in winter), a 14-mile road of sharp turns and narrow tunnels through granite spires. Be sure your vehicle will fit through the Needles Eye Tunnel (8′ 0″ wide by 9′ 9″ high).
Day 2: Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and a Scenic Drive. Visit Mount Rushmore first thing in the morning (by 9 AM) to beat the crowds. Then, drive to the privately funded Crazy Horse Memorial to learn about the region’s Lakota history and see the mountain carving in progress. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing drive along the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway.
Day 3: The Badlands. Take a day trip (about a 90-minute drive) to Badlands National Park. Drive the Badlands Loop Scenic Byway, stopping at the numerous overlooks to marvel at the surreal, eroded landscape. It feels like another planet. An NPS pass will grant you entry here as well.
Safety Note: Do not approach wildlife, especially bison. They are wild animals and can be dangerous. Stay in or near your vehicle. The roads in the Black Hills are winding and narrow; drive slowly and attentively.
