BENIDORM, SPAIN - JULY 22: People sunbathe at Levante Beach on July 22, 2015 in Benidorm, Spain. Spain has set a new record for visitors, with 29.2 million visitors in June, 4.2% more than the same period in 2014. Spain is also expected to be the main destination of tourists seeking a value-for-money all-inclusive holiday after the Tunisia attack. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Fall is upon us. With the new season comes seeing pumpkin-flavored everything everywhere and planning your Thanksgiving and Christmas vacations. You might want to head somewhere warmer if you’re sad to see summer go. On the other hand, you might be embracing the cold, and hoping to head outdoors.
Although some travel spots are no longer hidden secrets, read on to see the U.S. destinations that are worth the hype and the ones that are better left on Instagram.
Washington
What To Skip:
The Original Starbucks
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKs400ABUim/?tagged=originalstarbucks
No matter the time of year, there’s always a long line, which ends up blocking doorways of neighboring shops, might I add. Unless you’re a Starbucks fanatic, lower your expectations. The menu is the same, except for one drink, the overpriced souvenir mugs aren’t particularly unique and you’ll be too busy being rushed along by the baristas to appreciate the average interior.
The Space Needle
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGCdXhTjb-e/?taken-by=spaceneedle
Part of Seattle’s skyline, the Space Needle is a landmark of the Pacific Northwest but that’s about the only thing it has going for it. It’s not the tallest structure in the region and you can see views of nearby mountains at the observation deck, but you’d be better off visiting the mountains in person.
Where To Go Instead:
Starbucks Reserve Roastery & Tasting Room
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHveupajB_2/?taken-by=starbucksroastery
Not just your typical Starbucks but a location with two coffee bars, two roasters, a scooping bar, coffee library and a gift shop. Your coffee won’t taste like it does anywhere else as you have multiple brewing methods to choose from. Farther back within the room, you’ll see the coffee bean roasting process. Coffee specialists will explain the process and how the flavors are created. It’s here where the specialists roast and package all of the Starbucks Reserve coffees to send out worldwide. At the moment, the roastery is the only location in the world with a New York location set to debut in 2018.
Mount Rainier National Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIqYF6HAFkr/?taken-by=mountrainiernps
The place to be if you want to be one with nature, Mount Rainier is the highest mountain in the state of Washington and one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Plan to visit on a sunny day so you can have a clear view of the glacier. Once you get high enough on the trail, the views will remind you of the background of The Lord of the Rings films what with the sprawling meadows and mountain view. Frolic along the trails and watch out for the marmots and coyotes. The last two entrance fee free days of 2016 are September 24 and November 11.
Oregon
What To Skip:
VooDoo Donuts
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKpDeR3AZXK/?tagged=voodoodonuts
I’m somewhat in the middle on this one. Known for the imaginative decorations and shapes, Voodoo was established in 2003 and has four other locations. The line seems to get longer each year, but everyone should go at least once. However, unless you’re a donut connoisseur, you won’t taste too much of a difference except for the loaded sugar thanks to the all the frosting, cereal, sprinkles and jelly used to create a unique design. But no one’s judging if you go just to get aesthetic photos, you won’t be the first.
Where To Go Instead:
Peacock Lane
https://www.instagram.com/p/_3CDr0tP4n/?tagged=peacocklaneportland
Becoming more and more popular each year, this street is known for being a Christmas tradition since 1920. Each house is adorned with blinding lights and decorations. It stands out to me for staying authentic; it has and continues to stay non-commercial in order to solely be entertainment for visitors. This will probably be one of the few things this Xmas season you don’t need to whip out your wallet for. From December 15 through the 31, visit with your loved ones and walk instead of drive to get the whole experience.
California
What To Skip:
The Hollywood Sign
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKtgCVnDn6S/?tagged=hollywoodsign
A ton of movie scenes have been filmed here, we get it. But originally, the sign wasn’t even made to advertise film but real estate. It’s pretty small from a distance and not exactly a mesmerizing sight. Unless you have some special permission to go within touching distance of the sign, you’re better off just giving it a glance when you’re driving down the freeway off to a better destination.
Where To Go Instead:
Pacific Coast Highway
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKnbvfYh3zi/?tagged=pacificcoasthighway
The only unfortunate thing about this is having to safely drive and look out your window at the same time. There are plenty of seaside villages to stop by, but make sure to stop at Big Sur, where there are areas to park your car and take in the salty air and view of the cliffs, waves, and mountains.
Getty Center
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKlOZJ6hBwS/?tagged=gettycenter
A spot that attracts both tourists and locals, the Getty isn’t your typical museum. The art here isn’t just limited to paintings and sculptures, it’s found in forms of architecture, lush gardens and the scenic views overlooking LA. Bonus, the only thing you have to pay for is parking.
NYC
What To Skip:
Times Square
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKtgYx0BfNx/?tagged=timessquare
Blinding advertisements at every angle, packs of tourists no matter the time of year, avoiding eye contact with people in costumes… If you want to go just to be able to say you went, chances are this revelation won’t impact anyone you meet. If you want to go just for a pic, just know Instagram doesn’t need any more Times Square photos.
Where To Go Instead:
9/11 Museum & Memorial
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKtSnBFgR0F/?tagged=911memorial
Opened a mere five years ago, the memorial honors the North and South towers with waterfalls and inscriptions of the victims’ names while the museum sits nearby. The museum exhibits feature images, preserved artifacts from the attacks, videos and voicemails. The meticulous arrangement was well-executed from the arrangement of victims’ names based on an algorithm to the formation of the museum exhibits around original architecture saved from the towers.
Dumbo
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKq3Qn9gOEK/?tagged=dumbobrooklyn
Not a reference to Disney’s elephant, but an abbreviation for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, Dumbo is where you can take a break from the concrete jungle. Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets, see the NYC skyline light up at night and look for the ever-changing art murals in the neighborhood.
