Beyond the Bucket List: Hidden Gems in America’s Most Popular Cities

 

Everybody knows the major attractions in America’s biggest cities: Snapping a photo of the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, cheering on a Cowboys game in Dallas and exploring the Empire State Building in New York City. There’s nothing wrong with visiting those tourist hotspots, of course, but sometimes you want to feel like a local.

With help from knowledgeable travel advisers and exploration experts, we got the scoop on hidden-gem eateries, quirky things to do and unique places to stay in some of the busiest, most-visited cities in the United States. Luckily, the pros aren’t gatekeeping these under-the-radar spots in Los Angeles, Dallas and New York City, making for epic, off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Destination No. 1: Los Angeles

Travelers heading to the West Coast are often looking to check off some bucket list items: seeing the Hollywood sign, visiting Universal Studios and gaping at celebrities’ homes. But these two Angeleno experts have some different ideas to share.

Stay: Hotel Figueroa combines cool history with a fresh renovation. Originally a hotel for women, it became an activity hub during the women’s suffrage movement, and today’s designs honor that heritage, explained longtime Angeleno Danny Jensen. He’s the author of “Secret Los Angeles: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful and Obscure” and “Los Angeles Scavenger: The Ultimate Search for Los Angeles's Hidden Treasures,” so he knows how to discover hidden gems around town.

Luxury travel designer Nick Hofstadter, owner of Upgraded, a bespoke travel business, also recommended Hotel Bel-Air, nestled in the canyon hills away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Do: Hiking is a popular activity in Los Angeles. As a native Angeleno, Hofstadter said the most popular hiking spot is Runyon Canyon Park, which he describes as “a runway” where people go to see and be seen (oh, and get some exercise, too).

Instead of Runyon, visit Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills. It’s a bit hidden, but it promises exceptional views. Speaking of the outdoors, if seeing the Hollywood sign is truly a must, do it in a unique way: on horseback. Jensen recommended Sunset Ranch Hollywood, which organizes horseback tours to the Hollywood sign. For another outdoor adventure, Jensen said he enjoys the swan boats at Echo Park Lake.

When you’re looking for an indoor activity, the experts have a few museum recommendations: Check out the Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirror Rooms at contemporary art museum The Broad; the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, which is dedicated to moviemaking; and the Museum of Jurassic Technology, which is packed with all kinds of scientific and historic artifacts.

Eat: Whether you’re looking to slurp noodles on trendy “Ramen Row” or hit up a spot with an old-school vibe, there are a ton of off-the-beaten-path options.

• Malibu Beach Inn: Grab lunch or schedule a sunset dinner at this luxurious seaside oasis with seasonal land and sea menus, Hofstadter suggested.
• Cara Hotel Restaurant: Another of Hofstadter’s favorites, this spot offers courtyard dining around a pool.
• Dan Tana’s: Though there are not many options for red-sauce Italian spots in LA, this one is the best, Hofstadter insisted, especially the broiled whitefish and the Caesar salad, which he calls the “best Caesar salad in the world.” Plus, you might even spot a celeb while you’re there.
• Sawtelle Japantown: Don’t miss the Sawtelle Japantown neighborhood with its popular strip of ramen restaurants, colloquially called “Ramen Row.”
• Grand Central Market: For his taste buds, Jensen is going to Grand Central Market, an old-school food hall with lots of options.
• The Baked Potato: True to its name, this jazz club has just one thing on the menu: baked potatoes in their many delicious forms.

Destination No. 2: Dallas

This southern city is known for its beloved sports teams (the Cowboys, Mavericks and Stars, to name a few), as well as its cultural attractions (especially the Dallas Museum of Art and the Dallas Arboretum). As a lifelong Texan, Casey Carr, vice president of Sharon Carr Travel, knows how to find a unique spin on the city’s main draws.

Stay: Hotel ZaZa offers two boutique hotels in Dallas — one in the Memorial City and the other in the Museum District. No matter which you choose, Carr said you can expect the unexpected. “Each room has an individual theme, and they’re all decorated differently,” he explained.

Do: Sports are big business here, but Carr recommended checking out a less famous team, like soccer club FC Dallas, or even going to a high school football game like in “Friday Night Lights.” For music lovers, the Bomb Factory is, well, the bomb. Formerly an actual WWII bomb factory, this music venue is one of Carr’s favorites for live music of all genres. Find it in the Deep Ellum neighborhood, an old warehouse district in the midst of revitalization that’s full of small music venues worth perusing.

Eat: Eating barbecue while visiting Texas is a must, and just about everybody has strong opinions about what’s the best. Skip the long lines at some of the more well-known spots and instead try Carr’s top pick: LocalCraft BBQ. True to its name, this local spot focuses on quality and consistency. The best spots, he said, are run by pitmaster pros who are deeply passionate about their work. If you’re craving tacos, try Mexican Sugar, an upscale Mexican restaurant with an impressive agave library featuring 150 premium tequilas, mezcals and agave-based spirits.

Destination No. 3: New York City

The Big Apple is no doubt at the top of many travelers’ lists, but for those who want to live like an authentic New Yorker, these travel pros have some ideas.

Stay: If you want to skip a major chain hotel but still stay in the heart of Times Square, Carr recommended Hotel Edison — especially if you can splurge on a suite. This Art Deco hotel in the theater district offers incredible views of the city, and some terraces even boast views of the Hudson River. For his NYC visits, Hofstadter goes to the Greenwich, a luxury hotel in Tribeca. It’s known for its lush courtyard and chic design, and some suites even have cozy fireplaces.

Do: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is incredible, but it draws long lines, especially on the weekends. For another stunning, lesser-known art experience, walk a few blocks to the newly renovated Frick Collection, home to art from the Renaissance through the late 19th century, Hofstadter suggested. He has another, even more obscure museum recommendation, too: The New York Transit Museum. This Brooklyn Museum, tucked inside a decommissioned subway station, is all about the history of transit — and you can even walk through vintage train cars!

As for outdoor activities, both Hofstadter and Carr recommended renting a bike and seeing the city on two wheels. Carr has happy memories of renting a motorized bike, cruising across the Brooklyn Bridge and pedaling around Brooklyn. When you need a break from pedaling, he said, find a bench and people watch.

Eat: New York City is home to tens of thousands of restaurants, so there’s always something new to try, even for native New Yorkers.

• Little Ruby’s Cafe: Start the day with brunch at this Aussie cafe featuring items like ricotta hotcakes, vegemite toast and a green eggs bowl. There are several spots around the city, much to Hofstadter’s delight.
• Taverna Kyclades: This Greek seafood restaurant in Queens is a must-try for dinner.
• L'Antica Pizzeria Da Michele: This is Hofstadter’s go-to pizza spot in Manhattan.
• Manhatta: Make time to grab a drink at this Lower Manhattan restaurant where, according to Hofstadter, the views are just as extraordinary as the cuisine.
• Street food: Don’t overlook this hidden gem! Though some tourists might be put off by food carts, Carr recommended grabbing a hot dog or some halal for a quick lunch on the go.