16 Overrated Destinations to Skip on Your Road Trip and Where to Go Instead

Are you planning the perfect road trip? As trendy as some destinations might be, plenty of them can turn out to be a real ditch. Many destinations pull us with their glamorous brochures and fancy Instagram posts, but once you reach there, you realize they aren’t really promising. Instead of wasting your time, it’s better to know which spots to avoid and choose places that offer a more relaxing and peaceful experience. Here are some cities and towns to skip on your road trip, along with better alternatives to visit instead.

Instead of San Francisco, Go to Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

It’s hard to ignore San Francisco’s iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, but the city’s bustling environment and heavy traffic can be overwhelming. If you are planning a road trip across California, go to Carmel-by-the-Sea instead of San Francisco. Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its picturesque streets, charming cottages, and breathtaking coastal views. It’s a great alternative for those looking for a relaxed road trip experience.

Instead of Bryce Canyon City, Go to Kodachrome Basin, Utah

Bryce Canyon City is a major tourist destination that can feel a bit crowded and lacks local charm. Just a short drive away, you’ll arrive at Kodachrome Basin, which offers an authentic experience with stunning sandstone spires and colorful rock formations. The short detour from Scenic Byway 12 is well worth it for the serene views and excellent hiking opportunities in Kodachrome.

Instead of Aspen, Colorado, Go to Crested Butte, Colorado, USA

Aspen’s crowds, high prices, and celebrity vibes can sometimes make it feel a bit uninviting. Crested Butte, on the other hand, is all about wildflower-filled meadows and a charming, laid-back downtown offering similar activities such as chair lift rides, hiking, and snowshoeing. Crested Butte is also famous for its annual wildflower festival, which will be held from July 11-20 in 2025.

Instead of Niagara Falls, Go to Finger Lakes, New York

Niagara Falls is famous, but it’s often packed with tourists and feels way too busy. The Finger Lakes offer a much calmer escape with beautiful waterfalls, small, cozy towns, and lots of wineries to explore. Families can enjoy kayaking on the lakes or hiking peaceful trails. It’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature without dealing with big crowds.

Instead of Banff, Go to The Kananaskis Valley, Alberta, Canada

Surprised to see this here? While Banff is undoubtedly beautiful, the town is often packed with people, especially during peak season, which takes away the peaceful and relaxed experience you’re looking for. On the other hand, Kananaskis Valley offers the same stunning mountains and lake views but without the crowds. It’s a hidden gem where you can truly connect with nature without being disrupted by too many people.

Instead of Amalfi, Go to Ravello, Italy

Amalfi is a must-see on a road trip, but it is often crowded, and food and accommodation can be costly, especially in the summer season. For a better experience, head to Ravello, which is just a short drive away. This town offers amazing views, stunning old villas, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy your Italian road trip without all the hustle and bustle.

Instead of Queenstown, Go to Arrowtown, New Zealand

Queenstown is famous for its adventure scene, but it can get pretty crowded and feel a bit too commercial. Arrowtown, on the other hand, is a hidden gem with its charming streets and rich gold-mining history. It’s a quieter, more picturesque spot that also offers fun activities such as gold panning in the Arrow River, wine tasting, or hiking the peaceful trails.

Instead of the Gold Coast, Go to the Sunshine Coast, Australia

The Gold Coast might grab your attention with its bustling beaches, but it often feels a bit too crowded and commercial. If you’re looking for something more laid-back, the Sunshine Coast is where you want to be. It is home to gorgeous beaches, lush national parks, and quaint coastal towns like Noosa. It’s a perfect spot for a road trip, offering stunning views along the scenic coast.

Instead of Edinburgh, Scotland, Go to Stirling, Scotland

One cannot resist Edinburgh’s historic charm and festivals, but the crowds can make it hard to enjoy. Stirling is a great alternative—it’s full of history, with an impressive castle and medieval architecture, but it’s much more relaxed. The town has beautiful scenery, making it a perfect choice if you want to explore Scottish history without the crowds.

Instead of Dubrovnik, Croatia, Go to Šibenik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is known for its medieval walls and stunning views of the Adriatic, but it can get really crowded. If you want something just as beautiful but more relaxed during your trip, stop at Šibenik. It has a lovely coastline, historic fortresses, and a UNESCO-listed cathedral, all without the huge crowds of tourists.

Instead of Monaco, Go to Èze, France

If Monaco’s glamorous vibe feels a bit much to you, try stopping in Èze instead. This charming hilltop village offers amazing views of the French Riviera, with cute cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens. Èze is much more relaxed and quiet compared to Monaco, making it a great spot for a peaceful break on your road trip through France.

Instead of Interlaken, Go to Grindelwald, Switzerland

If Interlaken feels a bit too crowded, try heading to Grindelwald, which is just a short drive away. This charming mountain village offers amazing views of the Alps and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. Grindelwald is more laid-back and authentic than Interlaken, making it a perfect spot to enjoy Switzerland’s beauty without the crowds.

Instead of Barcelona, Go to Girona, Spain

Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Spain, but it can feel crowded and expensive, especially during peak times. If you want a quieter and more affordable option, consider visiting Girona, which is just a short drive away. Girona offers a similar mix of history and culture with its beautiful medieval old town, the fascinating Jewish Quarter, and ancient city walls that are perfect for exploring.

Instead of Florence, Go to Lucca, Italy

Florence is a dream for art lovers, but the crowds and long lines can really take away from the experience. Just a short drive away, Lucca is a much more relaxed spot with its old city walls, charming piazzas, and peaceful alleys. You can rent a bike and ride along the city walls, stroll through beautiful gardens, and enjoy a coffee in a quiet square without the usual tourist rush.

Instead of Lisbon, Go to Coimbra, Portugal

Lisbon is full of energy and beautiful viewpoints, but it can get pretty crowded. Coimbra, on the other hand, offers a calmer atmosphere and just as much beauty. Known for its historic university, it’s the kind of place where you can explore old streets, visit the impressive cathedral, and soak up the city’s relaxed vibe. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy Portugal’s charm without the hustle and bustle of Lisbon.

Instead of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Go to Nördlingen, Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most popular stops on the Romantic Road in Germany. However, its popularity has led to crowds of visitors, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want a peaceful escape on your road trip across Germany, go to Nördlingen instead. This beautiful small town offers the same historic vibes with its quaint streets and red-roof buildings but without the crowds. Also, it’s built inside a crater, making it an exciting attraction to visit.

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This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.