These side-trips deliver loads of activities, entertainment and fun without lines, hassles or hoards of people.
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10 Best Detour Destinations for Those Who Want to Escape the Crowds
Updated on May 07, 2025
Detour from Madrid: Segovia and Toledo
Best for: Castles and culture
In Europe, detour destinations, or side trips, are “the perfect escape with an easy way to leave the crowds behind and experience the countryside that surrounds most major European capitals,” says Brandon Shaw, co-owner of The Tour Guy, a guided tour company,
For an extra day in Madrid, says Shaw, “I am heading out to Toledo and Segovia. You have these fairytale-like castles, majestic aqueducts and beautiful landscapes.” Best of all, both of these spots are less than an hour from Madrid, and easily visited with a tour.
Where to stay: Since these towns are quick day trips, it’s easy to stay in Madrid to launch your adventures. The art-filled Hotel Montera Madrid, Curio Collection by Hilton, is one of my favorites: it feels like a quiet hideaway inside, but it’s right in the heart of the bustling Gran Via. The hotel is directly next to the Grand Via Metro, making your detour escape even easier to get started. Tip: Don’t miss the rooftop bar here, it’s truly a hidden gem.
Detour from Zion National Park: Capitol Reef National Park
Best for: Natural scenery and outdoor adventures
A visit to southern Utah is all about the grandeur of nature and the stunning scenery of the area’s fabulous national parks.
But, as RVshare travel expert Maddi Bourgerie explains, “Overcrowding popular parks and monuments … can be stressful for both us and the environment. By spreading out and seeking the road less traveled, we can all benefit.”
Her recommendation for a great experience in Utah without the crowds of Insta-popular Zion National Park? Capitol Reef National Park, about 3 hours northeast, also in Utah. The park receives 1.3 million fewer visitors than Zion, but has towering cliffs, colorful canyons, and ancient petroglyphs.
Another great option nearby is Canyonlands National Park. With less than a million visitors, but plenty of gorgeous red rock scenery, this park is an under-the-radar gem just a two-hour drive from Capitol Reef.
Where to stay: ULUM Moab a World of Hyatt property, is glamour camping, or “glamping” at its best, with all-suite, safari-inspired tents with king-size beds with soft sheets,ensuite bathrooms with rainfall showers and sweeping views over Canyonlands. There’s gourmet dining, indoor and outdoor lounge spaces and cool programming, too, such as dark-sky stargazing and crystal sound bath meditation.
Detour from Charleston: Greenville, South Carolina
Best for: Foodies
I love visiting Charleston for fabulous southern food and seafood, and, of course, there’s charming architecture and lots of lovely outdoor spots to stroll around and visit (not to mention great shopping). The only problem: The crowds of bachelorettes and other visitors who crowd the city during peak seasons. My favorite detour: A 3-hour northwest roadtrip to Greenville, South Carolina.
Greenville is where in-the-know foodies head for the south’s best up-and-coming food scene, where you’ll find James Beard award winners and French Laundry alums putting fresh spins on southern classics (think: modern shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and oysters) at Sobys, CAMP, Jianna, and Jones Oyster Co, just to name a few. There’s a great art and live music scene, too, plus gorgeous natural areas like Falls Park.
Where to stay: The luxe Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, Autograph Collection, looks and feels like a glamorous mountain lodge—with lots of rich woods and natural stone—but is nestled right in the heart of Greenville with expansive views directly over the sparkling Reedy River and 32-acre Falls Park. The boutique hotel has a plush spa, elevated all-day dining at Between the Trees restaurant, and a swanky cocktail and small plates scene at Spirit & Bower, and original artwork throughout the property, including in the hotel’s notable art gallery.
Detour from Paris: Rouen, France
Best for: Museums
Paris is one of my favorite cities; I’ve celebrated milestone birthdays and even honeymooned in the City of Light. But, I’m not the only one who loves the art-filled city, and often I find that to see the Impressionists at the Musée D’Orsay or antiquities at the Louvre, I’m confronted with massive, hours-long lines. My best secret to see French masterpieces without the wait? Hop on a train to Rouen, just a 75-minute ride away. In less time than waiting for entry to a major Paris museum, I’m transported to this beautifully preserved Gothic city with its own spire-topped Notre Dame Cathedral and a dozen world-class museums, which, wait for it, are also all free.
Among my favorites is the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which has one of the largest fine arts collections outside of Paris, with works by Monet, Renoir, Pissaro, Modigliani, Caravaggio and more.
Where to stay: Base yourself in an actual 15th-century chateau right in the heart of Rouen at The Hotel de Bourgtheroulde, Autograph Collection. You’ll get five-star style and service for a fraction of what you’d pay in Paris (prices are around $200 a night, that’s about a third of what you’d pay for a comparable hotel in Paris). Extra bonus: There’s a large indoor pool here, too. Rouen is also a popular river cruise stop on the Seine (I first visited on a Viking River Cruise).
Detour from London: Bath, England
Best for: Literature lovers
If you’re a lit geek like me, or deep into Bridgerton fandom, you may already know that 2025 is the 250th birthday of Jane Austen. In just 90 minutes by train from often-crowded London, you’ll be stepping back in time to the gentler era of Regency England in a city that combines classic architecture and historical elegance (and of course, those famed baths).
While you’re here, there are plenty of activities that will immerse you in the spirit of the Georgian era, including dance workshops, embroidery classes, a Jane Austen-themed afternoon tea and more.
Where to stay: The Gainsborough Bath Spa feels like the perfect setting for a celebration of all things Jane Austin, with lots of Georgian period detailing, luxe beds and guest rooms, and, best of all, the hotel’s Spa Village, which has exclusive access to Bath’s naturally warm, mineral-rich waters.
Detour from Los Angeles: Huntington Beach, California
Best for: SoCal surf and sun
Huntington Beach, known as Surf City USA, offers the perfect California beach escape just a 40-minute drive from Los Angeles. With 10 miles of coastline, five sandy beaches, and iconic Huntington Beach Pier, one of the longest piers on the West Coast, it’s the perfect low-key, easy-to-reach beach day getaway. After a long day in the sun, cozy up next to one of Huntington Beach’s 500 beachside bonfire rings and toast up some s’mores while you wait for the stars to come out.
Where to stay: Paséa Hotel & Spa is just steps away from the golden sands of Huntington Beach, and most of the hotel’s 250 spacious rooms and suites have ocean views. The hotel’s Beach Butler will transport you, and all your stuff, with a complimentary pedicab service, and can provide chairs, umbrellas, toys, bike rentals, and even has picnic baskets filled with beach snacks to purchase.
Detour from Cancun: Riviera Maya, Mexico
Best for: Tropical sunshine
Just a little over an hour from the hustle and bustle of Cancun is the serene rainforest and beaches of the Riviera Maya. Don’t get me wrong, Cancun is fun, but if you’re looking for more nature and less nightlife, I highly recommend the short detour south where you’ll find a more relaxed vibe with laid-back beaches, eco-activities like swimming in cenotes and exploring caves, and some great resorts. Same warm weather, just way more space and relaxation.
Where to stay: VidantaWorld Riviera Maya offers so much to do it’s almost like a detour destination in itself. In addition to luxe rooms with kitchenettes and plenty of space to spread out, there’s “only here” entertainment, including JOYA, Cirque du Soleil’s only dinner-theater show (I visited recently and the smoking, bubbling, color changing food and drinks were worth a trip alone), a massive water park with the longest lazy river in Latin America, and an outdoor water and light show, just to name a few.
Detour from Nashville: Memphis, Tennessee
Best for: Live entertainment
Take a three-hour road trip from Nashville’s to its western neighbor, Memphis, for fewer crowds, more affordable experiences, and a vibrant music scene. While Nashville is known for its honky-tonk bars and live music, Memphis, the “Birthplace of the Blues,” offers a more laid-back music experience, along with a unique blend of history, food, and art. Enjoy live music on Beale Street, head to Graceland, which is celebrating Elvis’ 90th birthday, or schedule a tour at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
And keep in mind that Memphis is so much more than just one-note tune: It’s also home to the moving National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel, a stop on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail.
Where to stay: The Memphian, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, is in the heart of the music action in revitalized Overton Square. It’s filled with colorful art, plus has a cool rooftop that’s great for sunset cocktails at the Tiger & Peacock as well as late evening stargazing after your night out.
Detour from Tokyo: Yokohama, Japan
Best for: Sports and recreation
Tokyo is, of course, a lot of fun. It’s also a tourist-favorite in the spring and summer where waiting on line for sushi, entertainment and even popular stores can eat up lots of your vacation time. And although there are two baseball teams in the city, I discovered the hard way that getting tickets can be a challenge. That’s why I was thrilled when Audley travel specialist Tamatha Frederick cued me in on the detour destination of Yokohama last summer when I visited Japan.
After a quick, 35-minute metro trip, my family and I were able to visit the Cup of Noodles Museum for photo ops and food tasting galore, see a Yokohama DeNA BayStars baseball game from excellent seats on the third baseline, stop in at a World of Nintendo store (a plus for my son), and have some of the best dumplings of our two-week trip. All without ever waiting on a line.
Where to stay: It’s easy to hop to Yokohama from Tokyo, especially if you stay at the Conrad Tokyo, which towers above the massive, multi-line, Shiodome metro station. You could get all the way from your huge, plush room, indoor pool, and fantastic breakfast buffet with views over the harbor all the way to the Yokohama BayStars stadium without ever stepping outside.
Detour from New York City: Asbury Park, New Jersey
Best for: A dog-friendly day
The Big Apple is great for a lot of things, but when it comes to dog-friendly trips, it can be hard to get a pup to relax with all the horn honking, traffic and loads of people that define the city. Luckily, my favorite detour for a pet-friendly getaway is just an hour south of NYC at the Jersey Shore: Asbury Park, New Jersey. This beach town has an urban vibe thanks to live music venues (this is where The Stone Pony, of Bruce Springsteen fame, is located) and a fantastic dining scene.
And happily, it’s a spot where dogs are welcome, including a great dog beach at the north of the town where I often bring my rescue mutt, Babka, for a day on the sand. There’s even a “Yappy Hour” at The Wonder Bar, where humans can get a cocktail while their pooches socialize.
Where to stay: The hip Asbury Hotel, located just a block from the beach, is as pooch friendly as they come. Babka was treated to a “pup-cruterie” bowl filled with turkey, cheese, and fresh veggies during our last stay, a dog bed in our spacious room, and even a water bowl down by the large, heated pool. Well-behaved pups can also hang out in the lobby, where I was able to grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee in the morning before heading to the park across the street, a win/win for all parties.
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Sources:
- Melanie Fish, head of PR for Expedia Group Brands.
- Brandon Shaw, co-owner of The Tour Guy, an international guided tour company,
- Maddi Bourgerie, travel expert for RVshare, a RV rental company.
- Tamatha Frederick, Japan specialist at Audley Travel, a custom travel company.
