The lure of vacationing in a vibrant and exciting metropolis seems attractive, but sometimes things like traffic, parking, safety concerns, and general griminess might leave you wishing you could enjoy all the big-city culture without all the big-city headaches that might come with it.
Fortunately, there is a way—if you’re willing to give a quaint nearby suburb a chance. Booking a hotel just outside of town still gives you access to explore the city but, at the end of the day, have the comfort and ease of sleeping in a less hectic environment. Plus, some suburbs are destinations of their own, with interesting and family-friendly attractions worth visiting.
Here are a few of big city suburbs worth booking for your next big-city getaway.
Chicago: Evanston
The Windy City has no lack of things to check out. Must-dos include seeing “The Bean” piece of art in Millennium Park, shopping on the Magnificent Mile, taking an architectural boat cruise on the Chicago River, and taking in the view from the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck. But nearby Evanston, an adjacent lakefront suburb just north of the city, is home to the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, Frances Willard House Museum, and the Block Museum of Art, and it has a nice beach to boot. It is also where Northwestern University is located. Getting to and from the city is easy via CTA trains.
Detroit: Dearborn
Downtown Detroit has incredible museums, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, Michigan Science Center, Detroit Children’s Museum, and Detroit Historical Museum. You’ll also want to tour the city’s stunning architecture and spend a morning browsing and noshing at Eastern Market. However, nearby Dearborn also has its own highlights, such as the must-see Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Automotive Hall of Fame, the open-air Greenfield Village, and amazing Middle Eastern restaurants.
Miami: Coral Gables
After you’ve had your fill of Miami’s night club scene, art deco architecture, Cuban-inspired food, sun-drenched beaches and inspiring murals, head to Coral Gables for a slower-paced respite. Coral Gables is a beautiful ‘burb about 20 minutes southwest of downtown Miami and features the spring-fed 1920s Venetian Pool, Lowe Art Museum and Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and puts you close to the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens and the historic Deering Estate.
Houston: Sugar Land
There’s plenty to do in Houston, like visiting the Space Center Houston, Museum of Fine Arts, Aquarium, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, and Gerald D. Hines Waterfall Park. But suburban Sugar Land also has a lot going on. Check out the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center (Kidtropolis), Sugar Land Memorial Park, Brazos River Corridor, and Oyster Creek Park.
Las Vegas: Summerlin
Hit the Strip for a show, to play the slots, see the view from the Eiffel Tower, or be awed by the Bellagio fountains, then escape to the master-planned community of Summerlin. Here you’ll find a great selection of restaurants, parks and playgrounds, multi-use trails, fitness facilities, shopping centers, and community activities. One of the biggest attractions in the area is scenic Red Rock Canyon, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Take a scenic drive, go for a hike, try bouldering, or visit the Interpretation Center.
San Francisco: Sausalito
Spend time taking in the sights of the City by the Bay, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, the TransAmerica Pyramid, Chinatown, Crissy Field and, of. course, Golden Gate Park. Families will love riding a cable car, indulging in a hot fudge sundae at Ghirardelli Square, trying some clam chowder at Fisherman’s Wharf, or visiting one of the many museums like the Exploratorium. But, when it’s time to get some rest for the night, hop on a ferry (or drive across the Golden Gate Bridge) for a scenic ride to Sausalito. This charming waterfront suburb in Marin County offers access to many outdoor activities, scenic views of the city, and a variety of charming restaurants and shops. Visit the Sausalito Houseboat colony, hike to a lighthouse at Point Reyes National Seashore, plus check out the Marine Mammal Center, Bay Area Discovery Museum, or Fort Baker National Park. For fresh air and great views, get out and take a hike in Muir Woods, walk along Muir Beach, or mountain bike Mount Tamalpais.
Phoenix: Mesa
Phoenix’s suburbs are definitely more attractive than the city itself, and Mesa offers an excellent home base if visiting the area. There is no shortage of things to do such as visiting the Mesa Grande Cultural Park, Arizona Museum of Natural History, i.d.e.a. Museum, and Mesa Arts Center.
Los Angeles: Redondo Beach
There’s no doubt that the City of Angels is home to world-renown attractions. You can see the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, max out your credit card on Rodeo Drive, take a tour of a working movie studio, catch a Dodgers game, hike Runyon Canyon, hear live music, visit a museum, and so much more. It also has the beach! Coastal LA stretches from Malibu to Redondo Beach, with each section having its own flair and uniqueness. When it comes to booking accommodations, ditch city traffic for an ocean view and enjoy laid-back Redondo Beach. Here, you can stroll along the pier, dine on some fresh seafood, go SUPing in the marina, or take a drive along scenic Pacific Coast Highway. Land lovers can bike, walk, or roller skate along The Strand, a 27-mile beachfront paved path.