7 Most Overrated West Coast Destinations (And Where to Go Instead)

Some places on the West Coast are hyped up beyond belief—only to leave you stuck in traffic, surrounded by tourists, and wondering if the experience was worth it.

If you’re tired of overpriced, overcrowded spots, here’s where not to go—and the better alternatives that will actually make your trip unforgettable.

1. Skip: Malibu, California → Go to: Cambria, California

• Why Malibu is Overrated:
  • Crowded beaches with no parking (Zuma Beach is always packed).
  • Overpriced everything—food, hotels, even parking.
  • Celeb hype doesn’t make up for the fact that it’s just another stretch of expensive coastline.
• Why Cambria is Better:
  • Stunning coastal views without the madness.
  • Moonstone Beach is way less crowded (and arguably prettier).
  • Way more affordable stays than anything in Malibu.

💡 Pro Tip: Stop by Piedras Blancas to see hundreds of elephant seals.

2. Skip: The Hollywood Walk of Fame → Go to: Griffith Park & Observatory

• Why Hollywood is Overrated:
  • The Walk of Fame is just a sidewalk covered in tourists and questionable street performers.
  • The area is grimy, overpriced, and underwhelming.
  • Seeing a celebrity? Not happening.
• Why Griffith Park & Observatory is Better:
  • The best view of the Hollywood Sign (without the tourist traps).
  • Hiking trails, sweeping city views, and a cool space exhibit.
  • No overpriced souvenirs or Hollywood Blvd chaos.

💡 Pro Tip: Go at sunset for the best skyline views.

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3. Skip: Cannon Beach, Oregon → Go to: Manzanita, Oregon

• Why Cannon Beach is Overrated:
  • Beautiful, yes—but also slammed with tourists.
  • Parking is a nightmare on weekends.
  • Expensive hotels and crowds make it feel more like a theme park.
• Why Manzanita is Better:
  • Same stunning coastline, but way more peaceful.
  • Seven miles of quiet beach with great hiking nearby.
  • Cheaper and more laid-back than Cannon Beach.

💡 Pro Tip: Check out Neahkahnie Mountain for an epic coastal viewpoint.

4. Skip: Pike Place Market (Seattle) → Go to: Ballard Farmers Market

• Why Pike Place Market is Overrated:
  • Super crowded year-round.
  • The famous fish toss? Cool for 10 seconds, then you realize you’re in a mob of people.
  • Tourist trap pricing at most restaurants and shops.
• Why Ballard Farmers Market is Better:
  • Locally sourced food & unique vendors (without the tourist chaos).
  • Laid-back neighborhood vibe with cool breweries nearby.
  • Fresh seafood, craft goods, and live music—all in a smaller, more relaxed setting.

💡 Pro Tip: After the market, grab a drink at Reuben’s Brews.

5. Skip: Napa Valley → Go to: Walla Walla, Washington

• Why Napa is Overrated:
  • Insanely expensive wine tastings ($50+ per person at some places).
  • Traffic congestion makes it hard to actually enjoy the region.
  • Feels more like a luxury resort scene than an actual wine country getaway.
• Why Walla Walla is Better:
  • Way more affordable wine tastings (without sacrificing quality).
  • No crowds, no stress—just amazing wine and friendly people.
  • Cute downtown with farm-to-table restaurants and boutique hotels.

💡 Pro Tip: Try L’Ecole No. 41 or Pepper Bridge Winery for some of the best wines in the region.

6. Skip: The Las Vegas Strip → Go to: Red Rock Canyon

• Why the Strip is Overrated:
  • Too expensive, too crowded, too chaotic.
  • Tourist scams everywhere.
  • Unless you love casinos, it’s not as fun as it looks in movies.
• Why Red Rock Canyon is Better:
  • Jaw-dropping desert landscapes just 30 minutes from Vegas.
  • Amazing hiking, rock climbing, and scenic drives.
  • No neon lights, just epic natural beauty.

💡 Pro Tip: Take the 13-mile scenic drive for the best views of the canyon.

7. Skip: The Space Needle → Go to: Kerry Park

• Why the Space Needle is Overrated:
  • Expensive just to go up an elevator ($35 per person).
  • The view is great—but you can get the same (or better) for free.
  • Long wait times and way too many tourists.
• Why Kerry Park is Better:
  • The best skyline view of Seattle—for free.
  • No crowds, just a quiet hillside with an epic panorama.
  • A perfect spot for sunset photos.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit at sunset or twilight for the most magical view of the city.

MORE ON THE WEST COAST:

READ MORE: The Best of Oregon

READ MORE: The Best of Washington

READ MORE: The Best of California

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