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Note: All travel is subject to frequently changing governmental restrictions—please check federal, state and local advisories before scheduling trips.

While many travel plans are still on hold, we’re now looking ahead to where we’ll go next. And when we do finally get away, we plan on doing things a little differently. This year, we’re looking to get away from big cities’ crowded touristy areas and instead explore where the locals hangout in our favorite neighborhoods further afield. Each of these fascinating enclaves have their own great hotels, just far enough away from the hustle and hype of overrun downtown attractions.

RELATED: 12 classic gayborhoods we love

Las Vegas: 18b Arts District

18b Arts District

Image courtesy Downtown Las Vegas Alliance

Located between the Strip and downtown, the 18b Las Vegas Arts District neighborhood is a colorful place, full of inspiration. From art galleries and collectives to vintage stores and a healing garden, this is a welcome escape from the overwhelming stimulus of the Strip. If you’re there on the First Friday of the month, join the block party to help support local artists and enjoy the vibrant artistic community. Enjoy an overnighter at the Thunderbird Boutique Hotel for a retro vibe that includes a whiskey saloon and a wedding chapel. Don’t leave the district without grabbing a craft cocktail at  Frankie’s Tiki Room or the Velveteen Rabbit, and dinner at Esther’s Kitchen.

Los Angeles: Silver Lake/Echo Park

The sentiment that nobody walks in L.A. does not apply to the charming Silver Lake/Echo Park area. Stroll along Sunset Boulevard for coffee or cocktails, take your fur baby to the dog park, or get your cardio in at the Silver Lake Reservoir or Echo Lake Park while taking in some serene scenery. For a laid-back staycation, check out the newly opened Silver Lake Pool & Inn. Take in the Southern California sun by the pool, savor your favorite Italian meal al fresco, or walk to the Farmers Market on Tuesday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

Chicago: Wicker Park

The Robey

Image courtesy of The Robey

Close to downtown via CTA trains, but far enough removed to have a less frantic feel, Wicker Park has new hotels popping up, noteworthy restaurants and shops, and is a bustling epicenter for nightlife. Check in to The Robey, a historic Art Deco skyscraper, to stay, eat and take in the view from the 2nd floor Lounge, the 6th floor Cabana Club (with rooftop pool), and the impressive 13th floor Up Room lounge and bar. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful brick and stone architecture, Victorian homes and mansions, and tree-lined streets. The area blends the past and present with seamless charm.

ALSO: Make sure you’re earning rewards on your city escape—join Orbitz Rewards for a flurry of travel perks!

San Diego: North Park

North Park San Diego

NORTH PARK SIGN -COURTESY LISA FIELD, SANDIEGO.ORG

With so many well-known neighborhoods in San Diego, we thought we’d give a little love to the vibrant North Park area. It is the heart of the San Diego craft beer scene, borders activity-centric Balboa Park, and offers scenic hiking trails, great live music and hip restaurants. Book a room at The Lafayette Hotel Swim Club & Bungalows, to experience historic Hollywood glam, swim in the Weissmuller Olympic Pool, and dine on American comfort foods.

New York: Park Slope, Brooklyn

Park Slope is a laid-back Brooklyn neighborhood where you’ll see residents walking dogs, dining at local eateries, and enjoying some outdoor recreation at the expansive Prospect Park. Streets are lined with historic brownstones, there are epic views of the Manhattan skyline, and farm-to-table dining is common. For a boutique hotel experience, check out Hotel Le Bleu, located not far from the Brooklyn Museum, Botanic Garden, and Public Library. Hop on the subway to access Manhattan in about 30 minutes.

Miami: Wynwood

Be enthralled at the Wynwood Arts District

Be enthralled at the Wynwood Arts District | Flickr CC: T.Tseng

For the ultimate art experience, Wynwood is the place to go. This hip, inspiring neighborhood is the epicenter of street art, including the popular Wynwood Walls outdoor mural display. Here you’ll also find art centers, galleries, and events, as well as acclaimed restaurants and craft breweries. And its’ just a short drive to Downtown, Miami Beach, and Little Havana. Stay at the luxury apart-hotel, Domio Wynwood, for spacious apartment accommodations with the amenities and service of a hotel.

San Francisco: Presidio

Presidio San Francisco

Image by William Keller, Trover.com

The Presidio offers a rural feel not far from the Financial District’s skyscrapers. This section of the city is a former U.S. Army base that is now within the National Parks System and contains residential and commercial buildings. It features beautiful hiking trails that meander through eucalyptus groves and along beach bluffs. Here you’ll also find the Walt Disney Family Museum, Lucasfilm headquarters (with a Yoda statue), Fort Point, and many historical buildings. Ride a bike along the path at Crissy Field and stop at the Warming Hut for a cup of cocoa and snack, as well as a phenomenal view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Stay just outside the park at the Travelodge by Wyndham Presidio San Francisco. It’s walking distance to the Palace of Fine Arts, bayside Marina Green Park, as well as plenty of shops and dining on charming Chestnut Street.

 

Tagged: California, Chicago, Chicago, Florida, Las Vegas, Miami, Midwest, New York, San Francisco

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Sharael Kolberg | FamilyTravelChannel.com
​Sharael, founder of Family Travel Channel (familytravelchannel.com), has been writing about travel since 1995. Her work has appeared in Sunset magazine, Outside magazine, ForbesTravelGuide.com, MSN.com, and many others. Follow her on Twitter @FamTravChannel, FB and Instagram @FamilyTravelChannel. See more of her work at Sharael.com.
Sharael Kolberg | FamilyTravelChannel.com

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