1. Los Angeles, California

One of the most famous cities in the world, you already know about Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Sunset Boulevard. But did you know L.A. has one of the biggest Mexican and Asian immigrant populations in the world? Or that Santa Monica Pier has a carousel from the 1920s (that's really old in California years)? Or that you can spot famous stars while hiking at Runyon Canyon (and get a great work out)? Come for the shopping and Hollywood, but don't leave without eating some amazing Mexican food and visiting the Getty! For the art enthusiasts, try to find murals by the famous street artist, Banksy.

2. San Diego, California

The gentler neighbor of Los Angeles, San Diego is a small surfer's town that grew into a full-fledged city. Centered around beach life and outdoor markets, San Diego is the hub of Mexican culture in Southern California, as the Mexican border is only 30 minutes away. Visit the famous San Diego Zoo and Sea World to get your fill of animals, but don't miss Balboa Park and Coronado Island.

3. San Francisco, California

Another famous city in California, San Francisco, is a popular tourist stop. Favorites of the InterExchange staff are the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf and Chinatown. Take pictures while riding the famous street trolley (watch the American show Full House from the 1990's to see a famous American TV family in San Francisco) and climb the famous “most crooked street in America” in the Russian Hill neighborhood is (a must for any visitor). Also, see the weird and wonderful birthplace of the beatnik and hippie movements in America during the 1950s and 1960s, the groovy Haight-Ashbury neighborhood.

4. Portland, Oregon

Portland is a city that is half- outdoorsy mountain man, half- cool hipster, and all together interesting and quirky. Our team at InterExchange are fans of Portland! You can see quirky street performers, buy organic and sustainable goods and take a day trip to the coast for beautiful hiking and camping. Mount Hood, the highest peak in Oregon, is about 50 miles away from Portland and the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most beautiful sites in the Pacific Northwest.

5. Seattle, Washington

Known for its coffee and rainy weather, Seattle is often referred to as Portland's big-sister-city. It is also home to one of the biggest Japanese immigrant populations in the U.S. and has amazing fresh seafood restaurants.

6. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is an interesting mix of southwestern Native American culture and an urban environment in the desert. Famous for its arts scene and surrounding desert spas, Santa Fe is a fun and inexpensive trip on your way to Los Angeles or Las Vegas.

InterExchange Picks for Off the Beaten Path Sites

1. Crater Lake, Oregon

If you opened an encyclopedia and looked up the word "lake," Crater Lake would be the picture next to the word. Famous for its incredible blue, mirror-like surface, this mountain-high lake is worth the climb.

2. Salvation Mountain, California

Located in the middle of the desert of Southern California, Salvation Mountain is a one-man art piece. Made and continually added to by Leonard Knight (considered crazy by some people, a genius by others) come visit this amazing site on your way out of Los Angeles. One InterExchange staffer passed this on her way east and ended up staying for 3 hours!

3. Big Sur, California

Really, the whole state of California should be on this list, but if you have to pick one place between Northern and Southern California, Big Sur would be the place to go. The beautiful coastal area is famous for camping, monarch butterfly migration and whale watching. Embrace the feeling of being the only person in the world when you are camping in this ethereal part of the country.

4. Berkeley, California

If you ever wanted to pretend to be a hippie from the 1960s, then come to Berkeley, famous for organic cafes, bike riding and the University of California at Berkeley. Just outside of San Francisco, the restaurants and people watching are worth the visit, and one of our staff members loves the Flea Market here. Peace, man!

5. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming and Idaho

Yellowstone is the most famous national park in the United States and gives you an idea of what the Western U.S. looked like for cowboys and pioneers in the 1700 and 1800s. You can see herds of buffalo, bears and the famous geyser, Old Faithful.

6. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park, California

One of the most amazing natural sites you will ever see, believe us! Sequoia National Park in Northern California is the place to see amazing scenery and marvel at the world's tallest trees!  This magnificent site reminds you how amazing nature is requires.  Bring a fully charged digital camera!

7. Lake Tahoe, between California and Nevada

This famous lake and park is a favorite tourist destination year-round. With skiing in the winter and boating and hiking in the summer, the beautiful Lake Tahoe is a great trip if you love outdoor activities.

8. Flagstaff, Arizona

Close to the Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona, Flagstaff is a mountainous western town where you can stop on your way to the West Coast. The red mountain views in this state have an especially stark, other-wordly beauty during sunset.