Visit North America: Local Gems Not to Miss

The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge aglow at sunset. Image credit: Adobe Stock

New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco are synonymous with their legendary landmarks—Times Square, the Hollywood Sign and the Golden Gate Bridge. But to experience each city’s distinctive character, go beyond the tourist hotspots to discover what the locals love. These lesser-known attractions often provide more authentic insights into each city’s culture, cuisine and lifestyle. For a bonus destination, fly from New York or San Francisco to Canada within two and a half hours and explore Toronto or Vancouver.

If you plan to visit North America from Perth, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines offer flights with short and convenient layovers, allowing you to explore the insider favourites on this curated list as soon as you arrive!

New York's High Line public park nods to its historic past whilst embracing the present. Image credit: iStock

Hidden treasures in New York City (NYC)

It’s easy to get swept up in NYC’s almost endless highlights and places of interest, but the real magic is in the spots that locals adore and visitors rarely stumble upon.

Explore green spaces

Once an elevated railway, the High Line is now a public park. However, at its southern and northern ends, you’ll find secluded pockets to enjoy at your own pace. Absorb the lush horticulture with vivid cityscapes as the backdrop, find hidden art installations and murals or join a free guided tour of this innovative garden.

Taste local favourites

Pizza and bagels are classics of NYC, but its cuisine offers much more. Sample the best Chinatown and Little Italy restaurants on a food and walking tour. Visit family-owned businesses known for their cuisine, learn more about these historic neighbourhoods—including the underworld stories of Mulberry Street—and savour roasted duck, dim sum, imported Italian olives and fresh pasta.

Seek out unique experiences

For an unusual way to discover Central Park, hire a private horse-drawn carriage. An experienced guide narrates each trip, and highlights include Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Fountain and Tavern on the Green.

Go from Central Park to Central Perk and into the set of Friends! See the original props and costumes, take pictures on the orange couch or recreate the hilarious ‘Pivot!’ scene. Tour slots accommodate limited visitors, so you can take your time to explore.

Appreciate art and culture

If you love art, history and scenic views, you’ll love the Cloisters! Also called the Met Cloisters, this museum transports you through time with its original medieval European architecture featuring stained glass and manicured gardens with specialised plant collections.

Feel the energy of Brooklyn’s street art at a graffiti workshop conducted by a local artist. Learn the stories behind the murals, master spray painting techniques and create a personalised canvas to take home.

Enjoy seasonal activities

Spring is one of the best times to hike from Giant Ledge to Breakneck Ridge on the Hudson River—the views are simply gorgeous. Visit the Rochester Lilac Festival or celebrate the maple sugaring tradition across Adirondack’s maple farms. Summertime sees The Watkins Glen International roar with motorsport races and Saratoga Race Course kicks off its horse racing season. Kayak through Canalside’s sheltered waterways, or go river tubing at Ausable Chasm, just outside NYC.

Sunset glow over Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles. Image credit: Adobe Stock

Hidden treasures in Los Angeles (LA)

If you think LA is all about Hollywood and beaches, be prepared for a pleasant surprise! This dazzling city is full of eclectic neighbourhoods and endearing charm.

Spend time in nature

Lose yourself in the expansive rose garden at the former home of William Wrigley Jr, the chewing gum magnate, and join a complimentary tour of Wrigley's three-storey Italian Renaissance-style mansion.

Visit Descanso Gardens, where you’ll find one of the largest displays of camellias in the world. Take a family-friendly tram tour, look for birds, visit the museums and library, or soak up the sunshine and scenery on a picnic. 

Sample regional treats

Taste the flavours of Venice Beach’s thriving food scene on a sidewalk food tour—from acai bowls and authentic Argentinian empanadas to churro waffle bites. Discover almost endless options of ready-to-eat foods, grocers and restaurants at the Original Farmer’s Market dubbed the ‘living time capsule of history and culture’ and a local favourite meeting spot.

Embrace the unusual

The Last Bookstore isn’t just for bookworms. Once a bank, this grand atrium with tunnels and vaults is now a chic bookstore and vinyl record shop, with a coffee bar, open mic nights and a massive collection of new releases, timeless classics and gently used books.

Reserve a seat at The Gallery for Elementa for a multi-sensory dining affair. Over two hours, enjoy a five-course meal accompanied by live performances and visual surprises honouring the five elements—earth, air, fire, wind and aether.

Immerse yourself in local culture

Dive into LA’s Japanese heritage at Little Tokyo. Stroll through the village plaza where modern and traditional Japanese products are sold, and visit the sacred site of Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin, one of North America’s oldest Buddhist temples.

Experience the essence of the Mexican community at Olvera Street, a colourful, pedestrian-only marketplace with historic buildings and a warm, kid-friendly atmosphere. Purchase handcrafted goods, souvenirs and traditional food and explore the many free-entry museums.

Discover seasonal highlights

From Malibu to Venice, LA’s coastline is pure sunshine. Surf, hike or bike along the shore and discover nature reserves and canyons. Visit Echo Park Lake in autumn when its signature lotus beds blossom, rent one of the Echo Park swan boats and pedal across the lake.

Sausalito’s multi-coloured floating homes near San Francisco. Image credit: Adobe Stock

Hidden treasures in San Francisco

San Francisco is full of unexpected delights. A minimum three-night stay lets you experience the city’s heart and soul.

Unwind outdoors

Relax at the Palace of Fine Arts on lawns surrounded by Greco-Roman-style architecture and a lagoon with fish, turtles and birds. For a quieter Golden Gate Bridge experience, catch the sunrise at Battery Spencer while the city still sleeps and the views are all yours. Alternatively, hike along Lands End for rugged cliffs and sweeping Pacific views.

Savour the flavours

San Francisco’s Mission District is where the ‘Mission Burrito’, a Tex-Mex giant commonly stuffed with rice, guacamole and salsa hails from. Explore North Beach’s cocktail lounges, bars and American-Italian eats. Start at Washington Square and end with Alimento’s velvety gelato. The Red Radish reinvents American classics without meat.

Experience the extraordinary

The Peephole Cinema in the Mission District plays silent film vignettes on a loop. The challenge is finding this tiny opening, as there are no signs or directions. Once you see it, peep through and be entertained.

Ride across the Golden Gate Bridge on a rented bicycle to Sausalito, known as the ‘Amalfi Coast of California’ for its picturesque hillside homes overlooking the bay. Dine at a waterfront restaurant to complete your bay experience.

Revel in art and culture

Climb the 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, a community project and work of art featuring over 160 colourful mosaic steps in a sea-to-stars theme. From the top, enjoy city and coastal views.

Get a dose of contemporary culture at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Alternatively, try the de Young Museum’s timeless classics or explore the wonders of nature at the California Academy of Sciences. 

Embrace seasonal traditions

Join San Francisco's ‘Bay to Breakers’, a footrace and costume party spanning nine neighbourhoods, often held in May. June is usually abuzz with Pride parades and festivals. Holidaying later in the year? Head to Napa and Sonoma valleys in autumn for the unforgettable wine harvest.

Toronto’s city skyline from Toronto Island in Canada. Image credit: Adobe Stock

Bonus Tip: See Canada, too!

There’s no shortage of easily accessible and interesting places in North America! Canada borders the US, so you’re only one short journey away from exploring even more sought-after cities.

New York to Toronto

Fly from New York to Toronto in under two hours. This lively, culturally rich, yet down-to-earth city is packed with incredible eateries, passionate sports fans and friendly locals. Soak up its multicultural vibe while spotting familiar scenes from TV shows and movies, like Suits, Mean Girls and Good Will Hunting. Catch a live game with the Maple Leafs, Raptors or Blue Jays, and taste poutine—Canada’s unofficial national dish of French fries, gravy and cheese curds.

San Francisco to Vancouver

Take a two-and-a-half-hour flight from San Francisco to Vancouver, which has a mild climate that makes it an outdoor enthusiast's dream! Explore Stanley Park’s expansive gardens and hiking trails, and visit Kits Beach, Vancouver’s popular coastal hangout lined with boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Purchase fresh food from farmers’ stalls at Granville Island’s public market, spot whales, see an improv show or admire views of False Creek from an aquabus.

Visitors explore New York’s famous Central Park by boat for a unique experience. Image credit: Adobe Stock

See North America and beyond from Perth Airport

If you love exploring new cities, turn your layover into a mini holiday! Travel from Perth Airport with Singapore Airlines and maximise your stopover by seeing Singapore’s best on this 3-day itinerary. Alternatively, fly Cathay Pacific and discover Hong Kong’s finest on the way to visit North America.

Whether you opt for a multi-city journey or not, start your adventure in comfort at our Aspire Lounge, thoughtfully designed for travellers of all ages, and shop duty-free for last-minute goods and essentials—order online or buy in-store.

All advice, recommendations and use of this blog is subject to Perth Airport Online Services - Terms of Use.