US travel guide

When to go, what to do, and why you'll love it

Why you'll love it

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Global superpower, economic titan and cultural colossus, it’s hard to get your head around just how big the United States of America is. From sea to shining sea, it is full of instantly recognisable landmarks: the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Rushmore and the White House for starters. Mother Nature’s efforts are equally impressive, from Niagara Falls to the Great Lakes, Glacier National Park to the Grand Canyon.

No other country boasts so many stellar major cities: Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, Miami, Boston, New Orleans, Washington DC, San Francisco and New York City to name but a few — any one of which would be a revered capital anywhere else in the world. And beyond them, the boundless rolling plains of the Midwest, the towering Rocky Mountains, the bewitching Everglades and the sultry, mythic desertscapes of the Southwest.

Mother Nature’s efforts are equally impressive, from Niagara Falls to the Great Lakes

The great American experience is about so many things. It’s unforgettable cities, spectacular drives, magnificent national parks, epic festivals, superlative museums, world-class live music — and a seemingly endless smorgasbord of distinctive, delicious local cuisine. From the fresh, steaming seafood of Maryland and Maine to the rich, smoky BBQ of North Carolina and Texas, American food is known for its portion sizes, but is equally big on taste.

Wherever you’re coming from and whatever you’re looking for, this diverse and beguiling nation has a corner for you.

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Main photo: Toroweap overlook, North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park (Getty Images)

Get planning

The best things to do in New York
It’s the city that never sleeps and neither should you. Here, our expert and former resident picks out some of the best round-the-clock attractions and things to do
How to enjoy New York for less
Here's how to visit the Big Apple without a wallet full of dollars — or the need to compromise on experience
Best luxury hotels in New York
From Uptown classics to Downtown cool: some of the world’s most indulgent hotels are in New York. These are the best
The best hotels in New York
We reveal the ultimate places to stay in New York, from the storied luxury hotels uptown to Brooklyn pads that have charm to spare
Landscape, Big Bend National park, TX.
Best road trips in the US
The US is prime road tripping territory – but where to set the sat nav for first? Here are some ideas
The best stops on Route 66
The best things to see — from neon signs and the Cadillac Ranch to national parks and the Gateway Arch — on the Will Rogers Highway, better known as US Highway 66
Best US itineraries
First-time visitor to the US, or unsure about how to see its best bits? Here are some top itineraries across this varied nation to make the most of your trip
Best national parks in the US
From the frozen north to deserts and rock stacks, the National Park System has it all... and more
Best hotels in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has hotels for every preference, from feet-in-the-sand boho boltholes to glamorous grand dames overlooking the Hollywood Hills
Best things to do in Los Angeles
Tinseltown, the City of Angels, La La Land: call it what you will, Los Angeles is a city with a cinematic presence and a lifetime of experiences to enjoy. Here are a few of our favourites
Best Las Vegas hotels
The choice is almost as dazzling as the hotels themselves. But if you’re going to get the most out of your visit to Vegas, you need to choose wisely
Best things to do in Las Vegas
Once notorious for illicit pursuits, Las Vegas has cleaned up its act and diversified its appeal to become one of the world’s biggest and best entertainment hubs
Best beaches in Florida
Whether you’re looking to paddle, people-watch or simply pose, there’ll be a beach for you in this sun-kissed American state
Best things to do in Florida
From a foodie tour of Miami to dolphin-spotting on Shell Island, these are the 21 best experiences in Florida
Best things to do in Miami
Come to Miami for its sunshine and beaches but stay for its world-class museums, historic architecture and myriad activities
Best things to do in Orlando
Overwhelmed by the choice of things to do in Orlando? Here’s a comprehensive list to make the most of your holiday
Best hotels in Orlando
Need somewhere to stay in Orlando? Here’s your guide to the best options, in all price categories — from downtown to Disney and everywhere in between
Best things to do in San Francisco
San Francisco is the quintessential Californian city: free-spirited, famously tolerant, notoriously fog-prone and, above all, fabulous fun. Here’s how to get the best out of it
Best hotels in Boston
From landmark hotels with layers of history to boutique bolt holes in the city’s coolest neighbourhoods, these are the top places to bed down in Boston
Best things to do in Boston
Walk the Freedom Trail, cheer on the Red Sox and feast on seafood — Boston has plenty to keep you busy

What to do

The best American trips begin in the same way as most Americans’ days: behind the wheel of a car. Road tripping is an art form here, and there are multiple classic routes to trace, led by the ultimate Pacific coast adventure — California’s Highway One. That classic clifftop odyssey is closely followed in the iconic stakes by the Great River Road from Memphis to New Orleans and, of course, the legendary Route 66, which twists majestically through the rural heart of small-town America.

Those seeking city-breaks have an embarrassment of riches to choose from, although long-weekend options from the UK are generally limited to the east coast due to flight times. (New York is the obvious pick here, but don’t overlook Boston, Washington DC or Philadelphia, all fabulous cities in their own right, with multiple daily flights from London Heathrow). Foodies will enjoy the varied menus of big cities such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, but should also check out rising restaurant heavyweights in the form of Charleston, Dallas and Nashville, where a new generation of young chefs are making serious waves.

Don’t overlook Boston, Washington DC or Philadelphia, all fabulous cities in their own right

The great American list goes on and on. Sports, beaches, theme parks (from Dollywood to Disneyland), festivals (think Mardi Gras in New Orleans, South by Southwest in Austin and Coachella in the California Desert), the US has it all and then some. Even its supposed weak spot — history — is well addressed, if you care to look. In Philadelphia the Liberty Bell hangs amid some of the finest museums in the country, while Washington DC’s National Museum of the American Indian explores Native American culture in vivid detail.

Where to stay

Whether you’ve chosen to hit the vineyards of Oregon, the beaches of Hawaii or the black hills of South Dakota, one thing that will never be far away is a motel. Americans still love their “motor-hotels”, which is great news for the rest of us, as they provide easy, affordable accommodation, wherever you find yourself.

Moving up the accommodation scale, this is the nation that introduced the world to Airbnb, so you’ll never be lacking in unique home rental options, from treehouses to penthouse apartments. Meanwhile, quirky boutique hotels are de rigeur in every city — Miami, New Orleans and Austin are awash with elegant, original accommodation — and the metroplexes have five-star muscle. Indeed, many of the world’s most famous hotels can be found standing proudly on these shores, from The Fontainebleau* on Miami Beach to the Beverly Hills Hotel* in California. Not to mention the cluster of epic accommodation guarding the renowned Las Vegas Strip, including The Venetian*, a mini-replica of Italy’s lagoon city, and The Bellagio*, famous for its fountains.

Don't miss

The east and west coasts typically attract the lion’s share of attention, but don’t overlook America’s southern coastline. The Gulf Coast, curving from southern Texas to the Florida Keys, boasts a procession of startlingly beautiful beaches and islands, and accommodation at pleasingly affordable prices. Not only this, but you’ll also enjoy some of the finest seafood on the planet — particularly when you arc around the coast into Louisiana’s Cajun territory.

In America’s highland heart, the “Rocky Mountain States” — including Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Idaho and particularly Utah — have some frankly extraordinary countryside and national parks to explore, ideally behind the wheel of an RV (even America’s “recreational vehicles” are made on a grander scale).

Best time to visit

July and August can get heavy with humidity in many US cities — and even New York can be swelteringly hot at the height of summer. The smart dollars are always on the near-shoulder season, so target late May or early September if you can.

FAQs

What can you see in America in ten days?
Even three months wouldn’t be enough to truly dent the surface of this geographical colossus, but you can make a decent attempt at scratching it in ten days, if you stick to one corner. The east coast, where New York, Boston, Washington DC and Philadelphia are nicely clustered together and handily linked by the excellent Amtrak rail system, is a good shout. As is California’s ridiculously scenic Highway One — rent a car then string out the six-hour drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco with plenty of pitstops and overnights. Similarly, the Texan loop (Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston) is proving increasingly popular with road trippers, live music lovers and BBQ fanatics alike.

Where should I go on a first-time visit to the US?
Many Britons’ first experience of the US will be the theme parks of Florida or California, which are fantastic for a family trip. For an adult venturing into the Land of the Free for the first time, however, New York City is the most sensible option. It has the shortest, easiest and most frequent flights from the UK (and therefore the best deals), and will feel instantly familiar and welcoming to those raised on a diet of US films and TV shows. It’s also extremely well connected via train, for afternoon excursions into the “real” America of Connecticut and New Jersey, without any need for a travel guide.

What is America most famous for?
This is a list that could go on for eternity. Aside from sports (particularly baseball, basketball and NFL), music (particularly jazz, blues and rock’n’roll), theme parks (particularly Universal Studios, Magic Kingdom and Walt Disney World) and food (particularly hot dogs, hamburgers and fried chicken), there are the big brands, from Apple to Walmart. America is a place so monumentally diverse it’s impossible to distil its nature — and therein lies its beauty. You may think you know the United States, but with every visit comes new surprises.

Take me there

Inspired to visit the US but yet to book your trip? Here are the best packages from Virgin Holidays* and Tui*. These are the best tours of the US from our trusted partners*.

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