Imagine visiting a country where you can choose from hundreds of different cities, pristine nature, epic hiking and open roads custom-made for adventure. Explore with this USA travel guide.Â
I’ve wanted to write a travel guide for the USA for a long time. I’ve explored so many of the 50 states over the years and I’m not exaggerating when I say every one of them has something (OK, many, many things) to offer.Â
The dramatic landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park, towering redwoods and rocky shores of the California Coast, and the breathtaking canyons, hoodoos and desert landscapes keep me coming back to the American West.
But the rich history, amazing architecture, and non-stop nightlife of the East Coast are always pulling at my heartstrings, too. And that’s before I even start exploring hidden gems in the Midwest and Deep South.
Ready to learn more? Here’s my USA travel guide.Â
The most popular time to visit the USA is from May to October. But I’ll tell you a few other great times to visit specific locations.
New England and New York – September and October
Washington DC – March for the Cherry Blossoms
The Mighty Five in Utah – May or October
Fisherman’s Wharf, China Town, and North Beach are all excellent neighbourhoods in SF. Spend the weekend at the Argonaut Hotel before making a trip up to Yosemite, Sonoma, and Napa Valley across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Discover one of the great ski towns in this USA travel guide – Jackson, Wyoming. Check out Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Grand Teton National Park before driving to Yellowstone from Hotel Jackson.
Washington, DC, has amazing (and mostly free) museums and landmarks, a vibrant bar and restaurant scene, and a convenient location to other East Coast destinations in my United States travel guide.
Stay at my personal favourite, The LINE Hotel DC, which is in a cool part of town and has a surprisingly cool bar.
Soak up the culture, scenery, and street art in one of my favourite US cities, Denver. Spend a few nights at The Ramble Hotel before heading up to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Packing for your USA trip? Don’t forget…Â
I recommend purchasing travel insurance for any international holiday, but the cost of healthcare in the USA is sky high so you really need to make sure you have it before you travel (and that it covers the USA, not all policies do as standard). I like AXA Travel Insurance.
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Grand Canyon National Park is around 4,000 feet deep and nearly 300 miles – the handy work of the Colorado River over 5 million years. It’s mind-blowing to see from any vantage point, but if it’s your first visit, I recommend seeing it from Desert View Drive.
When you drive into Yosemite Valley, you’re instantly greeted by the 3,000-foot wall of granite – El Capitan.Â
Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Bridalveil Falls are all accessible on foot or bicycle as well. It’s a perfect day trip from SF, but for the serious hikers, you can apply for a wilderness permit for a backpacking adventure of a lifetime.
Old Faithful blasting water high in the sky (Steamboat Geyser is even taller), pristine lakes and springs (Grand Prismatic is stunning), and scenic drives replete with frequent stops for bison crossings, make Yellowstone a must-see when you travel the U.S.Â
Any US travel guide has to mention the nation’s capital, right?Â
I’ve written plenty of guides about this brilliant city (check out some non-touristy things to do here), but before you dive deep, you’ll want to tick iconic landmarks like the Smithsonian, Lincoln Memorial, and National Mall. Try the moonlight trolley tour for something a bit different.
Drive from Texas to Florida on a Deep South road trip. Start in the lively city of Houston before making stops for Gumbo in the French Quarter of New Orleans.Â
Take a guided tour of the mansions in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia, and land in Memphis, where you can check out the National Civil Rights Museum.
Cruise around on a guided tour around the Statue of Liberty on a ferry, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, or see a Broadway show on your first visit to NYC.Â
Been there, done that? Grab one of the best slices of pizza in NYC at Joe’s or Scarr’s, check out a comedy show at Comedy Cellar, or head to the Bronx for a game at Yankee Stadium.
The best part of any West Coast road trip is the drive itself. You’ll drive past (and likely stop a lot) along the coastal areas of Big Sur and Pismo Beach, charming restaurants and hotels in Santa Barbara, and vibrant nightlife in Los Angeles along the way.
New York City gets most of the attention (as it should), but Chicago is no slouch, with amazing culture and cuisine of its own.
Visit Millenium Park for interactive art and beautiful lakeside scenery, check out a baseball game at Wrigley Field, and grab an Italian Beef sandwich (ask the locals for the best).
2 – 3 Weeks
Redwood National Park – Point Reyes National Seashore – San Francisco – Big Sur – Santa Barbara – Los Angeles – San DiegoÂ
Stop at beaches, wineries, and hiking spots as you wind your way along California’s coast. Read about my last CA road trip here.
2 Weeks
Zion – Bryce Canyon – Capitol Reef – Canyonlands – Arches
Learn more about the national parks and things to do in Utah here.
7 – 10 Days
Washington DC – NYC – Boston
Take a train for the most hassle-free option. Learn about how to travel DC like a boss with my non-touristy travel guide of the USA capital.
10 days
Nashville – Memphis – Clarksdale – New Orleans
Learn about the history of country music, the blues and jazz in the Deep South.
There are more famous ski towns in US travel guides, but Taos is a sneaky pick for one of the best.
Aside from above-average slopes at Taos Ski Valley, Taos boasts the Taos Art Museum at Fechin House, excellent New Mexican food at La Cueva Cafe, plus historic mission churches and pueblos.Â
Saguaro National Park is packed with things to do. Whether you’re hiking and driving to see the large and abundant cacti, strolling the ecology trail, or admiring the petroglyphs at Signal Hill, it’s truly a hidden gem.
Exploring the rolling white dunes in the daytime or stargazing at night are two obvious reasons why White Sands National Park is a must-add to any USA travel guide itinerary.
But sand boarding at areas like Dune Life Nature Trail is next-level fun at one of the best-kept secrets in the USA.
Head to Minnesota for some hot dish (think weeknight casserole meets shepherd’s pie), great music (check the calendar at First Avenue), and a road trip along the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior.
You can learn a lot when you travel to the USA with Free Tours by Foot. Get a history lesson in the French Quarter of New Orleans, walk through Hollywood, or take an architecture tour of Chicago for free (or a small donation).Â
If you’re the outdoorsy type, many beaches, and state parks are free (but may charge for parking). You can even access parts of Redwood National Park (read about it here) free of charge.
Smashburger – Extra-thin hamburger with crispy edges and melted American cheese.Â
Bacon, Egg and Cheese – NYC breakfast sandwich served on a soft roll.
Detroit-Style Pizza – Slightly thick-crust pan pizza with cheesy edges.
Dungeness Crab – Iconic North American crab famously found around San Francisco.
Manhattan – Rye or Bourbon whiskey, sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters.
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