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North America / North America

United States

National parks, coast-to-coast cities, and road trips. As part of North America in North America, United States suits travelers drawn to big cities and nature. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

United States

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Apr – Jun, Sep – Oct

New York

New York pairs well with nearby highlights on a North America route through United States.

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon is a favorite stop for travelers exploring United States, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

San Francisco

Plan at least a full day in San Francisco to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Hawaii

Hawaii is a favorite stop for travelers exploring United States, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

What it is known for
facts
  • Grand Canyon Colorado River gorge in Arizona
  • Statue of Liberty and Times Square in New York
  • Yellowstone geysers and bison herds
  • Route 66 and national park road-trip culture
  • BBQ, burgers, Tex-Mex, and regional craft beer
key City
name
New York
label
Most popular city
why
Broadway, world-class museums, and immigrant neighborhood food make New York the default first stop for many foreign visitors.
Places to visit
  • area
    New York
    attractions
    • name
      Statue of Liberty
      duration
      4-5 hours
      book Ahead
      Reserve ferry and pedestal or crown tickets 2-3 months ahead for crown access.
    • name
      Central Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Empire State Building
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Metropolitan Museum of Art
      duration
      1.5-3 hours
      book Ahead
      Book timed entry 1-2 weeks ahead for major museums; same-day often fine off-season.
  • area
    Grand Canyon
    attractions
    • name
      Grand Canyon South Rim
      duration
      3-6 hours
      book Ahead
      Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.
    • name
      Bright Angel Trail
      duration
      3-6 hours
      book Ahead
      Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.
    • name
      Desert View Watchtower
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Havasu Falls
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    San Francisco
    attractions
    • name
      Golden Gate Bridge
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Many are free outdoors; timed entry sites need 1-2 weeks notice in summer.
    • name
      Alcatraz Island
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Fisherman's Wharf
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Golden Gate Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Hawaii
    attractions
    • name
      Pearl Harbor
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Waikiki Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Road to Hana
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    United States Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • New York
    • Grand Canyon
    • San Francisco
    highlights
    • Full day discovering New York
    • Full day discovering Grand Canyon
    • Full day discovering San Francisco
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in New York
      description
      Land in New York, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your United States trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Grand Canyon
      description
      Dedicate the day to Grand Canyon: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      San Francisco and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in San Francisco visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic United States
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • New York
    • Grand Canyon
    • San Francisco
    • Hawaii
    highlights
    • Cover New York and Grand Canyon
    • Explore San Francisco
    • Explore Hawaii
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in New York
      description
      Land in New York, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your United States trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Grand Canyon
      description
      Dedicate the day to Grand Canyon: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore San Francisco
      description
      Dedicate the day to San Francisco: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Hawaii and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Hawaii visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    United States Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • New York
    • Grand Canyon
    • San Francisco
    highlights
    • Coastal day in New York
    • Coastal day in Grand Canyon
    • Coastal day in San Francisco
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in New York
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in New York.
    • day
      2
      title
      Grand Canyon coast
      description
      Spend the day on Grand Canyon's shoreline: Grand Canyon South Rim, Bright Angel Trail, Desert View Watchtower, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      San Francisco and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in San Francisco, visiting Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf before you depart United States.
  • title
    United States Countryside
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • New York
    • Grand Canyon
    • San Francisco
    • Hawaii
    highlights
    • Rural stop: New York
    • Rural stop: Grand Canyon
    • Rural stop: San Francisco
    • Rural stop: Hawaii
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in New York
      description
      Reach New York, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Grand Canyon countryside
      description
      Explore Grand Canyon at an easy pace: Grand Canyon South Rim, Bright Angel Trail, Desert View Watchtower with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      San Francisco countryside
      description
      Explore San Francisco at an easy pace: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      4
      title
      Hawaii and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Hawaii, stopping at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waikiki Beach before heading home.
  • title
    United States Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • New York
    • San Francisco
    • Grand Canyon
    • Hawaii
    highlights
    • Must-see: Statue of Liberty
    • Must-see: Central Park
    • Must-see: Golden Gate Bridge
    • Must-see: Alcatraz Island
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of New York
      description
      Start in New York with Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Empire State Building, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      San Francisco monuments
      description
      Focus on San Francisco's tourist favorites: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Grand Canyon monuments
      description
      Focus on Grand Canyon's tourist favorites: Grand Canyon South Rim, Bright Angel Trail, Desert View Watchtower with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Hawaii landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Hawaii, including Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Waikiki Beach, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
April through June and September through October suit most US itineraries, avoiding summer heat in the South and Southwest while keeping national parks accessible before winter snow. Fall foliage peaks in New England in October, while spring wildflowers bloom across Texas and the Great Smoky Mountains.
typical Weather
New York Apr-Jun/Sep-Oct: highs 18-26°C (64-79°F), lows 8-16°C (46-61°F), 80-100 mm rain. Los Angeles: highs 22-28°C (72-82°F), very dry. Grand Canyon rim: highs 15-25°C (59-77°F), cool nights. Miami Sep-Oct: highs 28-32°C (82-90°F), humid with hurricane risk.
details
  • Jul-Aug is peak season at Yellowstone, Yosemite, and coastal Maine; book months ahead.
  • Shoulder travel in May and late September cuts crowds at major parks and cities.
  • Avoid Gulf and Atlantic hurricane season Aug-Oct unless watching forecasts closely.
  • Alaska and northern Rockies: best Jun-Aug; Hawaii and Florida work year-round with trade-offs.
most Affordable
period
Jan – Mar
summary
Post-holiday winter lull offers America's best flight and hotel deals when Florida and Southwest discount and national parks see lowest visitation except ski peaks.
details
  • Major city hotels discount 30-40% in Jan-Feb after New Year.
  • National park lodges offer winter promotions outside ski areas.
  • Transcontinental flights often cheapest in late Jan-Feb.
  • Las Vegas and Orlando resort rates drop sharply in winter weekdays.
most Expensive
period
Jul – Aug
summary
Summer school holidays and national park peak drive America's highest Yellowstone, Yosemite, and coastal Maine rates when family road trips fill every campground and lodge.
details
  • Yellowstone and Yosemite lodges sell out months ahead at peak rates.
  • Cape Cod and Outer Banks rentals premium in Aug.
  • Fourth of July week spikes nationwide hotel and flight demand.
  • Grand Canyon South Rim hotels require advance booking at summer peak.
Airports & arrivals
summary
Major hubs include New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Chicago for international arrivals.
airports
  • name
    John F. Kennedy International Airport
    code
    JFK
    location
    New York
    distance From Center
    26 km (16 mi) southeast of Midtown Manhattan
    transfer Note
    AirTrain connects to subway and LIRR
  • name
    Los Angeles International Airport
    code
    LAX
    location
    Los Angeles
    distance From Center
    30 km (19 mi) southwest of downtown LA
    transfer Note
    FlyAway buses and rideshare reach the city
  • name
    Miami International Airport
    code
    MIA
    location
    Miami
    distance From Center
    13 km (8 mi) northwest of downtown Miami
    transfer Note
    Metrorail Orange Line reaches the CBD
  • name
    O'Hare International Airport
    code
    ORD
    location
    Chicago
    distance From Center
    27 km (17 mi) northwest of the Loop
    transfer Note
    CTA Blue Line reaches downtown
Getting around
overview
Americans drive extensively; cities offer local transit, Amtrak links regions, and ride-hailing is widespread.
trains
  • name
    Amtrak
    description
    National passenger rail on Northeast Corridor and long-distance routes.
    ticketing
    Book at amtrak.com, stations, or the Amtrak app.
ferries
  • name
    Washington State Ferries
    description
    Car and passenger ferries across Puget Sound near Seattle.
    ticketing
    Pay at terminals or online for reservations where required.
subways
  • name
    MTA New York City Subway
    description
    24-hour subway serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
    ticketing
    Use OMNY contactless or MetroCard at turnstiles.
public Transit
  • name
    Greyhound
    kind
    public
    description
    Intercity coaches connecting cities nationwide.
    ticketing
    Buy at greyhound.com or terminal ticket counters.
  • name
    LA Metro Bus
    kind
    public
    description
    Los Angeles county buses complement rail lines.
    ticketing
    Tap TAP card or use mobile fare at boarding.
ride Share
  • name
    Uber
    kind
    rideshare
    description
    Ride-hailing available in most U.S. cities and airports.
    ticketing
    Book and pay through the Uber app.
  • name
    Lyft
    kind
    rideshare
    description
    Major ride-hailing competitor in U.S. urban markets.
    ticketing
    Book and pay through the Lyft app.
Currency
code
USD
name
United States dollar
symbol
$
note
U.S. dollars are used for virtually all domestic transactions; cards and mobile pay are widely accepted.

Convert your travel budget ↗

Visas & official entry links
Local customs
summary
The United States is regionally diverse, informal in greetings, and tipping-dependent in service industries. Personal space and small talk norms vary from NYC directness to Southern hospitality. Federal lands and tribal nations have distinct rules.
customs
  • Sales tax added at checkout, not on shelf tags.
  • Tipping 18 to 22 percent expected at sit-down restaurants in most cities.
  • ID checks for alcohol enforce strictly even if you look older.
dos
  • Keep right on escalators and highway passing lanes.
  • Respect no-smoking and cannabis laws that vary by state.
  • Ask before photographing on tribal lands and at ceremonies.
  • Follow TSA and national park wildlife distance rules.
  • Use please and thank you in service interactions.
donts
  • Do not assume healthcare is free for visitors; carry insurance.
  • Do not feed wildlife in national parks; fines apply.
  • Do not fly drones in national parks and near airports without FAA rules.
  • Do not open carry or transport firearms across state lines without knowing laws.
  • Do not joke about security at airports or borders.
Useful travel phrases
language
English
phrases
  • english
    Please
    local
    Please
    pronunciation
    PLEEZ
  • english
    Thank you
    local
    Thank you
    pronunciation
    THANK yoo
  • english
    Yes
    local
    Yes
    pronunciation
    YES
  • english
    No
    local
    No
    pronunciation
    NOH
  • english
    How much?
    local
    How much?
    pronunciation
    how MUCH
  • english
    Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
    local
    Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
    pronunciation
    wair iz thuh NEER-est RES-tuh-raunt or BAR
  • english
    Where is the airport?
    local
    Where is the airport?
    pronunciation
    wair iz thee AIR-port
  • english
    I need help
    local
    I need help
    pronunciation
    eye need HELP
  • english
    I need a hospital
    local
    I need a hospital
    pronunciation
    eye need uh HOS-pih-tul
  • english
    Call the police
    local
    Call the police
    pronunciation
    kawl thuh puh-LEES
Longer stays
visa Summary
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter the United States but must hold valid passports or approved travel documents for re-entry. Long-term residence for foreign nationals involves immigrant and nonimmigrant visas through USCIS, including employment, family, investment, and diversity lottery categories. U.S. immigration law changes through legislation and executive policy frequently, so verify current visa bulletin and USCIS guidance.

Practical tips.

  • Tip 18–20 percent at sit-down restaurants because service wages often depend on gratuities.
  • Carry a credit card with no foreign transaction fee and keep a backup card because card payment is standard almost everywhere.
  • Check TSA PreCheck or Global Entry wait times and book national park timed entries for Yosemite and Zion summer visits.
More travel tips ↗

Locate United States.

Location map of United States

Before you go.

Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for United States ↗