Your guide to United States
Top destinations in United States
New York
The city that never sleeps keeps you busy with epic parks, iconic landmarks and enough art galleries, pizza joints and Broadway shows to keep you coming back for more.
Grand Canyon
Hike, bike or simply enjoy the views at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. One of America’s most scenic parks, the Grand Canyon has never been grander.
New Orleans
From the timeless charm of the French Quarter to the oldest African American neighbourhood in the US, see why there’s no place quite like New Orleans.
Nashville
Find your rhythm in America’s Music City, a hotbed of live concerts, fried chicken, one-of-a-kind museums and a steady dose of Southern charm to make it all go down easy.
Miami
America’s sexiest city wins you over with evocative art, stylish boutiques and one of the most iconic nightlife scenes in the country. Say hello to Miami.
Orlando
Once you’ve had your fill of rollercoasters and mouse ears, Orlando keeps you hanging around with kayak trips, lush green spaces and a Michelin star–studded food scene.
Los Angeles
Southern California’s sun-drenched metropolis sprawls with iconic boardwalks, gorgeous beaches and a wellness scene fit for a Hollywood star — or anyone else who happens to be passing through.
Hawaii
Famed for pristine beaches, active volcanoes and tropical forests, Hawaii is truly one of a kind. And the welcoming ‘aloha’ spirit will make you feel right at home.
Florida
Glide about the Everglades or admire Miami’s Art Deco architecture, then island hop the Florida Keys or enjoy Orlando’s theme parks. You’ll find it all in the ‘Sunshine State’.
United States: fast facts
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Currency | United States dollar ($) |
| Time zone | New York City - UTC-5 (EST) |
United States highlights
See the national parks
The National Parks Service (NPS) protects 63 of the country’s most wondrous landscapes, including giants like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Zion. Other parks, like North Cascades in Washington or Bryce Canyon in Utah, may be lesser known but are no less spectacular. If you plan to hop between parks, spring for the America the Beautiful pass, which gives you free entry to any NPS location.
Hit the open road
One of the most American things to do in the USA is to get behind the wheel and drive. You’ll find short, scenic routes everywhere, from the Oregon Trail (US-20) to the Blue Ridge Parkway connecting North Carolina and Virginia. If you’re in it for the long haul, take historic Route 66 from Santa Monica to Chicago for a combination of wide, open vistas and Americana.
Visit a theme park
This country takes fun to supersized proportions. The Disney parks in California and Florida are like entire cities in themselves, while Universal Studios and Six Flags specialise in high-production thrill rides. For amusement on a smaller scale, spend a day at a local fair or ocean boardwalk. You might ride a Ferris wheel, marvel at a cow carved out of butter or sample all manner of fried food on a stick.
Hear live music
Seeing live music can be one of the most soul-satisfying ways to experience American culture. After all, this is the birthplace of everything from honky-tonk to hip-hop. Cities like New Orleans and Chicago boast legendary music scenes, with historic clubs that book gigs seven days a week. Country, blues and bluegrass thrive in the south, while New York City still welcomes the world’s top rap artists.
Admire mid-century architecture
What America lacks in ancient relics, it makes up for in early and mid-20th-century architecture. With their futuristic curves, sharp lines and expanses of glass, these masterpieces can be found in places like Miami, New Haven and Palm Springs. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright left his modernist mark all across the country, but most famously at his former home in southeast Wisconsin.
Tour historic landmarks
Some American landmarks have become visual shorthand for democracy itself. Get into the revolutionary spirit at Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell. Or take a trip to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where millions of immigrants once poured into the country. Reflect on the American experiment at the foot of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial pool in the nation’s capital, Washington DC.
Things to do in United States
Top attractions
The National Mall is a jumping-off point for seeing Washington, D.C.’s most important museums and memorials. New York City’s Statue of Liberty welcomes four million visitors a year — get to Battery Park early to catch a sunrise view. Don’t miss the Grand Canyon, arguably the country’s most spectacular landscape — and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Beaches
If you’re seeking a sandy, sun-soaked getaway, the best beaches in the USA can be found in Florida, southern California and the Hawaiian Islands. For rockier, more dramatic beaches, follow the coastline north to Washington and Oregon in the west and Maine and Rhode Island in the east. Don’t overlook the beaches of the Midwest. Lake Erie and Lake Michigan are so vast they resemble oceans.
Nature
Whatever natural setting you seek, you’ll find a top example of it here. Among the most memorable landscapes are the misty forests in the northwest, eerie deserts in the southwest and the massive glaciers of Alaska. Hike, bike or raft your way through the wilderness of your choosing. Or pitch a tent under the stars — the USA is credited, in part, with the invention of recreational camping.
Culture and museums
You can’t leave New York City without wandering the halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art or leave Washington DC without touring the Smithsonian. Smaller museums in the USA celebrate homegrown talents like The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh and the Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle. The Heard Museum in Phoenix and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture in Santa Fe spotlight works created by Native American artists.
Cuisine
The restaurants in the USA serve cuisines from around the world, plus all kinds of creative culinary mashups. Each region offers some can’t-miss speciality. Think lobster rolls in New England, gumbo in Louisiana, fish tacos in southern California and chilli-flavoured everything in the southwest. Barbecue may be the closest thing America has to a national cuisine, with different regions claiming the title of best in the country.
Family friendly
Two iconic family destinations anchor the coasts — Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World in Florida. The country’s national parks are also great for families, offering free entrance to anyone under 16. And wherever you go, you’ll find wide open spaces that make natural playgrounds, whether it’s along the lakes of the Midwest or Hawaii’s iconic beaches.
Find the best time to visit United States
Weather in United States
March – May: Spring is one of the best times to visit the USA, with mild, pleasant weather across much of the country. Expect spring showers in the east, as well as incredible wildflower displays from California to New England and many points in between.
June – October: Summers are warm, with the intensity varying by region. The West is generally hot and dry, except parts of the Pacific Northwest, which can remain cool. If you’re in the country’s southeast, be ready for humidity and summer thunderstorms.
November – February: Frigid temperatures and snow are common in the northern and central states. This is the time for a Colorado or Utah ski trip. Or head to Florida for mild weather and sunny beach days.
Events in United States
Mardi Gras (February): The pinnacle of this multi-week New Orleans festival is Fat Tuesday. It’s essentially one giant street party, with parade floats showering revellers with beads.
South by Southwest (March): In Austin, Texas, the giants of art and technology come together for several days of spirited discussions, plus a packed calendar of film premieres and concerts.
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival (April): This California desert festival draws major musical acts, as well as thousands of attendees dressed in their Instagram best.
Independence Day (July): Parades, fireworks and freshly grilled hot dogs are the hallmarks of Fourth of July events in the USA. The biggest event is in Philadelphia, but you’ll find a celebration in any corner of the country.
Know before you go
Local etiquette
American culture is largely casual. At shops and restaurants, you’ll often be greeted with friendly small talk, especially if you’re travelling in the Midwest or the South. When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake or friendly ‘hello’ is the norm. Stay on the right when driving — and walking. And on public transport, you should give up your seat for elderly and disabled passengers.
Health and safety
Being up to date on routine vaccinations is recommended, but not required, to visit the USA. The country experiences an uptick in respiratory viruses in winter. If you’re exploring the outdoors, it’s a good idea to wear insect repellent and check for tick bites. Consult the Centers for Disease Control’s website for any health advisories before you travel.
LGBTQ+ travel
Same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 US states. And while the country is largely welcoming to LGBTQ+ travellers, attitudes can vary depending on where you visit. Cities like San Francisco, New York City and Chicago have well-established gay districts and Pride events. For an in-depth look at queer history, check out the GLBT Historical Society Museum in San Francisco’s Castro District.
Budget
Prices vary widely across the different regions, but wherever you go, some smart planning can ensure an inexpensive visit to the USA. The major cities, particularly on the coasts, tend to be pricier. But affordable options are everywhere. Expect an inexpensive meal to cost roughly 20 US dollars ($) and a short taxi ride to be around $9.
Getting around United States
Public transport
Buses: Buses are an affordable way to see the USA and reach its smaller towns. Greyhound and FlixBus operate nationally, but smaller companies offer regional routes.
Trains: One of the best ways to experience the big, open scenery of the USA is through the window of a moving train. Amtrak is the primary national provider, with regional rail services operating in specific areas. If you plan to spend an extensive amount of time travelling by rail, consider getting the USA Rail Pass.
Boats: Local ferries connect coastal towns in a picturesque fashion. The most popular routes are found in the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle and Alaska.
Domestic flights
Domestic flights are often the quickest way to get around this sprawling country. You’ll find major airports in just about every state, with especially busy hubs in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas–Fort Worth and Denver.
Driving
Driving is a safe and efficient way to see the country beyond its major cities. The extensive network of highways is safe, well marked and, in some cases, world famous — see Route 66 and the Pacific Coast Highway. Take the usual precautions when driving in bad weather, and pack extra water when travelling through remote desert regions.
