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.
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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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.
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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