To fly to the States, to take the car and cross the whole country is your dream, but you don’t know how to approach it? Start with this article! Our travel expert have put together a stunning route 3 weeks out of the Big Apple, you’ll admire the Grand Canyon, sunbathe on the beaches of Miami and have many other things. Go!
The route is very rich:
New York → Buffalo → Chicago → Denver → Arches national Park → Canyonlands → Monument Valley → Grand Canyon → Bryce Canyon → Zion → Las Vegas → Death Valley → Yosemite → San Francisco → big sur → Los Angeles → Miami
Days 1-5. New York
New York- one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the United States. The influence of cultures of different nationalities and the city’s dynamic life makes the city ultrarunners. There are a huge number of different attractions and entertainment.
To get from the airport to Manhattan, it’s best to use the metro. From the airport to the subway station Sutphin Blvd — Archer Av — JFK Airport there is a train AirTrain. All the way from the airport to Manhattan (subway Lexington Av/53 St) you will spend about 40 minutes.
Tickets cost: AirTrain $5 + Subway $2.75.
In new York you will spend five days. We selected for you several options of accommodation:
- Hyatt Herald Square New York / 5th Avenue
- Hotel Club Quarters Midtown — Times Square
- Hayden Hotel New York
Central Park
The famous Central Park is a huge green area in the concrete of Manhattan, located between the Upper West Side and Upper East Side. Spend several hours here, look at the legendary Plaza hotel and relax from the hustle of the metropolis, walking through the alleys and lawns.
Official website: Central Park NYC
Times Square
Square in Central Manhattan located at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue between 42nd and 47th streets. Broadway theaters, a huge number of neon signs and bustling with activity non-stop made the area one of the symbols of new York.
Official site: Times Square NYC
Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center — the famous building, which every year in December is traditionally put up the Christmas tree. In the center are restaurants, shops, exhibitions, events. And here you can climb to the observation deck on the 70th floor, which offers a great view of the city.
The ticket price for 38 $
Address: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York
Official website: Rockfeller Center
The Empire State Building
The Empire state building has 103 floors, and the height of the building is 381 meters. It is a famous symbol of Manhattan. There are two panoramic viewing platforms: on the 86th and 102nd floors. By nightfall, the top of the building traditionally light the lights.
Ticket price: from 36 $
Address: 20 W 34th St, New York
Official site: Empire State Building
The Statue Of Liberty
The statue of Liberty is another symbol of new York. It stands on the same island in the Bay between Manhattan and Staten island. It can be reached by ferry that goes from Battery Park or Liberty State Park.
Ticket price: 25,5 $
Official website: Statue of Liberty
Brooklyn bridge and Brooklyn
The famous Brooklyn bridge connects two boroughs of new York: Manhattan and Brooklyn. Brooklyn compared to Manhattan more relaxed. There are many galleries and attractions of a creative nature. At the foot of the Brooklyn bridge from the Brooklyn has a large Park, which offers excellent views of the bridge and Manhattan.
Day 5. Moving to Buffalo
In the morning of the fifth day move to Buffalo. To get there, we suggest to rent a car.
Take route I-80 W. travel Time takes about 6 hours.
Days 5-7. Buffalo
Buffalo is a city in the state of new York, located on the shore of the Great Lakes — lake Erie. Buffalo is notable for its architecture, galleries, famous chicken wings “Buffalo” and close to one of the Wonders of the world — Niagara falls.
We picked 3 options of hotels in Buffalo:
- The Delavan Hotel
- The Mansion on Delaware Avenue
- The Westin Buffalo
Architecture
The city’s remarkably preserved historic architecture. In the Allentown area view Tiffs row of seven buildings on Allen street, the home of William Dorsheimer on Delaware Avenue and the former building of the Catholic Institute on the corner of Virginia and main.
Near Delaware Avenue is the richest area of the city — Bryant. Here are the most expensive houses in the city. Look at the Butler mansion, the mansion of Clement, the Richmond-Lockwood house and the house of Charles W. Gudera. Now many of the houses in the area devoted to offices and owned by companies and organizations.
Parkside is another area that deserves attention. It preserved the architecture from 1890 to 1920-ies.
Park Delaware
It is the largest city Park with lawns, shady avenues and a lake. Here the locals walk, have picnics and play sports. Look at the rose Garden, the Japanese garden or visit the Buffalo Zoo.
Niagara falls
Niagara falls is a complex of stunning cascades in the Niagara river. In the height of the falls reaches 53 meters, width — about 800 meters. In a national Park in the U.S. paved trail and observation deck with breathtaking views. Explore the Islands Green, a Goat and Three Sisters that are connected by bridges built over the river and its rapids.
The Park offers visitors a helicopter flight over the falls, visit cave of the Winds, a cruise to the waterfalls by boat and other excursions.
Ticket price: entrance to the national Park is free. But you can purchase The Discovery Pass, which includes several fun. Cost 46 $
How to get there: by car head North. Travel time — about 30 minutes. You can also use bus # 40.
Official website: Niagara Falls USA
Day 7. Moving to Chicago
In the morning on the seventh day of the tour go to Chicago. Take I-90 W along lake Erie. The trip will take approximately 8 hours.
Days 7-9. Chicago
Chicago is a city in Illinois, located on the shores of lake Michigan. The days of the gangsters are gone, and today the city is safe and very beautiful. Chicago’s famous skyscrapers, world-class museums and numerous cultural attractions.
We have selected for you 6 accommodations in Chicago with different prices:
- The Talbott Hotel
- Freehand Chicago
- DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile
- theWit Chicago, A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
- The Blackstone, Autograph Collection
- Virgin Hotels Chicago
Millennium Park
Millennium Park — the main green area in the city with exhibitions of art, sculptures and gardens. Here is held a great many events, are the Cloud Gate “The Bean”, Crown Fountain and Lurie Garden is amazing.
Entrance: free
Address: 201 E Randolph St, Chicago
Official site: Millennium Park Foundation
The Art Institute Of Chicago
The art Institute of Chicago — a must visit Museum in Chicago. Walk through centuries and countries, observing the works of art from different eras. The Museum presents the works of such great artists as Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Pierre Auguste Renoir and others.
Ticket price: 25 $
Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago
Official website: Art Institute Chicago
Chicago Riverwalk
Take a stroll along the embankment of the Chicago river on a paved footpath, stretching for almost 2 kilometres. Along the way you will see cozy cafes and restaurants, art, bars, monuments and museums. Along the promenade there are stations where you can take boat trips along the river.
Entrance: free
How to get there: the promenade stretches along the E Lower Wacker Drive and is limited to North State Street and lake Michigan.
Official website: Chicago Riverwalk
Willis Tower
The observation deck on the 103 floor allows you to look forward, up and under the feet. The site offers panoramic views of the entire Chicago.
Ticket price: 25 $
Address: 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago
Official website: Willis Tower
Day 9. Flights to Denver
The car hand over in point of reception at the airport, while they themselves go to Denver by air. Fly airport airline Spirit Airlines or American Airlines. Flight direct, journey time is 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Choose a morning flight to catch to explore the city until evening.
Find a ticket for your date on the website OneTwoTrip.
Day 9. Denver
In the city from the airport most convenient to reach by train, last stop — the LoDo district. The journey time is about 40 minutes.
The city of Denver is the state capital of Colorado is located at an altitude of 1609 meters above the sea level.
In Denver stroll around the main area — Capitol hill, by its main streets: Broadway, Downing Street, Colfax Avenue and Sixt Avenue.
Not the least attractive part of the city — district LoDo, that is Lower Downtown, with its historic buildings, museums and restaurants. Come to the square Larimer Square with Victorian architecture, street cafes and night clubs.
Botanic gardens Denver
Denver Botanic gardens is a 43 gardens where you can admire plants from all over the world. Among the gardens: Japanese garden, greenhouses with flowers and waterfalls, pavilions with orchids, tropical and subtropical zones.
Ticket price: 12,5 $
Address: 1007 York St, Denver
Official website: Denver Botanical Gardens
The Colorado state Capitol
The Capitol is a government building, near by a lovely Park. It is located on a hill, so some of its locations offer good views of the city of Denver.
The Capitol offers free tours from Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 15.00.
Address: 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver
Official site: Colorado State Capitol
The evening of the same day we suggest you to advance in the direction of National parks.
Days 9-12. National parks
To visit several national parks, rent a car and buy The U. S. Park Pass. The cost of admission is 80 $ and it allows you to easily drive by car to all national parks during the year.
Leaving from Denver, follow I-70 W to Moab. Approximate driving time 5.5 hours.
In Moab we offer the following accommodation options:
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Moab
- Moab Springs Ranch
- Red Cliffs Lodge
Arches Park, Canyonlands, Monument Valley
On the tenth day of travel, we offer you to pass in the following parks: Arches Park (Arches National Park), Canyonlands (Canyonlands National Park) and Monument Valley.
Travel time from Moab to Arches Park will be approximately 10 minutes. Park from Arches to Canyonlands is about 30 minutes drive away. From Canyonlands to Monument Valley trip will take approximately 2.5 hours. Just the way you will spend approximately 3 hours, and the rest of the time you can spend visiting parks and the contemplation of their beauty.
All the information about the Park, maps and navigation find on the official sites:
- Arches national Park, Utah
- Canyonlands, Utah
- Monument valley, Utah and Arizona
In the evening we will stay overnight in page:
- Hyatt Place Page Lake Powell
The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion
On the morning of the eleventh day, go to the parks the Grand Canyon (Grand Canyon National Park), Bryce Canyon (Bryce Canyon National Park) and Zion (Zion National Park).
From your hotel to the Park the Grand Canyon the way by car takes about 2.5 hours. From the Grand Canyon to Bryce Canyon — about a 3 hour drive. From Bryce Canyon to Zion about 1.5 hours. The time on the road between the parks will be about 7 hours.
All the information about the Park, maps and navigation find on the official sites:
In the evening fly to Las Vegas. The road from Zion Park to the city is about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
In the evening we offer you to stay in one of the following hotels:
- Downtown Grand, an Ascend Hotel
- Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel
- The Signature at MGM
- JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort and Spa
Days 12-13. Death valley and Yosemite
The next morning go to the California national Park Death Valley. The route from Las Vegas to the Park takes about 2 hours.
Death Valley, California
Information about the Park, maps and navigation
After visiting Death Valley, go to Yosemite National Park. Travel time between parks is approximately 3.5 hours.
Yosemite, CA
Information about the Park, maps and navigation
We offer you to stay overnight in a picturesque location mammoth lakes:
- Juniper Springs Resort
- The Westin Monache Resort
On day 13 of the trip head towards San Francisco. The road will take about 3.5 hours.
Days 13-14. San Francisco
San Francisco — the city on 43 hills, winding streets, large parks and stunning scenery.
We picked up 3 place to stay in San Francisco to suit different tastes and budgets:
- The Marker San Francisco, a Joie de Vivre Hotel
- Staypineapple at The Alise San Francisco
- Axiom Hotel
The Golden Gate Bridge
Golden Gate — the famous red bridge in San Francisco, has a total length of 2737 meters. Go to see panoramic views of the bridge from the left or from the right side at its foot. You can also walk across the bridge on foot.
Official website: Golden Gate Bridge
Alcatraz
Alcatraz — the former island prison for the most dangerous criminals in the United States. Now there are guided tours through its territory. The ferry to the island leaves from Pier 33. Or, you can see Alcatraz from the outside, taking a tour of the Bay.
Ticket price: from 39.90 $
How to get there: Pier 33, San Francisco
Official website: Alcatraz Island
Tram
Take a ride on the traditional trams on the narrow slopes of the streets of San Francisco. Three trams take you to the popular attractions and places, including North beach, Chinatown, Union square and Nob hill. To take the tram, you can one of its stops in the Central area of the city. To view a map of the stops, visit the official website or download the app MuniMobile.
Ticket price: 7 $ for a single trip
Official site: Cable Cars
Victorian house
Victorian homes are known for movies, TV shows and postcards, and are one of the most photographed sights of San Francisco. Look at their colorful facades of the Alamo Square Park, located across the street.
Address: Steiner St & Hayes St, San Francisco
Days 14-15. Moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The Coast Of California
To get from San Francisco to Los Angeles we suggest by car via CA State Route 1. The highway stretches along the coast that offer stunning views.
Waterfall Makua
In the national Park Julia Pfeiffer burns state Park waterfall Makua falls directly on the sand of Copacabana beach. From the highway to the waterfall are scenic paths.
The Bixby Bridge
Cross the famous landmark highway 1 — Bixby bridge. After him, stop to take pictures and look at the scenery.
Nepenthe Restaurant
Stop for lunch in a specific restaurant Nepenthe. Try traditional American fare and pies and relax on the pleasant terrace.
Price level: $$-$$$
Address: 48510 CA-1, Big Sur, CA
Official website: Nepenthe Reastaurant
We picked 5 choices of hotels with different prices:
- Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa
- Portola Hotel & Spa
- La Playa Carmel
- Carriage House Inn
- Hyatt Carmel Highlands, Overlooking Big Sur Coast
Days 15-18. Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a unique city, located on the shore of the Pacific ocean. It is the world capital of cinema and home of the world famous actors and musicians. Here are the famous Santa Monica and Malibu, universal studios and the walk of Fame, Beverly hills and Hollywood.
We picked up a few options to stay in Los Angeles, with different prices:
- Tuck Hotel
- Hollywood Dream
- Everly Kimpton Hotel
- InterContinental — Los Angeles Downtown
- Hotel Indigo — Downtown Los Angeles
Hollywood
The Hollywood center of the music and film industry. Go see the walk of Fame and HOLLYWOOD inscription on the hill.
The walk of Fame is located on Hollywood Blvd, and the famous inscription, not far from Griffith Park. The best views of the inscription opens with the Griffith Observatory, the tracking paths of Griffith Park, Barnsdall Art Park and Hollywood & Highland.
Universal Studios
Universal studios in one place shooting a great many films. Here you can explore the numerous pavilions of the Studio, meet characters of famous films, to see how special effects were created, and to ride on themed attractions.
The ticket price: from 109 $
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA
Official site: Universal City
Beverly Hills
This district is one of the most fashionable places in the city. Go here to see the homes of the rich Los Angeles, gourmet shops and restaurants. In Beverly hills is home to many Hollywood stars.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica — an area with a long stretch of beach, piers, restaurants and entertainment.
Here you can ride the surf, try the most authentic American cuisine, watch the sunset on the pier and lie down on the famous Venice beach.
Official website: Santa Monica
Disneyland
Offer to go half a day at Disneyland. For fans of the company’s products Disney it has built numerous sets and plenty of terrific attractions. It will be interesting not only for children but also for adults.
Ticket price: 129 $
Address: 1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA
Official website: Disneyland LA
18. Flights from Los Angeles to Miami
It’s time to go to the airport and hand over the car. From Los Angeles to Miami airport to fly on a plane. Direct flights are operated by Alaska Airlines, time in the air will be slightly more than five hours. It is best to choose flights in the morning, on inspection Miami had more time.
Find a ticket for the desired date on the website OneTwoTrip.
Days 18-21. Miami
Miami is a Sunny city on the Atlantic Ocean in Florida. There are many long beaches of Golden sand, trendy restaurants, bars and trendy clubs.
From airport Fort Lauderdale in the heart of Miami, convenient to reach by bus. Journey time about 1 hour.
We picked up a few accommodation options in Miami:
- InterContinental at Doral Miami
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Miami Downtown/Brickell
- SLS LUX Brickell
Downtown
Downtown Miami’s business and financial center of the city with high buildings in which are located offices, shops and restaurants. Stroll through its streets and visit the waterfront of Biscayne Bay, where walking paths and a Park Bayfront.
Miami Beach
Miami beach is one of the most famous resorts in the USA. This area lies between the Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic ocean. Wide strip of sand rests on the famous ocean Drive, in which a huge number of people playing sports, having fun in bars and restaurants, and in the waters of the Atlantic ocean, conquering the waves on a surfboard.
Official website: Miami Beach
Little Havana
Little Havana is a district, which is home to immigrants from Cuba, Nicaragua and Honduras. It is attractive for its narrow streets and terraced houses that create a special atmosphere. The area is considered safe for tourists, but it is better to come here in the daytime.
Little Havana is located near the downtown, and to get there you can catch a bus or take a taxi.
Miami Apartment
The Miami apartment is an architectural-landscape complex with gardens, forest and a refined decoration of the Villa on the Bay.
Ticket price: 20 $
Address: 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami
Official website: Villa Vizcaya
Coconut Grove
Coconut grove is a picturesque and green district of Miami on the Bay with mangroves. Go take a walk around the area along the coast, passing through parkland, past the restaurants, bars and Marina.
Expert advice
- To plan a route in the cities and between them, use Rome2Rio.
- Useful offline maps: Citiwalks.me and Maps.me.
- In restaurants, bars and other establishments of the USA will be charged an additional tax that is included in the bill.
- Please note that some roads in the U.S. may apply.