The United States is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse countries on earth. From the skyscrapers of Manhattan to the red rock canyons of Utah, from the bayous of Louisiana to the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest — the USA contains multitudes. A lifetime of travel wouldn't exhaust it, but even a few weeks will leave you with experiences unlike anywhere else on earth.
When to visit
The USA is so vast that the answer depends entirely on where you're going.
- New York: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal.
- California: Year-round, though coastal areas are best April–October.
- Florida: November to April — hot summers bring hurricanes and humidity.
- The National Parks: May to September, though popular parks like Yellowstone and Grand Canyon are extremely busy in July and August.
- New Orleans: October to May — summers are oppressively hot and humid.
- Hawaii: Year-round, though April–May and September–November avoid peak crowds.
Top destinations
New York City — America's greatest city. The scale, the energy and the diversity are overwhelming in the best possible way. Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the High Line, the Brooklyn Bridge, a Broadway show and a New York slice from a street cart are all non-negotiable.
Los Angeles — More a collection of neighbourhoods than a single city. Venice Beach, Silver Lake, the Getty Museum, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Villa in Malibu and a taco from a truck in East LA are highlights. Rent a car — public transport is limited.
San Francisco — Compact and walkable by American standards. The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the cable cars, the Ferry Building Farmers Market, the Castro and Chinatown are the highlights. Day trip to Napa or Sonoma for world-class wine.
New Orleans — One of America's most unique cities, with a culture rooted in French, Spanish, African and Caribbean traditions. The French Quarter, live jazz on Frenchmen Street, beignets at Café Du Monde and a proper po' boy sandwich are essential.
Chicago — The Midwest's great city. The Art Institute, Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, deep-dish pizza (controversial but delicious) and some of America's finest dining.
The National Parks — America's greatest gift to the world. Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Joshua Tree, Glacier and Acadia are among the most spectacular landscapes on earth. Buy an America the Beautiful annual pass if you're visiting more than two parks.
Nashville — The country music capital has evolved into one of America's most exciting food and entertainment cities. The honky-tonks of Lower Broadway, hot chicken at Prince's, and live music everywhere.
Hawaii — Each island is distinct. Oahu has Waikiki and Pearl Harbor. Maui has the Road to Hana and world-class snorkelling. The Big Island has active volcanoes and black sand beaches. Kauai is the wildest and most dramatic.
Getting around
Domestic flights are the only practical way to cover large distances. Book with Southwest, Delta, United or American Airlines. Road trips are the quintessential American experience — Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park are among the world's great drives.
Food you must try
- New York bagel — With lox, cream cheese, capers and red onion. Nothing outside New York comes close.
- Southern BBQ — Pulled pork in Memphis, brisket in Texas, and ribs everywhere. Each region's style is fiercely distinct.
- Lobster roll — A buttered hot dog bun filled with fresh lobster. Best eaten in Maine or Cape Cod.
- Breakfast burritos — In New Mexico or California. A perfect meal at any time of day.
- Philly cheesesteak — In Philadelphia. Thin-sliced beef, melted cheese and sautéed onions in a hoagie roll.
- Tacos — In any city with a significant Mexican population. Los Angeles, San Antonio and Chicago are the best cities for tacos outside Mexico.
Practical tips
- ESTA is required for most nationalities before arrival — apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before travel.
- Tipping is not optional — 18–22% in restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, $2–5 per bag for hotel porters.
- Health insurance — the US healthcare system is extraordinarily expensive without coverage. Travel insurance with medical cover is essential.
- Driving: A US driver's licence or international driving permit is required. Speed limits are in miles per hour.
Staying connected in the USA
4G and 5G coverage is excellent in cities and along major highways. Remote areas, particularly in the West, can have limited signal. Get an InstantESIMs USA eSIM before you fly — plans start from $2, delivered to your email instantly.
