Travelling in the United States: big cities and national parks
Travelling in the United States means choosing between great cities such as New York, San Francisco and New Orleans and a network of national parks with very different landscapes, from the Grand Canyon to Yellowstone. It is a vast country made for road trips, where each region has its own climate, food and pace.
When to go
It depends on the region. Spring and autumn are pleasant in New York, Washington and much of the country, and New England's leaves turn red and gold in autumn. Summer is peak season in Yellowstone and the mountain parks, but the desert Southwest is very hot, so spring or autumn suit it better. Winter favours Florida, Hawaii and Southern California, or skiing in the Rockies. June to November is Atlantic hurricane season.
Where to go
New York City
Manhattan packs in Central Park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, Times Square and skyline views from the High Line or Brooklyn Bridge. Brooklyn, Queens and the Staten Island Ferry show a more neighbourly city with remarkably varied food.
California
From San Francisco, with the Golden Gate Bridge and its hills, to Los Angeles, the coast runs past Big Sur, Monterey and Santa Barbara. Inland lie the Napa Valley, Yosemite National Park and the giant sequoias of the Sierra Nevada.
Grand Canyon and the Southwest
In Arizona, the Grand Canyon is seen from the South Rim, open year-round, or the higher, seasonal North Rim. Nearby are Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon and Utah's parks, including Zion, Bryce Canyon and Arches.
Yellowstone and Grand Teton
In Wyoming, Yellowstone gathers geysers such as Old Faithful, colourful hot springs and free-roaming bison, bears and elk. To the south, Grand Teton has jagged peaks above glacial lakes, ideal for hiking and photography.
New Orleans
On the Mississippi, New Orleans blends French, Spanish, African and Caribbean heritage in the French Quarter, the jazz clubs of Frenchmen Street and Creole and Cajun cooking such as gumbo, jambalaya and beignets. Louisiana's bayous are close by.
Hawaii
The Pacific archipelago combines beaches, volcanoes and Polynesian culture: Oahu with Honolulu and Waikiki, Maui with the Road to Hana, the Big Island with Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, and Kauai with the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.
What to do
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway
Highway 1 between San Francisco and Los Angeles follows cliffs, beaches and coastal towns such as Carmel. The Big Sur stretch, with Bixby Creek Bridge, is the most famous; take it slowly and stop at viewpoints and state parks.
Hike Utah's national parks
Zion has red-walled canyons and trails along the Virgin River, Bryce Canyon its rock spires called hoodoos, and Arches more than a thousand stone arches. Starting early avoids the heat and the busiest hours in summer.
Explore the National Mall museums
In Washington, D.C., the National Mall links the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and Smithsonian museums such as the National Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History. The city is easy to cover on foot or by metro.
Taste regional barbecue
Each region has its own style: Texas smoked brisket, Memphis ribs, Carolina pulled pork or Kansas City burnt ends. Eating at a local barbecue joint is one of the most direct ways to understand American regional cooking.
Spend a few days at Orlando's parks
Orlando, Florida, is home to theme parks including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. With children, plan one park per day, alternate with pool time, and consider a trip to the Kennedy Space Center on the coast.
Drive down to the Florida Keys
The Overseas Highway links Miami to Key West across islands and long bridges over the sea. Along the way there are beaches, snorkelling reefs at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and sunsets at Key West's Mallory Square.
Practical tips
- Distances are vast and the country spans several time zones; outside the big cities, you will almost always need a car to get around freely.
- Tipping in restaurants, bars and taxis is expected and usually not included in the bill, and sales tax is added to prices at checkout.
- Book lodging inside the most visited national parks, such as Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon, well in advance.
- Medical care is expensive, so always travel with travel insurance that covers medical treatment and, ideally, emergency repatriation.
As a couple, family or with friends
For couples, a California coast drive or New York plus New Orleans works well; for families, Orlando or national parks with short trails suit all ages. Friends can take a Southwest road trip and share the driving and costs. In the Gata app you can save ideas and stays together and vote on the route.
Save ideas and stays and decide as a group with the Gata app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for a first trip to the United States?
Ten days let you combine New York with another city, or do a California or Southwest national parks loop. For several regions, plan two to three weeks with domestic flights, because covering everything by road takes a long time.
Do I need a car to travel in the United States?
In New York, Washington, Chicago or San Francisco, public transport and walking work well. For national parks, the California coast or the Southwest, a car is close to essential, as public transport between them is limited.
When is the best time to visit the national parks?
Desert parks such as the Grand Canyon, Zion and Arches are most comfortable in spring and autumn. Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier are best in summer, when their mountain roads are usually open. Book early for high season.
Is the United States a good destination with children?
Yes. Theme parks in Orlando and California, science museums, national parks with Junior Ranger programmes, and beaches in Florida or Hawaii all work well. Long distances call for short driving stages and frequent stops.
