Whether you\u2019re planning your first trip to the U.S. or looking for new experiences in this vast and diverse country, you\u2019ve come to the right place. We\u2019re about to cover everything you need to know to make your journey memorable and hassle-free.<\/span><\/p>\n The U.S. is a very large country with a lot to offer: 63 stunning national parks (and that\u2019s not to mention all of the other national lands and state parks), jaw-dropping landscapes, and diversity in culture, cuisine, and music that varies from region to region. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, bustling cities to serene landscapes, there\u2019s something for everyone to discover.<\/span><\/p>\n In this United States travel guide, we\u2019ll unpack all of the essential information you need to plan your trip \u2013\u00a0including things to see and do, typical costs, budgeting tips, accommodation options, transportation advice, and much more. We\u2019ll also provide insights on when to visit, how to stay safe, and where to find the best resources for booking your trip.<\/span><\/p>\n So, whether you\u2019re traveling from outside the U.S. or within, spending a couple of weeks in a couple of cities, or spending several months road tripping across the country, get ready for an unforgettable United States adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n This may contain affiliate links, which give us a small commission if you make a purchase. There is no additional cost to you in using them. We are grateful for the support we receive through your use of these links, which allows us to keep creating quality videos and posts to share with you. Thank you!<\/span><\/p>\n The U.S. is a land of endless possibilities when it comes to sightseeing and activities. And if you\u2019re a fan of road trips, the U.S. is one of the best destinations for it \u2013 from the coasts to the mountains and everything in between \u2013 the differences geographically and culturally are quite diverse. Here are some of the must-see attractions and experiences to include in your itinerary:<\/span><\/p>\n Hit the open road and embark on an epic road trip across the United States. From the Pacific Coast Highway in California to the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, there are countless scenic routes to explore, each offering breathtaking views and memorable experiences. We personally can\u2019t recommend this option enough. It truly is one of the best ways to see the U.S.<\/span><\/p>\n From the towering cliffs of Yosemite to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, the United States is home to an incredible array of national parks. Each park offers unique landscapes and outdoor adventures, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and stargazing.<\/span><\/p>\n No trip to the United States would be complete without seeing iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Grand Canyon. These iconic sites are not only symbols of American culture but also offer stunning photo and video opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and energy of America\u2019s cities. Explore the bustling streets of New York City, discover the music scene in Nashville, or indulge in world-class cuisine in Los Angeles. Each city has its own unique charm and attractions to explore.<\/span><\/p>\n Delve into America\u2019s rich history by visiting historical sites such as Independence Hall in Philadelphia, the Freedom Trail in Boston, or the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery. These sites offer insights into key moments in American history and the struggle for freedom and equality.<\/span><\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re into skiing in the Rockies, surfing in California, or kayaking in the Everglades, the United States offers a wide range of outdoor activities for adventure enthusiasts. Explore the diverse landscapes and natural wonders that make America an outdoor playground.<\/span><\/p>\n Experience the diversity of American culture by attending festivals and events across the country. From Mardi Gras in New Orleans <\/span>(or Mobile, Alabama, where the original Mardi Gras took place!),<\/span><\/a> to the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, there\u2019s always something happening in the United States to celebrate art, music, food, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n Immerse yourself in art, history, and culture by visiting museums and galleries across the United States. Explore the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., admire contemporary art at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, or learn about space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0For thrill-seekers and families alike, the United States is home to some of the world\u2019s most famous theme parks. Visit Disneyland in California for a magical experience or explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Florida for an unforgettable adventure.<\/span><\/p>\n Experience the excitement of American sports by attending a live game or event. Whether it\u2019s baseball, basketball, football, or soccer, sports fans will find plenty of opportunities to cheer on their favorite teams and immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of American stadiums. If you\u2019re visiting the U.S. for the first time, catch a New York Yankees baseball game or Los Angeles Lakers basketball game for an authentic American sports experience.<\/span><\/p>\n Yellowstone is so big that it\u2019s in three states \u2013 Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. How big? To be exact, it\u2019s over 2.2 million acres, or 3,472 square miles! Its official address is in Wyoming, home to 96% of the park. A small 3% section is in Montana, to the north and northwest, and an even smaller 1% section is to the west in Idaho. Of the 18 U.S. national parks we\u2019ve visited thus far, Yellowstone is by far our favorite. The amount of diversity in both the landscapes and wildlife is literally awesome. It seems you\u2019re entering a completely different world at nearly every turn. Over half of the world\u2019s geysers and hydrothermal features are in Yellowstone, thanks to the continent\u2019s largest super volcano \u2013 Yellowstone Caldera. Don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s dormant. Old Faithful is a must-see, mostly because of its predictably consistent schedule. But be sure to see as many of the other geysers as possible \u2013 if not all \u2013 as some are far more impressive in size and power, if you can catch them when they erupt. If you\u2019re looking to get stuck in a \u201cbison jam,\u201d you\u2019ve certainly come to the right place. Take a drive to Lamar or Hayden Valley and you\u2019re practically guaranteed this experience. Looking to see a bunch of elk just hanging out around town like they own the place? Head to Mammoth Hot Springs in the northern range during autumn, when it\u2019s \u201crut\u201d or mating season. How about spotting some moose? Check out Yellowstone Lake, Willow Park, or Fishing Bridge. If you can budget five days at Yellowstone, do it, as you\u2019ll easily make good use of that time exploring. We only had three days there, and while we covered and experienced quite a lot, we would have loved to have at least one more day. Lastly, do be respectful of all wildlife and natural features of the park (as you should at any park), and heed all warnings posted and\/or recommended by rangers. Your life can literally depend on it.<\/span><\/p>\n New York City is one of the greatest cities in the world. They don\u2019t call it \u201cthe city that never sleeps\u201d for nothing. You can find anything and everything here, just about anytime you want it. Every culture and language from all over the world fills this melting pot, and with that comes the food. Any kind of food you want, you\u2019ll find. Museums, art galleries, legendary Broadway theater productions, Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, \u2013 the list goes on. Many people consider New York City the center of the universe, and it\u2019s easy to see why. It truly is unique.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cEpic\u201d is a massive understatement when it comes to the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. It is utterly mind boggling. To gaze out in wonder from one of the viewpoints along the rim is incredible enough. But if you can, budget extra time to do one of the hikes down to the Colorado River to really appreciate its beauty up close. Needless to say, you should be sure to have more water with you on your hike than you think you\u2019ll need. Furthermore, do your research in advance on the various hikes to be sure you\u2019re up to the task \u2013 especially the \u201cRim to River Hike,\u201d which is extreme and not advised by the National Park Service. All warnings aside, the Grand Canyon is a must-see, even if only from atop the rim. It truly is a wonder.<\/span><\/p>\n Not many desert landscapes can compare to those of the Southwestern U.S. when it comes to diversity. From dramatically shaped sandstone cliffs in Arches and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Utah, to Sedona, Arizona\u2019s dazzling red rocks. The massive sand dunes of White Sands National Park in New Mexico will transport you to another world. Get in a good workout by climbing them, then try your hand at a toboggan ride back down! But the deserts aren\u2019t all about dry, crackly dirt and sand \u2013 there\u2019s fascinating and unique vegetation to be found, too. Take the towering Saguaro cactus, for example. An iconic symbol of \u201cthe west,\u201d Saguaro will actually only grow in the Sonoran Desert, which is limited to Southern Arizona. Equally as cool and unique are the Joshua Trees of the Mojave Desert. Like something out of a cartoon, no two are alike. With their crazy branches reaching out haphazardly in various directions, they are truly fantastic.<\/span><\/p>\n The Pacific Coast is considered one of the most scenic landscapes for many reasons: its dramatic rugged coastline, stunning vistas and sunsets, sandy beaches, coastal forests, and rolling hills, natural wonders, iconic landmarks, cultural and historical sites, and naturally \u2013 abundant wildlife. The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is part of California State Route 1, which is one of the longest historic state highways in the U.S. Spanning 656 miles from Dana Point in Orange County all the way north past San Francisco, and ending in Leggett, in Mendocino County. The entirety of Route 1 is around a 12-hour drive without stops. However, it is best experienced by taking several days to complete the journey, so you can make as many stops as you like to take it all in. And believe us, you\u2019re going to want to.<\/span><\/p>\n For information on specific U.S. cities, check out these posts:<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The culinary landscape of the United States is about as vast as the country itself. But when \u201cclassic American\u201d food comes to mind, there\u2019s a much shorter list of comfort foods and regional specialties that anyone visiting for the first time has heard of and is likely curious to try. While we here at Travel Matters are vegetarian, we realize many of our readers might not be. And since sampling local food is such a huge part of travel, we\u2019d like to offer an unbiased \u201cmenu\u201d of suggestions. From coast to coast, these are our top 10 iconic and must-try dishes that represent the diverse flavors of American cuisine.<\/span><\/p>\n No trip to New York City would be complete without indulging in a slice of New York-style pizza. Characterized by its thin crust, foldable slices, and classic toppings like pepperoni and cheese, New York pizza is a beloved staple of the city\u2019s food scene. Hot tip: New York City is also famous for its bagels. Don\u2019t miss the opportunity to try one while you\u2019re there!<\/span><\/p>\n Crispy, golden-brown fried chicken is a Southern comfort food classic. Marinated in buttermilk, coated in seasoned flour, and deep-fried to perfection, Southern fried chicken is juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, offering a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures. Hot tip: Your best bet is to try this dish in a local mom & pop shop in the South \u2013 not KFC.<\/span><\/p>\n Barbecue ribs are a quintessential American dish, featuring tender, slow-cooked pork ribs slathered in smoky barbecue sauce. Whether dry-rubbed or saucy, these finger-licking ribs are a favorite at barbecue joints and backyard cookouts across the United States. Hot tip: If you see \u201cburnt ends\u201d on a menu, do yourself a favot and try those as well. These are typically beef brisket \u2013 but just the burnt bits that have been chopped off and served on their own.<\/span><\/p>\n Creamy and comforting, New England clam chowder is a classic seafood soup hailing from the northeastern United States. Made with tender clams, potatoes, onions, celery, and cream, this hearty chowder is a warm and satisfying dish, especially on a chilly day.<\/span><\/p>\n Chicago has a fantastic and diverse food scene, but is arguably most famous for its deep-dish pizza, which features a thick crust, generous layers of cheese, tomato sauce, and toppings, all baked in a deep pan. This hearty and indulgent pizza is a favorite among pizza lovers for its deep layers of flavor and satisfyingly thick crust.<\/span><\/p>\n A Philadelphia favorite, the Philly cheesesteak is a mouthwatering sandwich made with thinly sliced steak, melted cheese (typically provolone or Cheez Whiz), and saut\u00e9ed onions, all served on a soft hoagie roll. This iconic sandwich is a must-try for meat and cheese lovers.<\/span><\/p>\n Gumbo is a flavorful Creole dish originating from Louisiana, known for its rich and complex flavors. This hearty stew typically includes a combination of ingredients such as chicken, sausage, shrimp, okra, and spices, served over rice for a soul-warming meal.<\/span><\/p>\n Texas-style Tex-Mex tacos are a flavorful fusion of Mexican and American cuisines, featuring soft corn tortillas filled with grilled meats, fresh salsa, guacamole, and other delicious toppings. Whether it\u2019s carne asada, al pastor, or fish tacos, Tex-Mex tacos are a must-try for taco enthusiasts.<\/span><\/p>\n California-style fish tacos offer a fresh and flavorful twist on traditional tacos, featuring crispy battered fish, shredded cabbage, salsa, avocado, and a squeeze of lime, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. These light and tasty tacos capture the essence of California\u2019s coastal cuisine.<\/span><\/p>\n Originating from Florida\u2019s Key West, Key lime pie is a tangy and refreshing dessert made with a graham cracker crust and a creamy filling made from key lime juice, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks. Topped with whipped cream or meringue, this iconic pie is a delightful ending to any meal.<\/span><\/p>\n These top 10 dishes represent just a small taste of the foods the U.S. has to offer your palate. Be sure to ask a local for recommendations and explore local specialties and regional flavors as you visit different areas of the country.<\/span><\/p>\n Before embarking on your trip to the United States, it\u2019s essential to understand the typical costs you may encounter. Naturally, expenses can vary depending on factors such as your travel style, destination, and duration of stay. But consider this broad-stroke view of it: the North is more expensive than the South, and the coastal states are more expensive than the inland states. And larger cities like New York and Los Angeles are considerably more expensive than cities like Minneapolis or Boise, for example.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Here are some typical costs associated with traveling in the United States:<\/span><\/p>\n Hostels haven\u2019t yet fully caught on in the states, but they do exist \u2013 primarily in major cities, and even then the options are limited. But on average, budget travelers can expect to pay around $40-$50 per night for dorm-style hostel rooms and $100-$125 for private rooms.<\/span><\/p>\n Budget motels are around $60-$70 per night and have basic amenities. Mid-range hotels will cost around $100-$200 per night, and luxury hotels and resorts can cost upwards of $200 per night or more.<\/span><\/p>\n If you like camping, it will generally cost $10-20 for a tent spot, and that\u2019s with no electricity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Rental properties like Airbnb and Vrbo are very abundant in the states. However, Airbnb in particular doesn\u2019t seem as inexpensive as it was a few years back, once you add in all of the various fees. That said, expect to pay no less than $100-$125 per night for a pivate home or apartment, and renting a private room will be approximately $50-75. Don\u2019t be surprised if those prices are double in major cities.<\/span><\/p>\n Transportation costs in the United States can also vary depending on your mode of transportation and the distance traveled. Rental cars are a popular option for exploring the country, with daily rental rates starting at around $50 to $100 per day. Alternatively, domestic flights between major cities can range from $100 to $500 or more depending on the route and time of booking. Public transportation options such as buses and trains are available in major cities and can cost around $2 to $5 per trip.<\/span><\/p>\n Putting a price tag on food and dining in the United States is difficult, since what might cost $5 in Arkansas wile probably cost $15 in a major city. Keeping that in mind, the U.S. offers a wide range of options to suit every budget. If you\u2019re being conservative and are planning to cook most of your own meals, you can expect to spend approximately $60 to $75 per week\/per person for groceries. As for dining out, in most places you can find some grab-and-go or fast food options for less than $10 per person, while something from a food truck might cost $10 to $15. A meal at a casual restaurant can cost around $15 to $20 per person, while a three course meal at a mid-range restaurant with range from $25 to $50 per person. Stepping up to a bit of a nicer restaurant, it can cost upwards of $60 per person or more. And when it comes to proper fine dining, there\u2019s really no limit to how much you can spend \u2013 if you\u2019re willing to let you immagination and budget run wild. It\u2019s also worth noting that tipping is customary in the United States, with a typical tip starting at 20% of the total bill. Some restaurants already include a gratuity on your bill, usually 18%, and you can add more to that if you like \u2013 which we recommend, as anything less than 20% these days is considered \u201ccheap.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Similarly, the cost of attractions and activities in the United States is going to vary depending on the type of experience you\u2019re looking to have and where. Generally, admission to popular attractions such as landmarks, museums, and theme parks typically ranges from $10 to $50 per person. Guided tours and outdoor activities such as kayaking and skiing can range from $50 to $200 or more per person. Most national parks have an entrance fee of $25-30 per vehicle. Hot tip: If you\u2019re planning to visit at least three national parks while in the U.S., you need to read <\/span>Why You Should Buy an America the Beautiful Annual Parks Pass.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n It\u2019s wise to also budget extra for miscellaneous costs, like souvenirs, shopping, entertainment, and unforseen expenses.<\/span><\/p>\n When planning your budget for a trip to the United States, once again, individual budgets will vary depending on your travel style, preferences, where in the states you\u2019ll be visiting, and the length of your stay. But considering the cost scenarios above, let\u2019s break down some suggested budgets:<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re traveling backpacker-style, for around $100 per day you\u2019ll be able to stay in a shared room at a hostel and cook your own meals, get around with public trasportation, and do free or inexpensive activities like hiking, exploring cities \u2013 either freestyle or by taking self-guided walking audio tours, or relax at a park or beach. If you\u2019re down for camping or couch surfing, you can probably do all of this for around $75 to $85. This budget doesn\u2019t include any alcohol, but if you like to have a drink, add $10 to $20.<\/span><\/p>\n For around $225 per day you can grab yourself a motel or reasonably priced hotel (if you shop wisely, ie: use the Hotel Tonight app!), or private Airbnb, dine out, have a few drinks, use rideshares or taxis instead of public transportation, and do more paid activities like visiting museums, state parks, or taking a food tour.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve got $375 to $400 to spend per day you can rent a car, stay in a hotel, eat out just about anywhere, order drinks, and do more paid activities (or do more expensive ones). As mentioned earlier, there\u2019s really no limit to \u201cluxury,\u201d if you\u2019ve got the budget to match.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
\nThings to See and Do in the United States<\/span><\/h2>\n
Take a Road Trip<\/span><\/h3>\n
Explore the National Parks<\/span><\/h3>\n
Visit Iconic Landmarks<\/span><\/h3>\n
Experience Vibrant Cities<\/span><\/h3>\n
Discover Historical Sites<\/span><\/h3>\n
Enjoy Outdoor Adventures<\/span><\/h3>\n
Experience Cultural Festivals<\/span><\/h3>\n
Tour Museums and Galleries<\/span><\/h3>\n
Enjoy Theme Parks<\/span><\/h3>\n
Attend Sporting Events\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Top 5 Must-Do Things in the U.S.<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n![\"Landscape](\"https:\/\/www.stephenandandie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Screenshot-2024-03-06-at-8.28.32\u202fPM-e1709787184931-1024x568.png\")
Visit Yellowstone National Park<\/span><\/h3>\n
Take a Bite of the Big Apple: New York City<\/span><\/h3>\n
The Grand Canyon: One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World<\/span><\/h3>\n
Experience Desert Wonders in the Southwest<\/span><\/h3>\n
Drive the Pacific Coast Highway: Designated as \u201cAn All-American Road\u201d<\/span><\/h3>\n
More Things to See and Do in the U.S.\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
Take a Road Trip (and Download These Helpful Apps First)<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Go Boondocking and Sleep Under the Stars<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Visit the Crossroads in the Birthplace of the Blues \u2013 Clarksdale, Mississippi<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Hike to the Hollywood Sign for the Best View of Los Angeles<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Cruise to Alaska from Seattle<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Learn About Chicago\u2019s History on an Architecture River Boat Tour<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Explore Northern Michigan<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Discover Other National Lands as Alternatives to National Parks<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Traveling With Your Dog? Try National Forests Instead of National Parks<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
See Cherry Blossoms in These U.S. Cities<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Visit These U.S Cities During the Spring<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Beat the Summer Heat in These U.S. Cities<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
\n
Los Angeles, CA<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Washington, D.C.<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Las Vegas, NV<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Chattanooga, TN<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Asheville, NC<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Charleston, SC<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Seattle, WA<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Santa Fe, NM<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Moab, UT<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\n
Top 10 Things to Eat in the United States<\/span><\/h2>\n
New York Pizza<\/span><\/h3>\n
Southern Fried Chicken<\/span><\/h3>\n
Barbeque Ribs\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
New England Clam Chowder<\/span><\/h3>\n
Chicago Deep-Dish Pizza<\/span><\/h3>\n
Philly Cheesesteak<\/span><\/h3>\n
Louisiana Gumbo<\/span><\/h3>\n
Tex-Mex Tacos<\/span><\/h3>\n
California Fish Tacos<\/span><\/h3>\n
Key Lime Pie<\/span><\/h3>\n
![\"Landscape](\"https:\/\/www.stephenandandie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/IMG_0410-1024x576.jpg\")
\nTypical Costs<\/span><\/h2>\n
Accommodation\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Transportation\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
Food<\/span><\/h3>\n
Attractions and Activities<\/span><\/h3>\n
Miscellaneous Expenses<\/span><\/h3>\n
Suggested Budget<\/span><\/h2>\n
Budget Travel<\/span><\/h3>\n
Mid-Range Travel<\/span><\/h3>\n
Luxury Travel<\/span><\/h3>\n