The Best of the USA West Coast: Big Sur and Pacific Highway Coast

United States

The United States attracts thousands of visitors each year. While major cities and iconic attractions are popular, the true gems are found off the beaten path. From coast to coast, the U.S. is filled with diverse landscapes, national parks, and adventures waiting to be explored. This USA travel guide will help you navigate the country, offer useful tips, and uncover unique experiences.

USA Travel Guide and Itinerary

Things to know before You travel to The USA

  • Language: English is the primary language.
  • Currency: The official currency is USD.
  • Visas: If your country belongs to the visa waiver program, then you may only need an ESTA for traveling to the USA. Please check the government website for further details.
  • Time Zones: The USA spans six time zones. Hawaii and most of Arizona don’t observe daylight saving time.
  • Travel Insurance: Since USA healthcare is very expensive, having a travel health insurance is highly recommended to mitigate unexpected medical costs.
  • Mobile: I recommend purchasing an eSIM card before your arrival.
  • Plugs: USA uses type A and type B plugs. If you’re traveling from abroad consider a universal adapter.
  • Transportation: Renting a car is the best means of transportation in the USA. Unless you’re visiting a city that has an extensive metro or bus network.
  • Accommodation: You can find anything from high-end luxury hotels to campsites. It all depends on where you’re traveling and the experience you’re looking for. A USA travel guide doesn’t usually target budget conscious backpackers though.
  • Tipping: Is very common and almost a requirement. The standard tip is 15-20% of the bill in restaurants.
  • Must-try food: Hamburgers (my favorite is Shake Shack), BBQ, Mac and Cheese, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, Clam Chowder, Cheesecake, S’mores.

The Best Time to Visit USA

With such a vast territory, the best time to visit USA depends on where you’re planning on visiting.

Generally, the best time to visit the national parks, such as Yosemite and Rainier, is during the summer months. This is when hiking trails are accessible and the mild weather allows for several backcountry camping opportunities.

If you want to visit New York, the time around the winter holidays is magical. But fall is also ideal for the fall foliage. On the other hand, California is best to be seen in spring or fall, when weather is mild and not too hot.

Additionally, if your dream is to visit Hawaii, winter is the best time to go but it’s also the most crowded one.

USA Travel Guide: Best places to visit

  • New York: is a city that never sleeps. From the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building to Broadway shows and Central Park, there’s always something to see and do.
  • Grand Canyon (Arizona): standing at the edge, you can’t help but feel tiny in comparison to the vast and colorful landscape. Whether hiking the canyon or simply watching the sunrise or sunset, it’s a place that leaves you in awe.
  • Yellowstone (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho): is one of the most visited national parks in the USA. It offers roaming bison, crystal-clear lakes, and stunning landscapes, making it an explorer’s paradise.
  • Yosemite (California): brings together towering granite cliffs, tall waterfalls and ancient sequoias in one place. Whether you’re hiking the Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, or climbing the granite walls, Yosemite is a paradise for nature lovers.
  • Hawaii: is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The mix of lush rainforests, beaches and volcanic landscapes, make Hawaii a tropical dream. Here, you can catch the sunrise from the top of Haleakala, take a scenic route to Hana or simply relax by the beach.
  • San Francisco: is famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, but each neighborhood has its own charm. From iconic cable cars and Alcatraz Island to Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown, it’s a must-see on any USA travel guide.
  • Los Angeles: is more than just Hollywood. Enjoy stunning city views from Griffith Observatory, relax at Venice Beach, or shop on Rodeo Drive. A true cultural melting pot, LA blends entertainment, diversity, and iconic landmarks.
  • Las Vegas: is where something is always happening. The Strip is where the action takes place and the fun never stops. Attend a world-class show, spin at the casino or watch the water show at Bellagio.
  • Route 66 Road Trip: is a journey through American history. It starts in Chicago and ends in California, with every mile offering something unique to remember.
  • The Rocky Mountains (Colorado): hiking, skiing and exploring the outdoors are perfect activities in this dreamy landscape.
  • Alaska: is as wild as it is beautiful. The views of the towering Denali, the Northern lights and the incredible wildlife make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

Why you should travel to THE USA

The United States is so vast that it offers everything from breathtaking natural wonders to bustling cities and tropical paradises. Experiencing it all in one trip is nearly impossible, unless you’ve got at least six months to spare!

This USA travel guide will help you explore destinations based on your interests, so you can make the most of your trip.

Where Do you want to Go?

USA Travel Guide: Top Destinations Based on Your Interests

Planning a trip to the USA can feel overwhelming, given the size and variety of experiences it offers. To make it easier, I’ve put together a USA travel guide to help you choose destinations based on your personal interests and the activities you love most. This is just a list to give you some ideas, but there is so much more to do in the United States.

Outdoors

  • Yosemite National Park (California): is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and is a must-see on a road trip on the West Coast. Some of the highlights of the national park include the Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Yosemite Valley and el Capitan. Here, you can rock climb, hike and camp in the outdoors.
  • Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming): offers incredible sceneries of mountain landscapes and allows you to hike as well as view wildlife. In fact, there is an abundance of outdoor activities.
  • Glacier National Park (Montana): this national park is known for its stunning glaciers, alpine lakes and wildflower filled meadows.
  • Mount Rainier National Park (Washington State): offers year-round activities, from summer hiking to winter snowshoeing and skiing. It is best known for its snow-capped volcano and alpine meadows.

Wineries

  • Napa Valley (California): is one of the world’s most famous wine regions and home to some of the best wineries in the USA. Here, you can sip on exquisite wine, take in breathtaking vineyard views, and indulge your taste buds with a variety of unique wines.
  • Sanoma Valley (California): is more relaxed compared to Napa, but offers an equally amazing experience with a countryside vibes and delicious wines.
  • Willamette Valley (Oregon): famous for its Pinot Noir, this region features a picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and charming small towns.

City Life

  • New York City (New York): offers world-class museums, iconic Broadway shows, landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, vibrant nightlife, and some of the best restaurants in the world.
  • Chicago (Illinois): is especially famous for the deep-dish pizza but also for the stunning architecture and lively neighborhoods.
  • Los Angeles (California): has everything from Hollywood to art galleries, museums and beautiful beaches. L.A. is the perfect addition to a West Coast road trip and a highlight on any USA travel guide.

Scenic Drives

  • Pacific Coast Highway (California): offers breathtaking ocean views and stops in towns like Big Sur and Monterey. It’s a spectacular drive along the California coast and compliments a West Coast road trip.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway (North Carolina and Virginia): takes you through the Appalachian Mountains and is especially stunning in fall when leaves change colors.
  • Pacific Northwest Coast (Oregon and Washington): stop to see iconic sites like Cannon Beach, Hoh Rain Forest in the Olympic National Park, as well as to soak in the coastal views along the way.

Wildlife Viewing

  • Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho): bison, elk, wolves, and bears roam freely in this national park, while visitors can also witness the area’s fascinating geothermal phenomena.
  • Denali National Park (Alaska): home to North America’s tallest peak and abundant wildlife, such as grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves.
  • Everglades National Park (Florida): an ecosystem filled with alligators, manatees and a variety of bird species, just steps away from the busy Miami.