Visit NYC, Philadelphia, Washington DC, BRP, GSM NP, Nashville, Memphis, New Orleans, Texas, Route 66, Monument Valley, Grand Canyon NP, Zion NP, Las Vegas, Yosemite NP, San Fran, PCH & LA
Span the whole of the USA on our fantastic Grand Tour America road trip. Experience many of America’s bucket list places over six or more amazing weeks as you cross the country from New York to Los Angeles. Start in New York City, and then cruise west, visiting three major East Coast cities, The Deep South, Texas, National Parks and finally, California along this 4,500-mile route.
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We’ll suggest properties to match your preferred budget, be it low-cost, mid-range or high-end luxury that you’re looking for. We can also mix it up so you’ll experience a range of standards and experiences along your road trip.
All of our American road trips can be tailored to meet your requirements. Do you have more or less than 42 days for your road trip? No problem, we can bolt on extra nights to allow more time to explore or shorten the number of destinations as required.
Enjoy four unforgettable days exploring arguably the world’s premier city. An epicentre for the arts and America’s dining, theatre and shopping capital – New York City wears many crowns. Suppose you still have the energy after your flight and you arrive early enough. In that case, we recommend you start your adventure with an open-top bus tour of the city. This will help you familiarise yourself with the Big Apple’s layout and tick off many of its famous sights. Your Road Trip Pack will be full of recommendations of where to eat and what to see and do during your stay.
Explore Midtown Manhattan today, highlights include shopping on 5th Avenue, Grand Central Station, the New York Public Library, Bryant Park, Times Square, Broadway and the Rockefeller Centre – just make sure you leave time to visit either the Top of The Rock or The Empire State Building as the sunsets, to witness the city’s lights come alive across the Big Apple.
A third day to explore New York, go downtown to the business district or the uber-cool neighbourhoods like Greenwich or Soho. Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty can be visited by catching a boat from Battery Park on the southern tip of Manhattan. The Financial District is also located downtown and is anchored by Wall St, home to the New York Stock Exchange, and the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.
Manhattan’s Central Park offers a break from the stresses of city life, watch joggers and dog walkers stretch their legs amongst more than 800 acres of well-maintained lawns, boating ponds and even a castle and a zoo. While in uptown Manhattan, you can visit the world-renowned Natural History Museum on the Upper West Side, or if art is more your thing, head to the Upper East Side’s Met and Guggenheim Museums.
Start your road trip by heading south to the “Birthplace of America”, Philadelphia. Known as Philly to locals, you’ll have two nights to get familiar with the capital of Pennsylvania. In the evening, you may want to take a riverside stroll and head to Race Street Pier for an incredible sunset and nighttime view of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
Any visit to Philadelphia will only be complete by consuming an authentic and delicious ‘Philly Cheese Steak’ sandwich. You can enjoy these guilty pleasures in the foodie heaven that is Reading Market and at establishments all over the city. To burn off those calories, recreate the famous scene from the film ‘Rocky’ by climbing the 72 steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art (pictured).
Your detailed Road Trip Pack will be the perfect companion to explore Washington, DC and all the other destinations along this route. You may want to begin by taking a self-guided tour of some of Washington’s iconic buildings. The White House, Capitol Hill and the Lincoln Memorial are just some of the key buildings that can be visited. Arlington lies across the Potomac River, a must-see for history and military enthusiasts.
You may want to dip into some of the famous Smithsonian Museums today, and there are many to choose from. The most notable, the Air & Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History, are on the National Mall, in the city’s heart. Best of all, they’re free to visit. Our favourite is the Newseum, which has impressive artefacts chronicling how ‘news’ has changed over the last 100 years.
Front Royal marks the start of the legendary Skyline Drive, which cuts through the heart of Shenandoah National Park. Stunning surroundings, abundant wildlife and a 35 mph speed limit mean you’ll easily spend the day meandering this 105-mile leg of your journey. Why not pull into one of the scenic lay-bys and stretch your legs on one of the many trails.
The best way to explore the Blue Ridge Mountains area is to drive Skyline Drive through the middle of Shenandoah National Park and then the famous Blue Ridge Parkway down to Great Smoky Mountain National Park. These are two of America’s truly great roads, making the most of the stunning mountain views with the famous blue haze.
The world-famous Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail roll across this picturesque mountain region. As you cruise south, you’ll witness outstanding scenery around every corner. Old-time mountain music can be heard regularly, and wineries and craft breweries offer tastings in small towns and on mountain slopes.
Our route will continue south along the Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville, North Carolina. Some of today’s drive’s primary points of interest will include Lynn Cove, Grandfather Mountain and Linville Falls. Asheville has numerous farmers’ markets to try, and the restaurant scene takes advantage of the seasonal produce sold there. Take advantage of the microbreweries too!
You’ll complete the Blue Ridge Parkway on your way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park today, where you’ll find ridge upon ridge of forest, which straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Great Smoky Mountains is America’s most visited National Park, so a second day to scour its gorgeous landscape for wildlife is essential. Look out for furry residents roaming the region; these include black bears, bobcats, racoons and elk. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year; however, during autumn, the trees put on a dazzling show of colour for hikers and road-trippers to enjoy.
Nashville is the home of Country Music, and it’s so very proud of it. Music City boasts about its musical heritage at every turn, no more so than in the fantastic Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s not all about country music, though, this fast-growing city also has a rich blues history, along with singers and songwriters from every other musical genre who call ‘Music City’ their home.
Enjoy a full day in Nashville. Head to the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge (colloquially known in Nashville as the ‘Pedestrian Bridge’), which spans the Cumberland River. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better view of the expanding Nashville skyline anywhere. Tonight, for the complete tourist experience, head down to lively Broadway and stop by a honky tonk or two for a one-of-a-kind night on the town.
Continue west through Tennessee to find Memphis. Second only to The White House, Elvis Presley’s Graceland is arguably the most iconic home in America. Memphis has plenty more to offer visitors, including the legendary Sun Records Studios and the moving National Civil Rights Museum.
Spend a second day visiting the sights of Memphis and enjoying the delicious soul food on offer. Memphis is arguably the Barbecue Capital of America, so if you’re not a vegetarian, make sure you try a rib joint or two whilst in town. Lastly, Beale Street is an amazing place to socialise with locals and other visitors from around the US and beyond.
Natchez lies on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, with former plantation homes and a few small towns, which gave birth to “The Blues,” dotted along this route through the Mississippi Delta. Depending on your arrival time in Natchez, try to include a visit to Emerald Mound and Grand Village to learn more about the area’s rich Native American heritage.
Follow the Great River Road south to New Orleans, or ‘The Big Easy’ as it’s also known. Along the way, Oak Alley Plantation is a must-visit for anyone interested in the region’s dark history. After arriving at your New Orleans hotel, which sits at the mouth of the mighty Mississippi River, you can step out into the lively French Quarter, which will be waiting to offer you dinner, drinks, and a grand finale in a unique style that only “The Big Easy” can offer.
New Orleans is a vibrant, sultry city. This will be your final full day to explore New Orleans’ must-see attractions. Take a ride on a Streetcar, taste a sugary beignet and enjoy a stroll around the Garden District. Whether you call it NOLA, The Big Easy or just plain old New Orleans, we’re confident this vibrant city will stay with you for many years.
Leave New Orleans early and spend the morning driving through Cajun Country to Houston in Texas. As you approach Houston, you can visit the NASA Johnson Space Center, where you can witness the thrills of being an astronaut, gape at gigantic space rockets, or stand in the location that oversaw the moon landings and Apollo 13. The sprawling city of Houston has excellent museums, dining and shopping options, and it’s a truly cosmopolitan metropolis. The fourth largest city in the US, with towering skyscrapers dominating downtown Magnolia City.
Onto the Capital City of Texas. Austin is also the self-proclaimed live music capital of the world; it also has an excellent food scene and loves anything that’s a little offbeat – its unofficial motto is “Keep Austin Weird”. How about a refreshing swim to cool off? Then, dive into the Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park. Finish your day off in the bustling bars, restaurants and entertainment venues found on Sixth Street after checking out the nightly flights of the free-tailed bats that call Congress Avenue Bridge home.
Arrive in the neighbouring cities of Dallas and Fort Worth today. Today, you’ll start by exploring Dallas, with a past and present rich in what American legends are made of. The ‘Big D’ is famous for its contributions to popular culture – notably the Cowboys and their cheerleaders, and Dallas, the TV series that once was a worldwide symbol of the USA. Check out the Reunion Tower, which gives you a 360-degree view of the city from its observation deck. Further highlights include The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, chronicling JFK’s assassination and its aftermath. Check out Deep Ellum; this former warehouse district is home to live music, brewpubs and restaurants with incredible barbecue and Tex-Mex.
Put on your cowboy hat and spend a while discovering Fort Worth’s Wild West heritage and highlights. Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is the primary draw here, where you can watch a cattle parade and maybe even a live rodeo. Finish the day (or night) off with a visit to the iconic watering hole that is Billy Bob’s Texas, the largest Honky Tonk on the planet. Be sure to practice your line dancing and even bull riding before you arrive.
We’ll show you the way to Amarillo today; as always, your meticulous Road Trip Pack will detail a recommended route along with all the things you can see and do along today’s route. Finish the day’s drive by joining historic Route 66 in the heart of the Texas Panhandle. Cadillac Ranch, just outside Amarillo, is a classic, fun Route 66 stop that’s not to be missed.
Cruise west along an old section of the original “Mother Road” to find the Spa Town of Santa Fe. Art lovers should visit The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum whilst in town. It’s a beautiful celebration of her life’s work and her love for the State of New Mexico.
More Wild West scenery today as you continue west to the magical landscape of Monument Valley, which sits on the border between Arizona and Utah. It’s a long drive today, but it’s a scenic cruise for most of the route. At its conclusion, you’ll be rewarded with an awe-inspiring sight as you witness the sunset over the proud and majestic “Mittens” of Monument Valley. This is another chance to prove your photography skills, as the landscape and sky turn to every shade of orange and red.
The world’s biggest and most famous geological wonder is just staggering. Two billion years in the making, the Colorado River has forged a mile deep, 18 miles wide and 277 mile long gouge into northern Arizona. Tonight, you’ll stay in the heart of this incredible National Park, close to the canyon’s rim. Our Road Trip Experts will help you decide whether the North or South Rim of the Grand Canyon is the best overnight stop for your party.
Drive west to Bryce Canyon National Park, famous for its unique geology consisting of horseshoe-shaped amphitheatres carved from the eastern edge of the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The erosional force of frost-wedging and the dissolving power of rainwater have shaped the colourful limestone rock into bizarre shapes, including slot canyons, windows, fins, and spires called “hoodoos”.
Zion National Park is stunningly beautiful. Emerald-coloured pools, lush green trees, and rust-red canyon walls are all on show in this picturesque valley. This combination of colours is a visual delight, and the Park’s trails offer the chance to explore nature at its best. The brave and athletic among you may wish to tackle the epic Angel’s Landing trail, culminating at a lofty perch boasting magnificent 360-degree views over the valley below. Alternatively, walk the famous ‘Narrows’, often knee-deep in water. Tonight, enjoy a meal at Zion Lodge or in the neighbouring town of Springdale, which has plenty of local restaurants.
Today, you’ll leave the National Parks of Utah and Arizona and head to the bright lights of Las Vegas. However, your detailed Road Trip Pack will advise you to take in one last area of outstanding beauty en route. Valley of Fire State Park offers a super scenic loop drive off the I-15 interstate, so if you can cope with yet more beautiful landscapes, then this is well worth the detour on your way to Las Vegas. Try to arrive in Vegas after the sun has set, and the lights of the world-famous Strip are turned on. This will be a break-taking moment after the numerous dark-sky places you’ve visited over the last few days.
It’s glitzy, tacky and wrong on so many levels… but we love it! Firstly, it’s unique, and secondly, it’s indulgence at its very finest. First-class hotels, classy restaurants and show-stopping entertainment are all located in the middle of a desert landscape, miles from anywhere. Oh, and if you like to gamble, then Las Vegas is the place to be. If your head hurts from the night before, relax by one of the giant pools that adorn every hotel. If not, then walk the legendary Strip, book tickets to one of the world-class shows or shop till you drop – the choice is yours. As for food, we recommend visiting one of the mega buffets available. Just make sure you are hungry when you visit.
Death Valley has an extreme climate and geology. The roads here are superb, dipping and leaning around curves before straightening out as you fall to 85m below sea level in the salt flats of Badwater. You’ll finish your drive on the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada. It’s one of the longer driving days but carries with it three awesome experiences.
Drive north on the super scenic Highway 395. You’ll cruise between sparse desert to the east and massive mountains to the west, passing movie locations and farmland as you drive. Once you reach the weird and wonderful Mono Lake, turn west over the Tioga Pass (open June-October) and enter the majestic Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite National Park is over 1,000 square kilometres of awe-inspiring nature. The most popular part of the park is the Valley Floor, where you’ll find vast rock faces, abundant wildlife, staggering views and stunning waterfalls. In the afternoon, drive down to Mariposa Grove to walk amongst giant redwood trees. At sunset, head up to Glacier Point, which offers the very best views in all of Yosemite.
Spanning the headlands between Marin County and San Francisco, one of the world’s most beautiful bridges, is a delightful experience whether you walk, bike or drive across. Before crossing, you can enjoy stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco beyond it by driving up Conzelman Road on the north side of the Bay. Once you hit town, you can explore San Francisco’s iconic visitor spots for the next two or more days.
Once the famous San Francisco fog lifts, one of America’s favourite cities will be revealed. Ride a cable car, climb the steep streets and get into the vibe that only San Fran can offer. Full of Victorian charm, famous movie locations and world-leading tech companies, this city has something for everyone. Attractions include Alcatraz, Fisherman’s Wharf, Union Square and curvy Lombard Street, to name just a few.
Monterey was once California’s capital of the whaling and sardine industry; however, today, it’s best known for the world-class Monterey Bay Aquarium that presides on Cannery Row. Want to experience Monterey Bay first-hand? Then take a whale watching trip during your stay. In the early evening, cruise along the famous “17-Mile Drive” to pretty Carmel-by-the-Sea. Carmel offers two world-class beaches backed by a gorgeous small town with beautiful homes, quality restaurants and quaint streets.
Big Sur is arguably the best driving experience in all of America. Cruise down the curvy roads, stopping at State Parks and vista points as you go. One optional stop is Hearst Castle, which perches on “The Enchanted Hill” and overlooks the Pacific Ocean in the distance. Next up is Santa Barbara, which was built in a charming Mediterranean style, thus making it one of the Central Coast’s very best highlights. If this drive is too long for your taste, then we’ll be happy to add an extra stop to cut this drive in half.
Spend the morning in sunny Santa Barbara. After lunch, you’ll continue driving south along the Pacific Coast Highway, passing Malibu’s beaches and coastal homes until you reach Santa Monica in Los Angeles. Santa Monica, with its “Baywatch” beaches and old-fashioned Pier, is a worthy finish to the day. Hire a bike and cruise the boardwalk to Venice Beach or shop your heart out on 3rd Street Promenade.
Tinseltown is synonymous with glitz and glamour, and although many of the studios have now moved on to other parts of the city, it’s still fun to visit the home of the Oscars and walk Hollywood Boulevard looking for the handprints of your favourite movie stars. The Griffith Observatory is just a short drive northeast of here, perched high on a hill overlooking the city. The landmark is well worth a visit and offers excellent views of the legendary Hollywood sign.
Beverly Hills offers the chance to see movie star homes on palm tree-lined streets and Rodeo Drive, where you can shop with the rich and famous. The next day, you’ll complete your grand tour of America by spending the morning by the pool or finishing any remaining sightseeing before flying home to the UK from LAX.
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Not a problem. If you are lucky enough to have extra time to explore more places or add more rest days, then just let us know and we’ll adjust your trip to match your preferred timescale.
We strongly advise that you purchase travel insurance for your holiday to cover you against medical expenses, theft and other financial costs. Should you need to cancel before travelling, some insurance policies may pay out for any loss of funds that have been paid to us and which cannot be refunded under our cancellation policy.
Many of our trips have a different end destination than the starting point, so this is not a problem. Please note a fee sometimes applies for one-way rentals between other regions or states, which will be paid to the supplier directly when collecting the vehicle. We’ll endeavour to inform you of this charge within your quote.
No, far from it. We work with a range of properties from 3* to 5*, so we can adapt the trip to match most budgets. We have access to rooms in more than 800 hotels, motels, lodges and B&Bs across North America.
The minimum age to rent a car is 21 in the United States or Canada, although, in addition, any drivers under 25 years of age will generally incur a surcharge.
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