From skyscraper skylines to deserts, rainforests, and endless highways, the United States has something for every kind of traveler. It is also huge, so a little planning goes a long way. This USA travel guide covers everything you need to know before you go: the best time to visit, the top cities and regions, hidden gems, bucket list experiences, entry requirements, and practical tips.
Best Time to Visit the USA
The USA is a year-round destination. The best time depends on where you want to go and what you want to do.
- Spring (March to May): Mild weather and blossoms, especially in the South and the Northeast. Washington, D.C.'s cherry blossoms usually peak in late March or early April.
- Summer (June to August): Peak season for beaches, national parks, and road trips. Expect crowds, higher prices, and heat in the South and Southwest.
- Fall (September to November): Comfortable temperatures and spectacular fall foliage, especially in New England from late September to mid-October.
- Winter (December to February): Skiing in Colorado and Utah, festive lights in New York City, and warm sunshine in Florida, Hawaii, and Southern California.
Top Places to Visit in the USA
New York City
The Big Apple needs no introduction. See the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park, explore world-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and MoMA, and admire the celestial ceiling at Grand Central Terminal. Walk the High Line, an old elevated railway turned park, and cross the Brooklyn Bridge for classic skyline views. Plan your visit with our list of the best things to do in New York City.
San Francisco and California
Ride the historic cable cars, walk or cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge, and take a tour of the former prison on Alcatraz Island. Eat your way around the Ferry Building Marketplace, see the murals of the Mission District, and visit the California Academy of Sciences, with an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest under one living roof. Beyond the city, drive the Pacific Coast Highway, visit Yosemite, and explore Los Angeles and its Hollywood Sign.
The Pacific Northwest
Washington and Oregon are a playground for nature lovers. Hike through the Hoh Rain Forest and along the wild coast of Olympic National Park, look for orcas around the San Juan Islands, and gaze into Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. In Seattle, visit Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. In Portland, try the famous food carts.
Chicago
The Windy City is famous for its architecture, deep-dish pizza, and lakefront. Take an architecture boat tour on the Chicago River, see your reflection in Cloud Gate (better known as "the Bean") in Millennium Park, step out onto the glass Ledge at Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field, and laugh at The Second City, the legendary improv comedy club.
New Orleans
New Orleans is a melting pot of cultures, with incredible live music, Creole and Cajun food, and the famous Mardi Gras. Wander the French Quarter and Jackson Square, see St. Louis Cathedral, listen to jazz on Frenchmen Street, take a swamp tour to spot alligators, and try beignets dusted in powdered sugar.
The Southwest
Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico are home to some of America's most dramatic landscapes. Stand on the rim of the Grand Canyon, which stretches 277 miles (446 kilometers), photograph the red sandstone buttes of Monument Valley on Navajo Nation land, hike among the red rocks of Sedona, see the colorful Painted Desert, and visit Zion and Bryce Canyon in Utah. Then, for something completely different, walk the neon-lit Las Vegas Strip.
Hidden Gems in the USA
- Savannah, Georgia: Cobblestone streets, leafy squares, and oak trees draped with Spanish moss.
- The Finger Lakes, New York: Long glacial lakes, waterfalls, and wineries.
- Mackinac Island, Michigan: A car-free island of horse-drawn carriages, Victorian houses, and fudge shops.
- Taos, New Mexico: An artists' town with an ancient Pueblo, adobe architecture, and great skiing and hiking.
- Beaufort, South Carolina: Southern charm, antebellum homes, and marshy Lowcountry landscapes.
USA Bucket List Experiences
- Catch a Broadway show in New York.
- Road trip along Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway.
- Watch the sunrise over the Grand Canyon.
- See the geysers and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park.
- Listen to live jazz in New Orleans.
- Cheer on the home team at a baseball, basketball, or football game.
- Feel the spray at Niagara Falls.
- Walk Boston's Freedom Trail.
- See the northern lights in Alaska.
- Learn to surf in California or Hawaii. See our Hawaii travel guide.
- Stargaze in a dark sky park. See the best places for stargazing in the USA.
USA Travel Tips
- Entry requirements: Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, such as the UK, most of the EU, Japan, and Australia, need an approved ESTA for stays of up to 90 days. Apply only on the official website, at least 72 hours before you travel. Most other travelers need a visa from a US embassy or consulate. Rules change, so check the US State Department website before you book.
- Currency: The US dollar. Cards are accepted almost everywhere, and contactless payments are common.
- Tipping: Tipping is expected. Leave around 18 to 20% in restaurants and tip bartenders, taxi drivers, and hotel staff.
- Sales tax: Prices usually don't include sales tax, which is added at the till and varies by state.
- Getting around: Distances are huge. Fly between regions, rent a car for road trips and national parks, and use the subway or metro in big cities.
- National parks: An America the Beautiful pass covers entry to all national parks for a year. Some popular parks need timed-entry reservations in peak season.
- Plugs: The US uses Type A and B plugs at 120 V, 60 Hz.
- Health insurance: Medical care is very expensive, so travel insurance with good medical cover is essential.
Coming from Canada? See our Canada to US travel guide. Not sure where to start? See the top US states for international travelers.
Stay Connected in the USA
You'll rely on your phone for maps, ride-hailing apps, and reservations. An egoViet USA eSIM lets you get online as soon as you land, with no roaming fees. Crossing the border too? Add a Canada eSIM. Compare your options in our guide to SIM cards and eSIMs for USA travel, and see the best eSIM for Canada.
FAQs: USA Travel Guide
Do I need a visa to visit the USA?
Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA for stays of up to 90 days. Most other travelers need a visitor visa. Check the official US government websites for current rules.
What is the best time to visit the USA?
Spring and fall are great for most of the country, with mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is best for national parks and beaches, and winter for skiing or warm-weather escapes.
How much should I tip in the USA?
Around 18 to 20% in sit-down restaurants, $1 to $2 per drink at bars, and around 15 to 20% for taxis.
What is the best way to get around the USA?
Fly between distant regions, rent a car for road trips and national parks, and use public transport in big cities such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.