Two weeks in the United States can feel like a whirlwind, but with a bit of planning, you can fit a lot into your adventure. From the bustling streets of New York City to the stunning landscapes of the Grand Canyon, this itinerary gives you a taste of what this vast country has to offer. Buckle up, because we’re about to take a coast-to-coast journey that’s as diverse as America’s regional food choices—yes, we’re looking at you, deep-dish pizza and cornbread.
Week one: East coast exploration
Start your journey in New York City, where the concrete jungle will have you feeling like you’re in a movie. Spend 4 days here to soak in the sights.
- Day 1: Arrive in NYC. After checking into your hotel, grab a classic New York bagel for breakfast. Stroll through Central Park, visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and end your day with a Broadway show. Pro tip: buy tickets in advance unless you enjoy the thrill of last-minute panic.
- Day 2: Explore lower Manhattan. Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, walk around Wall Street, and take a ferry to the Statue of Liberty. Grab lunch in the Financial District—try some street food; your stomach will thank you later. Spend your evening in Brooklyn, walking the Brooklyn Bridge and enjoying the skyline view.
- Day 3: Head to the Upper East Side. Visit the Guggenheim Museum and take a leisurely afternoon at the American Museum of Natural History. For dinner, don’t miss out on a classic New York slice at Joe’s Pizza.
- Day 4: Last day in NYC? Time to shop! Hit Fifth Avenue for retail therapy. In the afternoon, take a subway to Harlem for some soul food, and wrap up your trip with a visit to the iconic Empire State Building at sunset.
Next stop: Washington, D.C. A quick 4-hour train ride from NYC (Amtrak is your friend here), you’ll find yourself in the nation’s capital.
- Days 5-7: Spend three days in D.C. Start with the National Mall. Visit museums like the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum and the National Museum of American History. Don’t forget to see the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. If the weather’s nice, grab lunch from a food truck and picnic on the lawn. In the evenings, explore Georgetown for shopping and dinner. Try a famous half-smoke at Ben’s Chili Bowl—your taste buds will thank you.
Week two: West coast wonders
Now that you’ve soaked up the history, fly to Los Angeles (about a 5-hour flight). Welcome to the land of palm trees and Hollywood dreams.
- Days 8-10: Spend three days in L.A. Start at the Griffith Observatory for a stunning view of the city. Head to Hollywood Boulevard to see the Walk of Fame. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Hollywood Sign—perfect for that Instagram shot. For dinner, check out the food scene in Santa Monica. On your last day, relax at Venice Beach and watch the sunset.
Time to hit the road! Rent a car and take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco. This drive should take about 8-10 hours, so plan a few stops along the way. Grab lunch in Santa Barbara and explore the quaint shops.
- Days 11-14: Once in San Francisco, spend four days exploring. Visit Alcatraz Island (book tickets ahead of time), take a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, and ride the historic cable cars. Enjoy lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf and indulge in clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl—it's a rite of passage. Spend your evenings in the Mission District for taco hopping. Seriously, why not try every taco truck you can find?
Wrap up your trip with a visit to Muir Woods for some fresh air and giant redwoods. After two weeks filled with city lights, nature, and food that would make anyone jealous, you’ll head home with stories to tell and a camera full of memories. Did you really go to the United States if you didn’t take a picture of a giant donut or a bizarre roadside attraction? Your adventure is just beginning—so go out there and make some memories!
