Itinerary
- Day 1
Arrival in New York
You'll arrive in New York City and get settled into your hotel. Once you drop off your bags, head over to Times Square where the neon lights and giant screens create that iconic NYC energy. From there, make your way to The Edge observation deck to take in the skyline views from up high. The perspective from that height really puts the scale of the city into perspective.
Optional Activities
- The Edge observation deck visit (costs extra)
- Visit Times Square
Landmarks Times Square The Edge - Day 2
New York
Set an early alarm to catch the sunrise at Brooklyn Bridge, then grab a bagel breakfast at Ess-a-Bagel to fuel up. Take the free Staten Island Ferry, which gives you great skyline views and passes by the Statue of Liberty without paying for a tour. After that, stop by the 9/11 Memorial. Later, walk through Greenwich Village checking out boutiques, secondhand shops, and cafes scattered through the neighborhood.
Included Activities
- Staten Island Ferry (free with skyline views and Statue of Liberty viewing)
Optional Activities
- Brooklyn Bridge sunrise viewing
- Ess-a-Bagel breakfast
- 9/11 Memorial visit
- Greenwich Village exploration
Landmarks Brooklyn Bridge Staten Island Ferry Statue of Liberty 9/11 Memorial Greenwich Village - Day 3
New York
Start with breakfast at Ellen's Stardust Diner where the waiters sing while they serve, which is a fun New York experience. Head to Broadway to check for last-minute ticket deals if you're interested in catching a show. Spend time in Central Park with a coffee to relax, then explore Midtown Manhattan's iconic buildings. Grab lunch from street food vendors as you wander through the area.
Optional Activities
- Ellen's Stardust Diner breakfast experience
- Broadway show tickets (last-minute deals available)
- Central Park visit
- Midtown Manhattan exploration including Empire State Building and Flatiron Building views
- Street food at food trucks
Landmarks Ellen's Stardust Diner Broadway Central Park Empire State Building Flatiron Building - Day 4
Los Angeles
You'll fly to Los Angeles and check into your hotel. After dropping off your bags, explore Beverly Hills and drive along Mulholland Drive to see the city from above. Visit the Walk of Fame, then head to Griffith Observatory to watch the sunset and see the Hollywood Sign. The view from there, especially as the sun goes down, is worth the drive.
Optional Activities
- Beverly Hills visit
- Mulholland Drive scenic drive
- Walk of Fame exploration
- Griffith Observatory visit with Hollywood Sign viewing
Landmarks Beverly Hills Mulholland Drive Walk of Fame Hollywood Sign Griffith Observatory - Day 5
Los Angeles
Spend the day at Santa Monica Pier riding the Ferris wheel and roller coaster with ocean views in the background, perfect if you want photos for social media. From there, head down to Venice Beach and walk along Ocean Front Walk where you'll find street artists, Muscle Beach, music, and various cafes. It's got that California beach vibe you're looking for.
Optional Activities
- Santa Monica Pier visit including Ferris wheel and roller coaster rides
- Venice Beach and Ocean Front Walk exploration
- Muscle Beach visit
- Street artist viewing and photography
Landmarks Santa Monica Pier Venice Beach Ocean Front Walk Muscle Beach - Day 6
Los Angeles
You've got options today depending on what appeals to you. Either spend the day at Venice Beach or head to Malibu Beach for a beach day, or switch gears and explore downtown Los Angeles instead. If you go downtown, check out the striking Disney Concert Hall and historic Union Station, which shows up in tons of movies and shows.
Optional Activities
- Venice Beach visit
- Malibu Beach visit
- Downtown Los Angeles exploration
- Disney Concert Hall visit
- Union Station visit
Landmarks Venice Beach Malibu Beach Disney Concert Hall Union Station - Day 7
Miami
Fly to Miami and get settled into your hotel. Head straight to South Beach and Ocean Drive where the Art Deco buildings line the streets and palm trees are everywhere. Grab dinner at Naked Taco and soak in the laid-back Miami atmosphere with a drink. The vibe here is pretty relaxed even with all the activity going on.
Optional Activities
- South Beach visit
- Ocean Drive exploration
- Naked Taco dining experience
Landmarks South Beach Ocean Drive - Day 8
Miami
Start with Cuban breakfast at Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana to get a feel for the neighborhood's food culture. Walk along Calle Ocho to see the colorful houses and hear salsa music playing. Later, check out Downtown Miami's skyscrapers, then head to Wynwood where you'll find street art, murals, galleries, craft breweries, and boutiques all mixed together.
Optional Activities
- Breakfast at Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana (at your own expense)
- Calle Ocho stroll
- Little Havana exploration
- Downtown Miami exploration
- Wynwood street art and mural viewing
- Wynwood galleries, breweries, and boutiques visit
Landmarks Little Havana Calle Ocho Downtown Miami Wynwood - Day 9
Miami
Pick between exploring Bayside Marketplace with live music and street food vendors, or relaxing at Miami Beach with white sand and turquoise water. Either way you'll get that Caribbean beach atmosphere. If you head to the beach, the colorful lifeguard towers are pretty iconic to the Miami scene.
Optional Activities
- Bayside Marketplace visit with live music and street food
- Miami Beach relaxation
- Swimming in turquoise water
- Lifeguard tower photography
Landmarks Bayside Marketplace Miami Beach - Day 10
Miami
This is your last full day in Miami, so use it to check off anything you haven't gotten to yet. Stroll down Lincoln Road with its cafes and palm trees, then explore Coconut Grove to experience its historic charm and laid-back energy. End the day at Miami Beach to watch the sunset and celebrate finishing your American adventure.
Optional Activities
- Lincoln Road stroll
- Coconut Grove exploration
- Miami Beach sunset viewing
Landmarks Lincoln Road Coconut Grove Miami Beach - Day 11
Departure
Use whatever time you have left in the morning to complete any final items on your list before heading to the airport. Then it's time to head out and begin your journey back home with all these memories from your time traveling through America.
Optional Activities
- Last-minute bucket list activities
- Day 12
Arrival Home
You're back home now with your suitcase unpacked and plenty of memories from your American adventure. It's a good time to reflect on everything you saw across New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.
