The most iconic places to visit in America

Some places become famous because they're beautiful. Others because of their history.

But America's icons have become something more than that. They've become part of our culture.

Long before you ever visit the USA, you'll probably recognise the New York skyline from a film, picture yourself driving down Route 66 with the windows open, or imagine standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon wondering how somewhere can really be that big.

Maybe you've always wanted to hear live country music in Nashville, watch the sunset over the Golden Gate Bridge, or finally take that family photo in front of Cinderella’s Castle after years of dreaming about it.

These are the places that inspire bucket lists.

The wonderful thing about travelling in the USA is that no two holidays ever look the same. One person's perfect trip is Christmas shopping in New York wrapped up in a scarf sipping a latte. Someone else's is cruising along California's Pacific Coast Highway with the roof down, stopping whenever a viewpoint catches their eye. For others, it's watching Old Faithful erupt in Yellowstone, standing beneath towering red rocks in Arizona, or hearing the unmistakable roar of the crowd before a baseball game.

Few countries offer such a huge variety of experiences in one destination. From buzzing cities and endless deserts to white-sand beaches, dramatic mountains, legendary music venues and world-famous theme parks, every region has its own personality.

So where should you start?

Here are some of America's most iconic destinations, why they continue to capture our hearts, and a few ideas to make your visit even more memorable.

New York City

There are few skylines in the world as instantly recognisable as Manhattan.

You can spend years seeing New York on TV, yet nothing quite prepares you for stepping out onto a busy street for the first time. Yellow taxis dart past, steam actually does rise from the subway grates, and suddenly you're standing somewhere you've seen hundreds of times before - but it's somehow even better in real life.

Of course, you'll want to visit the Empire State Building, see the Statue of Liberty and maybe spend an evening on Broadway. But some of the best memories often come from the quieter moments too. Grabbing a bagel from a deli in DUMBO, wandering through the calm of Central Park, browsing bookstore shelves in Greenwich village or watching the skyline shimmer across the Hudson as the sun begins to set.

Everyone experiences New York differently, and that's exactly why people keep returning.

A little-known tip: If you're visiting the Statue of Liberty, book the earliest ferry you can. Not only will you avoid the queues, but Lower Manhattan has a completely different feel before the city reaches full speed.

Why not combine it with... Boston, Washington DC or New England for the ultimate East Coast adventure.

Route 66 – America's greatest road trip

If New York is America's heartbeat, Route 66 is its soul.

This legendary highway has inspired travellers for almost a century. This is a route that isn’t about getting somewhere quickly - it's about everything you discover along the way.

Classic diners serving enormous breakfasts, quirky roadside attractions, vintage petrol stations, neon motel signs glowing after dark and friendly locals with stories to tell. It's the kind of holiday where pulling over because something looks interesting often leads to your favourite memory.

Worth the detour: Stop for a photo at Cadillac Ranch in Texas or spend a night in one of the restored vintage motels that have welcomed travellers for decades.

Combine it with: Chicago, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon or California.

The Grand Canyon

People often ask how long you need at the Grand Canyon.

And the honest answer is as long as you can!

It's one of those places that has a habit of making people stop talking. You walk to the edge, look out across layer upon layer of ancient rock and suddenly realise no photograph has ever managed to capture the scale of it.

You can explore on foot, watch the sunset, take a helicopter flight or simply sit quietly taking it all in, but it's an experience that stays with you.

Continue your journey: Las Vegas, Monument Valley, Zion National Park or Bryce Canyon all make fantastic additions to a Grand Canyon itinerary.

Plan Your World tip: Sunrise is absolutely worth the early alarm. The crowds are smaller and the colours are unforgettable.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas has a reputation.

Yes, there are casinos. But there's so much more beyond the slot machines.

One minute you're wandering through Venice, the next you're watching dancing fountains outside the Bellagio and the next you’re mesmerized by the latest residency at the Sphere. The hotels are attractions in themselves, each trying to outdo the next with spectacular architecture, restaurants and entertainment.

And you don’t need to be a gambler to smile at the sheer scale of it all.

Even if you don't place a single bet, there's an infectious energy about Las Vegas that's difficult not to enjoy.

Then, just beyond the city, everything changes.

Within an hour you're surrounded by desert landscapes and some of America's most spectacular scenery.

If you've got an extra day... Hire a car and head to Red Rock Canyon. Only 30 minutes’ drive from the city, it's astonishing how quickly the bright lights disappear behind you.

Yellowstone

Yellowstone feels like stepping into another world.

Steam rises from colourful hot springs, geysers suddenly erupt without warning and bison casually wander across the road as if they own the place - which, in many ways, they do.

It's wild, unpredictable and unlike anywhere else in America.

If you've only ever associated the USA with cities and theme parks, Yellowstone is a wonderful reminder of just how diverse this country really is.

Did you know? Yellowstone was the world's first national park, established in 1872, and covers parts of three different states.

Nashville

You don't have to be a country music fan to fall in love with Nashville.

Music spills out of bars from early afternoon until late into the evening, and there's something incredibly special about wandering down Broadway never knowing who you'll hear next. Today's singer could easily be tomorrow's headline act.

Beyond the music you'll find incredible Southern food, welcoming locals and a city that never seems to take itself too seriously.

Don't leave without... Visiting the Country Music Hall of Fame. Suddenly all those famous songs have even more meaning.

San Francisco & the Golden Gate Bridge

There are plenty of famous bridges around the world.

Very few have become symbols of an entire city.

Some mornings the Golden Gate Bridge disappears into the fog. Other days it glows orange in the California sunshine. Either way, seeing it for yourself somehow never disappoints.

But San Francisco has plenty of other stories to tell.

Ride a cable car up impossibly steep streets, wander around Fisherman's Wharf, explore Alcatraz or simply spend an afternoon discovering colourful neighbourhoods filled with independent cafés and bookshops.

It's the sort of city that rewards slowing down.

Plan Your World tip… Pack a light jacket even in summer, San Francisco's famous fog - locals call it “Karl” - can make it feel surprisingly cool.

Orlando

For many families, Orlando is where the American dream begins.

Watching your children catch their first glimpse of Cinderella Castle is one of those moments you'll never quite forget. And yes, the parks really are as good as everyone says!

But Florida has another side too.

Drive an hour or two and you'll discover airboat rides through the Everglades, beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, natural springs with crystal-clear water and the fascinating Kennedy Space Center, where you can stand beneath a Saturn V rocket or, if you're lucky, even witness a real rocket launch.

The magic doesn't stop at the park gates.

Beyond the parks... Allow time to explore Celebration, pretty Winter Park or a round at one of the state’s spectacular golf courses. Some of Florida's most memorable moments happen away from the queues.

Combine it with… Miami or a Caribbean cruise for some downtime after all the excitement.

Plan your American adventure

One of the best things about the USA is that there isn't one "right" way to see it.

A long weekend in New York can be just as memorable as a three-week road trip through California. You might choose an escorted tour, a fly-drive holiday, a tailor-made multi-centre itinerary or an iconic railway journey.

Some of our favourite combinations include:

* New York and Boston

* Nashville and Memphis

* Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon

* San Francisco and Hawaii

* California's Pacific Coast

If you're travelling during school holidays, or you're planning a multi-centre holiday, escorted tour or iconic road trip, it's always worth booking as early as you can. Flights are generally released around 11 months before departure, but that doesn't mean you have to wait until then to start planning. Designing your itinerary early means you'll be ready to book as soon as flights become available.

And don't forget - America changes with the seasons. New York sparkles at Christmas, Route 66 is glorious in spring, the National Parks come alive with autumn colours, and Florida offers sunshine when much of Europe is reaching for winter coats.

The truth is, there's no single version of the perfect USA holiday.

This is a destination that has a way of turning moments you've imagined for years into memories you'll be talking about for many more.

And once you've been once, don't be surprised if you're already planning the next adventure before you've even unpacked.

Let’s start planning something extraordinary together. Get in contact today.