United States

The United States spans a continent of superlatives: skyscraper cities, 63 national parks, and landscapes from Alaskan glaciers to Hawaiian volcanoes and Florida beaches. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco each feel like different countries, while the national parks — the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite — protect some of the planet's most dramatic wilderness. Road trips are a…

Country overview

The United States spans a continent of superlatives: skyscraper cities, 63 national parks, and landscapes from Alaskan glaciers to Hawaiian volcanoes and Florida beaches. New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco each feel like different countries, while the national parks — the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite — protect some of the planet's most dramatic wilderness. Road trips are a rite of passage, whether down Route 66 or the Pacific Coast Highway, and the country's immigrant heritage makes its food scene one of the world's most diverse. Music runs through the country's veins — jazz in New Orleans, country in Nashville, blues in Memphis and Chicago. The food reflects every wave of immigration, from New England clam chowder to Tex-Mex and Pacific Rim fusion. With vast distances, domestic flights and classic road trips are part of the adventure, and the national parks deserve unhurried time.

Capital
Washington, D.C.
Languages
English
Currency
United States dollar (USD)
Region
Americas
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October; varies greatly by region

Cities in United States

Boston

Boston Guide coming soon

Chicago

Chicago Guide coming soon

Honolulu

Honolulu Guide coming soon

Las Vegas

Las Vegas Guide coming soon

Los Angeles

Los Angeles Guide coming soon

Miami

Miami Guide coming soon

New York City

New York City Guide coming soon

San Francisco

San Francisco Guide coming soon

Seattle

Seattle Guide coming soon

Washington Dc

Washington Dc Guide coming soon

Weather

Live conditions, straight from the forecast — never estimated.

Top attractions

Statue of Liberty

Statue of Liberty

The 1886 gift from France standing in New York Harbor, America's enduring symbol of welcome.

New York City

Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon

The mile-deep chasm carved by the Colorado River, one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

Arizona

Golden Gate Bridge

Golden Gate Bridge

The iconic 1937 suspension bridge spanning the strait into San Francisco Bay.

San Francisco

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone National Park

The world's first national park, famous for Old Faithful geyser, bison, and the Grand Prismatic Spring.

Wyoming/Montana

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite National Park

Granite cliffs, waterfalls, and giant sequoias in the Sierra Nevada.

California

Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas Strip

Four miles of neon-lit casino resorts, shows, and spectacle in the Nevada desert.

Las Vegas

National Mall

National Mall

The monumental park from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, lined with free Smithsonian museums.

Washington, D.C.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls

The thundering waterfalls straddling the US-Canada border, best seen by boat from below.

New York / Ontario

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Active volcanoes and lava landscapes on the Island of Hawaii.

Big Island, Hawaii

Space Needle

Space Needle

The 184-meter futuristic tower built for the 1962 World's Fair, symbol of Seattle.

Seattle

Where to stay

Live pricing and availability are not connected — check the property’s official site.

The Plaza

The Plaza

Fifth Avenue, New York City

The legendary 1907 grand hotel on Central Park South, an icon of New York luxury.

Live pricing not connected

Bellagio

Bellagio

Las Vegas Strip

The famous Strip resort known for its dancing fountains and botanical conservatory.

Live pricing not connected

The Beverly Hills Hotel

The Beverly Hills Hotel

Los Angeles

The pink palace of Hollywood glamour since 1912, set in tropical gardens.

Live pricing not connected

Old Faithful Inn

Old Faithful Inn

Yellowstone National Park

The historic 1904 log lodge overlooking the Old Faithful geyser basin.

Live pricing not connected

HI New York City Hostel

HI New York City Hostel

Upper West Side, New York City

The largest hostel in North America, a budget base on the Upper West Side.

Live pricing not connected

Where to eat

Live pricing and availability are not connected — check the property’s official site.

Katz's Delicatessen

Katz's Delicatessen

Jewish deli

The 1888 deli institution famous for its pastrami sandwiches and movie fame.

Eleven Madison Park

Eleven Madison Park

Modern American fine dining

The three-Michelin-star restaurant repeatedly ranked among the world's best.

In-N-Out Burger

In-N-Out Burger

Burgers

The cult California burger chain with its famous not-so-secret menu.

Pizzeria Bianco

Pizzeria Bianco

Pizza

Chris Bianco's pioneering pizzeria, credited with launching America's artisan pizza movement.

Commander's Palace

Commander's Palace

Creole

The grand Garden District restaurant serving haute Creole cuisine since 1893.

Chez Panisse

Chez Panisse

Californian

Alice Waters' landmark restaurant that launched the farm-to-table movement.

Practical information

The essentials for planning — always verify time-sensitive details with official sources before you travel.

Population

Approximately 340 million

Area

9833520

Time zones

UTC-10 (Hawaii), UTC-9 (Alaska), UTC-8 to UTC-7 (Pacific), UTC-7 to UTC-6 (Mountain), UTC-6 to UTC-5 (Central), UTC-5 to UTC-4 (Eastern)

Driving side

right

Emergency numbers

911

Visa information

Visa Waiver Program travelers need ESTA authorization; others apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa at a US embassy.

Official visa information

Source: Editorial research · Last updated: 2026-10-10