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From casino nights in Vegas and that Big Apple ‘wow’ factor to the rolling hills of the peaceful outskirts - you’ve got boxes, America ticks them.
World-famous beaches
Amazing hospitality
Fun times for all ages
It’s always sunny somewhere!
The USA has got a whole lotta coastline, which means you’ll find beaches of every shape and colour. Get inspired by the country’s biggest names:
Daytona Beach, Florida - It calls itself ‘The World’s Most Famous Beach’, and it’s jam-packed with all the activities and attractions you need on family holidays to America.
Huntington Beach, Southern California - This eight-mile stretch of soft, golden sands has earned the nickname Surf City because the sea conditions are so perfect for water sports.
Venice Beach, Los Angeles - Home to the boho-chic lifestyle, where you’ll find performers and artists lining the promenade.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina - All the fun of the fair borders the main beach at this resort, but there are 60 miles of dramatic Atlantic coast to enjoy too!
Carson Beach, Massachusetts - The city meets nature at this gorgeous, curved beach, where the sunset skyline is a photographer’s dream.
Cape May, New Jersey - Enjoy the Jersey Shore high life at this pristine beach and its colourful bars and restaurants.
You’ll end each day in style here, 'cause it's known for its fancy hotels and super-friendly service. That doesn't mean you can't still bag a cheap holiday to America though, before you get any ideas. If you're looking for inspo, we love these hotels across the States:
Riu Plaza Miami Beach - A modern hotel where you can party on the beach all day before crashing in peace each night.
The Venetian - The world-famous deluxe hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, complete with its own beach and canals.
Fairmont Battery Wharf - The perfect place to enjoy a classy grown-up break with views over the Boston Harbour.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge - All the colourful jungle vibes, right in the heart of Disney World in Orlando.
Marriott Suites on Sand Key - Stay right on the gorgeous Clearwater Beach, with everything you need for a family break in Florida.
Universal’s Cabana Beach Bay Resort - You can have it all on your all-inclusive holiday to America at this Universal Parks hotel in Orlando, with its own sandy beach right in the centre of theme park action.
The country is so big that it has more than one climate, so be sure to check the forecast before booking any last-minute holidays to America. While many coastal destinations consistently have the high temperatures we love, their sub-tropical climates mean there are wet seasons to watch out for. The good news is that whenever you’re looking to travel, it’ll be sunny somewhere!
Flight times depend on where you travel to. You can reach the East Coast in around 8 hours, but flights to the West Coast can take around 11 hours.
America has more than one time zone, which means that the time difference will depend on where you’re staying, but as a guide, the East coast is 5 hours behind the UK, and the West coast is 8 hours behind us.
The currency used in America is the US Dollar (USD).
The official language in the USA is American English.
The USA is home to more theme parks than any other country, with everything from thrill rides for grown-ups to magical moments for little ones. You’ll find Disney and Universal Parks in Florida and California, or you can ride the world’s tallest rollercoaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey.
There’s nowhere better to learn to surf than the USA, with its world-famous waves and friendly board culture. There are schools all around the coast, but California is the biggest holiday destination for surfers of all abilities.
USA beach holidays aren’t just about life up top, as the seas are buzzing with diverse marine life. California’s underwater park is a world-class snorkelling site, the Florida Keys have the country’s only coral reef barrier, and Cape Cod in Boston is a shark-spotter’s dream.
America’s malls make our shopping centres look like corner shops! You’ll find everything from star-studded havens like The Grove in Los Angeles, to the many outlet malls in Orlando where you can grab the latest fashions even on cheap holidays to the USA.
It’s a country that loves to celebrate, so there’s plenty of fun to plan your holidays to America around. Here are the biggest events we look forward to:
California Restaurant Month (January) - Your chance to discover the state’s renowned fine dining scene for less, with events and fixed-price menus for all.
DAYTONA 500 (February) - The year’s biggest NASCAR race held at the iconic speedway in Daytona Beach.
Miami Marathon (February) - Runners, walkers, and wheelchair users travel from all over the globe to compete in this coastal race.
Myrtle Beach International Film Festival (April) - The East Coast’s answer to Sundance, see all the hottest new flicks and movie talent.
Hangout Festival (May) - The Gulf Shores play host to one of the USA’s biggest beachfront music festivals, with all the hottest acts on stage.
San Francisco Pride (June) - It’s the biggest celebration of LGBTQ+ pride in the country, so expect huge colourful parades and parties.
Independence Day (July) - Wherever you are on July 4th you’ll be swept up in beach BBQs, fireworks, and huge parties.
US Open of Surfing (August) - Huntington Beach in California becomes a buzzy hub of the world’s best wave-riders.
Burning Man Festival (August/September) - Outcasts and weirdos of the world unite for this carnival of delights in the Nevada desert. While there’s no sea, there’s plenty of sun and sand!
Head of the Charles Regatta (October) - The world’s largest regatta sees nearly two thousand boats compete along the Boston shores.
Electric Daisy Carnival Orlando (November) - A huge party weekender full of electronic dance music acts, light shows and fairground rides.
Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival (December) - The swankiest chefs descend on the beach to deliver four days of foodie heaven.
Christmas Boat Parades (December) - Florida’s waterways ring in the season with regular parades of boats bedecked in festive lights.
Party holidays to the USA are totally different beasts depending on where you go. Las Vegas is the high-energy nightlife capital, Miami has a buzzing beach party scene, and Los Angeles is where celebs go to play—that’s just a taste of America’s variety! Here are a few of our faves:
XS, Las Vegas - Hugely popular DJs and rappers take up residency at this temple for hardcore party people.
Poppy, Los Angeles - A fantasyland nightclub experience that attracts lovers of all things weird and wonderful.
Palace, Miami - See the world’s greatest drag queens at this friendly institution of America’s LGBTQ+ party scene.
LIV, Miami Beach - Florida’s own star magnet, where the exclusive surroundings will have you feeling like a VIP.
Howl at the Moon, Boston - A home to one of the USA’s favourite live music traditions—duelling pianists!
We all love the classics like burgers and hotdogs, but each state will bring unique dishes to the table on your American holidays. Let these whet your appetite:
Lobster Rolls - Boston serves the fanciest sandwich around, with freshly caught lobster drenched in butter.
California Roll - Another seafood roll, but this time it’s sushi! Sticky rice surrounds crab, avocado, and cucumber.
Gumbo - You can’t miss this soul food stew in New Orleans, it’s packed with spicy flavours and a choice of meat or seafood.
Key Lime Pie - A pastry tart case packed with a creamy filling made with local Florida limes, sometimes topped with meringue. A Florida institution.
We think foodies will love these famous restaurants just as much as we do:
Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach - The best place to eat the freshest Florida crabs and mingle with the locals.
Union Oyster House, Boston - This historic restaurant serves the state’s best fresh seafood recipes.
Top of the World, Las Vegas - Tuck into juicy steaks and city views at the top of the Stratosphere Tower.
Spago, Los Angeles - Celebrity chef owner Wolfgang Puck has been creating America’s finest dining for nearly 40 years.
Crossroads, Los Angeles - LA is also known for high-end vegan food, and this restaurant is the soy cream of the crop.
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
It is common to be charged a resort fee when staying in America. This varies from hotel to hotel and is usually charged per person or room, per night. This resort tax must be paid by the traveller directly to the hotel.
The UK is on the list of Visa Waiver Countries in the USA, so you do not need a visa to holiday in America as long as you are staying for under 90 days. However, you will need to make an application through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for each member of your travelling party, which costs $14. They are usually approved in three days, but it’s best to apply via the official site as soon as you book your holiday: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta.
Please note, if you have visited Cuba since 2011 you may need additional documentation to enter the USA. Please make sure you are aware of these rules. Visit the USA ESTA webpage for more information.
We are currently closely following the COVID-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to America on the FCDO website.
Please note, if you have visited Cuba since 2011 you may need additional documentation to enter the USA. Please make sure you are aware of these rules. Visit the USA ESTA webpage for more information.