13 Days Trip to California, Vegas, and New York

Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Get ready to embark on a 13-day journey through the vibrant cities of California, the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, and the bustling streets of New York City. This trip will take you to some of the most iconic destinations in the United States, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and thrilling activities. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of the West Coast and the East Coast!

Destination Highlights

• Los Angeles: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios, Griffith Observatory
• San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf
• Las Vegas: The Strip, Bellagio Fountains, Fremont Street Experience
• Grand Canyon: Grand Canyon National Park, Skywalk, Hiking Trails
• New York City: Times Square, Statue of Liberty, Central Park

Suggested Itinerary

Realistic Time Management

Here's a detailed hourly schedule per activity with estimated travel time based on location proximity:

Day 1:

• Arrive in Los Angeles (Airport to Hotel: 1 hour)
• Explore Hollywood Walk of Fame (2-3 hours)
• Sunset at Griffith Observatory (1-2 hours)

Day 2:

• Universal Studios (Full day)
• Visit Getty Center (3-4 hours)
• Dinner at a local restaurant (1-2 hours)

Day 3:

• Drive to San Francisco (6-7 hours)
• Golden Gate Bridge (1-2 hours)
• Explore Fisherman's Wharf (2-3 hours)

Day 4:

• Alcatraz Island Tour (3-4 hours)
• Chinatown (1-2 hours)
• Cable Car Ride (1-2 hours)

Day 5:

• Fly to Las Vegas (1-2 hours)
• Explore The Strip (Full day)
• Watch a Cirque du Soleil show (2-3 hours)

Day 6:

• Day trip to Grand Canyon (4-5 hours)
• Skywalk Experience (2-3 hours)
• Sunset at the Grand Canyon (1-2 hours)

Day 7:

• Drive to Los Angeles (6-7 hours)
• Visit Santa Monica Pier (2-3 hours)
• Dinner at a beachfront restaurant (1-2 hours)

Day 8:

• Fly to New York City (5-6 hours)
• Times Square (2-3 hours)
• Broadway Show (2-3 hours)

Day 9:

• Statue of Liberty (3-4 hours)
• Explore Central Park (2-3 hours)
• Dinner in Little Italy (1-2 hours)

Day 10:

• Visit Empire State Building (2-3 hours)
• High Line Park (2-3 hours)
• Evening stroll in Greenwich Village (1-2 hours)

Day 11:

• Explore Museum of Modern Art (3-4 hours)
• Shopping in Fifth Avenue (2-3 hours)
• Dinner at a rooftop restaurant (1-2 hours)

Day 12:

• Brooklyn Bridge Walk (2-3 hours)
• Visit One World Trade Center (2-3 hours)
• Evening at a jazz club (2-3 hours)

Day 13:

• Departure from New York City (Hotel to Airport: 1 hour)

Local Cuisine

While exploring these incredible destinations, make sure to indulge in the local cuisine. Here are some famous local foods you must try:

• Arepas de huevo
• Ceviche
• New York-style pizza
• In-N-Out Burger (California)
• Clam chowder (San Francisco)
• Buffets (Las Vegas)

For an authentic dining experience, here are some highly-rated restaurants to consider:

• Los Angeles: [Restaurant 1], [Restaurant 2], [Restaurant 3]
• San Francisco: [Restaurant 1], [Restaurant 2], [Restaurant 3]
• Las Vegas: [Restaurant 1], [Restaurant 2], [Restaurant 3]
• New York City: [Restaurant 1], [Restaurant 2], [Restaurant 3]

Accommodation Recommendations

No matter your budget, there are accommodation options available for every traveler. Here are some recommendations:

Budget:

• Motel 6 Los Angeles - Van Nuys/North Hills
• Super 8 by Wyndham Las Vegas North Strip/Fremont St. Area
• Days Inn by Wyndham Hotel New York City-Broadway

Mid-Range:

• Holiday Inn Express Los Angeles - LAX Airport
• The LINQ Hotel + Experience
• Hilton Garden Inn New York/Times Square Central

Luxury:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles
• The Venetian Resort
• The Plaza Hotel

How To Get There And Away

To make your journey smooth, here are some transportation suggestions:

• Los Angeles: Fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or drive if you're already in California.
• San Francisco: Drive from Los Angeles or fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
• Las Vegas: Fly from San Francisco to Las Vegas or drive from Los Angeles.
• Grand Canyon: Drive from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon or take a guided tour.
• New York City: Fly from Las Vegas to New York City or take a domestic flight from San Francisco.

Comprehensive Packing List

To ensure you have everything you need for this trip, here's a comprehensive packing list organized by category:

Clothing:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light jackets or sweaters
• Swimwear (if visiting during summer)
• Raincoat or umbrella (depending on the season)
• Formal attire for Broadway shows or fancy dinners

Electronics:

• Camera or smartphone for capturing memories
• Portable charger for your devices
• Universal power adapter
• Headphones for entertainment during flights or long drives

Miscellaneous:

• Travel-sized toiletries
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Travel pillow and blanket for long flights or drives
• Travel insurance documents
• Backpack or day bag for daily excursions

Budget Consideration

a. The standard cost of living per person per day for travelers in these destinations is approximately $100-$150, excluding accommodation.

b. Relevant costs from the suggested itinerary (excluding accommodation) include:

• Entrance fees to attractions: varies per attraction
• Meals: $15-$30 per meal
• Transportation: varies per mode of transportation
• Shows and entertainment: $50-$150 per show

c. Tips for saving money:

• Look for discounted attraction tickets online or consider purchasing city passes for bundled savings.
• Opt for local street food or affordable eateries for some meals.
• Utilize public transportation or walk instead of taking taxis or rideshares.
• Take advantage of happy hour specials for drinks and dining.

Language and Cultural Etiquette

English is widely spoken in all of these destinations, so communication should not be a problem. However, it's always helpful to learn a few basic phrases in the local language to show respect and connect with the locals.

When it comes to cultural etiquette, it's important to be mindful of the following:

• Tipping: It is customary to tip around 15-20% at restaurants and for services.
• Personal space: Americans value personal space, so avoid standing too close to others.
• Punctuality: Being on time is highly valued in the United States, so try to be punctual for tours and appointments.

Some Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

While exploring these popular destinations, consider adding these off-the-beaten-path experiences to your itinerary:

• Los Angeles: Visit the Getty Villa in Malibu for a unique art and cultural experience.
• San Francisco: Take a ferry to Angel Island State Park for stunning views of the city and hiking trails.
• Las Vegas: Explore the Neon Museum to see the iconic neon signs of old Las Vegas.
• Grand Canyon: Go on a helicopter tour for a breathtaking aerial view of the canyon.
• New York City: Take a walk on the High Line, an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the best time to visit these destinations? A: The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

Q: How can I avoid long lines at popular attractions? A: Consider purchasing skip-the-line tickets or visiting popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Q: Is it safe to walk around at night in these cities? A: While these cities are generally safe, it's always advisable to stay in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas.

Conclusion

Get ready to embark on an incredible 13-day journey through California, Las Vegas, and New York City. From the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the natural wonders of the Grand Canyon and the vibrant streets of New York City, this trip will leave you with unforgettable memories. So pack your bags, follow this itinerary, and get ready to experience the best of the West Coast and the East Coast!

Fun Fact: Did you know that the Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles originally read "Hollywoodland" and was built as an advertisement for a real estate development?

Call to Action: Start planning your dream trip today and get ready to explore the wonders of California, Las Vegas, and New York City. Book your flights, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!

Watch these videos to get inspired:

• California Highlights
• [Las Vegas Attractions](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Las+Vegas+attractions)
• [New York City Travel Guide](https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=New+York+City+travel+guide)