United States 3 Day Itinerary
3-Day Itinerary for Touring the United States
Day 1: New York City (NYC)
Places to Go:
- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island: Start your day with a visit to these iconic landmarks. Remember to book tickets in advance. Statue Cruises offers ferry service.
- Central Park: Spend your afternoon enjoying the greenery and visiting famous attractions like Bethesda Fountain, Strawberry Fields, and Central Park Zoo.
- Times Square: Experience the bustling heart of Manhattan in the evening. Don’t forget to take a picture with the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball!
Activities:
- Broadway Show: Catch a Broadway show in the evening. TKTS offers discounted tickets at their booths in Times Square.
- Top of the Rock Observation Deck: For stunning views of NYC, visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at sunset.
Things to Know:
- New York is a walkable city, but you can also use the subway for a quicker commute. Purchase a MetroCard for unlimited travel within a day or week.
- Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas like Times Square and Grand Central Station. Keep your belongings secure.
- Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately, as temperatures can vary greatly between day and night.
Visa Requirements:
If you’re not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may need a visa to enter the United States. The most common types for tourists are the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas. Check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate for specific requirements and application processes.
Day 2: Washington D.C.
Places to Go:
- The White House: While tours require planning well in advance, you can still view the exterior and take pictures.
- U.S. Capitol: Guided tours are available throughout the day. Make sure to reserve your tickets online beforehand. Capitol Tours
- Smithsonian Museums: Spend the afternoon exploring the 19 museums and galleries that make up the Smithsonian Institution, including the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of American History, and the National Museum of Natural History. Most are free to enter!
Activities:
- Monuments by Moonlight: Take a night tour of Washington D.C.’s iconic monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and Jefferson Memorial, for a unique experience. Capital Ghost Tours offers tours with a spooky twist!
- Potomac River Cruise: Enjoy scenic views of D.C.’s monuments and landmarks on a cruise along the Potomac River. Potomac Riverboat Company offers daytime and evening cruises.
Things to Know:
- Washington D.C. is walkable, but you can also use the Metro for a quicker commute. Purchase a SmarTrip Card for unlimited travel within a day or week.
- Many museums and attractions have free admission, but some require advance tickets. Plan ahead to avoid long lines.
- Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas like tourist attractions and public transportation. Keep your belongings secure.
Visa Requirements:
If you’re not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may need a visa to enter the United States. The most common types for tourists are the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas. Check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate for specific requirements and application processes.
Day 3: Las Vegas (NV)
Places to Go:
- The Strip: Spend the day exploring the famous Las Vegas Boulevard, also known as The Strip. Visit iconic casinos like Caesars Palace, Bellagio, and the MGM Grand.
- Fountains of Bellagio: Don’t miss the stunning water show at the Bellagio Hotel’s fountains, running every 30 minutes from mid-afternoon to midnight.
- High Roller Observation Wheel: For breathtaking views of Las Vegas, ride the High Roller observation wheel at night. Caesars Entertainment
Activities:
- Helicopter Tour: Experience Las Vegas from above with a helicopter tour over the city and the Grand Canyon. Maverick Helicopters offers various tours to choose from.
- Cirque du Soleil Show: Catch an evening performance of one of Las Vegas’ famous Cirque du Soleil shows, like “O” or “Mystère.” Cirque du Soleil offers various shows to choose from.
Things to Know:
- Transportation in Las Vegas primarily consists of walking, taxis, ride-share services (Uber and Lyft), and the monorail connecting several hotels on The Strip.
- Gambling is legal and prevalent in casinos throughout Las Vegas. Be aware of gambling laws and responsible gaming practices.
- Temperatures in Las Vegas can be extremely hot during the summer months, so be sure to drink plenty of water and dress appropriately.
Visa Requirements:
If you’re not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you may need a visa to enter the United States. The most common types for tourists are the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visas. Check with your local U.S. embassy or consulate for specific requirements and application processes.
Enjoy your tour of the United States!