Whether you only have one week or two for exploring the United States, this country renowned for its diversity can deliver the non-stop delights.
Two expert Flight Centre consultants serve up their recommended itineraries for a one- or two-week USA holiday covering California, Los Angeles, Texas and Las Vegas. Get ready, it's time to be inspired.
The USA In One Week
You won’t believe the number of family-friendly activities on offer in California. To narrow down the endless options, we’ve selected the best things to do for whole-family fun during a week's holiday in San Diego and Los Angeles.
Sarah Harrison, Travel Consultant, Flight Centre Caloundra, Qld
San Diego
Stay
The Manchester Grand Hyatt features a great pool and kids club that's perfect for families. It is also located at San Diego Bay, a picturesque position close to restaurants and local sights.
Experiences
San Diego is a great place to start your family holiday and the San Diego Zoo is definitely the first place to see while you’re there. The famous zoo is home to favourites like pandas and polar bears and is a great must-do family attraction.
Make sure you get there in the morning to see the animals while they are more active as they tend to rest during the middle of the day.
The next stop should be LEGOLAND, which is great for all ages. There is something for everyone, whether that’s rides, shows or attractions.
Families with younger kids should combine a LEGOLAND pass with admission to the SEA LIFE Aquarium, which is extremely child-friendly and can be enjoyed within a couple of hours.
On your last day, head out to some lesser-known attractions like the oceanside Belmont Amusement Park or Coronado Beach.
LEGOLAND will entertain the kids for hours
Los Angeles
Stay
Howard Johnson Anaheim is a great-value hotel five minutes' walk from Disneyland’s entrance. Some of the family-friendly amenities include a pirate water park for the kids, large rooms and a variety of restaurants in the hotel and nearby.
Experiences
Don’t waste any time in LA and head straight to Disneyland. Make sure you get a Disneyland hopper ticket so you jump between Disneyland and California Adventure Park.
For an extra thrill, book a character meet and greet or even a character breakfast for your little ones. Don’t forget to bring an autograph book! One day won’t be enough to explore both parks, so head back again the next day.
Your final days should be divided between Knott’s Berry Farm and Universal Studios. Knott’s Berry Farm has thrill rides, kids rides and live entertainment, while Universal Studios is sure to be a highlight for movie-loving families, especially fans of Harry Potter, with a new themed attraction opening next year.
Give Mickey and Minnie an Aussie hug
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The USA In Two Weeks
Steeped in history, Texas is often overlooked as a holiday destination – but it’s actually the perfect starting point for an interesting cocktail of history and fun. And Las Vegas can’t be beaten for a thrilling dash of hedonism.
Jessie Nielsen, Travel Consultant, Flight Centre Oxley, Qld
Week 1
Stay
Hotel Indigo in downtown Dallas will put you in the middle of all the action, thanks to the many bars, restaurants, shops (including ones specialising in cowboy boots) and public-transport hubs.
Feel like a cocktail without stepping outside? It’s also home to 1933 Bar & Bistro.
Experiences
Make your way to one of the many steakhouses in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to eat the best ribs of your life, before heading to a rodeo in the cowboy capital, where you’ll be able to rub boots and sing the national anthem with the locals.
When you think you’re almost ready to call it a night, get yourself to Billy Bob’s Texas – “the world’s largest honky tonk” – for some good old-fashioned Texan fun (think bull riding and line dancing).
For those after a historical, political or conspiracy-filled experience, no trip to Dallas would be complete without a visit to The Sixth Floor Museum. Stand on the Grassy Knoll (Dealey Plaza) outside and pay your respects to John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States.
Follow the major highways that point you in the direction of Las Vegas, through Native American country to learn about Navajo culture, and past Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon. Spend at least two nights at the latter.
Stop by Monument Valley on the way to the Grand Canyon
Week 2
Stay
Harrah’s Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is smack in the centre of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, within walking distance of Caesars Palace, The Venetian and Treasure Island.
This carnival-themed hotel features its own buffet, steakhouse, oyster bar, ice-cream parlour and Starbucks – so you’ll never go hungry.
Experiences
You’ll need at least five days to see everything Las Vegas has to offer, from amusement parks and shopping to gambling and partying. If Bellagio’s fountain show is on your list – and let’s face it, it should be – the best way to see it is from the air.
From USD$26.95 you can secure yourself a spot on High Roller, the world’s tallest observation wheel, where you’ll be able to see front-row-style views of the fountain show and get a heap of pictures of the strip’s bright lights.
After that, head to Fremont Street and be amazed by the lights while taking the SlotZilla zipline over the crowds. Take a look inside the famous Pawn Stars shop Gold & Silver Pawn, and watch Elvis marry two lovebirds at the Little White Chapel.
No Vegas trip would be complete without at least one game of blackjack – take your pick of casinos inside shopping centres, hotels and even the airport.
See lovebirds married by the King
Visit your local Flight Centre store or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to the United States of America.
