Day 1: Arrive in New York City
New York City is your starting point. It’s a city filled with endless things to see and do, so try not to over-plan the first day.
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Start with a relaxing walk in Central Park to stretch your legs from your flight. It’s an easy way to feel the city’s pulse while soaking in some greenery.
From there, head to Times Square for a quick look at the lights and buzz of the area. While touristy, it’s worth seeing at least once.
End the day with a visit to the Top of the Rock or the Empire State Building. Both offer incredible views of the city.
Where to Eat:
Have dinner at one of the many food trucks around Midtown, or grab a slice of pizza from Joe’s Pizza on Carmine Street.
Day 2: Explore New York City
On your second day, check out some of New York’s iconic spots.
Start at the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. It’s a great way to learn about the city’s immigrant history and admire the views of the harbor.
Later, head to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. It’s a moving spot to reflect while learning about a critical moment in the city’s history.
In the evening, visit Greenwich Village for its cool, laid-back atmosphere. Walk around, find a café, and enjoy the charm of this neighborhood.
Where to Eat:
For lunch, get a classic deli sandwich at Katz’s Delicatessen. For dinner, enjoy pasta in Little Italy at places like Rubirosa.
Day 3: Travel to Washington, D.C.
Take a morning train or bus to Washington, D.C. It’s around a 4-hour trip. You’ll arrive just in time to start exploring.
Once you’re settled, head to the National Mall. Spend the day visiting the Smithsonian Museums, which are free. The Air and Space Museum and the Museum of American History are crowd favorites.
As the afternoon cools down, visit the Lincoln Memorial and reflecting pool. It’s a peaceful place with a lot of history around it.
Where to Eat:
For some casual food, Ben’s Chili Bowl is a classic D.C. spot. If you’re up for something nicer at dinner, try Founding Farmers for farm-to-table dishes.
Day 4: Visit More of Washington, D.C.
Start early at the U.S. Capitol, and if you’re interested, book a tour in advance to explore it inside. Then, walk to the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court, all within walking distance.
Afterwards, check out the White House from the outside. You can’t miss this iconic landmark.
In the afternoon, wander through Georgetown for shopping and picture-perfect views along the waterfront. It’s a relaxed part of the city worth a couple of hours.
Where to Eat:
For breakfast, head to Firehook Bakery for a pastry and coffee. For lunch or dinner, consider Old Ebbitt Grill. It’s a historic spot close to the White House.
Day 5: Travel to Chicago
Take an early morning flight to Chicago, and spend your first day settling into the city. You can start with a walk along the Riverwalk, stretching through the heart of downtown.
Afterwards, head over to Millennium Park to enjoy the famous “Bean” sculpture, also known as Cloud Gate. It’s a great spot for photos!
In the late afternoon, take an architectural boat tour to learn about the city’s famous buildings. You’ll get some of the best views from the water.
Where to Eat:
For lunch, have a deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s. For dinner, enjoy Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo’s.
Day 6: Explore Chicago
Start your day with a visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. It houses an amazing collection of world-class art.
Next, head to the observation deck either at the Willis Tower (Skydeck) or the 360 Chicago observation deck for some epic views of the city.
In the afternoon, head to Wicker Park, a trendy neighborhood with cool shops and some quieter city vibes. It’s a nice place to relax after a busy start to your trip.
Where to Eat:
For a casual lunch, grab tacos at Big Star in Wicker Park. If you’re in the mood for something a bit more refined for dinner, consider Girl & The Goat in the West Loop.
Day 7: Head to the National Parks Near Las Vegas
Take an early morning flight to Las Vegas. Spend just a couple of hours walking around the iconic Strip, checking out its wild casinos and themed hotels.
After lunch, drive a couple of hours to Zion National Park or the Valley of Fire State Park. Both are incredible natural spots that offer beautiful hikes and scenery that will help you unwind after the city hustle of the past few days.
Spend the evening enjoying the desert stars and fresh air in one of the park campgrounds.
Where to Eat:
Grab a quick breakfast in Las Vegas before your trip to the park. Prepare food in advance for your time camping or stop at a local diner after hiking.
Final Thoughts
This 7-day itinerary offers a bit of everything: city adventures, great food, and awesome nature. You’ll get a taste of America’s most famous cities, explore some of its incredible history, and still have time to unwind in the great outdoors.
You could easily spend more time in each of these places, but this itinerary gives a well-rounded experience without rushing you too much. Just remember to book major activities and flights in advance to save yourself any stress.
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