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The Statue of Liberty raises its torch above the stone pedestal and walls of Fort Wood on Liberty Island.

United States

Manhattan's skyline and museums, the casino resorts and neon of Las Vegas, and San Francisco's cable cars and Golden Gate Bridge, linked by domestic flights.

Best timeApr to Jun, Sep to OctMoneyUS dollar (USD)PlugsType A and B, 120 VMain airportNew York (NYC)
Approved by TravPa Editors, Nov 3, 2026
The Statue of Liberty stands above Fort Wood on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
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Overview

Most first trips pick one coast or pair a few big cities by air. New York to Las Vegas or San Francisco is a flight of about 5 to 6 hours, and Las Vegas to San Francisco about 1.5 hours. Two or three days in each city covers the classic sights.

Spring and fall are the easiest seasons across all three. New York has hot, humid summers and cold winters with snow. Las Vegas is desert: very hot in summer, mild in winter. San Francisco stays cool and often foggy in summer and is warmest in September and October.

When to go

BestGo with a plan
janColdfebColdmarMildaprBestmayBestjunBusyjulHotaugHotsepBestoctBestnovMilddecBusy

New York is at its busiest from late November through December, when the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and holiday windows draw crowds. Book rooms early for those weeks.

Every month in detail: weather and recent fares

Itineraries

Illuminated jets arc across the lake in front of Bellagio's curved hotel tower on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Fountains of Bellagio rise from the lake beside Las Vegas Boulevard. · Adapted from Frank Schulenburg · Adaptation licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Las Vegas in 2 daysWelcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, Bellagio Conservatory, Grand Canal Shoppes, Fountains of Bellagio, The STRAT Tower, The Mob Museum, Arts District, Fremont Street Experience, The Neon MuseumBalanced pace
The Golden Gate Bridge's two orange towers rise above the water between the Marin Headlands and San Francisco.
From the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge spans the strait toward San Francisco. · Adapted from Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, public domain.
San Francisco in 3 daysAlcatraz, Fisherman's Wharf, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Golden Gate Bridge, Haight-Ashbury, Painted Ladies, cable car, Twin PeaksBalanced pace
The Statue of Liberty raises its torch above the stone pedestal and walls of Fort Wood on Liberty Island.
The Statue of Liberty stands above Fort Wood on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
New York in 3 daysStatue of Liberty, Ellis Island, 9/11 Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge, MoMA, The High Line, Central Park, The Met, Empire State BuildingPacked pace

Where to stay

Las VegasCenter Strip for first-timers, walkable to the big resorts; South Strip for newer resorts and the Welcome sign; Downtown for lower rates and old Vegas.Best areas to stay in Las VegasHotels in Las Vegas
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New YorkMidtown for first-timers, close to the sights and subway lines; Lower Manhattan for the harbor and calmer evenings; Chelsea and the West Village for food and the High Line; the Upper West Side for Central Park and a quieter pace.Best areas to stay in New YorkHotels in New York
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San FranciscoUnion Square for first-timers and transit; Fisherman's Wharf for families and the Alcatraz ferry; North Beach for cafés and evenings out; Nob Hill for classic hotels on the cable car lines.Best areas to stay in San FranciscoHotels in San Francisco
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Map and live prices from Stay22 and its booking partners. TravPa earns a commission if you book; your price stays the same.

Getting around

  • Domestic flights: Flights link the three cities: about 1.5 hours between Las Vegas and San Francisco, and 5 to 6 hours from New York.
  • In New York: The subway runs around the clock; tap a contactless card or phone at the gates to pay.
  • In San Francisco: Muni and BART cover the city. Use Clipper or MuniMobile for cable-car tickets; buy before boarding at Powell and Market.
  • In Las Vegas: Walk between resorts on the Strip and use rideshare or taxis for downtown, about 15 min away.

Before you go

Travel insuranceHealth insurance from home often doesn't cover care abroad. Check what your plan includes, then compare travel cover for your dates. Medical care in the US can be very expensive, so check the limits.
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Phone dataData keeps maps, rideshare apps and mobile tickets working, and many attractions sell timed tickets online.How a travel eSIM works
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