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City Guides

Los Angeles: must-visit stops.

From studio backlots and hilltop museums to sunset beaches and the Hollywood Sign, here is a practical, one-page guide to the city’s best first stops.

Colorful illustrated Los Angeles skyline with mountains, downtown towers, and desert hills

Must-visit

These four stops anchor a first trip to LA: two studio tours, one art museum, and the best free viewpoint in the city.

  • Universal Studios Hollywood

    A world-famous movie theme park and studio tour

    Tickets
    Starting from $109 (Reservation required)
    Suggested time
    1 full day

  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

    A must-visit for American TV show buffs and Friends fans

    Tickets
    $76 (Reservation required)
    Suggested time
    2–3 hours

  • The Getty Center

    LA’s most popular art museum

    Tickets
    Free (Reservation required)
    Note
    Closed on Mondays
    Suggested time
    3 hours

  • Griffith Observatory

    The best spot for LA night views

    Tickets
    Free
    Note
    Closed on Mondays
    Suggested time
    1–2 hours

Recommended

Add these if you have an extra half-day — each one is a classic LA photo or a distinct neighborhood worth exploring.

  • Hollywood Sign

    Iconic photo spot

    Suggested time
    15 minutes

  • Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA)

    Features art galleries, bookstores, and smaller attractions

    Suggested time
    2–3 hours

  • Santa Monica Beach

    Great for roller coasters and watching the sunset

    Suggested time
    30 minutes – 3 hours

Optional

Nice-to-have stops for second-timers, photo hunters, or anyone with a few spare hours.

City Guides

San Diego

A relaxed six-day itinerary mixing Balboa Park museums, coastal drives, ferry trips, and the best tacos, sunsets, and beach towns in Southern California.

Day 1 Driving

  • Head to Balboa Park. Explore the park’s beautiful gardens and have a picnic.
  • Visit the San Diego Model Railroad Museum and/or the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
  • Visit the San Diego Zoo.
  • Have dinner at Redwing Bar & Grill (smoking area available).

Day 2 Driving

  • Spend the morning in the picturesque coastal community of La Jolla. Visit La Jolla Cove to take in the breathtaking coastline and watch the seals and sea lions.
  • Go on a La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour.
  • Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (if time permits).
  • Watch the sunset and enjoy local seafood at an oceanfront restaurant in La Jolla or nearby Mission Beach.

Day 3 Coastal Transit / Bus

  • Visit the USS Midway Museum, a maritime museum aboard a decommissioned aircraft carrier. Take a self-guided audio tour to learn about naval history and see the impressive aircraft on the flight deck.
  • Take a speedboat tour to experience San Diego’s coastline and skyline from a different perspective.
  • Explore the lively Seaport Village area.
  • Have dinner in Little Italy.
  • Grab a beer at The Princess Pub & Grille (smoking area available) or enjoy some whiskey at The Whiskey House (smoking area available).
  • Visit the historic Gaslamp Quarter, famous for its Victorian architecture and vibrant nightlife.
  • Stop by Tivoli Bar and Grill (smoking area available).

Day 4 Coastal Transit / Bus

  • Visit Old Town San Diego, the birthplace of California. Explore the well-preserved historic buildings to learn about the city’s rich history and Mexican heritage.
  • Take the ferry to Coronado Island. Relax on Coronado Beach, rent bikes to explore the island, and visit the iconic Hotel del Coronado to admire its stunning architecture.
  • Watch the Pacific sunset at the Sunset Cliffs Caves.

Day 5 Driving

  • Visit Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of the Point Loma peninsula. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and walk along the tide pools.
  • Explore Point Loma further by visiting the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and the nearby Cabrillo Tide Pools. Take in the stunning coastal scenery and enjoy a picnic in the area.
  • Have lunch at Mitch's Seafood.
  • Enjoy a sunset dinner at a restaurant with ocean views near Sunset Cliffs or the Ocean Beach Pier.

Day 6 Driving

  • San Diego Zoo Safari Park: Spend the morning exploring the vast animal exhibits and attractions. Highlights include the African Plains, Lion Camp, Tiger Trail, and Gorilla Forest. Don't miss the Cheetah Run or any animal presentations scheduled during your visit.
  • Visit Moonlight State Beach.
  • Watch the sunset at Swami’s Beach.

Food Checklist

  • Pork Tacos (Carnitas / Al Pastor)
  • Fish Tacos
  • California Burrito
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • Carne Asada Nachos
  • Garlic Fries
  • Lobster Roll
  • Smoked Brisket / Pastrami
  • Key Lime Pie
  • Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Avocado Toast

Drink Checklist

  • California IPAs
  • St. George Single Malt Whiskey & Bourbon
  • Freshly Squeezed Juice
  • Craft Coffee (Bird Rock Coffee Roasters & James Coffee Co.)
  • Kombucha
  • Mocktails (Non-Alcoholic Cocktails)
  • Craft Soda
  • Mezcal & Tequila

City Guides

Las Vegas

You can plan a 6-day Vegas trip and still only scratch the surface. Here is a loose, high-energy itinerary that mixes the Strip, offbeat museums, big shows, and unforgettable desert escapes.

Walk the full Strip

You could spend an entire day walking from Mandalay Bay all the way to the Strat and back, taking in the whole Strip and checking out what makes each casino unique. It is the best way to feel the scale and spectacle of Las Vegas without spending a dime.

Museums worth your time

The Neon Museum, Mob Museum, and Atomic Museum are all pretty great — each one tells a different story of Vegas: its signs, its sins, and its atomic-age optimism.

Shows & spectacle

There are around 800 different Cirque du Soleil shows, so it just depends on what you are into. For something completely different, catch the cheesy animatronics show right above the aquarium inside the Forum Shops at Caesars — complete with way more indoor pyrotechnics than you would think is legally allowed.

Desert day trips

Red Rock Canyon has tons of hiking trails; you could spend all six days hiking there and still not finish them all. Valley of Fire State Park is fantastic too, and Mt. Charleston is great as well. Go tour the Hoover Dam. Plus, Death Valley is just a 2-hour drive, and Zion National Park is only 2.5 hours away.

City Guides

New York

A 4-day sample itinerary for first-timers: world-class museums, iconic skyline views, and a classic downtown walk.

Day 1 The Met & Empire State Building

  • Daytime: Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met).
  • Evening: Catch the sunset or night views from the Empire State Building.
  • Tip: Although The Met and the American Museum of Natural History are close to each other, doing both in one day would be overly rushed. It’s better to split them up.

Day 2 Midtown Highlights & Museum of Natural History

  • Morning: Check out Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library (NYPL); you can also head up to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt nearby for panoramic views.
  • Midday / Afternoon: Head over to explore the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH).
  • Tip: NYPL's Rose Main Reading Room is only open for public tours Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, so it’s best scheduled for the morning.

Day 3 Midtown Exploration

  • Morning: Visit the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
  • Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll along The High Line.
  • Evening: Experience the energy of Times Square.

Day 4 Downtown NYC Tour

  • Morning: Take the ferry to see the Statue of Liberty.
  • Afternoon: Hit the classic downtown spots: Charging Bull / New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) / Trinity Church → 9/11 Memorial & World Trade Center Site.
  • Late Afternoon / Evening: Finish your trip watching the sunset at the Brooklyn Bridge.

City Guides

Washington DC

A 4-day sample itinerary for the capital: monuments, Smithsonian museums, Capitol Hill, and a relaxed Georgetown afternoon.

Day 1 Arrival & Iconic Landmarks

  • Midday: Arrive in DC.
  • Afternoon: Hit the must-see spots: Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and The White House.

Day 2 Museums & Georgetown

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Natural History.
  • Afternoon: Explore the National Gallery of Art, then head over to Georgetown for some shopping and exploring.
  • Note: Right next to the Natural History Museum is the Old Post Office Clock Tower & Museum, which offers free panoramic city views.

Day 3 Capitol Hill & Air and Space

  • Morning: Tour the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Air and Space Museum.
  • Note: If you're a true aviation enthusiast, it's highly recommended to visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center outside the city instead.

Day 4 Wrap-up & Departure

  • Morning: Free time to catch anything you missed.
  • Afternoon: Head home.

City Guides

Chicago

A quick guide to the Windy City’s best views, parks, museums, and the iconic foods you should not leave without trying.

Top 5 Chicago Attractions

  • Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower): 103rd-floor views; step onto The Ledge, a glass box 1,353 ft up. Tip: Visit weekday evenings before sunset.
  • 360 CHICAGO (John Hancock): 94th-floor lake and skyline views; try TILT, which tilts 30° over the edge.
  • Millennium Park: Free downtown park; snap photos at "The Bean" (Cloud Gate) and splash at Crown Fountain.
  • Navy Pier: Lakefront hub; ride the Centennial Wheel and catch free summer fireworks (Wed/Sat).
  • Field Museum: World-class natural history; see "SUE" the T. rex and Egyptian mummies.

Top 3 Iconic Foods

  • Deep-Dish Pizza: Thick, buttery crust loaded with cheese and chunky tomato sauce. Try Lou Malnati's or Giordano's.
  • Chicago Hot Dog: All-beef frank with "dragged through the garden" toppings; no ketchup. Head to Portillo's.
  • Italian Beef: Thinly sliced roast beef on French bread; get it "dipped" in gravy at Al's #1 Italian Beef.

City Guides

Boston

A 3-day Boston travel itinerary covering downtown landmarks, Revolutionary history, and the classic campuses along the Charles River.

Day 1 Downtown Exploration

  • Prudential Center
  • Newbury Street
  • Boston Public Library
  • Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)
  • Fenway Park

Day 2 History & Culture

  • Take the T/train to Park Street Station to start
  • The Freedom Trail Historic Walking Tour
  • North End (Little Italy sightseeing & coffee along the trail)
  • Beacon Hill

Day 3 Academia & City Views

  • Harvard University
  • Harvard Art Museums
  • MIT
  • Charles River Esplanade (stroll & skyline photos)

City Guides

San Francisco

A practical checklist of the city’s most iconic sights, from the Golden Gate Bridge to hidden sunset viewpoints.

  • Golden Gate Bridge

    An iconic San Francisco landmark.

    Suggested time
    15 minutes – 1 hour

  • Alcatraz Island

    The world-famous former prison island.

    Suggested time
    2–3 hours (advance booking required)

  • Fisherman’s Wharf

    A must-visit spot to watch sea lions and enjoy fresh seafood.

    Suggested time
    1 hour

  • Lombard Street (Crookedest Street)

    A must-see photo spot for visitors.

    Suggested time
    10 minutes

  • Palace of Fine Arts

    European-style architecture, great for photos.

    Suggested time
    15 minutes

  • Japantown

    The go-to spot for ramen and sushi.

    Suggested time
    30 minutes – 1 hour

  • Painted Ladies

    The iconic colorful Victorian houses, perfect for photos.

    Suggested time
    5–15 minutes

  • Golden Gate Park

    Features a science museum, art museum, botanical garden, and more.

    Suggested time
    2–4 hours

  • Twin Peaks

    Offers 360-degree panoramic views of San Francisco and is great for watching the sunset.

    Suggested time
    15 minutes

City Guides

Seattle

From the Space Needle and Pike Place Market to Mount Rainier day trips and legendary coffee culture, here is a quick guide to the Emerald City.

Seattle Attractions

Downtown Attractions

  • Space Needle: An iconic landmark featuring an observation deck with 360-degree panoramic views.
  • Chihuly Garden and Glass: A breathtaking blend of art and nature.
  • Pike Place Market: One of the oldest continuously operated public farmers' markets in the US, perfect for experiencing local culture.

Natural Sights

  • Mount Rainier National Park: The most famous natural destination near Seattle, ideal for hiking and photography.
  • Green Lake Park: An urban green gem offering jogging, boating, and other recreation.

Cultural & Scenic Spots

  • Seattle Art Museum: Rich, diverse art collections catering to art lovers.
  • Seattle Great Wheel: Located on the waterfront, offering sweeping views of the city skyline and the bay.

Nearby Excursions

  • Woodinville Wine Country: Enjoy wine tasting while learning about the winemaking process.
  • Bainbridge Island: A peaceful natural haven tailored for a relaxing day trip.

Seattle Specialty Cuisine

Fresh Seafood

Bordering Puget Sound, Seattle is celebrated for its incredible seafood:

  • Salmon: Smoked, grilled, or raw—each preparation offers a distinctive flavor.
  • Clam Chowder: Rich, creamy broth paired with tender clams, making it the ultimate comfort food on chilly days.
  • Oysters: Puget Sound oysters are renowned for their freshness and variety.

Pike Place Market Delicacies

More than just a sightseeing landmark, Pike Place Market is a foodie paradise:

  • Crawfish Rolls: Made with locally caught crawfish for a distinct, fresh taste.
  • Beecher's Handmade Cheese: Offers freshly made artisanal cheeses, especially famous for its grilled cheese sandwiches.

Coffee Culture

As the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle boasts a deep coffee culture:

  • Original Starbucks Store: Located at Pike Place Market, maintaining its original vintage charm—a must-visit for coffee fans.
  • Local Specialty Cafes: Highly acclaimed craft roasters like Espresso Vivace and Victrola Coffee.

International Flavors

Reflecting its cultural diversity, Seattle offers a vibrant array of global dining options:

  • Asian Cuisine: Highlights include Japanese sushi, Thai curries, and Chinese hot pot.
  • European Flavors: French pastries and Italian pastas are local favorites.