Quick answer
On a first USA trip, split your time between the East Coast and the West. In the east: the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, a Broadway show, Washington DC's free museums and Niagara Falls. In the west: the Grand Canyon, the Las Vegas Strip, Universal Studios, the Golden Gate Bridge and a drive along Big Sur. Fly between the coasts rather than drive.
14 things worth your time in United States
- 01
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
LandmarkThe ferry from Battery Park stops at Liberty Island and then Ellis Island, whose immigration museum tells how millions arrived in America. Pedestal and crown access need separate, limited reservations.
4–5 hoursAbout ₹2,200–2,700 (USD 25–30) ferry ticketBuy only from Statue City Cruises, the official operator. Touts around Battery Park sell harbour cruises that only sail past. The free Staten Island Ferry gives a distant view if you are short on time.
- 02
Central Park, Times Square and Fifth Avenue
ExperienceThe classic Manhattan walk: Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge in the park, the shops of Fifth Avenue, then Times Square after dark when the screens are at their brightest.
Half dayFreeHire a bike to cover the park's 10 km loop. Ignore costumed characters in Times Square who pose for photos and then demand money.
- 03
Top of the Rock, Empire State Building or Summit One Vanderbilt
LandmarkOne high viewpoint is enough. Top of the Rock has the best photo because the Empire State Building is in it; Summit One Vanderbilt is the most theatrical, with mirrored rooms.
1.5–2 hoursAbout ₹4,000–5,300 (USD 45–60)Sunset slots cost more and sell out first. A clear morning gives sharper views at the base price.
- 04
9/11 Memorial and Museum
LandmarkTwo reflecting pools sit in the footprints of the Twin Towers. The museum below is sobering and well done, and older children usually find it meaningful.
2–3 hoursMemorial free; museum about ₹2,900–3,200 (USD 33–36) - 05
A Broadway show
ExperienceLong-running musicals like The Lion King and Wicked work for families and first-timers who do not follow theatre.
3 hoursAbout ₹8,000–22,000 (USD 90–250)The TKTS booth in Times Square sells same-day seats below box-office price, and many shows run digital ticket lotteries for USD 40–50 seats.
- 06
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, New Jersey
LandmarkOne of the largest Hindu temples outside India, in Robbinsville, about 90 minutes from Manhattan by road. Parents and grandparents often rate it a highlight, and the food court serves sattvic vegetarian meals.
Half dayFreeDress modestly and check the temple's website for opening hours before you set out.
- 07
Washington DC: the National Mall and Smithsonian museums
Day tripThe Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol and the White House line up along one long lawn, and the Smithsonian's Air and Space and Natural History museums are free.
1–2 daysFree museums; Amtrak from New York about ₹4,400–13,000 (USD 50–150) each wayBook free timed passes for the Capitol tour online. The train from New York takes about three hours.
- 08
Niagara Falls (US side)
NatureThe boat into the spray at the base of Horseshoe Falls is the experience to have. Fly into Buffalo from New York, about 75 minutes, rather than driving eight hours.
1–2 daysMaid of the Mist about ₹2,500–3,000 (USD 28–34)The Canadian side has the better view, but walking across the Rainbow Bridge needs a Canadian visitor visa, even if you hold a US visa.
- 09
Grand Canyon South Rim
NatureThe view from Mather Point and the Rim Trail is the single biggest wow of most US trips. The South Rim is open all year.
1 full day, ideally with a nightAbout ₹3,100 (USD 35) per vehicle plus ₹8,800 (USD 100) per non-US resident aged 16+Day tours from Las Vegas give you only about three hours at the rim. Stay a night in Tusayan for sunset and sunrise. A family in one car visiting two or more surcharged parks usually saves with the USD 250 non-resident annual pass.
- 10
The Las Vegas Strip
ExperienceThe Bellagio fountains, the Venetian's canals and the Sphere's exterior are free after dark, and Las Vegas is the natural base for the Grand Canyon.
1–2 eveningsFree to walk; shows about ₹7,000–18,000 (USD 80–200)Hotels add a nightly resort fee of roughly USD 35–55 on top of the quoted room rate, so compare total prices.
- 11
Golden Gate Bridge and a cycle to Sausalito
ExperienceCycling across the bridge and down to Sausalito, then taking the ferry back to San Francisco, is the best half day in the city.
Half dayBike hire about ₹3,500–5,300 (USD 40–60) a day; ferry back extraFog often hides the bridge until late morning, so go after 11 am and carry a windproof layer even in summer.
- 12
Yosemite National Park
NatureGranite walls, waterfalls at their fullest in May and June, and giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove. About four hours by road from San Francisco.
1–2 daysAbout ₹3,100 (USD 35) per vehicle plus ₹8,800 (USD 100) per non-US resident aged 16+Check the National Park Service website for any peak-season entry reservation rule before you set dates.
- 13
Universal Studios Hollywood
ExperienceThe studio tram tour through working film sets is unique to Hollywood, and the Harry Potter and Super Nintendo areas please children and adults alike.
Full dayAbout ₹9,500–15,000 (USD 110–170)Weekdays outside US school holidays are noticeably quieter. Arrive at opening and do the tram tour first.
- 14
Pacific Coast Highway through Big Sur
Day tripHighway 1 between Monterey and San Luis Obispo runs along cliffs above the Pacific, with Bixby Bridge and McWay Falls as the photo stops.
1–2 daysCar hire about ₹5,300–8,800 (USD 60–100) a day plus fuelLandslides regularly close sections near Big Sur; check Caltrans road conditions the morning you set off. Carry an International Driving Permit with your Indian licence.
What are the best things to do in the USA on a first trip?
For a 10–14 day first trip, most Indian travellers split their time between the East Coast (New York, Washington DC, Niagara Falls) and the West (Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Los Angeles, San Francisco). Fly between the two. New York to Las Vegas or Los Angeles is a five to six hour flight; the drive is more than 4,000 km.
How should you split East and West Coast time?
- East Coast, four to five days: New York needs three full days at minimum. Add a day for Washington DC by train and one for Niagara.
- West Coast, five to six days: Las Vegas with a Grand Canyon overnight, then Los Angeles and a drive up the coast to San Francisco.
Our itineraries hub has a 10-day plan built on this split.
What will sightseeing cost?
Entry fees add up quickly. Budget roughly USD 400–600 (₹35,000–53,000) per adult for a typical 10-day mix of the Statue of Liberty, one observation deck, the 9/11 Museum, a Broadway show, a theme park, Niagara and the Grand Canyon. Multi-attraction passes help in New York only if you will see four or more paid sights. The full budget is on our USA trip cost page.
Since January 2026, non-US residents aged 16 and over pay a USD 100 surcharge per person at 11 popular national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion and Yellowstone, on top of the usual vehicle fee.
What should Indian travellers know before going?
- Prices exclude sales tax, added at the till, and sit-down restaurants expect an 18–20% tip.
- Public transport is excellent in New York and workable in Washington and San Francisco. In Los Angeles and the national parks you need a car or a tour.
- Vegetarian food is easy everywhere; see our USA food guide.
Check the best time to visit, pick a base in where to stay in New York, and start the US visa process early, as interview waits in India run close to a year.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to cover the East and West Coast of the USA?
Can I visit the Canadian side of Niagara Falls with a US visa?
Do I need to hire a car in the USA?
Is a New York city pass worth buying?
How we checked this page
Last reviewed
Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
