USA 14-Day Itinerary: Complete Day-by-Day Plan

USA 14-Day Itinerary 2026: Complete Day-by-Day Plan

A 2-week USA itinerary covers East Coast (NYC + DC) + Southwest National Parks + California — the classic coast-to-coast first-timer’s grand tour combining cities, monuments, and Pacific coast.

Quick Itinerary Summary

A 2-week USA itinerary covers East Coast (NYC + DC) + Southwest National Parks + California — the classic coast-to-coast first-timer’s grand tour combining cities, monuments, and Pacific coast.

14

Days

10

Day Plans

2026

Updated

USA 14-Day Itinerary: Day-by-Day Plan

Day 1-3

New York City

Land JFK. Times Square, Empire State, Central Park, MoMA, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge walk, Broadway show.

Daily spend: $200-350/dayNote: 3 nights Midtown

Day 4-5

Washington DC

Train NYC-DC via Acela (3hr) or Amtrak (4hr). Smithsonian (free!), National Mall, Lincoln Memorial, White House exterior, Arlington Cemetery.

Daily spend: $160-280/dayNote: Train $60-200

Day 6

Fly to Las Vegas

Morning flight DC-LAS (5 hrs). Strip walk evening. Bellagio fountains. Show (Cirque du Soleil).

Daily spend: $200-350/dayNote: Flight $200-400

Day 7

Grand Canyon Day Trip

Fly tour from LAS or rent car (4.5 hr drive). Sunset South Rim. Return Vegas late night.

Daily spend: $300-500/dayNote: Fly tour $400

Day 8

Zion + Bryce Canyon Drive

Rent car, drive Zion (2.5 hrs from LAS). Hike Riverside Walk. Drive Bryce Canyon area.

Daily spend: $180-280/dayNote: Park pass $35

Day 9

Bryce + Drive to LA

Sunrise Bryce Amphitheater (Sunset Point). Long drive to LA (7-8 hrs) or fly from Vegas.

Daily spend: $170-280/dayNote: Flight LAS-LAX $80-200

Day 10-11

Los Angeles

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Beverly Hills, Getty Museum.

Daily spend: $180-300/dayNote: 2 nights Hollywood

Day 12

Pacific Coast Highway to San Francisco

Drive PCH (LA → SF) — Big Sur, Bixby Bridge, Monterey, Carmel. 9 hrs total or break in Monterey.

Daily spend: $200-350/dayNote: Rental car needed

Day 13

San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz (book 60+ days ahead), Cable Cars, Fisherman’s Wharf, Painted Ladies.

Daily spend: $200-350/dayNote: Alcatraz $45

Day 14

Yosemite Day Trip + Departure

Day trip to Yosemite (4 hr drive each way) OR Napa Valley wineries. Evening flight home from SFO.

Daily spend: $200-400/dayNote: Yosemite long day

Budget Breakdown

Style | Daily | Total Trip Cost
Budget | $130/day | $1,820 + $1,200 flights/car
Mid-Range | $250/day | $3,500 + $1,500 flights/car
Luxury | $500/day | $7,000 + $3,000 flights/car

Pro Tips for this itinerary:

Book Alcatraz 60+ days ahead — sells out daily

National Park Annual Pass ($80) pays off if visiting 2+ parks

Tip 18-22% restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars

Internal flights cheapest 6+ weeks ahead OR last-minute (1-2 weeks)

Rental car essential for Southwest + California parks

Always have travel insurance (US healthcare = ER $5,000+)

Planning your USA trip? See our USA travel guide, visa requirements, trip cost, packing list, or the Ultimate Bucket List.

USA 14-Day Itinerary FAQ

How much does 2 weeks in USA cost?

Mid-range $3,500-6,500 USD per person including flights + car + parks. Budget $2,200-3,500. Luxury $10,000+.

Is 2 weeks enough for USA?

Yes for highlights of 1-2 regions (East Coast + West Coast) but USA is continental — 4+ weeks for true cross-country justice.

Best 2-week USA itinerary?

East-to-West (NYC → DC → Vegas → Grand Canyon → LA → SF) lets you fly one-way + minimize backtracking.

Should you rent a car in USA?

Yes for Southwest National Parks + California PCH. No for NYC, DC, SF (excellent transit + parking nightmare).

What’s the most expensive part of US trip?

Internal flights + accommodation in NYC/SF + national park lodges (book 12 months ahead).