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USA Adventure: New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles & Washington DC (Dec 28 2025 – Jan 16 2026)

Viewed by 102 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & First Glimpse of New York City (Dec 28)

Morning: Land at JFK, drop bags at the hotel in Midtown, and stroll to Times Square to soak in the neon buzz. Grab a classic New York bagel at Ess-a-Bagel for a quick bite.

Afternoon: Walk north to Central Park for a relaxing paddle boat ride on the lake, then explore the nearby Metropolitan Museum of Art for a cultural splash.

Evening: Dine at Katz’s Delicatessen for iconic pastrami, then head to Le Bain at The Standard for rooftop cocktails and a lively dance floor.

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Day 2: Iconic Sights & Nightlife (Dec 29)

Morning: Catch the ferry to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, learning about immigration history.

Afternoon: Wander the historic streets of SoHo, shop boutique stores, and snack on pizza at Joe’s Pizza.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at Los Tacos No. 1 in Chelsea Market, then experience the electric vibe of Marquee Nightclub in the Meatpacking District.

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Day 3: Culture & Broadway (Dec 30)

Morning: Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, reflecting on recent history.

Afternoon: Explore the bustling Brooklyn Bridge and grab a bite at Juliana’s Pizza in DUMBO.

Evening: Catch a Broadway show (e.g., “Hamilton”) and later celebrate at Bar 54 atop the Hyatt for skyline views.

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Day 4: Foodie Day & Rooftop Bars (Dec 31)

Morning: Brunch at Balthazar in SoHo, then stroll through the High Line park.

Afternoon: Tour the vibrant Chelsea Market, sampling lobster rolls and Asian street foods.

Evening: Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Times Square Ball Drop, then party into the night at 1 OAK nightclub.

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Day 5: Museums & Neighborhoods (Jan 1)

Morning: Visit the American Museum of Natural History for a dinosaur adventure.

Afternoon: Explore the artistic vibes of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and snack on ramen at Ichiran.

Evening: Dine at Carbone for upscale Italian, then unwind at The Blond rooftop bar.

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Day 6: Last Day in NYC (Jan 2)

Morning: Take a guided tour of Grand Central Terminal and grab a quick coffee at Stumptown Coffee Roasters.

Afternoon: Visit MoMA for modern art, then shop on Fifth Avenue.

Evening: Fly to Las Vegas; after check‑in, head straight to Omnia Nightclub for a high‑energy welcome.

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Day 7: The Strip & Casinos (Jan 3)

Morning: Relax by the hotel pool, then stroll the Las Vegas Strip to see the iconic Bellagio Fountains.

Afternoon: Try your luck at Caesars Palace casino and lunch at the famed Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen.

Evening: Watch the spectacular show “O” at Bellagio, then party at Hakkasan in MGM Grand.

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Day 8: Adventure & Nightlife (Jan 4)

Morning: Take a helicopter tour over the Grand Canyon (quick day‑trip).

Afternoon: Return to the Strip, explore the themed casino‑hotel The Venetian, and ride the gondola.

Evening: Dine at Momofuku for Asian‑fusion, then hit the legendary XS Nightclub at Encore.

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Day 9: Arts & Eats (Jan 5)

Morning: Browse the eclectic art at 7 Mile Art Gallery in downtown Vegas.

Afternoon: Lunch at Lotus of Siam for award‑winning Thai, then relax at Red Rock Canyon for a short hike.

Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at In-N-Out Burger, then catch live music at The Laundry Room speakeasy.

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Day 10: Day Trip to Hoover Dam (Jan 6)

Morning: Depart early for a guided tour of the massive Hoover Dam.

Afternoon: Return to Vegas, snack on street‑style tacos at Tacos El Gordo, and shop at the Fashion Show Mall.

Evening: Dine at STK steakhouse, then experience the vibrant nightlife at Marquee Nightclub again.

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Day 11: Chill & Casino Marathon (Jan 7)

Morning: Sleep‑in, then brunch at Hash House a Go Go for huge portions.

Afternoon: Play slot machines at Wynn Las Vegas and sip cocktails at the Wynn’s Lake Bar.

Evening: End the Vegas leg with a dinner at Joël Robuchon and a final night at Drai’s Nightclub on the rooftop.

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Day 12: Road Trip Begins – Vegas to Los Angeles (Jan 8)

Morning: Rent a car and drive east on I‑15, stopping at the quirky town of Barstow for coffee.

Afternoon: Continue to Calico Ghost Town for a quick Old West photo stop, then arrive in LA.

Evening: Check into the hotel in Downtown LA, grab dinner at Grand Central Market, and unwind at The Edison speakeasy.

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Day 13: Hollywood Highlights (Jan 9)

Morning: Tour the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and snap photos by the Todd Ross statue.

Afternoon: Visit the Hollywood Bowl Museum, then lunch at In‑N‑Out Burger on Sunset Blvd.

Evening: Dine at Musso & Frank Grill for classic Hollywood glam, then dance at Sound Nightclub on Sunset.

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Day 14: Beach Day & Santa Monica (Jan 10)

Morning: Bike along the Santa Monica Beach path and relax on the pier.

Afternoon: Lunch at The Albright seafood spot, then shop at the trendy stores on Third Street Promenade.

Evening: Sunset dinner at Elephante rooftop, followed by cocktails at The Bungalow for a laid‑back vibe.

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Day 15: Arts District & Nightlife (Jan 11)

Morning: Explore the colorful murals of the Arts District and sip coffee at Blue Bottle.

Afternoon: Grab a gourmet burger at Father’s Office and visit the contemporary The Broad museum.

Evening: Dinner at Bestia (Italian), then hit the famous Academy Nightclub in Hollywood for late‑night dancing.

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Day 16: Day Trip to San Diego (Jan 12)

Morning: Drive down the coast to San Diego, stopping at La Jolla Cove for sunrise.

Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter and enjoy fish tacos at The Taco Stand.

Evening: Return to LA, unwind with a late dinner at Night + Market in Silver Lake.

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Day 17: Beverly Hills & Shopping (Jan 13)

Morning: Walk the luxe streets of Rodeo Drive, window‑shopping high‑end boutiques.

Afternoon: Lunch at Urth Caffé, then relax in the gardens of the Getty Center.

Evening: Farewell dinner at Providence (seafood), then celebrate at Club Noir on Hollywood Boulevard.

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Day 18: Return to New York (Jan 14)

Morning: Fly from LAX to JFK, check into a hotel in Lower Manhattan.

Afternoon: Quick bite at Shake Shack near the hotel, then stroll through the historic South Street Seaport.

Evening: Dinner at Peter Luger Steak House in Brooklyn, then a low‑key night at Blue Note Jazz Club.

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Day 19: Washington DC Arrival (Jan 15)

Morning: Take an early Amtrak to Washington DC, check into a hotel near the National Mall.

Afternoon: Visit the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum and grab a pretzel from a nearby vendor.

Evening: Dine at Ben’s Chili Bowl, then explore the vibrant nightlife at U Street’s 9:30 Club.

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Day 20: Capitol & Departure (Jan 16)

Morning: Tour the U.S. Capitol and the Library of Congress.

Afternoon: Lunch at Old Ebbitt Grill, then wander the monuments: Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument.

Evening: Head to the airport for your flight home, reflecting on an epic 20‑day adventure.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Times Square – 2 hrs – $0 (free to walk)
  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island – 4 hrs – $30 (ferry & entry)
  • Central Park (boat ride) – 2 hrs – $20
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art – 3 hrs – $25
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum – 3 hrs – $28
  • Broadway show – 3 hrs – $120
  • Bellagio Fountains – 1 hr – $0
  • Caesars Palace Casino – 3 hrs – $50 (gaming budget)
  • Helicopter Grand Canyon tour – 2 hrs – $250
  • Hoover Dam tour – 3 hrs – $45
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame – 2 hrs – $0
  • Santa Monica Beach – 4 hrs – $0
  • The Broad Museum – 2 hrs – $15
  • Getty Center – 3 hrs – $20 (parking)
  • San Diego Day Trip (gas & tolls) – 8 hrs – $80
  • Amtrak NY to DC – 3 hrs – $100
  • Smithsonian Museums – 4 hrs – $0
  • U.S. Capitol tour – 2 hrs – $0
  • Food & Drinks (average per day) – 20 hrs – $1,200
  • Nightclubs & Entertainment (average per night) – 4 hrs – $300
  • Accommodation (20 nights) – – $4,000
  • Transportation (flights, car rental, rideshares) – – $2,200
  • Total Estimated Cost – – $9,358

Tips

To extend your trip, add a day in Washington DC to explore the museums on the National Mall or take a quick weekend getaway to Philadelphia. If you need to shorten the itinerary, skip the San Diego day trip and condense the Los Angeles attractions into three focused days, using early mornings for popular spots and evenings for nightlife. Booking tickets for shows, museums, and tours in advance will save time and often money.

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