Arrive, check into your Manhattan hotel and drop bags so you can explore without luggage. Use concierge to book any last‑minute New Year reservations and theatre tickets.
Stroll the elevated park for skyline and Hudson River views, then browse Chelsea Market for shops and snacks. The High Line is open daylight hours; Chelsea Market typically 10:00am–9:00pm.
Experience the lights and buzz of Times Square at night — lively and touristy, good for first‑time visitors. Open 24/7, but busy; keep belongings secure.
World‑class collections across millennia; book tickets online and expect to spend 2–3 hours. Typical hours around 10:00am–5:30pm; check seasonal variations.
Morning ferry from Battery Park to see Lady Liberty and the immigration museum; book crown or pedestal access well in advance. Ferries start around 9:00am and run multiple departures.
Return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the evening. If planning to do Times Square, remember many streets close early and you must be in place hours before midnight.
Book a special NYE dinner or a Times Square‑adjacent restaurant or take a New Year's Eve cruise on the Hudson for the ball drop and fireworks; confirm timing and cancellation policies.
If you plan to attend the Times Square ball drop, arrive extremely early and be prepared for security lines and cold weather; alternatives include rooftop parties or a cruise.
Typical nonstop flight is about 5–6 hours; book a mid‑morning slot to arrive in Vegas early evening local time. Check airline check‑in and baggage rules.
Quick hotel breakfast then head out for a day trip — either Hoover Dam or Red Rock Canyon depending on preference; both require dressing for the weather and have visitor center hours.
Guided tours are available and informative about the dam's history and engineering; visitor centre usually opens mid‑morning. Book timed tours in advance.
A direct drive to LA with optional stops like Calico Ghost Town for a quick historic visit; plan fuel and rest breaks. Driving time without stops ~4h30m.
If you prefer theme park thrills and a studio tour, arrive at opening (often ~9:00am) to maximise rides and tours; alternatively, book Warner Bros studio tour for behind‑the‑scenes access.
These Smithsonian museums are free and very popular; both generally open from 10:00am but check specific doors/entrances and timed-entry requirements for some exhibits.
Book a Capitol tour in advance or visit the National Gallery (free) for European and American masterpieces; check timed‑entry and opening hours (usually 10:00am–5:00pm).
This museum has timed entry and can be emotionally intense but is highly recommended; reserve tickets ahead and check opening hours (typically 10:00am–5:30pm).
Have a final lunch near the Mall and collect any last souvenirs before departure. Plan transfer time to the airport or train station based on your schedule.