Itinerary New York, Washington DC & California Road Trip

May is an excellent time to visit the United States: mild spring weather in the Northeast, pleasant temperatures in California, and generally lower crowds before the summer peak.

💰 Budget overview

Category	Amount
✈️ Transport	3200 USD
🏨 Accommodations	4000 USD
🧳 Gear	400 USD
🗺️ On-site	2250 USD
Total	9850 USD

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🗺️ Activities & landmarks

🇺🇸 New York City - 4 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏙️ Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ⭐⭐⭐ (~4h)

  • Iconic American symbol; book pedestal/crown access in advance, early ferry recommended.

• [ ] 🏛️ Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • One of the world’s greatest museums; focus on highlights or themed collections.

• [ ] 🏙️ Central Park ⭐⭐⭐ (~2-3h)

  • Stroll or cycle; discover Bethesda Terrace, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields.

• [ ] 🏞️ High Line & Chelsea Market ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Elevated linear park with art installations; Chelsea Market for food.

• [ ] 🏛️ American Museum of Natural History ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Family-friendly, famed dinosaur halls and space shows.

• [ ] 🏙️ Empire State Building ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Iconic skyline view; best at sunset but lines are longer.

• [ ] 🎨 Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Masterpieces by van Gogh, Warhol, Picasso.

• [ ] 🏙️ Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Walk the bridge, get iconic Manhattan photos from DUMBO.

• [ ] 🏞️ Greenwich Village Stroll ⭐(~1.5h)

  • Explore atmospheric streets, indie shops, coffee spots.

• [ ] 🌳 Bryant Park & New York Public Library ⭐(~1h)

  • Elegant park, historic library interiors.

• [ ] 🏙️ Grand Central Terminal ⭐(~1h)

  • Capture Main Concourse; Whispering Gallery.

• [ ] 🌇 Top of the Rock Observation Deck ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Midtown skyline vista, see Empire State from above.

• [ ] 🏛️ 9/11 Memorial & Museum ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Thought-provoking, emotionally powerful exhibits.

• [ ] 🏞️ Williamsburg, Brooklyn ⭐(~1.5h)

  • Trendy neighborhood; street art, boutiques, waterfront parks.

• [ ] 🏛️ Whitney Museum of American Art ⭐(~1.5h)

  • Modern American works; rooftop views.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🎭 Broadway Show ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Book in advance; check TKTS booth for last-minute discounts.

• [ ] 🍸 Bar SixtyFive at Rockefeller Center ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Panoramic drinks, upscale vibe; reservations recommended.

• [ ] 🎷 Jazz at The Village Vanguard ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Legendary Greenwich Village jazz club.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🍔 Katz's Delicatessen ⭐⭐⭐

  • Iconic pastrami on rye; expect a line, ~$25.

• [ ] 🍕 Joe’s Pizza ⭐⭐

  • Classic NY slice, under $5.

• [ ] 🍩 Chelsea Market ⭐

  • Gourmet bites and global flavors, ~$15-25 meal.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏛️ Guggenheim Museum (~1.5h)

  • Frank Lloyd Wright’s spiral masterpiece.

• [ ] 🌳 Prospect Park, Brooklyn (~1.5h)

  • Designed by Olmsted, less crowded than Central Park.

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🇺🇸 Washington DC - 3 days

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🏛️ National Mall & Monuments ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII, MLK, and Vietnam memorials.

• [ ] 🏛️ Smithsonian National Museum of American History ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Star-Spangled Banner, pop-culture artifacts; free entry.

• [ ] 🏛️ Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Spacecraft, planes; interactive exhibits.

• [ ] 🏛️ United States Capitol & Supreme Court ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Guided tours available; advance registration.

• [ ] 🏛️ Smithsonian National Gallery of Art ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Classical to modern masterpieces; free entry.

• [ ] 🏞️ Georgetown Historic District ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Cobblestone streets, shopping, waterfront.

• [ ] 🚴 Tidal Basin Pedal Boats & Cherry Blossoms ⭐(~1.5h)

  • Beautiful in spring; paddle under monuments.

• [ ] 🏞️ The Wharf, Southwest Waterfront ⭐(~1.5h)

  • Dining, live music, Potomac views.

• [ ] 🏛️ Library of Congress ⭐(~1h)

  • Ornate halls, world’s largest library.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🍸 Off the Record Bar at The Hay-Adams ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Elegant, historic, political crowd.

• [ ] 🎭 Kennedy Center for Performing Arts ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Ballet, music, or theater; check showtimes.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🦀 Old Ebbitt Grill ⭐⭐⭐

  • Historic tavern, crab cakes; ~$35/entrée.

• [ ] 🦪 The Maine Avenue Fish Market ⭐⭐

  • Fresh seafood, casual outdoor dining.

• [ ] 🥪 Ben’s Chili Bowl ⭐

  • Classic half-smoke sausage; $10-15.

🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏛️ International Spy Museum (~2h)

  • Interactive espionage exhibits.

• [ ] 🌳 Rock Creek Park (~1.5h)

  • Hikes, quiet forest escape.

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🇺🇸 California Road Trip - 7 days

(San Francisco → Monterey → Big Sur → Santa Barbara → Los Angeles)

Day 1-2: San Francisco

☀️ Daytime

• [ ] 🌉 Golden Gate Bridge ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Walk/cycle the bridge, best at sunrise or sunset.

• [ ] 🏛️ Alcatraz Island ⭐⭐⭐ (~3h)

  • Reserve ferries early; fascinating audio tour.

• [ ] 🏙️ Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39 ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Sea lions, shops, casual eats.

• [ ] 🏙️ Chinatown ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Explore vibrant streets, herbal shops, dim sum.

• [ ] 🏞️ Golden Gate Park ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Museums, gardens, lakes; rent a bike.

• [ ] 🏙️ Mission District Murals ⭐(~1h)

  • Street art, taquerias.

• [ ] 🏞️ Lombard Street ⭐(~0.5h)

  • Crookedest street, quick photo-op.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🎷 Jazz at SFJAZZ Center ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • World-class venue, check program.

• [ ] 🍹 Top of the Mark ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Rooftop cocktails, city/night views.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🥖 Boudin Bakery Café ⭐⭐⭐

  • Original sourdough since 1849; ~$20 meal.

• [ ] 🍲 Swan Oyster Depot ⭐⭐

  • Fresh seafood, counter seating.

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Day 3: Monterey & Carmel

• [ ] 🐟 Monterey Bay Aquarium ⭐⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • World-renowned marine exhibits; buy tickets online.

• [ ] 🌊 17-Mile Drive & Pebble Beach ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Coastal drive with golf views, tide pools.

• [ ] 🏞️ Carmel-by-the-Sea ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Fairytale village, boutiques, Carmel Beach.

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Day 4: Big Sur

• [ ] 🌉 Bixby Bridge ⭐⭐⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Iconic Pacific Coast Highway view.

• [ ] 🏞️ Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Hikes, redwoods, river.

• [ ] 🏖️ Pfeiffer Beach ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Purple sand, photogenic arch rock.

• [ ] 🏞️ McWay Falls (Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP) ⭐⭐⭐ (~0.5h)

  • Waterfall to the ocean, short hike.

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Day 5-6: Santa Barbara

• [ ] 🏖️ East Beach & Funk Zone ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Sandy shore, chill wine-tasting district.

• [ ] 🏛️ Old Mission Santa Barbara ⭐⭐ (~1h)

  • Spanish colonial history.

• [ ] 🛍️ State Street Promenade ⭐(~1h)

  • Boutiques, palm-lined stroll.

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Day 6-7: Los Angeles

• [ ] 🎬 Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Movie star immersion; touristy but unmissable.

• [ ] 🎡 Santa Monica Pier & Beach ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Amusement park, ocean views.

• [ ] 🏞️ Griffith Observatory & Park ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Panoramic LA views, accessible hikes.

• [ ] 🎨 The Getty Center ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)

  • Art, gorgeous gardens.

• [ ] 🌳 Venice Beach & Boardwalk ⭐(~1.5h)

  • Skate, street art, people-watching.

• [ ] 🏙️ Downtown LA (DTLA) ⭐(~1h)

  • Contemporary art museum, Grand Central Market.

• [ ] 🛍️ Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills ⭐(~1h)

  • Iconic (window) shopping.

🌙 Evening & night

• [ ] 🌅 Sunset at Griffith Park ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Los Angeles skyline, best at dusk.

• [ ] 🎤 Live music on Sunset Boulevard ⭐⭐ (~2h)

  • Famous music clubs.

🍽️ Must-try food spots

• [ ] 🌮 Grand Central Market ⭐⭐⭐

  • Diverse eats: tacos, ramen, LA classics; ~$15-20.

• [ ] 🍔 In-N-Out Burger ⭐⭐

  • Local fast-food institution.

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🔁 Optional if time permits

• [ ] 🏖️ Huntington Beach (~2h)

  • Classic SoCal surf culture.

• [ ] 🏛️ Natural History Museum of LA County (~1.5h)

  • Dinosaurs, gemstones.

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🎬 Films & series to watch

🇺🇸 New York City

• [ ] 🎬 Midnight in Paris (2011) — ⭐ 7.6 — NY romance & nostalgia — Prime Video
• [ ] 🎬 The Avengers (2012) — ⭐ 8.0 — Downtown NY action — Disney+
• [ ] 📺 Friends (1994) — ⭐ 8.9 — Iconic sitcom, set in Manhattan — Netflix

🇺🇸 Washington DC

• [ ] 🎬 National Treasure (2004) — ⭐ 6.9 — Adventure through DC’s monuments — Disney+
• [ ] 🎬 Lincoln (2012) — ⭐ 7.3 — American history, White House drama — Prime Video
• [ ] 📺 House of Cards (2013) — ⭐ 8.7 — DC politics, intrigue — Netflix

🇺🇸 California

• [ ] 🎬 La La Land (2016) — ⭐ 8.0 — LA love letter, music & sunsets — Prime Video
• [ ] 🎬 Vertigo (1958) — ⭐ 8.3 — Hitchcock’s San Francisco — Prime Video
• [ ] 📺 Big Little Lies (2017) — ⭐ 8.5 — Monterey coast drama — HBO

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🍜 Local specialties

🇺🇸 New York City

• [ ] Classic New York pizza
• [ ] Pastrami on rye
• [ ] Bagels with lox and cream cheese

🇺🇸 Washington DC

• [ ] Chesapeake Bay crab cakes
• [ ] Half-smoke sausage
• [ ] Ethiopian cuisine

🇺🇸 California

• [ ] Sourdough bread (San Francisco)
• [ ] Mission-style burritos
• [ ] Fish tacos
• [ ] Santa Barbara wine

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📍 Maps - places to pin

🇺🇸 New York City

1. 🌤️ Statue of Liberty
2. 🌙 Bar SixtyFive at Rockefeller Center
3. 🛍️ Chelsea Market
4. 🏨 The New Yorker Hotel
5. 🍽️ Katz's Delicatessen

🇺🇸 Washington DC

1. 🌤️ Lincoln Memorial
2. 🌙 Off the Record Bar at The Hay-Adams
3. 🛍️ Georgetown Shops
4. 🏨 Hotel Washington
5. 🍽️ Old Ebbitt Grill

🇺🇸 California Road Trip

San Francisco

1. 🌤️ Golden Gate Bridge
2. 🌙 Top of the Mark
3. 🛍️ Westfield San Francisco Centre
4. 🏨 Hotel Nikko San Francisco
5. 🍽️ Boudin Bakery Café

Monterey & Carmel

1. 🌤️ Monterey Bay Aquarium
2. 🌙 Carmel Beach
3. 🛍️ Ocean Avenue, Carmel
4. 🏨 Spindrift Inn
5. 🍽️ Fish Hopper

Big Sur

1. 🌤️ Bixby Bridge
2. 🌙 Nepenthe Restaurant
3. 🛍️ Henry Miller Memorial Library
4. 🏨 Ventana Big Sur
5. 🍽️ Big Sur Bakery

Santa Barbara

1. 🌤️ Old Mission Santa Barbara
2. 🌙 The Red Piano
3. 🛍️ Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center
4. 🏨 Hotel Californian
5. 🍽️ Brophy Bros. Clam Bar

Los Angeles

1. 🌤️ Griffith Observatory
2. 🌙 Sunset Boulevard
3. 🛍️ The Grove
4. 🏨 The Hollywood Roosevelt
5. 🍽️ Grand Central Market

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✈️ Transport to book

• [ ] ✈️ London → New York City
• [ ] 🚅 New York City → Washington DC
• [ ] ✈️ Washington DC → San Francisco
• [ ] 🚗 San Francisco → Monterey → Big Sur → Santa Barbara → Los Angeles (self-drive rental)
• [ ] ✈️ Los Angeles → London

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🏨 Accommodations

City	Nights	Accommodation	Price
New York City	4	The New Yorker Hotel (4★)	1200 USD
Washington DC	3	Hotel Washington (4★)	900 USD
San Francisco	2	Hotel Nikko (4★)	600 USD
Monterey/Carmel	1	Spindrift Inn (4★)	250 USD
Big Sur	1	Ventana Big Sur (4★)	500 USD
Santa Barbara	1	Hotel Californian (4★)	300 USD
Los Angeles	2	Hollywood Roosevelt (4★)	700 USD
Total	14		4450 USD

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