Background
Trip Planner Logo

From Coast to Coast: A Journey Across America

David Kristo

David Kristo

11 Mar 2024

Embark on an epic adventure across the United States, exploring vibrant cities, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking natural wonders. Join me as I discover the best of Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Miami. Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with culture, history, and endless excitement!

Trip to Philadelphia

Day 1Discovering Philadelphia's Hidden Gems
+

$75

·

$ 10

Adventure Aquarium
Massive aquarium with a 3D theater, plus hippos, stingrays & an underwater shark tunnel.
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$75
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Independence National Historical Park
This landmark-filled park covers 20 city blocks with museums, Independence Hall & the Liberty Bell.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Dilworth Park
Modern urban park with a splash fountain, cafe & seasonal events like outdoor movies & ice skating.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
•
Free
3 - 4 min

~

Directions

JFK Plaza (Love Park)
Bustling urban plaza featuring a geyser-like fountain & Robert Indiana's well-known Love sculpture.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2Unveiling the Magic of New York City
+

$120

·

$ 5

Philadelphia Zoo
Large zoo with nearly 1,700 animals, including rare & endangered species, plus an education center.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$63
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Philadelphia Museum of Art Steps
Iconic stairs from the movie "Rocky" providing tourists a popular photo-op & views of the city.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 18 min

~

Directions

The Franklin Institute
Lively, family-friendly science museum with many interactive exhibits & displays plus a planetarium.
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$58

Budget breakdown: $2720 In total

Activities & Food:$2483
Transport:$237

Trip to New York

Day 1Discovering Philadelphia's Hidden Gems
+

$146

·

$ 11

Yankee Stadium
Home of baseball's New York Yankees, this 2009 ballpark replaced the storied House That Ruth Built.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$66
22 - 27 min

~

Directions

Rockefeller Center
Famous complex that's home to TV studios, plus a seasonal ice rink & a giant Christmas tree.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$80
22 - 27 min

~

Directions

Brooklyn Bridge
Beloved, circa-1883 landmark connecting Manhattan & Brooklyn via a unique stone-&-steel design.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
15 - 22 min

~

Directions

Brooklyn Bridge Park
This urban oasis features shaded picnic tables, hibachi-style BBQ grills & river views.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2Unveiling the Magic of New York City
+

$0

·

$ 11

Central Park
Sprawling park with pedestrian paths & ballfields, plus a zoo, carousel, boat rentals & a reservoir.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
28 - 34 min

~

Directions

Bryant Park
Green space behind the NY Public Library's main branch, with 4 acres, a cafe and other food kiosks.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Chelsea Market
Indoor marketplace renowned for its wide range of grocers (fish, produce, etc.), shops & eateries.
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
Free
Day 3Immersing in the Vibrant Spirit of Chicago
+

$66

9/11 Memorial & Museum
Plaza, pools & exhibits honoring victims of 1993 & 2001 WTC terrorist attacks. Free timed admission.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$66
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

The Battery
Historic park with Ellis Island & Statue of Liberty views, plus ferry service to both islands.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
Day 4Unraveling the Charms of San Francisco
+

$226

·

$ 11

Statue of Liberty
Iconic National Monument opened in 1886, offering guided tours & a museum, plus harbor & city views.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$50
50 - 60 min

~

Directions

Empire State Building
Iconic, art deco office tower from 1931 with exhibits & observatories on the 86th & 102nd floors.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
$104
21 - 26 min

~

Directions

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
Flight museum on an aircraft carrier whose exhibits include a Concorde, submarine & space shuttle.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$72

Budget breakdown: $2720 In total

Activities & Food:$2483
Transport:$237

Trip to Chicago

Day 1Discovering Philadelphia's Hidden Gems
+

$327

·

$ 10

Willis Tower
Iconic, 110-story skyscraper featuring expansive views of Chicago from its 103rd-story Skydeck.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$63
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

Lincoln Park Zoo
Small, free zoo with lions, primates, reptiles, a children's area & an interactive farm exhibit.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Wrigley Field
Ivy-clad walls & manual scoreboard add retro charm to the 2nd oldest baseball stadium in the majors.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$264
Day 2Unveiling the Magic of New York City
+

$125

·

$ 5

Field Museum
State-of-the-art museum of science & invention, with the world's largest Tyrannosaurus Rex.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$63
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Grant Park
312-acre centerpiece of Downtown housing some of the city's busiest attractions.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
7 - 9 min

~

Directions

Skydeck Chicago
103rd floor of the Willis Tower with clear observation boxes & views extending to four states.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$63
Day 3Immersing in the Vibrant Spirit of Chicago
+

$225

·

$ 10

Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago
Sprawling, hands-on museum full of informative, child-friendly scientific & industrial exhibits.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$75
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

Shedd Aquarium
State-of-the-art indoor aquarium, famous for its variety of habitats & views of Lake Michigan.
12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
•
$100
26 - 32 min

~

Directions

Brookfield Zoo
Lions, tigers, dolphins & more frolic in natural indoor & outdoor settings at this wildlife park.
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
•
$50

Budget breakdown: $2720 In total

Activities & Food:$2483
Transport:$237

Trip to San Francisco

Day 1Discovering Philadelphia's Hidden Gems
+

$0

·

$ 11

Golden Gate Bridge
Famed 4,200 ft art deco suspension bridge open to car, bike & foot traffic.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Marin Headlands
Stretch of coastal basalt headland & habitat for bobcats, coyote, deer & abundant birdlife.
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
42 - 51 min

~

Directions

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Coastal urban park with historic sites & activities from bicycling to hiking to water sports.
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2Unveiling the Magic of New York City
+

$95

·

$ 11

Muir Woods National Monument
Scenic, forested park featuring giant redwood trees, long hiking trails, a visitor center & more.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$38
43 - 52 min

~

Directions

San Francisco Zoo
Families come for the more than 2,000 animals, kids' zoo, steam train, carousel & special exhibits.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
$58
23 - 28 min

~

Directions

Dolores Park
Locals of all ages gather at this outdoor hot spot for picnics & people-watching.
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
•
Free
Day 3Immersing in the Vibrant Spirit of Chicago
+

$75

·

$ 17

Palace of Fine Arts
This Greco-Roman palace & architectural attraction hosts an ever-changing roster of performing arts.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

PIER 39
Bustling bayside pier featuring scenic views, sea lion sightings, eateries, shops & entertainment.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Exploratorium
Hundreds of interactive, educational exhibits & activities illustrating scientific principles.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
$75
9 - 11 min

~

Directions

Oracle Park
Home to the San Francisco Giants, this ballpark with bay views offers tours & hosts special events.
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $2720 In total

Activities & Food:$2483
Transport:$237

Trip to Los Angeles

Day 1Discovering Philadelphia's Hidden Gems
+

$0

·

$ 4

Dodger Stadium
This classic ballpark, one of baseball's oldest, has hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers since 1962.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Grand Central Market
Emporium hosting food vendors & florists, plus game nights, movies & other events, since 1917.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
5 - 8 min

~

Directions

The Last Bookstore
Airy book & record store offering new & used items in a multilevel space adorned with local art.
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2Unveiling the Magic of New York City
+

$55

·

$ 8

Hollywood Bowl
Concertgoers bring a picnic & wine to watch shows of every genre at this historic amphitheater.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
6 - 8 min

~

Directions

Hollywood Walk of Fame
Famous Hollywood sidewalk area emblazoned with stars & celebrity names since 1960.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

Los Angeles Zoo
Zoo & botanical gardens open since 1966 containing more than 270 animal species & 800 plant species.
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$55
Day 3Immersing in the Vibrant Spirit of Chicago
+

$0

·

$ 4

Dockweiler Beach
Bustling public beach offering a hang gliding training park, bonfires & views of departing aircraft.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
29 - 35 min

~

Directions

Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
Oceanfront park with coasters, eateries & games on the pier, including an iconic Ferris wheel.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
2 - 3 min

~

Directions

Santa Monica Pier
Storied seaside destination showcasing a range of shops & cafes, plus an amusement park & aquarium.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $2720 In total

Activities & Food:$2483
Transport:$237

Trip to San Diego

Day 1Discovering Philadelphia's Hidden Gems
+

$135

·

$ 10

San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Visitor tours of a 1,800-acre wildlife sanctuary with over 300 species of African & Asian animals.
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
•
$135
43 - 52 min

~

Directions

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Open-air museum about local life in the 1800s, with adobe buildings & interpretive performances.
12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
•
Free
14 - 17 min

~

Directions

San Diego International Airport
Airport serving Southern California, with rail service to Los Angeles & art exhibits.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2Unveiling the Magic of New York City
+

$65

·

$ 5

USS Midway Museum
Life-at-sea exhibits, restored planes & flight simulators aboard this legendary aircraft carrier.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$65
10 - 15 min

~

Directions

Seaport Village
Waterside complex with shops, eateries, entertainment & relaxed grounds featuring fountains & ponds.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
18 - 22 min

~

Directions

Hotel del Coronado
Grand beachfront hotel with a spa & a fitness center, plus outdoor pools & open-air dining.
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
•
Free
Day 3Immersing in the Vibrant Spirit of Chicago
+

$385

·

$ 10

Petco Park
Opened in 2004, this prominent outdoor stadium features seasonal sporting events & concerts.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$75
16 - 20 min

~

Directions

San Diego Zoo
Zoo featuring giraffes, koalas, apes & more, plus tours & a conservation society.
11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
•
$135
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

SeaWorld San Diego
Marine life shows, thrill rides, aquariums & up-close encounters with dolphins, penguins & more.
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
•
$175

Budget breakdown: $2720 In total

Activities & Food:$2483
Transport:$237

Trip to Las Vegas

Day 1Discovering Philadelphia's Hidden Gems
+

$0

·

$ 20

Super 8 by Wyndham Las Vegas North Strip/Fremont St. Area

Depart from your stay 🏨

11 - 14 min

~

Directions

AREA15
Immersive entertainment venue offering art shows, VR experiences, axe throwing & a flight simulator.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

The Mob Museum
Interactive exhibits in historic courthouse tell stories of Mob's rise & law enforcement's response.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
12 - 17 min

~

Directions

The Neon Museum Las Vegas
Guided tours of a collection of Vegas signage, some from famous landmarks, from the 1930s to today.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
26 - 32 min

~

Directions

Clark County Wetlands Park
Trails & wetlands for walking, picnicking & bird-watching, plus 45,000-sq.-ft. nature center.
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
•
Free
Day 2Unveiling the Magic of New York City
+

$0

·

$ 25

Super 8 by Wyndham Las Vegas North Strip/Fremont St. Area

Depart from your stay 🏨

7 - 9 min

~

Directions

SlotZilla Zipline Las Vegas
Slot machine–inspired thrill attraction featuring a higher, prone-position line & a lower zip line.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
5 - 6 min

~

Directions

Zak Bagans' The Haunted Museum
Paranormal museum with 30 spooky rooms & winding corridors in a reputedly haunted 1938 mansion.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
Free
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay
Sharks, rays, turtles & more in immersive & interactive displays, including a simulated shipwreck.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
43 - 52 min

~

Directions

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Natural wonder with red rocks draws those looking to hike, rock climb or go for a scenic drive.
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
•
Free

Budget breakdown: $2720 In total

Activities & Food:$2483
Transport:$237

Trip to Miami

Day 1Discovering Philadelphia's Hidden Gems
+

$87

·

$ 10

Tropical Park
City park offering miles of paved biking & hiking paths plus boating & fishing in 4 separate lakes.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$13
24 - 29 min

~

Directions

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
Historic estate with formal gardens & sculptures, grottos & circa-1914 mansion turned museum.
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
$54
21 - 26 min

~

Directions

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Park with historic lighthouse drawing weekend crowds for beaches, fishing, cycling & more.
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
•
$20
Day 2Unveiling the Magic of New York City
+

$30

·

$ 15

Haulover Park
Clothing optional & family-friendly beaches, dog park & picnicking just north of South Beach action.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$18
32 - 39 min

~

Directions

South Pointe Park Pier
450-ft-long pier popular for fishing & featuring viewing stations & fish-cleaning facilities.
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
•
Free
24 - 29 min

~

Directions

Bayfront Park
Waterfront city green space with a popular amphitheater, landmark fountain & many community events.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
•
Free
31 - 38 min

~

Directions

Amelia Earhart Park
Family-friendly 515-acre park with petting zoo, playground & pony rides plus fishing in 5 lakes.
3:30 PM - 6:30 PM
•
$13
Day 3Immersing in the Vibrant Spirit of Chicago
+

$109

·

$ 5

Miami Seaquarium
Lively complex hosting shows, sealife displays & kids' playground, plus dolphin rides & experiences.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$74
11 - 16 min

~

Directions

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park
Mile-long beach near Downtown with wetlands, a boardwalk, hiking trails, picnic areas & concessions.
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
•
$20
8 - 10 min

~

Directions

Crandon Park
Popular island park with protected beach, tennis & amusement centers, eco-tours & concessions.
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
•
$15

Budget breakdown: $2720 In total

Activities & Food:$2483
Transport:$237

Trip to Philadelphia

Day 1Discovering Philadelphia's Hidden Gems
+

$138

·

$ 10

Adventure Aquarium
Massive aquarium with a 3D theater, plus hippos, stingrays & an underwater shark tunnel.
8:00 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$75
15 - 18 min

~

Directions

Independence National Historical Park
This landmark-filled park covers 20 city blocks with museums, Independence Hall & the Liberty Bell.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
•
Free
19 - 23 min

~

Directions

Philadelphia Zoo
Large zoo with nearly 1,700 animals, including rare & endangered species, plus an education center.
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
•
$63

Budget breakdown: $2720 In total

Activities & Food:$2483
Transport:$237