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Introducing the United States

When should you go?
The US experiences all four Northern Hemisphere seasons, but the country's geographical range means you can find sunshine at any time of year. In the dead of winter, you can find beachgoers sunning themselves in San Diego, snowboarders zig-zagging down the slopes of world-class resorts, and hikers enjoying local trails all the way down to the Mexican border. 

Summer months (June-August) are ideal in nearly every corner of the country, especially in areas where snow tends to last well into spring, like the Rocky Mountains, the Northeast, and states along the Canadian border. An exception can be made for the low-lying deserts of the West and Southwest—areas like California's Death Valley and Joshua Tree are brutally hot outside of winter and spring. Spring and fall can be stunningly beautiful in mountain regions throughout the country, with wildflowers and fall foliage in abundance, though weather can be less predictable and regionally specific. 

Where should you go?
It's said that the US national parks system is "America's best idea," and you wouldn't be wrong to base your itinerary on that assumption. Yellowstone National Park is globally known for its natural wonders: waterfalls, geysers, and hot springs abound, and wildlife like bison, grizzly bears, and elk roam throughout. See the otherworldly rock formations of Arches National Park in Utah, visit the world's tallest trees in Redwoods National Park in California—the list goes on and on. 

How many days do you need?
You'll want to spend at least a week in the US to do it justice—and with 7 days, you'll still want to focus on one region.  Stick to California, for instance, and take a coastal drive up world-famous Highway 1 from Los Angeles to San Francisco, with stops in charming Santa Barbara and dramatic Big Sur. Or, spend your whole week exploring Yosemite's trails, waterfalls, and vistas. Add another week and combine two regions: add a train trip through Colorado to a Yellowstone excursion, or cycle through Utah before making stops in Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days

Discover the National Parks

Explore "America's Best Idea" with these trips to some of the most awe-inspiring places in the country
Winter in Rocky Mountain National Park
Map of Colorado's National Parks - 7 Days
Colorado's National Parks - 7 Days

Start in Rocky Mountain National Park to see alpine lakes and towering peaks, then continue to Colorado National Monument to see red rock canyons and the ancestral land of the Ute people. Stop in Gunnison National Park to see the 2,000 ft deep sheer walls of the Black Canyon, then head to Great Sand Dunes National Park to climb 700+ ft tall sand dunes.

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
Yosemite Road Trip from the Bay Area - 3 Days

Visiting the granite paradise of Yosemite National Park is a must for any traveler. The park has some of the highest cliffs in the world, including El Capitan, featured in the 2018 documentary Free Solo. A visit to Yosemite can be as relaxed or active as you choose. You can largely stay in the comfort of your car while taking short walks at vista points, take rewarding day hikes from a home base hotel or campsite, or go on a multi-day backpacking adventure in the wilderness. No matter what style you chose, a trip to Yosemite will make lasting impressions.

Badwater Basin in Death Valley
Map of Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Red Rock Canyon - 7 Days
Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Red Rock Canyon - 7 Days

Sojourn to the California and Nevada desert landscapes, best enjoyed in spring, winter and fall. Travel back in time to the Old West with a visit to Pioneertown, and hike through the aptly named Joshua Tree National Park to see its incredible desert fauna and rock formations. Climb the desert dunes of the Mojave Natural Preserve and peer out the window of your car to enjoy vast desert landscapes. Immerse yourself in the extreme and unique beauty of Death Valley before discovering the colorful Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas.

Views of the Grand Canyon
Map of American Southwest National Parks Road Trip - 8 Days
American Southwest National Parks Road Trip - 8 Days

The southwestern corner of the United States is home to some of the most frequently visited national parks. From hiking through Zion National Park to soaking in views of the Grand Canyon, experiencing these natural landscapes is truly something special. Explore the picturesque Antelope Canyon and traverse the trails of Bryce Canyon while getting to know the American Southwest up close on this adventurous getaway.

Boat dock on Crater Lake
Map of California and Oregon Road Trip: Waterfalls, Volcanoes, and the Coast - 12 Days
California and Oregon Road Trip: Waterfalls, Volcanoes, and the Coast - 12 Days

This multi-day adventure takes you through the mist-shrouded Northern California coast, featuring the world's tallest redwood trees and verdant fern-covered gullies.  Three national parks, Redwood, Lassen Volcanic, and Crater Lake, showcase this area's diverse landscape and geological history.  Numerous state parks, awe-inspiring mountain peaks, and wondrous waterfalls all wait to greet you along the way.  Whether it's a volcano, lake, or towering tree, the sheer and immense beauty of what you encounter along this journey will inspire reverence for the region.

Alpine meadows blanket Mt. Revelstoke in the summer months
Map of Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip: Banff, Revelstoke, Nelson & Osoyoos - 9 Days
Calgary to Vancouver Road Trip: Banff, Revelstoke, Nelson & Osoyoos - 9 Days

This nine-day driving adventure focuses on the Canadian Rockies, including the Kootenay Rockies and the southern end of the vine-striped Okanagan. You'll explore British Columbia's impressive landscape, from emerald-green lakes to glacial rivers and rugged mountain tops. Challenge yourself with a half-day hike in Banff National Park, canoe the Columbia River Wetlands amid wildlife near Golden, and discover wines of the snaking Similkameen Valley en route to Vancouver.

Our Latest United States Content

Mt. Hood Reflected on Trillium Lake
Map of San Francisco to Portland Road Trip: Lakes, Waterfalls and Mountains - 10 Days
San Francisco to Portland Road Trip: Lakes, Waterfalls and Mountains - 10 Days

This multi-day adventure takes you from San Francisco through stunning lakes, snow-capped mountains, and amazing waterfalls that showcase Northern California and Oregon's diverse landscape and geological history.  From the boating paradise of Lake Shasta to the awe-inspiring Crater Lake, to Waldo Lake, the world's clearest alpine lake, the sheer beauty of what you will encounter will inspire reverence for this region.  Finish your trip in the foodie paradise of Portland, explore the many unique restaurants there, and enjoy a day exploring Willamette Valley for some wine tasting.

Boat dock on Crater Lake
California and Oregon Road Trip: Waterfalls, Lakes and Volcanoes - 10 Days

This multi-day adventure takes you through three national parks, Redwood, Lassen Volcanic, and Crater Lake, showcase Northern California and Oregon's diverse landscape and geological history.  Numerous state parks, awe-inspiring mountain peaks, and wondrous waterfalls all wait to greet you along the way.  Whether it's a volcano, lake, or towering tree, the sheer and immense beauty of what you encounter along this journey will inspire reverence for the region.

St. Augustine Beach, courtesy of Old Town Trolley Tours
Florida's Coasts & Keys - 9 Days

This 9-day road trip takes you around the state of Florida, visiting the best of both coasts. From America's oldest city to the Great Florida Reef, you'll enjoy a variety of activities on this trip around the Sunshine State, most focusing on its great outdoors. The itinerary starts and ends in Orlando, but the route can be easily adjusted for a starting point from any city in Florida.

Top Regions

California
California
Colorado
Colorado
New England
New England
Florida & the Southeast
Florida & The Southeast

the United States Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
the United States map: Top Day Trips in the Bay Area - Explore the Best Backroads, Beaches and Towns
Top Day Trips in the Bay Area - Explore the Best Backroads, Beaches and Towns
View article
the United States map: One Week in Northern California - 5 Unique Road Trip Ideas
One Week in Northern California - 5 Unique Road Trip Ideas
View article
the United States map: Northern California Long Weekend Trips: Coastal Drives, Wine Weekends, & Sierra Exploration
Northern California Long Weekend Trips: Coastal Drives, Wine Weekends, & Sierra Exploration
View article

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Trip Reviews for the United States

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Utah National Parks -Zion, Bryce, Capital Reef, Arches, Canyonlands + Lake Powell and Grand Canyon
the United States | Oct 30 - Nov 13, 2022

Michelle
Michelle H.
Seattle, WA | Reviewed on Nov 16, 2022

Leo was amazing in putting together a seamless and unforgettable national parks trip. He was super communicative and came up with a flexible plan that allowed us to get some remote work done during our time away as well, as he arranged unique weekend guided tours and self-guided hikes during the week. He understood our goals with hiking and came up with trail options that matched the technicality and difficulty level we were looking for. The guided tours were so much fun and we had really... read more

Leo was amazing in putting together a seamless and unforgettable national parks trip. He was super communicative and came up with a flexible plan that allowed us to get some remote work done during our time away as well, as he arranged unique weekend guided tours and self-guided hikes during the week. He understood our goals with hiking and came up with trail options that matched the technicality and difficulty level we were looking for. The guided tours were so much fun and we had really interesting guides that we enjoyed hearing stories from about their personal lives and adventures- the mountain bike and kayak guides were super cool. The ATV tour was quite a thrill ride! Altogether, the trip was amazing, and we crossed off a major bucket list item of seeing the big 5 utah parks plus more (Grand Canyon + Lake powell)! And all of the hotels were perfect - many served breakfast, and they all had good wifi so the two of us were able to get work done remotely. We owe it Leo for the awesome memories we shared and beautiful sights we saw!

Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Reviewed on Nov 17, 2022

Hi Michelle,

Thank you for your great review and I'm very happy you guys had an amazing trip! The parks in Utah and Arizona are some of my favorite places in the world and I'm glad that you guys had a great experience visiting them.

Thank you for working with me on this trip. It was a pleasure for me to help you put it together and I look forward to organizing another adventure for you in the future!

We had a great time on our trip! Our vacation...
the United States | May 20 - Jun 4, 2022

J
John S.
Fort Myers, FL | Reviewed on Jun 25, 2022

We had a great time on our trip! Our vacation guide was very well put together and was full of information. We really appreciated not having to worry about bookings.

Local specialist: Leo Cuesta
Leo
Leo Cuesta
Local specialist in USA | Reviewed on Jun 27, 2022

Hi John, I'm glad you guys had a great time! Thank you for working with me, it was a pleasure helping you put together your trip. Thank you for your review and for sharing the wonderful photos of your Southwest adventure!

Fantastic family trip to Grand Canyon and Sedona
the United States | Aug 5 - Aug 15, 2021

N
Nik K.
Lutherville, MD | Reviewed on Aug 24, 2021

Cami put together a great vacation for us to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. The format of the offering was different than what I had previously gotten from KimKim, namely she put together an itinerary but did not book the trips (I don’t know if this is the new format KimKim is adopting.) While I would have preferred a more full service offering, Cami put together an excellent itinerary and give us detailed information on how to book activities and other reservations easily on our own. She hit... read more

Cami put together a great vacation for us to the Grand Canyon and Sedona. The format of the offering was different than what I had previously gotten from KimKim, namely she put together an itinerary but did not book the trips (I don’t know if this is the new format KimKim is adopting.) While I would have preferred a more full service offering, Cami put together an excellent itinerary and give us detailed information on how to book activities and other reservations easily on our own. She hit all the highlights at both sites, including some fun side excursions. The night sky tour at Lowell Observatory was a highlight! I also appreciated that she followed up with us even after the itinerary was built, to let us know about new tour and activity openings as Arizona opened up from the pandemic. Thanks Cami for putting together a great itinerary and helping us plan a family vacation that we all loved!

Local specialist: Cami Sarmiento
Cami
Cami Sarmiento
Local specialist in Las Vegas, NV | Reviewed on Aug 25, 2021

Thank you Nik for your review. I'm very happy to hear you had a great time.
Let me know if you plan a trip to Colombia or the Philippines. We organize guided tours there and I would love to help you plan another great trip.
All the best,
Cami