I do not even know where to begin. I suggest you look at some old topics on these boards and guide books.

When someone says they want to immerse themselves in American culture or any culture, it is a daunting if not unrealistic task. There is high, middle, and low culture. There are maybe 20 genres of music that were born in the US but we also play and borrow music from all over the world. Our art is innovative but museums are filled with European, African, Pre-Columbianm and Asian work.

To me the history of America, is the history of immigration. Many go to the Tenement Museum in NYC, but that is the smallest sliver of it.

I would strongly suggest that you get advance tickets for the Statue of Liberty and take that tour along with visiting the Ellis Island Immigration Museum - which is brilliant. Also agree that the tenement museum is fascinating. Together they give you at least a partial picture of how we became americans.

And we do not have one "culture" but dozens of regional, local and ethnic cultures which combine to make us who we are. Queens, one of the boroughs of NYC is the most diverse county in the country - with immigrants from more than 110 different countries.

Columbia University is an excellent school, beautiful campus, hope you enjoy your visit. Be sure to download a map of the subway system in NY, I'm not sure if they even keep them at the toll booths anymore. ? It's the best way to get around the city and you will see lots of "culture" that way. I recommend hanging out in the village, walking around soho, and if you have time, venture out to my hometown: Brooklyn. Even walking from downtown over the Brooklyn Bridge on a beautiful day is a great experience. And having lived in Hell's Kitchen for so many years, I'm partial to that neighborhood as well. Great, inexpensive places to eat up and down 9th & 10th Aves. check and see what fairs/festivals may be going on around that time. Checkout newyork.citysearch.com for lots of suggestions. Have fun!

I happen to love broadway shows, if you've never been and have any interest, go to the TKTS booth in Times Square for last minute, discounted tickets to some of the best shows on Broadway.

For San Francisco, read this:

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/san-francisco---stu-dudleys-recommendations.cfm

If you're going to have a car in California, consider some spots along the coast, say Half Mood Bay, Santa Cruz or Monterey to south and Point Reyes, Bodega Bay and Mendocino to the north.
Or, Napa/Sonoma/Mendocino wine regions

Thank you all for your replies!!

Aduchamp, I think you might've misunderstood me; possibly "dabble" would've been a better word than "immerse" 'cause that little sliver's just about what I'm out for! But thanks anyway - I might check out Tenement Museum too.

Nytraveler, I think I'd include Queens when I check out Brooklyn Bridge - thanks for the suggestion!

Gia, subway sounds awesome, and thanks for the advice! That's kinda what I meant, too Thanks for the Brooklyn Bridge suggestion too - I read somewhere it's quintessential NY experience and I think I'll put that together with the memorial on my last day (also because it's near to JFK)!

Sf7307, wow that's really comprehensive! I'll probably check out the neighborhood city guides.

Boomboom, yep I'm gonna have a car and will definitely be in Monterey!

Um- Queens is nowhere near the Brooklyn Bridge. And Brooklyn and Queens are each separate boroughs (counties 0 - New York City is made up of 5 counties. Brooklyn is huge and more than 2.5 million people live there - Queens is also sizable - with more than 2.3 million. Obviously both are primarily bedroom communities - although they each have a number of towns (some hundreds of years old) with neighborhood centers and cultural activities. But most is just row upon row of modest houses or garden or mid rise apartment buildings interspersed with small shopping areas.

Roonn, I'm partial to Brooklyn. And when I have guests in town, they inevitably want to (at least once) see downtown Manhattan, sometimes Ground Zero, sometimes the South Street Seaport, sometimes Statue of Liberty, sometimes a play or show, sometimes Central Park, and sometimes a walk to see the Brooklyn Bridge (which is beautiful in person!) then head over to Grimaldi's (on the Brooklyn side) for pizza, ice cream or a walk to the park, etc. Yes it's touristy stuff, but you know what, you're a tourist! So knock yourself out. But don't be disappointed if you don't get off the island of Manhattan. On a map, the boroughs look (and are) close (in km) but it's not as easy to hop from Brooklyn to Queens as you might think!

Just go with it. You can make all the plans in the world, but there is so much to see. I usually like to have an outline, a couple of "must-sees" and then the rest is "if I can get to it" list.

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/brooklyn-ice-cream-factory/
http://brooklyn.citysearch.com/profile/7330989/brooklyn_ny/grimaldi_s.html

It's always an adventure. Have fun, travel safe.

Here's the link to the Metro Transit Authority in NYC: a map of the subway system but you can click on other tabs to see Rail & Bus as well.
http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm

Wow thank you very much Gia!! I guess I'm sold for the Brooklyn Bridge (and the food options too!) though now I'm wondering: should I just stay on Manhattan or would Queens/Brooklyn be worth it (given the short stay)? I guess I'll check out a lil' of Brooklyn post Bridge-walking but maybe not Queens then.

Also, thanks a lot for the map! 'm surprised they aren't using the schematic layout (like the London Tube) but this is good enough Thanks!

Are you renting a car anywhere? Where did you want to try backpacking?
It has been my experience that Hostelling International hostels are better than most others. There are 3 in San Francisco and another at Marin highlands over the GG bridge.
Outside Philadelphia is the Chamounix HI hostel which is a mansion which is bound to be better than the Apple.
For a young woman, I would look at Bryn Mawar (sic) in the Philadelphia area.

Hi Roonn,

I think it's wonderful that you'll be dabbling or immersing yourself in what San Francisco, Philadelphia and NYC have to offer. Three US cities that are definitely amongst my favourites (and giving you a feel of a few takes on urban America).

Philly has not gotten a mention in this post and since it looks like you'll be there for five full days, I'll mention a few of my favourite things to do there. It's enjoyable for strolling and taking one back to early 13 Colonies history.

*Independence Hall I'd put high on the list to get a feeling of some of the issues going on when the United States was founded.
*The Art Museum in Phila. is I believe one of the best I've seen.
*Reading Terminal Market and the Italian Market I found enjoyable for the food and ambience.
*South Street and Rittenhouse Square are fun for people-watching: you'll see the constrast of uncouth, rough-and-tumble Philly and sophisticated, cultivated Philadelphia.
*I enjoyed a day trip out to Manayunk on the SEPTA train line.

After many visits to New York, my favourite thing to do in NYC is catching some off-off-broadway theatre and aimlessly wandering Greenwich Village and stopping in a bakery, etc... that catches my fancy.

What I enjoyed most in San Francisco:

* I loved *biking* across the Golden Gate Bridge (gorgeous views, make sure you arrive before the fog rolls in, cool as that is to see!) and crusing down to Sausalito, catching the ferry back to downtown.
* Dolores Park and the park (Alamo Square) by the Painted Ladies for ambience and views.
*Climbing up to Coit Tower
* Taking a bus to the beach by Golden Gate Park!

Have a great trip! Daniel

I would recommend the Ellis Island Immigration museum (would do this over the Statue of Liberty) in NY and the Independence National Historic Park in Philadelphia

The University of Pennsylvania museum of archeology and Anthropology is also excellent.

Since you want to see Washington Square Park/Greenwich Village it would be easy to visit New York University (another very good school) as well as Columbia.

I just asked my son who goes to UPenn whether he knew anything about the Apple Hostels of Philadelphia, and he doesn't. It's in a good location. The Lonely Planet web site with its Thorn Tree Forum would probably give you more info about hostels.

Roonn, I would just plan to stay in Manhattan and leave downtown/Brooklyn Bridge for a day. You're going to be very busy in the city. I agree with Daniel, off off broadway shows, Greenwich Village, so many food options, people watching etc.

Tomfuller: I won't be renting a car anywhere, but my sis has a friend in SF who could drive and is willing to drive us around! Chamounix was/is my first choice (and right in Fairmount Park too!) but they're out for the time I'm there, and I can either stay there for 2 days and move someplace else for the other 3 days (kinda like a chore) or just stick to a single place for the entire 5 days. What do y'think? Also, I checked out Bryn Mawr place and am presently slightly confused as to what to do there - any suggestions?

Thank you Daniel! Definitely going to the art museum (also, Rocky symbolism) and also South Street and all that jazz. How/where can I catch an off-off Broadway show? (Also: what are the prices?) Was thinking of walking across the Bridge but might do biking instead - anywhere that I could rent bikes from? Coit Tower does seem attractive! Aand while we're at it: I've always been interested in the Amish, but I read that what you get in Lancester's probably commercialized and not "real Amish"; also, not sure if it's worth a trip down!

Vttraveler: thanks for your suggestions! I might actually take out Washington Square Park in lieu of Central Park - d'you think the former's worth the visit? Thanks - I'll check that out. Currently I'm using www.hostels.com and www.hostelbookers.com and there doesn't seem to be many hostels around in the Philly area

Gia, thanks a bunch for your advice! Slight confusion here though: by "downtown" d'you mean the Brooklyn area? Also: know anywhere I could catch an off off Broadway show? Greenwich seems a nice place too; thanks!

Off Off Broadway
http://theater.nytimes.com/venues/off-off-broadway.html

For Washington Square Park versus Central Park, you should visit both. Central Park is a destination in itself. Washington Square is a small park from which you should visit the surrounding neighborhood of Greenwich Village. You should include the vibrant neighborhoods of Greenwich Village and the East Village in your plans.

Gia's downtown is downtown Manhattan. The Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn and downtown Manhattan.

Thanks for clarifying for me ellenem.

Hi Roonn,

I rented a bike from Blazing Saddles near Fisherman's Wharf, although there may be other places. I think I walked my bike to get away from the crowds/traffic near Fisherman's Wharf but I remember it being a pleasant path to the Golden Gate Bridge mostly.

Not much experience with the Amish besides regularly getting quite tasty soft pretzels with dip from one of their stands in Reading Terminal Market.

Best wishes, Daniel

Stanford is not in San Francisco. You will need transportation to get there. It is a gorgeous campus, but VERY difficult to get into.

I believe tomfuller was suggesting Bryn Mawr College as a possible university for you to check out. It is one of the "Seven Sisters", historically women's colleges with excellent reputations. Bryn Mawr is a cute little village but not much more. There are some beautiful mansions there to see if you have a car. Rent "The Philadelphia Story" for a glimpse at some of the cultural history of that area. It is based on a family that lived there.

Lancaster does have some commercialized parts but it is a large area which includes a city and a lot of agriculture surrounding it. The best way to experience it is on a bike, peddling the back roads past the Amish farms.

You will see Amish at their booths in the Reading Terminal Market but they are there only on certain days, Wed-Sat I believe.

Stamford isn't any harder to get into then Columbia. I assume that if they are looking at these schools the prospective student has straight A grades in honors or AP classes as well as outstanding SAT scores. Otherwise it is just time wasted.

<<<Stanford is not in San Francisco. You will need transportation to get there. It is a gorgeous campus, but VERY difficult to get into.>>>

Stanford is actually very easy to get to from San Francisco. Get on Cal-Train at 4th and Townsend in San Francisco, get off at the Palo Alto station, cross the street (El Camino) to the Stanford campus. It does, however, require quite a bit of walking, as the campus is huge (8,000 acres, I think). There is a free bus service, though, called "The Marguerite", that goes around campus.

While in Philadelphia, visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell

Thanks Ellenem and Gia! Do you know anywhere I can check for an approximation of the ticket prices? I have so many ideas for New York now this is so exciting

Thanks Daniel! I guess I'll go to Reading Terminal Market!

Birdie, thanks for the clarification! I haven't a clue why people are assuming I'm female (is it the vernacular?) bbut.. I will check out /The Philadelphia Story/!

Sf7307 I think Peaceout meant "difficult to get into" as in admission criteria rather than locale obscurity! Thanks a lot for the directions; they're rather helpful!

Cd, initially I was against those, as they seem so touristy, but now that absolutely everyone's suggesting them I think they're essential to the point that they can't be left out, so, thanks! Will probably check them out.

As ellenem explained above, Washington Square and Central Park are totally different. Central Park is a very large park. Washington Square is more a big square in the center of an interesting neighborhood (Greenwich Village). New York University is in this area as I mentioned.

Since you are interested in art you might want to explore nearby SoHo, an area with lots of galleries.

As for Lancaster, I think it is a long trip from Philly and probably not worth it for such a short time. The best way to see the area is by car.

Some ideas for food to try in Philly on this thread
http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/and-nowthe-100-best-things-to-eat-in-philadelphia.cfm
Some of the places mentioned are in the REading Terminal, some in University City (area where UPenn is located)

Here's a good thread on Philadelphia cheesesteaks, an iconic food choice there:

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/philly-cheese-steak-318341-2.cfm

and another one for food in this city:

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/philadelphia-hotel-and-restaurant-recommendation.cfm

Yes, I meant admissions are extremely difficult. I don't know about Columbia, but I do know several straight A students who did not get into Stanford. Nowadays, you need to be an award-winning musician, athlete, community server, intrepreneur, AND be a straight A student AND be exactly the student the schools are looking for, in order to get into the top schools.

Sorry, PeaceOut, I did misread your comment! And yes, Stanford is very difficult to get into (slightly more difficult than Columbia by the numbers, but they're both a crapshoot)

I always tell this story about Stanford, from back when my son applied (he graduated in 2007). They sent around a list of FAQs, one of which was "Am I better off taking regular classes and getting As, or Advanced Placement classes and getting B+s", to which the answer was something along the lines of "Most of our students take Advanced Placement classes and get As" (arrogant, I suppose, but also true).

Sf, arrogance is the perfect word. One thing we did not like about Stanford's admissions policies, is they were surprisingly rigid and would not accept materials like the student's music CD or creative writing portfolio. A good indicator that it would not have been a good fit for our DD anyway. We have seen top athletes have the best chance of getting in there.

It is certainly one of the most beautiful campuses anywhere.

I don't think it's arrogant. It's just a fact. If it saves kids from wasting time, money and energy (physical and psychic) aiming at a school they have no shot at it's a good idea.

One of our younger daughter's classmates was mandated to apply to a host of the most prestigious and selective universities because that's what her parents wanted for her - even though her counselor advised against it (she didn't have a chance) and she would have hated them if she did get in. She finally ended up at a very small liberal arts school of reasonable quality that gave her a lot of support that she needed - and probably wouldn't have gotten in Ivy or similar. But she was in misery most of her senior year, filling out massive applications, writing and rewriting essays, being counseled on how to boost her credentials - instead of just enjoying her last year if high school.

Thanks Vttraveler! Will probably check out Washington Square when I'm at Greenwich (definitely going there); NYU.. maybe not! Or if I can somehow fit it in. Will be going to SoHo! Thanks also for your suggestion about Lancester (will leave it out, I think) and the food places!

Bachslunch, those are some interesting food options! Thanks The cheesesteak sounds awesome (and quintessential Philly too) but the hotels and restaurants seem a lil' pricey.

What d'you guys think about the High Line in NY? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Line_(New_York_City) Reckon it's worth visiting?

When you get to NYC go to a train station and purchase a Travel Card. It will cost you $29 but will give unlimited train/bus travel for a week. I'm just back from NYC and loved having that pass. We stayed in Chelsea and used the pass numerous times each day.

If you do go to Ground Zero then it's worth including a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (or at least 1/2 way to the viewing area). We spent 1 day in Brooklyn and loved it, but we had a bit more time than you have.

We walked the High Line and thoroughly enjoyed it, a new section should be open by the time you go. It's not far from the Chelsea Food Market which is worth a stroll while you are in that area.

Hope you have a great trip.

"purchase a Travel Card"

Just so the OP and others will have an easier time making this purchase, it is called a "MetroCard"—more specifically, an "Unlimited 7-Day MetroCard."

Wow, thanks Cathies! That'll probably offset my transportation costs by a tad Yup, I'll plan it such that after going to Ground Zero (on September 11th!) I'll walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Thank you again Ellenem - I checked out the Metrocard and it seems pretty comprehensive.

Does anyone know about similar systems in Cali and Penn? I read something about the Municipal (in Cali) but it doesn't seem to cover everything (at least, the important transport options).

ellenem, thanks for the correction. I wasn't paying attention at all!

Ellis Island is a wonderful experience, however, it will take the better part of a day and it seems that your time may be limited in NYC. Walk around 5th Ave, Rockerfeller Center and Soho/Greenwich Village/Chinatown.

I really enjoyed the Franklin Institute in Philly but again, I'm not sure about your timing. If you're into history, I enjoyed a quick visit to Betsey Ross home and Ben Franklin's home and print shop both in Philly. I am one the very few people who isn't thrilled with Reading Market.

I can't let you visit Stanford and not also visit UC Berkeley. Hop onto BART from downtown San Francisco and go to the Shattuck Avenue stop, then walk up onto the campus. You'll get some incredible views of the Bay Area, especially if you go up the campanile (the big white bell tower in the middle of campus).

I can't let you visit Stanford and not also visit UC Berkeley.

Thank you all for your kind advice! I'm really excited about the trip and am confident I'll have a great time

Definitely when in Philly be sure to check out Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell and the Constitution Center. Do try some cheesesteaks. The Mutter Museum of medical anomalies is fascinating. The Philly Zoo is America's oldest and quite nice if you like animals. As someone who plans to go to the Art Museum, why not start in the Italian Market, get a cheesesteak at Pat's and/or Geno's and retrace Rocky's steps all the way to museum? If you want to do some shopping you could head out to nearby King of Prussia which is one of the larger malls on the east coast. They have a good IMAX theater there too.

As one who has had cheesesteaks at nine establishments in Philadelphia well-known for this sandwich, I can only say feel free to walk past Geno's and Pat's as part of a stroll of the Italian Market area, but buy your cheesesteak at Jim's, which is on South Street -- for my taste buds, they do the best version. The ones I had at Geno's and Pat's were in fact the two worst I've ever had in this city.

<<<The ones I had at Geno's and Pat's were in fact the two worst I've ever had in this city>>>

I've only ever had Geno's and Pat's (in Philadelphia), and I've had better ones in California! I think they're proverbially "resting on their laurels".

Wow Adventurer1971, thanks so much! Mutter Museum looks amazing and is exactly the kind of stuff I'd love About Rocky's steps - I'd thought of that too (grew up watching and loved the movies), but didn't know the route. Do you know where I can find it? Thanks for this awesome idea!

Thanks Bachslunch and Sf (again!) - I think I'll go to Jim's, since I'm going to be in the area when I check out the Magic Gardens.

Since you are into American prisons so much, why not tour Joulet, Attica, Sing Sing, Rikers, Rahway.
Rahway NJ state prison is where "Scared Straight" was filmed in 1977. It was a program where youths were taken to prison to talk to prisoners about life on the "inside".

As for 9/11. Bad timing. The place will be packed. You wont even get near anything.
So, go in reverse. Come to NYC and Philly, D.C., Boston first, then go west young man.

For the Philadelphia visit, I'd skip Fairmount Park and add Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and Constitution center. It might also be fun to head to a Phillie's game while visiting. I second Bachslunch's suggestion of Jim's on South Street for a cheese steak.

Have a great trip!

Thanks for your advice Pomah. I suspected it might be a tad crowded too (but wasn't sure); unfortunately I can't change my dates due to prior flight bookings.. D'you reckon I could go a few days earlier (i.e. visit the Memorial on, say, the 6th instead) or just skip it altogether?

Hi ElleD9 - yep definitely going to Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and Constitution Center! And also Jim's when I go to South Street. Right now my Philly plans are the least meaty: Day 1 would be the "Historic Square Mile" and Magic Gardens plus Jim's; Day 2 U'Penn and Mutter Museum; Day 3 Eastern State Penitentiary and Philadelphia Museum of Art (as I retrace Rocky's steps from the Italian Market) and so I'm leaving Fairmount Park (and people-watching, etc) for Day 4 and Day 5's still empty!

One option for Day 5 in Philly would be to take the train from 30th St Station to Atlantic City. You could go to the beach or walk through the casinos or just sit on the boardwalk and watch the people.

http://www.njtransit.com/pdf/rail/R0090.pdf

http://www.atlanticcitynj.com/

I can fill in day 3 for you. Stop by Le Bus on 18th between Walnut and Chestnut for a roll or pastry and sit in Rittenhouse Square to watch the people and their dogs.

Do the Mutter and then walk up Market St. and over the river. Below you, you'll see the Schuylkill (skoo-kul) River Trail. If you have the chance, it's a great trail to walk, jog, or bike along. You could even rent a bike and explore Fairmount Park that way.

On your right after you cross the river, you'll see 30th Street Station. If you don't see it during your travels, stop in to check out the architecture. It's beautiful.

Continue up Market St. through Drexel University, a private college. Turn left onto 34th St. (there are some fun shops there) and walk over to the path on the other side of Walnut. Go up it and then continue onto Locust walk to your right.

Locust walk will give you a nice view of UPenn. You can walk up Locust past UPenn and into the cute Victorian neighborhood of University City. http://www.universitycity.org/

I wouldn't go past 45th Street. You can take a left and go over to Spruce St and down. You'll pass the veterinary school and the quadrangle, an old dormitory complex. Keep going down Spruce and you'll pass the immense medical school and hospital complex and then reach the Museum of Anthropology.

Spruce St. will turn into South St which you can follow to cross the river and get back into center city.

I would hit one of the dozens of food trucks on the campus for lunch.
http://www.universitycity.org/cityguide/go/penn-food-trucks

Entire month of September will be packed at WTC site. I've been there hundreds of times, ever since 9/11 when I took my camera to get shots, but went home after 30mins of breathing dust and smoke.
As for Atlantice City from Philly by train. Instead, go to PA bus terminal in NYC, take a bus to Taj Mahal, and get $35 back. free trip.

You might want two days in the historic district/Old City Philadelphia; there's a lot to see and do! Here's one account of a taste of the ethnic variety and some of the neighborhoods:
http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/egg-rolls-at-930-in-the-morning.cfm

Here's a Franklin Walking Tour: http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/a-franklin-walking-tour-of-philadelphia.cfm

If you go to Fairmount Park, don't miss the Japanese House, Shofuso: www.shofuso.com

As far as Rocky's route--well, it's got scenes from all over, but he does go past City Hall, which is another great place to visit. Here's some info on that; his Kensington neighborhood is probably not a great place to try to visit: http://www.movie-locations.com/movies/r/rocky.html

Happy travels!

Will it be cold and will I need a jacket? It says 13/23 for SF and 16/24 for Philly and NY which is quite a big range so I'm not sure if summer shirts are fine!