Hi I'm from the UK and I'm planning to do a tour of the USA next July. At the moment there will about 3-4 of us.

I'm wondering where the best region to visit would be. We will have 21 days but would like to see as much as possible but without feeling too rushed.

Originally we thought maybe to fly into Boston and then make our way down the east coast ending in Miami. However I think this would be a bit too much and we would be driving constantly for the 3 weeks.

I'm now thinking that we should either visit the New York/Washington DC area or the California area.

The sort of experience we are looking for is sunny weather (we dont get much in th UK!), moderate drinking of beer and light partying!

Any advice would be welcome!

Rick

Rick, what are your ages? That will make a big difference. Married? Kids? Foodies? Partiers?

If you are young DINKS, I'd say New York to Miami would be fun or even Miami and the Florida Keys.

It is about a 24 hour drive from New York to Miami but you could fly fairly cheap or even take Amtrak to avoid Interstate 95 which is a very heavily traveled artery.

Since you are looking for fun & sun, I would recommend South Florida in particular Miami and Key West.

If it's your first time in US, consider this:

July on the east coast can be unbearable as in hot and humid. There is good reason why rates in/to FL go down for summer months.

For things that are really different in the US, I'd start in NY and then head for the west coast. Lots of sun and beach, lots of things to see (redwoods, vineyards, Disney?, Yellowstone ... maybe even Vegas and Grand Canyon.) Then head back to NY for a day or two to finish what you didn't (bar hopping, etc).

Just my thoughts.

B/

If you need to pick either one, I'd say go to California. Perhaps fly to San Franciso, spend time there. Then go to the wine country (only an hour or so away) for a day or two. The scenery in CA is beautiful. From wine country perhaps drive to Yosemite or go to Las vegas and then the Grand Canyon. Then you could go back to Southern CA and the coast. Then head back up to SF. 3 weeks would be plenty of time.

What exactly do you want to see? Are you looking to spend time in large cities or do you want to get out into the country? I've traveled around a lot of the US and I'll give you some ideas. My husband likes to try local breweries, so I can have him give you some beer ideas once you have decided where to go.

Essentially all of the US has sunny weather in the summer. Florida and much of the south is unbearable though - unless you like temps in the high 90's and very humid.

If you are looking for trendy and fun suggest New York and California (South Beach is great in the winter - hell in the summer).

Both places have good weather, great beaches (yes there are beautiful white sand beaches only about an hour from NYC), tons of great restaurants and clubs - as well as much culture, history etc as you care to mix into the trip.

If you buy far in advance you can get very cheap fares NY to LA (from like $250 up return). And in each place you can do one or more add-ons. In NYC spend a couple days in DC or Boston - in LA spend a couple in SF or SD.

Note: you did not mention wanting to do any of the national parks or scenic.outdoorsy sort of stuff. For that - obviously the reco would be different.

For a Boston to DC trip, you wouldn't need a car, you could take the train. With 'moderate drinking of beer and light partying' I assume you don't want to go to National Parks (I'm sure there is beer drinking and partying in the parks, just not as organized as bars/clubs in cities). I'd split my time between Boston, NY City, Philadelphia, and DC with maybe a side trip to Baltimore (possible overnight). All those cities have good tourist activities and night life and you wouldn't need car.

Do not drink in drive in the USA.

Though in July it will be hot and humid on the east coast. You might want to find more beachy places for your activities.