The Best City Breaks in the USA – 6 Must-Visit Destinations

Updated On: April 17, 2024 by   Courtney Augello

The best city breaks in the USA can be found all over the United States. From the East to West Coast, North to South, cities have exciting attractions, unique histories, beautiful vistas, and fun ways to explore. 

Although typical city holidays last just a few days, spending a week or more at the best city breaks in the USA would be extremely easy. Each destination has endless things to do for adults, children, and families during a holiday. To provide some inspiration for your next trip, we’ve listed 6 of the best city breaks in the USA.

1. New York City, New York

There are many things to do in New York City that make it one of the best city breaks in the USA. It is known worldwide for its attractions and has been a popular tourist destination for decades. In fact, it may be the most popular destination in the United States.

New York City is full of famous architecture and buildings. The Empire State Building is a skyscraper that rises 102 storeys above the city streets. Its art deco style makes it a stunning sight from the inside and outside, and the lights on top shine bright during the night.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum is another popular attraction in New York City. The museum takes guests through the tragic events that happened on 11 September 2001 at the World Trade Center and features a variety of programmes, artefacts, and personal stories from the victims and their families.

The memorial is a set of beautiful twin reflecting pools that stand where the Twin Towers once did. It is a tribute to the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives that day in the terrorist attacks. The names of the victims are inscribed on the memorial.

Another key attraction that makes New York one of the best city breaks in the USA is Times Square. Times Square is an entertainment centre seen in many movies and tv shows. It is arguably the most popular place in New York City and is a must-see for any trip.

The Statue of Liberty is another famous attraction in New York City. Located on Liberty Island, the 93-metre-tall statue was a gift to the United States from France in 1886. The Statue of Liberty draws over 3 million visitors annually and has become synonymous with the United States and the American Dream. 

In addition to these attractions, New York City also has many museums, parks, and other amazing things to do. Whether you’re spending a day or a week in the Big Apple, there’s no doubt that it is one of the best city breaks in the USA.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

For anyone interested in bright lights and late nights, Las Vegas is easily one of the best city breaks in the USA. Known as “Disneyland for Adults”, there are endless ways to spend a holiday in Las Vegas.

Las Vegas is one of the best city breaks in the USA because it is the gambling capital of the world. On the Strip, casinos full of flashing slot machines, rows of card tables, and sports betting areas line the sidewalk. Inside, casinos lead to stunning hotels like the Bellagio, with beautiful art features and even one of the world’s largest chocolate fountains.

The Bellagio Hotel is also home to one of the most recognisable shows in Las Vegas: the Fountains of Bellagio. The fountain show occurs every day from 3 pm to midnight, at 30-minute intervals during the day and 15-minute intervals from 7 pm to midnight. It is a fascinating display set to music and part of what makes Las Vegas one of the best city breaks in the USA.

Even if you are not interested in visiting the casinos in Sin City, there are many things to do in Las Vegas that aren’t gambling. The city is known for its shows, such as Cirque du Soleil, which hosts shows at different hotels throughout Las Vegas.

Embracing your inner adrenaline junkie is another one of the most fun things to do in Las Vegas. The Strat Hotel features multiple thrill-seeking experiences, including amusement rides that lead guests off the side of the building’s roof and a freefall off the edge of the building to the strip below.

Las Vegas is one of the best city breaks in the USA because of its nightlife and endless things to see and do. Although it is known for its casinos, there are many other attractions that make a holiday to Sin City worthwhile for adults and families.

3. Washington, D.C.

For anyone travelling to the United States, the country’s capital is one of the best city breaks in the USA. Washington, D.C., is bursting with history, beautiful architecture, deep culture, and places to explore. It is a great destination for a scenic holiday or an educational adventure.

Visiting the many museums is one of the best things to do in Washington, D.C. Museums dedicated to the history of espionage and spies, the history of news reporting, the holocaust, and more are available in the city. The museums alone make it one of the best city breaks in the USA.

No holiday to America’s capital would be complete without visiting the Smithsonian Museum. The institution is the world’s largest research complex, comprised of 21 libraries, a zoo, 9 research centres, and 19 museums across Washington, D.C. 

Over 150 million artefacts, documents, and other exhibits are on display at the Smithsonian. Entry to the museums are mostly free to the public, and more than 30 million visitors walk through the halls each year.

The national monuments in Washington, D.C., also help establish it as one of the best city breaks in the USA. The monuments include the Lincoln Memorial, the National Mall and Washington Monument, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Capitol Building, and more. 

Each monument takes visitors back in time. From the third president to lead the United States to the Civil Rights Movement, history lives in Washington, D.C. Each monument is stunning to observe and inspiring to learn about.

The attraction that puts Washington, D.C., on the map as one of the best city breaks in the USA is the White House. It has been the address of nearly every US president and draws in crowds daily.

Tours of the White House allow visitors to explore one of the most historical buildings in the United States. The gardens, press rooms, and some bedrooms are displayed for tours to walk through. For anyone interested in US history, this is a must-see.

4. Los Angeles, California

California is full of beautiful areas to explore, but Los Angeles is certainly one of the best city breaks in the USA. It is the second-largest city in the United States and is known for great weather, celebrity sightings, and more.

One of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The sidewalks feature pink 5-pointed stars with the names of Hollywood’s most famous actors, musicians, fictional characters, and more.

 This pathway spans 15 blocks and cements Los Angeles as one of the best city breaks in the USA. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a great photo spot, and searching for your favourite celebrity is a fun scavenger hunt for everyone.

Los Angeles is also home to many scenic beaches. Venice Beach and Santa Monica are both popular destinations for locals and tourists alike. The sandy beaches are perfect for picnics or watching the waves, and surfers are always in the water.

Another reason that Los Angeles is one of the best city breaks in the USA is because of the museums. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Getty Center, and the Autry Museum of the American West are some of the most fascinating museums in the state.

Shopping on Rodeo Drive, one of the most expensive streets in the world, will make anyone feel like a superstar. And, if you want to learn more about the celebrity lifestyle, guided bus tours take visitors around the star’s houses in Los Angeles.

5. Miami, Florida

If you really want to soak up the sun, Miami is one of the best city breaks in the USA. In the Sunshine State of Florida, there are tons of things to do and spots to relax and unwind. It is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway or an international holiday.

Like Los Angeles, Miami is home to some of the greatest beaches in the country. The waters are warm and inviting, and the sands are full of beach chairs and volleyball courts. Beachside restaurants add to the experience with good food and chilled cocktails.

Miami also has interesting museums to explore. The Miami Children’s Museum is a perfect place for children to be creative and curious. The interactive exhibits and displays encourage critical thinking and teach visitors about art, culture, and more.

The Zoo Miami and Miami Seaquarium are also fascinating to wander around. Zoo Miami opened in 1948 and is the largest zoo in Florida. There are over 3,000 animals on display at the zoo, including flamingos, crocodiles, and kangaroos, among others.

The Seaquarium is one of the oldest oceanariums in the country and spans 38 acres. Animals on display include sharks, sea turtles, manatees, and more. Face-to-face encounters with the animals are also available at the Seaquarium, such as Royal Swim dolphin rides.

Summers in Miami can get very hot and humid. Temperatures in July can reach nearly 40℃, which is why the beaches are so popular! For more moderate temperatures, it is best to visit in autumn or winter, when it is closer to 26℃.

6. Chicago, Illinois

There is a reason why Chicago is one of the best city breaks in the USA. In fact, the city has been voted the Best Big City in the United States for 6 years in a row! Chicago is home to some of the best attractions, architecture, and culture in the country.

The museums in Chicago are second to none. The city is home to over 60 different museums that explore science, art, history, space, the oceans, and more. Each museum features fun shows and interactive experiences that will captivate adults and children alike while providing an educational opportunity.

The theatre scene in Chicago is also one of the best in the country. The quantity and quality of the shows help to make the Windy City one of the best city breaks in the USA. Each theatre is filled with history and quirks that make seeing a production an exciting must-do for any holiday in the city.

Chicago is also home to some of the most unique neighbourhoods, such as Lincoln Park, that are full of fun things to do. From exploring natural areas and parks to getting out on the waters of Lake Michigan or the Chicago River, there is something in Chicago’s neighbourhoods for everyone.

The thing that makes Chicago one of the best city breaks in the USA is that it experiences all 4 seasons of the year. Each season brings new adventure and life to the city. Christmas in Chicago brings public ice skating rinks, candlelight concerts, parks decorated with lights, and more.

The museums decorate for the holiday season and feature seasonal exhibits that spread holiday cheer. On the city streets, charity runs are held where participants dress up as Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the elves. The snow-filled city is magical during this time of year.

Summer in Chicago is just as fantastic. Festivals such as the Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza are held and draw crowds from around the country. The park district and conservatories open their outdoor gardens for relaxing days in the sun.

One of the best things about Chicago summers is that visitors can explore the city’s waters. Boats run on Lake Michigan for tours and wave-crashing thrill rides, and groups can boat or kayak on the Chicago River while learning about the buildings that border it.

No matter what season you visit and what activities you have on your itinerary, Chicago is, without a doubt, one of the best city breaks in the USA.

The Best City Breaks in the USA are Spread Across the Country

The United States is a large country with different ecosystems and cultures, and the best city breaks in the USA are located all across the country. From the streets of New York City to the beaches of Los Angeles, the best city breaks in the USA are all unique and exciting.

Whether you choose one destination to visit or hope to see them all, these locations are some of the best city breaks in the USA and are sure to entertain and fascinate you.

If you’re interested in a holiday to the United States, check out this list of 10 Stunning Road Trips in the USA.