12 days in Continental USA Itinerary

The capital of the United States, the District of Columbia contains the lion's share of the country's most treasured monuments, memorials, and public museums.

On the 24th (Thu), get a sense of history and politics at United States Capitol, examine the collection at National Air and Space Museum, then get a new perspective on nature at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and finally appreciate the history behind Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

For where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Washington DC day trip planner.

Washington to Washington DC is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Washington DC when traveling from Washington in June, with lows around 69°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Thu) to allow time to take a train to New York City.

Writer Pearl Buck once called New York City “a place apart,” and this giant urban center remains unlike any other in the world.

New York City is known for museums, nightlife, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: tour the pleasant surroundings at Central Park, appreciate the history behind Statue of Liberty National Monument, enjoy breathtaking views from Empire State Building, and walk around The High Line.

For other places to visit, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the New York City online attractions planner.

Traveling by train from Washington DC to New York City takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. When traveling from Washington DC in June, plan for a bit cooler days and about the same nights in New York City: temperatures range from 80°F by day to 65°F at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Sun) so you can travel to Yellowstone National Park.

An exceptionally diverse landscape and varied wildlife have made Yellowstone National Park one of America's most popular parks.

Yellowstone National Park is known for nature, wildlife, and historic sites. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: explore the stunning scenery at Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, take in the natural beauty of Upper Geyser Basin, get outside with Morning Glory Pool, and take in the awesome beauty at Mount Washburn.

To see more things to do, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Yellowstone National Park journey maker.

You can fly from New York City to Yellowstone National Park in 9 hours. Another option is to drive. The time zone difference when traveling from New York City to Yellowstone National Park is minus 2 hours. Traveling from New York City in June, you will find days in Yellowstone National Park are a bit cooler (66°F), and nights are much colder (34°F). Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Thu) so you can travel to San Francisco.

San Francisco is a top holiday destination featuring scenic beauty and great ethnic and cultural diversity.

Start off your visit on the 2nd (Fri): step off the mainland to explore Alcatraz Island, then take in the waterfront at Fisherman's Wharf, and then take in the views from Golden Gate Bridge.

For more things to do, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read San Francisco road trip site.

Fly from Yellowstone National Park to San Francisco in 6 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of car, bus, train, and subway. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Yellowstone National Park to San Francisco. Plan for a bit warmer nights when traveling from Yellowstone National Park in July since evenings lows in San Francisco dip to 57°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Fri) early enough to travel to Yosemite National Park.

Massive granite mountains, towering waterfalls, groves of Giant Sequoia trees, and wilderness as far as the eye can see distinguish the landscape of Yosemite National Park.

On the 3rd (Sat), explore the striking landscape at Cloud's Rest, get great views at Valley View, explore the striking landscape at Sentinel Dome, then explore the striking landscape at Glacier Point, and finally get great views at Washburn Point. On your second day here, take in the dramatic scenery at Yosemite Falls, admire the sheer force of Vernal Fall, and then take in the dramatic natural features at Half Dome.

To see traveler tips, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Yosemite National Park day trip tool.

Traveling by car from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park takes 4 hours. Traveling from San Francisco in July, you will find days in Yosemite National Park are a bit warmer (83°F), and nights are a bit cooler (46°F). Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.