18 days in United States Itinerary

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

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Ellis Island will appeal to museum buffs. Head to Fifth Avenue and Chelsea Marketfor plenty of shopping. There's much more to do: pause for some photo ops at 9/11 Memorial, enjoy breathtaking views from Empire State Building, take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Patrick's Cathedral, and take in nature's colorful creations at Hallett Nature Sanctuary.

To find reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read New York City trip itinerary planner.

Oakland to New York City is an approximately 9-hour combination of flight and bus. You can also fly; or drive. Traveling from Oakland to New York City, you'll lose 3 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Oakland in July; daily highs in New York City reach 86°F and lows reach 72°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Fri) to allow time to take a train to Philadelphia.

Steeped in cultural and historical heritage, Philadelphia is known as the birthplace of U.S.

Independence Hall and Eastern State Penitentiary will appeal to museum buffs. Popular historic sites such as Valley Forge National Historical Park and Liberty Bell Center are in your itinerary. Change things up with these side-trips from Philadelphia: Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge (in Oceanville), Kitchen Kettle Village (in Intercourse) and Longwood Gardens (in Kennett Square). There's still lots to do: explore the world behind art at Philadelphia Museum of Art and browse the eclectic array of goods at Reading Terminal Market.

For traveler tips, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, read Philadelphia trip builder app .

You can take a train from New York City to Philadelphia in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In July in Philadelphia, expect temperatures between 88°F during the day and 72°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Mon) early enough to catch the train to Baltimore.

A major center for tourism and travel, Baltimore is famous as the city where amateur poet Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics for the United States' national anthem.

You'll explore and learn at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum & Visitor Center and The Walters Art Museum. Do your shopping at Fell's Point and Diehl's Produce Market. Change things up with these side-trips from Baltimore: Gettysburg (Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg National Cemetery, & more) and U.S. Naval Academy (in Annapolis). There's lots more to do: sample the fine beverages at Sagamore Spirit Distillery, admire the architecture and history at Fort McHenry National Monument, try your luck at Horseshoe Casino, and admire all the interesting features of Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

For where to stay, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, use the Baltimore road trip website .

You can take a train from Philadelphia to Baltimore in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Baltimore can reach 89°F, while at night they dip to 74°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Fri) to allow time to travel to Seattle.

Nicknamed the "Emerald City" because of its abundant evergreen trees, Seattle is the cultural and business center of the Pacific Northwest, as well as a popular holiday destination.

Head to Chihuly Garden and Glass and Pike Place Marketfor plenty of shopping. Museum-lovers will appreciate The Museum of Flight and Seattle Art Museum. Take a break from Seattle with a short trip to Bloedel Reserve in Bainbridge Island, about 1h 15 min away. And it doesn't end there: stroll around Mercer Slough Nature Park, look for gifts at Archie McPhee, appreciate the extensive heritage of Pioneer Square, and enjoy the sand and surf at Alki Beach.

To see reviews, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, read our Seattle online tour itinerary planner .

Fly from Baltimore to Seattle in 7.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or drive. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time to Pacific Standard Time is minus 3 hours. In July, Seattle is little chillier than Baltimore - with highs of 79°F and lows of 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Mon) to allow time to travel back home.

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.

Let the collections at National Air and Space Museum and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History capture your imagination. Your inner history buff will appreciate The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and Capitol Hill. There's still lots to do: admire the masterpieces at National Gallery of Art, take an in-depth tour of United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, pause for some photo ops at Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and take a stroll through Old Town.

For where to stay, more things to do, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Washington DC trip website .

Traveling by flight from Seattle to Washington DC takes 8 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and train; or drive. Traveling from Seattle to Washington DC, you'll lose 3 hours due to the time zone difference. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Seattle in July: high temperatures in Washington DC hover around 89°F and lows are around 73°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Thu) so you can travel back home.