39 days in New York State, Chicago & Texas Itinerary

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

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Speed Boats Tours and New York Public Library. Get some cultural insight at The Metropolitan Museum of Art and St. Patrick's Cathedral. The adventure continues: don't miss a visit to 9/11 Memorial, contemplate the long history of Ellis Island, take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Paul's Chapel, and go for a walk through The High Line.

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

London, UK to New York City is an approximately 11-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from London to New York City is minus 5 hours. In July, New York City is somewhat warmer than London - with highs of 35°C and lows of 26°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Lake George.

A playground for America’s wealthy families, Lake George was nicknamed "Queen of the American Lakes." While these families often stayed in private country houses, a tourism industry built up around them in the early 20th century facilitated by two YMCAs.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Thu): contemplate the long history of Ulysses S. Grant Cottage National Historic Landmark, try to win big at Saratoga Race Course, and then admire the majestic nature at Saratoga Spa State Park. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 26th (Fri): get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Prospect Mountain, and then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake George.

To find traveler tips, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Lake George trip maker site.

Traveling by flight from New York City to Lake George takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from New York City in July, Lake George is a bit cooler at night with lows of 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Fri) to allow enough time to drive to Niagara Falls.

The city of Niagara Falls houses the U.S. half of the famous waterfall that straddles the border between Canada and the United States.

Get a sense of the local culture at Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House and Our Lady of Victory National Shrine & Basilica. Discover out-of-the-way places like Niagara Falls and Niagara Gorge Trail. When in Niagara Falls, make a side trip to see Canalside in Buffalo, approximately Buffalo away. There's much more to do: explore the fascinating underground world of Cave of the Winds, go for a walk through Goat Island, stroll through Devil's Hole State Park, and immerse yourself in nature at Whirlpool State Park.

To see other places to visit, maps, reviews, and tourist information, use the Niagara Falls online road trip planner.

Traveling by car from Lake George to Niagara Falls takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and train; or take a bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 32°C, and evening lows to 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) to allow time to fly to Chicago.

A huge and vibrant city, Chicago is home to top-notch theaters, shops, museums, galleries, and restaurants.

Visit Chicago Riverwalk and St. Stanislaus Oratory for their historical value. Escape the urban bustle at Lakefront Trail and Starved Rock State Park. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Chicago: Caterpillar Global Mining Visitor Center (in South Milwaukee), Milwaukee (Milwaukee Art Museum, Harley-Davidson Museum, &more) and Ottawa (Allen Park & Starved Rock River Adventures). There's much more to do: get curious at Museum of Science and Industry, contemplate the waterfront views at Chicago River, take in panoramic vistas at Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower, and admire the striking features of Chicago Cultural Center.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Chicago tour itinerary planner.

Fly from Niagara Falls to Chicago in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. The time zone difference moving from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central Standard Time (CST) is minus 1 hour. July in Chicago sees daily highs of 33°C and lows of 22°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Mon) so you can fly to Dallas.

One of the country's most popular shopping destinations, Dallas and its sprawling suburbs include more shopping centers per capita than any other urban center in America.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza and Crow Collection of Asian Art. Museum-lovers will get to explore Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth and Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Take a break from Dallas with a short trip to Little Chapel in the Woods in Denton, about 50 minutes away. There's still lots to do: see the interesting displays at Museum of Biblical Art, explore the galleries of Nasher Sculpture Center, admire the masterpieces at Candytopia Dallas, and stop by Wild Bill's Western Store.

Plan my trip to Dallas with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

Fly from Chicago to Dallas in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Chicago in August; daily highs in Dallas reach 41°C and lows reach 30°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Thu) early enough to catch the flight to Houston.

Although urban sprawl remains synonymous with Houston, most of the city's tourist attractions lie within the relatively small downtown area, surrounded by diverse neighborhoods housing the nation's biggest African-American, Asian-American, and Latino communities.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science and 1940 Air Terminal Museum will appeal to museum buffs. Visit Glenwood Cemetery and Shri Swaminarayan Mandir for their historical value. There's lots more to do: have fun and explore at Children's Museum Houston, examine the collection at Asia Society Texas Center, steep yourself in history at Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, and brush up on your military savvy at Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

To find where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Houston journey site.

You can fly from Dallas to Houston in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In August in Houston, expect temperatures between 41°C during the day and 29°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Galveston.

An old colonial city and a busy cruise ship port less than an hour's drive from Houston, Galveston sits on Galveston Island and serves as a popular vacation destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Mon): stroll the grounds of Old City Cemetery. On the 13th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: see the interesting displays at The Galveston Children's Museum, then steep yourself in history at 1892 Bishop's Palace, and then cast your line with a fishing tour.

For more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and tourist information, read Galveston online attractions planner.

Getting from Houston to Galveston by car takes about an hour. Other options: take a bus. When traveling from Houston in August, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Galveston: temperatures range from 38°C by day to 31°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Wed) to allow time to fly to South Padre Island.

A vibrant resort town, South Padre Island sits on a barrier island of the same name, located just off the Texas Gulf Coast.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Thu): get engrossed in the history at Port Isabel Historical Museum, then steep yourself in history at Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site, then get outside with Outdoor Activities, and finally don't miss a visit to Largest Outdoor Sandcastle in the USA.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, go to the South Padre Island trip site.

You can fly from Galveston to South Padre Island in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of bus and taxi. In August in South Padre Island, expect temperatures between 37°C during the day and 30°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Thu) so you can fly to Austin.

Despite its laid-back college vibe, Austin is an influential center for politics, technology, film, and music.

Take a break from the city and head to Barton Springs Pool and Comal River. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Texas State Capitol and Texas Quilt Museum. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Austin: Jacob's Well Natural Area (in Wimberley), Giddings (Saint Paul Lutheran Church and Wendish Cabin & Bill Longley Historical Marker - Giddings City Cemetery) and Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill State Historic Sites (in La Grange). And it doesn't end there: hike along Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail, examine the collection at New Braunfels Railroad Museum, look for all kinds of wild species at Hamilton Pool Preserve, and explore the fascinating underground world of Inner Space Cavern.

To see ratings, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, use the Austin trip maker website.

Getting from South Padre Island to Austin by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Expect a bit warmer weather when traveling from South Padre Island in August: highs in Austin hover around 43°C, while lows dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) so you can drive to Fredericksburg.

The city of Fredericksburg was settled by German immigrants in the mid-19th century, and has managed to retain its distinctly German charm.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Sun): learn about all things military at National Museum of the Pacific War, steep yourself in history at Fort Martin Scott, then have fun and explore at Texas Rangers Heritage Center, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Mary's Catholic Church. On the 26th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: examine the collection at Vereins Kirche Museum, contemplate the long history of Pioneer Museum, learn about winemaking at Lost Draw Cellars, then admire the majestic nature at Old Tunnel State Park, and finally do a tasting at Newsom Vineyards.

Plan a trip to Fredericksburg easily and quickly by telling Inspirock to suggest an itinerary.

You can drive from Austin to Fredericksburg in 2 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a bus. In August, Fredericksburg is little chillier than Austin - with highs of 39°C and lows of 24°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.