Coast to coast in under two weeks. The USA East & West Coast Adventure combines the best of both sides of America. Start with Harvard in Boston, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Brooklyn in New York and the monuments of Washington DC. Then fly west to Las Vegas for Route 66, a night glamping and the Grand Canyon, before LA, Yosemite National Park and a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Nine stops, two coasts, one epic trip. Discover the USA the ULTIMATE way.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Partner Tour: This Group Tour is operated by our trusted local partners in the USA, who look after all transport, accommodation, guiding and on-the-ground logistics. You book and pay with ULTIMATE, and once your tour is paid our partners will be in touch with your pre-departure information. We’re still here to help in the lead up, so reach out to the ULTIMATE team any time.
Day 1: Welcome to Boston!
Kick off with an optional early whale-watching trip off Cape Cod, then meet your leader and group for an afternoon briefing. Walk across the Charles River to explore Harvard University, its bookshops and its famous pastry stop, then follow part of the Freedom Trail before dinner at Quincy Market or in the North End.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Harvard University
Day 2: NYC, Statue of Liberty & Brooklyn Bridge
Bus to New York City and drop your bags at the hostel. See the Charging Bull, Fearless Girl and the 9/11 Memorial on a Financial District tour, then jump on The Beast speedboat for skyline views, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty up close. Spend the afternoon in Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO, then the night is yours.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Financial District tour, The Beast speedboat
Day 3: Central Park & Top of the Rock
Explore Central Park’s highlights, walk Fifth Avenue past the Plaza Hotel and St Patrick’s Cathedral, then head up to the Top of the Rock for the best view in Manhattan. After tacos and a look inside Grand Central Terminal, discover Bushwick’s street art, vintage shops and bars. Tonight, maybe catch a Broadway show.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Central Park tour, Fifth Avenue walk, Top of the Rock, Bushwick
Day 4: Washington DC & Georgetown
Travel to Washington DC and grab lunch at the legendary Ben’s Chili Bowl. Visit Arlington National Cemetery, see the White House from Lafayette Park and snap a photo on the Exorcist Stairs before some free time in Georgetown.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Arlington National Cemetery, White House view, Exorcist Stairs and Georgetown
Day 5: Washington Revelations
A full sightseeing day around DC’s big landmarks, from the Capitol and Library of Congress to the Smithsonian museums, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln and MLK memorials. Celebrate your last night on U Street or in Adams Morgan.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Washington Revelations sightseeing tour
Day 6: Fly to Las Vegas
Fly from Washington DC to Las Vegas this morning and check in on the Strip. Meet your West Coast leader, grab dinner together at a retro diner, then watch the Bellagio fountains and walk the Strip at night.
Accommodation: Hotel
Included: Flight to Las Vegas, walk the Strip, Bellagio fountain show
Day 7: Route 66 & Campfire S’mores
Pose at the ‘Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas’ sign, then hit the open road along Route 66. Stop in Kingman for lunch and visit Seligman, the birthplace of Route 66. Tonight you’re glamping in cabins near Williams, with a BBQ and s’mores around the campfire.
Accommodation: Cabin
Included: Las Vegas sign, Seligman, campfire s’mores
Day 8: The Grand Canyon
Spend the morning at the Grand Canyon’s South Rim, walking the Rim Trail and soaking up one of the world’s great views. Head back to Las Vegas in the afternoon for a free night, maybe Fremont Street, the Neon Museum or a cheeky scorpion shot.
Accommodation: Hotel
Included: Grand Canyon South Rim
Day 9: Santa Monica
Bus to Los Angeles and check in at Santa Monica. Free time on the 3rd Street Promenade, then a sunset stroll along the beach and an arcade challenge on Santa Monica Pier.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Santa Monica beach stroll and pier arcade
Day 10: Hollywood & Griffith Observatory
Take the metro to Sunset Boulevard and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, grab an In-N-Out burger, then explore at your own pace. Late afternoon, hike up through Griffith Park to the Observatory for sunset over LA.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory at sunset
Day 11: Volleyball & Yosemite
Learn some skills at a beach volleyball lesson with a coach in Santa Monica, then fly to San Francisco and head into the mountains to Yosemite. Check in to a rustic mountain resort, grab dinner and go stargazing.
Accommodation: Mountain lodge
Included: Volleyball lesson, flight to San Francisco
Day 12: Columbia Rock & Merced River
Take the park bus into Yosemite National Park and hike the Yosemite Falls Trail up to Columbia Rock for huge Sierra Nevada views. Picnic, then cool off with a swim in the Merced River before driving to San Francisco.
Accommodation: Hostel
Included: Columbia Rock hike, Merced River swim
Day 13: Golden Gate Bridge
Ride a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge and finish at Pier 39, where the tour ends. Stay on for an optional Alcatraz tour, a cable car ride or a Giants game.
Included: Golden Gate Bridge bike tour
To make your booking, choose your departure date and any optional extras you'd like. Not sure about extras, or need extra accommodation before or after your tour? No worries, just let us know later by email.
How the price works: the tour price is shown in the booking panel, then a 1.75% online booking fee is added at checkout — that's the price you see on the tour page. You'll see both lines before you pay. No card surcharges, and nothing is added after that.
Once you've booked, we'll send your booking confirmation along with important information about your tour.
Travelling solo? Great! Most of the people you meet on tour will also be on a solo adventure! If you are curious as to who you could be travelling with, or want to make some friends before arriving, join our Travel Community and reach out to your potential new travel mates!
Booking with ULTIMATE is easy! We take payments securely via Mastercard or Visa Credit and Debit Card and we will charge you in Australian Currency (AUD). Your deposit is flexible and if you can no longer travel, you can save your deposit for a later trip or destination if you notify us 30 days before your scheduled tour date.
Making your booking is easy. Choose a date below, and if you have any questions about extras, deposits, or meeting other travellers, just get in touch — we're happy to help.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The tour starts in Boston and finishes in San Francisco on Day 13. You can also join in New York on Day 2 if you prefer, just ask us.
Who will I be travelling with?
Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, you’ll join a group of up to 20 like-minded travellers aged 18–55 (most are in their early 20s to mid-30s). Most people travel solo, so you’ll make friends fast.
Do I need vaccinations?
No vaccinations are required for this trip. We always recommend checking with your GP before travelling and checking Smartraveller for the latest advice.
Do I need a visa?
Australian passport holders need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before flying to the USA. Apply online through the official US government website well before you travel.
Can I book extra nights?
Yes, extra nights before the tour in Boston and after the tour in San Francisco can be booked. Just let us know when you book.
Can I bring a 25kg suitcase?
We recommend a backpack or soft bag you can easily carry on buses and the subway. Luggage limits on included domestic flights will be confirmed in your trip notes.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Meals aren’t included on this trip, so you’ll have the freedom to choose what you eat. Your leader will point you to the best local spots.
Can you help me organise flights & insurance?
Sure! We recommend booking flights once your tour is confirmed. Get in touch and our team can help you with flights and travel insurance, which is compulsory for this trip.
How physical is the tour?
This tour is rated high intensity. Expect full days of city walking, short hikes at the Grand Canyon, Griffith Park and Yosemite, a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge and some early flights.
What optional activities can I do?
Optional extras include whale watching off Cape Cod and an Alcatraz tour (both pre-book), a Broadway show, the Neon Museum in Las Vegas and nights out in every city.
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