The United States of America is known for its dramatic countryside, fascinating cities and long stretches of highway. Its population of about 313 million is spread over nearly 10,000 square kilometres.
Main attractions
As far as urban attractions go, key players include the White House in Washington DC, which is the President's Official Residence; the Las Vegas Strip, known for its lively atmosphere, fancy hotels and gambling obsession; and the skyscrapers and 24-hour buzz of New York City, where you'll come across the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building and Broadway.
Of course, natural wonders abound, too. Some of the most famous are Florida Keys, a 193 kilometre-long island chain off the Florida Peninsula; the mesmerising Grand Canyon; Yellowstone, the world's first National Park; and the spectacular Niagara Falls, visited by 14 million people every year.
Idea for a road trip
There's an abundance of amazing road trips on offer in the USA. One of the most appealing is along the coastline of California - also known as the Pacific Coast. This journey will take you from San Francisco to Los Angeles.
A few days in the vibrant, colourful city of San Francisco is a great start to any American vacation. Be sure to drive over the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Then head south towards Monterey Bay, where you'll enjoy stunning views, see historic mansions and be able to visit the famous Fisherman's Wharf. Next you'll pass through the striking wilderness of the Los Padres National Forest, before hitting the cheerful, sunny town of Santa Barbara. If you're keen on sun and surf, it's definitely worth a stop. The last section of the trip takes you past the famous northern beaches of LA, including Malibu and Long Beach, before reaching the City of Angels itself.