14 Day USA Cross Country Tour: LA to NYC via Yellowstone

Planning a trip across the United States can feel overwhelming—there’s so much to see, do, and taste. This 14-day USA Cross Country Tour promises to take you from the glamour of Los Angeles all the way to the bright lights of New York City, with plenty of iconic sights, natural wonders, and cultural stops in between. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the detailed itinerary and traveler reviews suggest it offers a comprehensive, balanced way to experience some of America’s most famous spots.

What we love about this tour? First, it covers a diverse range of landscapes—desert, mountains, and cityscapes—all in one go. Second, the inclusion of renowned parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton guarantees awe-inspiring scenery. Third, the itinerary offers immersive city experiences in Chicago, Detroit, and Philadelphia, along with fascinating attractions like Mount Rushmore and Hershey’s Chocolate World. The only caveat? The tour is quite packed, leaving little room for spontaneous exploration. It’s best suited for travelers who want a structured, guided overview of the country’s highlights without the stress of planning every detail.

Good To Know

Diverse Landscapes: From deserts to mountains, the tour showcases America’s physical variety.
Iconic Landmarks: Highlights include Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and New York’s skyline.
City & Nature Mix: Combines urban exploration with national park adventures.
Guided Comfort: Professional drivers and guides handle logistics, making travel seamless.
Value for Money: At roughly $2,700 per person, it covers transportation, many attractions, and some meals.
Group Size & Flexibility: For up to 55 travelers, with options for package choices to tailor your experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start in Los Angeles: The Hollywood Dream

The journey begins with a convenient airport pickup in LA, with options to explore Santa Monica or enjoy a free day in the city. The tour offers scheduled pick-up times from 10 am to 10 pm, which gives you flexibility if your flight arrives at odd hours. Travelers have noted that the local guides are knowledgeable, and the included hotel stay sets a comfortable base for exploring LA.

Day 2: From LA to Las Vegas via Mojave Desert & Calico Ghost Town

Traveling north along Highway 15, you’ll pass through the San Bernardino Forest and into North America’s largest Mojave Desert. A highlight here is the visit to Calico Ghost Town, an abandoned town that’s become a fun, photo-worthy stop. Despite its spooky name, it’s a lively snapshot of old mining town life—free to explore for about an hour. The desert landscape, dotted with iconic Joshua trees, offers a memorable backdrop.

In Vegas, there’s an optional night tour to see the famous Bellagio Fountains and the Mirage Volcano, which is a must for night owls. For those who prefer daytime activities, a self-arranged sightseeing trip is also available, providing flexibility amid the packed schedule.

Day 3: Utah’s Unique Sights

The tour continues into Utah, stopping first at the Great Salt Lake—a saltier-than-saline body of water that’s both surreal and photogenic. A quick 20-minute stop lets you snap some photos and feel the salty spray. Then, you’ll visit the Utah State Capitol—a grand building with impressive architecture—followed by Temple Square in Salt Lake City, a peaceful, beautifully maintained religious site.

Traveling further, the scenery shifts from salt flats to the rugged beauty of Wyoming’s Jackson Hole. Here, the Elk Antler Arches in Jackson’s town square are a fun photo op, crafted with thousands of elk antlers, and the mountain vistas are especially striking.

Day 4 & 5: Yellowstone National Park—Nature’s Masterpiece

Spending two days in Yellowstone, you’ll explore geysers, hot springs, and vast wilderness. The Norris Geyser Basin showcases some of the hottest thermal features, while Old Faithful lives up to its reputation with predictable eruptions. The Grand Prismatic Spring is often described as a rainbow in water, and the Fountain Paint Pot reveals the colorful mud pots.

Travelers who have been to Yellowstone mention that the scenery is breathtaking and that the guided tour helps maximize the experience, with stops at the most famous attractions and some lesser-known spots for a true appreciation of the park’s variety.

Day 6: Devil’s Tower—America’s First National Monument

Heading east, the tour takes you to Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, where the distinctive laccolithic butte rises dramatically from the plains. The 1.5-hour stop offers enough time for photos and a brief walk around the base. Several reviewers highlight how striking the tower’s silhouette is against the sky—an iconic American landmark.

Day 7 & 8: Mount Rushmore & South Dakota’s Badlands

South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore is a highlight—an engineering marvel carved into granite, depicting four presidents. The tour allows about 1.5 hours here, enough to appreciate the craftsmanship and snap some photos. Nearby, Badlands National Park offers dramatic eroded landscapes, perfect for a short drive or quick hike, with vistas that look otherworldly.

Travelers appreciate the well-organized stops and the knowledgeable guides explaining the history behind these sites, making the experience both engaging and educational.

Day 9 & 10: Midwestern Cities—Chicago & Detroit

Crossing into Illinois, the tour visits Chicago, known for its architectural marvels. You’ll see Millennium Park, the Art Institute (though admission is extra), and the famous Navy Pier. Optional activities include a Chicago Architecture Cruise or visiting the 360 Chicago Observation Deck for panoramic city views.

Next, a drive to Detroit presents the chance to explore the birthplace of America’s automotive industry. The Henry Ford Museum is a hit for car enthusiasts and history buffs alike, with interactive exhibits and historic vehicles. The GM Renaissance Center provides a glimpse into Detroit’s modern skyline.

Days 11 & 12: The East Coast & Pennsylvania

Further east, the tour stops in Cleveland to visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a must-see for music fans. Then, heading into Pennsylvania, Harrisburg offers a quick look at its state capitol and the famous Hershey’s Chocolate World, a sweet way to indulge in American confectionery.

Days 13 & 14: Philadelphia to New York City

The final days include a tour of University of Pennsylvania, where you can visit the museum and campus, and Independence Hall, a historic site of American independence. The journey wraps up in New York City, with options for self-guided exploration or additional activities.

Transportation & Group Dynamics

The tour uses professional vehicles suited to the group size—up to 55 travelers—making it manageable yet lively. The guides are well-regarded for their knowledge, helping to fill in historical details and local insights, which many reviews praise.

The schedule is tightly packed, which means early mornings and long days are common. This setup benefits travelers eager to see many sights but might be tiring for those who prefer more leisure time at each stop.

What’s Included & What to Consider

The price tag of around $2,700 per person covers most major transportation, many attractions, and hotel stays across 13 nights. Meals are included for breakfast, with lunch provided during guided days, saving you time and money. Optional guided night tours and attractions like Chicago’s architectural cruise or the Art Institute are extra, so plan your budget accordingly.

What’s not included? Personal expenses, tip for guides, and any additional attraction tickets not pre-arranged. Some travelers note that the tour doesn’t include all entrance fees, but the included highlights offer excellent value.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Several reviews mention how the guides are both knowledgeable and personable, making the long drives more enjoyable. Travelers also appreciate the stunning views—from Yellowstone’s geysers and mountains to Chicago’s skyline—and the delicious included meals that help fuel the days.

One reviewer noted that “the park visits felt well-paced, and the guide was great at sharing stories that brought the sites to life.” Others highlighted the variety of experiences—a perfect mix of nature, history, and city life.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This trip is ideal for those who want a rundown of the U.S. in a manageable timeframe, without obsessing over the details of planning each stop. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy guided tours, don’t mind early mornings, and want to see both natural wonders and urban landmarks. Family travelers, groups of friends, or solo explorers who thrive on diversity will find this itinerary rewarding.

Final Thoughts

The 14 Day USA Cross Country Tour offers a balanced look at the country’s highlights, with a good mix of guided comfort and breathtaking scenery. It’s especially suited for those eager to tick off major icons like Yellowstone, Mount Rushmore, and NYC, all while enjoying authentic local stops like Calico Ghost Town and Hershey’s Chocolate World.

While the schedule is full, the value lies in the convenience, expert guides, and the chance to experience America’s most iconic sights without the hassle of logistics. If you’re dreaming of a fast-paced, yet memorable, cross-country adventure, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the total trip?
It lasts approximately 14 days, with most days packed with sightseeing and travel.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes hotel accommodations for 13 nights, most transportation, guided commentary, select attractions, and breakfast. Lunch is also provided.

Can I customize the package?
Yes, there are two package options, with varying inclusions for additional city exploration or sightseeing activities.

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is designed for most travelers, though children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. The pace is active, so consider your family’s stamina.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included, and some days also feature lunch. Dinner is not included, giving you flexibility to explore local restaurants.

Do I need to worry about attraction tickets?
Most major attractions are included, but some optional activities and night tours may cost extra.

What size is the tour group?
Up to 55 travelers, which strikes a balance between social atmosphere and manageable logistics.

What if attractions are closed?
The itinerary allows for adjustments; alternative sites will be provided if necessary.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Traveler reviews consistently praise the guides for their storytelling abilities and local knowledge.

How is transportation arranged?
Professional vehicles suited to the group size, making long-distance travel comfortable and efficient.

In all, this tour packs a lot of America into two weeks, offering a guided, worry-free way to see the best of what the country has to offer—from iconic landmarks to natural marvels. Perfect for explorers who thrive on variety and want a comprehensive snapshot of the U.S. in a single trip.