The Sunshine State, Sin City, The Big Apple. By now you've heard all the US nicknames and travel tales, but in 2023 it's time to write your own. We can help you uncover each of these iconic cities in one epic multi-centre holiday. You might worry about fitting everything in, but with a little planning, we can ensure you see the very best of each destination. This is your ultimate guide to planning a Las Vegas, Orlando, and New York adventure...
When’s the Best Time to Visit Las Vegas, Orlando, and New York?
Spring is a safe bet for visiting Las Vegas, Orlando, and New York. With temperatures staying in the mid-20s, it makes for much more comfortable holidaying. Temperatures do tend to sit a little under 20 degrees in New York before May, however, the amount of sightseeing there is to see should make you work up a sweat anyway.
Going in spring is also a fantastic way to beat the crowds and secure a more affordable deal. But don’t worry, just because it’s not high season doesn’t mean there’s not plenty to see and do. Springtime flowers in bloom make Central Park picture perfect,
Universal’s Mardi Gras festival brings carnival fever, and Las Vegas…well, let’s just say the good times never stop rolling there.
Best for Nightlife – Las Vegas
Goodbye reality. Hello Vegas. Even the City That Never Sleeps can't beat this fantasy land for nightlife. And the famous Las Vegas Strip is where all the best memories can be found. The second thing to know is that Las Vegas is absolutely huge and a walk along The Strip alone could take a good few hours. On your way to a show or casino, you could check out the popular light show and fountain at The Bellagio, and if you play your card right, you can even go from the Eiffel Tower at the Paris hotel to riding gondolas at the Venetian in about fifteen minutes. To see even more of The Strip, there's a monorail adjacent with trains arriving every 4-8 minutes.
But while the Strip is what screams Vegas, there is also plenty of nightlife to be had in downtown Las Vegas. Fremont Street was once the beating heart of the city and now houses many retro casinos, cheap eats, bars, street performers, and of course, plenty of neon lights.
Best for History – New York
One of the most iconic cities in the world, New York has history around every corner. Not least, The Statue of Liberty. Several ferries take you to Liberty Island to explore this quintessential New York landmark, while the Staten Island Ferry offers a free alternative for those that just want a glimpse. Once you’ve ticked that one off the list, head over to Grand Central Station. You certainly don’t need to be riding the rails to visit this exquisite cultural hub. Lastly, don’t forget to snap a selfie in front of the Brooklyn Bridge. Since 1883, this has been a staple of The Big Apple’s landscape.
Yet while New York has an abundance of historical landmarks, it is also home to countless quaint museums and galleries to really feed your appetite for history. You can explore one of the largest collections of classic art at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Then wander over to The Museum of Natural History, where over 40 exhibits showcase everything from meteorites to prehistoric animals. And to retain your title as a top history buff, complete your tour at the unique Tenement Museum. Here, you can experience the very beginnings of American living.
Best for Nature – Orlando
A Las Vegas, Orlando, and New York holiday is perfect for balancing big city life with escapes to nature. When all that shopping 'til you drop in New York has you craving a lie-down, you can head to Central Park. When you need a break from gambling you can bet on the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden for a relaxing time. Yet Orlando does it best. For a plant paradise, you will want to check out Harry P. Leu Gardens. Incorporating nearly 50 acres, these beautiful botanical gardens are just minutes from downtown Orlando. And at just 40 minutes north of Orlando’s buzzing hub, you will find tranquillity in Kelly Park. It features free-flowing natural springs, hiking trails, and plenty of picturesque picnic spots. Even more natural splendour can be found in Ocala National Forest and Bok Tower Gardens.
But that’s just the greenery. With the Atlantic coast just an hour’s drive from Orlando, miles of spectacular white sand beaches await. Take your pick from the spring break vibes of Daytona Beach or the surf capital of Florida, Cocoa Beach. Or perhaps venture along the Gulf Coast, where you’ll find Clearwater Beach, the perfect spot for any water sports enthusiast.
Best for Christmas – New York
When planning this trip around Christmas, you'll want to ensure you're in the Big Apple for the big day. Fewer places in the US bring Christmas to life quite like the fairytale of New York. The backdrop to many a Christmas movie (most famously for Kevin McAllister’s shenanigans in the Home Alone sequel), New York does the holiday season in style. From snapping pics at the famed Rockefeller Centre Christmas tree to strolling through Central Park’s stunning winter scene - as well as having the ultimate Christmas shopping trip - there's no place for bah humbugs here. And don’t forget to take a trip to Dyker Heights. The residents of this Brooklyn neighbourhood know how to do Christmas right, with their homes decked out to the max in bright and bold decorations. The only downside to New York in December is the cold weather - thankfully, combining the Big Apple with the Sunshine State ensures your Christmas wish list is complete. Your hardest part will be deciding whether to have the warm weather before or after New York!
Best for American Grub – Las Vegas
Las Vegas offers my culinary delicacies but is ideal for American Grill. Cross off the most famous burger joint in the west at In-N-Out Burger. Or, if you dare, order the Octuple Bypass Burger at Heart Attack Grill. Beyond burgers, you can keep it old school at the legendary Wendy’s diner, where maple syrup-drenched pancake stacks are the perfect holiday morning fuel. For lunch, you will want to hit up the All-American Bar and Grille that lives up to its name. This modern steakhouse and sports bar specialises in generous portions of all your favourite American fare, such as chicken wings, burgers, and steaks.
Best for Family-friendly Entertainment – Orlando
With Orlando being home to the most kid-friendly theme parks on earth, this award was no contest. Whether you’re after larger-than-life parades, thrilling rides, or dining entertainment, Orlando’s plethora of theme parks, including
Universal Studios,
Walt Disney World, and
SeaWorld, are worth saving your biggest family excursions for. And aside from all that rollercoaster action, there is plenty more to keep families entertained from dawn to dusk...
The International Drive Entertainment District and the array of shopping outlets across Orlando offer even more family-friendly attractions. Better yet, when you book with Ocean Florida, you get four popular experiences for free, ranging from free transportation through I-Drive to free shopping vouchers.
Learn more here.
Are you ready for more holiday, as standard? Browse our USA Multi Centre Holidays 2023 & 2024 to find your perfect package.