North America covers three countries and a huge range of landscapes. In one trip you could hike red-rock canyons in Utah, drive along the California coast, eat tacos in Mexico City or visit galleries in New York. Distances are long, so the best plans focus on one region or one road trip rather than trying to see everything.
Classic road trips
The Grand Circle, Utah and Arizona (10–14 days). This loop links the Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Arches and Canyonlands, with Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon nearby. Fly into Las Vegas or Phoenix and drive about 1,500–2,500 miles, depending on how many parks you include. Daily drives of 2–4 hours leave time to hike. Popular trails and some parks require advance permits or timed entry, so check the National Park Service pages months ahead.
California’s Highway 1 (4–7 days). Driving from San Francisco to Los Angeles takes about 8–10 hours without stopping, but the point is to stop: Monterey, Big Sur’s cliffs, Hearst Castle and Santa Barbara all deserve time. Sections of the road near Big Sur can close because of landslides, so check Caltrans for current conditions.
Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail (2–3 days). This 300 km loop around Cape Breton Island has coastal cliffs, small fishing villages and hiking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It is best driven slowly, between June and October, with the fall colours peaking in early October.
Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico (7–10 days). Mérida, Valladolid, the Maya sites of Chichén Itzá and Uxmal, cenotes for swimming, and the Caribbean coast near Tulum make a varied trip by car or bus.
Cities worth a few days
New York City. Plan at least four days. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, Central Park, the High Line and the ferry past the Statue of Liberty are among the main attractions. Broadway tickets are cheaper on weekdays or through same-day lotteries, and the subway is the easiest way to move around.
Toronto. Canada’s largest city is known for its mix of neighborhoods, from Kensington Market to the Distillery District, with views from the CN Tower and a waterfront on Lake Ontario. It is also a good base for a day trip to Niagara Falls, about 90 minutes away.
Mexico City. One of the world’s great food cities, with street tamales, high-end restaurants and thousands of years of history. Visit the Zócalo and National Museum of Anthropology, take a day trip to the pyramids of Teotihuacán, and walk through Coyoacán. The altitude (2,240 m) can make you tired on the first day, so take it easy.
Choosing your route
- First visit, short on time: Pick one coast or one region. New York plus a couple of national parks, or Mexico City plus the Yucatán, works for 10 days.
- Parks and hiking: The Southwest in spring or autumn, or the Canadian Rockies in summer.
- Food and culture: Mexico City, New York and Montreal are all excellent.
- Road-trip freedom: The US West, Atlantic Canada and Mexico’s Yucatán are easy for drivers.
Practical advice
Respect the seasons. Arizona and Utah are very hot in summer, with temperatures often above 38°C. The Canadian Rockies stay snowy until June. May and September are good shoulder months in most places. For detailed advice, read our guide to the best time to visit North America.
Limit driving. Try to keep daily drives to 4–5 hours so you have time to explore. It is tempting to cross the whole of the USA in a week, but the distances make it tiring and expensive.
Book accommodation early. Lodges inside popular parks such as Banff, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon often sell out a year ahead. If you miss out, stay in a gateway town like Springdale for Zion, Moab for Arches, or Canmore for Banff.
Check entry rules. The US, Canada and Mexico all have different entry requirements, such as ESTA in the US, eTA in Canada and the FMM tourist card in Mexico, depending on your nationality. Check official sources before you go.
Eat regionally. Try Mexican street food, Canadian poutine and Maritime seafood, and American regional barbecue, from Texas brisket to Carolina pork.
Final thought
North America is too big to finish in a single trip. Choose one route, leave time for slow days and plan your accommodation in advance. You will see more of the region and enjoy it more.