The USA is a whopping great big country (has anyone ever told you that the UK would fit inside California alone?!), so it’s no surprise you could fill every calendar month of the year here doing something wildly different.

So that’s exactly what we’ve done – put together a list of places and the best month of the year to go and experience ’em, from whale watching to jazz to bucket list train journeys. So if you’re struggling to narrow down where to start with the great big US of A, then start here.

Often dubbed the “Whale Watching Capital of the World,” Depoe Bay sits along a major migratory route for grey whales. Its unique coastal geography frequently funnels them close to shore, making sightings more common – even from the land.

The grey whale, its big star, migrates along the coast twice a year, heading north from the warm breeding grounds in Baja California to the feeding grounds in the Arctic from December to April, making the return trip in the summer.

Local tour operators offer boat trips that take you out into the Pacific to get an up-close view of the migrating whales, but thanks to Depoe Bay’s coastal features, there’s some nifty shore-based viewing spots too. Beyond whale watching, this is a properly quaint coastal town with dramatic ocean views, tide pools, and enough local shops and eateries to charm your pants off.  A fab base for exploring the Oregon coast.

Cheap flights to Oregon

Skip the hot, humid summers here and head to The Keys in February – one of the best times to visit. With average daytime temperatures around 24–28 °C, it’s all about the cooler, breezy evenings, with ideal weather for activities both on land and on the water. It’s the dry season too! Clear skies – perfect for boating, snorkelling, and simply relaxing outdoors. Lovely stuff. Mentally, we’re already there.

Famous for their coral reefs and marine life, popular spots like John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park near Key Largo offer fantastic underwater experiences. The waters are calm and clear as well, so you can explore the mangrove forests and shallow backwaters.

In Key West, head to historic sites like Ernest Hemingway’s home and make the most of its nightlife, whilst in Key Largo and Marathon it’s all about nature trails, boat tours, and local wildlife – great for families. Bahia Honda State Park, meanwhile, is
known for its pristine beaches and scenic vistas – think picnicking, swimming, and pure relaxation by the ocean. Divine.

Cheap flights to Florida

While the official Mardi Gras season in New Orleans often culminates in February, echoes of the carnival atmosphere can linger into March, especially if Mardi Gras falls in early March during some years – like 2025. Think parades, masquerade balls, and music. Lots of music.

Wander the French Quarter – all Spanish and French architecture, bustling Bourbon Street, and hidden courtyards. There’s local art galleries, antique shops, and intimate jazz clubs tucked away in narrow alleys – go find them.

Stroll through the Garden District to admire well-preserved antebellum mansions, lush gardens, and picturesque streets lined with historic homes, or visit cultural institutions like the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and the National WWII Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the city’s mega rich artistic, cultural, and historical legacy.

It’s a food lover’s paradise here too. Sample some gumbo, jambalaya, po’boys, beignets, and crawfish étouffée whilst you’re in town.

Cheap flights to New Orleans

Cruise the Pacific Coast Highway in April and you’ll get breath taking coastal scenery with mild weather and fewer crowds than the busy summer months. Daytime temperatures are around 15–22 °C, making it more than comfortable for long drives and spontaneous stops, which is what this drive is all about.

Spring will bring vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery to the coastal hillsides, and in areas like Big Sur and coastal bluffs, you’ll get the contrast of deep blue ocean waters against flowering meadows and rugged cliffs. Gorgeous. Plus, early mornings might just feature pockets of coastal fog, bringing a little bit of a mystical quality to the scenery. Then, as the day breaks, expect dramatic sunrises and ever-changing light, transforming the coastline into a photographer’s paradise. Ahhhh.

Start in LA, and along the way you’ll see Malibu and Ventura, as well as Santa Monica and iconic Venice Beach. Carry on and you’ll reach Santa Barbara, the so-called ‘American Riviera’, Pismo Beach, and Big Sur, one of the most dramatic stretches of the drive – think steep cliffs, winding roads, and iconic views at places like Bixby Creek Bridge and McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Keep north and you’ll hit Monterey and mega charming Carmel, as well as Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay. Eventually you’ll wind up in San Fran – cue that famous drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Ta dah!

Some sensible stuff: be cautious on the winding sections of the highway, particularly in areas like Big Sur where roads can be narrow and curvy. Keep your petrol topped up, and have a map or GPS device handy, as cell service can be spotty in remote areas.

Cheap flights to Los Angeles

Route 66 stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California, and while not every mile is part of the original highway anymore, many sections retain that classic roadside charm. Plus in May, you’ll get some lovely weather – around 15–30 °C. This month brings longer daylight hours too, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy roadside attractions and postcard perfect views.

Start your trip in Chicago with some deep-dish pizza and a mirror selfie with the Bean before heading west. Next stop, the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac to discover the history of America’s “Main Street”. Head to the Gateway Arch in St Louis and enjoy classic diners and vintage neon signs galore, before checking out Amarillo for the Cadillac Ranch.

Enjoy some desert landscapes as you head southwest through Albuquerque and Flagstaff in Arizona (the gateway to the Grand Canyon), before ending up in Santa Monica, right at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The official end of Route 66? Santa Monica Pier. Ice cream, anyone?

Cheap flights to Chicago

June is when Yellowstone really starts to come to life. Witness the iconic eruption of Old Faithful and explore the surrounding geyser basins, where bubbling mud pots and fumaroles create a surreal landscape. Or Marvel at more vibrant colours at the Grand Prismatic Spring, one of the largest hot springs in the world.

June is a prime time for wildlife observation too. Keep your binoculars handy to spot bison herds, elk, bears, and possibly wolves in the Lamar Valley and Hayden Valley. And don’t forget about the panoramic drives along the park’s scenic roads. There’s breath taking views of the Yellowstone River and the dramatic cliffs of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone to be had.

If you’d rather stay on foot, there’s a variety of trails ranging from short boardwalks around geothermal areas to more challenging hikes like Mount Washburn.

Oh, and remember: always maintain a safe distance from wildlife, stick to marked trails, and follow all park guidelines. You can check for up to date information on their official site.

Cheap flights to Wyoming

One of America’s most scenic rail journeys, stretching from Chicago to Emeryville (that’s near San Francisco), the California Zephyr is famed for its views. In July, as you traverse the heart of the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada, you can expect vibrant summer landscapes – from rugged mountain peaks and lush valleys to dramatic river canyons.

The best bits include The Rockies, where you’ll marvel at snow-capped peaks, sparkling alpine lakes, and the vast wilderness; the Sierra Nevada, with its rugged ridges and glimpses of remaining snowfields juxtaposed against green meadows, if the weather is right; and desert landscapes as the train approaches the West.

Obvs, this journey ain’t about getting from A to Z. Along the way, you’ll pass through a cross-section of American landscapes and communities, offering a unique glimpse into the nation’s history, culture, and natural beauty.

Designed with large panoramic windows and comfy seating to maximize your viewing experience, whether you choose coach or opt for a sleeper car, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax, read, and simply while away the hours as you glide by some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. Way better than your morning commute.

Cheap flights to Chicago

August is beach season, and Cape Cod has some of the best on the East Coast. On the Outer Cape, you’ve got Coast Guard Beach in Eastham, consistently ranked one of America’s best beaches, Race Point Beach in Provincetown, wide, scenic, and great for whale spotting, and Nauset Beach in Orleans, with big waves – perfect for surfing or boogie boarding.

The Mid and Lower Cape has Mayflower Beach in Dennis, with its warm, shallow waters and incredible tidal pools, Skaket Beach in Orleans, perfect for sunset walks and warm water swimming, and Old Silver Beach in Falmouth, all soft sand and great views of Buzzards Bay.

Besides beaches, August is also prime whale-watching season, with humpback, fin, and minke whales feeding off the coast.

The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a 25-mile scenic bike path running through charming towns, cranberry bogs, and salt marshes. Rent a bike in Orleans, Brewster, or Dennis for an easy ride. Or you can island hop to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket – ferries leave from Falmouth and Hyannis.

Cape Cod is also seafood heaven, and August is lobster roll season! Try it hot with butter or cold with mayo.

Cheap flights to Boston

September is the peak of the harvest season (commonly known as the “crush”) in California‘s Napa Valley, when the vineyards come alive with activity. You might catch a glimpse of winemakers at work, and many wineries host special events, tastings, and tours that offer insight into the process of making the good grog.

The weather and light during this time is gorgeous too, bringing out the rich, golden hues of the vineyards. The changing leaves add a beautiful contrast to the deep greens of the vines and the warm, earthy tones of the valley.

You’ll enjoy warm, sunny days with temperatures around 21–28 °C, and cooler evenings that are perfect for dining al fresco or enjoying a glass of vino on a patio. Plus, Napa Valley is renowned for its farm-to-table dining, so you can dig into gourmet meals at award-winning restaurants, or explore local markets and food festivals that highlight seasonal produce and artisanal products.

Cheap flights to California

New England is famous for its autumn foliage. By mid- to late-October, forests transform into a tapestry of red, orange, yellow, and gold. Think breath taking views along winding country roads, hilltop vistas, and rural landscapes.

The peak foliage season can vary by region – southern areas might reach their peak in early October, while northern parts, especially Maine and northern New Hampshire, often peak in mid-October to early November.

Grab some car hire and try routes like Vermont’s Route 100 or Massachusetts’ Mohawk Trail, which both offer picturesque drives, with countless pull-offs for photos, while trails in the White Mountains (New Hampshire), Green Mountains (Vermont), and Berkshires (Massachusetts) provide opportunities to immerse yourself in the crisp air and vibrant scenery.

Loads of towns, like Stowe, Woodstock, and Salem, exude old-world charm with colonial-era architecture, quaint main streets, and friendly local shops. These towns also often host seasonal markets, craft fairs, and food festivals that celebrate local produce and heritage.

Meanwhile, in areas like the Maine coastline or the lakes of New Hampshire and Vermont, the combination of water and colourful trees creates mirror-like reflections that are mesmerizing.

Cheap flights to Maine

November is one of the best times to visit Charleston, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia. The summer heat and humidity have faded, hurricane season is over, and the cities are full of fall charm with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and vibrant cultural events. Both cities have beautifully preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic homes that look even more stunning in the crisp fall air. In Charleston, you can walk along Rainbow Row and the Battery for iconic views of the harbour, visit Middleton Place, Magnolia Plantation, or Boone Hall for stunning fall colours and history. King Street is for boutique shopping and antique stores.

In Savannah, stroll through Forsyth Park and its famous moss-draped oaks, wander along River Street, where historic cobblestone paths lead to waterfront shops and restaurants, and visit Bonaventure Cemetery, a hauntingly beautiful location perfect for history lovers.

Fall in the South also means delicious comfort food, fresh seafood, and classic Southern dishes. You’ve gotta try she-crab soup, shrimp & grits, and fried green tomatoes topped with pimento cheese.

Cheap flights to Charleston

December in the Grand Canyon brings winter landscapes, fewer crowds, and a unique contrast of snow against the red rock formations. It also brings unparalleled views with fewer tourists at the most famous viewpoints: Mather Point, one of the most iconic and easily accessible viewpoints, Yavapai Point, best for sunrise and sunset photography, Desert View Watchtower, which offers a panoramic view of the Colorado River, and Hopi Point, considered one of the best spots for sunset on the South Rim.

When it comes to hiking, Bright Angel Trail (up to 6 miles round trip) is a moderate hike that descends into the canyon. South Kaibab Trail (up to 3 miles round trip to Ooh Aah Point), offers stunning sunrise views. Rim Trail (easy, flat, paved) is ideal for winter walks with gorgeous viewpoints.

If you’re in a car, Desert View Drive is a 25-mile scenic route along the South Rim that remains open in winter and features multiple stunning viewpoints.

Keep up to date with closures at the official website.

Cheap flights to Arizona