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New York City

New York City

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New York City is the largest city in the United States and one of the most culturally and commercially influential cities in the world. New York offers so many things and excels at all of them. Landmarks, food, museums, parks, sports and theater are just a few of the experiences to try.

Map of New York City
Map of New York City

The city is divided into five boroughs (Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island) with Manhattan being home to the most tourist attractions. Newark and the New Jersey Suburbs are located right across the Hudson River from Manhattan.

When to Go

Spring and fall are the best times to go. The weather is better and prices are lower because it is a shoulder season.

What to Pack

This depends on what time of year you are visiting and what you are looking to do while in New York. Pack clothing for warm weather if you are visiting in the summer and pack for low temperatures and possibly snow in the winter. At any point in the year it may rain so check the forecast to see if an umbrella will be necessary. It may be a good idea to bring one just in case. If you are planning on taking in a show or going to a upscale restaurant or club then be sure to pack some nice clothes.

How to Get There

For people coming from outside the Northeast fly into Kennedy Airport, LaGaurdia Airport or Newark Liberty Airport. If you are staying in Brooklyn or Queens I would recommend Kennedy or LaGuardia. If you are staying in Manhattan I would select which airport based on flight times, prices, and or airline preference. For passengers coming from other locations in the Northeast United States there is train service provided by Amtrak into Penn Station.

Where to Stay

There are two different factors to consider when deciding where to stay. One is price and the other is convenience. If convenience is a top priority then I would find a hotel in midtown Manhattan but it will be expensive. If you are concerned with price I would find a hotel in another borough or New Jersey and take the train into Manhattan. I did this on a previous trip and saved over $150 per night and it was only a 20 minute journey each direction (10 minutes to the train station and a 10 minute train ride).

 

Getting Around

In New York it is very easy to get around using either public transportation or walking. The subway is very affordable and provides pretty frequent service to popular neighborhoods and attractions. Ubers and taxis are also available. It will cost a bit more but could be less travel time depending on where you are going. If you have a car leave it outside Manhattan and take the train or ferry (from Staten Island) in. Speaking from experience, driving in Manhattan is an absolute nightmare and parking is expensive and difficult to find.

 

What to Eat

New York has got to be one of the top cities for food in the United States, if not the world. There are so many good restaurants serving a variety of food that it is difficult to go wrong. If you like pizza definitely get a slice of the local style. 

 

Must See

One of my favorite things about New York is that there is something there for everyone. The places below are some of what I have seen and would recommend but it is by no means a complete list.

Brooklyn Bridge

First opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has since become one of the most iconic bridges in the world. There is a sidewalk that runs in the center of the bridge offering great views of the waterfront and of Lower Manhattan.

Brooklyn Bridge with Lower Manhattan in the background
The walkway in the center of the Brooklyn Bridge

Central Park

At over 800 acres, Central Park is a nice change of pace from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. The park features multiple lakes, ponds, walking trails and natural woods.

One of the lakes in Central Park
Bethesda Terrace
Gapstow Bridge

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building was the tallest building in the world when it was completed in 1931. Even though it no longer holds that title, it's Art Deco design continues to be a fixture of the New York skyline. There are observations decks on the 86th and 102 floor, but be warned that the lines can be very long.
Looking up towards the top of the Empire State Building
View facing towards midtown
View facing towards New Jersey
View facing towards Queens

Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal serves train passengers heading to suburbs north of Manhattan. It is notable for its large main concourse and elaborate ceiling that features different constellations.
The main concourse of Grand Central Terminal
Looking up at the ceiling of Grand Central Terminal

High Line

The High Line is a former elevated freight rail line on the west side of Manhattan that was converted to a public space after sitting unused since the 1980s.

The High Line
The High Line
On the street below the High Line

Lower Manhattan/Financial District

Lower Manhattan is home to New York's Financial District and the New York Stock Exchange. My favorite part of the neighborhood is the public art (pictured below).

New York Stock Exchange
Fearless Girl
Charging Bull
The Sphere

Madison Square Park

Madison Square is a 3 block public park bound by some notable skyscrapers such as the Met Life Tower and the Flatiron Building.

Met Life Tower
Flatiron Building

Top of the Rock

The 70 floor Comcast Building (more commonly know as 30 Rockefeller Plaza) has an observation deck that is a popular alternative to the Empire State Building. When I went the wait was only 15 minutes and the view is just as good as the Empire State Building.

 

Comcast Building
Statue of Atlas, located in front of Rockefeller Center
View facing Central Park
View facing Lower Manhattan

Saint Patrick's Cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral is a prominent Roman Catholic Church in Midtown Manhattan, built in the neo gothic style.
The entrance to St Patrick's Cathedral
Inside St Patrick's Cathedral

Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island

One of the most popular attractions in New York City is the tour to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Boats leave from Battery Park in Lower Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. While leaving from Battery Park may be more convenient the lines are much less crowded leaving from New Jersey. If you are planning to visit get tickets as far in advance as possible.
Approaching Liberty Island
Statue of Liberty
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Interior of Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Times Square

Times Square is a major commercial center in Midtown Manhatten. The five block long stretch of Seventh Avenue, intersected in the center by Broadway, is famous for its abundance of shiny billboards and neon signs. With 50 million visitors every year, Times Square is the most visited tourist destination in the United States. It is also the heart of the Broadway Theater District which makes it a good jumping off point to see a show.

Times Square
ABC News Building
ABC News Building (right) and One Times Square (left)

World Trade Center

The National September 11 Memorial and Museum is dedicated to the people who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center Bombing. Two memorial pools sit on the footprints of the former North and South World Trade Center Towers with the names of the victims inscribed around the edges. The museum, which chronicles the attacks, is an intense and emotional experience but I highly recommend it.
South Pool at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum
National September 11 Memorial and Museum
One World Trade Center (previously known as the Freedom Tower)
Interior of September 11 Memorial Museum

Washington Square Park

Washington Square Park is a public park located next to NYU in the Greenwich Village neighborhood. Its defining feature is the Washington Square Arch which was modeled after the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. With the park being frequented by both residents and tourists, it is a great spot for people watching.

Washington Square Arch

Go to a sporting event

New York City is home to some of the most well known sporting venues in America. With multiple teams in each league there is almost always a game in town.
Yankee Stadium, Bronx
Citi Field, Queens
Madison Square Garden, Manhatten
Barclays Center, Brooklyn

Sample Itineraries

3 Day Trip 

Day 1

  • Arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport
  • Take the NJ Transit into Manhattan
  • Check into hotel
  • Explore Times Square and the surrounding neighborhood
  • Dinner in Midtown Manhattan
  • Go to the Top of the Rock

Day 2

  • Visit the World Trade Center Memorial and Museum
  • Lunch in Lower Manhattan
  • Take a walk along the High Line
  • Shop at Chelsea Market
  • Dinner in Chelsea
  • Go to a Broadway show or a sporting event

Day 3

  • Check out of Hotel
  • Visit Central Park
  • Stroll down 5th Avenue
  • Lunch in Midtown Manhattan
  • Take NJ Transit back to the airport
  • Fly out of Newark Liberty International Airport

5 Day Trip

Day 1

  • Arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport
  • Take the NJ Transit into Manhattan
  • Check into hotel
  • Explore Times Square and the surrounding neighborhood
  • Dinner in Midtown Manhattan
  • Go to the Top of the Rock

Day 2

  • People watch at Washington Square Park
  • Lunch in Greenwich Village
  • Take a walk along the High Line
  • Shop at Chelsea Market
  • Dinner in Chelsea
  • Go to a Broadway show

Day 3

  • Stroll through the Financial District
  • Visit the World Trade Center Memorial and Museum
  • Lunch in Lower Manhattan
  • Take the tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  • Dinner in Little Italy
  • Experience the nightlife in Soho, Greenwich Village, or the East Village

Day 4

  • Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
  • Lunch in Brooklyn
  • Tour a museum such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Dinner near sporting venue
  • Go to a sporting event

Day 5

  • Check out of Hotel
  • Visit Central Park
  • Stroll down 5th Avenue
  • Lunch in Midtown Manhattan
  • Take NJ Transit back to the airport
  • Fly out of Newark Liberty International Airport

7 Day Trip

Day 1

  • Arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport
  • Take the NJ Transit into Manhattan
  • Check into hotel
  • Explore Times Square and the surrounding neighborhood
  • Dinner in Midtown Manhattan

Day 2

  • People watch at Washington Square Park
  • Lunch in Greenwich Village
  • Take a walk along the High Line
  • Shop at Chelsea Market
  • Dinner in Chelsea
  • Go to a Broadway show

Day 3

  • Stroll through the Financial District
  • Visit the World Trade Center Memorial and Museum
  • Lunch in Lower Manhattan
  • Take the tour of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
  • Dinner in Little Italy
  • Experience the nightlife in Soho, Greenwich Village, or East Village

Day 4

  • Visit Central Park
  • Lunch in the Upper East Side
  • Tour a museum such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Dinner near sporting venue
  • Go to a sporting event

Day 5

  • Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
  • Lunch in Brooklyn
  • Explore the DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights Neighborhood
  • Relax at Prospect Park
  • Dinner and drinks in Williamsburg

Day 6

  • Stop by Grand Central Terminal
  • Stroll down 5th Avenue
  • Lunch in Midtown Manhattan
  • Go to the Top of the Rock
  • Tour St Patrick's Cathedral
  • Dinner in Hell's Kitchen

Day 7

  • Check out of Hotel
  • Visit Madison Square Park
  • Lunch In Midtown Manhattan
  • Take NJ Transit back to the airport
  • Fly out of Newark Liberty International Airport
South Florida: Miami and the Florida Keys

South Florida: Miami and the Florida Keys

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Miami and the Florida Keys are an incredible vacation destination. With fun in the sun, beautiful beaches, incredible food and out-of-this-world sunsets, there is something here for everyone. My friend Nicole Welfel, who is currently a resident of Key West, and I have put together this guide to visiting.

When to Go

Avoid the humidity and schedule your trip during the dry season between November and mid April. Save the summer months for planning and making reservations because rooms and vacation rentals fill up quickly and hotel prices sky-rocket as the temperatures start to drop.

What to Pack

For locals, even in winter, 74 degrees is chilly, but it feels great. Shorts and a T-shirt will get you through the day, but for nighttime you will want long pants and a light jacket. Be sure to pack sunscreen, glasses and a hat and of course bring your swimsuit and beach clothes.

For anyone visiting in the summer, bring plenty of water with you. Whenever you leave the house/hostel/hotel, have water, sunscreen, a small towel (because you will sweat), and long sleeves for sun protection (if you can handle it), and more water.

When it comes to nightlife in Miami, it is best to be prepared. Everywhere you go, it is a place to see and be seen. And you want to be seen looking good. Put some effort into your outfit and walk with confidence. Key West on the other hand is laid back. There are no rules and anything goes.

How to Get There

Fly into Miami International Airport. Flights are also available to Fort Lauderdale but it is 30 minutes farther away.

Where to Stay

South Beach is where the action is in Miami. There are an incredible number of hotels to choose from for every price point and vibe you’re looking for. Many of the hotels further south on Ocean Drive are part of the Art Deco Historic District. Stay near Downtown Miami, if you just need to rest a night between flying in and making the drive to Key West.

In Key West, there are a reasonable number of hotels all around the island. The closer to Duval Street and the downtown area you are, the more expensive accommodations will be. Many of the hotels that are further away provide free shuttle transportation to and from downtown. Be sure to double check that a hotel offers this if you are planning to stay farther than walking distance.

Getting Around

Within Miami, there are multiple public transportation options. Metrorail connects the airport and neighborhoods within Miami, while the Metromover is a free tram that makes it easy to get around downtown. The only public transportation to or within Miami Beach is by bus. Luckily the South Beach neighborhood is very walkable. Uber, Lyft and taxis are also available. For longer trips such as the Florida Keys or the Everglades a rental car will be necessary. Many of the roads in the Miami area are toll roads and it is best to get a toll tag from the rental car agency. Miami drivers are very aggressive so be aware. There are routes you can take to avoid toll roads, but they take much longer and the toll fares are not much so it really is worth it.

Within Key West, bike rentals are a popular form of transportation. However, even without a bike, the bulk of Key West is entirely walkable. Duval is a long street and there is almost too much to see that walking it is really the best way to ensure you fully take it all in. During the winter months the crowds of people can be overwhelming so if you are in a car, be on the lookout for the tourists who have no regard for stop signs or street lights! Unfortunately Uber and Lyft are not available in Key West so you will have to take a pedi-cab or taxi if you need a ride.

What to Eat

Miami may be known for its Cuban and Latin cuisine, which is delicious, but there are a variety of restaurants offering fantastic food. From seafood to steaks to sandwiches, you cannot go wrong.  Miami and Key West both have great spots for brunch with some offering incredible ocean views.

 

Must See

 

Miami Beach (South Beach)

With its famous beaches, Art Deco architecture and nightlife, South Beach might come to mind first when thinking of Miami. Despite this, it is actually part of Miami Beach, which is a separate city located across Biscayne Bay from Miami. Lincoln Road Mall and Collins Ave are just a couple of the popular spots where you can play, dine, and shop all in one place.

The art scene in Miami/Miami Beach is stunning and interwoven throughout the community.
The art scene in Miami/Miami Beach is stunning and interwoven throughout the community.

Overseas Highway

The drive down to Key West is part of the entire experience and should be incorporated into your trip.  You won’t find many other places with turquoise blue medians and one-lane highways flanked by endless blue ocean and skies.

Key West

Located at the end of the Overseas Highway, Key West is a unique tropical paradise that brings a taste of the Caribbean to the United States. Watch the sunset from Mallory Square, explore historic homes and gardens, or take a walk down Duval Street.  This is a very eclectic and welcoming community that embraces new people like family.
Southernmost Point
Southernmost Beach which serves a delicious Key Lime Margarita
Sunset from Mallory Square
Duval Street
Ernest Hemingway House
One of the many cats that live at the Ernest Hemingway Home. Keep on the lookout for those with 6-toes!
Key West Lighthouse

Everglades National Park

At over 1.5 million acres, Everglades National Park is the 3rd largest National Park in the country. The park protects a fragile network of tropical wetlands and forests that are home to a variety of plants and animals native to Florida. Just outside of the park boundaries are a number of companies offering airboat tours of the Everglades.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park
Alligators are a very common site in the Florida Everglades
Airboat

Bonus

If time allows consider adding one or more of the following stops to your trip

Downtown Miami

From historic points of interest to shiny new skyscrapers, downtown Miami is a mix of old and new. The neighborhood has a booming population in addition to being the commercial center of South Florida. Restaurants, museums, shops, and parks offer a number of things to do.

Waterfront along Biscayne Bay
Freedom Tower
Metro Mover
American Airlines Arena
Miami Riverwalk

Key Largo

One of the northernmost islands of the Florida Keys is Key Largo which bills itself as the "Diving Capital of the World." John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is located just offshore. It is home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. You can view the reef up close by snorkeling, scuba diving, or taking a glass-bottom boat tour
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Glass Bottom Boat

Little Havana

Little Havana is home to a large immigrant population that comes from all over Latin America. Restaurants, cafes and markets offer a sampling of the different cultures that have made their way to Miami.
Tower Theater
Tower Theater
Calle Ocho Walk of Fame

Sample Itineraries

3 Day Trip 

Day 1

  • Arrive at Miami International Airport
  • Check into hotel in South Beach
  • Go to the beach
  • Experience the nearby Nightlife

Day 2

  • Go to the Beach
  • Make a side trip out to Downtown Miami or Little Havana
  • Return to hotel in South Beach

Day 3

  • Check out of Hotel
  • Drive out to the Everglades
  • Go on an airboat tour or explore Everglades National Park
  • Fly out of Miami International Airport

5 Day Trip

Day 1

  • Arrive at Miami International Airport
  • Check into hotel in Downtown Miami
  • Explore Downtown Miami

Day 2

  • Drive the Overseas Highway to Key West
  • Check into hotel in Key West
  • Watch the Sunset Celebration from Mallory Square
  • Have dinner and drinks on Duval Street

Day 3

  • Explore points of interest in Key West
  • Drive the Overseas Highway back to Miami
  • Check into hotel in South Beach

Day 4

  • Go to the beach
  • Experience the nearby night life

Day 5

  • Check out of hotel
  • Drive to the Everglades
  • Go on an airboat tour or explore Everglades National Park
  • Fly out of Miami International Airport

7 Day Trip

Day 1

  • Arrive at Miami International Airport
  • Check into hotel in Downtown Miami
  • Explore Downtown Miami

Day 2

  • Stop by Little Havana
  • Drive the Overseas Highway to Key West
  • Check into hotel in Key West
  • Have dinner and drinks on Duval Street

Day 3

  • Explore the points of interest in Key West
  • Wander the shops along Duval Street
  • Watch the Sunset Celebration from Mallory Square

Day 4

  • Check out of hotel in Key West
  • Drive to Key Largo
  • Go snorkeling or do a glass bottom boat tour of a coral reef
  • Drive to South Beach
  • Check into hotel on South Beach

Day 5

  • Go to the beach
  • Experience the nearby nightlife

Day 6

  • Drive to the Everglades
  • Go on an Airboat Ride
  • Explore Everglades National Park
  • Drive back to South Beach

Day 7

  • Go to the beach
  • Check out of hotel
  • Fly out of Miami International Airport
Southern Utah/Northern Arizona

Southern Utah/Northern Arizona

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Home to three of the top National Parks, Southern Utah/Northern Arizona is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park are located within close range of not just each other, but some other amazing scenery such as Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Horseshoe Bend.

When to Go

With ideal weather and fewer crowds, fall is the best time of year to go. Spring has high precipitation and summer can get really hot, but a trip is still manageable. Temperatures are low during winter and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is closed from winter until late spring.

Zion National Park has seen a dramatic increase in attendance over the last decade so it is best to get an early start when visiting, even in the off season.

What to Pack

Pack appropriate Hiking clothing, shoes, sunglasses, and a hat. Bring multiple layers as the temperature may vary from park to park. For The Narrows hike, you will want clothing that you do not mind getting wet. This hike also requires waterproof shoes and a walking stick, but you can rent that equipment outside the park. Take a backpack or small bag that you can put water and snacks in. Either bring sunscreen or plan on buying some once you arrive. Also have regular clothes for before and after the parks. There will be plenty of photo worthy sights so pack a good camera (or you can take pictures with your phone). If you are planning to stay in Las Vegas then pack your swimsuit and or nice clothing depending on what activities you will be partaking in.

How to Get There

Fly to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas and rent a car. The drive to Zion National Park is about two and a half hours. Limited commercial service is also available to St George and Cedar City, which are each about an hour away.

Where to stay

Kanab, Utah, appropriately nicknamed the Greatest Earth on Show, offers a number of hotels and is centrally located to the main attractions in the area. It is a 30 minute drive to Zion National Park, a one and a half hour drive to Bryce Canyon National Park and just under two hours to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.

Getting Around

As public transportation is not available, you will need a car to get around. When inside Zion National Park, it is necessary to park at the visitors center and take the free park shuttle from point to point. Bryce Canyon National Park also offers a shuttle. While not required, it can be more convenient than looking for parking at each point of interest.

Admission

A vehicle permit to Zion and Bryce Canyon is $30 and $35 for Grand Canyon (effective May 31 2018) and is good for seven days. I recommend getting an America the Beautiful permit which costs $80 (as of May 2018) and allows entry into any National Park. These can be bought in person at a park entrance or online and are valid for one year from the month of purchase. Click here for more information and or to purchase online.

Must See

Zion National Park

Zion is defined by beautiful sandstone cliffs and some of the best trails in the country. Hikes to the top of Angels Landing and through The Narrows are musts. Weeping Rock, Court of the Patriarchs, and the Emerald Pools are among other notable points of interest.

View from Weeping Rock
The Narrows
Angels Landing

Bryce Canyon National Park

Not actually a canyon, but a series of natural amphitheaters containing the largest number of geological pillars, known as hoodoos, in the world. While you can enjoy a jaw dropping view from a number of points along the rim, it is worthwhile to hike into Bryce Amphitheater to see the colorful rock formations up close.

Bryce Ampitheater
Wall Street
Wall of Windows

North Rim, Grand Canyon National Park

The North Rim offers a less crowded place to see perhaps the most famous, and one of the most visited National Parks. At over 18 miles wide and 277 miles long the canyon is an incredible site that, while slightly anticlimactic, should still be seen at least once.

Bonus

If time allows consider adding one or more of the following stops to your trip

Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument

One of the last areas of the country to be explored and mapped, the 1.8 million acre monument is still very remote in most places. While you can see the edge of it from Kanab or Bryce Canyon, the drive along Highway 12 deeper inside provides a better view.

Glen Canyon National Recreational Area/Page, Arizona

Page, Arizona is an hour and 10 minute drive from Kanab, offering additional recreational and sightseeing activities. Take a short hike to the edge of Glen Canyon for a stunning view of Horseshoe Bend.

Horseshoe Bend
Glen Canyon Dam
Lake Powell

Las Vegas

Consider staying a night in Las Vegas at the beginning and or end of your trip to break up an otherwise long travel day. If you are a big fan of Sin City then you can always extend your stay.

Bellagio Fountains
Paris Hotel & Eiffel Tower
Fremont Street Experience

Sample Itineraries

3 Day Trip 

Day 1

  • Fly into McCarran Internation Airport in the morning
  • Drive four hours from Las Vegas to Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Explore Bryce Canyon
  • Drive one and a half hours to hotel in Kanab, Utah

Day 2

  • Drive 30 Minutes to Zion National Park
  • Hike to the top of Angels Landing
  • Visit some of the other sights in the park
  • Drive 30 Minutes back to hotel in Kanab, Utah

Day 3

  • Drive an hour and 50 minutes to Grand Canyon National Park
  • Take in the view from the North Rim
  • Drive four hours and 45 minutes to Las Vegas
  • Take an evening flight from McCarran International Airport

5 Day Trip

Day 1

  • Fly into McCarran Internation Airport in the morning
  • Spend a few hours in Las Vegas
  • Drive three hours and 15 minutes to hotel in Kanab, Utah

Day 2

  • Drive 30 Minutes to Zion National Park
  • Hike through The Narrows
  • Visit some of the other sights in the park
  • Drive 30 Minutes back to hotel in Kanab, Utah

Day 3

  • Drive an hour and 50 minutes to Grand Canyon National Park
  • Take in the view from the North Rim and hike some of the surrounding trails
  • Drive an hour and 50 minutes back to hotel in Kanab, Utah

Day 4

  • Drive one and a half hours to Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Explore Bryce Canyon
  • Drive one and a half hours to hotel in Kanab, Utah

Day 5

  • Drive 30 minutes to Zion National Park
  • Hike to the top of Angels Landing
  • Visit any other sights in Zion you might have missed on Day 2
  • Drive two and half hours to Las Vegas
  • Take an evening flight out of McCarran International Airport

7 Day Trip

Day 1

  • Fly into McCarran Internation Airport
  • check into hotel in Las Vegas
  • Enjoy your activity of choice (gambling, pool, clubs, etc)

Day 2

  • Check out of hotel in Las Vegas
  • Drive just over four hours to Page, Arizona
  • Visit Horseshoe Bend, tour Glen Canyon Dam, and or explore Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
  • Drive one hour and 10 minutes back to hotel in Kanab, Utah

Day 3

  • Drive 30 Minutes to Zion National Park
  • Hike through The Narrows
  • Visit some of the other sights in the park
  • Drive 30 Minutes back to hotel in Kanab, Utah

Day 4

  • Drive an hour and 50 minutes to Grand Canyon National Park
  • Take in the view from the North Rim and hike some of the surrounding trails
  • Drive an hour and 50 minutes back to hotel in Kanab, Utah

Day 5

  • Drive one and a half hours to Bryce Canyon National Park
  • Explore Bryce Canyon
  • Drive one and a half hours to Hotel in Kanab, Utah

Day 6

  • Drive two and a half hours to Escalante, Utah (in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument) stopping at scenic turnouts along the way
  • Drive two and a half hours back to hotel in Kanab, Utah

Day 7

  • Drive 30 minutes to Zion National Park
  • Hike to the top of Angels Landing
  • Visit any other sights in Zion you might have missed on Day 3
  • Drive two and half hours to Las Vegas
  • Take an evening flight out of McCarran Airport