America is big. Like, huge. So there are approx. 549084 different ways you could road trip across the country, but if you want a tried and tested trip that’s EIC-approved, then hello, hi, keep reading.
What sets a US road trip apart is the sheer diversity of experiences on offer. From scenic coastal roads and dramatic mountain passes to empty desert highways and dynamic cities bursting with life, the States really has no shortage of destinations to visit.
Our trip went from East to West Coast, most of which was driven, but we did hop on one short flight to get to the other side of the country. You’ll be doing over 30 hours of driving if you follow the below route, so make sure to get yourself a badass car that has enough space for horizontal napping, plenty of shopping bags full of snacks, and all your extra suitcases we know you’re going to fill up along the way (s/o to our GMC Yukon – miss you already).
And, finally, let’s talk fashun. Whatever route you take, you’ll likely be experiencing a full range of temperatures, from the balminess of Vegas and Florida, to the cooler climes of San Francisco. Make sure to pack a range of outfits that can be layered up and dressed down – alongside the unavoidable miscellaneous holiday items that make for the best Brat Girl Summer wardrobe.
MIAMI
What to do: Head to South Beach for a day in the sun. After a dip in the sea, stroll down Collin’s Avenue and check out all the cute shops and eateries.
Where to eat: Little Havana. As the name suggests, this street is fringed with amazing Cuban restaurants with authentic South American dishes, cocktails, live music and cigar shops for all the vibes. The walls are super Instagrammable, too, with artsy murals on every street.
Where to stay: Anywhere in the Brickell area – it’s giving DIFC but make it Florida. Personally, we can’t recommend Four Seasons Miami enough. From the incredible city views from your room, to the most gorgeous pool day at Coconut Grove, this hotel ticks so many boxes you may not even want to venture out.
ORLANDO
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What to do: The Universal Parks – duh! Think meticulously rendered movie sets and immersive 3D rides at Universal Studios Florida. And for the thrill-seekers, you’re not going to want to miss Universal Islands of Adventure (we promise the Jurassic World VelociCoaster will be the best rollercoaster you’ll ever go on in your life).
Where to eat: Now is not a time to be watching your waistline, ok? The two Universal Orlando parks are full of themed restaurants with cute, quirky and novelty snacks and dishes that are an homage to your favourite movies. Head to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and have dinner and a Butter Beer in the Leaky Cauldron, then hop on the Hogwarts Express and finish off in Islands of Adventure’s Seuss Landing for sweet shops with fudge that will live rent-free in your mind for the rest of time.
Where to stay: If you want early park access (a whole hour before the rest of the public, we hasten to add) then make sure you choose any of the Universal Resorts. Loews Sapphire Falls was a personal Cozzie favourite. If you’re planning a trip for 2025 then make sure you pencil in a visit to Epic Universe and stay right on-site at Universal Helios Grand Hotel.
LA
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What to do: Hike up to the Hollywood sign (this will take you about three hours, so bring lots of water), visit the Griffith Observatory, take an open bus tour around Hollywood’s famous homes, and for all the VPRs fans, book a table at Sur, TomTom or Villa Rose (iykyk).
Where to eat: The Hideaway for all the delicious Mexican; Craig’s for an authentic Hollywood hotspot where paparazzi literally wait outside; and Wally’s Wine Bar for sundowners and nibbles.
Where to stay: The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills for a hotel with unrivaled views and a level of service that will make you feel like one of LA’s very own celebrities. Make sure you pencil in time to visit The Rooftop or sit by the pool; the views from up there are literally so good your camera roll will be bursting of photos and videos from every angle. Or, if you want to live your best Pretty Woman life, The Beverly Wilshire is just about as iconic LA as it comes.
LAS VEGAS
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What to do: Prep yourself for next year’s opening in Ras Al Khaimah and brush up on your Black Jack and Roulette in the Casinos, obvs. We also recommend checking out the fully immersive 360 show at the newly opened Sphere. And if you’re looking for a quintessential Vegas experience – a pool party – we recommend booking yourself a cabana at Liv Beach.
Where to eat: Lawry’s Prime Rib – from warm hospitality and Art Décor interiors, to the award-winning tableside prime rib cart service and famed spinning salads, this is a dining experience steeped in culinary history. If you’re a fan of Dubai hotspot STK, you have to check out the OG establishment in Vegas. Did we mention it’s located in the Cosmo hotel? Apt.
Where to stay: The brand-new Fontainebleau is everything you could want in a hotel: a state-of-the-art Casino, ultra-modern rooms with a view of the entire Vegas strip, and an arsenal of fine dining restaurants to choose from (make sure to check out Chyna Club for all your favourite Asian dishes and absolutely do not miss Don’s Prime for a steakhouse that will absolutely blow your mind and your taste buds).
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK
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What to do: Hiking, hiking and more hiking! The park boasts trailheads for all abilities, so you can do an hour-long easy stroll on flat terrain, or if you’re feeling adventurous and in your #FitGalEra then opt for one of the more strenuous hikes that will take around 4 – 5 hours. Bonus points if you attempt Half Dome (although you’ll need a permit for this).
What to eat: Food choices are pretty slim pickings around here, so take a picnic with you and eat it whilst you pitch up at the highest point of your hike. Just beware of the bears! Food disposal is super strict around here, so make sure you play by the rules.
Where to stay: Book yourself a lovely little log cabin in the woods for your stay. Just look out for the fine print when booking: many of the older establishments don’t have AC built-in, which can be quite uncomfortable if you’re planning to visit in the summer (yes, we’re speaking from experience!).
SAN FRANCISO
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What to do: Book yourself into a tour of Alcatraz, the infamous prison that was home to notorious gangsters like Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly and more; take a bike ride across Golden Gate Bridge (there are loads of companies to choose from, but Cosmo recommends Blazing Saddles); visit Mrs Doubtfire’s iconic house; and take a stroll down the iconic windy Lombard Street.
Where to eat: Three Michelin-star restaurant, Quince, located in Jackson Square Neighborhood, is a bucket-list style dining experience. The venue pioneered the farm-to-table concept, with fresh produce delivered daily from Quine’s very own farm. The result? Food that is faultless in all aspects. Unique, exceptional in taste, and beautifully presented.
Where to stay: An urban escape unlike any other, Four Seasons at Embarcadero boasts panoramic sweeping views of the city and the Bay, and is walking distance from must-see tourist spots like Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. If the fog (which, btw, has its own IG page – @karlthefog) rolls in low, you may feel like you’re floating in the clouds from your room.
NAPA VALLEY
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What to do: The short answer? Visit as many wineries as possible. Cosmo’s top choices are Opus One, one of America’s most famed vineyards, which is the brainchild of iconic winemakers Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and vintner Robert Mondavi from Napa Valley. And for an authentic American experience, Duckhorn Winery offers a tasting that is as bountiful as the surroundings are bucolic.
Where to eat: Auberge du Soleil to enjoy the most incredible views of Napa’s iconic rolling hills and micro-climates. This place gets very busy, so make sure to pre-book online. It’s also quite a pricey venue, but the portion sizes are huge, so you can get away with keeping the cost down by sharing a dish or two.
Where to stay: There are plenty of Airbnbs and hotels to choose from, but the region is only a short hour’s drive from San Francisco, and given that you can visit a handful of wineries in one day, it might not even be worth the overnight stay.
Btw, are you in LDN this summer? All the spots Taylor Swift has named dropped in her songs.