Top 5 USA City Breaks

Not sure where your next flight is going to take you? Let it be to one of the top 5 cities within the USA. With 50 unique states that make up the USA, there are bags of potential for you to have your best city break yet!

Planning a trip can be quite stressful, not knowing if you’re flying to the most convenient airport, which airlines can take you there and what the temperature is going to be like once you arrive. Alternative Airlines is here to help ensure that planning your trip can go as smoothly as possible. The information that is listed below is there to assist you in choosing the right city for your next USA break, along with researched recommendations to plan out your next itinerary.

Top Tip: Alternative Airlines is proud to offer a range of fly now, pay later options, including Zip, Clearpay, Affirm and more. Just another great way to help you prepare for your upcoming trip.

New York City

NYC, or ‘The Big Apple’, is probably one of the first cities that comes to mind when you’re thinking about where to go for the best city break in the USA. It’s a must-see destination and one which is served by many airline routes, making it an easy choice for a USA city break.

Things to do in New York City

The city that never sleeps is the most populated in the United States, and with large numbers of people, comes plenty of attractions, restaurants and tourist hot spots for you to choose from. If history is what you’re after then the Statue of Liberty is without a doubt a worthwhile visit, with general admission tickets averaging between $12-24 USD. Time to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Why not take a stroll around Central Park? One of the largest parks in the city, Central Park spans a huge 843 acres, that’s larger than the whole of Monaco!

What to eat in New York City?

Perhaps you’re looking for a lunch spot to break up your busy day of sightseeing? New York is famous for its bagels, and once you try one for yourself, you’ll know why! One of the best bagel stops in the US has to be Absolute Bagels, located in Manhattan, it’s right at the centre of all the action. If pizza is more your thing then Lucali serves some of the best in the city, cooked in a brick-built oven, it’s no wonder they taste so authentic. Who needs Italy right?

Weather in New York City

With average temperatures in New York ranging from 4℃ in the winter months to 28℃  in the summer, the city really can offer you two completely different experiences depending on the month you visit.

How can I get there?

Alternative Airlines can help you make your decision on the best route to take for a city break to NYC. The city has three airports that you’re able to fly into, John F Kennedy International (JFK), La Guardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty International (EWR). Depending on where you choose to stay during your USA city break, 1 airport will suit you better than the others, due to their location. WestJet, American Airlines and JetBlue are all carriers that fly to the NYC.

San Francisco

San Francisco, located in Northern California, is the cultural hub of the area. With its interesting history and stunning scenery, it makes for a great destination to enjoy a USA city break.

Things to do in San Francisco

One of the most iconic landmarks in San Francisco is Alcatraz, a small island located on the city’s bay that’s home to a lighthouse, military base and high-security prison. There are regular tours that you can take around the island, both as a whole and specifically the prison, which if you’re a bit of a history buff, is an interesting way for you to learn more about the iconic golden gate city. If the beauty of architecture inspires your USA city break then we recommend checking out Lombard Street. The ‘crookedest street in the world’ sees millions of visitors walking the winding paths each year, why not join them and see the famous street for yourself? Explore the city using traditional and historical cable cars, a transport system that’s been running for more than 150 years. After all, it saves you walking up the steep hills of the city!

What to eat in San Francisco?

Perhaps you’re looking for a tasty lunch spot? Head over to Boudin Bakery and try arguably one of the most recognisable foods of San Francisco, clam chowder ladeled in a bread bowl. If a sweet treat is what you fancy then we suggest tasting the most popular dessert in the whole of San Francisco, a lemon cream tart. Tartine is a firm favourite amongst the locals!

Weather in New York City

With the average winter temperature in San Francisco reaching no lower than 15℃  and the summer months seeing an average of 22℃, the weather conditions are often perfect for exploration around this cosmopolitan city.

How can I get there?

San Francisco is served by 4 different airports, however, the main 2 to consider for your city break are San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Oakland International (OAK). Oakland is a better option if you’re wanting to fly with a budget airline. Alternative Airlines offer flights to both of those airports with WestJet, Delta, Avianca and more.

Chicago

Voted as the best big city in the US for 5 years in a row, Chicago is a city that is loved by many. It is located in north-eastern Illinois, situated on the beautiful Lake Michigan, the world’s largest lake by area in any one country. Particularly recognised for its architecture, the windy city is home to one of the most impressive skylines in the US. Could this be your next USA city break?

Things to do in Chicago

Chicago city breaks aren’t complete without a trip to a jazz bar. Known for its legendary music, Chicago is home to plenty of unique and vibrant jazz bars, perfect settings to relax in after a jam-packed day of sightseeing. Green Mill Cocktail Lounge found in Uptown is one of the most iconic jazz bars in the whole of the city. Take a look inside and be sure to try out the infamous gangster, Al Capone’s, favourite booth. If you decide that you want your next US city break to be in Chicago, we insist that you go and visit Cloud Gate, also known as ‘The Bean’. Built by artist Anish Kapoor, Cloud Gate is a public sculpture that was erected in the Millenium Park to symbolise resurrection and reincarnation. A must-see on your travel bucket list!

What to eat in Chicago?

When you think of Chicago, it's hard not to associate it with deep-dish pizza, or at least that’s what we think! We recommend checking out Unos pizzeria, said to be the original inventor of Chicago deep dish pizza, Unos is a welcomed favourite across 20 different states. If a hot dog is more your thing then why not tuck into one whilst watching a live Chicago Bulls game at the United Centre, located on the west side of the city. A great atmosphere and a pretty cool experience.

Weather in Chicago

Chicago has an average summer temperature of between 21℃ and 24℃, ideal for sightseeing. In winter, the average temperature is -3℃ to 6℃ so wrapping up warm is required.

How can I get there?

Alternative Airlines will help you decide on the best route to take for your next Chicago adventure. There are two airports in the city, O’Hare International (ORD) and Midway (MDW), if you’re wanting to travel internationally then O’Hare is your best option. Midway airport is considerably smaller and is better suited for those who are looking for domestic flights within the US. United, American Airlines and Delta are all airlines that fly to Chicago.

Charleston

Fancy spending your next USA city break in Charleston? The city, also known as the Holy City, is located in south-eastern South Carolina and is home to a major port on the edge of the Atlantic. Known as a historic centre, Charleston is rich in history and culture and is the oldest metropolis in South Carolina. 

Things to do in Charleston

If you’re wanting an easy-going and laid-back city break in the USA, Charleston is exactly that. Love relaxing and being by the water? There are a plethora of activities for you to do whilst boating on Charleston’s harbour, including scuba diving, saltwater fishing, paddleboarding and plenty more. To discover a bit more about the history of Charleston, Boone Hall plantation tours allow you to experience a live representation of what the African slaves endured in the 17th century. Located just 8 miles from downtown Charleston, it's in a prime spot for visitors on a city break. If you’re visiting on a rainy day then maybe a trip to Charleston’s city market is on the cards, an afternoon for you to shop til you drop. Why not pick up some souvenirs whilst you’re at it?

What to eat in Charleston?

Why not start your day off right and try one of the most famous dishes in the city, ‘shrimp & grit’, a local dish that is traditionally eaten for breakfast. If you have more of a sweet tooth, we recommend a visit to Peninsula Grill, they serve a world-famous 12-layered coconut cake, perfect for an afternoon treat.

Weather in Charleston

The average temperature in the summer months is around 27℃ to 31℃, however, if you wish to visit in winter, it's a cooler 15℃ to 20℃. If you’re planning to be more active during your trip, the winter months may be ideal.

How can I get there?

If Charleston is sounding like your next US city break then book flights today with Alternative Airlines. The city is served by Charleston International Airport (CHS), located in the north of the state. JetBlue, United and American Airlines are all airlines that are available to book with us and that fly to Charleston International.

Las Vegas

The world-renowned centre for gambling, Las Vegas, is a city like no other. A city of bright lights, showgirls and plenty of fun. If you’re considering Las Vegas as your next city break in the USA then let this be your sign to say yes, and be sure to fly there with Alternative Airlines. 

Things to do in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, or Sin City as it's also referred to, is undeniably the top destination to visit if you’re wanting to try your luck at winning some money in the casinos. With over 25 casinos just on the main strip, you’ll be spoilt for choice with where to spend your money. Aside from the gambling stereotype that Las Vegas seems to have adopted, there are plenty of other activities and attractions for you to try out. When picturing this vast and vibrant city, nature and wildlife isn’t necessarily something which you associate it with, however, there is plenty of it to be found. Inside probably the most famous hotel in the whole of Las Vegas, the Bellagio, appears a beautiful botanical garden, free for you to roam around in and admire the picture-perfect scenery. If you’re wanting a cheaper day of exploring then head over to Fremont Street where you’ll find another fun and free activity. With an abundance of food and drink options and an impressive light and music show in the evenings, Fremont Street is the ultimate night out in Las Vegas.

What to eat in Las Vegas?

Is there a foodie in the group? Hell’s Kitchen, near Cesear’s Palace, is an incredibly unique dining location, perfect for those of you whose ideal activity is grabbing a bite to eat. Alternatively, it's a great option for those of you who just really want to see behind the scenes of the iconic tv show.

Weather in Las Vegas

With average temperatures in Las Vegas reaching between 25℃ and 32℃ in the summer months and 8℃ to 13℃ in the winter months, deciding when to visit is very dependent on what type of USA city break you’re wanting to have. 

How can I get there?

Las Vegas is served by 4 airports in different parts of the state. If you’re wanting easy access to the main Vegas strip then Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and North Las Vegas Airport (VGT) are your best options. Henderson Executive Airport (HSH) and Jean Airport are in prime locations for the lesser-known areas of the city. If this was your sign to book that USA city break, then hesitate no more and book today with Alternative Airlines. Virgin Atlantic, JetBlue and United all fly to Las Vegas.

Multi-City Flights

If exploring one city just simply isn’t enough or you’re struggling to pick just one of these amazing destinations, then why not fly to all 5 of these popular cities in one trip? If you’re unsure or apprehensive about how connecting flights and internal travel would work, then don’t worry, more information on connecting flights can be found on our website.

What are you waiting for? It's time to book your dream city break in the USA today!