The best places in America?

[hotdlp]

Me and my family are planning on going to America in April for only two weeks though. What would be the best cities to go visit (keeping in mind me and my sister are only 17 and 14) so no slot machines. And me and my mum love shopping. So anywhere where we can go sightseeing and shopping for cheaper than London.

[JoolsTwo]

Well I love New York - I don't think shopping is particulally cheap maybe a bit cheaper - a lot depends the pound to dollar exchange rate at the time you go. San Francisco is also very exciting - I loved the cable cars. Both cities have lots to do and shopping. Those are my favorites - but I think there are lots of other cities that you would like. But I don't think any of them could beat New York. Where ever you and your family decide to go I hope you have a great time.

[Cathyhuns]

The best place to visit would be the East Coast - New York, Boston, Philadelphia and possibly down to Washington.

Plenty to see and shop in all of these towns but do think about Phily - it is lovely town to walk around with the city centre feeling much safer than the other three. It also has places to visit - the Liberty bell, the town hall with a tower that you can go up, the Amish at Lancaster County or Reading Market - but also King of Prussia Mall - the biggest in US - half an hour away - plus a discount mall at Franklin Mills.

Also in Phily, think about a sports game - all 4 of the professional sports are played close to the town centre and watching the american spectators at the games is as much fun as the games themselves.

For cheap sightseeing think about Washington as many of the sights are free.

I would check the weather as places like NY and Boston can still be very cold into

[Clanad]

Being a westerner, I'd vote for many of the inter-mountain western States... however, the distances between sights are vast and time consuming, and not a lot of excellent shopping outside of the major cities such as Denver and Salt Lake City. S0, more in line with your tastes, I'd slightly modify Cahtyhuns itinerary to focus on the New England States. The visual impact of the White or Green Mountains of New Hampshire and Vermont is sometimes breathtaking, even for this seasoned world traveler. The distances are quite manageable and as far as shopping is concerned, after New York, Boston certainly offers many opportunities. One wouldn't want to miss a two or three day tour of the Maine coastal areas (my favorite is the area around Booth Bay), and I would strongly suggest a day at L.L. Bean's humongous store in Freeport, Maine. All in all, that tour would provide a lot of satisfaction... Best of luck and welcome to the U.S.!

[buildersmate]

No-one has yet mentioned Chicago which also has a good combination of sightseeing, sports and shopping options for the visitor.

[ken c]

las vegas
is a fun place to go you dont have to gamble plenty of other things to do great shows good eating shopping etc.
San Francisco, New York, the list is endless great outlets at Ventura for shopping also great beaches.
take your time and plan your trip good luck and have a great time

[hotdlp]

Thank u all for answering, it's really helpful!! Now I just need to decide on a particular place :)

[vehelpfulguy]

I have been to a few places in the states by my favorite was San Francisco (west coast).

Not too hot, not too cold. One of the best cities in the US for walking round.

Loads of touristy things to do (Fishermans Wharf, Pier 39, Alkatraz, Golden Gate bridge, Trams etc). Some good shopping.

Not full of skyscrapers like many US cities, and lots of lovely wooden buildings.

Here are some pictures

Pier 39
http://www.kevinhock.com/images/SF-Pier39Large .jpg

The wooden buildings
http://www.lestercat.net/house_03/archives/san _francisco_2006/victorian_houses_SF_01.jpg

Golden Gate bridge (with San Francisco in the distance)
http://online.sfsu.edu/~apichina/images/san-fr ancisco-golden-gate.jpg

The trams:
http://www.perperz.com/lidforss/Cablecar%20San %20Francisco.jpg

Fishermans Wharf and Alkatraz in the background
http://www.lifeisgrand.org/images/US_SF_wharf. JPG

Twisty-est street in the World
http://www.razevents.com/images/lombard.JPG

[Thicko2006]

New York, New York - just love it!
When you want a break from all that shopping, Central Park is so cool!

[stick28]

Washington. and stroll into georgetown. Really, it's gorgeous. I've done all the other places mentioned here. New York and Boston are great. In a few years time you'll love Vegas. San Francisco didn't catch me that good. Try Los Angeles although to be honest it's too big for it's own good. Above all. Enjoy !!!!