From the neon lights of New York and Las Vegas, to the home of Hollywood and superstardom in Los Angeles and Palm Springs – this magical At The Movies itinerary is guaranteed to leave you spellbound…
Over the coming months, it’s likely you’ll be re-watching your favourite moments from the big screen as we all spend some time indoors. Whether it is Watts Towers from “La La Land” or your classic Hollywood chic from Musso’s Bar & Grill as seen in “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” what better way to find inspiration and to start dreaming about your next adventure than by seeing the best sights from your favourite flicks. We’ve picked the perfect road trip filled with the best inspiration from the big screen, to help film fans plan their next trip – for when travel as we know it resumes!
Explore all of Brand USA’s 30 Amazing Self Drive Road Trip itineraries here.
At The Movies: Route Highlights
1. New York City, New York > Las Vegas, Nevada
You could spend an entire lifetime in NYC and still not see and do everything this amazing city has to offer. But still, three or four days will give you enough time to tick off the highest items on your “At the Movies” bucket list.
First off, take a stroll around Central Park (as seen in “Maid in Manhattan”) and Times Square, and go for a ride on the subway to the American Museum of Natural History. Then, ride to the top of the Empire State Building (remember that scene at the end of the original “Planet of the Apes?”) followed by a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. If time permits, take a ferry ride across to Staten Island for some of the best views of the Statue of Liberty.
You can’t stay here forever though (as much as you’d like) as the west coast of the USA beckons! So jump on an early flight and swap the neon lights of Broadway for the vintage neon signs of Las Vegas – aka Sin City. Take a wander along Fremont Street (as featured in “Get Carter” and “Conair”) and see some of the city’s original casinos plus a cool zipline.
Then make your way to “the Strip” and take a selfie in front of the iconic Las Vegas welcome sign. Before jumping in your hire car and making the journey west, get a taste of Italy at the Venetian Resort and Casino, try your luck at Caesars Palace casino, and be amazed as you watch the spectacular Bellagio fountains show.
Neon Museum, Las Vegas
- FLIGHT TIME: 3604kms: 4 hours 45 mins flight time
2. Las Vegas, Nevada > Palm Springs, California
It’s time to leave Sin City (remember, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas…), so finish your breakfast and get behind the wheel as you drive through the desolate Mojave Desert into California and onto the famous Route 66.
On the way, you’ll pass the surreal Joshua Tree National Park and the San Gorgonio Pass Wind Farm, which was the location of the epic helicopter chase in “Mission Impossible,” before finally rolling into Palm Springs – the original Hollywood playground.
Visit the historic home of Elvis Presley, known as the “Honeymoon Hideaway,” or take a gander at Marilyn Monroe’s former pad in the Old Las Palmas neighbourhood. Then, have a cocktail or ice-cold beer at Melvyn’s and just think: Frank Sinatra and Liza Minnelli used to drink here…
- DRIVE TIME: 370kms: 4 hours 15 mins drive time
3. Palm Springs, California > Los Angeles, California
Before continuing on to Los Angeles, fuel up on some delicious Belgian waffles at Sherman’s Deli & Bakery – a Palm Springs culinary institution – and stop for a photo in front of the famous Watts Towers (which feature in the movie “La La Land” and several other movies).
Then jump back in the car and spot the palm trees as you roll into the City of Angels. Drive to Hollywood and park your car before wandering down the Walk of Fame, passing the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre and the stars of Tom Hanks, Mariah Carey and Audrey Hepburn.
Once the hunger hits, make a beeline for the Musso & Frank Grill for those vintage Hollywood vibes. This classic American restaurant was featured in the recent Tarantino flick, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” For a drink, head to Teddy’s bar which is just a hop, skip and jump away from the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, which is the historic home of the Academy Awards.
- DRIVE TIME: 177kms: 2 hours drive time
Download the complete ‘At the Movies self-drive itinerary here!‘
Get the Road Trip Playlist
Sing your heart out as you cruise along the At The Movies itinerary in New York, Nevada and California with this amazing playlist.
Listen to some sultry Sinatra and Alicia Keys as you explore Neon-lit Times Square in New York City, before switching the vibes completely with some rocking Elvis as you head west to Vegas, Palm Springs and LA along Route 66. With the sun shining, the stereo blasting and the wind in your hair, this Spotify playlist is the perfect accompaniment to this classic American road trip.
Agents: Download, Escape and Explore GoUSA TV
GoUSA TV is a free premier travel entertainment channel. Watch full episodes, documentaries and films, told from the diverse perspectives of real people across America.
Discover the beautiful Yellowstone National Park in the series America’s Treasures: National Parks, availableon GoUSA TV.
This series will take you on a cinematic journey through the awe-inspiring landscapes, historic sites and untamed wilderness of America’s most legendary outdoor playgrounds.
With more than 400 authentic and short format videos featuring destinations from all 50 states, 5 territories, and the District of Columbia, there’s never been a better time to get online and enjoy some incredible travel entertainment!
Available for download in the App or Play store and on Apple TV.
More info here.
Agents: Join the USA Discovery Program
The USA Discovery Program is Brand USA’s official trade training platform for the USA. The ‘At the Movies’ itinerary features five destinations with training badges. With this extra time at home, what better way to spend it than by upskilling on your USA knowledge?
Get clicking and complete your California, Huntington Beach, Greater Palm Springs, Las Vegas, and Nevada badges!
PLUS! Design your own Road Trip with the USA TRIP PLANNER
The Visit USA Trip Planner is an amazing (and free!) tool that matches your personal travel preferences and style.
With over 230 million data points including the best places & times to visit, reviews and hidden gems, this is one smart piece of travel tech.
This little travel genius optimises your itinerary to minimise travel time, checks when attractions are open and even recommends how much time to spend at each stop off. Brilliant!
Finally, it lets you share & collaborate with your fellow road trippers and is easy to add or revise points of interest as you go.
Find out more: Trip-Planner.VisitTheUSA.com
Get all the tools on Brand USA’s TRAVEL TRADE SITE
From Trip Planners to Itineraries and the USA Discovery Program and Destination information, Brand USA’s Travel Trade Site for agents has you covered.
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