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Key facts for hiring a car in the USA
Best time to visit
late spring and early summer provide ideal temperatures without too many tourists.
Minimum driving age
21
Time difference
There are six different time zones in the US, so it depends where you are heading.
Useful lingo
Riding shotgun = travelling in the passenger seat.
Currency
US Dollars (USD, $)
Hire a car in the USA
As its name suggests, in ‘the Land of Opportunity’ you’ll never be short of things to do or places to see.
Crammed with hundreds of thriving cities, relaxing beaches, stunning national parks and picturesque drives, there are many popular locations for car hire in the USA.
If you hire a car, you can explore a variety of terrains, from the sandy beaches of the Caribbean to the arid Arizona desert, the snowy mountains of Colorado and of course the dazzling New York cityscape. No other country in the world can offer such geological diversity.
West Coast vs East Coast
West America
With beautiful national parks and vibrant cultural hubs, the West Coast is known for its laid-back vibe and picturesque scenery. Here are some of the most popular places to visit if you opt for car hire in America.
San Francisco – home to many young creatives, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Instagram-worthy Alamo Square Park.
Los Angeles – the land of endless summers and home to the rich and famous. LA features the iconic Hollywood sign and the lovely Santa Monica Pier.
Portland – known as one of the ‘hippiest’ cities of the US, where artists, liberalists and musicians gather.
East America
The East Coast offers everything from beautiful beaches to intricate architecture. An advantage of the East Coast is that the major cities are closer to each other, allowing you to see more in a shorter period.
New York – one of the most visited cities in the world, its long list of must-see sights include Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway and the Empire State Building.
Washington DC – as the US capital, Washington DC is home to the White House, the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol Building.
Miami – for a beach break, there’s nothing like Miami Beach, which offers one some of the best nightlife in the world.
Washington DC
The White House vs The Capitol Building
If you rent a car in Washington DC, the two sites that are a must-see are the White House and The Capitol Building. Surprisingly enough, the two are often confused.
The White House is world-renowned and recognised by its characteristic white pillars and an American flag. Since 1800, it has been home to various US presidents and their staff. It is free to tour the White House, however, you have to apply for tickets months in advance.
The Capitol Building is a little easier to get inside – you can book a tour. This building is home to the United States Congress and looks similar to the White House. It’s not surprising people get them mixed up, as it’s just 13 minutes down the road.
Hidden secrets
Missoula, Montana
As America is so vast, there’s always plenty of places to go if you opt for USA car hire and wish to escape busy city life. Montana, for example, is known for its open spaces and small population, not to mention stunning mountain views.
As an underrated city, Missoula boasts plenty of culture, including art museums and natural history centres. The landscape here also offers dense forests and the breath-taking Glacier National Park.
Where to road trip
Route 66 – Chicago to Los Angeles
One of the most famous roads in America, stretching over 3,900km.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Waynesboro to Cherokee
A scenic drive twisting through mountains and national parks.
Pacific Coast Highway – San Francisco to San Diego
Over a 1000km of sea views, including the Golden Gate Bridge.
Arizona State Route 89A – Prescott to Flagstaff
A 135km drive through stunning red rock formations.
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Exploring The States
Los Angeles
If you choose car rental in Los Angeles, there are many bucket list-worthy sitesin the City of Angels. The most obvious is the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. You can drive the famous Mulholland Drive, home to many famous names. If you get tired of celebrity spotting, you can get your picture taken next to the Hollywood sign.
As well as being star-struck by celebrities, the views in Los Angeles have the same effect. Deep within the beautiful mountains sits The Bridge to Nowhere, a forgotten and isolated road that attracts hikers from across the globe.
