Top things to do in the USA
The USA is home to some of the most memorable locations and activities to indulge in with your family and friends. Here are the top things you can do when traveling in the US:
- Discover America's Most Stunning Coastal Drives Few things to do in the USA rival the freedom of a great coastal drive. From California's dramatic Highway 1 to the sun-soaked Florida Keys, America's shoreline offers scenery that shifts around every bend. With a Hertz rental car, you can stop at hidden beaches, waterfront towns, and ocean lookouts at your own pace. These rank among the best tourist places in the USA for travellers craving beauty without a fixed itinerary, just open windows, salt air, and the road ahead.
- Take an Iconic USA Road Trip The country is built for long drives, making USA road trip holidays one of the most memorable ways to explore. Whether you follow Route 66, cruise the Pacific Coast Highway, or plan romantic road trips across mountain towns, the open road rewards you with scenery and freedom. Many travellers choose driving tours for core USA-style journeys to cover multiple cities and national parks in one trip, and with a hire car, every detour is entirely on your terms.
- Visit World-Class Amusement Parks When it comes to entertainment-packed things to do in the USA, amusement parks top the list. Universal Studios Orlando, Disneyland California, Six Flags Magic Mountain, and Busch Gardens Tampa are just a few destinations blending cutting-edge rides, live entertainment, and immersive dining, perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. As some of the best tourist places in the USA, these destinations deliver full-day excitement across every age group.
Top roads in the USA
The USA simplifies the on-road journey through a web of scenic road trips that add to the charm of your road trips. Here are some of the top highways:
- Route 66 (Chicago to Santa Monica): Known as the "Mother Road," Route 66 is the most iconic USA road trip holiday experience. Stretching nearly 2,400 miles, it connects the Midwest to the California coast, taking travellers through small towns, desert landscapes, and classic Americana. Passing through the Mojave Desert and New Mexico's red earth, it remains one of the most celebrated driving tours for core USA-style road tripping in the world.
- Pacific Coast Highway (San Francisco to Los Angeles): Hugging the rugged California coastline, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most breathtaking road trip corridors in the USA. Winding past Big Sur's dramatic cliffs, charming Carmel-by-the-Sea, and sweeping Pacific vistas, it's a favourite among travellers looking to plan romantic road trips at a leisurely pace with world-class scenery at every turn.
- Blue Ridge Parkway (Shenandoah Valley to Cherokee): Stretching nearly 470 miles through the ancient Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is America's most visited scenic road. It passes overlooks, wildflower meadows, and forests that shift dramatically with the seasons, making it one of the best USA road trip routes for a relaxed, nature-focused drive through the heart of the American South.
Road trips in the USA
Want to take an unwinding road trip in the USA for 2 weeks or more? Let Hertz support you on this adventurous journey. Here are some road trip ideas when in the United States.
Florida's Gulf Coast Loop
Start: Tampa
End: Naples
This is one of the most relaxed road trip routes in the USA, designed with families in mind. As you drive south, you pass Clearwater's powdery white beaches and Sarasota's family-friendly attractions, including world-class aquariums and wildlife parks.
Oregon Coast Highway
Start: Portland
End: Brookings
This is one of the most scenic road trip routes in the USA, offering a dramatic Pacific coastline at every turn. As you drive south, you encounter tide pools, sea lion caves, and whale watching spots that keep kids genuinely fascinated.
New England Coastal Drive
Start: Boston
End: Cape Cod
This is one of the most wholesome road trip routes in the USA, rich with history, scenery, and coastal charm. As you and your friends drive east, you pass through historic harbour towns, iconic lighthouses, and fresh lobster shacks that make every stop worth lingering.
How to hire a car in the USA?
For Australian travellers, using a car hire service in the USA is straightforward and hassle-free with Hertz:
- Choose your vehicle: From compact cars ideal for city driving to spacious SUVs and people carriers for longer journeys or family travel
- Select your pickup time: Many Hertz locations offer flexible hours, making it easy to collect your car when it suits your schedule, whether you've just landed or you're ready to head off after a night's rest
- Pick up from a convenient location: Hertz serves key airports and city centres across the USA, including Washington, Boston, Philadelphia, Dallas, and more
With Hertz 24/7, you can get on the road in as little as 15 minutes. If you become a Gold+ programme member, you can also enjoy faster pick-up and exclusive savings, well worth it if you're planning an extended stay across multiple states.
Ideal for short city breaks, cross-state adventures, or simply exploring at your own pace, Hertz car rental in the USA gives Australian travellers the flexibility to see more without being tied to transport schedules.
What cars can I hire in the USA?
Hertz promises a wide variety of car rentals in the USA, so it’s easy to match your booking to city driving, long highway routes, road trips, or family travel.
- Economy and compact cars are ideal for city trips in places like Newark, Orlando, and San Francisco, with easier parking and lower fuel use
- Sedans add extra comfort for longer drives and are a popular choice for road trips between major cities, such as Dallas to Austin or Tampa to Orlando
- SUVs work well for mixed routes, giving you more space and a higher driving position, especially useful for longer days on the road
- 4WD/AWD vehicles are a better fit for mountain regions and winter travel, such as routes near North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains or other colder-weather destinations
- Minivans and people carriers suit families and groups with more luggage, especially for airport pickups and multi-stop itineraries
- Pickup trucks are a practical option when you need extra carrying capacity for outdoor gear or longer travel plans
- Premium vehicles are available for hire iif you prefer a more refined driving experience
Vehicle availability may vary by location and dates.
Are there any restrictions on hiring a car in the country?
Travellers planning to hire a car in the USA with Hertz should keep a few straightforward requirements in mind before picking up the keys.
Drivers must generally be at least 25 years old to rent without an additional surcharge. Those aged 21 to 24 may still be eligible to hire certain vehicles, though a young driver fee will apply depending on the vehicle category.
When renting a car in the USA, you have to show your existing valid driver’s license along with your passport as a proof of identification. If your driving license is not in the English language, you have to present an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) for translation. Without an IDP, you will not be allowed to rent a car.
The primary driver must also present a major credit card in their own name at pickup to cover the security deposit, regardless of whether the booking was prepaid.
Speed limits in the USA
Each state sets its own speed limits, so keep an eye on the road signs, especially when you're crossing state lines on a longer drive. Here’s a brief look at some of the speed limits.
- Interstates (rural): Typically 65–75 mph, but some states (like Texas) allow speeds up to 80–85 mph on designated highways
- Interstates (urban areas): Usually 55–65 mph, depending on congestion and city density
- Highways and major roads: Commonly 55–70 mph, with variations based on terrain and traffic flow
- City streets: Mostly 25–35 mph, though residential neighbourhoods often enforce 20–30 mph limits for safety
- School zones: Strict limits, often 15–25 mph, and actively enforced when children are present or during posted hours
- Construction/work zones: Reduced limits (e.g., 35–55 mph), with heavy fines for speeding, even if workers aren’t visibly present
- Unmarked roads: Many states default to 25 mph in residential areas and 55 mph on rural two-lane roads unless signs indicate otherwise
Road types in the USA
Getting familiar with America's road network before you set off makes for a smoother, more confident drive. Here's a quick look at the network:
- Interstate Highways (I-routes): High-speed, multi-lane roads built for long-distance travel between major cities and states.
- U.S. Highways (US-routes): National routes mixing fast open stretches with slower, town-passing sections.
- State Highways (SR / SH): State-managed roads connecting regional towns and scenic areas; quality and speed limits vary.
- City Streets: Urban roads with lower speed limits and frequent intersections, a reliable GPS goes a long way.
- County Roads: Local routes accessing rural communities, farmland, and quieter small towns
- Rural Roads: Narrow, often unlit countryside roads, take extra care after dark.
- Parkways & Scenic Byways: Built for leisurely, landscape-driven drives with lower speed limits.
- Toll Roads & Turnpikes: Faster premium highways, budget for cash, card, or electronic pass payments.
- Freeways & Expressways: High-capacity roads designed for fast metro commuting.
- Service Roads & Frontage Roads: Parallel roads alongside highways for easy access to petrol stations and local facilities.
Toll roads in the USA
When planning your car hire in the USA, it's worth mapping your route in advance and checking for toll roads along the way. Here are some major toll routes you're likely to encounter on popular drives:
- E-470 (Colorado): A scenic toll beltway circling the eastern edge of Denver, offering travellers a smooth bypass around the city with views of the Rocky Mountains.
- SR-528 Beachline Expressway (Florida): A direct toll connector running from Orlando to Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach.
- Sam Houston Tollway (Texas): A wide orbital toll road looping around Houston, making it easy to navigate between the city's major districts, airports, and suburban areas.
- Golden Gate Bridge Toll (California): One of America's most iconic toll crossings, connecting San Francisco to Marin County.
- Maine Turnpike (Maine): The main gateway into New England from the south, stretching from the New Hampshire border toward Portland and Augusta.
Driving basics
Whether you're planning a USA road trip for the first time or simply adjusting to a new country's roads, knowing the local driving basics makes every journey smoother and safer. Here are some essential driving rules in the USA worth knowing before you set off:
- Adjust to the right side early: Your first few turns will feel unfamiliar. Take it slow leaving the rental lot, and let the muscle memory catch up naturally.
- Watch your wipers: The indicator and wiper stalks are swapped in American cars. Most Australians accidentally hit the wipers when trying to indicate, so don't be surprised.
- Gas, not petrol: Fuel stations are called gas stations in the USA. Prices are displayed per gallon rather than per litre, so the numbers will look different at the pump.
- Distances are in miles: Road signs and GPS directions show miles, not kilometres. 60 miles per hour is roughly 100 kilometres per hour, which should feel about right on highways.
- Four-way stops take getting used to: The first car to arrive goes first. If two cars arrive together, the one on the right proceeds. Take your time and don't feel pressured to rush.
- Pay attention to parking signs: Kerb colours and street signs indicate parking restrictions. Red means no stopping, yellow means limited stopping, and overnight rules vary by city.
- Your Australian licence is valid: A current Australian driving licence is accepted across all US states for tourists. Carry your passport alongside it as a backup form of identification.
Parking rules in the USA
Parking rules in the USA can change based on the city and state you’re residing in, so always follow posted signs first:
- Red kerb means no stopping: A red painted kerb indicates no stopping or parking at any time. This applies even for a quick drop-off.
- Yellow kerb means limited stopping: A yellow kerb allows brief stops for loading and unloading only. Always check nearby signage for time limits before leaving the car.
- Fire hydrant zones are strictly off limits: Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant is illegal across all states. Fines are steep and your car can be towed quickly.
- Parking meters need attention: Many city streets use paid meters accepting coins, cards, or a mobile app. Always check the meter before walking away.
- Follow street cleaning signs: Many urban streets have scheduled cleaning days where parking is temporarily banned. Signs display the specific days and times, so check before you park.
Environment rules to follow while driving in the USA
If you're planning a trip to the USA, a few environmental rules can affect where you drive, what you pay, and what your vehicle must comply with.
- Know the emissions standards: The USA follows federal EPA tailpipe emissions rules. Some states, like California, apply stricter standards that shape what vehicles are sold and regulated locally.
- Emissions testing exists in some areas: Many metro areas run Vehicle Emissions Inspection programs. These matter most for long-term rentals or personal vehicles crossing state lines.
- California requires a Smog Check: In California, most vehicles must pass a Smog Check every two years as part of registration renewal. It's a real compliance requirement, not just a formality.
- Congestion zones apply in some cities: New York City charges vehicles entering Manhattan at or below 60th Street. Fees vary by vehicle type and time of day.
- Anti-idling rules are enforced: Some states limit how long you can leave your engine running, especially near schools. New York limits idling to three minutes for standard vehicles.
Hertz vehicles fall under the low-emission category, so you won't need to worry about emissions compliance during your road trip in the USA. You can also opt for quiet, emission-free EVs if preferred.
Note: Environment and emissions rules vary by state and city. Always check local regulations for your route before you set off.
