landmark road trip

The perfect itinerary for an epic USA roadtrip (48 states at once)

• Post author: Andrew D'Amours
• Post published: December 28, 2022
• Post category: Travel inspiration / Trip itineraries & destination discoveries
• Post comments: 23 Comments

Do you like roadtrips? They happen to be a very American tradition and we found the perfect itinerary to visit every state in the continental USA during 1 epic roadtrip. A great trip idea for those who have a lot of time but want to stay closer to home .

Personally, I love roadtrips and I hit the road as much as I can, despite also being an aviation geek: you can like both, right? What matters is traveling and seeing new places , no matter how.

So here are the maps and details of the 2 itineraries that allow you to see all the lower 48 states at once, depending on your travel preference.

Basics of the 2 epic USA roadtrip itineraries

The USA is a huge country, almost as big as Europe (it’s even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).

So the USA has a lot of variety in terms of landscapes, but even in terms of culture too (even if many who aren’t from the country don’t realize that).

If you aim to eventually visit every state, any 1 of these 2 itineraries is a great way to almost all of them at once. The only 2 states you’ll have left to visit after this roadtrip will be Hawaii and Alaska.

There’s a version for national parks and points of interest and a version for cities.

I’m on the quest to visit all 50 states myself (in addition to also visiting every country obviously), and I’m not doing too bad with 47 already.

But let’s just say it would’ve been much quicker to get to 48 at once with this roadtrip instead of having to do it over dozens of trips.

Here are the details.

48-state roadtrip – national parks/points of interest version

Here’s a map of the 1 st itinerary.

It was conceived by American Ph.D. student Randy Olson, on  his blog , and it was done scientifically to optimize the routing: each stop represents a national park or a point of interest.

So you’re not just seeing every state, you’re seeing cool parts of every state (which sadly wasn’t our case in North Dakota during our very random 1200-miles-nonstop-in-2-days Flytrippers roadtrip across the Midwest just for fun).

Good times. Roadtrips always make for great stories.

Anyway, the itinerary has also been optimized to be as efficient a route as possible to see all 48 states, so you can rest assured you won’t be wasting any time.

If you only stop to sleep, you can complete this roadtrip in only 9 days, but we recommend taking at least a couple of weeks to explore all these places obviously.

And gas is significantly cheaper in the US in case you were wondering. You can start anywhere, it’s a continuous loop, and it passes through many spots near the Canadian border.

You can even take a shortcut from Michigan to Vermont through Canada, as the stop in Cleveland is only to keep Americans without a passport from crossing into the Great White North.

Here is the complete list of all 50 landmarks (48 states + Washington, DC + a bonus stop in California):

1. Grand Canyon, AZ 2. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 3. Craters of the Moon, ID 4. Yellowstone National Park, WY 5. Pikes Peak, CO 6. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM 7. The Alamo, TX 8. The Platt Historic District, OK 9. Toltec Mounds, AR 10. Elvis Presley’s Graceland, TN 11. Vicksburg National Military Park, MS 12. French Quarter, LA 13. USS Alabama, AL 14. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL 15. Okefenokee Swamp Park, GA 16. Fort Sumter National Monument, SC 17. Lost World Caverns, WV 18. Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, NC 19. Mount Vernon, VA 20. White House, Washington, D.C. 21. Colonial Annapolis Historic District, MD 22. New Castle Historic District, DE 23. Cape May Historic District, NJ 24. Liberty Bell, PA 25. Statue of Liberty, NY 26. The Mark Twain House & Museum, CT 27. The Breakers, RI 28. USS Constitution, MA 29. Acadia National Park, ME 30. Mount Washington Hotel, NH 31. Shelburne Farms, VT 32. Fox Theater, MI 33. Spring Grove Cemetery, OH 34. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY 35. West Baden Springs Hotel, IN 36. Abraham Lincoln’s Home, IL 37. Gateway Arch, MO 38. C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, KS 39. Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, IA 40. Taliesin, WI 41. Fort Snelling, MN 42. Ashfall Fossil Bed, NE 43. Mount Rushmore, SD 44. Fort Union Trading Post, ND 45. Glacier National Park, MT 46. Hanford Site, WA 47. Columbia River Highway, OR 48. San Francisco Cable Cars, CA 49. San Andreas Fault, CA 50. Hoover Dam, NV

These are all very enticing attractions, for the most part. It seems I’ve only seen 14 of those, so maybe I should hit the road again after all.

How about you? Tempted?

48-state roadtrip – city version

Here’s a map of the 2 nd itinerary.

If you’re more of a city slicker, the map’s author has created a 2 nd version that routes you through amazing cities instead.

It is slightly shorter but quite as impressive: it makes you go through the “Best City to Visit” in each state, according to TripAdvisor .

But you won’t have all the lower 48 states, unlike the other itinerary. That’s because no city in Vermont, West Virginia, or North Dakota made the top 400 cities to visit ranking, unfortunately. So plan on making a few extra detours if you want to hit all states at once with this version of the itinerary.

Here is the complete list of all cities:

• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Wichita, Kansas
• Denver, Colorado
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• San Francisco, California
• Portland, Oregon
• Seattle, Washington
• Boise, Idaho
• Park City, Utah
• Jackson, Wyoming
• Billings, Montana
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Chicago, Illinois
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Columbus, Ohio
• Detroit, Michigan
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Manchester, New Hampshire
• Portland, Maine
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Providence, Rhode Island
• New Haven, Connecticut
• New York City, New York
• Ocean City, New Jersey
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Wilmington, Delaware
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Washington, D.C.
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Orlando, Florida
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Jackson, Mississippi
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Houston, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Branson, Missouri

I do a little better on this list, with 31 already visited. You can see I love cities. How about you?

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If you were looking for an excuse to go on a roadtrip, this is it. And since we always enjoy giving you more for your money, we think 48 states instead of only 1 or 2 is something you’ll enjoy!

What’s the coolest roadtrip you’ve ever been on? Tell us in the comments below.

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Featured image: The itinerary (image credit: Randy Olson)

Original publication date: May 29, 2018

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Andrew D'Amours

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This post has 23 comments.

Hello Andrew, the PHD student suggests in the 1st Itinnerary that the one stop to make in Washington State is the Hanford Nuclear Reservation?! Flat out, that is a terrible idea. It is in the middle of nowhere, I am just shocked it’s mentioned. Out of all the beautiful and amazing places to see in such a diverse state as Washington, a Nuclear Site was chosen? Surely this student could have done so much better. Thank you for allowing comments.

Having been all around the Olympic Peninsula, I agree that’s there are better stops. But my understanding is that he really optimized for the quickest way to do all 48 and had to choose a point of interest that wasn’t too far off that optimal path, hence that choice (I think).

thanks for sharing this information with us.

I have taken a road trip from California to the the most northeastern part of theUS. west Quaby light house. it was my 1st trip across the us. .I seen so many amazing places.

Quite the drive for sure! Must have been epic.

Why do Americans always think the Statue of Liberty is in NY? it is in NJ. I’ve done road trips now that have taken in 39 states. Here’s a quiz to see how well you know the USA: Which state has only one syllable? Only one city has been name-checked on the moon. In which state is it? Which is the most Northerly of the contiguous states? In which state were Tennessee Williams and Elvis Presley born? Which was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted into the USA? Which four states all share a border with each other? Which state has the lowest population? Twelve cities are name-checked in “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” but only three states. Which? Which state has the longest name? Which two states have the most borders with other states? In which state is the geographical centre of the USA – and which one if you exclude Hawaii and Alaska? Which of the states of the USA has respectively the most Northerly, Southerly, Easterly and Westerly points?

The official Statue of Liberty address is Liberty Island, New York, NY, 10004.

Wow, these comments are very rude for no reason. Thanks for the article, maybe when I graduate from college I’ll consider hitting part of one of these itineraries.

“it’s a huge country (even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).”

Canada – 3.855 million mi² USA – 3.532 million mi² Where does this math fail you?

Where did reading fail you :P? It explicitly says “ when considering LAND area alone ” The quote you copied literally has a link provided under “even larger than Canada” and if you read that, it explains how Canada is only larger than the US due to water area being counted 🙂

There is no stop in North Dakota on the city version. You should stop in Fargo after Billings and before Sioux Falls

I’m 46 years old .. I have been to all 50 states and I’m 17 away from all 50 twice .. I have driven to 47 .. flown to Alaska, Hawaii and Washington..

Wow! That’s impressive :O

This is awesome

This is inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

“this roadtrip in only 9 days“ is extremely false statement. It is only 9 days if you are driving non stop, no breaks to even get out of your car, get gas, or actually see these places. From start to finish drive time it is 225 hours, 16 minutes = 9 days. Wow. Take some time to enjoy the view.

Yes, that’s what we said too 😛

Thanks for the tip 😊

Do you know the total distance of this itinerary? At what moment of the year doing this trip would be the best? Thanks!

Hi! It is 13,699 miles (22,046 km) for the landmarks itinerary and 12,290 miles (19,780 km) for the city version. You can even have the Google Maps links on the creator’s original post (I’ve reposted the link below). As for the timing, I guess it depends on your preferences, but I’d want to avoid that top half of the country (so half the itinerary) in the winter for sure! http://www.randalolson.com/2015/03/08/computing-the-optimal-road-trip-across-the-u-s/

Crappy itinerary! Does not even include Zion National Park… and so many stops in the North Eastern states?? Nobody cares about those places except maybe a couple of places.

As explained, the PhD student who built the itinerary wanted to have one stop per state, and there are many states in the North-East so that’s why there are many stops there. I agree that Zion is an iconic spot, but his goal was also to optimize a routing that was as short as possible so that’s why it’s billed as an itinerary to see all lower 48 states at once and not an itinerary to see *the best spots*. But those interested in doing this can definitely adapt it and add many interesting stops for sure 🙂

Curtis, you are crappy. Obviously this is meant as a guide that can be adapted to add spots. I think it’s awesome.

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Science Says This Is the Perfect U.S. Road Trip

Ashley Corbin-Teich/Getty Images 

What if you took a list of 50 must-see American attractions and plotted a road trip to hit all of them? Your route would likely look like this, says  Discovery News , which partnered with a doctoral candidate at Michigan State University and used an algorithm to come up with what they say is the perfect cross-country American road trip .

You may disagree. Though the idea of a best-of-the-best itinerary is fun (if gimmicky), the attractions on this route are subjective. Discovery News may rate the Terrace Hill Governor's Mansion in Des Moines as a must-see, yet you might give it a disinterested shrug. There are quite a few places on this list that some experts might consider second- or even third-tier sites (such as the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, Fox Theater, Hanford Site, and others).

The itinerary is contrived to fit Discovery News ' criteria of:

• Remaining solely in the United States
• Including designated national landmarks, historic sites, and national parks and monuments
• Including only one attraction in each one of the lower 48 states (except for California, which got two).

The White House in Washington, D.C., rounded out the 50 picks. The issue is that some states are overflowing with road trip-worthy national landmarks and others are, well, not so much. This explains why a governor's mansion makes the cut while Zion National Park and Niagara Falls do not.

Methodology aside, this is a pretty comprehensive itinerary that does hit many iconic American landmarks. And if hitting all the states in the contiguous United States is one of your goals, this route accomplishes that. The researchers used an algorithm to come up with a loop that allows you to start this road trip in any state and follow it until you’re back at your starting point.

Grand Canyon, AZ

No question—of course , you need to see the Grand Canyon when you're driving through Arizona. Whether you go to the South Rim or North Rim (open May through October) depends on what time of year you're visiting. There are lookout points where you can get some nice photos if you don't have a lot of time, but a longer trip will allow you to dive deeper into this natural wonder.

Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

Utah is overflowing in natural beauty with five show-stopping national parks , but it's Bryce Canyon National Park that made the top of this list. Consisting of large gravity-defying rock formations known as hoodoos, geology-lovers should give themselves plenty of time to enjoy this park.

Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID

Want wilderness? The Craters of the Moon National Monument in Idaho is an official Wilderness Study Area. This ancient lava-shaped landscape's nature remains "substantially uninfluenced by humans," which is hard to come by these days. A looping road takes you through a big part of the park and there are lots of places where you'll be able to park and explore the caves and craters on foot.

Yellowstone National Park, WY

Another bucket list place for multitudes of Americans is Yellowstone National Park , known for its geysers, amazing vistas, hot mud, and the way the ecosystem has rebalanced with the reintroduction of wolves. There are also entrances to the park in Montana and Idaho.

Pikes Peak, CO

Attracting more than half a million visitors every year, Pikes Peak is one of the most popular mountains in Colorado due to its proximity to the town of Colorado Springs . In this part of the state, you'll also find the Garden of the Gods nearby, an area filled with dramatic rock formations that jut out of the ground.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Caves, cacti, desert, and fossil reefs are all at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. Spelunkers can even arrange for permits to travel off-trail on self-guided or ranger-guided trips underground. Non-spelunkers can explore the caves on foot or sign up for a guided tour, which will allow you to walk through more physically challenging parts of the cave.

The Alamo: San Antonio, TX

The Alamo as a fort was significant in the creation of San Antonio and its designation as "Military City, U.S.A." Just in case you don't remember, this is the site of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo (before Texas officially became a state) between Mexican and Texan soldiers including the famous raccoon hat-wearing Davy Crockett.

Platt Historic District: Sulfur, OK

Thirty miles of trails in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in the Platt Historic District (formerly Platt National Park) are available for a variety of skill levels of hikers and have varying scenery among them, such as waterfalls, wildlife, Travertine Creek, ponds, and lakes.

Toltec Mounds: Scott, AR

Toltec Mounds Archaeological State Park contains ancient mounds—what remains from a "ceremonial and governmental complex"—from A.D. 650 to 1050 when the area was inhabited by prehistoric Native Americans. It's a short drive away from the Arkansas capital of Little Rock.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland: Memphis, TN

Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion is like a time capsule and the home captures all the King's favorite 1977 kitsch. The best time to visit is in August during Elvis Week when mega-fans come together to celebrate his life and music.

Vicksburg National Military Park: Vicksburg, MS

A key city in the opinion of both sides fighting the Civil War, Vicksburg, Mississippi , was the site of a 47-day long battle. Here, you can see an ironclad ship used on the Mississippi River during the war, visit 1,400 monuments and memorials, and watch battle reenactments.

French Quarter: New Orleans, LA

There's always something to see, hear, do, and eat in the New Orleans'  French Quarter . You'll find many revelers enjoying the neighborhood's open container laws on Bourbon Street at night, but there is also plenty of history to explore during the day in this charming district.

USS Alabama: Mobile, AL

At home in the Mobile Bay, the USS Alabama is a World War II battleship that saw action in the South Pacific. You can buy a ticket to walk around the ship and learn about the United States' military history from the inside.

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station: Cape Canaveral, FL

Kids and adults alike can imagine their space-explorer dreams at Cape Canaveral , a historic site and home to three rocket launch pads. Here, you can see where the U.S. space program began and tour the Kennedy Space Center and Visitor Complex .

Okefenokee Swamp Park: Waycross, GA

The Okefenokee Swamp Park is nature like you've likely never seen it before. The Natural Wildlife Refuge covers nearly half a million acres. Surrounded by the sounds of animals, it's a peaceful place to enjoy nature and learn about swamp ecosystems.

Fort Sumter National Monument: Charleston, SC

Located in the Charleston Harbor, Fort Sumter is the site where the American Civil War began. You'll have to catch a ferry to get to this island, but when you get there you'll find a small museum that tells the story of the first battle.

Lost World Caverns: Lewisburg, WV

About five hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains , West Virginia's Lost World Caverns inspire awe. Here, you can travel on a simple self-guided cave tour on trails 120 feet down, or you can go all in, deeper, on a four-hour guided excursion, where few humans have traveled.

Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center: Kill Devil Hills, NC

The Wright Brothers weren't the only ones trying to fly, but their few moments sustained in the air in 1903 were historic. At the National Memorial Visitor Center , you can see the spot where the first successful flight first took off. It's located in North Carolina's Outer Banks, which also happens to be a great beach destination .

Mount Vernon: Mount Vernon, VA

Mount Vernon is the historic home of George Washington, who was not only the United States' first president but was also a hero of the Revolutionary War. Visiting the place he lived is one way to get a peek into the home life of the historical figure.

White House: Washington, D.C.

It's easy to see the White House from the street when you're exploring Washington D.C., but if you want to take a tour of the inside, you will have to submit your application directly to your congressional representative way ahead of your visit. The process is a little complicated, but at the end of the day, there's no charge for a tour. If you're not a U.S. citizen, applications must be submitted to your home country's embassy in Washington, D.C.

Colonial Annapolis Historic District: Annapolis, MD

Annapolis has more 18th century structures standing than any other city in the United States. Sometimes called the "Athens of America," the downtown area draws more than two million visitors per year. It's also home to the U.S. Naval Academy , which is open for tours.

New Castle Historic District: New Castle, Delaware

If you can't get enough of colonial buildings, set your GPS for New Castle, Delaware. Founded in the 17th century, this charming colonial city beset with cobblestone streets has many historic homes you can visit, such as the Dutch House and the Amstel House. You can learn more in the museums and at and the Old New Castle Courthouse, which was the location of the colonial and state government until 1777.

Cape May Historic District: Cape May, NJ

Down the shore, you can check out the famous Cape May lighthouse at New Jersey's southernmost point. There are also many historic homes and businesses in this area, some that date back to the mid-1800s. Not far from Cape May, you can also visit the beaches and boardwalk in Wildwood , one of the beach towns in New Jersey.

Liberty Bell: Philadelphia, PA

When you're in Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell is a must-see. At the Liberty Bell Visitor center, you can see the bell in person and learn all about its long journey from practical noise-maker to a symbol of freedom. Many historians believe this was one of the bells rung when the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall .

Statue of Liberty: New York, NY

When visiting New York City, you can take a ferry from Battery Park out to Liberty Island to see the iconic Statue of Liberty . However, tickets need to be purchased in advance if you want to climb to the top and the National Park Service only allows 240 visitors per day to do so. If you don't have a ticket, you can still walk along the grounds and tour the National Museum of Immigration. 

Mark Twain House & Museum: Hartford, CT

In Hartford, Connecticut, you can visit the home of one of America's most famous authors. You won't see rivers and riverboats at Mark Twain's house in Connecticut, but you will see the place where he wrote his most famous novels from "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Prince and the Pauper."

The Breakers Mansion: Newport, RI

In Rhode Island, you can see the Newport mansion of the Vanderbilts, one of America's richest families. Referred to as their "summer cottage," The Breakers is a 70-room Italian Renaissance-style palazzo and open for tours. Visiting is a fun way to take a fun peek into the lush lives of the wealthy at the turn of the century.

USS Constitution: Boston, MA

In Boston, you can climb aboard and tour the USS Constitution at the Charlestown Navy Yard. And if this visit inspires you to seek out more of Boston's military history, you're just a short walk of the Bunker Hill Monument and Museum.

Acadia National Park, ME

Maine's pristine Acadia National Park is one of the east coast's hidden gems. The best time to visit is in the fall when the leaves change color and light up the whole landscape in shades of red and gold.

Omni Mount Washington Hotel: Bretton Woods, NH

New Hampshire's Mount Washington was first explored by colonists in 1642, but three centuries later in 1900, construction began on the Omni Mount Washington. The century-old resort in a popular ski area is now a luxury hotel that has attracted elite guests from presidents like JFK and authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Shelburne Farms: Shelburne, VT

At Shelburne Farms in Vermont, you can learn about sustainable agriculture and indulge at their farm-to-table restaurant. The farm holds programs about historic preservation, natural resources, and farming practices. It's located just seven miles south of the Vermont capital of Burlington.

Fox Theater: Detroit, MI

The Fox Theater isn't your run-of-the-mill cinema chain. When it opened in 1928 it had the second-largest seating capacity in the world with more than 5,000 seats. It's one of the largest surviving movie palaces of its era and has since been designated a National Historic Landmark.

Spring Grove Cemetery: Cincinnati, OH

Not just historic and beautiful, Cincinnati's Spring Grove Cemetery is enormous, spanning over 700 acres. You could spend a whole day enjoying the peaceful grounds and exploring the lakes, islands, footbridges, and protected wooded areas. Historic figures laid to rest here include Civil War-era Major General Joseph Hooker and Salmon P. Chase , the founder of Cincinnati Law School.

Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

Not far from Bowling Green, Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is the world's longest cave system with more than 400 miles of underground caverns. Much of the cave was first mapped out in the late 19th century by Stephen Bishop, a slave who was the first person to cross what was known as the "Bottomless Pit" and discover the sections beyond it.

West Baden Springs Hotel: West Baden Springs, IN

The most historic and luxurious hotel in Indiana, the West Baden Springs Hotel hosts special events, entertainment, and historic tours, for those staying or not. It's worth visiting just to take a gander at the humungous atrium that spans 200-feet across and has a fireplace so big that it can burn 14-foot logs.

Abraham Lincoln’s Home: Springfield, IL

In Springfield Illinois, you can tour the home of President Abraham Lincoln. The museum is filled with personal artifacts of the Lincoln family and the tour explores his rise as a lawyer and politician leading up to his presidential campaign.

Gateway Arch: St. Louis, MO

You don't just have to look at the arch, you can go to the top of it! In St. Louis, the Gateway Arch's tram will take you to the top for some incredible 360-degree views of the Twin Cities. The arch was completed in 1965 and is one of the city's most popular attractions.

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum: Leavenworth, KS

In Leavenworth, Kansas, you can take a spin through the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum . Here you'll find restored carousels that date back to the mid-1800s like the Liberty Carousel and a Primitive Carousel and can learn about the history of C.W. Parker's carousel factory, which produced about 1,000 carousels during its time.

Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion: Des Moines, IA

In Des Moines, you can tour the governor's mansion at Terrace Hill . The governor's mansion hosts special events such as the "Tea & Talk" series and the annual garden party and the ​piano competition. While you're in Des Moines, the State Capitol is also a beautiful building worth seeing.

Taliesin: Green Spring, WI

In Wisconsin, you can visit one of world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wight's creations at Taliesin Wisconsin. You'll be able to walk around Wright's home, which is also a designated National Historic Landmark, and studio, where he lived during the beginning of his career.

Fort Snelling: Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN

Originally built as a frontier post in the 19th century, Fort Snelling is located near the Mississippi River. The fort tells the tense history of the region's new arrivals and the Native Americans who already lived here and in visiting you can learn the story of the Dakota War of 1862 and how the fort was used as an internment camp. On the river outside of the fort, you'll find a memorial for those that did not survive.

Ashfall Fossil Beds: Royal, NE

A must-visit for dinosaur lovers of all ages, more than 200 fossils have been recovered from the Ashfall Fossil Beds in Royal, Nebraska. Here, you'll find remnants of North America's prehistoric rhinoceroses and horses that roamed the land millions of years ago.

Mount Rushmore: Keystone, SD

TripSavvy / Lauren Breedlove

It was a massive project, that extended over decades, to carve the presidents' heads into a granite bluff at Mount Rushmore . Just down the road is Crazy Horse Memorial , which is even bigger—although still under construction

Fort Union Trading Post: Williston, ND

Located right on the North Dakota-Montana border, Fort Union was one of the region's most important fur trading posts between the years of 1829 and 1867. It was here that Northern Plains Indian Tribes peacefully traded furs for goods until the smallpox epidemic decimated the area.

Glacier National Park, MT

One of Montana's many natural gems, Glacier National Park is full of turquoise lakes, snowy meadows, precipitous mountains, and 25 active glaciers. The park is a part of the Rocky Mountains and shares a border with Canada's neighboring province of Alberta .

Hanford Site: Benton County, WA

If you've got a taste for dark tourism and are curious about what it would be like to walk around a decommissioned nuclear testing location, Washington's Hanford Site is open for visitors. It was here where the U.S. government conducted its plutonium research as a part of the infamous Manhattan Project, which would lead to the development of nuclear weapons.

Columbia River Highway, OR

Not just a scenic road, this highway is historic and has been well cared for over the years. Driving along this stretch of road, you'll be able to see the Pacific Northwest's temperate rainforests, which offer great opportunities for hiking and biking. There are also dozens of waterfalls to see when you get to the Columbia River Gorge, including the popular Multnomah Falls .

San Francisco Cable Cars: San Francisco, CA

When you're in San Francisco, you have to ride one of the city's iconic streetcars in the place they were invented. Of course, after you've had your fun riding up the city's steep hills, there is plenty more to enjoy in the city from the food scene to the Golden Gate Bridge views.

San Andreas Fault, CA

You've probably heard plenty about the San Andreas Fault , an area of high tectonic activity where the Pacific plate meets the Atlantic plate, but did you know there are spots where you can see it for yourself? Many sections of the fault are easy to visit throughout California and you can find fault sites near Palm Springs , Frazier Park, Pinnacles National Park , and even San Francisco .

Hoover Dam: Boulder City, NV

TripSavvy / Deanna Mazzola

On the border of Nevada and Arizona, you can see one of the country's greatest feats of engineering. The Hoover Dam draws approximately seven million visitors a year and while you're there, you can walk across it, crossing state lines and even a time zone border, and take a tour of the plant to learn more about how it works. 

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17 Spectacular Southern USA Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

From the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains to the sandy beaches of the Lowcountry, and from the music of Nashville to the food scene of New Orleans, there is no shortage of wonderful options when looking for the best southern USA road trip itineraries.

I’ve been taking road trips in the south for my entire life, crisscrossing across the southeast USA visiting cities, towns, national parks, beaches, marshes, and beyond.

And yet, even after all that time, there are still plenty of southern road trip routes on my wish list.

In order to give perspectives beyond my own, I asked several other travel bloggers to share their favorite road trips in the south, and the result is a road trip bucket list that would take even the most dedicated road-tripper years to complete!

From weeks-long deep south road trip itineraries to quick weekend getaways, these southeast US road trip ideas cover an enormous variety of landscapes and interests.

No matter what kind of adventure you’re looking for, we have a southern USA road trip itinerary here for you!

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your Southeast USA Road Trip

Deep south usa road trip itinerary ideas, other multi-state southern usa road trip routes, more single-state southeast road trip itineraries.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Ideally, take your southern road trip in the spring or fall.

While you can technically take all of these southern USA road trips year-round, the south’s notoriously brutal summer means that it’s best to avoid the months of June, July, and August if you can (unless you plan to spend most of your time on the beach, of course).

Winter, depending on the location, can be gray and rainy, but can also be a joyous time to visit cities, towns, and mountains that see far less tourism in the winter (but don’t underestimate the possibility of snow in the mountains, either: it may be the south, but the Smokies still get snow!).

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your US south road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits. Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your USA road trip.

Browse rental cars  for your southern USA road trip today!

We have offered suggestions for the best hotels in each place but if you are doing this as a true road trip it is really cool to do it in an RV. You can rent incredible RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy, book here for your next road trip!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), if you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

Don’t underestimate the south’s national parks!

The wide-open spaces and epic landscapes of the American West are often the typical images conjured up when imagining the USA’s national parks–but the south has plenty to offer, as well!

In fact, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee is the most-visited national park in the country, and its gorgeous vistas and jaw-dropping waterfalls are well worth exploring.

Other southern national parks to consider adding to your road trip through the south include Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, Everglades National Park in South Florida, and Congaree National Park in South Carolina–just to name a few!

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a deep south road trip requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, trying out van life, or something in between.

We recommend taking a look at the suggestions on  our road trip packing list  before you go!

Don’t overextend yourself.

Exploring every nook and cranny of the US south is a project for a lifetime, not one trip!

As tempting as it is to add on additional driving to stop at just one more beach or small town, make sure that you leave enough time to thoroughly explore each destination rather than spending the entirety of your road trip driving from one spot to the next.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Scenic Byway

From Charles of US Gulf Coast Travel

One of the best scenic coastal drives in the United States is the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway (US Highway 90 / Beach Boulevard) in  Coastal Mississippi , where for 11 glorious miles there is nothing between you and the soft sugar sand and Gulf of Mexico water.

The most awe-inspiring section of the Gulf Coast Scenic Byway is from Henderson Point Beach to the Port of Gulfport Mississippi.

Drive this portion, or this entire road trip, in either direction, but we suggest west to east because you are closer to the water.

Start this road trip after an overnight in Bay St Louis or New Orleans (55 miles away).

In Bay St Louis, fuel up at Mockingbird Cafe (try their pulled pork and grits) or Serious Bakery (superb chicken salad).

Drive across the iconic St. Louis Bay Bridge and your senses will activate and heighten with your first Gulf and sand view.

Stop as often as you want because parking is free!

The coastal drive continues through Gulfport and into Biloxi.

Visit the new Mississippi Aquarium, stroll the Biloxi Beach Boardwalk, and eat at White Pillars or The Blind Tiger.

After crossing the Biloxi Bay Bridge, make time to explore the wonderful small town of Ocean Springs.

Stroll the gorgeous oak-lined Washington Avenue, stop at Walter Anderson Museum of Art, and eat at Vestige.

Highway 90 continues through Pascagoula (Jimmy Buffett’s birthplace) and into Mobile, Alabama, where you can turn around and complete this classic deep south road trip again.

Driving Distance

Bay St Louis to Pascagoula is 50 miles. New Orleans to Pascagoula is 107 miles and it is another 35 miles to Mobile, Alabama.

Recommended Road Trip Length

You can drive this coastal scenic drive in a couple of hours but we suggest allowing three or more days to fully experience the spectacular sugar sand, seafood, sunsets, and small beach towns of Coastal Mississippi.

Alabama Black Belt Road Trip

From Lori of Southerner Says

A road trip through the Black Belt region of Alabama is one of the best southern USA road trips around.

Named for the dark fertile soil of the region, the Alabama Black Belt is made up of twenty-three states across central and south Alabama.

This part of Alabama is the place where significant law-changing history was made, where literary giants were born, and is home to some of the best food that can be found in the United States.

For first-time visitors or someone flying in, there’s no better way to start an Alabama southern road trip than by including the capital –  Montgomery.

Plan on visiting important civil rights sites and the renowned Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice.

Next, drive west approximately fifty miles to Selma, Alabama on Highway 80.

This route is the same route as the important Selma to Montgomery march for voters’ rights that took place in 1965.

See the places that put this small town on the map and made it crucial in the civil rights movement.

Walk the Edmund Pettus Bridge, eat locally caught catfish, and sleep in a hotel that was built in 1837 . 

After saying a farewell to Selma, drive county backroads approximately seventy miles to the literary capital of the south.

As unbelievable as it may seem, Harper Lee – To Kill a Mockingbird and Truman Capote – Breakfast at Tiffany’s were childhood friends in the south.

They both grew up in Monroeville, Alabama – the next stop on this southern road trip. Take a walk around the charming downtown square to spot murals that pay tribute to these well-known books and authors.

From Monroeville, it’s easy to hop on Interstate-65 north to return to Montgomery or take the scenic route for a few more towns and sites on your southern road trip.

Driving Distance 

Recommended road trip length  .

This itinerary would be good for a weekend or long weekend.

Since the Alabama Black Belt is a rather large region there is an abundance of small towns and sites that can be added to a southern road trip.

Visitors could easily spend a week or two in the area.

Mississippi’s Highway 61 (Blues Trail)

From Hannah of HH Lifestyle Travel

A road trip from Memphis to New Orleans down Mississippi’s Highway 61 is rich in music history; and the inevitable river lore that pervades a road trip running parallel to the Mighty Mississippi.

In true road trip style, the road itself is part of the fun of the journey.  

Highway 61 is long and flat and often sits higher than the fields and levees below it.  It is punctuated by quaint southern churches, glimpses of the Mississippi River, and cities rich in blues history. 

Enjoy visiting one of the legendary ‘juke joints’ in  Clarksdale, Mississippi .  

If there is one stop on the road trip to learn about the history of blues music in the area, it’s Clarksdale.  

Visit the Devil’s Crossroads, the Delta Blues Museum, and many more Blues Trail plaques.

Your next stop is Vicksburg.  Brimming with Civil War history, Vicksburg mixes reverence with rejuvenation.  

Pay your respects to meaningful Civil War history, but then enjoy a day spa and quality craft brewpub experience.

Natchez sits on an important bluff on a bend in the Mississippi River with a long history.  

The historic district of Natchez Under-the-Hill has a prime position along the river and was once famous for gambling and river pirates.  

Nowadays it’s a cute place to see the Mighty Mississippi and have lunch in one of the historic buildings.

End your road trip in the vibrant and magnetic city of New Orleans .

Driving Distance  

It takes around 9 hours of non-stop driving time from Memphis to New Orleans, but with time spent in the stops above it would suit a 5–7-day road trip.  

Plan a bit longer if you want to spend time in both Memphis and New Orleans before and after this deep south road trip experience.

Coastal Georgia and South Carolina Road Trip

From Noel of Travel Photo Discovery

One of the fabulous road trips in the southeastern USA travels along the historic coastal corridors of Georgia to South Carolina, finishing in Charleston.

From the Georgia border to Florida, the major artery is Hwy 95, you’ll pass through so many historic and recreational sites along the way to make this a few days or even a longer visit depending on how many places you want to see and experience.

Some of the cool and historic places to visit in Georgia include St. Marys and Cumberland Island, Brunswich and St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island , Tybee Island , and Savannah .

Places to explore around South Carolina’s southern coastline from Savannah include Hilton Head, Beaufort, Edisto Island, and Charleston.

Each of these areas caters to historic sites or recreation getaways that are fun to explore when you have more time to visit each area on this road trip.

Even though you can go directly on Hwy 95 from the Georgia border all the way to South Carolina, it’s the small detour expressways and backcountry roads that will give you a better insight into visiting some of these gems in the region.  

If you only have a few days or longer then the major cities of Savannah and Charleston are memorable cities to prioritize to experience the local lifestyles foods that you’ll enjoy on this southern road trip experience.

Savannah, with its historic squares, fabulous architecture, and historic district that remains intact includes so much to see, do and experience around the historic center of the city.

Charleston on the other hand is more compact and walkable with a tighter historic district to enjoy and explore on your own or with some tour operator sharing the main attractions to see in town.

It’s 107 miles to drive straight from Savannah to Charleston.

If you’re focusing on Savannah and Charleston, 5 days is a comfortable length for this USA southern road trip itinerary.

Add additional days for each city, small town, or island that you’d like to visit.

The Classic Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip Route

From Bret Love & Mary Gabbett of Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide

The Blue Ridge Parkway, which stretches 469 miles from Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, is such an unimaginably epic USA road trip, that veterans almost envy people who are experiencing it for the first time.

There are a lot of reasons it’s the #1 most visited unit in the US National Park system (with more than 15 million annual visitors), including 200 jaw-dropping BRP overlooks that offer stunning Blue Ridge Mountain vistas and provide access to the region’s most incredible hiking trails, landmarks, mountain towns, and waterfalls.

Designed as part of FDR’s New Deal to protect American wilderness and provide jobs in the wake of the Great Depression, construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began back in 1935.

Most of the scenic route was completed by 1966, but the popular 8-mile stretch around the iconic Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina (including the engineering marvel known as the Linn Cove Viaduct) wasn’t finished until 1987.

The BRP is the longest linear park in the country, taking travelers through the Jefferson, George Washington, Nantahala, and Pisgah National Forests.

So naturally, there are a lot of exciting things to do along the way. 

At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River, with lots of challenging hiking trails and a relatively easy paved path to the observation platform at the summit.

Grandfather Mountain State Park is also home to epic hiking trails (including several with ladders to climb massive boulders), and the neighboring Grandfather Mountain attraction is home to the Mile-High Swinging Bridge, a small zoo featuring native North Carolina animals, and myriad picnic areas. 

Virginia’s Mabry Mill is the most photographed spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway, and one of the region’s many historical attractions.

There’s very little commercial development along the Parkway, with only a few hotels and resorts (including the historic Switzerland Inn in  Little Switzerland NC ,  and the Peaks of Otter Lodge in Bedford VA).

But part of the fun is exploring some of the charming little mountain towns along the way, including Cherokee, Blowing Rock, and Boone in NC, and Bedford, Lexington, and Waynesboro in VA.

You could drive the entire Blue Ridge Parkway in as little as 15-16 hours if you wanted, but that would totally defeat the purpose.

Some people like to break it up into weekend getaways, basing themselves in a local town.

But you could also spend a week or two driving the entire route, spending nights in lots of little towns along the way.

Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina

From Kim of Traveling Swansons

A Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina southeast road trip takes you on a tour of some of the most breathtaking scenery in the region.

Chattanooga is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and located along the Tennessee River.

There are many fun things to do here including the Tennessee Aquarium, Lookout Mountain, Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway.

After leaving Chattanooga, your next stop will be Knoxville, Tennessee.

Check out the Sunsphere Tower, which was built for the 1982 World’s Fair.  Walk around Market Square and grab a bite to eat and shop.

After leaving Knoxville, your next stop will be Pigeon Forge. 

Here you find no shortage of attractions including the popular Dollywood. 

Right next to Pigeon Forge, you’ll find the town of Gatlinburg. 

In Gatlinburg, you will also find plenty of attractions including Anakeesta and the Gatlinburg Skybridge. 

Gatlinburg is one of the busiest and most popular gateway towns to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  has many amazing hiking trails, waterfalls, and views. 

Drive the breathtaking scenic Newfound Gap Road to Cherokee, North Carolina. Jump out along the many turnouts along the way and enjoy the scenery. 

Once you reach Cherokee, explore the Oconaluftee Indian Village and the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.  Shop for some authentic Cherokee arts and crafts.

The drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina is 191 miles and takes 3 hrs 51 minutes if driving straight through. 

Since there is so much to do on this southern USA road trip, you will want to spend at least 5 days here in order to take in as much as you can along the way.

NOLA to Nashville Southern Road Trip Itinerary

From Agnes of The Van Escape

The southern USA road trip from New Orleans to Nashville is extraordinary.

Why? Nashville and New Orleans are music cities.

New Orleans – the world capital of jazz and Nashville – the capital of American country music – anyone who likes live concerts will appreciate this combination.

And indeed, in both cities, you can listen to music at every turn!

Concerts, music events, live music in almost every restaurant, bar, and even on the streets – Nashville and New Orleans are alive with sounds.

Moreover, there are many great  things to do in Nashville and in New Orleans.

In Nashville visit Jonny Cash Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Grand Ole Opry, reproduction of the Parthenon, and Downtown with famous Broadway Street.

In New Orleans, visit the French Quarter, the Jazz Museum, the Woodoo Museum, the National WWII Museum, explore one of the famous cemeteries, sign up for a swamp tour. Enjoy the best cocktails at the famous Bourbon Street.

Both cities are also known for their excellent cuisine. In New Orleans, you’ll melt at the tastes and smells of Louisiana Creole cuisine, and in Nashville, you’ll delight at the famous juicy BBQ ribs and more.

That’s not all. Both cities are famous for the finest spirits.

New Orleans offers great alcoholic cocktails and in Nashville, you can try classic Tennessee Jack Daniels whiskey , whose distillery is nearby.

The driving time from NOLA to Nashville is about 8 hours, and 4-5 days is perfect for this road trip.

You can cover the distance in one day or split it into two days and spend one night in Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama.

To feel the atmosphere of each city and immerse yourself in its music world, we recommend two nights in New Orleans and two in Nashville.

Virginia Beach, Virginia to Hilton Head, South Carolina

From Alex of Wander With Alex

If you’re planning a road trip from Virginia Beach, VA to Hilton Head, SC, and need a few stops along the way, we’ve got you covered!

While Virginia Beach and Hilton Head are both popular southern beach towns, the experience is very different!

They are both, however, family-friendly vacation destinations with lots of unique things to do and see.

While in Virginia Beach, VA you’ll want to check out the main beach at the Oceanfront.

There are 35 miles of beachfront, an amusement park on Atlantic Ave, and tons of souvenir shops for you to choose from.

If you’re looking for something free to do, check out the Creative ViBE District for murals, sidewalk art, and other creative artwork!

Now that’ll you’ve explored Virginia Beach, it’s time to hit the road!

After being on the road for seven and a half hours, you’ll be nearing Savannah, GA! If you’ve never been to Savannah, consider staying overnight.

You can take a riverboat dinner cruise on the Savannah River or enjoy a low country dinner at one of the best restaurants in Savannah .

And since Hilton Head is only 45-minutes from Savannah, you can stick around for a few hours in the morning and to Tybee Island before heading over to Hilton Head!

Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is a laid-back resort town offering beautiful beaches and tons of golf courses.

Additionally, Hilton Head is incredibly bike-friendly.

Head over to Hilton Head Outfitters, rent bicycles for the whole family, and go exploring!

And if you are a seafood lover, you’ll have tons of waterfront restaurant options!

A road trip from Virginia Beach, VA to  Hilton Head, SC  via Interstate-95 is approximately 589 miles.

If you do not want to stay overnight in Savannah, you can make the trip in seven and a half hours.

However, if you prefer slow travel and wish to explore Savannah, you should consider making this a two-day drive.

Gulf Coast Beach Road Trip from Alabama to Florida

From Ashlee of The Happiness Function

One of the best-kept secrets in the South are the sugar-white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico from Alabama to the Florida panhandle.

If you have never heard of Dauphin Island, Alabama, it is a must-visit southern destination.

Take the ultimate beach road trip from Dauphin Island, Alabama, to Pensacola, Florida!

Dauphin Island, Alabama, is a beautiful place to visit. The island is home to many different wildlife species, including sea turtles, and the scenery is simply stunning.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy nature, Dauphin Island is the perfect spot. Plan to stay at least two days.

From Dauphin Island, take the ferry across Mobile Bay to Fort Morgan, where visitors can continue the road trip to Gulf Shores.

Be sure to visit Gulf State Park and enjoy the incredible beaches from Gulf Shores to Orange Beach! Plan at least two days in Gulf Shores.

Gulf Islands National Seashore in Fort Pickens is a popular tourist destination offering a variety of activities such as catching some sun on beaches, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and exploring the historic fort.

Camp at the  Fort Pickens Campground  for a few days to enjoy all the island offers.

From Gulf Shores, continue east into the Florida panhandle towards Pensacola.

A road trip along the southern coast of Alabama into the Florida panhandle makes for an incredible beach road trip any time of year.

We recommend taking about a week to enjoy this road trip in the US south.

This way, road trippers can enjoy each destination for two days.

Savannah, Georgia to Clearwater, Florida Road Trip

From Terri of FemaleSoloTrek.com

If you’re looking for beautiful beaches and fun in the sun, plan a short southern road trip route from Savannah to Clearwater.

Plan to start at dawn from Savannah on a Saturday so you can arrive by noon in  Clearwater, Florida .

Google Maps or Waze will offer you the choice of traveling down I-95 toward Orlando and then across to Tampa/St. Pete outposts.

Alternatively, you can drive through Jacksonville and then cut across the state via US-301 S and I-75 S.

The estimated time is 6 hours if you don’t hit bad traffic on I-95.

You will also have time to eat fried grouper at Clearwater Beach for lunch, then hit the Clearwater Aquarium for an afternoon adventure.

Dedicate the evening to drinking margaritas and watching the sunset.

You might want to watch the sunset (while sipping a cocktail) at Pier 60 on Saturday night or delay until Sunday because you will be exhausted from your early morning drive.

Clearwater is also a great place to settle while you plan day trips to Tampa, St. Pete, and Sarasota.

While you can easily make the drive in a day, it’s best to set aside a week for this US south road trip as you will lose two days to travel.

Florida’s Gulf Coast deserves a minimum five-day stay so you can experience different beaches.

Southeast USA Road Trip from Washington DC to Florida

From Keri of Bon Voyage With Kids

One of the best road trips in the southeast US is from Washington, DC to  Anna Maria Island, Florida . 

If you want to break it up with overnights and stops, I recommend going from Washington DC to Raleigh, NC on Day 1.  On Day 2, drive from Raleigh, NC to Savannah, GA.  Then on Day 3, drive from Savannah, GA to Anna Maria Island, FL.

Starting in Washington, DC, where there is much to see from the Capitol to the Washington Monument to the Smithsonian Museums, you can begin heading on the road toward Virginia and the Carolinas. 

In Virginia, the historic college town of Williamsburg is well worth a visit. 

In addition to being a beautiful town, home to William and Mary College, it is also where you can step back in time at Colonial Williamsburg and learn a bit about American history. 

From here, head into North Carolina and stop in Raleigh if you plan to spend the night.

Then head into South Carolina, where a drive-through or stop in Charleston is a great thing to do. 

The historic and lavish architecture is well worth a look, and the southern hospitality and walk on the waterfront are worth it even just for a short visit. 

From here, continue into Georgia, where a stop in Savannah is a must. 

If you have a bit of time to spend in this southern city, the hop on hop off trolley, walking tours, and a 90-minute riverboat sightseeing cruise would be worth doing. 

This beautiful and historic city really is a gem on this road trip, so be sure to build in a bit of time, and even book a bed and breakfast for the night.  

Continue on from Georgia into northern Florida, where if you can stop in Jacksonville for a visit to the University of Florida or in St. Augustine for lunch or a walking tour of this beautiful and historic city. 

There is an old town part of St. Augustine well worth visiting, and depending on the time of day, is a great stop for a lunch. Continue on from St. Augustine to Anna Maria Island, Florida.

You may pass through Orlando and Tampa, which if you have time, may want to stop in one of these cities. 

While Orlando is home to many theme parks and activities, you won’t have time on this drive to do many of those unless you build in another day or two to your drive.

Instead, I suggest stopping in Tampa, where you will get to view this fantastic seaside city, where you can enjoy a cruise, walk around Ybor City, or grab a meal at the famous (and delicious) Columbia Restaurant. 

While you are also right at Clearwater Beach, you may want to save that beach visit for Anna Maria Island, just about an hours drive from Tampa, on the Gulf Coast, and renowned for its teal Caribbean-like water, white soft sand, quieter beaches, and home rentals perfect for a beach getaway. 

It’s the perfect destination to such a cultural and historic road trip, and one of the best road trips in the south USA.

Approximately 945 miles (about 14 hours total) one way.

Approximately 945 miles (about 14 hours total) one way, this road trip is at least a two to three-day drive, depending on how much you would like to stop along the way. 

The Outer Banks of North Carolina Road Trip

From Candice of CS Ginger

One of the best Southern USA road trips is driving through the Outer Banks. There are so many fun things to do in the Outer Banks  and its sweeping coastal scenery is gorgeous.

The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast filled with beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and fun beach towns.

A great historic stop in the Outer Banks is at the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

This is where the Wright brothers completed the first controlled flight in December of 1903.

There are a fun visitor’s center, some historical markers, and a replica of the first plane.

The Outer Banks is also home to the tallest brick lighthouse in the world. You can climb to the top of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. There are 257 steps to the top.

The lighthouse and Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a great place to spend the afternoon. The beaches are beautiful and not crowded.

After spending time at Cape Hatteras, you can take the ferry over to Ocracoke Island.

There is another lighthouse on this smaller island, but it is not open to visitors.

There are, however, beautiful beaches making this island a fun spot to explore.

The distance from the northern town of Corolla through Hatteras, the southern point, is about 95 miles.

If you continue to the ferry to Ocracoke, the mileage is longer.

You can easily fill 4-5 days with fun activities during your Outer Banks road trip, and spend even more time in the area if you want to relax on the beach.

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

From Anna of Stuck On The Go

One of the best road trips in the southern US winds through Shenandoah National Park offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

If you drive Skyline Drive straight through it only takes a little under 3 hours but there are so many hikes, overlooks, and small towns to stop and explore. This is the perfect road trip for outdoorsy people.

You can start at the Front Royal Entrance Station and on your first day hike to Compton Peak where you’ll find a gorgeous view as well as unique geological formations that resemble the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland .

In the afternoon, head out to the town of Luray where you can shop in the boutiques along Main Street and visit the famous Luray Caverns.

If you like to camp then stay the night in Mathews Arm Campground, otherwise rent a room at the Skyland Resort inside the park.

For day two you can fit in two hikes – Stony Man and Hawksbill – which both offer stunning mountain views and are 2 of the best hikes in Shenandoah .

Have lunch at Big Meadows and make sure you get the blackberry ice cream pie for dessert!

In the afternoon you can hike Dark Hollow Falls or just head into Elkton or Sperryville.

Visit Sperryville for wineries and Elkton for breweries. Tonight stay at the Lewis Mountain Cabins & Campground.

On the last day of the road trip, hike Doyles River Falls and Blackrock Summit.

Stop for lunch at Blue Mountain Brewery and check out some of the other Waynesboro breweries. Main Street in Waynesboro is also very quaint.

For many people, 3 days is enough to spend in Shenandoah National Park.

However, if you are very outdoorsy and love to hike and explore small towns then you can spend a week in the Shenandoah Valley.

Northwest Arkansas Road Trip Loop

From Lydia of Lost With Lydia

Arkansas is an underrated state with a lot to offer for outdoor adventurers!

The state has beautiful state parks, incredible mountain biking trails, a uniquely historic national park, and much more.

The northwest portion of Arkansas is where you’ll find the most beautiful natural areas along with some fantastic cities. 

This road trip begins in Bentonville, a city known for mountain biking, modern art, and as the Walmart headquarters.

There are miles of mountain biking trails in parks around the city and trails range from beginner to advanced. 

Continue on from Bentonville to Buffalo National River, a beautiful river with epic canyon walls towering above it.

After the National River, enjoy hiking in the Ozark National Forest (the most famous hike is Whitaker Point) and take in the views at Mount Magazine and Mount Nebo. Mount Magazine is the highest point in the state. 

Be sure to not miss the most iconic state park in Arkansas: Petit Jean. This state park is a favorite of many and is home to a 95-foot waterfall, caves, and several unique rock formations. 

Spend some time in Little Rock for great food and interesting history. 

Things to do in Little Rock include visiting the Little Rock Central High School Museum, exploring the vibrant SOMA neighborhood, and hiking at Pinnacle Mountain. 

Finally, end your road trip with a visit to Arkansas’ only national park: Hot Springs.

Hot Springs National Park was a resort destination in the early 1900s and there are a couple of bathhouses still in operation today.

In addition to the spas, you can visit a brewery inside of a bathhouse and enjoy the views from the observation tower. 

A week is the minimum amount of time you’ll want to fully explore the cities and hiking destinations along the way.

Ideally, take 10 days or more to take your time and enjoy this underrated southern USA road trip itinerary.

Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast Road Trip

From Lori of Travlinmad

If you’re looking for an ideal year-round  road trip destination, Florida’s Gulf Coast  offers dreamy beaches, fantastic food, and some of America’s most (in)famous history!

Begin your road trip in Tampa, where you can spend 2 days exploring the city’s Cuban history in Ybor City and enjoy the amazing cuisine before heading south to Sarasota and Siesta Key.

Spend the next day in Sarasota admiring the mid-century architecture and visiting the Ringling Museum.

Shoppers will no doubt stay longer on St. Armand’s Circle, then head to Siesta Key later in the day to take in the new age vibes of the nightly drumming circle on the beach at sunset.

The next day, drive south to Casperson Beach in Venice and rent a “Florida snow shovel” for a few dollars to dig in the sand for prehistoric megalodon shark teeth.

Millions of them wash ashore every day and you just might find a big one to treasure!

Spend the night at Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, one of Southwest Florida’s most historic towns before heading out the next morning for Fort Myers.

Situated where the Caloosahatchee River meets the Gulf of Mexico, the city of Fort Myers is worth a few days to explore the history and the beautiful beaches on Sanibel and Captiva.

Visit the summer homes of neighbors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, whose mansions are popular tourist attractions today.

The last stop on your road trip is Naples and Marco Island on the southwestern coast. This stunning region is known as the Paradise Coast and it’s easy to see why.

Spend your days on the soft white sand beaches, shopping at the luxury stores and dining downtown, or get out into the Everglades for some adventure.

It is 180 miles from Tampa to Marco Island.

Plan on 7-10 days for this southern road trip route.

There is plenty to see in the major cities of Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples, and Marco Island, but you’ll find the real gems in between!

Virginia’s Eastern Shore Drive: Chincoteague to Cape Charles

Recommended by Erin Gifford of Go Hike Virginia

There’s so much to love about  Virginia’s Eastern Shore .

Roll down the windows and breathe in the salt-infused air as you make the 70-mile drive north to south from Chincoteague to Cape Charles.

Get ready to make stops for sandy beaches, ice cream shops, and verdant wetlands just right for a scenic paddle.

Start at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to miles of stroller-friendly hiking and biking trails.

The Chincoteague Lighthouse Trail is a must-visit to ogle the red-and-white striped Assateague Lighthouse.

Take a guided kayak tour or nature cruise across pristine coastal waterways with Assateague Explorer.

Keep your eyes open for wild ponies, as well as native wildlife, like sandhill cranes and eastern mud turtles, that call the wildlife refuge home.

Order up a scoop of Mint Chip or Pony Tracks at Island Creamery.

Spend the night at the Refuge Inn, a mainstay in Chincoteague since 1973. Chincoteague is also home to several camping resorts, including KOA and Jellystone Park.

Continue on to Onancock, a historic waterfront town.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast sandwich at Janet’s Café before strolling the hamlet’s tree-lined streets that wow with Victorian-style homes.

Take a tour of Ker Place, a historic Federal-style home.

On the south end of Virginia’s Eastern Shore is Cape Charles, which is home to gentle beaches and vibrantly-colored sunsets.

Spend the day on the beach at Kiptopeke State Park, then order hush puppies at The Shanty.

Cap off the day with a scoop at Brown Dog Ice Cream and settle in at the Sunset Beach Hotel on the Chesapeake Bay.

70  miles.

This trip is best enjoyed over at least 3 days, including one day in Chincoteague, one day in Onancock, and one day in Cape Charles.

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

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23 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the pacific ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the united states..

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Glacier National Park is one of many scenic places you can visit on an American road trip.

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of destinations and detours to explore by car . Whether your idea of the perfect American road trip entails an epic, cross-country journey or a shorter jaunt through a few of its most iconic national parks , your options are as large and varied as the country itself.

Even if you don’t have the time to drive cross-country, there are plenty of road trip routes (ranging from three days to a week or longer): classic California itineraries , New England routes that shine especially well in the fall, scenic East Coast adventures, and a variety of Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts.

No matter your mode of transportation—be it van, RV, motorcycle, or four-door sedan—these are 21 of the best road trips in the nation to consider.

Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

There are many ways to do a cross-country road trip in the USA, but these two itineraries will take you through some truly iconic American places.

1. Chicago to Los Angeles: A Whiskey Road Trip on Route 66

It doesn’t get more American than a 2,000-mile drive along the entirety of Route 66. There are endless ways to take this legendary trip (including an EV version —but to take your cross-country road trip to the next level, we recommend exploring another American pastime: whiskey.

Starting in Chicago and ending in L.A., you’ll stop by some of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa. In between tastings, make time for detours to natural attractions, like the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside curiosities, like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Just remember to drink responsibly—this is a road trip after all.

Plan your trip

The full itinerary: Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, so you need to park before taking the ferry to this spot.

Photo from Shutterstock

2. Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington: The Great Northern on U.S. Route 2

Covering both the U.S. and Canada, a cross-country trip along U.S. 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the vast diversity and expansiveness of North America. This drive runs the entire top border of the U.S. and showcases otherworldly natural wonders like Acadia National Park in Maine, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. The route also passes through Canada, taking road-trippers through Ontario into Quebec—this route may focus on nature, but you won’t want to miss a stop in Montreal or Ottawa.

You’ll also get to explore Montana and Glacier National Park ( reservations may be required ) before passing the Columbia Plateau and ending in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. Don’t miss spending time in the Olympic Peninsula (home to Olympic National Park) for a peek at one of the most scenic places on the West Coast.

3. Dana Point to San Francisco: Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The seemingly endless views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) are what road trip dreams are made of, and exactly what makes this California road trip so popular. However, with so many stops along the 655-mile stretch, we pulled together a list of the ones well worth pulling over to view. Don’t miss the perfect surfing waves in Santa Cruz, seasonal cuisine in Malibu, an afternoon a the boardwalk in Santa Monica, or a night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point (just south of Los Angeles) and San Francisco.

• The full itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
• The AFAR Guide to San Francisco

The seaside town of Monterey was the setting for John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row .

Photo by Denise Lett/Shutterstock

4. Big Sur to Mono County: A Literary Road Trip Through Northern California

Yes, this itinerary requires you actually put down your book to drive, but seeing some of the pivotal places that shaped American authors will be so worth it. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou, and Amy Tan on this road trip that takes you through literary landmarks in Northern California, such as Caffe Trieste, a meeting place for Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and other bohemian writers and thinkers. This 12-stop itinerary is perfect if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ll be able to stay make these trips in one or two days.

The full itinerary: The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

Arizona may take its nickname from the Grand Canyon, but the state has far more natural wonders than just that one.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

5. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: An Iconic Arizona Road Trip

This 240-mile Arizona road trip takes travelers along some of the state’s most iconic highlights, including its most famous one, the Grand Canyon. A great itinerary for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, it offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and biking—as well as tasty food along the way. Hike the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale or take in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while exploring the Grand Canyon State.

• The full itinerary: The Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip
• Grand Canyon guide: The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
• Where to eat in Phoenix: A Chef’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Arizona ; The Best Airbnbs in Sedona

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah’s Arches National Park

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

6. Zion to Grand Canyon: A National Parks Road Trip in the Southwest

If you’re looking to visit as many national parks as possible in one road trip, this southwestern itinerary is for you. This journey through Utah and Arizona lets you hike Angel’s Landing in Zion, feel tiny under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, and, of course, raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon remain on the rim, but take at least four days to venture within the canyon and take advantage of the trails and river rafting.

• The full itinerary: The Ideal Road Trip Through U.S. National Parks
• Utah’s 8 Best National Parks and Monuments
• 10 Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
• The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

Stop and admire the winding roads of the San Juan Skyway.

Photo by Anh Luu/Shutterstock

7. San Juan Scenic Skyway Road Trip: An Adventure Through Southwestern Colorado

This Colorado trip takes you along the 232-mile loop of the San Juan Scenic Skyway, where you will see plenty of alpine forests, mining towns, and craggy peaks. And for anyone looking to enjoy refreshments after a long day of driving, this route features many opportunities to stop at some of the best breweries in Colorado , such as Ska Brewing Co. in Durango.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Southwestern Colorado Road Trip
• Five Classic Colorado Road Trips To Take This Year

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

8. Denver to Montrose: A 420-Mile Road Trip Through Colorado

Want to explore even more of the Centennial State? Head out on this weeklong road trip where you can fish for salmon in Colorado’s largest reservoir, visit numerous small towns, like Paonia and Crawford, with thriving art scenes along the Colorado Creative Corridor , and explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the nation.

• The full itinerary: Art Stars, High-Altitude Wines, and a Remote National Park: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Colorado
• The AFAR Guide to Denver

Portland may be Oregon’s largest city, but with a population of some 652,000 (or 2.5 million in the larger metropolitan area), it isn’t intimidatingly large.

Photo courtesy of Travel Portland

9. Portland to Astoria: An Oregon Coast Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

If you love the outdoors, then this six-day road trip along the coast of Oregon is for you. After driving to Coos Bay from Portland, travelers will meander along Oregon’s dramatic, rocky coastline, discovering some quintessentially Pacific Northwest vistas along the way: evergreen forests, seaside dunes, and marine ecosystems. Between stops, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs hiking, kayaking, or strolling around the region’s small towns—like the historic old town in Florence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oregon road trip without a stop (or three) at a craft brewery, such as Fort George Brewery in Astoria, or cozy coffee shop, like Bread & Roses in Yachats.

• The full itinerary: An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast
• The AFAR Guide to Portland

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

10. Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee: Follow the Path of the Women’s Suffrage Movement

Starting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and ending at the State Capitol Building in Nashville, this road trip traces the route of the national women’s suffrage movement. Highlights include stops at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ; Union Square in New York City, which was the site of the first suffrage march; and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

• The full itinerary: Celebrate Women’s Suffrage on an Epic, Self-Guided Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Washington, D.C.

Asheville is one must-stop on a North Carolina road trip.

Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

11. Charlottesville to Asheville: A Scenic Road Trip Through Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Beginning in the soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, then into the Great Smoky Mountains, this five-day road trip is best done at a slower pace, which is perfect for admiring the dramatic outlooks and green plateaus. This eclectic itinerary features stops at an art museum, a dairy farm, and plenty of hiking trails.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
• Where to stay: 12 Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins You Can Rent on Airbnb and Vrbo
• 8 U.S. National Park Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

12. Albuquerque to Las Cruces: Discover New Mexico on This Three-Day Road Trip

This route steers you away from New Mexican tourist hot spots like Taos and Santa Fe and instead takes you on a three-day adventure with places that teach you about Pueblo history. You’ll stop at Indian Pueblo Kitchen (formerly known as Pueblo Harvest), a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that features Indigenous cuisine ; pick up peppers at Three Brothers in Hatch; and slide down the dunes in White Sands National Park.

• The full itinerary: This New Mexico Road Trip Is the Perfect Introduction to the Land of Enchantment

Historic Fort Martin Scott is one of the places travelers can visit to learn about Fredericksburg’s history.

Photo by Mark König/Unsplash

13. A Five-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Texas Hill Country

This Texas road trip starts and ends in San Antonio with stops in small towns like Bandera, Boerne, and consider a stop in Fredericksburg, which is one of AFAR’s best places to go in 2024 ). Over five days, you’ll find opportunities to stroll in a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio, relax along the Sabinal and Frio Rivers by inner tube, and eat as many tacos as you want. Seriously: You could eat tacos for every meal on this road trip and not get tired of them.

• The full itinerary: Tree Houses, Tubing, and Tacos: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

14. A Weeklong Road Trip Through Alaska’s Most Majestic Sights

This weeklong drive in Alaska starts and ends in Anchorage. You travel along four scenic byways; explore Wrangell–St. Elias wilderness, the largest U.S. national park; catch sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America; and enjoy the surprisingly stellar food scene of McCarthy, a one-road town with only a couple dozen residents.

• The full itinerary: Glaciers, Mountain Peaks, and Organic Farms: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip
• Which Alaska National Parks Should You Visit?

More than geothermal pools, Kirkham Hot Springs features a piping-hot waterfall.

Courtesy of Idaho Tourism

15. Boise to Sun Valley: Explore Idaho’s Scenic Byways

Even a short road trip can be packed with adventure, good food, and scenery, which is exactly what this trip from Boise to Sun Valley along Idaho’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers. Although the drive only takes six hours, we recommend taking a few days to explore all the stops and detours along the way. One can’t-miss spot is the Kirkham Hot Springs , where you can stand under a waterfall that will splash you with 135-degree mineral water year-round.

• The full itinerary: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive
• Things to do: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Idaho

Grand Portage State Park is the only state park jointly managed by a state and a Native American band.

Photo by Shutterstock/QZ

16. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park: A Scenic Minnesota Sampler

Although there are many appealing road trips throughout the Midwest, this 143-mile, three-hour circuit, which starts and ends in Duluth, Minnesota, is worth keeping in mind. Meandering north on MN-61 with this itinerary, you will enjoy prime views of Lake Superior and towns like Grand Marais, as well as Grand Portage State Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe community who occupy the land today. Once back in Duluth, enjoy a beer at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into the waterfront Canal Park Lodge nearby.

• The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire.

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

Yes, you can take a road trip in New England at any time of the year , but this region shows off its best colors in the fall, when locals and tourists alike head out into the country to view the changing colors of the trees. Join other admirers of fall foliage on this popular, 34.5-mile road trip along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, colloquially known as the “Kanc,” for picturesque ponds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

• Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

Ogunquit is home to the small, postcard-perfect harbor of Perkins Cove.

Photo courtesy of QualityHD / Shutterstock

18. Maine’s “Lobster Trail”: Travel Route 1 Along the Coast

Traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along Maine’s jagged coastline is an exercise in indulgence. Sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese.

The trip starts in the quaint small town of Ogunquit , with its rare (for the area) 3.5 miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

• 8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, innovative restaurants, shops, and restaurants like Leah & Louise in Charlotte, above, are creating a buzz.

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

19. Raleigh to Charlotte: A 4-Day Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

North Carolina’s Piedmont region extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and includes farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the 1-40 stretch near Hillsborough. Starting in Raleigh, drive the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to see how these cities are innovating through art, food, and a celebration of the past. Take your time—four days should do—to experience downtown arts districts, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, and civil rights museums that speak truths. Plan your trip

• A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

Scenic South Walton is part of the Emerald Coast of Florida.

20. Scenic Highway 30A: A Sunday Drive Through South Walton, Florida

Florida is full of places to cruise with the top down, but it’s hard to beat a Sunday (or any day) drive along Scenic Highway 30A through northwest Florida, home to a postcard-perfect stretch of seaside towns known as South Walton.

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach . Roll down the windows and let the emerald-hued views in.

Pull over to explore, too—maybe to admire the New Urbanism architecture in Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park . (The beach here has been lauded among the best in the world.)

• The full itinerary: The Florida Road Trip You’ve Been Missing

Stand-up paddleboarding is just one way to enjoy a Florida Keys sunset.

Shutterstock

21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

For a sunny road trip itinerary in Florida, skip Miami and head farther south. Beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is often overlooked for more well-known routes up north, but it is well worth going out of your way to experience.

As the name suggests, this route is very scenic, so plan to spend at least a few days exploring it and numerous stops along the way. Some highlights include driving across the impressive Overseas Highway, stopping to admire art in the town of Islamorada, and enjoying the historic sites, food, and (of course) beaches in the city of Key West.

• The full itinerary: How to Road Trip in the Lesser-Known Florida Keys

Sun Studio in Memphis was the site of the famous Million Dollar recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash.

Photo by f11photo on Shutterstock

22. Memphis to Bristol, Tennessee: A Music-Driven Adventure

If you have about a week to spare and a deep appreciation for music, take a road trip from one side of Tennessee to the other, starting in Memphis and ending in Bristol. The eastbound trip spans genres, including rock ( Graceland ), blues ( Beale Street) and, of course, country (did you really go to Tennessee if you didn’t go to Dollywood ?). Nashville serves as the halfway point on your journey—so consider penciling in an extra 48 hours to fully explore the state capital’s greatest hits.

• The full itinerary: 5 Great American Road Trips For Music Fans

The stunning coastline near Cueva del Indio has been the backdrop of star-studded films.

Photo by Alexsf.gr/Shutterstock

23. Arecibo to Condado, Puerto Rico: A Lesser-Known Side of a Well-Loved Island

In the minds of many, trips to Puerto Rico bring images of stunning beaches , delicious foods , and maybe a bioluminescent bay or two . But there’s plenty of history to be found here, too, as Puerto Rico was home to an Indigenous population known as the Taino, a heritage many Puerto Ricans embrace. That history can be explored via a road trip. Starting in the northern town of Arecibo, travel south to Ponce, then back north to Condado—along the way you’ll encounter petroglyphs, Indigenous sites, and breathtaking natural spots.

• The full itinerary: A Puerto Rico Road Trip That Puts Indigenous Culture First

Additional road trip planning resources Picking the route for your road trip is only one part of your planning. From what snacks to pack to which podcasts to listen to, these additional resources will help you prepare for your next adventure:

• Best road trip snacks
• Road trip planning apps
• Podcasts and audiobooks to download
• What to pack for a road trip

This article originally appeared online in August 2020. It was most recently updated on April 4, 2024, to include current information. Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Erika Owen, Ray Rogers, Terry Ward, and Sheryl Nance-Nash.

Map Shows the Most Efficient Cross-Country U.S. Road Trip

Looking for the most efficient American cross-country  road trip  that doesn't miss the best landmarks around the USA? This map may have your solution.

Discovery News  blogger Tracy Staedter sought to put an end to tedious roads trip after discovering a road map that claimed to route all of the nation's major  landmarks . Staedter realized the map wasn't just inaccurate (more than a few states were missing), it was also terribly inefficient.

"Wouldn't it be nice to have a map that hit landmarks in every state and not only that," she mused. "Wouldn't it be great if the map represented the optimal, most efficient route across the country?"

To create the perfect American road trip, Staedter contacted Randy Olson, a Michigan State University doctoral student. Olson used an algorithm to generate the map, factoring in logistics for traffic, turns, and alternate routes.

Even though the route isn't technically "perfect", it's about as close as the curious adventurer can get to the most efficient roadmap across America. [ Click here to enlarge the map ]

Image via RandalOlson.com

All of the stops are in the Continental United States, which is ideal for traveling by car. The route can be started from any state and would be 9.33 days worth of driving. Olson reassures that, in actuality, the round trip would take around 2-3 months including stops at gas stations. You'll hit New York City and New England, looping down along the southeast coast and through the South before looping up towards Canada to hit big cities on your way back. There are certain notable spots you'll miss along the trip like Atlanta or Chicago but you won't feel like you're missing out because of everything else included along the way.

Staedter handpicked the stops, which she thinks provide a "nice mix of history and natural wonder". Sounds like the perfect combination for the spirited traveler. It's time to save some money, pick some playlists, and hit the road on this must-see long-distance trip.

Here are the 50 landmark stops she picked along her road trip route:

• Grand Canyon, Arizona
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
• Craters of the Moon, Idaho 
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
• Pikes Peak, Colorado
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
• The Alamo, Texas
• The Platt Historic District, Oklahoma
• Toltec Mounds, Arkansas
• Elvis Presley's Graceland, Tennessee 
• Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi
• French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana 
• USS Alabama, Alabama 
• Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida 
• Okefenokee Swamp Park, Georgia
• Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina
• Lost World Caverns, West Virginia 
• Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, North Carolina
• Mount Vernon, Virginia
• White House, Washington, DC
• Colonial Annapolis Historic District, Maryland
• New Castle Historic District, Delaware
• Cape May Historic District, New Jersey
• Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania
• Statue of Liberty, New York
• The Mark Twain House & Museum, Connecticut
• The Breakers, Rhode Island
• USS Constitution, Massachusetts 
• Acadia National Park, Maine
• Mount Washington Hotel, New Hampshire 
• Shelburne Farms, Vermont
• Fox Theater in Detroit, Michigan
• Spring Grove Cemetery, Ohio
• Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky 
• West Baden Springs Hotel, Indiana 
• Abraham Lincoln's Home, Illinois 
• Gateway Arch in St. Louis Missouri
• C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, Kansas
• Terrace Hill Governor's Mansion, Iowa
• Taliesin, Wisconsin 
• Fort Snelling, Minnesota
• Ashfall Fossil Bed, Nebraska 
• Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
• Fort Union Trading Post, North Dakota
• Glacier National Park, Montana
• Hanford Site, Washington
• Columbia River Highway, Oregon
• San Francisco Cable Cars, California 
• San Andreas Fault, California
• Hoover Dam, Nevada

Olson also created a bonus map that hits all of the major U.S. cities, for those craving even more travel.

Read More:  Map Shows the Ultimate U.S. National Park Road Trip

This post was originally published on July 24, 2017.

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The best roadside attractions in the US

Your guide to the biggest and weirdest roadside attractions in the US – across all 50 states

Photograph: Shutterstock

It should come as no surprise that the best roadside attractions in the US are a motley assortment of architectural marvels and ridiculous novelties including those that elevate condiments and vegetables to soaring heights. And if you've ever embarked on a lengthy road trip across the country, you'll know that the best break after a few hours sitting behind the wheel is indulging in a closer inspection of... the world's largest rocking chair (Fanning, Missouri) or the world's biggest Big Mac (North Huntingdon, PA). T hese are the quirkiest attractions across all 50 states; Make a trip to see the one nearest you, or connect them together for an epic road trip  across this bizarre country. 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

1.  Cabazon Dinosaurs | Cabazon, CA

Amusement park sculptor Claude Bell began building the enormous Cabazon Dinosaurs in 1964 to attract travelers to his restaurant outside Palm Springs. But it wasn’t long before the dinos became a destination in and of themselves. Over the years, the two largest, Dinny, the 150ft-long brontosaurus, and Mr. Rex, the 65ft-tall tyrannosaurus, have become part of pop culture history with roles in movies like 1985’s Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure , 1989’s The Wizard and 2020’s Palm Springs . When new owners took over the property in the mid-1990s, the site also became home to a creationist museum that claims that the 'evolutionary origin of life is impossible' and that dinosaurs were created by God 6,000 years ago. It’s unclear whether Bell, who painted images of a 30,000-year-old Cro Magnon and the 400,000-year-old fossil of Java Man inside the belly of Dinny, would have appreciated the irony.

2.  Pegasus & Dragon | Hallandale Beach, FL

In a southern Florida beach town, two mythical creatures duke it out in an everlasting battle of good versus evil. But while the 100-foot-tall by 200ft-long Pegasus and Dragon are frozen in steel and bronze—the foot of the horse forever poised to crush the neck of the beast—a Vegas-worthy scene of music, light and water swirls around them. At night, the extravaganza includes fog shooting from 350 separate nozzles and 20ft-long bursts of LED-lit fire from the mouth of the dragon. Opened to the public in 2016, the quarrelsome creatures are considered the country’s third tallest statue.

3.  Old Woman Meteorite | Barstow, CA

The second largest iron meteorite in the US is located in Barstow, California. The 'Old Woman Meteorite' weighed over three tons when it was found in the California desert in 1975. The Smithsonian claimed it, lopped off 15 percent of it for 'scientific study,' then gave the rest back to California in 1980. It's been in Barstow ever since.  It weighs 6,070lbs (2,750kg) and is composed mostly of iron, about 6% nickel, plus small amounts of cobalt, phosphorus, chromium, and sulphur. And it's on display at the Desert Discovery Center  on Barstow Road.

4.  Brooks Catsup Bottle | Collinsville, IL

Before Heinz’s tomato-flavored monopoly spread to American burgers from coast to coast, an Illinois brand briefly held the title of America’s best-selling ketchup. Even before they built the world’s largest ketchup bottle in 1949, Brooks was already a master of advertising, erecting 12ft-tall, rotating, neon-lit ketchup bottles in and around St. Louis, Missouri. But that year, the company upped the ante with a 170ft-tall water tower in ketchup bottle form, a practical solution to supply water to a fire protection sprinkler system in the Brooks factory in Collinsville, Illinois. When the property was sold in 1993, a ketchup coalition rescued the landmark from certain destruction. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.

5.  The Keeper of the Plains | Wichita, KS

The Keeper of the Plains , one of Wichita’s most enduring symbols, keeps watch over the city from a rocky ridge outside the Mid-America All-Indian Center , a Native American museum and cultural hub. Created by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin in 1974, the statue depicts a headdress-wearing Indigenous man lifting a tomahawk towards the sky. At night, the 44ft-tall steel sculpture is illuminated in flickering red and orange by a ring of fire pits at his feet. Around the base of the monument, displays tell the story of the tribal people that once thrived in this region, including at least eight native groups and almost 30 Indigenous communities from the East who were relocated to the area after 1830. Only four tribes— the Iowa, Kickapoo, Potawatomi and Sac and Fox— have been able to hold onto their reservation land in Kansas to the present day.

6.  Jolly Green Giant | Blue Earth, MN

Sporting 6ft–long booties and a leafy one-shoulder jumpsuit, the Jolly Green Giant stands sentinel over the little town of Blue Earth in southern Minnesota. The extra-large mascot was born in the aftermath of the discovery of a new variety of green peas in 1928 by the Minnesota Valley Canning Company. His current style evolved in 1935 when a copywriter traded the behemoth’s early caveman looks for a more plant-like persona. Almost 30 years after the company re-branded as Green Giant, a radio station owner in Blue Earth who presented visitors with canned veggies on his popular program Welcome Travellers , came up with the idea to build a statue of the jolly one. At 50ft in height, he’s still one of the tallest statues in the US. 

7.  Our Lady of the Rockies | Butte, MT

Our Lady of the Rockies , the fourth tallest statue in the US, watches over the town of Butte, Montana from her Rocky Mountain promontory, a chapel at her feet. Built almost entirely from donated labor, money and materials, the likeness of the Virgin Mary is not without controversy. Although the religious symbol is on private land, she can be seen from almost anywhere in town, even at night when light shines on the 90ft-tall statue, irking those who do not belong to the Christian faith. Despite the squabble, Our Lady continues to stand tall 8,510ft above the Continental Divide as she has for almost 40 years. 

8.  World’s Largest Basket | Newark, OH

When Dave Longaberger, head of the basket-making Longaberger Company, first came up with the idea to build a basket-shaped corporate headquarters in the 1990s, he envisioned it as one among many basket-woven company buildings around the country. But by his death in 1999, only one, a replica of the company’s medium-sized market basket, had been built. The seven-story-tall, 180,000-square-foot Newark, Ohio building remained in use until 2016. It was sold the following year and plans are afoot to turn this stunning example of novelty architecture into a luxury hotel.

Discover the best things to do in Ohio

9.  Golden Driller | Tulsa, OK

At 75ft-tall and 43,500lbs, the Golden Driller weighs in as the country’s sixth tallest statue. Dedicated to the men of the petroleum industry, the giant rests his right arm on a defunct oil derrick that was moved from Seminole, Oklahoma to Tulsa for the International Petroleum Exhibition in 1966. While the Golden Driller has shilled for big oil most of his life, in 2020 he took on another role: Hustling for the city in its bid for the next Tesla factory. That May, the massive landmark was painted with the company’s symbol on his chest and its name on his belt buckle. Elon Musk was apparently unimpressed. Tulsa lost the race to Austin, Texas.

10.  San Jacinto Monument | San Jacinto, TX

In a small town near Houston stands one of the country’s largest attractions—the San Jacinto Monument . The 567ft-tall obelisk was built in the 1930s to commemorate the pivotal battle that led Texans to victory over Mexico  a century before during the Texas Revolution. The world’s tallest masonry memorial (thanks to the 220-ton lone star at its crown), the San Jacinto Monument is also almost 13ft taller than a better-known landmark located 2,000 miles to the northeast, the Washington Monument.

11.  Tree of Utah | Bonneville Salt Flats, UT

A hallucination during a drive across Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats led Swedish artist Karl Momen to create one of the most desolate, isolated landmarks in the world in 1986. Metaphor: The Tree of Utah rises up from the vast desert landscape, an 87ft-tall vision in concrete and stone. At its top are six green spheres made from native rock and minerals while, at its base, is a plaque inscribed with quotes from Friedrich Schiller’s 18th century poem Ode to Joy , which Beethoven used in his Ninth Symphony.

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US Landmarks: Top Places to Visit on Your Next American Road Trip

Do you dream about a big American road trip with visits to all the top US landmarks? Well, here’s your A-Z checklist of all the places to visit along the way, starting from Alabama and ending in Wyoming…

In spite of the fact that America is only a relatively young nation, its past is diverse and complex—as evidenced by monuments and historic sites across the country. From tributes to indigenous people to incredible feats of engineering; coast to coast, the United States of America is filled with places waiting for you to discover them. 

There is nothing that fills us with more excitement, romance and pure anticipation, than planning a road trip. Are you tired of browsing through Windows 10 and would rather enjoy incredible places seen through your windscreen in real life? Do you want to drive on the open road where the only windows are the ones that wind down so that you can smell and feel America? 

You can either switch to Netflix and watch some top travel movies , or you can start planning your road trip today with this guide to some of the top US landmarks.

You can save fuel and wear and tear on your personal vehicle and still explore this amazing country and top US landmarks by renting a car. Here’s how!

If you are looking to rent the perfect car for your experience, Car Rental Reviews can connect you with the right company. Listed below are places that should be on any road trip list, in our humble opinion. Here are our top picks for US landmarks to visit in 48 states…

Don’t miss out on our list of driving tips for Americans and foreigners visiting our beautiful country and exploring our top US landmarks.

And of course, you want to establish your road trip budget before you set off.

Buckle up, and let’s hit the road on a virtual trip to the top US landmarks.

Top US Landmarks to visit in Alabama

Located in the southeast, Alabama is home to many noteworthy Civil Rights Movement US landmarks. Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church, now a museum, served as a protest headquarters in the 1960s. There is a museum dedicated to Rosa Parks in the capital of Montgomery, where you can also find MLK’s church. Alabama is not short on US landmarks.

• Huntsville – The U.S. space program made Huntsville famous as Rocket City. Following World War II, chemical munitions facilities were converted to space use and the United States launched its first satellite here in 1958. Huntsville is now home to NASA’s Manned Space Flight Center. Some of the city’s historic homes date back to the early 1800s. In addition to Space Camp, Alabama Constitution Village has reconstructed Federal style buildings, whereas Clay House has a collection of Noritake porcelain and the Veterans Memorial Museum has a collection of military vehicles.
• Birmingham – This city was based upon Birmingham, England, and was built during the Civil  War Reconstruction. Today, it is the largest city in Alabama and because it once served as the South’s industrial hub, the city was coined the “Pittsburgh of the South.” It hosts the largest museum of art in Alabama (Birmingham Museum of Art) and has ballet, symphony and opera companies as well as several performance halls. Some popular music and film festivals take place in Birmingham, including the Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival that attracts filmmakers from around the world.

Road Tripping in Arizona: Setting of some of the top US landmarks

This southwestern state is filled with breathtaking scenery, vibrant cities, and quaint small towns. Visitors from around the world flock to the Grand Canyon, but those who venture further into the state will find unique US landmarks to explore and fascinating sights. Cities and towns like Phoenix and Sedona make great vacation destinations, but they are not the only things to explore in southwestern Arizona .

You can also visit Native American cliff dwellings and historic ghost towns from days gone by. The landscape of Arizona is also ideal for outdoor adventures. The area is full of natural wonders for tourists to explore: deserts, lakes, mountains, saguaro cactus, waterfalls, and even a volcano that you can ski on top of.

Arizona is a rugged area, so if you want to make the most of your road trip to this state, consider renting an SUV that fits the whole gang.

• Grand Canyon – Peering over the endless ridges of brightly colored cliff walls and deep ravines as you stand on the edge of the canyon, it’s impossible not to be awestruck. Afternoon sun illuminates the canyon, revealing shades of orange, red and yellow. Grand Canyon is one of America’s best-known US landmarks and is invariably one of the top attractions in Arizona. It is a place that has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. Almost all visitors head to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon , where lookouts dot the roadside and walkways run along the canyon’s edge. The  North Rim offers an entirely different view, but unfortunately is not accessible by car in winter. From Eagle Point, you can see the glass bridge, known as The Skywalk, jutting out over the Grand Canyon, about a 2.5-hour drive from Las Vegas. There are hiking trails that offer access to breathtaking lookouts and a route to the canyon floor for those who wish to get a closer look. Try a helicopter flight over or into the Grand Canyon if you want less physical activity.
• Jerome – Perched on the edge of a mountain above the desert floor, Jerome is an old mining town that became a ghost town that is now only haunted by tourists. The path through town is steep with switchbacks and lined with interesting shops and restaurants. The old buildings have for the most part been restored, but some remain in ruins, creating  a very interesting spirit. Jerome State Historic Park and Gold King Mine Museum provide insight into the town’s history. It is a popular day trip destination  from Sedona, Prescott, Phoenix, or Flagstaff and if you want to stay the night, you can do so. Jerome is, to put it mildly, unique, although some might call it  quirky. Originally, Jerome’s Sliding Jail was constructed around 1928. It was built on a clay slick and soon began sliding, causing it to move 2,500 feet from its initial location. A former jewel of Jerome, the Bartlett Hotel stands in ruins today. The  Jerome Grand Hotel was built in 1927, and it offers panoramic views of the Verde Valley.

It’s probably a good idea to consider renting a car with unlimited miles when you visit Arizona and most of these US landmarks.

All-Out in Arkansas

With mountains, caves, rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs, this southern state is known for its abundant parks and wilderness areas as well as many top US landmarks.

You can explore limestone caves like Blanchard Springs Cavern in the rugged Ozarks region to the northwest. Little Rock is home to the Clinton Presidential Center, which contains Bill Clinton’s presidential archives. Arkansas is known as ‘The Natural State’ due to its stunning scenery and mountains, including the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges. Arkansas also has a number of charming towns and cities including Eureka Springs, Hot Springs, and Little Rock. Each has a rich history, architecture, and heritage.  Little Rock is the state’s economic, cultural, and political capital.

• Bentonville – Situated in northwest Arkansas, Bentonville is known as the home of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer. A once sleepy town has become an extremely cosmopolitan and charming place because of its booming business. While it’s many corporate offices and unending urban sprawl are unremarkable, the center is full of artisanal stores, cosy cafes, and local restaurants. A number of picturesque parks are also scattered about, and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is one of the most impressive. Having said that, the little city is also a perfect starting point from which to explore Eureka Springs and Branson, as well as the beautiful Buffalo River and the Ozark Mountains.
• Hot Springs – The magical city of Hot Springs lies in the Ouachita Mountains, and has long been known for its healing waters. The town gained popularity as a spa town in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when luxurious bath houses sprang up  around its thermal springs. Since bootlegging and gambling were prevalent, mobster types like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano used to vacation here amongst some of the top US landmarks.

California College Road Trip Destinations

Located in the west, California stretches nearly 900 miles along the Pacific coast. Among the landscape’s varied features are beaches lined with cliffs, redwood forests, mountains in the Sierra Nevada range, farmlands in the Central Valley and the Mojave desert. Los Angeles is the center of the Hollywood entertainment industry while the undulating San Francisco is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and cable cars.

Here are some of the destinations to include on your family or college road trip.

• Yosemite National Park – is located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. A famous feature of the area are the giant ancient sequoia trees, El Capitan, and Half Dome. Tunnel View offers the most incredible views of Bridalveil Falls and plays witness to incredible sunrises. There are shops, restaurants, accommodation, a museum and a gallery of Ansel Adams’ landscapes in Yosemite Village. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1984, Yosemite is one of the largest and least fragmented habitat blocks in the Sierra Nevada, and the park supports a diversity of plants and animals.
• Alcatraz Island is located 1.25 miles offshore in San Francisco Bay. As part of the island’s development, a lighthouse, a military fortress, a military prison, and a federal prison were constructed. The latter was operational from August 11, 1934 until March 21, 1963. It was nearly impossible to escape from this island because of the strong currents and cold water temperatures.
• The Disneyland Resort – Is located in Anaheim and features two theme parks, shopping, dining, three hotels and fun in Downtown Disney. 
• Other places not to be missed during your road trip are Orange County, Anaheim, Long Beach and the Queen Mary floating hotel.

California is a great place to start your Death Valley road trip .

Top US Landmarks in Colorado

The western state of Colorado has an assortment of landscape types, from arid desert and river canyons to the snow-covered Rocky Mountains. Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings can also be found in Mesa Verde National Park. Located a mile above sea level, Denver is Colorado’s capital and largest city.

• Aspen – A ski resort town in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Aspen provides outdoor recreation all year long and is known for upmarket eateries and boutique shops. The Wheeler Opera House was built in 1889 during the area’s silver mining boom. The Wheeler-Stallard House is a local history museum located in a 19th-century Queen Anne-style house, and the Aspen Art Museum displays contemporary art.
• Denver – Founded in the Old West, Denver is the capital of Colorado. The oldest block of the city is Larimer Square, which features 19th-century buildings. Museums  in the area include the Denver Art Museum, an ultramodern complex featuring indigenous art, and the mansion where Titanic survivor, Molly Brown lived. In addition, Denver provides a gateway to nearby ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains
• Colorado Springs – No wonder Katharine Lee Bates was moved to compose the lyrics for “America the Beautiful,” one of the most popular patriotic songs of all time, in this pretty and romantic town In one direction you’ll see the resplendent  “purple mountains:” of the Colorado Rockies. Look in the opposite direction to see the “amber waves of grain” that are the Great Plains. The city also hosts the Air Force Academy and the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center.

Top US Landmarks in Connecticut

Connecticut is a state in southern New England that comprises coastal cities and rural communities. At the Mystic Seaport museum, you can see centuries-old ships, and at the Mystic Aquarium, you can see beluga whale exhibits. New Haven, which borders Long Island Sound, is home to Yale University and the Peabody Museum of Natural History.

• Hartford is Connecticut’s capital city. You can visit Mark Twain’s house and museum here. There are thousands of artifacts in the mansion, including the desk at which Twain wrote his most famous works. The Harriet Beecher Stowe Center includes the writer’s Victorian house complete with period furnishings and a garden. The Wadsworth Athenium Museum of Art houses a broad collection of Renaissance and impressionist works.
• New Haven – a coastal city on Long Island Sound and home to the Ivy League Yale University that was founded in 1701. Yale University Art Gallery, Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History , and the Yale Center for British Art are some of the institution’s museums. A 19th-century Egyptian Revival gate graces Grove Street Cemetery, which dates from the late 18th century. The New Haven Museum focuses on local history.
• Mystic – It’s beautiful harbor really is a picture-perfect example of Mystic’s beauty. The town straddles the banks of the Mystic River and used to be an important shipbuilding port and whaling center – as such, wealth from all over the United States poured in. Consequently, there are some delightful architectural features nestled along the waterways, as well as marinas brimming with yachts and other craft. Mystic’s Seaport Museum is not only the most popular attraction in town but in the entire state. A visit to the town’s fantastic aquarium and the majestic historic ships anchored in port is also a must.

Top US Landmarks in Delaware

The small state of Delaware borders the Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay, Delaware River, and Delaware River on a peninsula marked by dune-backed beaches. The Old State House, a Georgian-style building, is a part of First State Heritage Park, located in Dover, Delaware’s capital.

• Hagley Museum and Library – Tour Delaware’s original du Pont family home, Eleutherin Mills. There is a museum and library on Hagley Estate, as well as the estate’s extensive gardens and gunpowder mills. The building dates to the early 19th century, and represents the cultural taste of the time. Technology and business innovation are the focus of the library and the mill itself has illustrations showing how gunpowder was made. As an added bonus, there is a beautiful collection of antique cars in the barn
• Known as a ‘park without boundaries,’ the First State Heritage Park is an urban park that connects cultural and historical sites throughout the  city. Delaware’s capital has been Dover since 1777, and the park pays homage to that history. The park’s attractions are open most days of the week, but every month special events are held. At Woodburn, you can tour the governor’s house, follow the Delaware History Trail,  and relax on The Green.

Top US Landmarks in Florida

With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, Florida is the southeasternmost state in the United States. Beaches stretch for hundreds of miles.

In addition to its Latino cultural influences and notable arts scene, Miami is widely renowned for its nightlife, especially in the upscale area of South Beach. Disney World and other theme parks attract thousands of tourists to Orlando each year.

• Sarasota – A city like none other that features an impressive list of art-centric sites and activities like the Ringling Museum of Art, Art Center Sarasota, and many craft fairs and festivals. This waterfront city has also become a major attraction for ballet, opera, and circus acts. The circus is deeply ingrained in Sarasota. John and Charles Ringling moved to Sarasota shortly before it became a city in 1913. Ca’ d’Zan, John Ringling’s former home, is now one of the city’s top attractions. Sarasota’s close proximity to Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico makes it a popular destination for nature lovers as well. Visit the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Lido Beach, and Myakka River State Park when you’re not admiring the picturesque views from one of the area’s golf courses. Additionally, Sarasota has one of the state’s largest Amish and Mennonite communities.
• The Sunshine City – St. Petersburg holds the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive sunny days. It creates a unique fusion of traditional beach getaway and urban atmosphere for visitors. The white, sandy beaches offer views of spectacular sunsets and the 7 miles of waterfront parks invite travelers to enjoy a host of activities, including hiking, camping and kayaking. The ongoing creative renaissance also promises a rich cultural experience, whether through world-class theatre or the arts – visit the Dalí Museum or the Museum of Fine Arts . The city hosts more than 1000 events yearly, ranging from St. Anthony’s Triathlon to the Ribfest, a barbecue and music event.
• Key West and Tallahassee are also on the ‘to visit’ list in Florida.

Top US Landmarks in Georgia

Southeastern Georgia has coastal beaches, farmland, and mountains. Georgia Aquarium and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is located in the capital city Atlanta. The site is dedicated to the life and times of the African-American leader. There are numerous squares and parks in Savannah, known for its architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Masters golf tournament is held in Augusta and you will soon see that there is a lot more to Georgia than its peaches. From big cities and small towns to picturesque mountains and beaches, Georgia offers a wide variety of attractions.

Take a drive from Atlanta to Savannah and take in some of the most amazing sites, sounds and US landmarks.

• With its Spanish moss, Southern accents, and creepy graveyards, Savannah reminds you of Charleston, NC. However, this southern city has an eccentric streak. Ghost hunters and preservationists mix with art and design students while edgy cafes vie with traditional Southern restaurants on street corners. But if this is not your “box of chocolates” as Forrest Gump explained ( The movie was filmed here ), the city’s past pours out of every building. Savannah is home to one of the oldest Black churches in North America and Fort Pulaski acted as a place of safety for slaves trying to escape. Whether you’re visiting Savannah for the history, the sights, the delicious Southern cuisine, or to spend a few days and nights bar-hopping, this city has something for everyone.
• For history buffs, Athens is a must-see. Georgia’s Antebellum Trail begins in the city, with 17 historic districts that feature homes from the Civil War era. The University of  Georgia was the first public university in the United States, housing notable institutions such as the Georgia Museum of Natural History, Georgia State Botanical Garden, and Georgia Museum of Art. Shops, restaurants and live music venues in Downtown Athens offer a more modern getaway.

Top US Landmarks in Idaho

The state of Idaho is known for its mountainous landscapes, as well as vast stretches of wilderness and outdoor recreation areas. A popular place to go rafting or fishing is on the Boise River, which bisects Idaho’s capital, Boise. There is a zoo and rose garden in the city’s riverfront Julia Davis Park.

• Idaho’s capital city is Boise. Boise River Greenbelt features trails lined with trees and parks that surround the water. Boise Art Museum has a sculpture garden and contemporary art displays in an art deco-style building. Nearby is the sandstone Idaho State Capitol Building. The Old Idaho Penitentiary features gallows and prison cells from the 19th century, as well as historic military weapons.
• Yellowstone’s Zone of Death , Island Park, is a 50-square-mile section of the park where murder is legal. A loophole in the law is the guilty party.
• Ernest Hemingway’s Grave can be seen in the Ketchum Cemetery, Sun Valley. His grave remains a humble affair in an Idaho cemetery, despite his world-famous work and larger-than-life personality

Top US Landmarks in Illinois

The midwestern state of Illinois borders Indiana to the east and the Mississippi River to the  west. The Prairie State is characterized by farmland, forests, rolling hills and wetlands. A major U.S. city located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago offers many skyscrapers, such as the gleaming 1,451-foot Willis Tower and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower.

• Lincoln monuments abound in Springfield , the city of the first president. Become part of history when you visit Abe’s house, his law offices and of course the museum. Enjoy the diners and retro attractions along Route 66.
• The small town of Galena in the northwest boasts well-preserved 19th-century architecture like the Dowling House, built in 1826. Local citizens gave the Italianate Ulysses S. Grant Home to the Civil War general who later became President of the United States. On the outskirts of Galena, Horseshoe Mound provides views of three  states. At Casper Bluff, you can see ancient ceremonial sites thought to date back thousands of years.

Top US Landmarks in Indiana

Midwest Indiana is the 38th largest state by size and became part of America as the 19th state on December 11, 1816. With so much on offer for folks who enjoy cars and driving, this state should be high on your list of road trips to be planned.

• Located in South Bend, Indiana, The Studebaker National Museum houses a variety of vehicles from Studebaker Corporation and other aspects of American history.
• Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum – The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has seen speedsters battling since 1909. The humongous museum that was built circa 1960 features a  theatre rolling historic Indy 500 footage and there are more than 70 cars on show.
• The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – is the world’s largest museum for children and encompasses nearly 480,000 square feet and features 11 different galleries. Exhibits include a planetarium, “Dinosphere: Now You’re in Their World ” (it has an archeological dig), the “National Geographic Treasures of the Earth” display, with replicas of three archaeological sites including a pirate shipwreck and China’s Terracotta Warriors. In addition to the skeleton of a 12,500-year-old mastodon, the museum has its own carousel.

Top US Landmarks in Iowa

The Hawkeye State lies between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers in the Midwest of the U.S. The region is characterized by rolling plains and cornfields. In the state capital, Des Moines, you can visit the gold-domed, 19th-century State Capitol Building, the Pappajohn Sculpture Park, and the Des Moines Art Center, which has an impressive contemporary collection. Grant Wood’s paintings are on display at Cedar Rapids’ Museum of Art .

• The Grotto of Redemption’s shrine is in West Bend. The nine caves reflect Jesus’s life and have the world’s biggest collection of petrified woods and minerals. It also happens to be Earth’s largest grotto. It is estimated that the minerals and rocks that built the cave are worth $4,308,000. The shrine receives over 100,000 visitors a year and there are displays of semi precious and precious stone specimens from all over the world, artifacts, and photographs of the shrine’s construction.
• Dubuque is on the Mississippi River and is home to The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium. There are rose, herb, and Japanese gardens at the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens in the northwest. Located on 20 acres with a log cabin dating from 1833, the Mathias Ham House is a palatial 19th-century mansion. South of the area, there are trails and wildlife at Mines of Spain State Recreation Area.

Top US Landmarks in Kansas

Kansas conjures up images of yellow brick roads and scarecrows and in truth, the Sunflower State has surprises around nearly every corner. Topeka is its capital, and Wichita is its largest city. Nebraska lies to the north, Missouri to the east, Oklahoma to the south and Colorado to the west.

• Wichita is in south-central Kansas and deserves more than just cursory drive by. Among the exhibits at Explore Place is ‘Kansas in Miniature’, an animated display of life in Kansas during the 1950’s. Using old buildings and costumed guides, Old Cowtown Museum recreates life in the 19th century and a wildflower meadow and Chinese garden are among the themed gardens at Botanica Wichita. Drive a little further and you will find Egyptian mummies and a TRex skeleton on display at the Museum of World Treasures.
• A convenient and greatly interesting stop over on your road trip is Topeka , the state capital. Here you can see the domed, neoclassical State Capitol building with its well preserved murals and statues. The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site commemorates the 1954 Supreme Court decision that ended racial segregation in schools while the Kansas Museum of History displays an 1880’s steam locomotive. Located in Ward-Meade Historic Site is Old Prairie Town, an 1890’s schoolhouse  and mansion with a botanical garden.

Top US Landmarks in Kentucky

Whether it’s the horses or baseball Kentucky will always be a home run on your road trip. 

Frankfort is the state capital of Kentucky, a southeastern state bordered by the Ohio River in the north and the Appalachian Mountains in the east. Louisville, the largest city in the state, hosts the Kentucky Derby, a most prestigious horse race at Churchill Downs every year. The Derby is preceded by a festival that lasts a fortnight, and is celebrated year-round at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

• Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and its also big on deserving a pin in your road map (I mean, a destination on your SatNav). The Kentucky Derby is held annually in May, at Churchill Downs and the illustrious history can be delved into at the Kentucky Derby Museum. If horses are not your thing, steal base at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. This is where Major League sluggers are made and you are welcomed by a huge bat when you enter. If you are only going to visit one city in Kentucky, make sure it’s Louisville. Why not explore one of the most historic parts of Louisville, West Main Street, as a starting point? Attractions to visit in the downtown area’s Museum Row include the Muhammad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Museum, and the Frazier History Museum. The Speed Art Museum offers interactive exhibits, while the Belle of Louisville, the city’s historical paddlewheel boat, offers river cruises on the Ohio River. Fourth Street in downtown, is where you will find local theaters and entertainment with a buffet of real southern style eating places to sink your teeth into.
• Steer your rental car across the Ohio River from Cincinnati and you will discover  Newport in northern Kentucky, a small and fun waterfront city. Among the top attractions in Newport, the Aquarium features exhibits, penguin interaction and shark feedings. From stand-up comedy to movies, Newport on the Levee has a wide array of dining and entertainment options. Another fun thing on your Newport itinerary is to cross the half-mile Purple People Bridge, officially called the Newport Southbank Bridge. This pedestrian bridge provides one of the most breathtaking vistas of the Ohio River. The East Row neighborhood of Newport also has a nice historic district. There are about 70 historic homes spread throughout the district, which was founded in the 1700’s. The World Peace Bell is the largest swinging bell in the world, so be sure to check it out on your way through the area.

Top US Landmarks in Louisiana

Louisiana is a southeastern state on the Gulf of Mexico. Cajun and Creole cultures reflect the fusion of French, African, American and French-Canadian cultures from its past. Known for its French Quarter from colonial times, Mardi Gras festivals, Renaissance-style St. Louis Cathedral and the massive National World War 2 Museum, New Orleans is the largest city in Louisiana. With so much to see, smell and taste in this state you will most certainly spend more time here than you intended, and maybe a little longer.

• Lafayette , the fourth-largest city in Louisiana, lies deep in Cajun Country in the southwest. Discover the Acadian Village, where you can stroll through a cajun village from the 1800’s, view a performance at the Acadiana Center for the Arts, try a restaurant or wedding venue and take a tour of the Tabasco Factory on Avery Island. Children will enjoy the Children’s- and the Lafayette Science Museum.
• Head on to New Orleans nestled on the Mississippi River and close to the Gulf of Mexico. Also known as the Big Easy, party people from across the world come here to let their hair down. Live music is a vibrant part of the city’s history. A melting pot of African, European, American, and French cultures, New Orleans is historically and culturally rich. In late winter, the infamous Mardi Gras festival is held in New Orleans, known for its riotous parades and all-night parties. Among the attractions that visitors can see are the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, the National WWII Museum and Jackson Square.

Must-Visit in Maine

The northeasternmost state of the United States is known for its rocky coastline, maritime history, and natural areas such as Acadia National Park with its granite islands and spruce forests. Drive carefully here as Moose are plentiful in Baxter State Park. Here you will find Mt. Katahdin, where the Appalachian Trail ends. Coastal Maine is home to a number of lighthouses, including West Quoddy Head’s candy-striped beacon, and beach towns like Old Orchard and Ogunquit offer sun worshippers the best place to spread their towels.

• The city of Portland lies on the southern coast of the state along Casco Bay and is recognized as the economic, tourism, and economic development hub in the region. It has a fascinating history of industry, agriculture, and even  Americana – and that’s just scratching the surface. Along the waterfront of the Old Port are working fishing wharves and warehouses that were converted into restaurants and shops. Located nearby is the Western Promenade, a public park with river and mountain  views. A Victorian-era neighborhood nearby, the West End, contains the Victoria Mansion Museum . You might look at assigning a designated driver because Portland has around 20 micro-breweries that produce nearly 50 000 barrels of beer in a year!
• Your next stop on your road trip is Brunswick . This quaint and charming village combines a blossoming entertainment and arts lifestyle with New England magnetism.

Doubling Point Lighthouse was originally constructed back in 1898 and you will find it along the Kennebec Rice on Arrowsic Island. Restorations were done in 2000 and the walkways and lighthouse look as good as ever.

Make a stop in Maryland

If you are a patriotic American (who isn’t?) Maryland should be added on your ‘places to see’ list. This Mid-Atlantic region is home to many waterways along Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic coastline. The city of Baltimore is a major seaport with a long history. Here at the entrance to the Inner Harbor is where you will find Fort McHenry, birthplace of the U.S. national anthem. It is also home to the National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center.

• Baltimore has a long history as an important seaport. Located at the mouth of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry is the birthplace of America’s national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”. It is worth parking here and experiencing what the harbor area has to offer. From upmarket crab shacks and shops to a walk on the deck of the USS Constellation, a Civil War warship. The National Aquarium is a must if you like marine creatures.
• Frederick – Civil War buffs should start their day in Frederick, a western Maryland city with deep ties to the war. Explore the Monocacy National Battlefield and National Museum of Civil War Medicine, or rent a bike and ride the 10-mile Frederick History Bicycle Loop, which passes more than 20 historical sites. After you’ve experienced all the historical wonders that Frederick has to offer, check out the numerous shops, galleries, and restaurants found in Downtown Frederick. The Frederick Wine Trail and Public Art Trail are located in the city center.
• Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park – aptly nicknamed, The Grand Old Ditch, this historic waterway was once used to transport coal, agricultural products, and lumber from Georgetown to Baltimore. A wide towpath offers miles of hiking trails as well as opportunities for biking, horseback riding and jogging. Moreover, the park’s Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center in Potomac offers mule-drawn boat rides (for a fee), so you can learn more about the canal’s history. 

Top US Landmarks in Massachusetts

Boston is the most populated city in the state and also the capital of The Baked Bean state. Known officially as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts it is the most populous state in New England. This was where the first pilgrims landed with the Mayflower and deserves to be on everyone’s road-tripping itinerary. Harvard University, the country’s first institution of higher learning (founded in 1636), is located in Massachusetts. It seems that having a great university in your state helps the brain as ‘The Codfish State’ ranks first  in terms of the number of residents with college degrees.

• Martha’s Vineyard is a triangle-shaped island around 8 miles offshore from Cape Cod. It has been a ‘not so secret summer sanctuary for the wealthy for more than a hundred years. This tradition is kept alive today thanks to visits by people like Bill Murray, David Letterman and former President Barack Obama, to name-drop but a few.
• Cape Cod – Known for its shingled cottages, colorful clam shacks and serene beaches, Cape Cod – or “the Cape” to locals – is a favorite summer vacation destination for New Englanders. An endless seashore is dotted with kayaks and fishing boats carrying whale watchers, and cottages and bed-and-breakfasts dot the rugged sand dunes, scenic bike trails meander along forests, and cottages line the coast around rugged sand dunes… This is where life slows down a little, and so should you—in fact you should just stop here for a while.

Top US Landmarks in Michigan

Water, water everywhere you look you will see water. This incidentally is where Michigan gets its name from. The Ojibwe word “mishigami”, means “large water” or “large lake” – and so The Great Lakes state is christened. So if you plan to motor west, past the capital, Lansing to the Motor City, Detroit…that’s the best!

• Detroit – Detroit’s motto “Speramus meliora; resurget cineribus,” translates to “We hope for better things; it shall arise from the ashes.” Truth be told, we all know that the city’s glory days of motoring have had the brakes put on them – in political terms as well as economically, and that a few of its uninhabited neighborhoods lend a Zombie-war-like feeling as you pass by. But put the past in your rearview mirror and a new and chrome-shiny Detroit awaits you. With its French roots, La Ville d’Etroit was founded in 1701 and was even compared to Paris for its beauty (a nickname it earned for its architecture and grand boulevards). Look under the hood of the city and you’ll find much of the city’s old charm is still there, like the matured art deco skyscrapers, and see a city busy fixing itself with new development and large green spaces. 
• Ann Arbor – Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan are conjoined twins – nearly impossible to separate, yet each with their own unique personality influencing the other. The buzz of football season and small herds of screen-facing scholars is strangely balanced by hidden fairy doors and gatherings like FestFools in spring and Apple Daze in the Fall. The ‘City of trees’ serves a ravishing Reuben sandwich and be it winter or summer, you will see a bit more of Ann Arbor’s glint each time you go back to this gem of the state.

Top US Landmarks in Minnesota

Bob Dylan said this of Minnesota , “There is a magnetic attraction there. Maybe thousands and thousands of years ago, some planet bumped into the land there. There is a great spiritual quality throughout the Midwest. Very subtle, very strong, and that is where I grew up.”

The state borders Canada and the largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior.

The North Star state has more than 10, 000 lakes, and that includes the Mississippi River’s birthplace, Lake Itasca. Saint Paul, the capital of Minnesota; and Minneapolis, the “Twin Cities” are characterized by cultural attractions like the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Walker Art Center.

• Minneapolis – St. Paul – Driving into the twin cities is much like a tale about, well about two cities actually. St. Paul’s is the quieter and broody older sibling while Minneapolis is the younger, more vibey one that stays awake and parties till late. You can take the family to the Minnesota Zoo (but don’t leave them there) or Fort Snelling. 
• Minnesota River Valley Scenic Byway – this beautiful route, parallel to US-169, begins in Belle Plaines with a population of 6,600. (45 miles southwest of Minneapolis). Wind your way south before you turn west at Mankato. Henderson has 900 citizens, as well as apple stands and a soda fountain. Passing here your next stop will be New Ulm. The town has Germanic inspired architecture like the August Schell mansion (that has a working glockenspiel) and was built in 1885. On weekends, Morgan Creek Vineyards, just east of town, offers tours and tastings.

Top US Landmarks in Mississippi

The southern state of Mississippi is the birthplace of Blues music and you can immerse yourself in Blues history while visiting the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale. Mark Twain wrote, “The Mississippi is well worth reading about. It is not a commonplace river, but on the contrary is in all ways remarkable.” He might just as well have written this about the Magnolia State as this is really a remarkable place to see by car. The Vicksburg National Military Park is another historical site in the area.

• Biloxi Lighthouse – Built in 1848, it was one of the first cast-iron lighthouses built in the South and ‘manned’ by local Biloxians –  among them a few female lightkeepers – until 1939 when the U.S. Coast Guard adopted the post.
• Ship Island – lies approximately 12 miles offshore from Biloxi and is a favorite day trip with most groups. Chillax on a sparkling white sandy beach or take a free tour of Fort Massachusetts that was built to defend the coastline after the War of 1812.

Top US Landmarks in Missouri

The state’s official slogan, “Missouri – Close to Home, Far from Ordinary”, describes this Midwest state near perfectly. Kansas City, St. Louis and Columbia are some of the larger cities with Jefferson City as the capital. “The Show me State”, as Missouri is affectionately known, lives up to its nickname with something special showing up around practically every corner.

• St. Louis – Lewis and Clarke started their exploration of the West in St. Louis so why wouldn’t you? The city is not known as the gateway to the West without reason. Make your next move in the ‘Chess Capital of the World’ by having an ice cream cone at the bottom of the Gateway Arch or an iced tea at Busch Stadium…both of these iced beverages were born here! There are 79 decidedly different neighborhoods and that includes the historical Soulard. You may even save some gas money here. St. Louis has more free activities and attractions than practically any other state.
• Branson – “The family-friendly Las Vegas” is famous for its bounty of family-friendly attractions. Reuben Branson, the postmaster and proprietor of the local general store around the turn of the 20th century, lends his name to this city at the foot of the Ozark Mountains in southwest Missouri. In the Silver Dollar City amusement park, a replica of an 1880s mining town, Branson still retains some of its old-time charm. The Branson Strip is lit by neon lights and lined with theaters where live shows range from country westerns to comedy routines and has a retro elegance. However, Branson is in no way a Sleepy Hollow. Amusement parks like Silver Dollar City, museums and natural attractions like Table Rock State Park abound in the area.

Top US Landmarks in Montana

Whatever it is about Montana is hard to put into words. Abe Lincoln said, “My favorite state has not yet been invented. It will be called Montana, and it will be perfect.”

To say that it is beautiful or stunning, is just not enough. Calling it wild or rugged is like calling a Polar Bear white…it’s so much more…Montana arouses the primal sense of adventure that is locked within us all. This is Big Sky Country and the wide-open spaces include Glacier National Park , an expansive wilderness area bordering Canada. The park’s snow-capped peaks, lakes, and hiking trails are on display along the legendary, 50 mile long Going-to-the-Sun Road.

• Glacier National Park – The park is known for its hiking trails, which include easy trails like the Trail of the Cedars, and strenuous ones like Grinnell Glacier. The many paths there are to take will all offer stunning views of glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and jagged peaks. Oh and in case you didn’t know, Glacier National Park has more than 700 lakes.
• Butte – There is so much history in Butte that it practically pours out of the earth, which is symbolic with the copper, gold and other precious metals that gave life, and a rich one at that, to this town in the late 1800’s. The World Museum of Mining is a fantastic way to uncover the rough mining history of Butte. More than 30 historic buildings and structures are displayed at the museum, which is built around a restored mining camp that was in the old village of Hell Roarin’ Gulch. Among the other mine-related attractions in Butte is the Copper King Mansion, built in 1888. Many of the original artifacts that reflect the prosperity of the Richest Hill on Earth are housed in this 24-room Victorian mansion. Also worth visiting is the Mineral Museum, which has over 1,300 specimens, including an 855.35 gram gold nugget.

Top US Landmarks in Nebraska

“Anyone who spends time on the road knows there’s something special about being in the middle of Utah or Nebraska – you sit with it, and there’s a peace about it. You can go left or right, and it opens up all kinds of doors. You take your own path.”

These words from Jason Momoa paint a true reflection of what it is like to visit the ‘Cornhusker State’.

From the rolling prairies of the Great Plains, the mountainous dunes of the Sandhills and the striking rock formations of the panhandle, Nebraska is waiting to be explored. With its distinguished state capitol, Lincoln is a vibey university town and you will find the Durham Museum in Omaha. Homage is paid to the pioneering past in a remodelled railroad depot.

• The Archway in Kearney spans the I-80 highway at Exit 275 and this is where American history comes alive. For eons the Great Platte River Road has been used as a migration route across the continent. Stretching back to the Oregon Trail this fun-for-all exhibit relates the tales of the pioneers who built this land.
• Visit North Platte’s Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park to learn about William “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s life and legacy. Cody’s 1886 home, Scout’s Rest Ranch, is a  National Historic Landmark where you can view countless historical items and memorabilia from the frontiersman’s second empire mansion and barn.

Top US Landmarks in Nevada

The I – 15 will take you all the way from Primm, through Las Vegas to Mesquite, where you enter Arizona. It is highly advised though to make Sin City your last stop…because you know, “What happens in Vegas…Stays in Vegas!”

Wondering whether you need to rent a car in Las Vegas? Let us explain…

In 1859 the Comstock Lode, the richest known silver deposit in the United States, was discovered in Nevada. Today, Nevada’s gaming and entertainment industry is the largest in the country and if you need a place to stay, there are more hotel rooms in Las Vegas than anywhere else on earth. But there is so much more to see here than neon lights and girls wearing feathers.

• Hoover Dam, Boulder City – Hoover Dam was built during the Great Depression (1931-1936). Approximately 20,000 vehicles drive across Hoover Dam each day, and the dam receives over one million visitors a year. It was declared a National Historic Landmark on August 20,1985.
• Nevada State Capitol, Carson City – The Nevada State Capitol was built between 1869 and 1871, and is the capitol building of Nevada. A national landmark, this building was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 10, 1975.

Top US Landmarks in New Hampshire

“Live free or Die,” is the Granite State’s motto and there is not much that gives you the feeling of freedom than a long road trip through its quaint towns and large expanses of wilderness. The White Mountain National Forest is known for its winter sports areas and Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the region, has a cog railway that takes visitors to the top. Moose, black bears, and the Appalachian Trail are also found in the White Mountains.

• Strawberry Banke Museum, Portsmouth – Named after Portsmouth’s first settlement, Strawberry Banke comprises original Portsmouth buildings. Located within walking distance is Market Square, where you can visit the 1855 North Church. Boat docks and riverside gardens are found in Prescott Park and the former research submarine USS Albacore can be seen near the visitor center.
• Shaker Museum, Canterbury – The Shakers were a religious group from New Hampshire who lived a simple life. The Canterbury Shaker Museum preserves this historic way of life since the 1960s, and is a National Historic Site.

Top US Landmarks in New Jersey

Northeastern New Jersey has about 130 miles of Atlantic coastline for you to explore. Liberty State Park, across the Hudson River from Lower Manhattan, is the starting point for ferries to nearby Ellis Island, home of the Immigration Museum and the Statue of Liberty. Some notable resort towns, including Cape May and historic Asbury Park, can be found near the Jersey Shore. There are a multitude of reasons to visit the Garden State but we only have space for two.

• Cape May – The ‘original’ seaside resort in the United States has been a top summertime getaway for ages. Along with its white sand beaches, Cape May is home to some 600 Victorian buildings, including bed-and-breakfasts reminiscent of times past. No matter what you decide to do (Cape May offers some of the world’s best birding spots), whether visiting wineries or exploring historical sites, you’re bound to fall in love with this coastal paradise.
• Liberty State Park – With views of the Upper New York Bay, Liberty Island, and Ellis Island (home to New York’s Statue of Liberty), Liberty State Park has approximately 1,212 acres of waterside land. This park features a number of highlights of its own, including Communipaw Cove, a 36-acre tidal salt marsh that has been designated a nature preserve. In the park, there are two important memorials: Liberation, dedicated to the Holocaust, and Empty Sky, a 210-foot-long wall of steel with names of those who were victims of the tragic events of 9/11 and had ties to New Jersey. Recreational facilities at the park include picnic areas, fishing, kayaking, and cycling.

Must-See in New Mexico

Somehow you will always picture Road Runner and Wile E Coyote in your mind’s eye when  in New Mexico. With its mix of European American, Native American, and Mexican heritage, the state is a unique and colorful place to visit. All that being said, perhaps it is no wonder that New Mexico is known as “the Land of Enchantment” and a road trip here is never boring. The capital is Santa Fe, was founded in 1610 as the then capital of Nuevo México. Albuquerque is the largest city in the state and was named after The Duke of Alburquerque, a 17th-century Spanish nobleman.

• Santa Fe – truly is a city of differences, hence its nickname, ‘The City Different’. The rich and varied history of Santa Fe gives it a vibrant and artistic character. Every day is different, and besides Pueblo Indian inspired architecture and Gothic cathedrals there is always the outdoors and chili-inspired eateries. Art and Santa Fe go together like Holy goes with Faith – Santa Fe translated to English means ‘Holy Faith.’ Galleries in the city house works by Georgia O’Keeffe, Peter Hurd, Miro Kenarov and Gustave Baumann, works that were inspired in part by the city’s dynamic and evolving landscape.
• Roswell – Aliens and out of state visitors have been landing here since 1947 when it was first reported that a UFO crashed on a farm just outside town. This out of this world culture is ingrained here with attractions and festivals like the UFO Museum and Research Center and the yearly UFO Festival. When you are done probing the little green men, you will find a slightly less mysterious side of Roswell. At Bitter Lake National Wildlife Reserve you can spot the animals and then go for a swim at Bottomless Lakes, after that you can do the artsy thing at Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art and the Roswell Museum and Art Center.

New York, New York

The ‘Empire State’ is home to the most inhabited city in America, supine national and state parks, and seaside communities that attract both domestic and international visitors. It would most likely be impossible to see all there is to see in this amazing place and trying to figure out where in New York you should visit can leave you in a bit of a quandary. Besides New York City and the misty Niagara Falls, the island of Manhattan homes the Empire State Building, Times Square and Central Park, while the Brooklyn Bridge links Manhattan with the borough of Brooklyn. The Statue of Liberty watches over New York Harbor and to the east Long Island’s beaches, the Montauk Lighthouse, the opulent Hamptons and Fire Island beckons. Why don’t you look at these not so common destinations?

• Rochester – This is the state’s third biggest city (by population) and an excellent place to take kids with you. You’ll come across several child-friendly museums, including The Strong National Museum of Play (the U.S.’s second largest children’s museum) and the George Eastman Museum (the oldest photography museum in the world). During the warmer months, Rochester offers a variety of outdoor attractions. See the world’s largest collection of lilacs at Highland Park Conservancy, or High Falls for panoramic views.
• Saratoga Springs – The Mohawk tribe believed that the mineral waters in Saratoga Springs had healing powers, and who are we to argue with them? The town has grown into a vacation ‘hot’ spot and you can still partake in their restorative powers in any of its many mineral springs. Saratoga Spa State Park has 12 so a stop over here is highly recommended. Today, many travelers visit Saratoga Springs for its world-famous racetrack, the Saratoga Race Course. If you visit in August, you can attend the Travers Stakes, a premier horse racing event held at the venue. There’s also the option of taking a walking tour of the facility.

Top US Landmarks in North Carolina

Historians don’t quite know how the state earned its nickname, ‘The Tar Heel State’,  but they believe it may have something to do with its past as a leading producer of tar and similar products. The diverse landscape, historic sites and vibrant arts and culture scene, make North Carolina an inviting destination all year round. You can enjoy skiing, horseback riding and hiking along the mountain ranges while the coast is a haven for many activities like surfing, kayaking, and fishing. Enjoy a stroll through the luxurious Biltmore Estate or walk where the Wright brothers made their first ever flight. Discover the cultural heritage of Raleigh or indulge in the food and festivities of Asheville. The Old North state may be old, but it still has a few surprises up its sleeves.

• Asheville – a town with many labels where Southern charm and breathtaking landscapes fuse together with a buzzing art scene. This Home of Bluegrass, Haven for hipsters, Foodie destination and Beer City is a hard one to pin down. Lovers of the past get lost in the romantic gardens of the Biltmore Estate, food lovers can taste from a culinary cacophony of choices and lovers of hops and yeast can sample the brews of the city’s many first-class breweries. With all this love around you can lounge through the River Arts District while thrill seekers hike, bike, zip line, and raft in the many parks and forests here. These personalities come together in Asheville to create something that is uniquely its own, with an identity that changes constantly, yet somehow remains true to its origins.
• Charlotte – If you have a need for speed, and honestly speaking, what car driving human does not like putting the foot down a little? Here, they put it down a LOT! The Queen City is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame , business is growing and the city is running smoothly. ‘Not’ downtown Charlotte is a business and tourist hub, art buffs and culture seekers hound Plaza Midwood and North Davidson. The south end is where you go to get a pint – some of the best breweries in the city serve world class local beer and food here.

National Treasures in North Dakota

North Dakota is dominated by the Great Plains. If you carry on the Great Plains eventually give way to the rugged Badlands near the border with Montana. Here the Theodore Roosevelt National Park straddles the Little Missouri River. At the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, you’ll find modern and Native American art, while the Scandinavian Heritage Association in Minot celebrates immigrant history.

• National Buffalo Museum – Driving along I-94, around halfway between Fargo and Bismarck, you will see the world’s biggest buffalo – in concrete. It marks the National Buffalo Museum and rare white (albino) bison graze alongside their ‘normal’ kinfolk in its giant shadow. There is also a Frontier Village at the museum that features a number of old pioneer buildings, including a barbershop, church, drugstore, jail, schoolhouse, and post office. In summer you can tour all the historical sites, take stagecoach and pony rides, and indulge in the old-fashioned soda fountain.
• Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site – is located on an old Mandan and Hidatsa camping ground near Stanton. A number of villages have been rebuilt here in an attempt to preserve the culture. Today, this historic site introduces camps, field trips, and individuals to the native environment.

Tourist destinations in Ohio

There is something for everyone in Ohio, from sprawling parks with stunning waterfalls to  bustling cities and college towns. Drive into the birthplace of aviation and you suddenly feel like you’re in the heart of it all – (state slogan 1984). Dayton, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Columbus offer excellent cultural experiences, some of the best shopping in the state, and plenty of fun activities. For music fans, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at Lake Erie has become a pilgrimage destination. If you love music, this is the place to go.

• Canton –  the Hall of Fame City, where the NFL was born and also where you can find the Pro Football Hall. You can see bronze busts of 300 or more Hall of Famers at the museum, as well as artifacts from recent players and Super Bowl championship rings. If chasing a pig skin around is not your thing, there is a quaint classic car museum – go there before visiting the many breweries, and end off at William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum.
• Dayton – is a town of many attractions, but not surprisingly, most of them are focused on aviation and its history. A visit to the Wright Brothers National Museum offers you a glimpse into the lives of these pioneering pilots and a chance to learn more about the first practical aircraft they created. Additionally, check out the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world, and if there is time fly past the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

Top US Landmarks in Oklahoma

Carrie Underwood says, “I want my permanent address to be in Oklahoma. Someday, when I get married and I have kids, that’s where I want to raise my kids.”

That my friends sounds like an invitation. Be careful though if you are driving. On July 16, 1935, Oklahoma City installed the first parking meter in the world. While you are there grab your boots and head on up to The National Cowboy Hall of Fame. And just to keep things interesting, did you know that the state capitol building is the only building of its kind with an oil well under it?

• Route 66 – Route 66 runs from Chicago to Los Angeles, but the longest stretch runs through the state of Oklahoma. There are attractions of all and any waiting for you along this world famous slice of blacktop. In Clinton the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum and the National Route 66 and Transportation Museum in Elk City should satisfy your history hunger pains. Experience Route 66’s history through immersive experiences such as a 1950s diner and changing exhibits. For oddball visits, shoot past the Blue Whale of Catoosa and in Tulsa, pull up the E-brake at the Golden Driller. Route 66 is road-tripping personified. Motorcycle museums, drive-ins and everything in between…enjoy your journey.
• Lawton – On the complete opposite side of motoring, the Museum of the Great Plains in Lawton provides visitors with hands-on exhibits that reveal what it was like to live in the West among Native Americans and pioneers. Visit a train depot, a trading post, and a schoolhouse, among other historical buildings. You can unearth local culture at the Comanche National Museum and Cultural Center, or see ‘The Holy City’ – a series of buildings designed to resemble Israel during the Biblical period.

Top US Landmarks in Oregon

The Beaver State has some of the most beautiful scenery on the West Coast. Aside from miles of beaches and lush mountains, the surrounding areas are also home to tumbling waterfalls. Fortunately, many of these gems are very accessible from nearby urban areas and a bit of a drive can unearth something spectacular.

• Salem – There’s something for everyone in the state’s capital. You can visit historical and cultural sites – the 19th-century Bush House Museum, Willamette University’s Hallie Ford Museum of Art and the Oregon State Capitol – comes highly recommended. A farm-to-table restaurant network and the city’s Ale and Cider Trail add to the foodie scene. Gilbert House Children’s Museum and Riverfront Park are just two of the many family orientated destinations to explore.
• Newport – The place for family! Start at an outpost of Ripley’s Believe It or Not, before splashing out at the Oregon Coast Aquarium or Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center. The Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area features a beach with basalt rocks and an 1800’s lighthouse.

Top US Landmarks in Pennsylvania

Known officially as the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the state is home to numerous towns, foodie spots, sports venues, and more. The Keystone State played a significant role in the construction of the United States of America – here, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Gettysburg Address were written. The state (apologies), the commonwealth, is filled with a rich history, cheesesteaks and chocolate candy.

• Gettysburg – This delightful town is not all about history. Secret small inns, family owned shops and ‘farm to table’ local fare and drinks makes for a surprisingly romantic getaway. But we know you are here because of the Civil War right? Among Gettysburg’s many historical sites is Gettysburg National Military Park, the site where the bloodiest battle took place. Remember to save some time for the Jennie Wade House and the Shriver House Museum. To escape the dark past, meander around the Eisenhower National Historic Site or take a selfie at Sachs Covered Bridge.
• Hershey –  The Sweetest Place on Earth, and home to Hershey’s Chocolate World. Feel like Willy Wonka and take a free tour to marvel at the creation of candy and chocolate. When you are all ‘sugared’ up, Hershey Park next door has all the chocolate-themed attractions your thrill seeking sweet tooth may need. For a slightly more tone-downed adventure, ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park and Hershey Gardens are just the answer.

Top US Landmarks in Rhode Island

The Ocean State is known for its many beaches, the historic city of Newport, and for Providence, the up-and-coming capital city full of culture and interesting cuisine. You will love the pristine Block Island, easily accessed by ferry from the fishing village of Point Judith. Sand beaches and Colonial towns are the hallmarks of Rhode Island. The state has some large cities, including Newport – famous for sailing and mansions from the ‘Gilded Age’. The capital, Providence has Brown University, Roger Williams Park and the  landscaped Waterplace Park and Riverwalk, where you can peruse the renowned WaterFire art installation.

• Providence – Often eclipsed by Boston, Providence is a historical powerhouse in its own right. A semi-secular democracy (the separation of church and state) was the idea behind this city, founded by exiled Massachusetts Bay colonist Roger Williams, in 1636. There are four colleges in Providence: Brown University, Johnson & Wales, Providence College, and Rhode Island School of Design. A small town with the culture and sophistication of a big city, Providence offers the best of both worlds. There are so many things to do in Providence, with its vibrant arts community, vast array of hotels, excellent restaurants, and renowned culinary scene.
• Newport – A good start to your day here in this quaint New England port town is to get your blood pumping with a ramble along the scenic Cliff Walk trail. After that a  visit to the notorious Newport mansions, particularly The Breakers, Marble House and Rough Point. Take some time to explore the National Museum of American Illustration, Fort Adams and the Touro Synagogue.

Top US Landmarks in South Carolina

‘Hey y’all”, simply means “Hello you (plural form)’all”, and few words are so welcoming. Beautiful vistas, vibey cities, a rich history and Southern hospitality… welcome to South Carolina! The Palmetto State has a lot to offer you. Historic Charleston, characterized by picturesque pastel houses, Old South plantations, and Fort Sumter, site of the first shots of the Civil War. A little bit north of this is the Grand Strand, a stretch of coastline that includes golf courses and Myrtle Beach.

• Charleston – Spooky cemeteries, cobblestones and trees draped in Spanish Moss, this is Charleston. Travel back in time as you walk past carriages and horses, down gas-lit avenues and antebellum buildings, but fear not, this city may be proud of its past, but it is not stuck in it. Spoleto Festival USA, world-class restaurants, interesting shops and contemporary art galleries keeps you firmly in the present. The Holy City oozes history. Resplendent homes are now museums and evidence is all around to highlight Charleston’s involvement in shaping our country.
• Beaufort – Oak trees line the streets, and homes from the Civil War era offer a glimpse of an earlier time. Learn more about the town’s past by taking a walking or carriage tour around town, then visit the Beaufort History Museum. Penn Center is also a great place to educate yourself on the local Gullah Geechee people. Once  you’ve filled up on history, head to the Beaufort River to kayak or paddleboard, or head to the Cypress Wetlands for world-class bird watching.

Top US Landmarks in South Dakota

The state’s official nickname is also the main reason thousands of people pack their bags, rent a vehicle, and head to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore. Drive along and rolling prairies give way to the majestic Black Hills National Forest – home to the iconic presidents’  sculptures as well as the Crazy Horse Memorial.

• Mount Rushmore National Memorial – Gutzon and Lincoln Borglum directed the completion of the 60 ft sculpture, carved directly into the mountainside of Mount Rushmore in 1941. Besides the depictions of the four presidents there are also interactive displays and a museum.
• The Brothel Deadwood – Deadwood’s second-story brothels were a popular feature from 1876 through 1980. Although difficult and uncomfortable to talk about, this aspect of Deadwood’s past had a lasting effect on the community. To create the feeling of stepping back in time, eight rooms feature period-appropriate furnishings. In no sense is the Brothel intended to glamorize prostitution, nor is it intended to endorse or condemn it. As a matter of fact, it’s a key part of the Deadwood narrative. Only for 16 and older.

Top US Landmarks in Tennessee

There are thousands of caves in Tennessee, and hundreds of beautiful waterfalls. The breathtaking scenery of the Smoky Mountains and the Mississippi River will impress even the most cynical of city children. Besides the natural wonders the state is home to the King of Rock and Roll and the home of Country music, Nashville. Plug in your playlist, turn up the volume… and drive like you were in a country song wearing blue suede shoes.

• Nashville – is country music, and vice versa. Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire and Florida Georgia Line all started here in a bar lining Broadway. Soak up the music with free, live music in practically every establishment, there is no shortage of talent here. Check out the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Over the years, the city has evolved into a city of a lot of things for a lot of different people. Many East Coasters and Midwesters travel here for weekend getaways and it is a foodie paradise for affordable Southern cooking and fusion cuisine.
• Chattanooga – The ‘Scenic City’, has undergone a revitalization over the past few decades that has prioritized sustainability, boosting diversity, yet maintaining that small-town feel. Chattanooga was a historic Civil War battlefield site and served as the Southern railway hub in the 19th and 20th centuries, putting it on the to do list of most history buffs.

Top US Landmarks in Texas

The state of Texas is the second largest in the US behind Alaska, and nearly three times larger than the United Kingdom! Texas is a place of extreme diversity, different climates and contrasting landscapes. From beaches along the gulf coast, beautiful pine woods to the desolation of West Texas, and the swamps of East Texas.

• Corpus Christi – Before Spanish colonists arrived in the 1500’s, the Karankawa Indians built thriving communities in this coastal area. The museums help you explore the history of this sunny city. It offers a variety of museums beyond its historical attractions, from those devoted to art and science to those dedicated to naval aviation and music stars.
• San Antonio – While the “King of the Wild Frontier” may have died at the Alamo, San Antonio still holds on to the pride that Davy Crockett and his friends exhibited in 1836. Besides the Alamo, you can explore several other famous missions, all of which are now part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. This Texas city’s theme parks, exceptional museums, professional sports teams and famous River Walk are particularly popular with families. San Antonio is also a rapidly developing culinary destination, with an abundance of Tex-Mex restaurants and new barbecue joints as well as chic upscale restaurants. With so much to eat, do and see, it’s going to be pretty difficult to “Remember the Alamo!”

Top US Landmarks in Utah

From Salt Lake City’s film festivals to the ski slopes in Utah, the state is full of natural beauty and abundant activities. Much of this protected land has been turned into national and state parks, including the tallest mountain in Utah and the deepest slot canyons. The Beehive state is home to some of the best skiing in the nation, with mountains near Salt Lake City receiving 500 inches of snow annually. Mormons settled here in the 19th century, and today approximately 60 percent of state residents are members of the church.

• Salt Lake City – Pioneers believed that the Great Salt Lake in the area was inhabited by monsters and giants during the early 19th century. The city became home to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1847, but those who are familiar with Salt Lake will tell you it’s more than just a spiritual center, Salt Lake is also a vibrant cultural hub and an excellent base for hiking and skiing. Stunning mountain ranges surround the city skyline and the Great Salt Lake is  awe-inspiring.
• St. George – is well positioned so that it acts as a convenient headquarters for a multitude of outdoor activities. Even if you’re not an outdoor junkie, the town still has many attractions and is worth a visit. It takes just one hour to get to Zion National Park, and you can reach Snow Canyon State Park in less than 20 minutes. The hiking trails around St. George, as well as the nearby camping areas, are some of the best you’ll find in the area. There are several attractions and activities related to St. George’s Mormon history, such as the St. George Temple and the Brigham Young Winter Home. Pioneer Park, along with the adjacent Red Hills Desert Garden, are also must-see attractions.

Top Visitor Destinations in Vermont

The Green Mountain State is known for its natural landscape, which is primarily forested. This area is famous for the more than a hundred, 19th-century covered wooden bridges, as well as its maple syrup production. A beautiful place with many hiking trails and slopes for skiing, Vermont is the home of the popular congressman Bernie Sanders. There’s a nice combination of natural US landmarks and historical sites in the area.

• Stowe – The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe is where the melodious Trapp family (from “The Sound of Music”) settled because it reminded them of their Austrian home. With its unique fusion of classic New England charm, malt shops, and general stores, along with charming churches, the town is nestled between the Greens Mountains and the CC Putnam State Forest. Mountain Mansfield, the tallest peak in California, towers over town, offering world-class skiing and other winter sports opportunities just beyond main street. You will be excused if you start imagining yourself in Europe.
• Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park – On the historic Burlington Waterfront, ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center showcases a whole new world. FrogWorld, Action Lab and the Land of Opportunity are among the aquarium’s fantastic exhibits for kids. There are a number of educational and ecological programs for children and adults that focus on Lake Champlain’s ecology, culture and history.

Top Visitor Sites in Virginia

Virginia is beautiful no matter what season you visit and with each season, beaches, lakes, mountains, rivers, cities, and landscapes change to form a whole year of new experiences.

The State is also a great place to go on a romantic getaway. In fact, the state uses the slogan, “Virginia is for lovers.” Even if you have been together for years, visiting a romantic destination will help your relationship, and Virginia is one of the best. Enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway with your partner at the beach or at one of many amazing resorts and don’t hesitate to visit some of these top US landmarks.

• Charlottesville – One of the bigger US landmarks the city offers more than just a trip down memory lane, as its young, diverse population attests. In this hip area, you’ll find coffee shops and hookah lounges, as well as a summer music pavilion that features up-and-coming indie performers. But you are constantly reminded that this is “Mr. Jefferson’s town” and his spirit shines through everywhere. When strolling through the vegetable gardens at Monticello or through the columns of the University of Virginia Academical Village, you will feel his presence.
• Richmond – A city of paradoxes with historians celebrating its part and past in creating America and students, young families and hipsters calling it home today. Visitors to St. John’s Church can step back in time to see Patrick Henry’s iconic, “Give me liberty, or give me death!” speech. Discover how the past of the city shapes its present by visiting the Virginia State Capitol.

Historic Landmarks in Washington

It won’t take long for you to realize you’ve arrived in Washington when you see the rugged terrain of the Pacific Northwest before you, despite having just left Seattle moments ago… and there is a coffee shop on every corner.

In The Evergreen State you can be in a rainforest in the morning, hike at the National Volcanic Monument in the afternoon, and watch the sunset while breathing in the aroma of desert sage. That’s before you even get started with all the numerous US landmarks.

• Seattle – In spite of often overcast weather, Seattle’s laid-back atmosphere and diverse neighborhoods make up for it. It is home to some of the best coffee in the country, as well as a thriving arts scene, rich history, and a number of interesting outdoor activities. Kayaking, hiking, camping and whale watching are among the local pastimes in this water-surrounded city (which lies between Puget Sound and Lake Washington). Not only that, but you can also see the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier from many parts of the city; with the ski slopes not too far away.
• Spokane – Spokane is the second-largest city in Washington after Seattle. Visit the Riverfront Park, home to the 1974 World’s Fair, and amble along the banks of the picturesque Spokane River. Among the top attractions of the city is the John A. Finch Arboretum, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture and Spokane Falls. There are also several popular golf courses in the area, and many breweries have also opened in Spokane in recent years.

Places to visit in West Virginia

West Virginia is situated between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Ohio River (some of the most popular US landmarks), and offers an array of magnificent landscapes and US landmarks to discover.

Mountain ranges, forests, whitewater rivers, and beaches make the area perfect for outdoor activities of all kinds. Most tourists ignore the state, so you have all of the breathtaking scenery to yourself. It may be quite sparsely populated and rural, but there are some lovely mountain towns you can visit, with many interesting Civil War historical sights and cultural landmarks. Explore West Virginia’s gorgeous landscape and natural wonders. It’s a hidden gem.

• Berkeley Springs State Park – Featuring a mineral spa that’s been used for centuries, Berkeley Springs State Park is a great place to relax, unwind, and rejuvenate by bathing in the healing waters. Warm mineral spring water bubbles up from natural mineral springs, which are renowned for their healing powers.
• Charles Town – not Charleston, is an iconic historic town in the state that was named after George Washington’s youngest brother and features many US landmarks. There are still many of the family’s former homes and farms scattered about this small town, and the atmosphere is charming and small-town like. If you’re interested in learning more about the region’s rich history, check out the Jefferson County Museum, which has a number of interesting artifacts and photographs on display. The laid-back town of Charles Town is a perfect starting point for exploring Shannondale Springs  Wildlife Management Area. A water park and a casino are also nearby if you want to go splashing around and try your luck.

Visiting Wisconsin

Wisconsin has coastlines on Lakes Michigan and Superior as well as forestland and farms in its interior. There is also the Harley-Davidson Museum, which offers demonstrations of finely tuned classic motorcycles, in Milwaukee, the largest city in the Badger State. Milwaukee is home to many beer companies, some of which offer brewery tours.

• Milwaukee – The scenic waterfront of Milwaukee is a popular area for biking along the 85 miles of bike lanes. Additionally, the city is into finer things – craft beer, for example. While we’re talking about beer, did you know that Milwaukee produces a lot of it? Milwaukee gave birth to two of the world’s biggest beer brands, as well as the legendary Harley-Davidson motorcycle, examples of which can be seen at the Harley-Davidson Museum – one of the top US landmarks in the state.
• Door County – is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs. Aside from 300 miles of shoreline, the county is home to scenic lighthouses and small 19th century villages. The Cherry Blossoms in spring attracts people from all over but there is something to do all year round. Remote islands can be reached by boat for travelers seeking a getaway and besides panoramic views practically everywhere, charming bed and breakfasts, historic inns and cabins provide lodging while you visit some of the US landmarks in the state.

Where to go in Wyoming

Wyoming is a great place to explore the dramatic natural landscape of the American West since nearly half of its territory is public land offering awesome US landmarks . A sparsely populated state, Wyoming offers some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country, from Yellowstone’s thermal geysers to Grand Tetons’ jagged mountains.

The Cowboy state is proud of its Wild West heritage and the cowboy culture is alive and well, whether you’re watching a rodeo, eating a chuckwagon dinner, or dancing the night away at a country-music dance hall.

• Cheyenne – Founded in 1867, Cheyenne is the Cowboy State’s capital and largest city with so many US landmarks to visit. The main attractions of Cheyenne are its many historical monuments and museums. The 1887 Renaissance-style Capitol Building is adorned with gold leaf. Its stained-glass interior, grand staircase, and checkerboard marble floors, as well as its leaf-shaped dome, make it a worthwhile visit. Native American art and United States Cavalry artifacts are on display at the Nelson Museum of the West. Cheyenne hosts the largest outdoor rodeo in the United States, Cheyenne Frontier Days, in July. There are free pancake breakfasts, nightly concerts, and parades, as well as numerous rodeo events.
• Cody – Wyoming’s cowboy heritage can’t be experienced without a visit to Cody, which offers a window into the state’s story as well as access to some of the best US landmarks. Buffalo Bill Cody founded the city near Yellowstone in 1887. Five museums in Cody’s Buffalo Bill Center feature exhibits that examine William F. Cody’s colorful life. Also worth a visit is the Old Trail Town, which has a number of restored Western buildings. Cody holds rodeos almost every night of the summer, earning it the title of Rodeo Capital of the World.

Rent a car for your big American road trip

With all of this information about the top US landmarks at your fingertips, all that’s missing is your car and these awesome tips:

Cross Country Road Trip Guide

Of course, you don’t have to stop with US landmarks… Check out our post about how to travel the world for free .

Our website is designed to help you choose the best car for your road trip to visit US landmarks and the best car rental companies to find the best deals.

• distraction

Road Trip! How to visit major landmarks in every state

How cool would it be to go on a road trip through the US and visit major cities and landmarks in every state? Sounds like a planning nightmare, but worry not aspiring country-trotters, a computer science whiz has planned the trip out for you.

Major Landmarks Trip

After a misleading story claiming to have planned the ultimate U.S. landmark road trip went viral recently, many were disappointed to discover that the map was not as advertised . Someone had taken a map not belonging to them and made the claim it showed the optimal route to visit "every major U.S. landmark." Computer science Ph.D. student Randal Olson and a reporter from Discovery were among those disappointed.

"Why not use the same algorithm from (another project) to compute the optimal road trip across every state in the U.S.?" Olson wrote in his blog . "Visiting every U.S. state has long been on my bucket list, so I jumped on the opportunity and opened up my machine learning tool box for another quick weekend project."

Olson and Discovery agreed upon one major landmark from every state in the contiguous U.S. To get to 50, they added a second landmark from California and one from Washington D.C. Then Olson got to work figuring out the route.

The best part, the Discovery article points out, is that the route is a circle. You can start from the landmark nearest you and follow the path.

Here's the list of the 50 landmarks they chose:

1. Grand Canyon, AZ

2. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT

3. Craters of the Moon National Monument, ID

4. Yellowstone National Park, WY

5. Pikes Peak, CO

6. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM

7. The Alamo, TX

8. The Platt Historic District, OK

9. Toltec Mounds, AR

10. Elvis Presley's Graceland, TN

11. Vicksburg National Military Park, MS

12. French Quarter, New Orleans, LA

13. USS Alabama, AL

14. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL

15. Okefenokee Swamp Park, GA

16. Fort Sumter National Monument, SC

17. Lost World Caverns, WV

18. Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, NC

19. Mount Vernon, VA

20. White House, Washington, DC

21. Colonial Annapolis Historic District, MD

22. New Castle Historic District, Delaware

23. Cape May Historic District, NJ

24. Liberty Bell, PA

25. Statue of Liberty, NY

26. The Mark Twain House & Museum, CT

27. The Breakers, RI

28. USS Constitution, MA

29. Acadia National Park, ME

30. Mount Washington Hotel, NH

31. Shelburne Farms, VT

32. Fox Theater, Detroit, MI

33. Spring Grove Cemetery, OH

34. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY

35. West Baden Springs Hotel, IN

36. Abraham Lincoln's Home, IL

37. Gateway Arch, MO

38. C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, KS

39. Terrace Hill Governor's Mansion, IA

40. Taliesin, WI

41. Fort Snelling, MN

42. Ashfall Fossil Bed, NE

43. Mount Rushmore, SD

44. Fort Union Trading Post, ND

45. Glacier National Park, MT

46. Hanford Site, WA

47. Columbia River Highway, OR

48. San Francisco Cable Cars, CA

49. San Andreas Fault, CA

50. Hoover Dam, NV

Major cities trip

Olson's calculations didn't stop there, though. He also calculated the optimal route if you would prefer to visit major cities and one for Europe's landmarks.

So how much would this ultimate road trip set you back and how long would it take? Olson started a Reddit discussion to try to get to the bottom of it, though he admits there are a lot of factors that would effect it.

"If I were to go on this trip, I would dedicate at least 3 months to it," Olson told ABC. "I wouldn't just stop at the landmarks in the map; I would add plenty of my own, for example stopping in Los Angeles on the way through California."

Olson said it's hard to give a number for the cost, though "The current estimate is sitting at $9k for a family of 4 driving in a rented RV."

A road trip doesn't have to go through every state to be epic, though. Remember the conversation? Coincidentally, that trek yielded a pretty cool route even without going through 48 states. Photographer Brian DeFrees documented a 2001 round-country trip in this breathtaking time-lapse video:

Tap to watch if you're viewing on the news app.

Read more about the optimal route in Randal Olson's blog post.

If you were to go on a road trip across the U.S., what would it look like? Tell us about it in the comments!

Images used with permission.

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• UNITED STATES
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This road trip map will take you to landmarks in all 48 contiguous states

Here's the most efficient way to see America!

• Will Schuerman
• January 4, 2022

Who doesn’t love a good road trip?

One of the many great things about our country is that you can experience so many unique and amazing things by just jumping in a car.

The challenge is that with so many cool spots to visit, where do you even start?

Thankfully, writer Tracy Staedter  took on the challenge . She enlisted data expert  Randal Olson to create the ideal and most efficient road trip route across the United States. If you’re considering a road trip, don’t leave home without reading this.

The parameters were a) the trip must stop in each of the 48 contiguous states, and b) every stop must be a national landmark, historic site, national park or national monument.

Staedter came up with a list of 50 major landmarks in nearly every state. Then, Olson set to work planning the route.

“The result was an epic itinerary with a mix of inner-city exploration, must-see historical sites, and beautiful natural landscapes,” Olson wrote on his website . “All that was left was to figure out the path that would minimize our time spent driving and maximize our time spent enjoying the landmarks.”

He found the shortest route by road between every landmark, a total of 2,450 possibilities. He used some expert coding to get the job done in no time.

Next, Olson had to solve what’s known in mathematics as “the traveling salesman problem,” which describes the dilemma a fictitious salesman faces when trying to visit a certain number of cities in the shortest amount of time and for the least amount of money.

He used an algorithm to help him solve the puzzle.

“After less than a minute, the genetic algorithm reached a near-perfect solution that makes a complete trip around the U.S. in only 13,699 miles (22,046 km) of driving,” Olson wrote.

RELATED: This Map Shows The Most Popular Food In Every State

Ready to get packing? Here’s the full list of landmarks in order:

• Grand Canyon, Arizona
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah
• Craters of the Moon National Monument, Idaho
• Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
• Pikes Peak, Colorado
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico
• The Alamo, Texas
• The Platt Historic District, Oklahoma
• Toltec Mounds, Arkansas
• Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Tennessee
• Vicksburg National Military Park, Mississippi
• French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
• USS Alabama, Alabama
• Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
• Okefenokee Swamp Park, Georgia
• Fort Sumter National Monument, South Carolina
• Lost World Caverns, West Virginia
• Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, North Carolina
• Mount Vernon, Virginia
• White House, Washington, DC

• Colonial Annapolis Historic District, Maryland
• New Castle Historic District, Delaware
• Cape May Historic District, New Jersey
• Liberty Bell, Pennsylvania
• Statue of Liberty, New York
• The Mark Twain House & Museum, Connecticut
• The Breakers, Rhode Island
• USS Constitution, Massachusetts
• Acadia National Park, Maine
• Mount Washington Hotel, New Hampshire
• Shelburne Farms, Vermont
• Fox Theater, Detroit, Michigan
• Spring Grove Cemetery, Ohio
• Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
• West Baden Springs Hotel, Indiana
• Abraham Lincoln’s Home, Illinois
• Gateway Arch, Missouri
• C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, Kansas
• Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, Iowa
• Taliesin, Wisconsin
• Fort Snelling, Minnesota
• Ashfall Fossil Bed, Nebraska
• Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
• Fort Union Trading Post, North Dakota
• Glacier National Park, Montana
• Columbia River Highway, Oregon
• San Francisco Cable Cars, California
• San Andreas Fault, California
• Hoover Dam, Nevada

This route is a total of 13,699 miles and would take over nine days of actual drive time. Here is a full explanation of how they came up with the trip along with official Google Maps links.

We’re curious: Would you consider hitting the open road for a well-planned trip like this?

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20 American Landmarks To See On Your Cross-Country Road Trip

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Move over grand canyon: this national park's terrain is even more dangerous, 9 most scenic towns to visit in italy's underrated puglia region.

Of all of the cross-country road trips you can take in the world, there probably isn’t one more iconic or exciting as the Great American Road Trip. Perhaps it’s the country’s sheer size that makes it so exciting to explore, or maybe it has more to do with the rich diversity and history of the young nation that produces so many unique landmarks to choose from. In either case, east to west or west to east, when you’re traveling across America, there are plenty of landmarks to choose from. And you want to get it right because seeing these places on your tour of the states is like an interactive lesson on America’s history and why this country is the way it is to this day. There are the more historical landmarks found in the nation’s capital or in Pennsylvania to the artistic wonders of Chicago, as well as the serene beauty of mother nature’s hand. And there are those that pay tribute to American tragedies.

Man-made or natural, America has a breathtaking view for everyone. Then there are the more modern landmarks that capture the essence of the American dream or places like New York and California that have a little bit of both. In any case, landmarks are a must for any American road trip and this list has you covered. So if you’re feeling free and brave, then buckle up for this list of 20 American Landmarks to See on Your Cross-Country Road Trip.

20 Statue Of Liberty, New York - No American bucket list is complete without it

America is a big place and with each state comes with its own unique way of life and culture. Many of the American landmarks on this list represent the states or areas they occupy, but none perhaps embodies America in its entirety more than the great Statue of Liberty. This 300-foot stature in the upper Hudson Bay was a welcoming image to immigrants traveling from Ellis Island. On the incoming shops, these weary travelers saw the Roman goddess of Liberty with her torch and her tablet with the country’s day of independence inscribed on it, and they knew at last that they had arrived in the land of the free and the home of the brave. No American bucket list is complete without taking a ferry to this national treasure.

19 Yellowstone National Park - America's First National Park

There are many great national parks in the United States. Arcadia, Zion, Yosemite—the list goes on, but you understand the point. So, how then do you decide which park to see on your American road trip? Well, if you have to pick just one, and we imagine you do if you’re going to travel cross country and see as many landmarks as you can, then we have to go with Yellowstone. What makes Yellowstone the special pick? Well, Yellowstone was the nation’s first national park, so it represents everything special about national parks and acts as the standard for all other parks. From the hiking and camping, all the way to the geysers, wildlife, mudpots, and colorful hot springs, there are enough things to do in Yellowstone to warrant a nice long trip.

18 The Alamo, Texas - And Don't Forget It

Even if you don’t remember the Alamo, it’s one of the most important pieces of American history in the south of the country and one of the most symbolic of America’s ideals. As the story goes, a group of fewer than 200 men (Texan volunteers) held the Alamo against a force of thousands of Mexican soldiers. This was at a time when Texas was a contested territory and these men held out as long as they could before ultimately falling to the Mexican army. The Alamo stands as a testament to the strength and courage to stand against all odds and is worth seeing in person.

17 The Freedom Trail, Boston - The Path To American Independence

While there are plenty of landmarks that celebrate America’s inception and subsequent independence, none perhaps educates us more than Boston’s 2.5-mile-long Freedom Trail. While the Statue of Liberty ushered in immigrants from the Atlantic and both the Constitution and Declaration of Independence were adopted in Independence Hall, the Freedom Trail pays homage to the earlier struggles and movements of the nation’s birth. It starts in Boston Common, a park in the center of the downtown area, and winds its way to the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. In all, the trail includes 16 historical sites all rich with history and significance.

16 The Space Needle, Washington - Overlooking The Pacific Northwest

One of the tallest structures west of the Mississippi, the Space Needle in the heart of downtown Seattle is one of the iconic landmarks of the great Pacific Northwest. Built in 1961 and standing at nearly 600 feet, the Space Needle acts as an observation tower for the surrounding area where you’ll catch beautiful glimpses of Elliot Bay, the Cascade Mountains, and both Mount Rainier and Mount Baker. The Space Needle also has a restaurant that revolves around the top as you eat. The SkyCity, or often known as the Eye of the Needle, is a really cool experience for those visiting the Space Needle.

15 Independence Hall, Pennsylvania - Where The Founding Fathers Gave Birth T o America

For all of the great American landmarks across the country, Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania perhaps wrongfully tends to fall under the radar. If you are doing a road trip across the United States, though, visiting this landmark is a must. Independence Hall is where both the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were both adopted by some of the nation’s greatest thinkers and the founding fathers of the United States of America. The history alone is reason enough to visit this place, but the building itself is a good representation of the architecture of its time and a great chance to see the red brick firsthand, a Georgian-style of the original colonies.

14 Hoover Dam, Nevada - The New Deal

A testament to America’s endurance even during the bleakest of times in the country’s history, the Hoover Dam is one of the greater feats of construction in the nation’s relatively young history. Built during the Great Depression as a way to stimulate the economy and create jobs, the dam was built in 5 years at the cost of many lives. It stands today as a source of power, water storage, and flood control for the local area. The view of this modern engineering marvel is quite breathtaking, and including this on your itinerary puts you in close proximity to Las Vegas nearby.

13 The Mississippi River - Always Its Own Way

This was a tricky one to include on the list and one we think tends to get skipped over on such road trips just because of sheer logistics. But, people see the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone and there’s no way to properly see those two in their entirety when you’re on a road trip. The Mississippi River is one of the most important pieces of American culture and history. But because of its length, it’s hard to figure out how to see it. Nearly 2,300 miles and touching almost 31 states, this river isn’t a joke. For all of the great places to see, some of the most recommended places are Oxford and Tupelo in Mississippi. It really depends on where you are and how you plan on traveling across the country which is convenient.

12 Mount Rushmore, South Dakota - Presidential Pantheon

Mount Rushmore might have had one of the largest influences in cultural discourse out of the landmarks featured on this list. When discussing the masters of their given fields, we tend to phrase is something like “Who goes on the Mount Rushmore of such and such field?” In actuality , the sculptor of Mount Rushmore wanted to use famous western heroes, but Washington, Roosevelt, Jefferson, and Lincoln provided more mass appeal, and so now, you’ll find this iconic landmark in Black Hills, South Dakota . The project took nearly 15 years to complete and the craftsmanship for its time is truly unrivaled.

11 Times Square, New York - The Corporate Grand Canyon

What might be the commercial landmark of the country–the Corporate Grand Canyon if you will–Times Square is a dizzying display of neon advertisements, Broadway shows, and a center for the entertainment industry. While it’s technically a pedestrian road, it might be one of the most heavily-trafficked pedestrian roads in the world. People flock here from all over the world to see the massive signs and billboards advertising the world’s largest brand names and the next big Broadway show. It’s easy to find yourself walking with your head up towards the sky as the whole street is illuminated in commercialism, but there’s plenty of stores and attractions to visit here like 30 Rockefeller Plaza where you’ll find the ice rink and Christmas tree in the winter months.

10 Cloud Gate, Illinois - Bending Ball Of Liquid Metal

While the Cloud Gate in Chicago might be better known simply as “the Bean,” this landmark in the heart of the city is one of the more modern and intriguing entries on this list. Designed by famous artist Sir Anish Kapoor, the Cloud Gate resides in the famous Millennium Park and was constructed in 2006. A modern feat of designer ingenuity, this structure is a stainless steel bean meant to evoke liquid mercury. The rounded shape distorts the Chicago skyline and provides a perfect photo opportunity. Many thought the project would be impossible because it had many delays, but in the end, the Cloud Gate has become an iconic piece of American art.

9 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii - A Date Which Will Live In Infamy

What is typically left off of American Road Trip itineraries is the islands of Hawaii. Sure, the islands are a 6-hour flight from the west coast of the country, but it’s part of the United States and an important piece of its history. The attack on Pearl Harbor was what pulled the U.S. into World War 2 and ultimately what swung the tide for the Allies. The attack was devastating, and America lost many lives. The memorial over the USS Arizona now pays tribute to those fallen and acts as a reminder of the harsh realities of war. Pearl Harbor is just outside of Waikiki on the island of Oahu and is an important landmark in America.

8 Puget Sound, Washington - Gateway To The Pacific Northwest

The most iconic landmark in the great Pacific Northwest might be Seattle’s iconic Space Needle, but locals perhaps tend to favor what has come naturally from the splendid beauty of this area and its local climate. The Puget Sound makes the Pacific Northwest what is it today in terms of being considered a nature-heavy place to travel. The complex estuary acts as a gate to the area and provides visitors with an array of water-based activities including kayaking. Here, you’ll find the quaint town of Gig Harbor, Washington which we featured on a list of the most underrated towns in America .

7 Lake Tahoe - Keeping It Blue

One of the deepest fresh water lakes in the country, Lake Tahoe is one of the premiere alpine destinations not only in California/Nevada, but in the entire United States. People from all over the world come to Lake Tahoe to see this incredibly blue water. In the winter, it’s one of the ultimate ski and snowboarding experiences with a number of quality ski resorts to choose from. And in the summer, Tahoe is one of the best outdoor vacation destinations around. From scenic, small-town beauty in the North Shore to fun nightlife and casinos in the South, Lake Tahoe is a great experience for anyone at any age.

6 National Mall, Washington D.C. - Landmarks Of The Capital

It was difficult coming up with just one landmark in the country’s capital. It seems that everywhere you go, you’ll find another landmark memorializing the country’s rich history. But thankfully, a majority of Washington’s major attractions are in the same area and fall under the umbrella of the National Mall. The National Mall includes a stretch of land that features the iconic Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial, as well as the beautiful reflecting pool that rests in between. You can also find the Constitutional Garden and the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial.

5 Hollywood Sign, California - Welcome To La La Land

There is certainly a pantheon in the American eye of the greatest landmarks in across the vast country. We’re talking about the top three or five landmarks you might find on a child’s map of the country, the ones that define the American culture and its great history. There is none perhaps that defines the ever-changing landscape of the American dream as the Hollywood sign in La La Land. What was once an advertisement for Los Angeles realty has now become a global icon portraying the glitter and glamour of the movie industry. You can hike up close enough to catch a picture of the front, but there’s another hike that vies you a view of the city from the sign’s point of view.

4 Gateway Arch, Missouri - The Western Expansion

On the famous Mississippi River, you’ll find the wonderful city of St. Louis. St. Louis is home to the world’s tallest arch in the Gateway Arch, designed by the architect Eero Saarinen in 1947 and constructed in 1963. The weighted catenary arch is the tallest monument in the western hemisphere and Missouri’s tallest accessible building. For all of its physical feats and accomplishments that have made it such a dazzling and magnificent monument, the Gateway Arch’s purpose is perhaps even more compelling. The Gateway Arch was designed to honor America’s great western expansion. When Thomas Jefferson completed the Louisiana Purchase from Spain, he not only acquired a massive chunk of land that would become the mid-west states of America, but he ushered in an area of unheralded western expansion.

3 National September 11 Memorial And Museum, New York - We Remember

The attack on the World Trade Center buildings on September 11, 2001 sent a shockwave through the country and the rest of the world. When those planes crashed into the Twin Towers, nearly 3,000 lives were lost and the state of the nation would never be the same. The National September 11 Memorial and Museum is one of the newest landmarks in American history, but it may perhaps be one of the most important as it acts as a reminder of how fragile life can be. Amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City, a place that never sleeps, the memorial can be a somber experience as the silence settles down on you. The two recessed pools that mark where the towers once stood run water year-round and display the names of those who lost their lives that tragic day. The names are a sobering reminder of just how much was lost.

2 Golden Gate Bridge, California - Gateway To The Golden Coast

If the Statue of Liberty ushers in the weary travelers of the Atlantic and beckons them to American and the Gateway Arch beckons the great westward expansion, then surely, the Golden Gate Bridge is the gatekeeper to America’s lovely western coast. The suspension bridge which connected San Francisco with its northern neighbor in Marin acts as the first sight for boats coming in from the Pacific. The vermillion orange hue of the bridge has become an internationally-recognized structure and a wonder of the modern world. The color is maintained and touched up throughout the year to keep it bright and visible to both visitors and boats alike.

1 Grand Canyon, Arizona - A Natural Wonder

There are fewer natural beauties and wonders more breathtaking than the Grand Canyon in Arizona. This deep canyon carved by the Colorado River over the centuries has become one of the most iconic and famous natural wonders in America and represents the Old West and scenic beauty of America pre-colonization. But the Grand Canyon is nearly 300 miles long, so it’s incredibly difficult to see this wonder in its entirety. Luckily, the park is divided into easily navigable sections, and each section has its own splendors to behold. For example, the Horseshoe Bend in the eastern section is one of the best views of the river in the park.

18 Historic Landmarks on America’s Freedom Trail – An East Coast Road Trip

• By TripMemos Team
• In National Parks

Imagine standing where the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired or walking the same streets as Benjamin Franklin. A road trip through select National Parks and Historic Sites along the East Coast promises to reveal the events that led to America's independence, one landmark at a time.

This article will cover the notable stops you want to make on your Independence Day journey through American history!

1. Ellis Island, New York

Ellis Island was the main place immigrants entered the United States from 1892 to 1954. It's now a museum that shows the varied backgrounds of millions of people who came to America for a new life.

When it was open, over 12 million immigrants came through Ellis Island. It could process up to 5,000 people on its busiest days, making it very important in America's immigration history.

About 40% of all Americans today can trace at least one of their ancestors to Ellis Island. This shows how big it played in shaping the country's population.

Did You Know? The first immigrant processed at Ellis Island was Annie Moore, a 15-year-old girl from Ireland.

Plymouth, MA

Plymouth, Massachusetts, is known as " America's Hometown ." It is where the Pilgrims established one of the first successful English settlements in 1620.

Today, it is a living monument to early American history, featuring landmarks and museums that tell the story of the Pilgrims and Native Americans.

2. Plymouth Rock🪨

Plymouth Rock, located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is believed to mark where the Pilgrims first landed in 1620. It's kept in a stone shelter on the shore.

While historians are unsure if the Pilgrims stepped on this rock, it has become an important symbol of early American settlement. Many people visit the rock to connect with the Pilgrims' story and the founding of Plymouth Colony.

Did You Know? The rock has been moved several times and has lost nearly half its original size due to souvenir hunters in the past.

3. Plimoth Patuxet Museums🏛️

The Plimoth Patuxet Museums show what life was like for 17th-century Pilgrims and Native Americans. Visitors can talk with staff dressed in old-fashioned clothes and learn about daily life in those times.

The museums teach about the relationship between English settlers and the Wampanoag people, who had lived there for thousands of years.

At the Wampanoag Homesite, Native People share their history and culture from a modern point of view. The English Village part of the museum is a copy of the Pilgrims' farming and fishing community built near Plymouth Harbor.

4. Mayflower II⛵

The Mayflower II is a full-size copy of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America. Visitors can explore it to see what the Pilgrims' long ocean trip was like.

The original Mayflower left England in September 1620 with 102 passengers and about 30 crew members. The Mayflower II, built in England, sailed to Plymouth in 1957. It was a gift from Britain to America to show thanks for working together in World War II.

Did You Know? The original Mayflower was probably scrapped for its timber after it returned to England.

Boston is a city rich in American history, known for its pivotal role in the American Revolution. It offers numerous historical sites, museums, and cultural landmarks that attract visitors from around the world.

5. Boston National Historical Park

Boston National Historical Park includes several key sites associated with the American Revolution. It encompasses landmarks like the Freedom Trail, Bunker Hill Monument, and the USS Constitution, providing a comprehensive look at Boston's historical significance.

Boston's iconic Freedom Trail spans 2.5 miles through the city's heart, connecting 16 historically significant sites from the American Revolution era.

Established in 1951, the trail preserves and showcases Boston's rich revolutionary history, including landmarks such as Paul Revere's House and the Old North Church.

Visitors walking the trail follow a unique path marked by red bricks set into the sidewalk, a subtle yet distinctive guide through the historic streets. This trail links physical locations and weaves the narratives of key events and figures instrumental in the nation's birth.

Did You Know? The Freedom Trail features a burying ground where figures like John Hancock and Paul Revere are buried .

The Bunker Hill Monument commemorates the first major battle of the American Revolutionary War. Visitors can climb its 294 steps for a rewarding view and a sense of the conflict that ignited the revolution.

Despite its name, most of the Battle of Bunker Hill occurred near Breed's Hill on June 17, 1775. Although the British eventually won, they suffered heavy losses, boosting colonial morale.

Did You Know? The famous order "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes" was allegedly given at the Battle of Bunker Hill to conserve ammunition.

Also located in Boston is the USS Constitution , known as "Old Ironsides." Launched in 1797, this still-active warship was one of six original frigates authorized by the Naval Act of 1794.

During the War of 1812, protecting American merchant ships and defeating British warships was crucial. During a battle with HMS Guerriere in 1812, the Constitution earned its nickname when British cannonballs bounced off its sturdy wooden hull, prompting a sailor to exclaim, "Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!"

Did You Know? The USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship still afloat in the world.

Faneuil Hall , built in 1742, is a marketplace and meeting hall where Samuel Adams and other leaders rallied support for independence.

Often called the "Cradle of Liberty," it hosted America's first town meeting and was the site of several speeches favoring independence from Great Britain. The hall remains a bustling hub of history and commerce.

Atop the building, a grasshopper weathervane has been a symbol since its construction and was used as a test of loyalty during the Revolution.

The site of the Boston Massacre , where tensions between British soldiers and colonists erupted into violence on March 5, 1770, is regularly visited by history buffs. British soldiers fired into a crowd of protestors, killing five colonists.

This event, skillfully publicized by colonial leaders, helped galvanize support for independence. John Adams, who later became the second U.S. President, defended the British soldiers in court, demonstrating his commitment to the rule of law.

Concord, MA

Concord, Massachusetts, is known for its rich Revolutionary War history. It was the site of the first battles of the American Revolution and is home to several key historical landmarks.

6. Minute Man National Historical Park

Minute Man National Historical Park preserves and interprets the sites of the battles of Lexington and Concord. It includes historic landmarks like the North Bridge and the Minute Man Statue, highlighting the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.

Stand at the North Bridge , where the first open conflict between colonial militia and British troops occurred on April 19, 1775, marking the beginning of the American Revolutionary War.

This confrontation was part of the larger Battles of Lexington and Concord. The phrase "shot heard 'round the world" from Ralph Waldo Emerson's "Concord Hymn" (1837) refers to the significance of this first clash.

The Minute Man Statue , unveiled during the centennial celebrations of the 1875 battles, symbolizes the readiness of colonial militias.

Minutemen were civilian colonists who independently organized militia companies, pledging to be ready for military service "at a minute's notice." The statue was created by Daniel Chester French, who later sculpted the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Interestingly, the Minute Man depicted is a composite figure, not based on any single historical person.

Did You Know? The Minute Man depicted in the statue is a composite figure, not based on any single historical person.

Follow the Battle Road Trail , a 5-mile path that retraces the British retreat from Concord to Boston on April 19, 1775.

This trail follows the approximate route of the British regulars as they retreated under constant fire from the colonial militia, offering a tangible connection to the past. Along the way, you'll pass several authentic colonial homes and structures that witnessed the events of that historic day.

Did You Know? Along the trail, you can see the capture site of Paul Revere, who the British briefly detained during his famous midnight ride.

Elverson, PA

Elverson, Pennsylvania, is a small town with a rich industrial history. It is home to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, which preserves the early American iron-making industry.

7. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, PA

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site showcases an early American iron plantation. It played a vital role in the industrial development of the United States, providing iron for various uses, including during the American Revolution.

Hopewell Furnace , which operated from 1771 to 1883, smelted iron from ore, playing a crucial role in America’s early industrial history.

During its operation, the furnace supplied iron for the American Revolution and the country's westward expansion. During wartime, it produced various domestic items, such as stoves, pots, and cannonballs.

The working blacksmith shop showcases traditional blacksmithing techniques, highlighting the essential role blacksmiths played in the iron-making community by creating and repairing tools for the furnace and surrounding village.

Designed for year-round work, the shop features large doors for summer ventilation and a forge to provide warmth in winter.

The elegant ironmaster's mansion , built in 1770, reflects the wealth and status of those who managed the furnace operations.

This mansion showcases early American industry's social hierarchy, illustrating the iron-making community's distinct roles and lifestyles.

The reconstructed water wheel at Hopewell Furnace, which powered the furnace's bellows to maintain high smelting temperatures, highlights the crucial role of water power in iron production.

The original water wheel was 22 feet in diameter and capable of moving over 400 gallons of water per minute, demonstrating the impressive engineering behind early American industry.

Gettysburg, PA

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, is famous for its crucial role in the Civil War. The town is home to the Gettysburg National Military Park, which commemorates the Battle of Gettysburg and its significant impact on American history.

8. Gettysburg National Military Park, PA

Gettysburg National Military Park is a significant landmark in American history, best known for the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War.

Fought from July 1-3, 1863, it was the bloodiest battle of the war, resulting in approximately 51,000 casualties and marking a turning point by halting the Confederate invasion of the North.

The park encompasses about 5,700 acres and has numerous monuments, markers, and plaques commemorating the events and individuals involved.

The site of the Battle of Gettysburg is where intense fighting occurred, marking it as the most significant and bloodiest battle of the American Civil War.

The Gettysburg National Cemetery is the final resting place for over 3,500 Union soldiers, where President Abraham Lincoln delivered his iconic Gettysburg Address.

This speech, consisting of just 272 words, redefined the war's purpose and underscored the nation's commitment to liberty and equality.

In the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center , you can explore extensive exhibits on the battle, the Civil War, and its aftermath, including numerous artifacts and interactive displays.

One of the museum's highlights is the Cyclorama painting, a massive 360-degree artwork depicting Pickett's Charge, which brings the intensity of the battle to life.

This painting, completed in 1884, is one of the few examples of panoramic art. It measures 377 feet in circumference and 42 feet high.

A rocky area that saw intense fighting on the second day of the battle, Devil's Den now offers dramatic views and historical markers. It is one of the most visually striking areas of the battlefield.

Little Round Top is a strategic hill that played a critical role during the conflict provides panoramic views of the battlefield. The 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry Regiment, under Colonel Joshua Chamberlain's command, famously defended this hill, earning them a distinguished place in history.

The High Water Mark of the Rebellion is the furthest point reached by Confederate forces during Pickett's Charge and is often considered the battle's turning point. This location marks a decisive moment in the Union's eventual victory at Gettysburg.

Baltimore, MD

Baltimore, Maryland, is a city rich in history and culture. It is home to Fort McHenry, a key site in the War of 1812, and offers many historical and cultural attractions for visitors.

9. Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine🌟

Fort McHenry , the star-shaped fort that defended Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812, is famously known for inspiring "The Star-Spangled Banner."

During the Battle of Baltimore in September 1814, the fort's successful defense against a British naval attack marked a pivotal moment in the war.

Interestingly, the fort was named after James McHenry, a Scots-Irish immigrant who served as Secretary of War under Presidents George Washington and John Adams.

Did You Know: The fort's unique star shape was designed to eliminate blind spots and allow for overlapping fields of fire, making it a formidable defense structure.

The Visitor Center at Fort McHenry offers interactive exhibits and artifacts that tell the fort's story.

These exhibits cover the fort's pivotal role in the War of 1812, its use as a prison for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War, and its function as a hospital during World War I.

Did You Know? The fort's flag was so large that British ships couldn't miss seeing it, which was crucial to the creation story of the national anthem.

Washington, DC

Washington, DC, is the capital of the United States and a hub of American history and government. It is home to numerous monuments, museums, and historic sites, including the White House and the National Mall.

10. Douglass’s Home, Cedar Hill🏠

Begin at Cedar Hill, Frederick Douglass's home, where guided tours offer insights into his life and legacy.

Douglass lived here from 1877 until 1895, continuing his work as a leading advocate for human rights and equality. He named the home "Cedar Hill" due to the abundance of cedar trees on the property.

Did You Know? Douglass's library at Cedar Hill contained over 1,000 books, reflecting his lifelong pursuit of knowledge and education.

11. National Museum of American History🏛️

The National Museum of American History features exhibits on culture, politics, science, and technology. Opened in 1964 as the Museum of History and Technology, it was later renamed to better reflect its broad scope of American history.

The museum is home to the original Star-Spangled Banner flag that inspired the national anthem.

Did You Know? The museum's collection includes the original Kermit the Frog puppet, donated by Jim Henson in 1979.

12. National Air and Space Museum🚀

The National Air and Space Museum, established in 1946, houses the world's largest historic aircraft and spacecraft collection. It traces the evolution of flight from the Wright brothers to space exploration.

Notable exhibits include the Apollo 11 command module Columbia, which carried the first humans to land on the moon, and the Wright brothers' 1903 Flyer, the world's first successful airplane.

While in Washington, DC, don't miss our Family-Friendly Free Ways to Experience Washington, DC guide for more tips on exploring the capital.

Williamsburg, VA

Williamsburg, Virginia, is a city rich in colonial history. It is home to Colonial Williamsburg, a living history museum that recreates life in the 18th century, and nearby historic sites like Jamestowne and Yorktown Battlefield.

13. Colonial National Historical Park, VA

Colonial National Historical Park is a cornerstone of early American history, covering key sites from the first English colony to the decisive victory in the American Revolutionary War.

Historic Jamestowne , established in 1607, is America's first permanent English settlement. The ongoing Jamestown Rediscovery Project has unearthed artifacts and structures from the original colony, providing insights into early colonial life.

The site also endured significant hardships, including the "Starving Time" winter of 1609-1610. Historic Jamestowne is managed by the National Park Service and Preservation Virginia, with efforts to preserve and interpret the site continuing.

Colonial Williamsburg is a living history museum recreating an 18th-century town with costumed interpreters, restored buildings, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can experience colonial life through daily reenactments, from blacksmithing to political debates.

Highlights include the Governor’s Palace, showcasing the lifestyle of Virginia's colonial elite. Restored through the philanthropy of John D. Rockefeller Jr., Colonial Williamsburg spans over 300 acres and includes more than 80 original structures and numerous reconstructed buildings.

Yorktown Battlefield is the site of the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War, where General George Washington's victory in 1781 secured American independence. The battlefield features original earthworks and fortifications used during the siege.

The Yorktown Victory Monument , erected in 1881, commemorates this event with inscriptions and artistic representations. The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown offers comprehensive exhibits on the war, including interactive displays and a recreated Continental Army encampment.

Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a city steeped in American history. It is home to key historical sites such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell, which played pivotal roles in the nation's founding.

14. Independence Hall🏛️

Independence Hall is an important building in American history. It's now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Leaders discussed and agreed on the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

At first, it was the Pennsylvania State House. However, from 1775 to 1783, it became the main meeting place for the Second Continental Congress. In 1787, people met there to write the Constitution.

In 1816, the building was almost torn down. But the City of Philadelphia bought it and saved it.

15. Liberty Bell🔔

The Liberty Bell Center houses the famous Liberty Bell, an important symbol of American independence. The bell's motto is "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land," which shows its lasting message about freedom.

The bell was ordered in 1751 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of William Penn's Charter of Privileges, Pennsylvania's first Constitution.

The famous crack in the Liberty Bell is believed to have developed in the early 19th century, becoming prominent in the 1830s and expanding in 1846.

Did You Know? The Liberty Bell was the last rung on George Washington's Birthday in 1846, after which the crack became too severe.

16. National Constitution Center📜

The National Constitution Center is a museum about the U.S. Constitution. It has interactive exhibits and life-size bronze statues of the Founding Fathers.

The museum opened on July 4, 2003. It's the first museum dedicated solely to explaining and honoring the U.S. Constitution.

The center awards a Liberty Medal yearly to people who work hard to bring freedom to people worldwide.

Did You Know? The National Constitution Center houses a rare, original copy of the Constitution's first public printing.

Valley Forge, PA

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, is known for its significant role in the American Revolutionary War. It was the winter encampment site for the Continental Army in 1777-1778, where they endured harsh conditions and emerged as a stronger fighting force under General George Washington's leadership.

17. Valley Forge National Historical Park, PA

The Continental Army stayed at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-1778. Encampment Sites are on display here in the park. Under George Washington's leadership, they faced tough conditions but emerged stronger and more united.

The army camped there for six months. This time was a turning point in the American Revolution. It helped turn the Continental Army into a better-trained, more organized fighting force.

Many people think the winter at Valley Forge was extremely cold. It wasn't the coldest on record, but the soldiers still suffered a lot from diseases and not having enough food.

Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge is a stone house where George Washington led the Continental Army during their difficult winter stay. This small, two-story building was where Washington and his team made military plans and handled diplomatic matters.

George Washington's wife, Martha, also stayed at this house. Her presence helped improve the soldiers' spirits during the tough winter.

The house at Valley Forge, which served as Washington's Headquarters, was built in the 1760s for Isaac Potts, not specifically in 1773.

The Muhlenberg Brigade area at Valley Forge has rebuilt log huts that show how soldiers lived during their winter stay. These small buildings give visitors an idea of the troops' daily lives and conditions.

Each hut was only 14 feet by 16 feet but had to house 12 soldiers. This shows how crowded and uncomfortable the living conditions were.

The soldiers built more than 2,000 of these huts in just 40 days. This was a huge task, especially considering the difficult winter weather.

George Washington himself designed these huts. In his General Orders to the Army, he gave specific instructions about their size and layout.

The National Memorial Arch , erected in 1917 to honor General Washington and his army's arrival at Valley Forge, commemorates their perseverance.

Modeled after the Rome Arch of Titus, the arch bears an inscription from George Washington praising his troops. It was designed by Paul Philippe Cret, who also designed the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.

18. Statue of Liberty🗽, New York

The Statue of Liberty stands on Liberty Island, which you can reach by ferry from Liberty State Park. France gave this famous statue to the United States in 1886. It represents freedom, democracy, and friendship between countries.

French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi designed the statue, and Gustave Eiffel (who also built the Eiffel Tower) created its inner structure. France gave it to America to celebrate 100 years of American independence and to show the friendship between the two countries.

The statue's crown has seven points, representing the world's seven seas and seven continents, demonstrating that liberty is important everywhere.

Did You Know? The Statue of Liberty's face was modeled after the sculptor's mother, Charlotte Bartholdi.

If you plan to explore more of New York, check out our NYC Summer Bucket List for some exciting ideas.

America's History Along the East Coast

This road trip to the East Coast allows you to explore America's rich history, perfect for celebrating Independence Day or any other day of the year.

Each stop provides insights into the events and people that shaped the nation, from Boston's historical sites to Hopewell Furnace's industrial heritage. So pack your bags and hit the road to experience history firsthand!

What historical site are you most excited to visit? Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to check out our other road trip guides!

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Daily Southtown | Landmarks: It’s road trip season, why not tour…

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Daily southtown | landmarks: it’s road trip season, why not tour area’s scenic, historic highways.

Starting at the Markham Roller Rink, a midcentury icon that’s still open to those who can ply the hardwood on wheeled feet, the daylong motorcade visited various historic places and eras as it traveled south.

Scheduled stops along the way didn’t adhere strictly to the highway’s modern route. A foray into Thornton offered a visit to the state’s oldest standing brewery , now Thornton Distilling, as well as a glimpse millions of years into the past via fossilized sea life extracted from the massive limestone quarry in the village on display at the Thornton Historical Society.

The Art Deco era was featured  at Bloom High School in Chicago Heights, where tourists could check out the school’s marvelous architecture as well as frescoes created during the Great Depression by artist Edgar Britton under the aegis of the Works Progress Administration. The school also featured its giant globe, a companion to one created for President Franklin D. Roosevelt by a Chicago Heights firm amid World War II.

In Crete, the town’s catalog of Sears Homes was featured, taking people back to the early 20th century days when kit houses would arrive by train as part of a mail-order delivery.

More events ensued as the motorists, many driving Ford Model A classics, proceeded down the Dixie to Beecher, Grant Park, Momence and on to Saint Anne.

The Day on the Dixie drive was the latest installment of a mostly annual tour that organizers use to bring attention to the wealth of historic attractions in the south suburbs as well as a fundraiser for continuing efforts to ensure Dixie Highway has its place among the state’s famous byways, Lincoln Highway and Route 66.

It’s a rightful place, as all three roads were major elements of an early scheme to make motoring around the state easier at a time when the popularity of horseless carriages began to take off. They were among the first five roads in Illinois to receive federal funding for modernization, along with the old National Road downstate and a route linking Chicago and Waukegan.

Dixie and Lincoln Highways, and of course Route 66, all are the subject of continuing fascination. The national Lincoln Highway Association is holding its annual conference this week in Indiana with five days of tours and sessions based in Elkhart, though Lincoln Highway fans tour the coast-to-coast road year round. A Route 66 tourism site offers guidebooks in various languages, including German and Mandarin, attesting to the worldwide popularity of John Steinbeck’s “Mother Road.”

Looking for something local to do this summer? The three roads form a sort of triangular frame for the south suburbs, and they are never closed, except for occasional construction projects. The Dixie-Lincoln-Route 66 Triangle Tour awaits you. It’s fun and easy to do. And it doesn’t cost much more than a tank of gas and maybe the tab for lunch at one of the restaurants along the way.

The top tip of the Triangle Tour technically is in Chicago, but for our purposes we’ll shear that off and start the Dixie Highway portion in Blue Island, one of the Chicago area’s oldest towns and home to one of the great old fashioned downtowns in the suburbs . There’s a certain Galena-ish vibe to the architecture there , though there are no ties to President Ulysses S. Grant. But there are thrift stores and good places to eat, and some excellent places for a beer or two if doing the Triangle Tour in reverse and ending up in the Olde Western section of town.

The tour proceeds south on Dixie over one of the five bridges over the Calumet River and goes by the Libby, McNeill and Libby building , built in the 1910s and once home to a massive food canning operation that sent south suburban truck farm vegetables all over the world, including to American troops during World Wars I and II. It hasn’t been used for much lately and was named on Landmarks Illinois’ 2024 list of Endangered Historic Places.

Continuing south, tourists will likely be stopped by trains — a good chance to view some remarkable folk art depending on how the railcars have been tagged. Some of the spray painted works really are amazing. But the proliferation of rail lines speaks to the industrial, working class nature of the corridor through Posen, Dixmoor and Harvey.

Here’s a neat thing for fans of old roads: A short stretch of old Dixie Highway still exists on the east side of the modern roadway for a couple of blocks south of 167th Street. It’s been resurfaced in the years since, but the old section, now called Robey Avenue, offers a glimpse of the narrow nature of the area’s earliest paved roads.

According to the book “The Dixie Highway in Illinois” by the late Jim Wright, the road’s grade crossing with the Illinois Central Railroad tracks in Homewood was less than ideal. After eight people were killed at the crossing in 1919, it earned the nickname “Death’s Angle.” A viaduct was dug under the tracks in 1922, funneling traffic at a right angle in a traffic pattern that continues to baffle some Dixie Highway motorists more than a century later.

Progressing through downtown Homewood, another great place for a bite or a quaff, the highway travels through the heart of south suburban golf country, where the combination of l ush terrain and easy access from Chicago via IC trains resulted in a proliferation of country clubs, including Calumet, Ravisloe, Flossmoor, Idlewild and Olympia Fields.

But long before the first woods or irons made their appearance alongside Butterfield Creek, which flows through three of the courses, a clubhouse of a different sort was erected in the creekside woods.

After a developer uncovered Native American artifacts in the 1960s on a site where new homes were planned, researchers from the Field Museum and Northwestern University, along with a team of high school students, participated in an archeological dig not far from the Dixie Highway bridge.

What they uncovered was evidence of a “fairly substantial structure,” according to a report of the dig in a Field Museum publication from 1968 . About 30-feet wide, the frame structure likely was used as a hunting lodge for people as early as the 1400s, the researchers concluded.

Going south past Bloom, Dixie Highway crosses Thorn Creek, another important historic waterway of the south suburbs. Rather than celebrating sharp, prickly undergrowth, the stream is named for the native hawthorn trees that once spread from its banks. It was such a vital feature to historic residents of the area that it lent its name to Thornton and Thornton Township to the north.

It also flows through Woodrow Wilson Woods in Chicago Heights, at the intersection where  Dixie and Lincoln highways merge for a stretch.

The two important roads earned the intersection the nickname “Crossroads of the Nation,” thanks to enthusiastic boosterism by Chicago Heights officials. In fact, if it weren’t for the clout wielded by those boosters, Lincoln Highway might have followed the modern path of Sauk Trail instead. According to the late Chicago Heights historian Barbara Paul, they were able to convince planners to route the named roadway from Indiana north on Dixie Highway from Sauk Trail into their city before turning back west on what is now U.S. 30.

That combined stretch offers a glimpse into the heyday of Chicago Heights as well, including the last remnants of the city’s former downtown area, restaurants once owned by mobsters, a giant cow that at one time sat atop a place called “Steak, Tacos and Videos,” among other names, and other attractions.

From here, Day on the Dixie drivers continued farther Saturday, traversing South Chicago Heights, Steger , Crete and beyond. Triangle Tour participants could turn west on 26th Street, where Sauk Lake was formed by a dam in the 1920s, or Sauk Trail and link at some point to Lincoln Highway. The tour hooks up with Route 66 in downtown Joliet, which has a number of museums and roadside attractions as well.

This guide to the Triangle Tour stops here, out of necessity and column inch considerations. But it might continue at some point this summer with a deep dive along the Lincoln Highway and Route 66, at least the remnants up here that aren’t Interstate 55.

It’s road trip season, after all. Why not have some local adventures?

Landmarks is a weekly column by Paul Eisenberg exploring the people, places and things that have left an indelible mark on the Southland. He can be reached at [email protected] .

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• Love Letters to Ukraine

Ukraine Road Trips

Ukraine by car: road trips from kyiv, lviv, and odesa.

Dear friend, thank you for stopping by. A lot has changed in Ukraine since this post was published. It was written in good faith to promote Ukraine as an amazing travel destination. However, on February 24th, 2022, russia launched a full-scale invasion, turning our beautiful and peaceful country into a battlefield. It breaks our hearts to say that many locations that we wrote about are now either destroyed, occupied, or not entirely safe to visit. We are doing our best to update the posts about Ukraine, but for many reasons, this is a slow and painful process. So, for any posts that haven’t been updated yet, we leave this small note. Please stay safe, and please continue to support our nation during these hard times. Every Ukrainian believes that freedom and democracy will prevail, and hopefully, sooner rather than later, we will once again be able to celebrate life and travels.

This post contains affiliate links to products and services, which help us earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to fund this blog and to bring more great publications to you.

Ukraine is one of the best countries in Eastern Europe when it comes to road trips. It is diverse, with miles of roads to drive, and plenty of points of interest. There are restored and abandoned castles, beautiful national parks, big cities and small cozy towns, seaside, and so much more!

During warm seasons — mid-April through mid-October — we spend every Sunday taking road trips from Kyiv and exploring. Some of them are short day rides from the capital and back. When the time allows, we also take small vacations and head to Lviv or Odesa regions to drive around and explore. 

As locals, we can say for sure that there are so many great spots that the foreigners don’t know about simply because these destinations don’t pop up in standard Google searches. And it is a shame, really, because there is so much more to Ukraine than the 3 of its most popular cities and a day trip to Chornobyl.

For this post, we are focusing on some lovely short day trips by car that you can take from Kyiv, Lviv, or Odesa (depending on where you stay) to the lesser-known destinations. These will cover national parks, abandoned castles, beautiful canyons, villages, and towns. We also have a big road trip Ukraine travel itinerary in case you want to self-drive around the country on a big circular route.

Table of Contents

How safe are the roads in Ukraine?

When getting ready to visit Ukraine and planning a trip, here are a few important things worth knowing about:

• In Ukraine, there are 3 types of road markers — “E” standing for European (these are usually marked with green color and are generally in a very good condition), “H” standing for national (marked with blue color and the condition may vary from good to hang-in-there-for-a-while), and territorial marked with “T”. This last type is a bit of a gamble because the T-marked roads can sometimes be quite ruined. But as we came to discover during our numerous summer road trips around Ukraine, they can also be very surprising in a good way. Oftentimes we got to drive through unique cute villages, forests, near lakes, and in other cozy spots. One definite advantage that these roads have is they are not overloaded with traffic.
• The speed limit is 50 km/h (31 miles per hour) in populated areas and 90 km (55 miles) to 110 km (70 miles) in unpopulated areas, depending on whether you are taking a regular road or a highway. Plus, Ukraine allows an extra 10 km/hr (6 miles) that you can always add on top in populated areas and 20 km/hr (12 miles) in nonpopulated areas that won’t qualify as driving over the speed limit.
• Road etiquette-wise, if the oncoming driver flashes with his/her headlights it means that there is a police car ahead and one should stick to the speed limit (you will very soon come to realize that on “E”-marked and “H”-marked roads, the speed limit is often disregarded by the local drivers). 
• If the car behind you flashes headlights, the driver is asking to give him the way. Also, a bit of a heads-up here — these folks flashing and tailing you can be really annoying, and sometimes aggressive. Not the best thing to admit about the road etiquette in our home country but it is an important thing to know.
• If you rely on online maps, the best option would be to download the routes because the internet signal can be very low or non-existent on the roads outside of the big cities. There is, however, free wi-fi on almost all the gas stations along the way.
• We, Ukrainians, love eating. This is why you will see lots of restaurants, small cafes, and kolybas (the local name for a tavern) along the way. Keep in mind that in remote areas, cards won’t always be accepted, so it is best to always have some cash with you to pay for the meal.

Renting a Car in Ukraine

Unless you are headed to the remote areas of Zakarpattya, a 4WD is not necessarily needed. The best advice for renting a car for road trips in Ukraine would be to find a mid-sized vehicle with a high undercarriage clearance. You will appreciate it when driving the “T”-marked roads and (unfortunately) some of the “H”-marked roads (we are talking about you, H03 from Kyiv to Khmelnytskyi). 

There should be no problem with renting a car in Ukraine even in high season, and the majority of the aggregators that you usually use will work just fine for Ukraine, pulling offers from the local vendors. On average, renting a small car will cost around 35-37 USD per day. Prices for medium-sized cars start from 45 USD, and SUVs will cost between 60 to 70 USD per day. Discounts may apply to longer bookings or bookings made in advance. See the range and compare prices here on DiscoverCars .

How Much Does a Road Trip Cost?

As you probably already know, Ukraine is one of the most budget-friendly countries not only in Europe but overall. That being said, self-driving can be economical but if you are really really on the budget then skip car rentals and opt-in for trains, marshrutkas, and Bla-Bla cars instead.

If you decide to rent a car, here are some numbers that may help you plan the budget:

• Car hire for 1 day: 35 to 70 USD (depending on its size, add-ons, etc).
• Insurance: You can find cars with insurance included.
• Fuel: The price per liter of A95 (the usual type of petrol that we use) is around 1 USD.
• Parking: It is easy to find free parking in cities.
• Tolls: There are no tolls in Ukraine.

Recommended Road Trips from Kyiv, Ukraine

Kyiv offers plenty of great destinations for short and long-day trips. We’ve lived here for 10+ years and still did not cover all of the locations on our must-visit list:

• If you head North, towards Belarus, there are beautiful pine forests, small lakes, and a lovely town Chernihiv . 
• The roads east of Kyiv lead to historic sites like Kachanivka (covered in our post about weekend escapes from Kyiv ). 
• Roads west of the capital lead to cute and lovely towns like Kamyanets-Podilsky with its epic castle, and Vinnitsya with its dancing fountains. 
• Routes south of the city lead along the magnificent Dnipro river to many national parks and villages.

Should you choose Kyiv as a base while taking these road trips, we can assure you there are plenty of things to do in the capital for at least 3-4 days, and at least 10 various exciting road trips that will allow you to explore the area around the capital. 

When planning a trip to Ukraine’s capital, you might also want to check the best time to visit Kyiv .

Booking-wise for Kyiv, we recommend choosing hotels, hostels, and apartments in the following areas: Podil, Pechersk, or the governmental quarters — these are close to the main attractions, great restaurants, and subways. See the range and compare prices here .

The list of our favorite road trips from Kyiv includes (this list will be expanded as we create more posts):

• Road trip to Trakhtemyriv peninsula (covered in this post).
• Road trip to Oleshnya lakes via Beremytske and Chernihiv.
• Road trip to Korsun-Shevchenkivsky via Pustovity and Stebliv.

Road trip from Kyiv to Trakhtemyriv

Stops: This route includes 4 stops — Vytachiv, Staiki, Rzyshev, and Trakhtemyriv. 

Length : All of these points of interest are along the Dnipro river and the distance one way is a total of 134 km (82 miles), which is approximately 2.3 hours of driving without stops.

Map of the route is available her e .

This route is very saturated and it will keep you busy for the entire day. If you decide to complete all the stops on the route, keep in mind that you will probably be back ty Kyiv late in the evening. Also, each of the stops on the route except for Stayki is a location where you can spend an entire day — hiking, camping, and chilling by the river.

Enjoy the gorgeous panoramas of Vytachiv

The first stop on the way is Vytachiv 66 km (41 miles) away from Kyiv. This is a village atop a hill overlooking the Dnipro river, and it is also an ancient settlement that dates back to the year 949. 

Not much is left of that settlement nowadays but the views are breathtaking! Right next to the spot on the map, there is huge parking, from where it is an easy hike to the old wooden church and then — further down into the forests. Depending on how many stops you’d like to cover along the way, your visit to Vytachiv can last anywhere between 1 hour to an entire day.

For a short stay, buy some cherries from one of the local grannies (she will also help you rinse them), and enjoy the treat while seating on a bench overlooking the river. For a longer stay, take a hike down to the bank of the river. You can also bring the camping equipment and enjoy an entire day by the river.

Swim in the lake at Stayki village

The main point of interest in Staiki — a small village along the route — is its lake atop the hill. The lake appeared where an old query once used to be. Underground waters paved their way through the blue clay, filling the lake with crystal clear waters.

Go on a short hike or simply take pictures — the views are lovely near the lake. You can also go for a swim if the weather allows. Keep in mind though that there are no changing cabinets, WCs, or anything else in the area. It is still somewhat wild but that’s what makes it good.

Note: Depending on the season, the lake can dry out from time to time but you can enjoy a hike in the area and marvel at the colorful hills.

Find the church on the water in Rzhyschev

What we love the most about the small town Rzhyschev is its closeness to the wild and powerful river Dnipro. Park a car on the town’s beach, hire a private boat, or hop on a public boat from the river station and enjoy a boat trip to the church on water, as well as to the Witche’s Island and the Bold Mountain.

Underneath the waters of the boat route lies a flooded village Gusincy. It was evacuated and flooded back in the days when the dam in Kaniv further down the river was built. To commemorate the past, the locals built a golden-domed church on a small island amidst the waters of Dnipro.

You can either take a self-guided tour or book a trip with the local guides via GetYourGuide .

Explore the gorgeous Trakthemyriv park

Trakhtemyriv is one of the former Cossak capitals, a peninsula on the Dnipro river, and a heart of the Trypillya culture. For the longest time in modern history, it was a secure compound for private visitors who came here to hunt. Luckily, as of recently, it is a park available to all travelers. Its serene nature is truly mesmerizing, and the place is perfect for hiking, meditating, camping, or renting a boat and exploring the river.

Spring is the season when everything in the area blossoms, and in summer, it is easy to find trees with ripe pears, apricots, and plums. Points of interest in the area include the old Cossak cemetery, old Scythian ruins, and a tree-shaped as Ukraine’s national emblem.

Recommended Road Trips from Odesa, Ukraine

What’s really good about this region is that it is the southern point of Ukraine and the weather here is generally warmer, which means that the travel season is longer than in Kyiv and Lviv areas. The season starts in April and lasts till the end of October. Summer will be the most challenging time to travel, though — it will be hot. Plus, July through August is the high season when lots of locals head to Odesa for their vacations.

As far as the road trips go, the region offers plenty of options:

• North of Odesa is where many hidden gems of nature are located, including the canyons of Aktiv and Arbuzin. 
• The roads east of Odesa and along the coast lead to the pink lakes, the Kinburn Spit with its stunning nature and camping sites , and the Dzarylhach island.
• Roads west of the city lead to under-the-radar beaches by the Black Sea , as well as Vilkovo — the village on the water, and the Bilhorod-Dnister fortress.

Should you choose Odesa as a base while taking these road trips, reserve at least a couple of days to explore the city itself — Odesa offers many great things to do. See the range and compare prices for hotels and accommodations in Odesa .

The list of our favorite road trips from Odesa includes (this list will be expanded as we create more posts):

• Road trip to the canyons (covered in this post).
• Road trip to Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky fortress via Sanjeyka cliffs.
• Road trip to the Oleshky desert via the pink lakes and Stanislav mountains.

Road trip from Odesa to the Moon…

…also known as the Arbuzin canyon.

Stops: This route includes 4 stops — Salt Flats of Tuzla, Mykolaiv, Aktov Canyon, and Arbyzin Canyon. 

Length : All of these points of interest lie south of Odesa and the distance one way is a total of 338 km (210 miles), which is approximately 6 hours of driving without stops.

This route is very ambitious and is more of an outline about where to head to from Odesa. Unless shortened, you won’t make all the stops in one day. Or those will be very brief.

A piece of shortcut advice: skip Mykolaiv and Salt Flats of Tuzla and only head to the canyons if you are short on time. This will shave a couple of hours off driving one way of the route. Alternatively, you can add stops along the coast of the Black Sea, spend the night in Mykolaiv, and continue to the canyons, thus expanding the road trip across southern Ukraine.

Walk barefoot across the salt flats of Tuzla

Also known as Ukrainian Salar de Uyuni, the Salt Flats of Tuzla are located 98 km (60 miles) away from Odesa. In the times of the USSR, this used to be a place to harvest salt. Today, the locals head to the salt flats to walk barefoot across the dried salty land, enjoy epic sceneries, and gather healing muds.

In summer, Tuzla’s pond dries and turns into the futuristic white and salty scenery, whereas in spring, there is still water in the pond and this water is pink. 

This place alone is the starting point for many other adventures in the area, so you can either keep exploring around by checking the tours, or continue the journey to Mykolaiv.

Stroll along the streets of Mykolaiv

This cozy town in southern Ukraine definitely deserves more attention than it gets. Less busy than Odesa, it has lovely beaches, a stunning bridge across Ingul, old cozy streets, and plenty of great cafes.

One of the oldest observatories in southwestern Europe is located in Mykolaiv. The town is also famous for its Naval boulevard with views of Ingul and the port of Mykolaiv. You can also include such points of interest as the island Berezan not far from the town (available by boat tours) and the Olbia Archaeological Site.

Should you decide to add more stops on the road trip prior to reaching Mykolaiv, it is worth stopping in town for the night.

Also, there are plenty of exciting day trips from Mykolaiv to numerous points of interest in the area.

Find the Devil’s Valley — Aktiv Canyon

This place is truly unique. Located between the villages, Aktiv Canyon seems forgotten by the people. There are not that many tourists around and those who live nearby seem not to care all that much about the sceneries — you will find only a couple of camping sites in the area. No hotels, cafes, gift shops — nothing else.

The canyon is gorgeous, with the shallow but persistent river Mertvovod paving its way through the rocky cliffs. Legends has it that the people of Scythia sent their dead kings down this river on their final journey, hence the name Mertvovod (“Mertvo” refers to “dead”).

The canyon is equally beautiful at sunset and dawn. Hike the steppe above the canyon and then head down, towards the river. There is a lovely trail between the trees close to the water. At a certain point, you will reach a spot where you can even go for a swim.

The best time to visit Aktiv Canyon is in September to enjoy the fall foliage and the gentle sun.

Marvel at the Moon Landscapes in Arbuzin Canyon

Aktiv Canyon’s younger brother, Arbuzin Canyon is located only 40 km (24 miles) away and also has plenty of things to do in the area. First of all, don’t miss out on the viewpoints with the stunning panoramas of the area.

Then, climb to the rock called “Pup Zemli” to enjoy the view of the canyon, and head towards the Moon — White Rocks located on the other side of the Arbuzin River. This spot got its name due to the ribbed white chalk mountains that are climbable. The area also has lots of hiking trails.

It is also worth mentioning that close to both canyons, there is the Trikraty forest — an old park with ancient trees and lots of routes to explore.

Recommended Road Trips from Lviv, Ukraine 

The western part of Ukraine has its own, very unique and authentic charm. The main city of the Prykarpattya region is Lviv. It is surrounded by many national parks and landmarks worthy of being explored. A lot friendlier to travelers who drive through the country by car, than Zakarpattya, Lviv on its own needs at least 3 weeks to be properly explored. Of course, rarely any tourist has that much free time on his or her hands to dedicate it to only one area. Therefore, we are offering some of the juiciest highlights of the region in this section.

• North of Lviv is the path to the popular lake area of Volyn, among other great sites. 
• The roads east of Lviv lead to many ruined and renovated castles.
• Roads west of the city are the route to get to Poland.
• Finally, southern roads are the gates to Zakarpattya with its beautiful mountains, hidden waterfalls, cable car roads, and so many other natural landmarks

If you have some time on your hand while staying in the Lviv region, definitely secure a couple of days to explore the city. Lviv is beautiful, with its cobbled streets, ancient buildings, and a truly unique atmosphere. See the range and compare prices for hotels and accommodations in Lviv .

The list of our favorite road trips from Lviv includes (this list will be expanded as we create more posts):

• Road trip to the Golden Horseshoe of castles (covered in this post).
• Road trip to the Lubart Castle via Jholkva and the Yavoriv National Park.
• Road trip to Tustan via Pryima Caves, Zadorozhne lake, and the Sopit Falls.

Road trip from Lviv to the Golden Horsehoe of Castles

Stops: This route includes 3 stops — Olesko, Pidhirtsy, and Zolochov castles. 

Length : All of these points of interest east of Lviv and the distance one way is a total of 107 km (65 miles), which is approximately 2 hours of driving without stops.

Map of the route is available here .

The Golden Horseshoe is a trio of Castles in the Lviv region. These are Olesky Castle, Pidhirtsy Castle, and Zolochiv Castle. All three make a lovely day trip from Lviv by car, and it can both be self-guided and — if you decide you want — many local companies offer a day trip with transportation and a guided tour.

This route can easily be done in one day. Get started early in the morning and you’ll be back in Lviv by early evening. A couple of notes here — the castles close at 6 pm, so it is best to get to the last stop, Zolochiv at around 5 pm if you prefer a self-guided tour, or a 4 pm if you’d like a guided one.

While the Golden Horseshoe is very close to Lviv, some parts of the road are not in the best condition. It may seem like 11 miles between Pidhirtsy and Zolochiv is practically nothing, but it will take a while to get from one destination to another because you will drive at a very low speed to avoid all the bumps and holes on the road.

Olesko Castle

Leave Lviv and head east to the first stop 75 km (46 miles) away from the city — the Olesko Castle . This is a beautiful fortress that was once ruined to the ground and then rebuilt. It stands atop a hill, giving you a chance to enjoy the landscapes, and has a nice little park right next to it.

You can either explore the castle on your own or buy a guided tour on the premises. The location also has a nice little restaurant “Pid Zamkom” with Ukrainian cuisine. Not far from Olesko, there is an old monastery that dates back to the 18th century.

Pidhirtsy Castle

One of our most favorite locations in Ukraine — Pidhirtsy castle can barely be spotted from the main road. So, for the longest time, it remained under the radar even for the locals.

The castle is not renovated — you will get to marvel at its beautiful exterior, check out the panoramic views that open from its terraces, and wander the nearby forest. Plus, across from the castle stands a beautiful but also half-ruined cathedral. This ensemble, though it could’ve been in a better condition, still provides an unforgettable experience. 

On workdays, there will be a bazaar with the locals selling magnets, artwork, and trinkets. It is marked on a map as “Suvenirnyy Rynol”.

Zolochiv Castle

Out of all the castles in the Golden Horseshoe, Zolochiv got the most renovation . The courtyard combines two majestic buildings — an older, Medieval fortress and a pink and perky castle built a while later.

Unlike Olesko and Pidhirtsy — the fortresses that stand in the middle of nowhere — Zolochiv is very close to the central area of a small town where it stands. This means that after a busy day, you’ll get to enjoy dinner in one of the local cafes.

Information about admission fees and opening hours per each of the castles is provided under dedicated links.

Images by Natalie Rezanova

I am a photographer based in Kyiv, Ukraine. I am lucky to be able to do what I love the most for a living. Photography is an endless source of inspiration for me. My mission on this blog is to inspire by sharing some of the favorite captions from my journeys. I also provide professional photography tips to help the readers bring home some beautiful photo memories.

Inessa Rezanova

I live in Kyiv, Ukraine. I am a screenwriter with 10+ years of experience in producing scripts. I love my job, and no, I did not quit it to travel the world. I see different countries in my spare time. As a storyteller, I believe that it is the emotional journey that matters the most. This is why together with my sister I started this blog to encourage everyone to travel and to do so with a heart and mind opened to adventures.

6 thoughts on “ Ukraine by Car: Road Trips from Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa ”

Great post!

I looked for articles about road trips through Ukraine last year. I am pleased you have started your website with such excellent information. And just in time for our next adventure in Ukraine.

Our last road trip was from Kyiv to Lviv and on the return we did the Golden Horseshoe.

Great information, especially about the highway designations.

Thank you for your comment! It is very helpful to know what kind of information is useful for travelers to Ukraine. I do have a few other routes that I’ve tested and they are now waiting for their time to be written and published – these are to the south of the country. Also, great to know that you took a road trip and that you consider having another trip to Ukraine. I hope you enjoy your stay:)

Excellent writing and valuable info. I wish to make a 10 days plan by April 2022. Meantime I’m from India, a country with an incredible culture and nature, visit our beautiful country once

Thank you, Vinesh. Wishing you a memorable trip, and hoping that one day I will get a chance to visit India. Meanwhile — stay safe and take care

Thank you for the nice report. Unfortunately it is now war. Here in Germany I only came up with the idea to learn more about this beautiful country through various catch actions of Ukrainian cats. And as soon as there is peace again, I want to travel through the Ukraine.

Dear Martina, glad if you found this publication useful. You are right, our beautiful country is now at the epicenter of brutal war action. Hopefully, peace will come to our land soon – every Ukrainian does what they can to make this happen, and I am grateful to see support from so many people around the world, too. Do come and visit when the war is over. Ukraine is worth it. Meanwhile, stay safe.

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Passing Thru

The Ultimate Rock ‘n’ Roll Road Trip: 12 Music Landmarks

Posted: June 22, 2024 | Last updated: June 22, 2024

Embark on a journey through the heart of America’s musical landscape, exploring the sites that have shaped the sound of a nation. From the birthplaces of rock ‘n’ roll, blues, and country to iconic studios and venues, this road trip is a pilgrimage for music lovers. Discover the stories behind the music, experience live performances, and perhaps find a bit of your soul in these historic places.

1. Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee

Image Credit: Shutterstock / f11photo

Sun Studio in Memphis is the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll. This legendary recording studio saw the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King laying down tracks that would define a generation. A tour of Sun Studio offers insights into the recording process and immerses visitors in the history of American music.

2. Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Paul McKinnon

Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, is a must-visit for fans of the King. This mansion-turned-museum displays Elvis’s memorabilia, costumes, and automobiles, offering a glimpse into the private life of one of music’s greatest icons.

3. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, Tennessee

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Joseph Hendrickson

Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is an expansive tribute to country music’s stars, history, and culture. With its vast collection of artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits, the museum offers an in-depth look at the genre’s evolution from its roots to its status as a global phenomenon.

4. Motown Museum, Detroit, Michigan

Image Credit: Shutterstock / EQRoy

The Motown Museum, located in the original Hitsville U.S.A. building, celebrates the legacy of Motown Records and its founder, Berry Gordy. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and costumes from Motown’s heyday, offering visitors a chance to step back in time to the era of The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye.

5. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, located on the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, is a modern museum dedicated to honoring and preserving the history of the most influential artists, producers, engineers, and other notable figures who have had a major impact on the development of rock ‘n’ roll. Its exhibits span genres and generations, featuring memorabilia, audio and video clips, and interactive stations.

6. New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, Louisiana

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Wangkun Jia

New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz, hosts this unique park dedicated to preserving the history and culture of jazz music. Visitors can enjoy live performances, educational programs, and guided tours exploring jazz’s origins and development. The park’s visitor center in the French Quarter serves as a starting point for delving into the rich musical heritage of New Orleans.

7. Austin, Texas – Live Music Venues

Image Credit: Pexels / daniel dinu

Austin, known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” boasts an incredible density of venues hosting live music every night of the week. From iconic spots like The Continental Club and Antone’s to the vibrant scene on Sixth Street, Austin offers an eclectic mix of genres and performances, embodying the city’s deep musical roots and contemporary energy.

8. The Experience Music Project (EMP), Seattle, Washington

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sergii Figurnyi

The Experience Music Project, now known as MoPOP (Museum of Pop Culture), in Seattle, Washington, is a leading-edge museum dedicated to the ideas and risk-taking that fuel contemporary popular culture. With its roots deeply embedded in the city’s rich musical history, the museum offers immersive exhibits on rock ‘n’ roll, science fiction, and much more. Music enthusiasts can delve into the world of Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and the grunge movement that put Seattle on the musical map. The museum’s architecture, designed by Frank Gehry, is a visual masterpiece, symbolizing the creativity and innovation that the museum celebrates.

9. The Fillmore, San Francisco, California

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Devo Satria Ichwaldi

The Fillmore in San Francisco is one of the most famous music venues in the United States, known for its pivotal role in the history of rock music and the 1960s counterculture movement. Legendary artists like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Grateful Dead have graced its stage. Today, The Fillmore hosts a wide range of artists and genres, maintaining its status as a cornerstone of San Francisco’s vibrant music scene.

10. The Apollo Theater, Harlem, New York

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The Apollo Theater in Harlem is an iconic venue that has launched the careers of countless African American artists, including James Brown, Ella Fitzgerald, and Michael Jackson. The Apollo’s Amateur Night is a historic event where new talents are discovered, continuing the theater’s legacy as a cradle of musical innovation.

11. Paisley Park, Chanhassen, Minnesota

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Paisley Park was the home and recording studio of the legendary artist Prince. Now open to the public as a museum and memorial, visitors can explore the studios where Prince recorded his most famous songs, see his concert wardrobes, and view his personal archives. Paisley Park offers a unique insight into the creative process of one of music’s most innovative and influential figures.

12. Cleveland, Mississippi – The Crossroads

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nina Alizada

The Crossroads in Cleveland, Mississippi, is steeped in blues lore as the place where legendary musician Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil for musical genius. This mythical location represents the deep roots of the blues in the Mississippi Delta, an essential genre in the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll. Visitors can explore the area’s rich musical history, including the Delta Blues Museum in nearby Clarksdale.

The Bottom Line

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Embarking on a rock ‘n’ roll road trip across the USA is more than a journey through musical landmarks; it’s an exploration of the sounds that shaped a nation. From the historic studios of Memphis and Detroit to the legendary venues of San Francisco and New York, each site offers a unique story and an immersive experience into America’s musical heritage. As you trace the steps of musical legends and discover the roots of rock, jazz, blues, and country, you’re not just visiting places—you’re connecting with the soul of American music.

Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs

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Traveling solo as a woman? It’s an adventure with its own set of challenges. From street safety to discrimination, some spots are riskier than others. We’ve used the Women’s Danger Index and other resources to craft a guide that helps you choose your destinations wisely. Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs

Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

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Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

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American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept

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Canadians often find American customs ranging from amusing to astonishing. From the quirky to the confounding, let’s explore the U.S. through a Canadian lens—maple syrup and poutine in hand. Get ready for a journey that’s both odd and insightful, seen from the Great White North. 20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept

22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

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Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

The post The Ultimate Rock ‘n’ Roll Road Trip: 12 Music Landmarks republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Monkey Business Images.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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