Introduction
One of the best ways to explore the United States is by taking a road trip. Whether you’re going cross-country or just exploring your home state, there are plenty of beautiful and interesting places to stop along the way. From breathtaking national parks to iconic landmarks, here are some of the best places to stop on a road trip.
But first, what is a road trip? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a road trip is “a journey made by car over a long distance.” Road trips can be as short as one day or as long as several weeks. They offer an opportunity to explore new places, meet new people, and have unforgettable experiences. As author Robert Frost wrote, “The best way to take in the world is on foot. The second best is by car.”
Top 10 Most Scenic Stops on a Road Trip
These ten destinations are some of the most stunning places in the United States. From desert vistas to lush forests, these spots will take your breath away.
1. Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon is one of the most awe-inspiring places on earth. With its sheer cliffs and dizzying depths, this natural wonder is sure to leave you speechless. As former President Theodore Roosevelt said, “The Grand Canyon fills me with awe. It is beyond comparison—beyond description; absolutely unparalleled throughout the wide world.”
2. Glacier National Park, Montana
Glacier National Park is a hiker’s paradise. This 1 million-acre park is home to over 700 miles of trails, as well as glaciers, alpine lakes, and wildlife. Take a hike along the park’s signature Going-to-the-Sun Road for some of the most stunning views in Montana.
3. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers alike. With its majestic mountains and pristine lakes, this park offers some of the most spectacular views in the country. As John Muir wrote, “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.”
4. Big Sur, California
Big Sur is a stretch of California coastline that is famous for its rugged beauty. With its towering cliffs and crashing waves, it’s easy to see why this spot has been inspiring artists and writers for centuries. As Henry Miller wrote, “Big Sur is the California I wanted to see.”
5. Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country. Located on the coast of Maine, this park is home to stunning ocean views, lush forests, and rocky shores. Take a drive along the park’s 27-mile Park Loop Road for some of the most breathtaking scenery in the northeast.
6. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is a hiker’s paradise. This park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, including slot canyons, sandstone cliffs, and lush forests. Take a hike along the park’s iconic Angels Landing Trail for some of the most breathtaking views in Utah.
7. Hana Highway, Hawaii
The Hana Highway is a winding stretch of road on the island of Maui. This road takes you through lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and black sand beaches. Take your time and enjoy the sights — after all, as the saying goes, “It’s about the journey, not the destination.”
8. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina and Virginia
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile stretch of road that runs through two states. This road takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the eastern United States, including the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Park. Take your time and enjoy the views — you won’t be disappointed.
9. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. This park is famous for its geothermal features, including hot springs, geysers, and mud pots. Take a drive along the park’s Grand Loop Road for some of the most breathtaking views in the country.
10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited parks in the country. This park is home to lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and stunning views. Take a drive along the park’s Cades Cove Loop Road for some of the most breathtaking scenery in the southeast.
Must-See Attractions for Your Next Road Trip
These iconic landmarks are some of the most recognizable spots in the United States. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the Hollywood Sign, these are the must-see attractions for any road trip.
1. The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the world. This bridge spans the San Francisco Bay and offers stunning views of the city. As poet Maya Angelou wrote, “The bridge stands like a sentinel between the past and the future.”
2. The Gateway Arch, St. Louis
The Gateway Arch is an iconic structure in St. Louis. This 630-foot tall arch is a symbol of the city and offers stunning views of the Mississippi River. As former President Ronald Reagan said, “The Gateway Arch is more than a monument to America’s past — it is a symbol of our future.”
3. Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the world. This massive waterfall straddles the border between the United States and Canada and offers stunning views of the falls. As Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau said, “Niagara Falls is not only a symbol of power and beauty but also a reminder of the awesome force of nature.”
4. The Alamo, Texas
The Alamo is a historic mission in San Antonio. This spot is famous for its role in the Texas Revolution and is a symbol of the state’s independence. As former President Lyndon Johnson said, “The Alamo is a symbol of freedom and courage that will never die.”
5. Las Vegas Strip, Nevada
The Las Vegas Strip is one of the most iconic spots in the United States. This four-mile stretch of road is home to some of the most impressive casinos and hotels in the world. As writer Hunter S. Thompson said, “The Vegas Strip is like walking through a dreamscape of neon and glitter.”
6. Mount Rushmore, South Dakota
Mount Rushmore is a national monument that features the faces of four former presidents carved into the side of a mountain. This spot is a popular tourist destination and offers stunning views of the Black Hills. As former President Franklin Roosevelt said, “Mount Rushmore will stand forever as an expression of our belief in the divine right of liberty.”
7. The Freedom Trail, Boston
The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that runs through downtown Boston. This trail takes you past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Old State House and Faneuil Hall. As former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis said, “The Freedom Trail is a living testament to our nation’s history.”
8. French Quarter, New Orleans
The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans. This vibrant neighborhood is full of culture, music, and history. As former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards said, “The French Quarter is a place where the old world meets the new.”
9. Space Needle, Seattle
The Space Needle is an iconic tower in Seattle. This 605-foot tall tower offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area. As former Washington Governor Dan Evans said, “The Space Needle is a symbol of Seattle’s pioneering spirit and a reminder of our city’s bright future.”
10. Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles
The Hollywood Sign is an iconic symbol of Los Angeles. This sign has been featured in countless movies and television shows and is a symbol of the city’s entertainment industry. As former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said, “The Hollywood Sign represents the dreams of so many who have come to this great city in search of fame and fortune.”
Popular Roadside Restaurants Across the Country
These roadside restaurants are some of the most popular spots in the United States. From barbecue joints to delis, these restaurants have something for everyone.
1. Pappy’s Smokehouse, St. Louis
Pappy’s Smokehouse is a popular barbecue joint in St. Louis. This restaurant is famous for its slow-smoked ribs and pulled pork sandwiches, as well as its signature sides. As Food Network host Guy Fieri said, “Pappy’s Smokehouse is a St. Louis institution. The ribs are some of the best I’ve ever tasted.”
2. The Salt Lick, Driftwood, Texas
The Salt Lick is a popular barbecue joint in Driftwood, Texas. This restaurant is famous for its juicy brisket and homemade sides. As former Texas Governor Rick Perry said, “The Salt Lick is one of the best barbecue joints in the state. The brisket is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.”
3. Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, Nashville
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack is a popular spot in Nashville. This restaurant is famous for its spicy fried chicken, as well as its signature sides. As musician Jack White said, “Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack is a Nashville institution. The chicken is some of the best I’ve ever had.”
4. The Varsity, Atlanta
The Varsity is a popular fast-food joint in Atlanta. This restaurant is famous for its burgers, hot dogs, and chili dogs, as well as its signature sides. As former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue said, “The Varsity is an Atlanta institution. The food is classic and delicious.”
5. The Apple Pan, Los Angeles
The Apple Pan is a popular burger joint in Los Angeles. This restaurant is famous for its juicy burgers and apple pies, as well as its signature sides. As actor Ryan Gosling said, “The Apple Pan is a Los Angeles institution. The burgers are some of the best I’ve ever had.”
6. The Liberty Bell, Philadelphia
The Liberty Bell is a popular deli in Philadelphia. This restaurant is famous for its sandwiches, as well as its signature sides. As former Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell said, “The Liberty Bell is a Philadelphia institution. The sandwiches are some of the best I’ve ever eaten.”
7. Katz’s Delicatessen, New York City
Katz’s Delicatessen is a popular spot in New York City. This restaurant is famous for its pastrami sandwiches, as well as its signature sides. As former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani said, “Katz’s Delicatessen is a New York institution. The pastrami is some of the best I’ve ever tasted.”
8. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, St. Louis
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a popular spot in St. Louis.
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