us 48 state 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 1st 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 2nd itinerary.

If you’re more of a city slicker, the map’s author has created a 2nd 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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Home » Roadside Attractions Blog » Road Trip Itinerary » The Perfect 48 State Road Trip Itinerary & Route

The Perfect 48 State Road Trip Itinerary & Route

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Have you ever wanted to take a 48 state road trip and drive through every one of the contiguous US states in one go? It might sound like a daunting undertaking, with so many things to see in each state and so many different possible routes. But what if I told you there was a scientifically perfect road trip that would take you on an optimized route that hits a top tourist spot in every locale?

It was American PhD student Randy Olson (now Dr. Randal S. Olson) who conceived this perfect road trip itinerary. The goal was to come up with the most efficient route while adhering to these three rules:

• The trip must make at least one stop in all 48 states in the contiguous U.S.
• The trip would only make stops at National Natural Landmarks, National Historic Sites, National Parks, or National Monuments.
• The trip must be taken by car and never leave the U.S.

You can see his maps and learn all about his process, tools, and machine-learning algorithms on his blog post, “ Computing the optimal road trip across the U.S. “

If you’ve always wanted to travel to 48 states at once, this road trip is for you. It would take about 224 hours of driving (9.33 days) to complete the whole thing. So you could probably do this entire drive in around three weeks…but you should probably take more time to enjoy the drive (and make a few extra detours). There are 50 stops on this 48 state road trip, one in each contiguous state, with the exception of California, that has two, plus a stop in Washington DC.

Of course, our 48 state road trip would probably look a little different. Here at Silly America we love one big thing: roadside attractions. So I’ve compiled his itinerary of 50 road trip stops and added our own below it. Of course, we didn’t use data to plan an optimal road trip route between our roadside attractions, so you’re on your own there.

Ready to hit the road and explore 48 states at once? Let’s explore what you would see on this perfect road trip itinerary.

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 (chickasaw national recreation area), oklahoma, toltec mounds (plum bayou mounds archeological state park), 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, hanford site, washington, columbia river highway, oregon, san francisco cable cars, california, san andreas fault, california, hoover dam, nevada, 48 state road trip to major cities, 48 state road trip.

President Theodore Roosevelt called the Grand Canyon, “the one great sight every American should see.” And who are we to argue? Declared a national monument in 1908, this natural landform is a popular destination for day trippers wanting to take in the glorious expanse or adventurers wanting to hike, ride a mule, or go whitewater rafting.

Where we’d go in Arizona

The Grand Canyon is certainly the must-see attraction in Arizona. Conveniently, it is also a short detour from Route 66, where you’ll find such roadside attractions as Giganticus Headicus, the Rainbow Rock Shop Dinosaurs, Standin’ on the Corner, and Wigwam Village Motel No. 6.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Arizona.

Bryce Canyon National Park is known for its red, orange, and pink hoodoos: irregular shire-shaped columns of rock that jut out from the landscape. It has the largest concentration of these landforms anywhere on Earth. Take in the glorious Bryce Amphitheater and enjoy the prime overlooks at sunset and sunrise.

Where we’d go in Utah

Utah is also home to two more of the best national parks in America: Zion National Park and Arches National Park. But you’ll probably find us at Hole N” The Rock, a unique, 5,000 square-foot home carved out of a huge rock in Utah’s Canyonlands Country.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Utah.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve  is a U.S. national monument and national preserve in central Idaho. Walk (and drive) among desolate lava fields that date back millions of years ago. The lava field spans for over 750,000 acres (1,100 square miles) and 53,500 acres are preserved within the monument. Among the bleak backdrop you’ll find volcanic rifts, lava rivers, lava tube caves, cinder cones, tree molds, spatter cones, shield volcanoes, and lava beds.

Where we’d go in Idaho

For us, Idaho is about one thing: the potato. Catch us at the Idaho Potato Museum (taking photos with the world’s largest styrofoam potato, learning about the history of the potato, and exploring the unique displays), staying at the Big Idaho Potato Hotel , and chowing down on an ice cream potato (and probably a big bowl of mashed potatoes too).

See more of the best roadside attractions in Idaho.

Yellowstone National Park, America’s first National Park, features 3,500 square miles of wilderness: hundreds of animal species, dramatic canyons, scenic hiking trails, flowing rivers, lush forests, hot springs, and more than half the world’s geysers. The most popular and recognizable of Yellowstone’s features is Old Faithful, a geyser that shoots water 100 feet in the air.

Where we’d go in Wyoming

Sure Yellowstone is great, but we’re heading to Douglas to see some wildlife you probably won’t see in Yellowstone: the Jackalope, a mystical creature that has the body of a jack rabbit with the horns of an antelope. Here you’ll find the World’s Largest Jackalope, the Former World’s Largest Jackalope, and a Jackalope Hilltop Silhouette.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Wyoming.

Purple Mountains Majesty: Pikes Peak is such a glorious site that it came to inspire the song “America the Beautiful.” Explore the breathtaking scenery of the Rocky Mountsins at the top of the 14,115 foot summit and all the way there.

Where we’d go in Colorado

Pikes Peak is located just west of Colorado Springs, which also happens to be home to Herkimer, the World’s Largest Beetle.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Colorado.

Hidden beneath the surface of the Chihuahuan Desert in New Mexico are the more than 100 caves that make up Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The natural wonders were formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone, leaving behind caverns of all sizes. Look for Lechuguilla Cave: at 1,567 feet it is the nation’s deepest and fourth longest limestone cave.

Where we’d go in New Mexico

After exploring what is happening beneath the surface of New Mexico, explore what is happening above in Roswell. Roswell, New Mexico, is known for being the site of an alleged 1947 UFO crash and the town embraces their extraterrestrial ties. Everywhere you turn in Roswell you’ll find alien murals, alien streetlamps, and alien and flying saucer statues. Even the chain restaurants, like KFC, McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts, get in on the theme with alien-centered decor. And don’t forget to stop at the Area 51 Museum, the International UFO Museum, and the space-age Roswell Welcome Sign.

See more of the best roadside attractions in New Mexico.

Remember the Alamo. This Texas landmark and UNESCO World Heritage site was originally known as Misión San Antonio de Valero Alamo and served as a way station between East Texas and Mexico. But it is probably best known as being the site of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836, where American folk heroes James Bowie and Davy Crockett died. Today you can take an interactive tour, explore exhibits, and experience frontier life in a Living History encampment.

Where we’d go in Texas

They everything is bigger in Texas, and they are right! There are so many weird roadside attractions to choose from. But if you are in San Antonio visiting the Alamo, make a detour to see the World’s Largest Cowboy Boots.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Texas.

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area in the Platt Historic District (formerly Platt National Park) provides scenic hikes with waterfalls, wildlife viewing, creeks, ponds, lakes, camping, and the historic Sulphur Springs. It is located in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains in Oklahoma, near the town of Sulphur. Platt National Park was combined with the Arbuckle Recreation Area in 1976 and became Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

Where we’d go in Oklahoma

Oklahoma contains the largest stretch of Route 66, so you can find us there, exploring the larger than life roadside attractions like the Blue Whale of Catoosa , Ed Galloway’s Totem Pole Park , Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curios , and Pops 66 Soda Ranch .

See more of the best roadside attractions in Oklahoma.

Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park (formerly Toltec Mounds) is an archaeological site from the Late Woodland period. the park protects and preserves an 18-mound complex with Arkansas’s tallest remaining, prehistoric Native American mounds. Both a state park and an archeological research station, visitors can explore a visitor center with exhibits, an audiovisual theater, and an educational pavilion that overlooks the mounds. Self-guided and guided tours are offered along two trails.

Where we’d go in Arkansas

We’re probably heading to Fouke, Arkansas, which is home of the Fouke Monster Mart , which is home of the legendary Boggy Creek Monster. The Boggy Creek Monster is Fouke’s answer to bigfoot. The 8-foot-tall, 300-pound, hairy monster has been stalking the area since at least 1834 and had even inspired a series of horror films. Stop in to learn more about this local legend, pick up some souvenirs, and snap your picture with a Boggy Creek Monster photo op.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Arkansas.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Tennessee

Elvis Presley might just be the most famous resident of Memphis, if not all of Tennessee. There is no Elvis tourist attraction as popular as  Graceland : Elvis’s breathtaking mansion. Take a tour of the grounds, walk the gardens where he found peace, view the aircraft that took him from show to show, and experience Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex to see costumes, artifacts, and mementos.

Where we’d go in Tennessee

Honestly, Graceland is at the top of our list too. But we’d also probably take a trip to celebrate another famous recording artist: Dolly Parton. Visit the Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge and the bronze Dolly Parton statue in Sevierville.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Tennessee.

Vicksburg National Military Park commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg during the Civil War. Today you can visit the battlefield to see 1,400 historical monuments, tablets, and markers; 20 miles of reconstructed trenches and earthworks; a 16 mile tour road, emplaced cannons, the USS Cairo Gunboat and Museum, and the Vicksburg National Cemetery.

Where we’d go in Mississippi

If we’re in Mississippi, we’re visiting the remains of an entirely different historic relic. At Smitty’s Super Service in Sandy Hook you can experience a full 3-stage The Rock-afire Explosion band from the now defunct ShowBiz Pizza Place restaurant and arcade.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Mississippi.

The French Quarter is the heart and “Crown Jewel” of New Orleans. Lined with colorful buildings with cast-iron balconies, you’ll find history, nightlife, and gourmet food at every turn. From the jazz blasting through Bourbon Street to authentic Cajun eats at small restaurants to the gourmet food and crafts of the French Market to the beautiful and historic St. Louis Cathedral, there is something for everyone.

Where we’d go in Louisiana

We’re visiting the French Quarter too, and, while we’re there, we’ve visiting Mari Gras World to explore the workshop where Mardi Gras floats are made. Blaine Kern Studios has created parade floats for events across the country since 1947, but they are most famous for creating 80% of the giant moving sculptures you see at Mardi Gras. Take a tour of  Mardi Gras World  to get a glimpse into what it takes to make the annual parade a success. You’ll learn the history, see costumes, explore floats in progress, and get Instagram worthy photos of some of the most elaborate parade floats in the world.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Louisiana.

Find the WWII battleship USS ALABAMA at USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. Visit the ship, which is a National Historic Landmark, along with more than 25 historic planes and military vehicles.

Where we’d go in Alabama

Our 48 state road trip to Alabama would take us to a different attraction on water: Lady in the Lake & Bamahenge at Barber Marina in Elberta. George W. Barber’s marina is located on 800 acres on a peninsula between Wolf Bay and Ingram Bayou and it is covered in kooky, weird, and giant works of art. Two of the best finds here are Lady in the Lake (a fiberglass 50-foot woman whose head and knees can be seen floating in the bay) and Bamahenge (a 21-foot tall by 104-foot wide fiberglass Stonehenge replica). Sadly, in 2020, Lady in the Lake was damaged by Hurricane Sally, but it sounds like she’ll be returning to the water soon.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Alabama.

Florida’s Cape Canaveral is a site home to several launchpads and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. See where the US space program began and explore historic spacecrafts and memorabilia.

Where we’d go in Florida

The Kennedy Space Center is right up our alley, but, when in Florida, we’re more interested in things that come from the ocean over space.That’s why we’re visiting Big Betsy (the giant lobster in Islamorada), Swampy (the World’s Largest Alligator in Christmas), or the Weeki Wachee Mermaids in Spring Hill.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Florida.

Located in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, the Okefenokee Swamp Park is a natural wonderland and swamp ecosystem. Spread over nearly half a million acres, you’ll experience islands, lakes, jungles, forest, prairies, and all the foliage and animals that come with them.

Where we’d go in Georgia

Nature makes me work up an appetite so we’re heading to KFC. But not just any KFC. We’re going to The Big Chicken in Marietta. The 56-foot tall chicken on Cobb Parkway in Marietta was originally built for Johnny Reb’s Chick-Chuck-‘N’-Shake in 1963. Known as “The Big Chicken,” this giant red bird-shaped building had rolling eyes and a moving yellow beak. In 1974, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) took over the spot and still occupies the (since renovated) spot today. Inside you can get a friend chicken dinner and peruse historical displays.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Georgia.

Located on an artificial island off Charleston, South Carolina (take a ferry to get there), Fort Sumter is a sea fort built to protect the city. It is recognized for being the site of the first battle of the American Civil War.

Where we’d go in South Carolina

When your 48 state road trip takes you through South Carolina, you just have to go South of the Border. Just south of the border between North Carolina and South Carolina you’ll find South of the Border: a campy village worth of shops, restaurants, motel rooms, and amusement rides. It’s hard to miss the over-the-top grounds decorated with a fiesta of flashing lights and fiberglass mascots.

See more of the best roadside attractions in South Carolina.

Discovered in 1942, Lost World Caverns is a series of underground natural caverns 120 feet below the Earth’s surface. See a vast display of stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations, including The Snowy Chandelier, a 30-ton compound stalactite — one of the largest in the nation!

Where we’d go in West Virginia

Trade in going underground for something you might see flying through the air. There is no greater monument in West Virginia that the Mothman Statue in Point Pleasant. The legend of Mothman has been popular in the Point Pleasant area since 1966 when locals started reporting sightings of a strange flying humanoid monster with red eyes, a 10-foot wingspan, and the face of an insect. A 12-foot tall polished steel Mothman statue was erected to celebrate its legacy.

See more of the best roadside attractions in West Virginia.

Visit the place where Wilbur and Orville Wright worked on and took their first flight. See the flight boulder & flight line (the spot of their first flight and landings), reconstructed 1903 camp buildings (to see a glimpse of what their life at the time was like), interactive exhibits at the Visitor Center, and monuments and sculptures devoted to the pair.

Where we’d go in North Carolina

The miracle of flight is one thing, but have you ever seen a 38-foot tall dresser? The World’s Largest Chest of Drawers in High Point was first built in the 1920s by the High Point Chamber of Commerce to pay homage to the town’s status as the “Home Furnishing Capital of the World.” The huge cartoon-like structure, complete with oversized drawers, golden pulls and a pair of mismatched socks, towers over tourists, the traffic lights, and the nearby buildings.

See more of the best roadside attractions in North Carolina.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon is the first president’s former estate where he lived before and after his time as a Revolutionary War General. Visit the preserved grounds, take a tour of the Mansion, stroll through the gardens, take in views of the Potomac River from the East Porch and Grounds, and learn more about American history.

Where we’d go in Virginia

When in Virginia, we’re visiting another historic site. Or, at least, a site that is based on a historic site. Foamhenge in Centreville is Virginia’s Stonehenge made of foam.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Virginia.

You can’t take a 48 state road trip and not also visit Washington DC. And, when in Washington DC, you have to see the White House. The White House serves as the home and workplace of the President of the United States and his or her family, and as a living museum of American history.

Where we’d go in Washington DC

We’re definitely taking in all the sites in DC, White House included. But the National Mall is full of monuments (like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument) that we’d be occupied for a while. We’re also looking for weird things at the Smithsonian, like a giant squid, a presidential hair collection, and a folding bathtub.

The Colonial Annapolis Historic District is a historic district in the City of Annapolis, the state capital of Maryland. Designed in a European fashion and designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1965, the historic district feels like a blast from the past. Visit 18th-century buildings like St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and the Maryland State House (the oldest capital building in continuous use).

Where we’d go in Maryland

In Maryland we might head to a different sort of historical building. The Maryland Center for History and Culture in Baltimore features a giant 18-foot-tall statue of Nipper the Dog (a terrier tilting his head and staring into a phonograph, used to promote record company RCA) on its roof.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Maryland.

The riverside community of New Castle was founded by Dutch settlers in the 1650s and its Colonial-era historic district was designated as a National Landmark in 1967. Walk the cobblestone streets and visit historical properties and homes like the Old New Castle Courthouse, the Delaware Historical Society’s Read House and Gardens, the Dutch House ,and the Amstel House.

Where we’d go in Delaware

For a more modern architecture experience, were going to the Dover International Speedway to see Miles the Monster. Miles the Monster has served as the mascot for the Dover International Speedway since 2000. In 2008, a giant, 46-foot tall, 20-ton Miles the Monster was erected outside the complex, bursting from the roof.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Delaware.

“The Nation’s Oldest Seashore Resort,” Cape May is located at the southern tip of New Jersey. The Cape May Historical District is designated a National Historic Landmark and is home to the second-largest collection of Victorian houses in the US. Visit beautiful preserved buildings from the 1800s like the Christopher Gallagher House, The Colonial, and The Southern Mansion. Also make a stop at the Cape May Lighthouse in Cape May Point State Park, the country’s second oldest continually operating lighthouse.

Where we’d go in New Jersey

In New Jersey, we’re staying close to the water but heading about an hour north to see a different : LuNational Historic Landmark: Lucy the Elephant in Margate City. Standing at six-stories tall and weighing over 90 tons, Lucy the Elephant is the world’s largest elephant. Lucy was built in 1881 by real estate developer James V. Lafferty.

See more of the best roadside attractions in New Jersey.

The Liberty Bell is best known for being one of the most iconic symbols on American independence and for its wide crack. It rang in the tower of the Pennsylvania State House (now, Independence Hall) and is believed to be one of the bells rung when the Declaration of Independence was signed. See the Liberty Bell in person at the Liberty Bell Visitor center in Philadelphia and learn more about its historic journey.

Where we’d go in Pennsylvania

Driving through 48 states is probably pretty exhausting. So at this point in the journey we think it’s time for some caffeine. The Coffee Pot in Bedford is one of the best roadside attractions in Pennsylvania. David Berton Koontz built the big, 18-foot tall by 22-foot wide coffee pot in 1927 to attract customers to his adjacent service station.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Pennsylvania.

The Statue of Liberty was a gift of friendship from France to the United States. Dedicated on October 28, 1886 and designated as a National Monument in 1924, it has become to be recognized as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The giant neoclassical copper sculpture resides on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York City. Admire from afar or take a ferry to see Lady Liberty up close.

Where we’d go in New York

The Statue of Liberty might be one of the most recognizable monuments in New York…but dod you know that there is a giant duck just a couple hours away? The Big Duck is a classic Long Island New York roadside attraction. The giant fowl was originally built in 1931 to serve as a duck-shaped poultry store. The 10-ton, 20-foot tall, 30-foot long, 18-foot wide bird is made of concrete and has the headlights of a Model T Ford for eyes.

See more of the best roadside attractions in New York.

Tour The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, a 25-room Victorian mansion where Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens) lived and wrote from 1874 to1891. It was here where the author wrote some of his most important works, including Adventures of Huckleberry Finn , The Adventures of Tom Sawyer , and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court .

Where we’d go in Connecticut

Mark Twain is a celebrated American author. And PEZ is a celebrated American candy. On our 48-state road trip we are heading to the PEZ Visitor Center in Orange. We all know PEZ, the delicious mini-candies that are best eaten from a cartoon-headed dispenser. At the PEZ Visitor Center you can learn the history of the popular candy, explore a huge selection of memorabilia and new, vintage, and rare dispensers, and watch the packing factory in action.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Connecticut.

The Breakers is a Gilded Age mansion located in Newport, Rhode Island. The opulent home was built between 1893 and 1895, and served as a summer “cottage” and status symbol for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, a member of the wealthy Vanderbilt family.

Where we’d go in Rhode Island

We probably wouldn’t see any bugs in the well-maintained The Breakers, so let’s go check out the Big Blue Bug in Providence. The 58-foot long giant termite lives on top of Big Blue Bug Solutions in Providence. The business was originally called New England Pest Control but they renamed themselves in 2012 to honor their ever-popular mascot.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Rhode Island.

USS Constitution is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy. Still manned, it operates to promote the Navy and America’s naval heritage through educational outreach, public access (you can take a free tour!), and historic demonstrations. Across the pier from the ship you can also visit the USS Constitution Museum full of hands-on experiences that educate on how the shop was built, sailed, and preserved.

Where we’d go in Massachusetts

You’ll find us just a couple miles away at grabbing some ice cream at the Hood Milk Bottle Building. The giant milk bottle was one of the first examples of novelty architecture in the United States. Built in 1930, ice cream maker Arthur Gagner had it built next to his shop to entice customers in to buy a sweet treat.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Massachusetts.

Acadia National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. Open year round, the 47,000-acre park features stunning landscapes, rocky beaches, woodland hiking trails, and diverse wildlife (including moose, bear, whales and seabirds) on the coast of Maine. Nearby Bar Harbor is a quaint stop for restaurants, hotels, and shops.

Where we’d go in Maine

It’s hard to pick just one spot we’d go to in Maine. We’d probably do a road trip to eat lobster rolls everywhere and check out Wild Blueberry Land, Eartha (The World’s Largest Rotating Globe), and the Bangor Paul Bunyan.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Maine.

It’s good that there’s a hotel on this list because after all that driving on this 48 state road trip, it’s time for a good night’s sleep. The glorious Mount Washington Hotel opened in 1902. The white Renaissance Revival hotel features a distinctive red roof and a grand colonnaded veranda. Built by local industrialist Joseph Stickney it was immediately successful and considered the most luxurious hotel of its day. Today the hotel operates as a our-diamond resort with opportunities for skiing, golfing, or taking a spa day.

Where we’d go in New Hampshire

As lovely as that sounds, it might be a little out of our road trip budget here. Luckily, Chutters World’s Largest Candy Counter is only half an hour away. Let’s go spend our money on sweets!

See more of the best roadside attractions in New Hampshire.

Shelburne Farms is a working non-profit working with waling trails, produce, farm-to-table dining, local products (like farmstead cheddar and maple syrup), and educational workshops on everything from historic preservation to cheesemaking.

Where we’d go in Vermont

If you’re heading to Shelburne, Vermont stop at the Shelburne Museum to see the Landlocked Ship. The Shelburne Museum celebrates founder and eccentric spender Electra Havemeyer Webb who, after coming into an inheritance at 18, spent the rest of her life purchasing stuff. Stuff that is now on display for museum visitors. The Shelburne Museum features her 80,000 items (and more) spread across 39 buildings across 45 acres. One of the highlights to see is the Ticonderoga: a vertical beam sidewheel steamship that is 220-feet long and weighs 892 tons.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Vermont.

When Detroit’s Fox Theatre opened in 1928 it was the largest of the original Fox Theatres built by film pioneer William Fox. Today, it is the largest surviving movie palace of the 1920s. The theatre currently serves as a 5,000+ seat performing arts center that presents a variety of live performances.

Where we’d go in Michigan

We might take in a show, but we’re also going to go in search of the World’s Largest Cherry Pie(s). Two towns in Michigan claim to have the world’s largest cherry pie: Charlevoix and Traverse City. Charlevoix’s was built 1976, when the town baked the World’s Largest Cherry Pie as part of the their annual cherry festival. In 1987, Traverse City stepped up to the pie plate to outdo their neighbor. At their local cherry festival they made a 28,350 pound cherry pie. Both towns display oversized pie pans in rememberence.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Michigan.

Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati, Ohio is the third largest cemetery in the United States (behind Calverton National Cemetery and Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery). The US National Historic Landmark was established in 1845 the 700-acre plot features lakes, island, footbridges, and wooded areas. Spend a peaceful day and visit the graves of historical figures buried there.

Where we’d go in Ohio

If we’re looking for stones buried in the ground in Ohio, it’s probably going to be in the shape of corn. A Field of Giant Corn Cobs can be found off the highway in Dublin, where stand 109 human-sized ears of corn each standing at 6 feet 3 inches (1.9 m) tall and each weighing in at a whopping 1500 pounds (680 kg.).

See more of the best roadside attractions in Ohio.

With more that 400 miles of explored caves, Mammoth Cave in Kentucky is the world’s longest known cave system. Mammoth Cave was officially dedicated as a national park by 194, became a World Heritage Site in 1981, and was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve in 1990. 10 miles of the cave is available for tours along with other opportunities for hiking, camping, kayaking, horseback riding, and fishing.

Where we’d go in Kentucky

Mammoth Cave is accessible through Cave City, Kentucky. And Cave City, Kentucky is home to a plethora is weird and wonderful stops. Here you can visit Big Mike’s Mystery House , Crystal Onyx Cave, Dinosaur World , Guntown Mountain, Treasure Trove Park, and Wigwam Village Motel No. 2 .

See more of the best roadside attractions in Kentucky.

West Baden Springs Hotel is the most historic and luxurious hotel in Indiana. Considered by some to be the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the luxury hotel hosts special events, entertainment, and historic tours (even non guests can take part). The turn-of-the-century National Historic Landmark features 243 guest rooms and suites over six circular stories plus numerous other amenities. The focal point of the property is the glorious 200-foot atrium.

Where we’d go in Indiana

West Baden Springs Hotel has a fireplace so big it takes 14-logs to burn. We know another place that could cause a whole lot of fire. We’re heading to the Warm Glow Candle Outlet in Centerville, Indiana to see the World’s Largest Candle !

See more of the best roadside attractions in Indiana.

Abraham Lincoln’s Home, Illinois

Before becoming the 16th president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln lived in his home in Springfield, Illinois from 1844 to 1861. Lincoln Home National Historic Site has restored and preserved this house and the surrounding areas to what they would have been in 1860.

Where we’d go in Illinois

There are other Abraham Lincoln roadside attractions to see in or near Springfield, like Abraham Lincoln’s Lucky Nose , the Abraham Lincoln The Railsplitter Statue , and the Giant Lincoln on the World’s Largest Covered Wagon . But if I’m going to see the best of the best roadside attractions in all of Illinois (regarless of presidential status), I’m heading to Big Things in a Small Town Casey, Illinois , home to 12 world’s largest things and a whole slew of other larger than life objects!

See more of the best roadside attractions in Illinois.

The Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri is the tallest monument in the US and the world’s tallest arch. The 630-foot-tall stainless-steel monument is a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s and St. Louis’s role in the Westward Expansion of the United States during the nineteenth century.

Where we’d go in Missouri

We love the Gateway Arch too, but would probably also set our sights on another tall, silver object: the (former) world’s largest fork. Located in a Springfield parking lot, this 35-foot tall, 11-ton utensil was once the biggest fork in the world (but it is still impressive even since losing the title)!

See more of the best roadside attractions in Missouri.

Through the years, Charles Wallace Parker and his company produced around 1,000 carousels. Only 16 of those are known to to still be in operation and two of them can be found at the C. W. Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth, Kansas. See those and more carousels (like the oldest primitive carousel in the United States and a 1950s aluminum Paul Parker Carousel) and learn about C.W. Parker at this fun museum.

Where we’d go in Kansas

This Carousel museum would be at the top of our list too. But, when in Kansas, there’s, “no place like home.” and so we’d just have to visit Dorothy Gale, the character who wanted nothing more than to return to her farm there in the book and film  The Wizard of Oz . In 1981 the town of Liberal declared itself to be the home of Dorothy and imported a house from a nearby town that resembled the one in the movie. You can visit Dorothy’s House and the Land of Oz and follow the yellow brick road to the house, take a tour through an animate retelling of the story.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Kansas.

Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, Iowa

Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion (also known as Hubbell Mansion, Benjamin F. Allen House or the Iowa Governor’s Mansion), is the official residence of the governor of Iowa. The 18,000 square foot home was built in a Second Empire architecture style in 1869.

Where we’d go in Iowa

Terrace Hill might be the governor’s home, but another place in Iowa is home to someone even more well known. Or, at least, someone who will be even more well known. We’re heading to Riverside, Iowa: the Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk .

See more of the best roadside attractions in Iowa.

Taliesin was the 37,000-square-foot home, studio, school, and estate of American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site features buildings that span Wright’s career from the 1890s to the 1950s. Guests can enjoy tours, special programming, a gift shop, and a cafe.

Where we’d go in Wisconsin

While Taliesin is an impressive home, it is certainly not the most eccentric house in WIsconsin. That’s while you’d find us at House on the Rock. Alex Jordan built a house on a 60-foot chimney of rock in Wisconsin in the 1940s. Today, House on the Rock is perhaps the most well-known tourist attraction in Wisconsin. Filled to the brim with collections of lanterns, musical instruments, lights, dollhouses, and more, the 14-room house will take you hours to explore. Be sure to visit the world’s largest indoor carousel and its 269 carousel animals, a highlight of the kooky attraction.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Wisconsin.

Fort Snelling is a former military fortification in Minnesota. Located at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers, this National Historic Landmark features fort tours and reenactments. The fort doesn’t shy away from its painful history of the Native people original to the lade, trade, soldiers, immigrants, and enslaved people.

Where we’d go in Minnesota

There’s one site every roadside attraction love should see on this 48 state road trip: the Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues in Bemidji. Minnesota legend says that its 10,000 lakes were formed when Paul Bunyan’s footprints were filled with water. So it’s not wonder that at least two of Minnesota’ best roadside attractions revolve around this folklore giant.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Minnesota.

This unique Nebraska park is situated on 360 acres of land that was once covered from a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. Left behind were the fossil skeletons of animals of the time. The fossil bed is being excavated and fossil skeletons are left in place for public viewing

Where we’d go in Nebraska

There is one place you can’t miss in Nebraska: Carhenge. Carhenge  is a replica of England’s Stonehenge… but made from cars. Standing at 96 feet in diameter and made up of thirty eight gray-painted cars, the roadside attraction was created in 1987 by experimental artist Jim Reinders.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Nebraska.

Find four presidential busts carved into the side of a mountain in Keystone, South Dakota. The 60-foot-high granite faces depict U.S. presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln and represent the birth, growth, development and preservation of this country.

Where we’d go in South Dakota

No road trip to Mount Rushmore would be complete without a stop at Wall Drug . Trust me, you can’t miss the barrage of road signs leading the way. The Western-themed shopping mall features a drug store, gift shop, restaurants, travelers church, taxidermy, a giant Jackalope, an 80-foot brontosaurus, and free ice water for all.

See more of the best roadside attractions in South Dakota.

Fort Union served as an important fur trading post between 1829 and 1867. Here, Assiniboine, Crow, Cree, Ojibway, Blackfeet, Hidatsa, and other tribes exchanged buffalo robes and small furs for goods from around the world. Today, the site has been partially reconstructed and operates as a National Historic Site.

Where we’d go in North Dakota

We’d go see a buffalo that would have produced one mighty large robe to trade: The World’s Largest Buffalo Monument in Jamestown. The World’s Largest Buffalo Monument (nicknamed Dakota Thunder) is a must-see road trip stop for any roadside attraction lover! At 26 feet tall, 46 feet long, and weighing in at 60 tons, this big bison is certainly a site to behold!

See more of the best roadside attractions in North Dakota.

Glacier National Park is a 1,583 square mile wilderness area in Montana’s Rocky Mountains. Established as a National Park in 1910, you can explore a range of majestic landforms: alpine meadows, waterfalls, deep forests, carved valleys, spectacular lakes, and about 25 glistening glaciers. With over 700 miles of trails, there is a wonderment of beauty to take in.

Where we’d go in Montana

There is plenty of wildlife to see at Glacier National Park (like grizzly bears, mountain goats, and beavers), but, above all else, you have to look for this penguin. Near Glacier National Park, Cut Bank, Montana claims to be the “Coldest Spot in the Nation” (or at least in the lower 48). The town celebrates their moniker with 27-foot tall, 10,000 pound giant penguin statue (Penguin Colossus). The friendly penguin was constructed by Ron Gustafson in 1989 and (at least in theory) talks!

See more of the best roadside attractions in Montana.

The Hanford Site is a decommissioned nuclear production complex operated by the United States federal government. For nearly 30 years at this site, The U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Energy produced plutonium for the atomic weapon program. In doing so, they produced large quantities of waste containing hazardous chemicals and radioactive materials, some of which leaked into the land and water. The site is now open for tours.

Where we’d go in Washington

If exploring a former nuclear testing site is a little too dystopian for you, head to Seattle’s most quirky neighborhood instead: Fremont. There are plenty of weird, wacky, and peculiar things to see in Fremont , a weird wacky and peculiar neighborhood in Seattle, Washington. Look for the Fremont Troll , the Fremont Rocket , and a statue of Lenin , among others.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Washington.

The historic Columbia River Highway is a 75-mile long scenic highway that stretches between Troutdale and The Dalles in Oregon. It was the first scenic highway in America to be named a National Historic Landmark. The drive isn’t long, but it is picturesque, with plenty of things to see along the way. Visit majestic waterfalls (including Multnomah Falls, the most visited natural site in Oregon), temperate rainforests, and 900-foot cliffs.

Where we’d go in Oregon

We love a good scenic highway, but we want to explore a different type of forest in Oregon, an Enchanted Forest. Oregon’s Enchanted Forest is a fairy-tale-themed theme park that’s been open since 1971. You can ride bumper cars or walk through a haunted house, but the real star of this attraction is Storybook Lane, where you can explore Alice in Wonderland’s rabbit hole, visit Humpty Dumpty, and slide down a giant witch’s hair.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Oregon.

When you 48 state road trip takes you through San Francisco, you have to ride a cable car. The San Francisco cable car system is the world’s last manually operated cable car system. Take in scenic views of the city as the iconic cars take you up and down the hills.

The San Andreas Fault forms the tectonic boundary between the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. It spans around 745 miles through California and is more accessible than any other fault in the world. Though some viewing spots require a hike, others are accessible by car. Look for fault sites near Palm Springs, Frazier Park, Pinnacles National Park, and San Francisco.

Where we’d go in California

This 48-state road trip chose two locations in California, so we’re going to choose two California roadside attractions as well! First is Trees Of Mystery in Klamath. Trees of Mystery opened in 1931 and is one of California’s oldest roadside attractions. The mountainside park offers panoramic scenic views of California redwoods with a side of kitsch. But we are here for the 49-foot tall Paul Bunyan statue and 35-foot companion Babe the Blue Ox.

Next is the Cabazon Dinosaurs in Cabazon. The Cabazon Dinosaurs feature two giant dinosaurs (a 150-foot-long Brontosaurus and a 65-foot-tall Tyrannosaurus Rex) that are visible from Interstate 10. They were constructed in 1964 to bring in business to the adjacent, now closed, Wheel Inn.

See more of the best roadside attractions in California.

The Hoover Dam spans over the Colorado River between the border of Nevada and Arizona. The concrete arch-gravity dam was constructed during the Great Depression, from 1931 to 1936, and was dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Nearly seven million visitors a year come to see and walk across this great engineering marvel.

Where we’d go in Nevada

We’re going to end this 48 state road trip with a good night’s sleep in Nevada. Or, maybe not. A night at Tonopah’s Clown Motel might be too much for anyone with even a bit of coulrophobia. It isn’t just the iconic sign out front that features a clown: clowns are everywhere in this motel! There are shelves full of figurines in the lobby and paintings in the rooms. If that isn’t creepy enough, this motel was built right next to a closed cemetery.

See more of the best roadside attractions in Nevada.

If cities are more your thing, Olson also developed another route that stops at the TripAdvisor-rated Best City to Visit in every contiguous US state. It contains an extra stop in Ohio to force the route around Canada and omits stops in North Dakota, Vermont, and West Virginia, which contain no top-rated cities. View his route here and see the list of stops below.

• 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

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Valerie Bromann

Founder & road trip expert.

Valerie Bromann is a a website manager, content creator, and writer from Chicago, Illinois (currently living in Dallas, Texas). As an avid road tripper who has visited hundreds of roadside attractions, Val always pull over for a world’s largest thing. Founder of Silly America and author of The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book , she visits, photographs, and writes about all the weird tourist destinations she visits and offers road trip planning advice and inspiration based on her own travels so you can hit the road for yourself.

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Last modified: February 26, 2023 Category: Road Trip Itinerary

25 Best Road Trip Games for Two

Best usa road trip ideas and routes, share this post ⤵.

The Road Trip Journal & Activity Book

Everything you need to have and record an epic road trip, by valerie bromann.

Enjoy fun games and challenges to pass the time on your next road trip and have a keepsake to look back on for years to come with this entertaining must-have for your next vacation.

The road trip you’ve been dreaming of starts here! Journal about your stops and get to know your fellow passengers with activities and exercises designed to pass the time and bring you closer together. Instead of “Are we there yet?” you’ll find yourself asking, “We’re there already?”. Complete with prompts you can turn to while driving between locations, this journal will one day be a memento of your life-changing trip.

Silly America

Silly America is a roadside attractions blog designed to help travelers find unique stops for their next road trip. The website is a tribute to the great American road trip, devoted to all that is odd in America: roadside attractions, tourist traps, peculiar destinations, bizarre events, road food, fun festivals, and more! It’s a travel website and trip planner for those seeking an offbeat road trip.

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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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This Man Planned the Most Efficient U.S. Road Trip of All Time (Video)

All the state capitols in the lower 48, in one trip.

Jordi Lippe-McGraw is a freelance writer and editor covering travel, parenting, and wellness. She’s traveled to more than 50 countries on all seven continents (including Antarctica while five months pregnant) and equally loves penguins and truffles.

Hitting the open road and driving into the sunset is a romantic notion, but most of us need a little planning before road trip .

Do you go north? Do you go south? Do you take a week? Do you take a month? What are the best stops to make? And there are a million more questions to be asked.

Randy Olson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, mapped out a super-efficient — and super-ambitious — way to see the contiguous United States. He devised his cross-country road trip , combining algorithms and Google Maps, so he could visit 48 capitol buildings.

“For this road trip, there is one goal: to take a picture at as many U.S. state capitols as possible,” Olson wrote on his blog. “We will travel only by car, so that rules out Alaska (too far away) and Hawaii (requires a plane flight) and leaves us with the 48 contiguous states (excluding the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. ).”

“Whenever possible, we will avoid routes that require us to travel through foreign countries, as entering/leaving the country requires a passport and border control tends to slow things down.”

To start, he found the “true” distance between all of the capitols by car, and then the shortest route by roadbetween every capitol, amounting to 2,256 directions. He did a lot more math — you can read that here — before determining his final itinerary.

The algorithm “reached an optimized solution that makes a complete trip to all of the U.S. state capitols in only 13,310 miles (21,420 km) of driving,” he wrote. That came out to visiting those 48 U.S. state capitols in 8.5 days.

“The best part is that this road trip is designed so that you can start anywhere on the route,” he noted. “As long as you follow the route from wherever you start, you’ll hit every state capitol in the 48 contiguous U.S. states.”

• By Jordi Lippe
• By Jordi Lippe-McGraw

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48 State Road Trip – Tales from the Road

In 2022 I had the opportunity to go on a solo 48 state road trip. Post-pandemic we had sold our family business, and I could take some time out before returning to look for other employment. I’ve done some big solo trips before – a month in New Zealand , 2 weeks in Canada etc. But this was the biggest one yet.

My family and friends were a combination of thinking I was crazy to do it alone, but also not entirely surprised given previous adventures. After all, I had moved to New Zealand alone for a year after university.

My travel motto for many years had been this – better to go alone than never go at all. And so, I was determined to go. After 2 years of not being able to travel anywhere, I wanted something big.

I’d never done road trips for longer than a week in the past. I’d never driven on the opposite side of the road. I didn’t even know if I would like driving in the US . But it was happening.

I spent many hours plotting out a rough route that would get me to every continental state and include a few things I knew I wanted to do. I applied for a 6-month visa, went to the embassy in London for an interview and finally booked my flights.

So, for anyone planning a road trip through 48 US states, here are some tales and lessons learned from 5 ½ months and driving more than 22,000 miles. Some states were only on my list to hit the 48 state check list, but sometimes it was the states I didn’t expect much of that became real highlights. It would take a book to describe it all, so here are some of the best bits.

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New York City

I’d never been to New York before and I picked it as my first stop as I knew I wouldn’t want to drive there. I was expecting to be overwhelmed, even as a Londoner used to big cities, but I loved it and would happily go back. I explored Central Park, walked around Manhattan and got a spectacular view from the Top of the Rock.

Check out the Stardust Diner to be entertained by servers who show off their singing skills as they pursue their Broadway dreams. Discover the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art ( MoMA ). View historic documents at the New York Public Library.

I did go to Times Square, but mostly because it was on the way to Central Park. It was relatively empty when I was there, but as it’s basically London’s Piccadilly Circus on steroids I didn’t feel a need to stop for more than a minute. I can only imagine how crowded it must get at peak times. It might be iconic but it’s not really a necessary sight.

As a self-described ‘directionally challenged’ person who frequently and confidently sets off in exactly the opposite direction to where I was aiming for, I found New York very easy to navigate. Given that the streets and avenues are numbered, even I can’t go very wrong there.

Like London, there is so much to see that a few days would never be enough. My list for next time includes the Staten Island Ferry for views of the Statue of Liberty, a Broadway show, Brooklyn Bridge and Greenwich Village.

I also visited the 9/11 Memorial Museum which even as a non-US citizen was very moving. Seeing the victims memorialised with individual pictures, videos of stories from their loved ones, and an art installation with an individual tile for each victim in different shades of blue makes the scale of the attack far more real than just a number on a screen.

I highly recommend it, although exercise discretion with small children as it does include footage of the attack and moments of impact.

Boston, Massachusetts

From New York I took a train up to Boston. It’s a great city to explore on foot, with a walking route that goes past many of the major landmarks – the Freedom Trail . I drank coffee at the Thinking Cup, ate babkas from Bakey, slurped oysters at the Union Oyster House and generally explored the city.

The only thing I was sad about was that I didn’t discover Boston Public Market until my last day – I would definitely have tried more of the stands there if I’d known before. Although it does leave something to try out on the next trip.

I stayed at the HI Boston hostel , which had a pretty good location, felt safe and was significantly cheaper than other options around.

Boston was the start of my actual road trip, and thankfully I quickly discovered that I enjoyed the driving!

New England

For most of my time in New England I didn’t focus too much on which state I was actually in at any given time, but more on the driving experience as I settled into life on the road. However, seafood in Portland, Maine and Burlington, Vermont were particular highlights.

I was surprised in Burlington at the number of independent cafes and restaurants. I noticed very few, if any, chains which made my goal of getting coffee at independent coffee shops much easier. Check out Cosmic Grind Coffee Shop – it’s got limited seating but a big range of flavoured lattes and mochas.

A lot of accommodation that I looked in Vermont was fairly expensive – a lot of boutique hotels and guesthouses. My choice for staying near, but not in, Burlington was Courtyard by Marriott. Close enough for convenience but far away enough to save some money.

Cleveland, Ohio

I’ll be honest – I didn’t expect much of Ohio. Obviously, I had to go to hit the 48 state goal, but before arriving I had a fairly bland impression of it. When I tell people now that Cleveland was one of my favourite stops I do get some surprised looks.

Grab a coffee from Copper Moon, check out the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame , and watch the sunset over Lake Erie. I also took a bus from downtown over to the Cleveland Museum of Art . Unlike many other museums I visited in the US, this one is free.

Ann Arbor, Michigan

My initial plan for Michigan was to visit Detroit, but I was persuaded by a friend to choose another option. Without realising it, I arrived in Ann Arbor the weekend of its annual art fair .

The entire town gets taken over, with many streets closed to traffic so the road can be lined with stalls where artists can show and sell their work. It wasn’t planned, but it was a great time to be there. I picked up a coffee at Lab café, and wandered through the streets looking at sculptures, photographs and paintings.

There were several things I would have been tempted to buy if I didn’t have to then cart them around for 5 months and squeeze them into a suitcase for my return flight.

Lexington, Kentucky

I think Kentucky doesn’t have a great reputation so I wasn’t expecting much, but it was a very pleasant surprise. After a previous road trip around Scotland I started trying Scottish whisky, and decided that while in Kentucky I should check out the local bourbon.

My AirBnB host discovered I was from the UK and as she had family there she decided to be extra friendly and take me on a tour to a local distillery.

I also managed to get free drinks at a bourbon bar (but I won’t specify which one!) When I arrived, I was the only person in the bar so the bartender had plenty of time to make recommendations about which bourbon I should try, and ended with him making a list of all the places he thought I should visit on my road trip.

A couple who came in bought my second drink while we discussed our favourite travel destinations, and then when I tried to pay for my first drink the bartender said it was on the house. Never happened to me before, but it ended up not being the only time some very hospitable locals bought me food or drinks!

Another fun thing about Lexington are the horse sculptures. As Kentucky is also known for horse racing, the city is full of horse sculptures in various colours and patterns.

Overall my experience of Kentucky was friendly locals, good food, and great bourbon.

Indianapolis, Indiana

I was only in Indianapolis for 1 night, but I knew it was the place I wanted to stay in when I saw a hotel in a former train station that included rooms in old train carriages. Most rooms at the Crowne Plaza Union Station are normal rooms, but there are 26 rooms in converted 1920s train cars. Booking in advance is necessary if you want to secure one of those rooms, but the hotel itself is still a good option (but not the cheapest) as it’s an interesting building to walk around.

✅ Book your stay at the Union Station hotel here !

The hotel is centrally located and an easy walk from Tastings , a wine bar in which you add money to a card that you then put into tasting machines that dispense a small amount of your chosen bottles. It’s a fun way to try wines that you wouldn’t normally pick. The staff were very friendly and there is also a bar serving cocktails and other drinks if that’s more your thing.

Omaha, Nebraksa

Cat café. Need I say more? Ok. I spent an hour at Felius Cat Café and Rescue with a coffee. You aren’t allowed to pick up the cats, it’s dependent on them to approach you to make sure they are comfortable, but my experience was that they are keen to interact and play with visitors.

Most of the cats and kittens aren’t there for more than a few weeks while they wait for adoption, but they appear to be well cared for in the meantime. It was great…

More broadly, when I first arrived in Omaha I thought I’d made a mistake in my choice. It felt more industrial than I expected as I drove in, but as I explored the following day I discovered the Old Market area with independent shops and cafes.

It would have been even better if that part of the city was pedestrian only, but even still it was a reminder that many American cities are not what they appear to be at first glance.

Check out Plank Seafood Provisions for dinner – I was hesitant at first to try oysters in a city that is nowhere near the ocean, but they were excellent.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

My first experience at a National Park, and one of the early examples I had of landscapes that are nothing like the ones in the UK. The main road loops around the park to give you amazing views of the layered rock formations. It’s especially beautiful if you get there before sunset to watch the rocks take on a more intense pink hue.

One thing I hadn’t expected on my way to Rapid City, was that I was arriving during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. I found myself suddenly and unexpectedly surrounded by bikers as I drove through Sturgis, trying very hard not to hit any of the bikes or people crossing the road without much concern for traffic. Despite that encounter, generally driving around South Dakota gave me some amazing views of the Black Hills as well as Badlands itself.

If you are passing by Badlands, make a detour to Wall and visit Wall Drug Store. It’s the world’s biggest Drug Store (pharmacy or chemist for the rest of us), but it feels more like individual shops in one building than one single shop. Nevertheless, it’s something of a tourist attraction and the only place where I’ve seen patriotic popcorn.

Cody, Wyoming

Anyone who is a fan of Beauty and the Beast will know the song Gaston well (this is relevant, I promise). After my first few moments in Cody, I found it hard to get one particular line out of my head. “I use antlers in all of my decorating!” Several shops and restaurants had antlers in the windows, and I had that one sentence circling in my mind.

In some ways Cody felt especially unfamiliar, a place where rodeos still happen and the Wild West is not so far away.  The Buffalo Bill Museum provides further insight into the legends of Pioneer era.

Throughout my visit I found the best way to start a conversation with locals was just to sit at the bar at a restaurant to eat and start ordering. The American fascination with the British accent seems to be real based on how quick they were to start chatting once they heard me speak.

Sitting at a Cody restaurant bar for dinner, I ended up next to a local woman who had recently married a British guy and had actually spent a year working about 10 minutes away from where I live in London. She also happened to be a tour guide at Yellowstone National Park, so drew me a map on a napkin of the highlights of Yellowstone and how best to explore it.

I’ll probably never see her again, but Maddie – thanks for your help! It was one of several coincidental encounters that alleviated some of the occasional loneliness that crept up during 5 ½ months of solo travel.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

It’s an icon for a reason. With geysers, hot springs and coloured pools Yellowstone is a showcase of some of the marvels of nature. You need at least two days to see everything, partly because it takes quite a while to actually drive into the park.

If you want to see Old Faithful, get there as early as you can. By the time I made it to the right area on my second day, parking was impossible and unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get to a viewing.

Also, be warned – bison cross the park as they please, and if they choose to slowly cross the road in front of you it’s both wonderful and also after a few minutes quite frustrating! My exit took an hour longer than my entrance as a herd meandered over the road, apparently oblivious to the cars and motorhomes until a ranger showed up to help move them on.

To the Northeast of Yellowstone, you can find Beartooth Pass, a road that zigzags through mountains and reaches a height of almost 11,000ft. It’s only open for a few months of the year and definitely not one to do in the dark as there are tight turns on steep parts of the road.

It’s a great drive but leave plenty of time to do it. I stopped for lots of pictures and started to become very aware of the sun starting to go down as I was still ascending.

If you exit Yellowstone to the south you’ll get the bonus of Grand Teton National Park. Stop for views over the lake with mountains in the background.

Glacier National Park, Montana

There is a stunning road that goes winding up through mountains to get some spectacular views – Going-to-the-Sun road . It’s perhaps not one for people nervous about heights as the road is narrow with a big drop, but it is well worth visiting for the views.

Book in advance as there are a limited number of visitors allowed per day, and also check whether the road is actually open as it does close in Winter and in bad conditions.

Parking was next to impossible so I only stopped briefly a couple of times to take some pictures before getting back on the road, but it was definitely worth it for the experience.

After experiencing the Glacier NP and Beartooth Highway roads, I started looking for as many similar roads as I could, both for the fun of driving them but also for the views.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle ’s reputation has gone down quite a bit in the last few years. I can’t deny that they have some major socio-economic problems. However, it’s still one of my favourite places to visit and as a tourist you are less likely to encounter the problems facing the local population.

If you like coffee, food and wine (as I do) it’s a great place to go. I had coffee made by a robot . I had a very expensive coffee at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery that was more like a cocktail than a normal coffee. I got (accidentally) a little drunk at a wine-tasting bar near Pike Place Market. And I visited for the 3 rd time Chihuly Garden and Glass . I love it, the colourful glass makes my heart so happy.

Several people that I met in the first half of my journey told me not to go to Seattle, but I’m glad I ignored them. I think it’s still a great tourist destination with lots to do.

The Space Needle might be the most famous point in the skyline, but for better views got to the viewing deck at the Columbia Centre. Pike Place Market is also a must see, with a huge range of stalls and shops to choose from.

I’ve previously done a wine-tasting tour from Seattle which was a great way to explore the area and take advantage of someone else being the designated driver while you get try wines from different vineyards.

For accommodation, try Hotel Theodore or Hyatt Regency . They are both within walking distance of the downtown attractions and restaurants. Seattle is a pretty expensive city so it’s also worth booking early and shopping around for the best deals.

Bend, Oregon – the last Blockbuster

For a significant part of my childhood I would walk to the local Blockbuster each weekend to borrow a film. It was just part of my routine. I won’t deny that streaming is far more convenient, but there was something about the experience of going and browsing to see what was available.

So, when I found out about the last Blockbuster in the world, I knew I would be making a stop there to mark off Oregon on my 48 state road trip. Given that I’m not local I obviously couldn’t rent anything, but I did take a lot of photos and come home with a Blockbuster cup and magnet.

Aside from Blockbuster, Bend is a great city to visit and I wish I’d stayed for another day. Head to Bend Mountain Coffee for your caffeine fix and take a walk by the river.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Also known as Highway 1, this is one of the world’s great road trips. You need to leave a few days to do it, and if possible, avoid the weekends when it gets busier. Getting stuck behind an RV both slowing you down and blocking your view is not the ideal way to experience it. It’s also best to drive north to south so you are on the side of the road closest to the ocean.

Take regular stops to watch people parasailing on the ocean, marvel at the towering redwood trees and try seafood at some of the many restaurants you will pass. Drive over the Golden Gate Bridge. Take a side trip to Sonoma or Napa to enjoy the famous wine regions.

I drove the PCH in September – the weather was ideal and the roads were not too busy.

If you ever have the chance, it is one of the world’s most scenic roads, and if you are planning a road trip make sure you include this particular road.

Crescent City, California

I can’t say this was a highlight exactly, but it was memorable. While I was staying in Crescent City the news broke about the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It was the morning in California and rather than heading out to explore I chose to watch the news coverage before the announcement was made.

For several hours the reports were just that she was unwell, but as time went on the real headline seemed inevitable.

It felt very strange to be out of the UK at such a significant moment. It wasn’t until the following day that people started to comment on the news. Once they heard my very obvious British accent, they started asking me how I felt about it and offering condolences.

To be shown sympathy for the death of someone I had never met was somewhat surreal, but it will remain a moment that stands out in the memory of my trip.

Las Vegas, Nevada

I’ve never been much of a gambler, but Las Vegas seemed like a necessary stop as part of this trip. I walked the length of the Strip to check out most of the main casinos.

From the ‘canal’ at the Venetian, to the famous fountains outside the Bellagio, walking the strip is a great way to see the landmarks and also walk off some of the food and alcohol you will inevitably be consuming.

To get a taste of the gambling experience, I took out $100 in cash to use at a few different casinos so I could play on some of the slot machines without going overboard. Once the $100 was done, that was the end of my Vegas gambles.

For anyone who wants to experience a casino without losing a lot of money, set yourself a cash budget. You will inevitably lose it all, so try not to be swept up in the endorphins from any small wins that encourage you to spend more. I treated it just like paying for an entrance ticket, accepting that it would eventually all be gone and it was just the cost of some entertainment.

I also went to a performance of Cirque Du Soleil which I would recommend. There are a few different shows at different casinos. I went to Mystere at Treasure Island, but there are several options to choose from.

Overall, Las Vegas is a bizarre, over-the-top, sometimes overwhelming, but ultimately fun place to spend a couple of days.

Utah’s National Parks

Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park. All are worth visiting but if I had to pick one I think I would go for Arches National Park, simply because the red rock arches seem like they couldn’t possibly exist on planet Earth.

Until I was planning my road trip I didn’t know anything about Utah apart from the location of Salt Lake City, and the existence of Mormons. I would have budgeted more time for Utah if I had known how incredible the landscapes are. The geology is so unfamiliar to me as someone who has primarily travelled in Europe and New Zealand.

It was only a few weeks between my visit to Washington State and my time in Utah, and the contrast is astonishing. From the beautiful green forests of Washington’s Olympic National Park to the rock formations of Utah, it’s hard to believe they are in the same country. It demonstrates the vastness of the USA and just how different each state can be.

If all you know about Utah are the Mormons, don’t write it off as a state to visit.

Antelope Canyon, Arizona

It’s spectacular. There are two parts you can see, the Upper Canyon and the Lower Canyon. The canyons are on Navajo land and you can only access them through a tour. It is extremely popular so you must book in advance. I took the Lower Canyon tour, which is slightly cheaper and also less busy than the Upper tour.

There are certain famous photography shots that have been taken in the Upper Canyon which make it more popular for the perfect Instagram post, but the Lower is also beautiful. For anyone with mobility issues, stick with the Upper Canyon which is flatter and easier.

You could even do both in one day if you are careful with your timing, but if you only choose one you won’t be disappointed with whichever one you choose.

✅ Book your tour of Lower Antelope Canyon here !

Four Corners Monument

I’m not sure I would say it’s worth making a massive detour, but if you are in the vicinity consider stopping by and being in 4 places at once. It’s the point where Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico meet.

Given that there is only one point where they meet, there can be big queues for a photo opportunity and you can’t take more than a couple of shots before you need to let the next person have their chance.

There isn’t much else around and there are very limited facilities on-site, but if you have some spare time and fancy that particular photo it is a fun thing to do.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Colorado ended up being one of my favourite states. I spent a day wandering around Durango (where I managed to get another free meal by finding out that the couple I’d been chatting to in a restaurant had paid for my meal when I asked for the cheque)!

I drove up through mountain roads to Leadville, the highest-elevation city in North America. I spent several days in Denver, partly because I needed a break from moving every 1-2 days.

Rocky Mountain National Park is definitely worth seeing. There is also a particular road in the park that makes for a good drive if you aren’t afraid of heights. Old Fall River Road is an unpaved, one-way, uphill-only, steep winding road without any guard rails.

It’s another one that is only open for part of the year, and it’s not open to RVs. Make sure your car is up to it – you don’t need 4-wheel drive, but the surface is uneven and there are several steep tight turns.

The majority of visitors take the far more accessible Trail Ridge Road, which is also how you return to the main park if you take the Old Fall River Road uphill. The Trail Ridge Road hits a peak of over 12,000ft, and I felt the effects of the altitude at the top, with a headache and slight dizziness (not ideal for driving on mountain roads).  

Nevertheless, the views are pretty great, and worth the altitude headache which dissipated pretty quickly once I got back down to about 8,000ft. Drink lots of water and if you start to feel unwell head back down to lower ground.

I found Rocky Mountain NP was the most difficult one to get tickets for. Make sure your account with the National Park Service is set up and you are logged in before the tickets are released for the following day.

I wasn’t prepared on my first attempt so by the time I logged in they were all gone. On my second try, I was ready to go and managed to snag a slot.

Also, if you are using sat nav make sure it takes you to the correct entrance. Sat nav might direct you to an entrance that doesn’t provide access to the main park, just a small hiking area, and it can take a while to find your way back to the actual park entrance. Not that I’m speaking from experience…

I only drove a very small portion of Route 66 as it didn’t fit so well with the rest of my plan, but the bit I did do was a lesson in the contrasts of America. From big cities to driving through abandoned towns, it showcases some of the extremes.

The road combines with interstates at several points, but where the roads ran parallel I left the interstate as often as possible to join the original route. This did backfire on one occasion when Google Maps was telling me that the proper Route 66 road was an unpaved, dusty track that only one other car was using.

I could see all the other drivers on the interstate while I slowed down to avoid rocks, holes and what looked implausibly like a tortoise crossing the road…

Perhaps one day I’ll go back and do the full road. It’s the road that most people think of when they consider a USA road trip, however, I would say it has its limitations and there are perhaps some better options.

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio’s famous river walk felt surprisingly European to me – very unexpected in Texas. There are lots of restaurants to choose from with bridges over the river to explore both sides. I just enjoyed meandering around by the water. San Antonio is also the home of The Alamo, which may not mean much to those of you outside the US but is the site of a famous battle in 1836.

New Braunfels, Texas

During the pandemic, I’d been bingeing YouTube travel channels to get my fix, and especially on Kara and Nate’s channel. One of their videos was 24 hours spent at the world’s largest gas station – Buc-ee’s in New Braunfels.

From freshly made brisket sandwiches and fudge, to Buc-ee’s themed clothing and homeware, it’s almost more like a department store than a place to get fuel.

Whenever I went past a Buc-ee’s I always stopped in for peanut brittle, coffee and a sandwich. In most parts of the country, I found Love’s to be a good option for rest breaks, but Buc-ee’s was my preferred option when in the South.

I was generally pretty strict about buying souvenirs, but I did go home with some Buc-ee’s themed magnets for a friend and a reusable coffee cup for myself.

New Orleans, Louisiana

There are some classic things to do in New Orleans. Coffee and beignets at Café Du Monde. Listening to live jazz in Jackson Square. Exploring Bourbon Street. My best experience, however, was a swamp tour. The experience takes a few hours, and you can either make your own way there or meet a shuttle at a few different points in the city.

✅ Book your swamp tour here

I paid to go on one of the smaller, but more expensive, airboats. It allows for a better view and access to some parts of the swamp that the bigger boats can’t access. It was definitely worth the extra money. To get so close to the alligators with such a good view was amazing.

The swamps themselves are also surprisingly beautiful, surrounded by cypress trees covered in Spanish moss. We even saw a bald eagle on the way back to the dock.

There aren’t many places like it, so if you are visiting New Orleans I would highly recommend a swamp tour. And coffee and beignets at Café du Monde…

I stayed at Hotel Lafitte , on Bourbon Street. Close enough to the action without being too noisy. It’s also unusual in having its own (limited) parking spaces which was a major plus point.

I was careful about not being out late on Bourbon Street, so the fact that the hotel also has its own bar helped me experience a bit of the nightlife without wandering around after dark in an area that isn’t always so safe for solo women.

Nashville, Tennessee

I’ve never listened to much country music as it isn’t really a thing in the UK. I decided I should try it out while I was in the American South, so I downloaded a country music playlist to Spotify. I can’t say it’s my preferred choice of genre, but it did prepare me for my time in Nashville.

Knowing absolutely nothing about country music, I still chose to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame (which gets extremely busy and you need to pre-book), followed by a live music bar.

One of my favourite moments was watching a lady who was probably in her late -70s dancing away to live music in a Nashville honky-tonk with 2 guys in their mid-20s. She was clearly thrilled to have their attention and they were delighted to make her smile. A truly wholesome moment and heart-warming to watch.

There are loads of bars to choose from, so just look for one that takes your fancy and head inside. The ones I checked out were loud, lively and crowded but I still felt pretty safe on my own.

Great Smoky Mountains – BEARS!

In many places on my USA adventure, the road signs gave me false hope about the chances of animal encounters. No matter how many signs I saw to indicate moose may be nearby I never managed to see one, even when in one place there was an active sign saying they were on a nearby road.

But the Great Smoky Mountains did not disappoint. There was a very slow-moving line of cars that would come to a complete stop whenever anyone saw a bear in the distance. By the time I got there the bear had inevitably disappeared. I was starting to expect another wildlife disappointment until I started driving out of the park.

Suddenly, 3 bear cubs scrambled down a hill by the side of the road and ran out in front of me. Thankfully I was far away enough to be able to stop and avoid hitting them. I’ve no idea where mama bear was, thankfully not close enough to be a threat although obviously I stayed in my car. But it was a magic moment, only lasting for a few seconds, to see three bears run across the road directly in front of me.

Even without the bear sighting it’s a beautiful place to park to explore, and maybe you’ll be lucky on the bear front as well.

Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is a very picturesque city to visit, with trees covered by Spanish moss, cobbled streets, a river walk and several small parks.

It’s a very walkable city, so just take a wander through the historic district, and check out whichever independent shops and cafes take your fancy.

Key West, Florida

This is one of the roads I was determined to find time for. I stayed in Florida City, south of Miami, and drove down to Key West and back on Thanksgiving Day. The road over the water was unlike any other drive during my trip. You can stop to explore the individual keys, but the ocean views from the sections of road between each key are the real highlight.

Key West itself is notable for being the southernmost point of the USA, but I only spent about 2 hours there. It was all about the road.

Washington, DC

Washington DC is home to some of the most famous buildings in the world. Obviously, the White House but also the US Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. It’s also home to the Smithsonian, a collection of museums for art, history, culture and science.  

To see these places in person rather than just on a screen was a real highlight of my trip. Grabbing yet another coffee and walking for several miles around the Washington landscapes was something I’d looked forward to for months.

Ok, I did this as a side trip. I didn’t actually drive to Alaska so it’s not an official part of my 48 state road trip. I flew from Seattle to Anchorage, took the 12-hour train journey up to Fairbanks and then flew back to Seattle to get back onto the road. If you ever have the chance to take that train journey, go for it but book early as it will sell out quickly.

There’s no telling what you’ll see as it is very weather dependent. The train goes very close to Denali but whether you will see the mountain depends on how cloudy it is. You might be lucky and see a moose, but there’s no guarantee. What I can say is that the views from the train are incredible. 

Lessons Learned

Check for events.

In Chicago, Portland (Maine), Ann Arbor and Syracuse I ended up unintentionally arriving during an annual event. Lollapalooza in Chicago made driving terrifying, and surprisingly affected my ability to find open coffee shops.

The National Governor’s Association in Portland, Ann Arbor’s annual art fair and the Syracuse Nationals made booking accommodation and restaurants much more difficult. Check for annual events that might make things more expensive or just outright chaotic.

National Parks – you may have to book

I didn’t know this was a thing until I was checking directions to Glacier National Park and found out I couldn’t just turn up. Different National Parks have different rules. Check before you go. Rocky Mountain National Park was extra difficult and took me 2 days to get tickets as they first time I tried they were all gone within 15 minutes of release.

Also, if you are visiting more than 3 National Parks, get an annual pass when you arrive at your first park to save money.

Check the weather

I was incredibly lucky with the weather on my 48 state road trip, but it is important to keep checking the weather. This is especially true if you are planning to drive through rural areas or the National Parks.

You might encounter closures or get stranded somewhere, so make sure you are aware of what’s going to happen a few days ahead and plan accordingly. It’s also a good idea to keep a case of water in your car just in case.

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge

If you are taking the road less travelled, make sure you don’t run out of gas.

For most of the trip it was easy to get fuel, but there were a few times when it became a potential problem.

Some roads are marked with distance until the next gas stations, but on one road in the middle of nowhere in Nevada I started to realise I probably wouldn’t have enough to get to the next town. I had to turn around and drive about 30 miles back to the last town I had driven through to get more fuel.

Take the scenic road

Unless you have a limited amount of time to get somewhere, consider using smaller roads. You can get a much better view of the landscape away from the interstates if it works for your route.

There are some places where it may not work – I think I would have been better off sticking to the interstate rather than driving past what felt like 2000 miles of corn fields on rural roads in Iowa. But generally, I found that some of the best scenic views were just normal roads through areas I wouldn’t otherwise have seen.

How Long Do I Need For A USA Road Trip

You could spend a year on a road trip around the US and still have more to see. Work out how much time you are able to spend there and plan your route from there. To get to all 48 mainland states you would need at least 2 months, and even then that only allows for less than 1 1/2 days per state. It’s not an experience to be rushed.

Do I Need A Visa To Visit The US

This will depend on which country you are visiting from and how long you intend to stay. If you intend to be in the US for more than 90 days you will almost certainly need a visa which can take several months to arrange including an interview. For less than 90 days from a Visa Waiver Country you will need to complete an ESTA before travelling. Check your requirements on the USA government website.

Is It Safe To Travel In The USA?

Relatively speaking, the USA is a fairly safe place to visit. You should exercise precautions and if travelling alone avoid being out after dark. In 5 1/2 months of travel I only felt uncomfortable on 2 occasions, and if in doubt trust your instincts and move on to another location.

Final Thoughts

My 48 state road trip is likely to be the biggest travel adventure of my life, and with very few changes I could happily do the whole thing over again. If you have the opportunity to explore America’s roads, I hope the suggestions above provide some inspiration.

Other posts you might like

Best USA Roads

How To Plan a USA Road Trip

Best Travel Apps

Pros and Cons of Solo Travel

Fiona is an avid traveler and blogger specialising in New Zealand travel. With a deep love for the stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm-hearted people of Aotearoa, she has dedicated herself to exploring every corner of this breathtaking country.

Fiona's expert guidance and infectious enthusiasm make her blog an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to uncover the wonders of New Zealand.

Epic USA Road Trip: Guide to Traveling All 50 States in 50 Days

Going on an incredibly ambitious journey, I set out to travel all 50 states of the United States in just 50 days after having traveled the world for free two years early (actually from Germany to Antarctica without money).

This new challenge would take me from the northeastern corner of the country in Portland, Maine, to the picturesque islands of Hawaii in the Pacific. As I started this adventure, my goal was to visit each state and face one unique challenge that embraced the spirit and essence of that particular state. 

I planned my route to ensure a smooth and efficient journey, considering the shortest path across the country. The route resembled the shape of a “W,” starting from the northeast and heading southeast, then south, traversing the Midwest to the north, and journeying south again across the majestic Rocky Mountains. 

Finally, I would head north along the breathtaking West Coast until I reached Seattle. From there, I would board a plane to Alaska and continue my journey to the magnificent state of Hawaii, where I would conclude my incredible adventure.

To make this audacious feat possible, I had to consider several vital aspects that would contribute to the success of my adventure. Let’s dive into the seven factors that made my travel work:

1. The Right Vehicle

Traveling all 14,000 miles within the 48 mainland states required careful planning and preparation. I acquired a well-equipped van that became my trusty companion throughout the journey.

The van was equipped with a mini kitchen, allowing me to prepare meals on the go and saving valuable time that would have otherwise been spent searching for restaurants or diners.

For example, in Montana, I enjoyed cooking a meal in my van using food from a supermarket, relishing the region’s flavors. Unfortunately, there was no time for a campfire or a farmer’s market to improve this.

Advice for you: Plan Your Route

Carefully plan your route, considering the most efficient path across the country. Consider visiting iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Arizona Grand Canyon , or the California Golden Gate Bridge—research lesser-known gems such as the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee or the stunning coastline of Oregon.

By planning your route strategically, you can include these must-see attractions. 

The shortest route across all 50 US states here

2. Choose Parking Options

I frequently parked and slept in Walmart parking lots for safety, convenience, and easy access to amenities.

These locations provided a secure place to spend the night, and they were situated next to their grocery stores, allowing me to stock up on supplies and use clean restroom facilities quickly. This strategy ensured a comfortable and hassle-free experience as I traveled from state to state.

In Ohio, I parked at a Walmart, took advantage of their free Wi-Fi to plan my next day’s challenges, and conveniently restocked my supplies before heading to the next destination. 

Advice for you: Overnight Accommodations

Consider a variety of overnight accommodations to suit your preferences and budget. While hotels and motels provide comfort and amenities, camping in national parks or RV parks can provide unique experiences and bring you closer to nature.

For example, you might find yourself camping under the stars in Yellowstone National Park or waking up to the sound of crashing waves at a beachfront campsite in Florida .

RV park guide for North America

3. Research and Plan

To execute my challenges efficiently, I meticulously pre-planned all 50 of them before setting off on my adventure.

Each challenge was carefully tailored to reflect the unique characteristics and offerings of the respective state.

For instance, in Tennessee, I decided to immerse myself in the rich musical heritage of Nashville by attempting to write and perform a country song within 24 hours. With the help of local musicians, I tried to compose a heartfelt ballad that captured the essence of the state’s vibrant music scene. The result was called “great entertainment” by the locals, not sure if I’ll make it one to become a country singer.

Advice for you: Start your Research Early

Before your trip, take the time to research each state and its unique characteristics thoroughly. Identify the key attractions, landmarks, and cultural aspects that define the shape.

This will help you tailor your challenges to reflect the essence of each location. Consider engaging with locals , browsing travel blogs, or consulting guidebooks to gather insights and ideas.

Seek Local Expertise and Support

Engage with locals who can provide valuable insights and guidance. Connect with musicians, artists, or experts related to your challenge. They can offer advice, share their experiences, and even collaborate with you to enhance your challenge.

In Tennessee, the assistance of local musicians helped create an authentic and memorable country song experience.

Ideas for planning your trip here

4. Set Necessary Boundaries

While there were numerous opportunities along the way, such as friendly invitations to people’s homes or exciting prospects to extend my stay in a particular state, I set firm boundaries to ensure I stayed on the quickest route.

It was essential to resist the allure of these detours and remain focused on my goal. In Utah, despite being tempted by invitation to experience the stunning beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park, I reminded myself of my time constraints.

I continued along the planned route, appreciating the park’s wonders from afar.

Advice for you:  Set Boundaries

While spontaneous invitations and opportunities may arise, setting boundaries is essential to stay on track. Consider prioritizing attractions and activities that align with your interests and goals.

For example, if you’re passionate about history, you might decline an invitation for a night out to ensure you have enough time to explore historical sites like Independence Hall in Philadelphia or the Alamo in Texas.

Let’s pause for a moment to enjoy Michael’s video trailer of this epic trip:

5. Time Management

To maximize my time and cover as much ground as possible, I devised a strategy to drive through at least two states daily, particularly in the smaller northeastern states. This approach allowed me to allocate more time to the vast and expansive states like Texas and California, where countless miles of driving awaited me. 

Advice for you: Time Management

Plan your time wisely to make the most of each state’s offerings. You can allocate a shorter amount of time in smaller states, allowing you to spend more days in larger states with extensive attractions.

For instance, you could spend an hour or two exploring Rhode Island’s charming coastal towns and then allocate two days or more to fully immerse yourself in California’s vibrant culture and natural beauty . 

6. Recover from the Pace of Traveling

The intense pace of the journey started to take a toll on my energy levels after reaching the 30th state, usually sleeping at most six hours and driving at least 500 miles a day. 

To combat extreme tiredness and maintain my stamina, I developed a routine. Along with the much-needed fuel from copious amounts of coffee, I made it a daily practice to jump out of the van for a 45-minute run.

Even in the scorching heat of Death Valley, I would lace up my running shoes at 7 am , embracing the solitude and tranquility of the early morning hours while marveling at the breathtaking desert landscape.

Advice for you: Combat Fatigue

Long journeys can be physically and mentally exhausting.

Take care of yourself by incorporating rejuvenating activities into your routine.

For example, enjoy a scenic morning jog along the beach in Florida or practice yoga in a serene park in Oregon.

Additionally, consider incorporating relaxation hours into your itinerary, where you can indulge in a (quick) spa treatment or enjoy a leisurely day exploring a quaint town.

Read also: Travel while you can (and not a second later!)

 7. Challenges

The adventure wouldn’t have been complete without embracing thrilling and exciting challenges. 

In New Orleans, known as the birthplace of jazz, I took on the task of learning to play the trumpet within a mere 60 minutes. With the guidance of a local marching band, I immersed myself in the city’s vibrant musical culture, creating harmonious melodies that resonated with the soul of New Orleans. 

Another remarkable feat was sprinting into the depths of the Grand Canyon within 60 minutes, conquering its 6,000-foot vertical descent and embracing the sheer grandeur of nature’s masterpiece. 

Additionally, I seized the opportunity to throw a memorable party in the quaint town of Boring, Oregon, infusing the city with life and joy through a festive celebration that brought the community together. About ten people may have joined my spontaneous party.

Furthermore, I sought to experience unique encounters in each state. I visited an Amish farmer in Pennsylvania, immersing myself in their traditional way of life and engaging in conversations in old German, connecting with a rich cultural heritage that still thrived in this modern age.

Ideas for your 50 States Challenges:

• Conquer a Hiking Trail : Challenge yourself to tackle a marked hiking trail in each state. Each trail offers breathtaking scenery and physical challenges, from the Appalachian Trail in Maine to the Pacific Crest Trail in Washington.
• Sample Local Delicacies : Indulge in the culinary delights of each state by trying a signature dish or local specialty. From clam chowder in Massachusetts to beignets in Louisiana or deep-dish pizza in Illinois, immerse yourself in the flavors that define each region.

• Take on a Water Adventure : Engage in water-based activities that showcase the unique waterways of each state. Try white-water rafting in Colorado, snorkeling in Florida’s vibrant coral reefs, or kayaking in Alaska’s pristine fjords .
• Attend a Local Festival : Time your trip to coincide with a traditional or cultural festival in each state. Whether it’s Mardi Gras in Louisiana, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta in New Mexico, or the Sundance Film Festival in Utah, these events offer a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and celebrations.

• Challenge Yourself in Outdoor Sports : Engage in exhilarating outdoor sports and activities . Go surfing in California, skiing in Colorado, zip-lining in Georgia, or rock climbing in Utah. Each state offers its adrenaline-pumping adventures.

• Explore National Parks : Visit iconic national parks and challenge yourself to explore their unique features. Hike the rugged terrain of Zion National Park in Utah, witness the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming, or marvel at the towering sequoias in California’s Sequoia National Park.

• Engage in Historical Immersion : Learn about each state’s history by visiting significant landmarks and museums. Explore the Liberty Bell in Pennsylvania, the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, or the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota.

Additional Challenges for Visiting US Cities: 

• Explore Street Art : Discover various cities’ vibrant street art scenes nationwide. Challenge yourself to find and photograph unique and captivating street art pieces in cities like Miami , New York City, or San Francisco. Capture the creativity and cultural expressions found in these urban landscapes.
• Attend a Live Sporting Event : Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of a live sporting event in different cities. Whether it’s catching a baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston, experiencing the energy of an NFL game in Dallas, or cheering on a basketball match in the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City , join the local fans and embrace the excitement of American sports. Looking for more thrilling experiences? Consider these captivating day trips from Boston to complement your sports-filled itinerary.
• Engage in Music History : Dive into the rich music history of cities known for their musical legacies. Challenge yourself to explore iconic music landmarks, such as visiting Graceland in Memphis, the former home of Elvis Presley, or walking the historic streets of Nashville, known as the “Music City,” and soaking up the sounds of country music. Explore the birthplace of jazz in New Orleans or visit Motown’s Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit for a deeper appreciation of America’s musical heritage.

Remember, the key is to personalize the challenges to your interests and preferences. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast, a foodie, or a culture lover, these challenges offer a fantastic way to create unforgettable memories and fully experience the diverse offerings of each state.

Embrace the spirit of adventure, and let the obstacles enhance your journey through all 50 states.

Wrapping up

In conclusion, my adventure to travel through all 50 US states in 50 days was an extraordinary journey that tested my endurance, planning skills, and ability to adapt to new challenges .

I completed this incredible feat by meticulously considering various aspects, such as traveling in a well-equipped van, utilizing Walmart parking lots, pre-planning challenges, setting boundaries, maximizing time, combatting fatigue, and embracing exciting experiences.

From the stunning landscapes and diverse cultures to the unique challenges and encounters, this adventure allowed me to explore the rich tapestry of the United States, eat lots of road trip snacks , and create memories that will stay with me for a lifetime.

Award-winning motivational speaker, Michael Wigge, specializes in documenting incredible stories about achieving victory over challenges. ‘How to Travel the World for Free’, ‘How to Barter for Paradise’ (where he turned an apple into a Hawaiian dream home through his skills in bartering for bigger, better things), and ‘How to Travel Europe Blindfolded’ are just three of his seven travel shows. He shared his amazing success stories on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (alongside co-guest Katy Perry) and the Today Show. His TV programs and books have been broadcast and published internationally.

Based on his incredible experiences overcoming challenges, Wigge began performing motivational speaking engagements and started CMW Coaching & Speaking. His most successful corporate keynotes are Challenge-4-Change Leadership Success and Challenge-4-Change Sales Success. He currently delivers presentations in the corporate arena, on college campuses, and for private clients in the US and as a speaker in Germany .

Keep reading about epic journeys:

• Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean
• Bike crossing the States
• Tru-hiking the Appalachian trail

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Our 48 State Road Trip – 5 Lessons From The Road Stories Our 48 State Road Trip – 5 Lessons From The Road Our 48 State Road Trip – 5 Lessons From The Road

• by The Fites
• March 25, 2018

Today is my thirtieth birthday. There is something about a birthday that makes you reflect on where you’ve been, where you are and where you want to be.

When I entered my 20s, I wouldn’t have expected the life I’m living, but I wouldn’t have been surprised if you told me I’d be thirty and living life on the road with my family. Travel has a way of romancing you, and from a young age, I was in love with the change of sceneries.

From the start of our marriage, Mars began trying to convince me to buy an RV, but I didn’t see it as a logical expense. We had no plans of full-time life on the road, so buying something for the weekends seemed foolish on our small budget.

Now, almost a year into “vanlife,” I can say it’s been an incredible ride. It isn’t always easy, and it definitely isn’t as glamorous as social media makes it out to be, but the highs definitely outweigh the lows, and our book of stories to one day tell the grandkids is getting pretty hefty.

However, before jumping into vanlife, we had a little practice.

In the summer of 2016, we took three months and did a 48-state road trip in our Honda Civic. It was this trip that made us realize the possibilities and the rewards to a life of travel.

1. Realize whatever you are dreaming up CAN be done.

At the start of 2016, Mars and I had recently moved back to Oklahoma City from Denver. Everly was approaching the dreaded “terrible-twos,” and I remember feeling discouraged pretty often. I didn’t want to be in Oklahoma City. I missed the mountains and being outdoors, which is probably why I jumped so quickly at Mars’ proposal to travel the 48-states.

We followed this map that went viral – it’s the “perfect” 48 state road trip plan: https://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6839764

The route would take us through national parks and historic landmarks in every state. We did a few things off the beaten path, such as changing up the route through the Pacific Northwest.

We decided to go to Olympic National Park instead of the southeastern part of Washington. If any of you consider using this map, I would highly suggest you do the same. Northwest Washington is one of the most magically beautiful parts of the United States.

There is no “right time,” especially for dreams. It’s like we were wired to talk ourselves out of anything slightly unsafe or seemingly difficult.

There are a million excuses to not have taken this trip. Instead of looking at all the reasons why we couldn’t make it work, we asked ourselves how we could.

2. Make your money work FOR you. Categorize your income and tell each dollar where it needs to go.

You guys, we did this on a SHOESTRING budget. We didn’t have much in savings, and we didn’t want to dip into it while on the road unless there was an emergency.

We rented out three of the four rooms in our home to cover the mortgage, and we found a family friend to take care of our dog, Beirut. (Leaving him was definitely the hardest part!)

Our vehicle was not the television-worthy setup we have now. Our first “home on the road” (if you can call it that) was far from cozy, but my Honda Civic Hybrid got great gas mileage! Keeping fuel costs low, for this excursion, was super important. Since we were doing the entire trip on our regular budget, we had to be completely attentive to our spending and make each dollar count.

The 19,001 mile road trip cost us less than $2,000 in gas, $150 in camping fees and $0 in hotels.

Although foregoing hotels helped our wallets, really experiencing each place was our number one goal. From my experience, you don’t get the “live like a local” feeling when you are staying in a chain hotel.

For lodging, we camped at national parks, stayed with friends and family, and couch-surfed with travel-loving hosts all across the United States. Several of these people became great friends whom we keep in touch with to this day.  https://www.couchsurfing.com

As far as our marriage goes, our love relationship thrived during this time. If you are going to be on the road with someone, make sure you have a superb relationship. We are a perfect match and hardly ever fight.

Ha! Sorry, I had to.

3. Allow challenges that arise to better you and use them as paths for growth.

To be honest, we were challenged in almost every way while on the road, but it taught us to be a team. It taught us to communicate . We have a superb relationship because we allowed ourselves to be tested and kept choosing to take the path of growth.

I actually almost flew home when we were on day three! We had spent the night in our car somewhere in southern New Mexico. Throughout the night, we would open the doors to try cooling off. Our bodies dripped in sweat from our failing attempt to sleep in our car. Everly kicked me in the head more than once and woke up with snot all across her face. It was unglamorous to say the least.

4. Keep going

However, soon we were below ground in the Carlsbad Caverns and the thought of returning back to Oklahoma City was the furthest thing from my mind.

Just when you’re about to throw in the towel, something incredible is usually waiting to be discovered right on the other side of your decision to stick it out.

5 . Say “yes” when you get the chance.

Over the years leading up to 2016, I had started to become much more of a “no” person than a “yes” person. This journey changed that and really opened my eyes to the fact that saying no adds no more safety to your life than saying yes adds danger. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

When you say yes to the opportunities that make you feel inspired, it’s almost as if fireworks are set off around you alerting creation that you are willing to step out of your comfort zone and go.

We left the comforts of our Oklahoma City home not knowing exactly what we would find, only knowing that something inside of us was telling us to go. We explored more than 48 national parks and monuments, with some of our favorite stops being the places we hadn’t expected like Horseshoe Bend and Crater Lake. We made friends from places like France, India and Greece, went to a dance church in Minneapolis, got chased by a tornado in Wyoming, almost fell into a volcano at Craters of the Moon and watched sunsets over the Pacific and Atlantic. We have countless stories that we will cherish forever, and I can’t imagine what our lives would be like had we said no.

Simply saying yes changed our course. We didn’t realize fully how the experiences would shape us-just as I’m sure I don’t fully know now how vanlife is shaping us. I do know that it is for the better. No lesson is ever wasted, and every season serves a purpose.

You can check us out on Instagram at @fitetravels

(Photo Credit: @jasperkphoto )

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This Man Planned the Most Efficient U.S. Road Trip of All Time

Hitting the open road and driving into the sunset is a romantic notion, but most of us need a little planning before  road trip .

Do you go north? Do you go south? Do you take a week? Do you take a month? What are the best stops to make? And there are a million more questions to be asked.

Randy Olson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, mapped out a super-efficient — and super-ambitious — way to see the contiguous United States. He devised his cross-country road trip, combining algorithms and Google Maps, so he could visit 48 capitol buildings.

Related : The longest road trip in one country

“For this road trip, there is one goal: to take a picture at as many U.S. state capitols as possible,” Olson wrote on his blog. “We will travel only by car, so that rules out Alaska (too far away) and Hawaii (requires a plane flight) and leaves us with the 48 contiguous states (excluding  D.C. ).”

“Whenever possible, we will avoid routes that require us to travel through foreign countries, as entering/leaving the country requires a passport and border control tends to slow things down.”

To start, he found the “true” distance between all of the capitols by car, and then the shortest route by road   between every capitol, amounting to 2,256 directions. He did a lot more math —  you can read that here  — before determining his final itinerary.

Related : America’s best road trips

The algorithm “reached an optimized solution that makes a complete trip to all of the U.S. state capitols in only 13,310 miles (21,420 km) of driving,” he wrote. That came out to visiting those 48 U.S. state capitols in 8.5 days.

“The best part is that this road trip is designed so that you can start anywhere on the route,” he noted. “As long as you follow the route from wherever you start, you’ll hit every state capitol in the 48 contiguous U.S. states.”

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Tori Stocco

48 state road trip.

Have you ever wanted to take a road trip in the U.S. but you weren’t sure where to go? Are you curious about the coolest places to visit in the lower 48 states?

If you answered yes to either of the questions above, this blog post is perfect for you! During quarantine, I have grown quite antsy and have been longing to travel again. As a result, I have been daydreaming about road-tripping across the United States. I have always wanted to see the major national parks and eventually visit all 50 states, I just never considered doing it all at once before.

Well, drum roll please….

I have since decided that road-tripping the lower 48 states would actually be quite an exciting adventure!

I will guiltily admit that I have probably spent too many hours this month watching Tiny House Nation on Netflix and Going RV which may have helped to convince me that I, too, can live tiny while exploring the United States. But regardless, here I am, now fully convinced that I can visit all 48 states in a single road trip.

To begin planning this trip, I have been looking into the most interesting and exciting places in each of the lower 48 states. From there, I plan to narrow down my list, since I know I can’t possibly see everything I have listed all at once. I just thought I would share my own list to give you some traveling inspiration! I want to note that I haven’t been to a lot of these places, so I am not providing any first-hand experience right now. I can only hope to one day visit them, and update the list when I do! Through extensive research, however, I believe these are all worthwhile places to visit, but please feel free to leave your own opinion in the comments and tell me otherwise!

Below I have alphabetically listed the lower 48 states and the destinations that I would ideally like to visit in each of them. The destinations are listed in no particular order. Enjoy!

48 State Road Trip:

Alabama : Cheaha State Park, Chewacla Falls, Gulf Shores, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Tuscaloosa

Arizona : Grand Canyon, Sedona, Cibecue Falls, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon

Arkansas : Hot Springs National Park, Buffalo National River, Whitaker Point Trailhead

California : Sequoia National Park, Yosemite, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, Sonoma County, Pacific Coast Highway, Death Valley, Lassen Volcanic National Park, San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco

Colorado : Rocky Mountains, Pikes Peak, Mesa Verde National Park, Garden of the Gods

Connecticut : Kent Falls State Park, Devil’s Hopyard, East Rock Park, Mark Twain House, Yale University, Hartford

Delaware : New Castle Historic District, Lums Pond State Park, John Dickinson Plantation, Dover

Florida : Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Ginnie Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Devils Den, Everglades, Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, The Florida Reef

Georgia : Tallulah Gorge State Park, Stone Mountain, Wormsloe Plantation, Atlanta

Idaho : Sawtooth Mountains, The Salmon River, Owyhee Canyonlands, Twin Falls, Snake River Canyon, Hells Canyon, Idaho City

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This Guy Planned The Most American Road Trip You Can Possibly Take

Senior Editor, HuffPost Hawaii

When planning a road trip in the U.S., it's easy to get overwhelmed. There's so much ground to cover, and you can't stop at every amazing sight and activity .

But if you had to narrow it down somehow, visiting each state's capital city and capitol building is a pretty great way to see the country. Since you've probably forgotten many capital cities since your elementary school days (Pierre, South Dakota, anyone?), a refresher is in order.

Thanks to Randy Olson, the brains behind the best road trip ever , you can jog your memory with a perfectly optimized road trip of America the beautiful .

The map above shows a 13,310-mile road trip optimized to hit 48 state capitol buildings in the contiguous United States (sorry Alaska and Hawaii) in just 8.5 days.

Olson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, created the map using algorithms and Google Maps, but you don't have to be a computer genius to plan an optimized road trip. Olson's Python code is free to use , so you can plan your own customized road trip, and there are also simpler web services like RouteXL to help perfect your adventure.

So whether you want a grand European adventure or a single state road trip , these algorithms have you covered. The open road is waiting.

To read more about Olson’s road trip you can visit his blog here .

We don’t know what you do for a living, but we do know you likely need a break. And, nearly halfway through the year, we’re challenging you (yes — busy, overworked, financially stretched you) to #TakeABreak .

During the month of June, we’ll help you nail down how many vacation days you have at your disposal, figure out where to go, and plan a trip you can actually afford. For 30 days of travel tips, cheap flight hacks, vacation ideas and wanderlust galore, sign up for our Take A Break action plan here !

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Before You Go

Flyover States You Should Drive Through

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The Most Efficient Way to Visit All 48 Contiguous States

• Lists of Visited Parks
• Map of the U.S.
• Official N.P.S. Links
• Interstate Highway Trip
• Link to Original Article

The Best Cross-Country Route, According To Science

One special michigan state university doctoral student, randy olson, was called upon by discovery news to construct a map that would not only show potential roadtrippers the best way to go through every state on the contiguous united states, but find the most efficient way to do so the team made sure that the stops were either at national natural landmarks, national historic sites, national parks or national monuments, to have the best all-encompassing view of the united states   the road trip randy and the discovery team designed is perfect for anyone wanting to see our incredible country firsthand.   randy olson's algorithm came up with a complete trip around the u.s. in only 13,699 miles.   please click on his blog above (link to original article) for an explanation. following the map, these are the cities and attractions you'll pass by along the way: (i have added pictures of the sites that gram and pops have visited) 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, 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, 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, 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 to recap, here's the full list of landmarks in order: grand canyon, az bryce canyon national park, ut craters of the moon national monument, id yellowstone national park, wy pikes peak, co carlsbad caverns national park, nm the alamo, tx the platt historic district, ok toltec mounds, ar elvis presley's graceland, tn vicksburg national military park, ms french quarter, new orleans, la uss alabama, al cape canaveral air force station, fl okefenokee swamp park, ga fort sumter national monument, sc lost world caverns, wv wright brothers national memorial visitor center, nc mount vernon, va white house, washington, dc colonial annapolis historic district, md new castle historic district, delaware cape may historic district, nj liberty bell, pa statue of liberty, ny the mark twain house & museum, ct the breakers, ri uss constitution, ma acadia national park, me mount washington hotel, nh shelburne farms, vt fox theater, detroit, mi spring grove cemetery, oh mammoth cave national park, ky west baden springs hotel, in abraham lincoln's home, il gateway arch, mo c. w. parker carousel museum, ks terrace hill governor's mansion, ia taliesin, wi fort snelling, mn ashfall fossil bed, ne mount rushmore, sd fort union trading post, nd glacier national park, mt hanford site, wa columbia river highway, or san francisco cable cars, ca san andreas fault, ca hoover dam, nv if you're more of a city slicker, the road trip above may not look very appealing to you because it involves spending a lot of time outdoors.   but don't worry, randy olson created a second road trip that stops at the tripadvisor-rated best city to visit in (almost) every contiguous u.s. state. this road trip will more-or-less follow the same path as the major u.s. landmarks trip and covers a slightly shorter 12,290 mile route.   you may note that cities from north dakota, vermont, and west virginia are missing, so you don't really visit all 48 contiguous states.   out of the top 400 recommended cities to visit on tripadvisor, none were from north dakota, vermont, nor west virginia. here's the full list of cities in order: 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.

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The Ultimate Road Trip: The Great 48

Aug 13, 2020 | Recreation , Travel & Auto Tips , Vacations & Weekend Trips | 4 comments

By Guest Blogger Karen Jacobson

Today’s blog is about a grand adventure that took the blogger a mere 46 days to cover 48 states with her kids. A trip of this magnitude might take weeks or months plan, but now could be the perfect time to organize (and save money) for an adventure like this for next summer. Or perhaps your family wants to venture out now while learning remotely! Either way, be sure to follow CDC guidelines and use your best judgement wherever your travels may take you!

My late husband and I had a shared goal of getting our two children to all 50 states before they finish high school. Being a thorough planner, he began mapping out the country with educational themes such as Civil War South and Colonial New England and figuring out at what age each of these would fit best with what they might be learning in school. When he passed away in 2016, I was determined to still get them to all 50 states, but changed strategies. I decided to get 48 states done in one trip.

I had seen Randal Olson’s maps of 48 state road trips and was fascinated. He has multiple maps for the most optimal routes for road trips both in the US and abroad. I highly recommend you check out his website here . The beauty of his maps are that you can start from anywhere and wind up right back where you began; no need for one way plane tickets or travel to starting points. We chose the route that would take us to 48 state capitals.

I like to take a little more spontaneous approach to travel, but I knew I had the time constraints of summer vacation to work within, so I took the Randal Olson map, calculated the distance and driving time between each capital, then divided it up into manageable chunks that I knew I could drive in a day, since I would be the only driver. We also added in few side trips and extended stays to see family and friends, so I had to calculate those in as well and make some adjustments to our route. A college friend of mine lives in Manhattan and offered us the use of his apartment, so we spent a few days there so the three of us could each live a dream – Ellis Island for me, a Broadway show for my daughter and the Nintendo store for my son. Among other things, we spent some time in Illinois with my in-laws and in my old hometown of Tulsa and made multiple special stops to see things like Mount Rushmore, the Space Needle, the Winchester house and the St. Louis Arch.

So this became our summer challenge for 2018. To complete the challenge, we had to collect postcards from the 48 states and get pictures of the 48 capitol buildings. We also tried to get pictures of all the welcome signs at each state, but sometimes the kids slept through them and as the driver, I couldn’t safely snap them.

I did not make hotel reservations before we left home. Instead, as we began to approach our approximate planned stop for the night, we would search Hotels.com for a place to stay, racking up multiple free nights along the way. I wanted to keep the flexibility in case something took us a little longer or we felt up to pushing the drive a little farther. This served us well as we found fun places to visit, as well as when my daughter caught a stomach bug that delayed us by a day, and also when we got rear-ended in Seattle and got stuck waiting 3 days for the car repairs.

Amazingly, I didn’t really start to get road fatigue until we were well into our second half of the trip. I distinctly remember passing the welcome to Iowa sign and deciding we were going to stop early. I was asleep by 7 pm and slept until nearly 8 am. But I never once thought, “I can’t wait to get off the road and be home.” In fact, when we got to Atlanta, we treated ourselves to a couple nights at Great Wolf Lodge and somewhere in all the fun we had, we all found ourselves getting a little teary-eyed about the fact that we were almost home. After finishing our last state capitol of the trip, we made a joint decision to spend the night in Columbia rather than drive home because we just wanted one more night on the road.

In my ideal world, we would have taken more time to stop at more landmarks and visit more friends and family than our timeline allowed, but I loved every minute of this trip and am so grateful I was able to do this with my kids. It was a lot of driving, 15,391.7 miles to be exact, but worth each and every one.

~ Knowing I was going to take this trip, I started stockpiling gas and restaurant gift cards throughout the year to use on the road, sometimes getting them cheaper during store promotional sales. ~ I joined all the hotel rewards programs, but found Hotels.com was the quickest and most flexible way to earn free nights on the trip. ~ I bought license plate sticker books on Amazon so we could track all 50 state plates. It was a fun bonus challenge and so exciting when we finally found Hawaii! ~ “ The Next Exit” by Mark Watson is an invaluable guidebook to exactly what is at every interstate exit. It was helpful for the kids to look for upcoming food, gas and rest stops without using my phone, which I needed for navigation ~ To keep kids off screens the whole time, we downloaded books on tape, listened to podcasts, had photo contests and bought some of those invisible ink game books. ~ Keep an eye on the mileage so you can plan for oil changes on the road and be able to find a find a facility. ~ One thing I wish I’d had was a dash cam to capture all the pictures I couldn’t take at the wheel. ~ Be flexible and take everything in stride. Sometimes the unforeseen changes in plans turn into the most wonderful memories.

~ For a twist on this adventure, consider this blog “ 5 Tips to Cross Country Camping in a Pop-Up Camper ” from our archives! ~ Want to see more blogs like this and get notifications on local events and happenings? Subscribe to Triad Moms on Main’s free weekly newsletters here .

Karen is not only an amazing lady but a wonderful mother. How many Mom’s would make a trip to all 48 states with two children? Even when she was rear ended in Seattle and had to get her car repaired she kept on. I love this girl and am so amazed and proud of all she does.

Karen is a friend of mine. She is the most amazing woman I have ever met. I think she is brave, loving and kind. She is so lucky she was able to do this with her children. I miss her since she moved years ago but she will always be in my heart.

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48 States Road Trip

Dave's Crazy-Trailer And Lone Star Rider

• Featured Trip Guides

Created by Lone Star Rider - August 15th 2022

3800 Scranton Drive, Richland Hills, TX

320 S Esplanade St, Leavenworth, KS, US

C.W. Parker Carousel Museum

1115 Magnolia Avenue, Saint Joseph, MO

2300 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa, United States

101 3rd Ave NE, Austin, MN, US

SPAM® Museum

2975 Cave of the Mounds Rd, Blue Mounds, WI, US

Cave of The Mounds

20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI, US

The Henry Ford

1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN, US

Indiana Dunes National Park

569 Lake Dr, Weidman, MI, US

Coldwater Lake Campground

1169 N. Buck Road, OH, US

East Harbor State Park Campground

1009 N Franklin St Route 14, Watkins Glen, NY, US

Watkins Glen State Park

1 Heart Island, Alexandria Bay, NY, US

Boldt Castle

Water St, Plymouth, MA, US

Plymouth Rock

6443 Mountain Rd., Cambridge, VT, US

Smugglers Notch State Park

12 Captain Strout Cir, Cape Elizabeth, ME, US

Portland Head Lighthouse & Museum

2168 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, RI, US

Cady's Tavern

1 Crystal Lake Rd, Groton, CT, US

Submarine Force Museum

45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE, US

Fort Delaware State Park

171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV, US

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park

3094 Santeetlah Rd, Robbinsville, NC, US

Tail Of The Dragon

Lone Star Rider

I love traveling and seeing new places and making new friends. And the best way to do it is hopping on my motorcycle and hitting the open road. I love that feeling and excitement of riding a motorcycle. Catch Ya On The Road!!! …… Rex

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Services partially resume on the South Coast Line as roads and public transport recovery continues

Drivers and passengers are urged to spend some time planning their journeys tomorrow, or consider working from home, with major impacts still being experienced across the state’s road and public transport network following this weekend’s severe weather event.

Passengers are advised to plan ahead with trains to Port Kembla and Kiama resuming on a reduced weekend timetable tomorrow after extreme weather and floods damaged infrastructure and caused land slips in a number of locations.

Trains will resume Tuesday morning between Kiama and the city in both directions however they will run to a reduced weekend timetable whilst repairs continue to be made to some sections of the track.

Buses will continue to replace trains between Bomaderry and Kiama. This is expected to continue for a number of days.

Buses will be stationed at Wollongong and Waterfall to supplement trains.

Currently, Sydney Trains has 250 workers on the ground carrying out repairs following the weekend’s severe weather event.

Passengers should allow for extra travel time, check indicator boards, listen to station announcements, and plan their trip ahead of time.

Sydney Trains thanks passengers for their patience while we work to recover the network.

Other public transport services will run to altered timetables as recovery from the rain event continues and passengers are advised to check the Trip Planner , travel alerts or travel apps and if possible consider an alternative transport mode if your usual route is impacted and allow plenty of extra travel time.

Drivers should take extreme care on the roads and avoid all non-essential travel in affected areas, with the impact of heavy rain and flooding likely to be felt across the coming days. Please exercise caution as some road surfaces may have deteriorated and have potholes. Council and Transport crews will work as quickly as possible to repair the damage.

Motorists are also reminded to never drive through floodwater, follow the directions of emergency services and take extreme care as conditions are changing quickly.

For the latest traffic information, download the Live Traffic NSW app , visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

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Top li doctor killed when she flies out door of airstream trailer — still clutching handle — during family road trip.

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A prominent Long Island pediatrician was killed when she tumbled out of a moving Airstream trailer — still clutching the door’s handle — and onto an upstate highway during a family road trip over the weekend, according to state police and kin.

Dr. Monika Woroniecka — a 58-year-old married mom and children’s allergy and immunology specialist with Stony Brook Medicine — was in the 2024 silver trailer with other family members when she fell through the door shortly after 3 p.m. Saturday and onto State Route 12E in Watertown in a freak accident,  said police  and family.

Woroniecka’s husband, Robert, 59, was driving the gray 2019 Ram pickup truck pulling the trailer at the time, according to a press release.

Motorists who witnessed the frightening fatal fall said the passenger-side door of the Airstream flew open, helped by the wind — while the doctor was clutching its handle, police said.

The helpless woman landed on the shoulder of the highway, striking her head.

She was rushed to Samaritan Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. 

The traffic accident came as Woroniecka and other relatives boarded the trailer for the final 20 minutes of a road trip from Stony Brook, LI, where the family lives, the troopers said.

The victim worked at Stony Brook Medicine since the early 2000s, according to her medical profile .

“She enjoys working with children and their families and developing a long-term relationship with families while guiding them through chronic allergy-related conditions,” the profile said. “Dr. Woroniecka’s native language is Polish [and] draws Polish-speaking families from far distances.

“Dr. Woroniecka likes to travel, hike, exercise, and spend time with family and friends,” the post adds.

Her grieving family acknowledged to The Post on Sunday that the victim was a doctor on the island, as did the state police, but both declined further comment.

Officials at Stony Brook did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

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Traffic delays and other issues mark total solar eclipse day

Authorities on Monday reported traffic crashes and significant road delays across the country as thousands of people flocked to prime locations to gaze up at the rare solar eclipse – and then made their way home again.

Local roads and highways in states including Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Vermont and New Hampshire were impacted by the flood of drivers, many of whom were from out of state. The most intense bottlenecks appeared to be in the path of totality , a vast swath of the country – approximately 115 miles wide, crossing through 13 states – where people were able to view the total eclipse.

Traffic slowed on major highways in Indiana as the eclipse progressed Monday afternoon. State transportation officials posted video showing backups forming on Interstate 65 headed toward Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Star reported. The Courier & Press in Evansville reported delays after the eclipse ended.

Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine posted on X that traffic on state highways was flowing but rest stops along interstates in the path of totality are at or near capacity. 

Perrine said transportation officials planned to shut them down "once they are full and will not allow any more traffic in for the duration of the eclipse." One rest stop along I-74 near Veedersburg, northwest of Indianapolis, closed because it had reached maximum capacity from "eclipse viewing traffic." 

In Oklahoma, a crash around 7:30 a.m. local time narrowed eastbound lanes on I-40, a major transcontinental highway that runs from California to North Carolina. The crash occurred not far from several state parks that were hosting eclipse events, and was within driving distance of the full eclipse path, which included parts of southeastern Oklahoma and Arkansas.

"Crews estimate cleanup will take the majority of the day. Expect delays in the area and use extra caution. #trucking #eclipse," said a post on X by the Oklahoma Department of Transportation .

Multiple crashes were reported in Waco, Texas, a city in the path of totality, which hosted several festivities and eclipse viewing events. The crashes all occurred on I-35, which runs from southern Texas to Minnesota. The wrecks shut down multiple lanes.

"Expect major traffic delays in this area," the Texas Department of Transportation said in a statement around 9 a.m. local time.

Officials warn drivers of delays, dangers ahead of solar eclipse

In the weeks leading up to the celestial event, officials issued warnings about heavy traffic congestion and the danger of driving during the eclipse , including distracted pedestrians and the sudden change in light conditions. Eclipses have previously been tied with surges in traffic crashes, including fatal collisions.

In New York, extra troopers were staged throughout the entire state, especially in northern counties and cities, such as Buffalo, from which spectators can see a full eclipse, according to the New York State Police .

In Ohio, the state's Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission heavily staffed its toll booths, service plazas and maintenance buildings in anticipation of the eclipse, which it has designated as "a high-volume traffic event" like, for example, Thanksgiving.  The Ohio Emergency Management Agency estimates, for the solar eclipse, between 150,000 and 575,000 travelers will visit the state, which encompasses areas in the path of totality.

During the 2017 eclipse, congestion in some areas lasted for up to 13 hours after totality,  according to Transportation Research News , a National Research Council publication. An analysis of traffic patterns from that year suggests the worst of the traffic – on interstates and rural back roads alike – will kick off after the eclipse ends and everyone tries to leave all at once.

Contributing: Kayla Jimenez and Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY ; The Indianapolis Star

Reader's Digest

Your Guide to a Florida Keys Road Trip: Key Largo to Key West

Posted: March 12, 2024 | Last updated: March 13, 2024

Your road trip guide to the Florida Keys

One of the best state road trips in America has to be the sun-kissed drive from Key Largo to Key West in the Florida Keys. This road, known as the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, takes you through a 125-mile island chain that begins just south of Miami. It hopscotches over 42 bridges and five islands, and has turquoise waters stretching in every direction into the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay and Gulf of Mexico.

So if you're looking for the perfect Atlantic Coast road trip or cheap beach vacation , look no further than this road trip guide from Key Largo to Key West. And if you'd rather travel from Key West to Key Largo, rest easy—the route works either way. There are shuttles that run from Key Largo to Key West, but keep in mind, you'd be missing out on all the fun in between.

By the way, once you embark on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway, you'll notice that many sites along the way use mile markers (MM) in their address. We use those mile marker points in this story to help you navigate the drive.

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Mile marker: 108–90

The first of the Florida Keys you'll hit after driving about an hour south from Miami en route from Key Largo to Key West is, well, Key Largo. Often referred to as the Dive Capital of the World, Key Largo includes one must-see stop: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (MM 102.5), the first underwater preserve in the United States.

Experienced and novice snorkelers and SCUBA divers will be enthralled by the teeming marine life that lives just below the water's surface, like parrot fish, barracudas and sea turtles. More experienced divers enjoy exploring the USS Spiegel Grove, one of the largest ships ever intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef where pretty fish can thrive.

Back on dry land, travelers can wander nearly six miles of trails at Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, home to more than 80 species of plants and animals. You can also peruse the work of local artists at myriad galleries.

Best beach: Cannon Beach, found within John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, has shallow waters that are perfect for wading. You may even spot cannons and anchors on the beach that remain from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck.

Where to eat: Dig into the catch of the day at The Fish House, Key Largo Conch House or Snook's Bayside Restaurant & Grand Tiki Bar, some of the best traditional restaurants in the area. If you'd rather turf than surf, check out Jimmy Johnson's Big Chill.

Where to stay: If you can't get enough of the underwater world, stay at Jules' Undersea Lodge , the world's first underwater hotel. If you'd rather keep dry, try the adults-only Bungalows Key Largo .

Mile marker: 90–63

Next up en route from Key Largo to Key West is the fisherman's paradise known as Islamorada. Considered the Sport Fishing Capital of the World, it's where backcountry sport fishing and saltwater fly-fishing got their start. Countless seasoned boat captains are ready for hire to take you out to catch the wahoo, marlin, mahi-mahi and tuna that swim in these waters.

There's an even quirkier way to interact with fish here: hand-feeding the tarpon off the docks of Robbie's Marina (MM 77.5). Since 1976, countless Keys visitors have stopped to feed them, and more than 100 kinds of fish gather at the docks for their daily snacks. Feeding the fishies there is so popular, it's been named the No. 1 activity in all the Florida Keys.

Islamorada is also a terrific spot to kitesurf, stand-up paddleboard, go for a hike or take a bicycle ride. Stop by the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary, where injured or displaced birdies now make their homes. Or visit the History of Diving Museum, which boasts one of the world's largest collections of diving helmets.

Best beach: Anne's Beach is popular with families (and dogs) because of its shallow waters and lack of waves. Take a walk along the boardwalk or enjoy a picnic at one of the covered tables.

Where to eat: For a quintessential casual Florida Keys meal, go to the Hungry Tarpon. If you want more elegant fare, make reservations at Chef Michael's for creatively inspired local dishes.

Where to stay: When it's time to lay your head for the night, check in to one of the new oceanfront suites at Cheeca Lodge & Spa , or your own cottage at The Moorings Village & Spa .

Mile marker: 63–40

Marathon is the island chain's top boating destination—and for good reason. The area boasts nearly 2,400 boat slips and plenty of facilities to accommodate sailors passing through. But you don't need your own boat to enjoy Marathon and its waters.

For a truly different experience, hop on over to Cruisin' Tikis and have a floating tiki bar adventure. Sunset, mangrove and harbor cruises are all available, as is a swim-stop cruise for a chance to jump into the water.

While you're here, you should also visit Pigeon Key, an island that is accessible by boat, trolley or walking the 2.2-mile Old Seven Mile Bridge. It has a museum to explore, either on a guided tour or on your own. The Bridge is open for walking, running, bicycling, rollerblading and, of course, watching the killer sunrises and sunsets.

Best beach: Sombrero Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in the Florida Keys—not to mention one of the best beaches in Florida . And it's not just popular with humans; sea turtles nest here between April and October.

Where to eat: For any meal, stop by Castaway, which has been serving guests for more than 70 years. Or make a night of it at Hide Away Café, which has an extensive wine list.

Where to stay: The Faro Blanco Resort & Yacht Club is set on the waterfront and gives you a taste of marina life. Lime Tree Bay Resort on Long Key has spacious townhomes for rent.

The Lower Keys

Mile marker: 40–4

After crossing the Old Seven Mile Bridge out of Marathon, you'll find yourself in the Lower Keys, where natural habitats and wildlife refuges thrive. It's no wonder this part of the Florida Keys is known as the Natural Keys. You might even want to consider taking an electric vehicle on this road trip so you don't disturb the animals.

Your best chance to spot a native Key deer, a subspecies of the Virginia white-tailed deer that somehow made its way south, may be in the National Key Deer Refuge, comprised of 9,200 acres stretching from Bahia Honda Key to Sugarloaf Key on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. More than 20 endangered and threatened plant and animal species can be found within the refuge. Take a quiet walk at dusk or dawn for your best chance to glimpse a Key deer, or join a ranger-led tour to learn more about the area.

Aside from all the eco-friendly fun, Stock Island is well worth a stop. Their maritime history goes back generations, and the marina is filled with shrimping and fishing boats. Artists have been flocking to Stock Island, too, and share their works in galleries dotted across the small island.

Best beach: The shallow, clear water and white sand at Calusa Beach make it a locals' favorite. The beach is a perfect spot for snorkeling too.

Where to eat: In addition to the freshest of seafood, Big Pine Rooster serves up ribs and a special-recipe meatloaf. Or sip like the locals at No Name Pub, located on Big Pine Key.

Where to stay: Consider the waterfront Sugarloaf Lodge , stay in an Airstream at Big Pine Key Resort  or pop a tent on one of the reserved campsites at Bahia Honda State Park.

Mile marker: 4–0

You've made it to the end! Closer to Cuba than Miami, Key West is known for its nightly sunset celebrations, party atmosphere and laissez-faire vibe, but it's really so much more.

If you're a writer or bookworm, you'll certainly want to make plans to visit the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, where you should keep an eye out for the famous six-toed cats. Then wander through Key West's Bahama Village, a 12-block area of historic homes and restaurants.

Consider a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 miles west of Key West in the Gulf of Mexico, where you'll find some hidden gems . The island, accessible by boat or seaplane, is popular for snorkeling and feeling like you're on your own private island, not to mention touring the Civil War–era fort.

Best beach: Fort Zachary Taylor Beach—or Fort Zach, as locals call it—predates the Civil War and boasts the island's very best sandy stretch.

Where to eat: No visit to Key West is complete without a meal at Blue Heaven, where you can dine with wandering roosters for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or snag a spot on the tiny balcony at Santiago's Bodega for tapas and flowing wine.

Where to stay: The boutique Gardens Hotel , the adults-only Kimpton Hotels Ridley House  or the new Capitana Key West , to name a few. Wherever you stay, you're sure to find your place in Key West, and it's likely you'll follow so many others' lead and start planning your return visit before you even leave.

Art and history in the Florida Keys

Road-tripping from Key Largo to Key West, it's easy to appreciate all the natural beauty. That said, the Keys aren't just a terrific destination for eco-travelers, but artists and history buffs too.

It's easy for artists to find inspiration throughout the Florida Keys. Fortunately for road-trippers, there are many spots to stop and admire their work. One of the largest artists' communities in the Florida Keys is Stock Island in the Lower Keys, just about three miles from the commercial area of Key West. What was once a shrimping boat marina is now a blend of fishermen and painters, sculptors and other artisans who have created an energetic and supportive community.

For history buffs, in addition to Pigeon Key in Marathon and the Civil War–era Fort Jefferson in Dry Tortugas National Park, other must-stops in Key West include the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, Harry S. Truman Little White House and the Southernmost Point in the continental United States.

Planning your Florida Keys road trip

Now that you're inspired to hit the road, it's time to start planning. After budgeting for a road trip , your next step is to decide whether you will travel south from Key Largo to Key West, or north from Key West to Key Largo. Or maybe you'll opt for a roundtrip.

If you're starting off in Key Largo, it's important to note that the Florida Keys Overseas Highway begins at the Miami-Dade/Monroe County line. So if you're flying to Florida, Miami International Airport (MIA) is the way to go. If you begin in Key West, the airport (EYW) is on the island.

If you're already driving one of the best road trip cars to get to Florida, you're all set. But if you need a loaner, choose one of the best cars to rent for a road trip . Consider packing these road trip essentials and download some of the best podcasts for road trips to make the miles fly by.

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