So you’ve got the travel bug and an urge to see all that America has to offer, from sea to shining sea. The open road is calling your name, inspiring dreams of red rock deserts, pounding surf, lush forests, and vibrant cities. There’s no better way to experience the diversity of the United States than an epic road trip adventure. Hop in your ride, cue up your road trip playlist, and get ready to check a whole bunch of places off your bucket list.
From historic landmarks to natural wonders to quirky roadside attractions, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’ve got a week or a whole summer, there’s an adventure for you. Start planning your route, pack your bags, and get ready for the Great American road trip you’ve always dreamed of. The land of the free awaits!
Big City Lights: Must-See Metropolises
New York City
The Big Apple is a must for any great American adventure. Home to over 8 million people, NYC pulses with energy and culture. Walk the bustling streets, take in a Broadway show, visit iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building, and dine at world-class restaurants.
Start your NYC visit in Manhattan. Stroll through Central Park, then visit Times Square, the heart of the city that never sleeps. Take a tour of Rockefeller Center and the Empire State Building for panoramic views. Head downtown to gaze at Lady Liberty and Ellis Island.
Food options are endless in NYC. From gourmet cuisine to food trucks, you’ll find whatever you crave. Don’t miss New York-style pizza, bagels, cheesecake and deli sandwiches.
After the sensory overload of Manhattan, escape to the outer boroughs. Brooklyn and Queens offer a hipper vibe with craft breweries, boutiques, and global cuisine. The Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden provide an urban oasis.
Los Angeles
The sprawling city of Los Angeles covers 4,850 square miles of southern California. Packed with world-class attractions, outdoor adventures, and glamor, LA warrants at least a week to explore.
Start in Hollywood, home of the Walk of Fame, Chinese Theater and Universal Studios theme park. Take a studio tour to spot celebs and maybe glimpse a live taping.
Outdoors, you can hike Runyon Canyon, surfer watch in Malibu and cruise Mulholland Drive. Take a road trip to Joshua Tree National Park or Yosemite for dramatic scenery.
With its car culture, LA’s food scene is all about food trucks, roadside diners and drive-thrus. Don’t miss In-N-Out Burger, Pink’s Hot Dogs and Kogi BBQ – you can spend an entire day sampling LA’s best food on wheels!
Quirky and Unique: Offbeat Attractions Worth Visiting
The U.S. is filled with quirky roadside attractions and unique spots that showcase the fun and eccentric side of American culture. If you’re looking to experience the weird and wonderful, here are a few offbeat places worth checking out.
The Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz, California
This bizarre gravitational anomaly will twist your senses. Balls seem to roll uphill and people appear to shrink or grow just by walking around. What causes the strange effects? No one knows for sure, but it’s a wacky place that’s fun to experience.
The Fountain of Youth Archeological Park – St. Augustine, Florida
Ponce de Leon thought he found the legendary Fountain of Youth here in the 1500s. Today it’s an archeological park where you can see native Timucua dwellings, a re-creation of a Spanish settlement, and natural springs. Drink from the fountain and you might feel a few years younger!
The Mystery Castle – Phoenix, Arizona
Built by hand using found materials like rock, adobe, and automobile parts, this bizarre mansion is filled with intriguing details. Stained glass windows, a chapel made of rocks, and a wacky design make it a roadside wonder. The story of its creator, Boyce Luther Gulley, is as odd as the castle itself.
From SPAM to spontaneous mysteries, quirky roadside attractions offer a glimpse into what really makes America great – a sense of fun, adventure and individuality. So next time you’re road tripping in the U.S., make a few unusual pit stops. You’ll be glad you did!
