Road Trip Stops in Every State You Need to Add to Your List

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Whether you're exploring hidden gems of America or traveling across the country to visit family, a road trip is an adventure of its own. There's no security to go through or cancellation fees—you're completely on your own schedule. As exciting as they are, road trips can sometimes be overwhelming to plan—there’s just so much to see. National Parks to amusement parks (abiding by social distancing and wearing a mask of course), local eats to historical sites, we want to see it all.

No matter where you're going, every stop has something new and exciting to see. We curated road trip stops in every state in the country that are worth stopping for. Here, there's something for everyone. We based each of these stops on the notion that there is something so unique about each one that you can’t see anywhere else. You don't need to leave the country to experience natural wonders like Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, filled with lava fields, or staples of history like the house where Elvis Presley was born. Start planning and be sure to add these to your ultimate road trip bucket list for a trip of a lifetime.

Alabama

Unclaimed Baggage

The Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama, is exactly how it sounds—a thrift shop filled with items from lost baggage after the waiting period expired to claim it. What started as a part time business in 1970 has grown to a store the size of a full city block with more than 7,000 new items added every day. There have been some unique items including: a full suit of armor, gemstones, and even a live rattlesnake. If you're not planning a trip to Alabama soon, good news! You can now shop online.

Alaska

Sitka

Once entering Sitka, you won’t feel like you’re in America with the vibrant culture of Russia at the forefront. That’s because this small town was a part of Russia until 1867, but the roots of its origin have remained. Visitors can enjoy the mountain scenery, whale watch, go snowmobiling on a Polaris, hike, fish and kayak.

Arizona

Devil’s Bridge

Aside from local art shops and neutral architecture that blends in with the red rock landscape, Sedona is home to Devil’s Bridge. With a natural bridge formation on this trail, it’s no wonder why it’s on the top of most hikers’ lists. It does get crowded so be sure to get there early if you don’t want anyone in your photo.

Arkansas

Hot Springs National Park

In Hot Springs, Arkansas, this National Park with a rich cultural past stands as a pillar for healing and a tribute to the “American Spa” of the 20th century. With nine historic bathhouses, ancient thermal springs, mountain views and forested hikes, it’s a balance of adventure and history.

California

Venice Canals

Visiting the Venice Canals in Venice, California, makes you feel like you’re in Europe (except with palm trees). Made up of six waterways–Carroll, Linnie, Howland, Sherman, Eastern, and Grand and approximately one and a half miles in length–the canals are perfect for a self-guided bike or walk.

Colorado

Garden of the Gods

Explore what Colorado Springs has to offer in one magical place. Garden of the Gods is a registered National Natural Landmark, with dramatic views, 300 foot sandstone rock formations along a backdrop of mountainous views and blue skies.

Connecticut

Mystic

This small town is unlike any other spot in Connecticut with a historical feel and grand personality. Mystic was historically a significant Connecticut seaport with more than 600 ships starting in 1784. Visitors can stay at the newly renovated Spicer Mansion, which was originally built in 1853.

Delaware

Bethany Beach

A hot beach escape destination, Bethany Beach offers historical gems such as the Indian River Life Saving Station, built in 1877 and the Fenwick Island Lighthouse. The beach is clean and the water is just fine for catching some waves.

Florida

Bok Tower Gardens

Located in Polk County, Florida, Bok Tower Gardens has 250 acres of lush gardens and a 205 foot tall tower with carillon bells. It’s relaxing and beautiful, which was the intention of creator Edward W. Bok, former longtime editor who desired to create a bird sanctuary while spending the winter in Florida. From subtropical temperature and plant bushes, visitors can spot up to 126 species of birds.

Georgia

Rock City Gardens

Ancient rock formations are the focal point of this natural wonder, just a few miles from downtown Chattanooga in Georgia. Rock City Gardens feature over 400 native plant species, and panoramic views where you can actually see seven states!

Hawaii

Hanauma Bay

We couldn’t leave Hawaii out because you could be taking a road trip in Hawaii! Hanauma Bay is a marine embayment formed within a tuff ring along the southeast coast of O’ahu. Explore the reefs, swim in the crystal blue waters and take in the greenery.

Idaho

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve in Snake River Plain in central Idaho. It’s unlike any National Park encompassing three major lava fields. Get your moon shoes because you can see some of the best examples of rift cracks in the world—including the deepest known on earth at 800 feet.

Illinois

Starved Rock State Park

Known for its sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater, Starved Rock State Park in Oglesby, Illinois, is a natural wonder. There’s 13 miles of trails to explore with waterfalls, fishing, and boating.

Indiana

Antique Alley

What’s old is new in Antique Alley in Richmond County, Indiana. There’s a 60 mile stretch of the Historic National Road that connects Richmond to Knightstown with over 1,000 antique dealers. There’s even an antique mall in a 3 block radius in historic Cambridge City.

Iowa

Swinging Bridge

If you’re not afraid of heights, this Swinging Bridge in Columbus Junction is 262 feet long and was originally built in 1886 (rebuilt in 1922). It’s an ideal destination for a hike that won’t take all day.

Kansas

Kansas Avenue of Murals

For art lovers, Kansas Avenue of Murals displays the city’s best art. The eight murals cover four blocks in the historic downtown area tell stories of the culture and history of Kansas City.

Kentucky

Red River Gorge

Visitors can see more than 100 natural sandstone arches at the Red River Gorge! Spanning 29,000 acres and located in east-central Kentucky, this gorge lies within the Daniel Boone National Forest. This canyon features sandstone cliffs, rock shelters, waterfalls and natural bridges.

Louisiana

Frenchmen Street

Within walking distance to the French Quarter in New Orleans, Frenchmen Street has the most authentic and local live music. There’s something for everyone with a range of every genre, and it’s also home to the Frenchmen Art Market if you’re in search of excellent local art.

Maine

Portland Head Lighthouse

Enjoy a day along the water in Cape Elizabeth along the shores of Fort Williams Park. The Portland Head Lighthouse, now a landmark, dates back to 1776 when the Town of Cape Elizabeth posted eight soldiers at the lighthouse to warn citizens of incoming British attacks.

Maryland

Assateague Island

While it’s a beautiful beach, Assateague Island is known for the wild horses that roam the beaches. Local folklore describes the horses as survivors of a shipwreck off the Virginia coast. Make sure to keep your distance and respect the horses to feel at home on the island.

Massachusetts

The Freedom Trail

This three-mile trail in Boston contains some of the most important historical sites in the country. The self-guided Freedom Trail has 16 monuments including graveyards with the graves of notable signers of the Declaration of Independence John Hancock and Samuel Adams.

Michigan

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Along the south shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is known for picturesque, multicolored rock cliffs. Unusual sandstone formations define this lakeshore. Visitors can also walk through a white birch forest in Twelvemile Beach.

Minnesota

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

A giant spoon with a cherry on top—check! The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden spans an 11 acre park in Minneapolis. Explore one of the largest urban sculpture gardens in the country, with 40 permanent art installations and several temporary installments.

Mississippi

Elvis Presley Birthplace

Tupelo, Mississippi, is home to the birthplace of world famous singer, Elvis Presley. The two-bedroom house was built by his father, grandfather and uncle. Today the home serves as a museum and preservation of the American musician—part of the Mississippi Blues Trail.

Missouri

The Gateway Arch