Road trips are all about the journey, and one of the best parts of the journey is discovering roadside attractions. These unique stops often offer quirky, fun, and memorable experiences that you won’t find in typical tourist guides. Whether you’re seeking a giant statue, an offbeat museum, or a scenic overlook, there are countless hidden gems waiting for you along the road. To help you make the most of your road trip, here are some essential tips for finding the best roadside attractions.
1. Use Roadside Attraction Apps and Websites
One of the easiest ways to find roadside attractions is to use technology. There are several apps and websites dedicated to showcasing quirky and interesting stops along your route.
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Roadside America: This app helps you locate offbeat and quirky attractions, from giant dinosaurs to bizarre museums. It’s perfect for those looking for something out of the ordinary.
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Atlas Obscura: Atlas Obscura is an online guide to the world’s hidden wonders, including strange roadside attractions. You can search by location to find hidden gems along your journey.
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Google Maps: Don’t forget to use Google Maps to spot nearby attractions. You can zoom in on your route and check out points of interest, reviews, and photos from other travelers.
2. Look for State and National Parks
Sometimes, the best roadside attractions are nature-based. State and national parks are great places to find scenic vistas, hiking trails, and unique geological formations.
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Scenic Overlooks: Look for signs pointing to scenic viewpoints or picnic areas along your route. These spots often offer breathtaking views and make perfect stops for stretching your legs and snapping a photo.
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Hiking Trails and Natural Wonders: Many parks feature hiking trails that lead to hidden gems, such as waterfalls, rock formations, or wildlife viewing areas. Research the parks along your route and plan a detour to explore these natural wonders.
3. Keep an Eye Out for Road Signs
When you’re on the road, be on the lookout for road signs pointing to attractions. Local businesses, towns, and attractions often use road signs to draw travelers’ attention to their unique offerings.
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Giant Statues and Odd Landmarks: Many roadside attractions are marked with signs for things like giant animals, unusual statues, and kitschy landmarks. Keep an eye out for signs pointing to places like “The World’s Largest Ball of Twine” or “The Largest Rocking Chair.”
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Farm Stands and Unique Shops: Many small towns have roadside farm stands, antique shops, or quirky museums. These local businesses are often less advertised but offer a glimpse into the heart of the area’s culture and charm.
4. Check Roadside Attraction Guides
In many regions, local tourism offices and visitor centers offer printed or digital guides to nearby attractions. These guides are often packed with details about everything from historical sites to fun, quirky landmarks.
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Visitor Centers: Stop at a visitor center when you enter a new state or area. The staff can give you brochures and provide recommendations for off-the-beaten-path attractions.
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Travel Guides: You can also pick up regional travel guides at gas stations, rest stops, and local shops. These guides often highlight hidden gems and lesser-known attractions along the route.
5. Follow Social Media and Blogs
Social media and travel blogs are great tools for finding recommendations on roadside attractions. Travelers often share their experiences, tips, and photos of quirky stops.
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Instagram: Search for hashtags related to your route, such as #roadsideattractions or #offthebeatenpath, to find hidden gems that others have discovered.
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Pinterest: Pinterest is another great platform for discovering unusual attractions. Many travel bloggers and enthusiasts post pins of cool roadside stops, complete with directions and photos.
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Travel Blogs: Many bloggers specialize in offbeat travel and road trips, offering lists of the best roadside attractions. A quick Google search will yield plenty of blog posts highlighting must-see attractions.
6. Ask Locals for Recommendations
No one knows a place better than the locals. While you’re on your road trip, don’t hesitate to ask people in small towns or rest stops for suggestions on unique places to visit.
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Ask for Hidden Gems: Locals often know about places that aren’t in any guidebook or on any website. Ask locals at cafes, gas stations, or tourist shops for their recommendations.
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Small-Town Charm: Small towns are often home to unique attractions, like quirky museums, historic buildings, or family-run farms. Chatting with the people who live there can lead you to some of the best, lesser-known spots.
7. Embrace the Unexpected
One of the joys of a road trip is the unexpected discoveries. Sometimes, the best roadside attractions are the ones you stumble upon by chance.
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Take a Detour: If you have time, take a detour from your main route to explore a nearby town or area. You may come across an interesting local landmark, antique shop, or quirky roadside display.
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Follow Curiosity: If you see something interesting off the road—like a giant roadside sculpture or a sign for a museum that sounds intriguing—stop and investigate. Some of the best experiences are unplanned!
8. Explore Historic Routes
Certain historic routes, like Route 66 or the Lincoln Highway, are famous for their roadside attractions. These routes have been well-traveled for decades, and along the way, you’ll find iconic stops with rich history.
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Route 66: Dubbed the “Main Street of America,” Route 66 is packed with classic roadside attractions, like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the Route 66 Museum in Illinois.
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The Lincoln Highway: The first coast-to-coast highway in the U.S., the Lincoln Highway, offers a mix of historic attractions, diners, and quirky roadside stops across the country.
9. Look for Retro and Vintage Attractions
Roadside attractions often have a retro or vintage feel, and some are straight out of the mid-20th century. If you’re into nostalgia or want to experience the charm of days gone by, look for attractions that embrace this old-school vibe.
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Drive-In Theaters: If you’re lucky, you might find an old drive-in theater still showing movies under the stars. This vintage experience is a fun, relaxing way to spend an evening on the road.
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Old Diners and Motels: Many retro diners and motels are still open, offering classic American meals or a night’s stay with a nostalgic vibe. These places often have unique signage and themes that make them great photo opportunities.
10. Use a Road Trip Planner
Several websites and apps specialize in helping you plan your route and discover roadside attractions along the way. These planners can save you time by suggesting interesting stops based on your preferences and interests.
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Roadtrippers: This app helps you plan your road trip by suggesting off-the-beaten-path stops based on your route. You can search by type of attraction, like museums, parks, or restaurants.
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Foursquare: Foursquare can also help you find local attractions, restaurants, and shops that are highly rated by other travelers.
Conclusion
Finding the best roadside attractions can add a lot of fun and adventure to your road trip. Whether you’re using apps, asking locals, or keeping your eyes peeled for quirky signs, there’s always something interesting to discover along the way. These unexpected stops can offer a taste of local culture, history, and creativity. So, next time you’re on a road trip, take the time to explore the roadside gems that make the journey even more memorable!
