The road trip is quite a statement when it comes to traveling in the States, not just for the final destination, but also for the journey. It doesn’t matter if you spend just a couple of hours or a few days on the road, it will be an amazing and relaxing experience. Plus, if you see some great landscapes that will make you say ‘wow’, you surely will come back with a few memories.
The United States of America is one of the largest countries in the world, so it won’t be a surprise when I say that the USA also has some of the most beautiful roadside attractions.
There are more than 4 millions miles of roads and highways across the USA, but if you don’t know what to expect, don’t worry, we got you. Just like that song says, let’s just get down to business.
1. Salvation Mountain in Niland, California
Salvation Mountain is a hillside visionary environment that it’s situated in the desert of Southern California. The creator is Leonard Knight, who built this artwork out of bricks, cars parts, discarded tires and windows and lots of paint. The exact location of the Mountain is Highway 111, about 80 miles southeast of Palm Springs.
The inspiration behind this artwork was the Bible, and if you look at the image above, you can see some messages, murals, Christian sayings and Bible verses.
If you decide to go on a fun road trip somewhere in California, then Salvation Mountain should definitely be on your list. Also, if you want to blend in with the colorful landscape, choose a pastel-colored outfit and you’ll be picture perfect.
2. Dinosaur Kingdom II in Natural Bridge, Virginia
Who said that dinosaurs are only for little kids? Certainly not me.
Dinosaur Kingdom II is not your usual dinosaurs park; it combines history and science fiction, such as characters –Â that can be Yankee soldiers Abraham Lincoln and mad scientists – fighting dinosaurs.
If you’re feeling like you are a little outsider and you don’t know what the park is about, you can read the signs that are in the park to understand the whole backstory. If you want to take kids to see the dinosaurs, you only need to pay $6 for children who are between 3 to 12 years old, and $10 for visitors who are 13 and older.
The exact location of the Dinosaur Kingdom II is about 40 miles north of Roanoke, South Lee Highway from Interstate 81 in Natural Bridge. You can visit the park in the summertime or on special weekends in May, September and November.
3. Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TexasÂ
If you are a car enthusiast, this is the place for you.
Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation that was created in 1974 by 3 members of the art group called Ant Farm: Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels.
The installation consists of ten Cadillac cars that are almost half-buried in the ground. They were old cars or just purely junk. The graffiti that you can the on the surfaces of the Cadillacs weren’t a part of the 3 men artwork, but it was added after some time by the people who passed by the creation.
If you want to see these cars ”in action”, Cadillac Ranch is waiting for you every day off of Highway 40 in Amarillo, Texas.
4. Dog Bark Park Inn in Cottonwood, Idaho
Who doesn’t like dogs? They are cute, friendly and happy when they see humans, but if you are not ok with the fact that they are kind of messy, we got you covered. On Highway 95 in Cottonwood, Idaho, there is a hotel built in the shape of a beagle, that is called The Dog Bark Park Inn.
The inn is actually a two-bedroom bed and breakfast that has dog-themed content. Local residents called this touristic attraction “Sweet Willy”. If you don’t want to spend the night in the building that has the distinction of being the world’s largest beagle, you can spend some time admiring the picturesque view.
 5. Flintstones Bedrock City in Coconino County, Arizona
For some, childhood dreams really do come true! At least for those who wanted to see the Flintstones family in reality. If you happen to be in the same category, then a road trip to Flintstones Bedrock City in Coconino County might be the perfect getaway. It is a roadside attraction that consists of an amusement park at the corner of Arizona State Rout 64 and U.S. Route 180 in Coconino County.
If you decide to visit this place, you can see Wilma’s Laundry and Barney’s Grocery and if you want something Flintstone-y to eat, then Fred’s Diner on-site will get you to some Bronto Burgers and maybe a slice of Gravelberry Pie.
If you weren’t thinking about going on a road trip before starting to read this article, something tells me that now you will. If you end up choosing one of these destinations or if you are extremely brave and you would love to take a road trip for more than 1 day, have fun and take lots of pictures.
P.S.: Don’t forget that you will never be bored when you’re going on a road trip across United States of America! There are 50 states. You have plenty touristic attractions to choose from.
Safe trip!
