Sometimes, all you need in life is a cross-country trip, far from your concerns and daily obligations. If you find yourself wondering about all the destinations out there worthy of a picture, then perhaps it is time to consider a road trip through our country’s best roadside attractions.

Luckily, there is no shortage of picturesque pit stops throughout the United States. All you need is a little trip planning, money, an RV rental, and a mindset ready for exploration. In this guide, we’ll look at some unique road trip attractions you can visit across the U.S. that will make your journey unforgettable.

Why Visiting Roadside Attractions is a Great Investment of Time

When planning a road trip, it’s easy to get caught up in the bigger destinations—the national parks, bustling cities, or famous landmarks. However, the real magic of the journey often lies in the unexpected, quirky roadside attractions along the way. These attractions, ranging from bizarre sculptures to unique historical sites, add layers of fun, education, and adventure to your trip that are worth every minute spent. Here's why they are such a great investment of your time and will create lasting memories.

1. They Offer Unexpected Adventures

One of the best parts of a road trip is the spontaneity it offers. Roadside attractions break the routine of long stretches of highway, providing a welcome respite and a burst of curiosity. Each stop is an adventure in itself, often with stories or legends surrounding them that aren’t found in any guidebook. Whether it’s stumbling upon the world’s largest ball of twine or discovering a hidden UFO landing pad, these attractions turn an ordinary road trip into something extraordinary.

2. They Create Lifelong Memories

Roadside attractions are often the backdrop for unforgettable moments. These oddities are perfect for making memories with friends and family—whether you're snapping a funny photo next to the giant dinosaur or sharing a laugh over a strange local legend. These quirky stops become the highlight of your trip, adding a sense of humor and wonder to the journey. Years later, you’ll look back at the photos and laugh about that offbeat spot you visited, creating a nostalgic story to tell.

3. They Bring History and Culture to Life

Many roadside attractions, while weird or eccentric, have fascinating histories or cultural significance. Sites like the Cadillac Ranch in Texas or Salvation Mountain in California not only showcase art and creativity but also offer a deep connection to the local community’s values and traditions. By visiting these places, you get a glimpse of the cultural fabric that ties these towns and cities together—experiences you won't get from just visiting the well-known spots.

4. They Are Great for Learning and Discovery

Beyond the fun and quirkiness, many roadside attractions provide educational opportunities for both adults and children. From the Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail in Missouri to the Paper House in Massachusetts, these attractions offer a blend of humor, history, and thought-provoking concepts. They allow you to learn about unique parts of American culture, history, and innovation in a way that traditional museums or historical sites can’t replicate. This mix of education and entertainment enriches your trip and sparks curiosity, making it more than just a destination-driven journey.

5. They Help You Slow Down and Enjoy the Journey

Sometimes, we’re so focused on getting from point A to point B that we forget to enjoy the journey itself. Roadside attractions remind us to slow down and appreciate the little moments. Instead of rushing through long stretches of highway, stopping at these attractions allows you to take in the scenery, reflect on your travels, and appreciate the freedom of the open road. It’s a chance to catch your breath, stretch your legs, and enjoy a brief but memorable break from the road.

6. They’re Great for Bonding

Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even strangers, visiting roadside attractions offers a unique way to bond. The oddities you encounter often spark conversation and laughter, giving everyone something to share. Kids, especially, will treasure the quirky and fun stops—plus, it’s a chance to teach them about history, culture, and the beauty of exploration. Roadside attractions foster a sense of camaraderie and togetherness that enhances the travel experience.

7. They Make Your Road Trip Unique

What sets your road trip apart from others is your unique experience—and roadside attractions play a big role in that. Instead of following the typical tourist path, these odd and offbeat attractions offer a chance to experience something unusual that not everyone else will. You’ll leave your trip with stories and experiences that are entirely your own, not dictated by the popular itineraries others might follow.

How to Find Weird Roadside Attractions Across the United States

One of the joys of a road trip is stumbling upon the weird and wonderful—those hidden gems that you wouldn't find unless you actively seek them out. While some iconic roadside attractions are well-documented, the true oddities often require a bit of research and exploration. Luckily, there are several resources that can help you discover those quirky places across the U.S. Here’s how to track down some of the strangest, most offbeat attractions during your travels.

1. Roadside America

For many road-trippers, Roadside America is the ultimate online guide to the weirdest roadside attractions in the U.S. This site features a massive, user-curated collection of oddities and attractions, categorized by state, region, and type. Whether you're looking for a giant rubber band ball in Minnesota or a giant fiberglass dinosaur in California, Roadside America’s database is filled with useful details like location, visiting hours, and fun facts. It's a great tool to plan your stops and make sure you don't miss any of the weird spots along your route.

Fun Tip: You can filter your search by categories like "Giant Things," "Oddball Museums," and "Unusual Statues," making it easy to find the perfect quirky stop for your interests.

2. Atlas Obscura

Another excellent resource for finding the offbeat and unusual is Atlas Obscura. This online compendium of the world's most unusual and fascinating places is ideal for road trippers who want to venture beyond the typical tourist attractions. From the mystery spots in California to a giant museum of the world's smallest things, Atlas Obscura has detailed descriptions, travel tips, and photos for hundreds of weird locations across the U.S. The site also allows you to search by region, making it easy to find attractions near your current or future destination.

Fun Tip: Atlas Obscura also has a mobile app, so you can access their catalog of oddities on the go and discover hidden attractions as you drive.

3. Local Travel Guides and Visitor Centers

Local travel guides and visitor centers are great resources for finding offbeat spots in any region. Many towns and cities offer free brochures or maps showcasing local attractions, including hidden gems that you won’t find in mainstream guides. Don’t be afraid to ask at local visitor centers for recommendations on quirky roadside attractions—they may point you toward something unexpected and fun.

Fun Tip: Some regions even have "quirky attraction" tours or self-guided driving tours that take you to local oddities. Just ask the locals!

4. Road Trip Apps and Tools

Several apps and GPS tools are designed to enhance your road trip experience and help you find unusual stops along the way. Apps like Roadtrippers and Google Maps allow you to search for nearby attractions, including those lesser-known spots that make road trips memorable. Roadtrippers, for example, offers an extensive list of roadside attractions, including weird and offbeat sites. You can filter results by type (historical, cultural, quirky) and explore user-generated reviews to make sure your stop is worth the detour.

Fun Tip: When using Roadtrippers, you can create a custom route that specifically includes quirky and weird roadside stops, ensuring that your trip is packed with fun surprises.

5. Social Media & Road Trip Blogs

Social media platforms and road trip blogs are increasingly valuable for discovering unusual attractions. Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are full of travelers posting pictures of bizarre, hilarious, and unique roadside stops. Hashtags like #WeirdRoadsideAttractions, #RoadsideAmerica, or #OffbeatTravel can reveal hidden treasures. Additionally, many road trip bloggers post detailed itineraries that include offbeat destinations, often accompanied by tips and local recommendations.

Fun Tip: Follow road trip hashtags on Instagram for inspiration, and check out #OffTheBeatenPath blogs to find reviews of weird roadside attractions from fellow travelers.

6. State and National Park Websites

Many states and national parks boast their own collection of quirky, lesser-known attractions. Local parks and historical sites often house oddities and unique installations that make for interesting detours. Whether it's an outdoor sculpture garden or an obscure historical site, checking out local park websites can lead you to those off-the-beaten-path places that are perfect for adding a touch of uniqueness to your trip.

Fun Tip: Explore state-specific sites or national park directories for information on local museums, historic landmarks, and outdoor art installations that are perfect for your quirky adventure.

7. The “Weird” Appeal of Roadside Diners, Gas Stations, and Motels

Sometimes, the charm of roadside attractions comes from their offbeat aesthetic or charmingly outdated vibe. Keep your eyes peeled for quirky diners, retro gas stations, and vintage motels that often have an old-school charm. These types of attractions may not be “weird” in the traditional sense, but their nostalgic, kitschy qualities add personality and character to your road trip.

Fun Tip: Stop by for a meal or just to take a picture, and don’t forget to ask the staff about any weird local spots they recommend. Often, these places are havens for travelers looking for the quirky side of Americana.

Top 10 Roadside Attractions in the U.S.

It is no surprise that our country’s towns and cities offer fascinating roadside oddities. Let's take a look at some of the most iconic and bizarre destinations that are a must-visit for any road tripper.

1. Hole N’ The Rock (Moab, Utah)

Located in Moab, Utah, the Hole N’ The Rock is a 5,000-square-foot cave carved into sandstone. This impressive structure is both a home and a tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy a guided bus tour of the cave, where they can explore the rooms carved into the rock and learn about the fascinating history of the place. The site also features a zoo, an art gallery, and a Native American pottery store. For a quick detour, you’ll be glad to know it’s just off U.S. Route 191, making it a perfect pit stop on your way to explore the Utah wilderness.

Fun Fact: The cave was hand-carved by Albert and Gladys Christensen in the 1940s!

2. Cano’s Castle (Antonito, Colorado)

Standing 40 feet tall, Cano’s Castle is a testament to creativity and resilience. Built by Vietnam War veteran Dominic Espinosa, it’s a sprawling fortress made of beer cans, scrap metal, and other found materials. The two towers and surrounding structures make this unique roadside attraction an incredible stop for fans of art, history, and quirkiness. Be mindful that this is private property, so be respectful when visiting and stay on the roadside.

Fun Fact: Dominic Espinosa, known as "Cano," constructed the castle as a tribute to surviving the war and his dedication to self-expression.

3. Foamhenge (Centreville, Virginia)

Take a drive to Centreville, Virginia, and you'll encounter Foamhenge—a replica of the famous Stonehenge, but made entirely from foam. This quirky roadside attraction, built by artist Mark Cline, is a playful tribute to the ancient monument. The installation is located at Cox Farms and is open seasonally, making it a fun stop during spring or summer months.

Detour Tip: It’s just a short detour from I-66 and a perfect break from highway driving to snap a fun photo.

Fun Fact: Foamhenge was originally created as part of a larger exhibit, which included other foam-based structures!

4. Seattle Gum Wall (Seattle, Washington)

Located under Pike Place Market, the Seattle Gum Wall is a colorful, albeit somewhat germy, artistic phenomenon. Covered in thousands of pieces of chewed gum, the 50-foot-long wall is one of the weirdest—and most Instagrammable—attractions in the U.S. It’s a popular stop for tourists and locals alike, and it definitely earns a spot on the weird roadside attractions list.

Fun Fact: The wall was officially declared a tourist attraction in 1999 after locals began sticking their gum on it in the early 1990s!

5. Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, Texas)

Cadillac Ranch is an iconic symbol of road trip culture, featuring 10 vintage Cadillacs half-buried in the Texas desert. Covered in colorful graffiti, this artwork attracts travelers from all over the world. It’s a great spot to take photos, add your own spray paint, and enjoy the open desert scenery.

Detour Tip: The Cadillac Ranch is located just off I-40, making it an easy detour for anyone traveling along this historic route.

Fun Fact: The cars are buried nose-first, and visitors are encouraged to contribute to the art by adding their own spray paint!

6. Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail and Museum (St. Louis, Missouri)

For the adventurous road tripper, the Nuclear Waste Adventure Trail offers a one-of-a-kind stop. This attraction showcases a 75-foot mound of rubble, which houses a disposal cell for buried radioactive waste. While the subject matter is serious, the museum offers an educational and unique look at the country's nuclear history.

Fun Fact: The site is home to one of the largest concentrations of hazardous waste in the U.S., yet it’s sealed for safety!

7. Enchanted Highway (Regent, North Dakota)

The Enchanted Highway is a winding stretch of rural road lined with seven giant metal sculptures created by local artist Gary Greff. These massive works of art depict wildlife, such as giant grasshoppers and a soaring eagle, and serve as landmarks in this remote area. It’s an artistic journey that’s perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of road trip art.

Detour Tip: Located between Gladstone and Regent on Highway 21, the sculptures are easily accessible and offer plenty of opportunities for photos.

Fun Fact: The sculptures range from 12 to 50 feet tall and were constructed to attract tourism to this small town.

8. Salvation Mountain (Imperial County, California)

This vibrant, colorful hillside near Niland, California, is the brainchild of local artist Leonard Knight. Salvation Mountain is covered in flowers, trees, religious scriptures, and biblical quotes. It’s a spiritual and artistic landmark that invites visitors to reflect on the messages of love and faith. A visit here can be both introspective and awe-inspiring.

Fun Fact: Salvation Mountain was built entirely by hand from adobe, paint, and straw—without the use of power tools!

9. The Paper House (Rockport, Massachusetts)

For those fascinated by the art of recycling, The Paper House is a must-see. This unusual house, built in the 1920s by mechanical engineer Elis F. Stenman, is made almost entirely of newspapers. The house’s walls, furniture, and even the roof are constructed from more than 100,000 newspapers. It’s a testament to ingenuity and creativity.

Detour Tip: The Paper House is located just off Route 127 and offers guided tours.

Fun Fact: The house was originally built as a summer retreat, and the artist used the house as a statement on recycling and creativity.

10. UFO Landing Port (Poland, Wisconsin)

If you’re a fan of extraterrestrial life, the UFO Landing Port in Poland, Wisconsin, will surely spark your curiosity. Built by Bob Tohak, the structure consists of a steel platform with flashing blue lights meant to attract UFOs. It’s an offbeat and quirky place to stop on your cross-country road trip—whether you believe in aliens or not.

Fun Fact: The landing port is equipped with flashing lights and antennas that are believed to be a beacon for extraterrestrial visitors!

Discover Roadside Attractions with Cruise America

As you make your way across the country, be sure to plan your route around these favorite roadside attractions. With Cruise America’s RV rentals, you can enjoy all the freedom and comfort you need while exploring the weird and wonderful sites along the way.

Cruise America offers a range of RV options that allow you to comfortably travel with family and friends, whether you're visiting iconic roadside attractions or searching for quirky detours. Make your next road trip one to remember—book your RV rental today and start your adventure!