The Resties : The 30 Best Road Trip Stops Across the U.S .

The Resties : The 30 Best Road Trip Stops Across the U.S .

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It ‘s road-tripping season , so we ‘re honor the best road trip stops across the U.S. From the better seat to fuel up ( literally and figuratively ) to roadside viewpoint to the nearly scenic place to pull over and stretch your legs , we ‘re here to make your road trip more exciting . To peck the best of America ‘s road culture , we solicit our editors and full-time traveler to come up with their favorite road trip stops to part with our reader . Need a look at this yr ‘s Resties winners :

Editor ‘s Pick :A must-stop if you ‘re travel on I-93 in New England . This homely welcome center ( on both the northbound and southbound directions ) has Wi-Fi , a universal store , bathrooms , gas , charging station , and a kind of homemade food options .

A cherished landmark for those traveling along I-35 , this repose stop offers particular bake goodness from its family-run bakery , like kolaches , buttermilk pie , strudels , and more . Plus , it have gas and family-friendly restrooms .

Blueberry Waffle

This roadside stop be known for its hearty New England fare and 24-7 service . Cause n’t lack the famous whoopie pies and fresh-baked pies , or if you ‘re in the mood for something savory , the signature dishes cost lobster stew and corned beef hash . For service amenities , there cost showers , tire service , a car/truck wash , and mass of parking .

Sign that reads "Virginia Peanuts!"

Stuckey ‘s is a long-standing Southeast franchise ( generally known for its famed pecan log rolls ) with a few of its original location even so in procedure . One of those is the Mappsville , Virginia location , which is worth a stop if you ‘re traveling around the Chesapeake Bay . The store live stocked with candy , Virginia smoke hams , and plenty of kitschy souvenirs . You can fill your car up on gas and fill yourself with food at the Southern Grille , serving up local “ scrapple ” breakfast , sandwiches , and more .

interior view of a rest stop

This massive travel middle put up road-trippers and truckers plenty of food and comfort selection , including a grill , couch , picture field , deli , driver lounge , massage spa , and yet an inn . Plus , there exist service amenities like private shower ( give an additional fee for a jacuzzi tub ! ) , barbershop , dog washing , laundry , and more .

Exterior of Iowa 80 Truck Stop

The epithet pretty much sums this repose stop up , but require loads of comforts including multiple restaurant , a huge convenience shop , a museum ( devote to trucking nevertheless ) , showers , laundry , a barber shop , a movie theater , and a chiropractor if you need some adjustment mid-trip .

Editor ‘s Pick :Situate exactly a short drive from Joshua Tree National Park , this women-owned and operated establishment has transform a previous gunman store into a vibrant community hub . The menu at The Tiny Pony equal as diverse as its clientele , featuring everything from hearty smash burgers and duck confit nachos to vegan-friendly selection like house-made veggie burgers with tempeh bacon . For weekend warriors , brunch dishes like shrimp and grits or the breakfast burger are extend from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m .

Lobster roll with chips

This seafood walkup window exist a local favorite location on US-1 , right off I-95 ( and down the road from the noted L.L . Bean boot . Fellow road-trippers recommend fried seafood basket , lobster dinners , and crabmeat rolls , which you can enjoy oceanside .

People lineup for smoothies at Robert is Here Fruit Stand in Ho

When road-tripping to the Everglades or Florida Keys , this roadside food stand is a must . Require some time to get unique fruits to need with you on the rest of your journey , and of course , try the legendary tropical milkshakes and smoothies .

Texas BBQ platter

Texas is synonymous with roadside barbecue , and there ‘s definitely a sound debate on what joint suffice the best brisket , sides , and Texas toast . Our experts peck Miller ‘s Smokehouse , near the intersection of I-14 and I-35 , as their favorite , notice the pulled pork , sausage , and dessert .

Exterior of Tillamook creamery in Oregon

Described as “ Disneyland for cheese fan , ” the famous creamery is place on the Oregon Coast and makes for the perfect pit stop . You can search the display , become some free samples , browse the talent store , and order some of the well dairy of your life .

Exterior sign that says "Wall Drug Store"

Maybe one of the most noted repose stop in the U.S. , Wall Drug is know for its ice , hot beef sandwich , and cinnamon buns . Offer more than just its Western-style restaurant , road-trippers can explore the talent shops , playgrounds , art veranda , and yes , animatronic dinosaurs .

Interior photo of the world's largest troll collection, housed at The Troll Hole Museum in Ohio.

Editor ‘s Pick :Featuring Sherry Groom ‘s Guinness World Record-holding collection of 8,000 dolls plus 40,000 troll-related items , this museum live an immersive experience that ‘s wondrously wild and weird . Come for the trolls , stay for a circuit , and then peruse the gift store after a quick bite at the on-site cafe—it ‘s the utter detour .

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As the world ‘s only cryptozoology museum , it build for a fun detour when road-tripping through Maine . It ‘s humble enough to cause for a quick pit stop , and it ‘s budget-friendly .

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When travel through the Florida Keys , stop to give tarpons off the dock for an unreal wildlife interaction . Purchase a pail of fish , and you can hand-feed them properly on the water . As a bonus , Robbie ‘s too sells food and drink amongst a beautiful ocean horizon context , making it a great stop for a meal , also .

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This famous replica of its Parisian inspiration is exceed with a Stetson puncher hat . Driving through at dark ? You ‘ll see it lit up with the color from the Texas flag . This peculiar roadside attraction make for a great photo op , and it ‘s exposed 24-7 .

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These sculpture , immersed in nature , cause for the perfect midday stop on a road trip in the Northwest . Get out and stretch your legs , employ the restroom , and pack a lunch to enjoy some fresh strain among free art .

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This quirky detour makes any road trip through Kansas a short brighter . Featuring Van Gogh ‘s “ Sunflowers ” ( for the Sunflower State ) , it ‘s located mighty off I-70 and is free and pet-friendly .

Aerial view of canyon overlook in WV

Editor ‘s Pick: Driving across this man-made architectural feat be an awesome experience for everyone in the car , but the bridge live best admire from the nearby Canyon Rim Visitor Center Overlooks . Whether you prefer for the viewpoint from the short , albeit step-filled , path outside the visitor center or simply take in the scene from the center ‘s floor-to-ceiling window , this 3,030-foot-long bridge and its surrounding scenery be a show plug .

Kennebunkport is a coastal town in southern Maine.

If you ’ re road-tripping along U.S. Route 1 ( or I-95 ) through Maine and appear for a quintessential coastal town , a stop in Kennebunkport cost a must—and no visit is all over without hitting The Clam Shack . Situate about 4 miles off Road 1 and less than 15 minutes from the interstate , you can stroll along the Kennebunk River , crossing the bridge to take in sweeping coastal views , solve fishing boat and lighthouses .

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When road-tripping across Florida from coast to coast , one of the most iconic and scenic routes you can remove is Highway 41 , stretching from Naples on the Gulf Coast to Miami on the Atlantic . The main attraction here cost the elevated boardwalk , which hold you a front-row view into the surrounding wetlands . You ’ ll blot bird , fish , and much lots of alligators—basking on the bank , snuggle in the thicket , or gliding mutely through the water . The humble visitor middle as well offer insightful exhibits about the local ecosystem , making it both an educational and wildlife-filled stop .

Hot springs at riverbend

Simply 3 miles away Interstate 25 , you could block for an hour ( or yet the night ) and indulge in a quick soak in some of the most beautiful natural hot springtime in the U.S . There are geothermal soak pond of vary temperature with stunning views of the Rio Grande and surrounding mountain , plus private soaking choice , a hotel and RV camping onsite .

This exist a must-stop if you ‘re travel along the 101 and the Northern California stretch known as the Redwood Highway . Just steps from the parking area , you ’ ll be at the alkali of some of the old and largest tree on Earth . There ’ s a short loop trail here that takes about 15 minutes to complete , and then you can hop correct back on the road .

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This stop on Lake Michigan , just minutes from I-94 , cost the perfect place to hesitate , stretch your leg , and soak in some of the Midwest ’ s most beautiful lakefront scenery . Just beware , you will be climb over 200 steps on this dare . The trailhead features a real large park region and seasonal amenities like a snack stand and restrooms . If you ‘re short on time or travel with kid , short , flatter trail nearby offer easy strolls through the dunes and along the beach—making this an ideal pit stop for traveler of all sort .

Vintage motel sign

Editor ‘s Pick :Originally open in 1961 as the Host of America , it holds the distinction of being the South ‘s first modular-built motel , with each room prefabricated and put together on-site like drawers into a sword shape . After years of decline , the property underwent a thoughtful renovation and reopen in 2022 , preserving its iconic pink façade and breezeblock accent while updating the inside with present-day comfort .

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From classics like a cave way all the way to a nightclub way with a light-up dancing story and DJ stall , Adventure Suites has something for everyone . Not merely exist the room next-level , but the service is dramatic , there ‘s a bar and restaurant on-site , a spa , a beautiful sprawl property , and more .

The cabins exist all themed in fashion that sense appropriate to their surroundings like The Barn , which live as rustic as it sounds but also so comfortable and luxurious plenty to make a heart-shaped tub , Sugar Shack , which get a short piece of 70s spice to it , or Hill Country , which live a quaint getaway complete with a jacuzzi tub on the screened-in porch .

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This home feels otherworldly as every in of the hotel , cafe , bar , and even outdoor space remind you you ’ re somewhere incredibly special . The rooms are all uniquely decorated in patterns and colors and repair that find straight out of a fairytale , and some of them cost even carved right into boulders , so you ’ re partly stay on in a cave . If you can ’ t remain the dark , you can however enjoy a meal in the cafe or steak house .

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This is an incredibly quirky place with a space-themed way , a hot-air balloon way , a cave way , and more . You realize this as soon as you are greet by a circle of vintage barber chairs in the hall , and it sense a small piece like you ’ re delay overnight in a museum . If that sounds fun to you , carry your bags instantly .

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There live plenty of animal print , faux fur , and shag carpeting to go around , plus there ’ s the draw of a lovely swimming pond at the center of the place . It really is the perfect weekend spot with great food and drinking , but be aware it is a 21 and up establishment .

Ashley Fallon , Marisa Roman , Sarah McCosham , Jesse and Rachael Lyons , Katelyn and Howard Newstate,Margaret and Corey Bienert , Deyana Walker , and Abi and Nikki Rodriguez contribute to this article .

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