Bucket List Road Trips: The Most Iconic Landmark in Every State
Grab your drinks, plug in your phone, and buckle your seatbelt — it’s time to make priceless memories on the road. If you only visit each state once, make sure it’s to see the most iconic landmarks in each one.
These landmarks span the spectrum from historic sites to stunning architecture to natural wonders. These 50 places are so breathtaking that they beg to be photographed.
As you plan your next road trip, put each of these landmarks on your list. All of them are easy enough to access from big cities or roads, and they are all so impressive that you’ll be sorry if you miss them.
Alabama – USS Alabama Battleship
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History—especially military history—nerds, this is for you. The USS Alabama is one of only two surviving South Dakota-class battleships. It was active in World War II in the Pacific Theater and earned nine battle stars. In fact, this battleship survived 26 engagements with the Japanese.
This stop isn’t a lighthearted one. It’s educational and pretty somber, but it’s worth the stop to see and touch a ship that engaged in combat during World War II.
Alaska – Denali
Formerly known as Mount McKinley, Denali is North America’s tallest peak, reaching 20,310 feet into the atmosphere. Seriously, if there is one thing you see in Alaska, make it this epic mountain. It sits in the (obviously-named) Denali National Park.
While you’re there, you might see Grizzly bears, wolves, moose, caribou, and Dall sheep. To truly experience this natural wonder, take advantage of it and camp there overnight.
Arizona – The Grand Canyon
Words don’t do this place justice. The canyon is ten miles across, a mile deep, and 277 miles long. After driving around and taking pictures, take a horseback ride down to the bottom and book a Colorado River white-water rapids excursion.
The Grand Canyon National Park is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re on a time-crunch, at least drive through it. You’ll never forget it.
Arkansas – Crater Of Diamonds State Park
Finders keepers! Yup, the diamonds you find at Crater of Diamonds State Park are yours to keep. It sits on 911 acres and has a 37.5-acre plowed field. They plow the diamond search area about once a month so that it’s easy for people of all ages to dig into and find those rare gems.
California – Golden Gate Bridge
It was hard choosing between the Hollywood Sign, Golden Gate Bridge, and Yosemite National Park. Let’s face it, California is full of famous landmarks. At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong going to any — or all — of them.
If you have to pick just one, the Golden Gate Bridge is the most photographed bridge in the state. Plus, that puts you in the same area as Alcatraz and Fisherman’s Wharf. They even have free walking tours and Equator Coffee at the Round House.
Colorado – Pikes Peak
The Rocky Mountains are the largest mountain range in North America. They run from Canada to New Mexico, and Pikes Peak is the tallest point in this system.
Casually called “America’s Mountain,” it rises a mind-numbing 14,000 feet into the sky. Even better? It’s really easy to get to because it’s only 12 miles west of Colorado Springs.
Connecticut – Gillette Castle
This modern medieval stone castle is mega-popular, attracting 300,000 people a year. It looks like something from King Arthur but it was built in 1914 by a famous actor named William Hooker Gillette.
The Gillette Castle is an ornate home with 14,000 square feet. It sits 200 feet over the Connecticut River. While there, spend time hiking the Seven Sisters hills and woodlands.
Delaware – Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
The boardwalk has it all – amazing food, access to the beach, and plenty of shopping too. Rehoboth Beach is known as one of the most family and queer-friendly beaches on the East Coast. While there, catch a free concert or take an old-time photograph with your family.
Florida – The Everglades
Sure, Florida has Disney World and the Kennedy Space Center, but it’s really known for The Everglades and the gaters that call it home. This stunning 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve is located on the southern tip of Florida.
It’s home to dozens of endangered species, like the Florida panther and American crocodile. In fact, this is the only place on Earth where the alligators and crocodiles live side by side.
Georgia – Savanah Historic District
It was tough deciding between this and the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta. Ultimately, the romantic atmosphere and variety of scrumptious eateries won. In fact, there is more to see and do than just shop and eat.
Within the Savannah Historic District, there are 22 park squares, ghost tours, and a ferry ride on the Savannah River.
Hawaii – Pearl Harbor National Memorial
While the Hawaii islands are full of luaus, parties, and an overall chill vibe, the Pearl Harbor Memorial is a quiet, somber place. As you walk through it, spend some time at the USS Arizona Memorial too, where you can honor the military personnel killed in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Idaho – Perrine Bridge
Located in southern Idaho, this bewitching truss arch bridge overlooks the Snake River Canyon on the north part of Twin Falls. The Perrine Bridge, named after the founder of Twin Falls, is an astounding 1,500 feet long.
If you’re up to it, either walk on the pedestrian walkway or take a thrilling bungee jump into the canyon. If not, it’s still fun to stop and take some pictures before you drive across it on your road trip.
Illinois – Millennium Park
The most-visited city in Illinois is Chicago, hands down. While you’re there, stroll through Millennium Park and take a silly selfie at the Bean (whose real name is The Cloud Gate Statue). Even though it’s in the heart of downtown Chicago, you can spend time in peaceful gardens, enjoy interactive fountains, and even enjoy rock climbing or a skate park.
Indiana – Basilica Of the Sacred Heart
The University of Notre Dame is the most visited place in Indiana. While that’s a historic university for a number of reasons, the most beautiful place on campus is this church.
The Basilica Of The Sacred Heart is the official church of the university and the mother church of the Congregation of the Holy Cross of the United States. Its neo-gothic architecture is beautifully displayed in pictures.
Iowa – The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption
Another fantastic feat of architecture is The Shrine Of The Grotto of the Redemption. It’s so mind-blowing that it’s considered the “Eighth Wonder Of The World.”
Father Paul Matthias Dobberstein designed it after he became critically ill with pneumonia. He prayed to the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Mother of God) and promised to build her a shrine if he lived. After a decade of stockpiling rocks and precious stones, the Grotto began to take shape in 1912. It’s a place you’ll never forget.
Kansas – Monument Rocks
If your only image of Kansas is The Wizard of Oz and flat plains, then you’ve got to see the exhilarating Monument Rocks in Oakley, Kansas. These natural formations, packed with fossils and rising 50 feet above the ground, occurred during the Cretaceous Period millions of years ago. This is a must for anyone who enjoys geology or natural wonders.
Kentucky – Natural Bridge
Unlike other bridges on this list, the Natural Bridge in the Red River Gorge Geologic Area is a sandstone arch. It’s 75 feet long and 65 feet high. Camp in Natural Bridge State Park to really take in the peace and beauty. Or take the sky lift, soaring through the forest canopies, until you land at a spot that gives you the perfect view of the arch.
Louisiana – French Quarter
Some people call it the Crown Jewel of New Orleans, while others regard it as one of New Orleans’ most historic neighborhoods. Whether you’re there for the parades, food, or music, you’ll find it all right here.
Within the French Quarter, the French Market has boutiques, restaurants boasting world-renowned chefs, and ghost tours drawing curious people from around the world.
Maine – Pemaquid Point Lighthouse
Maine is known for four things – lobsters, clam chowder, lighthouses, and the home state of Stephen King. So, check off all the boxes at one time.
Eat a lobster roll with clam chowder while you read IT, all at the base of the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse. Due to the weather, it’s only open from mid-May until late October. They even let people climb to the top of the tower.
Maryland – Antietam Battlefield
History buffs, this one is for you. Sadly, 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing after just 12 short hours of battle along Antietam Creek, just outside of Sharpsburg, Maryland. The battle happened on September 17, 1862, and was fought between Union Major General George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac and Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia.
An air of quiet reverence settles across the corn fields at Antietam Battlefield. The entire park is about 3,000 acres, and you can walk or drive through it.
Massachusetts – Freedom Trail
“The Red Coats are coming! The Red Coats are coming!” Walk the exact path of Paul Revere’s famous ride, experiencing a taste of Revolutionary War history in the middle of modern downtown Boston.
You can experience walking The Freedom Trail with group tours or by yourself. Either way, you’ll love experiencing the story Henry Wadsworth Longfellow popularized in his poem in 1860.
Michigan – Belle Isle Park
Larger than NYC’s Central Park, Bell Isle Park is an island in the Detroit River. It sits right in between the United States and Canada.
Belle Isle Park is known as the “Jewel of Detroit,” with 985 acres and tons to do. Kayaking, relaxing near the James Scott Memorial Fountain, walking through the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, and golfing are just a handful of things you can do here.
Minnesota – North Shore Scenic Drive
It makes sense to drive down one of the most famous scenic drives in America while you’re on a road trip! The North Shore Scenic Drive is 154 miles long and goes between Duluth and the Canadian border.
Along the way, you’ll see pink cobblestone beaches, lighthouses, ghost towns, and restaurants that you can’t find anywhere else. Plus, stop at some of the picnic spots and check out some famous shipwrecks.
Mississippi – Biloxi Bay Bridge
Aerial views of the Biloxi Bay Bridge, 1.6 miles long, give some people anxiety and others a rush of adrenaline. It connects Biloxi to Ocean Springs and has a pedestrian walkway with three overlooks. Even though Hurricane Katrina destroyed it in 2005, it’s now rebuilt stronger and better than ever.
Missouri – The Gateway Arch
Driving down Interstate 70, you can’t miss it! Commonly called the “St. Louis Arch,” The Gateway Arch is an easy stop along your cross-country road trip.
You can either walk around the base of it or take a 4-minute tram ride to the top. It’s the tallest monument in the United States and the tallest arch in the entire world, so take the tram ride and enjoy the expansive views.
Montana – Beartooth Highway
With a name like this, you’ve got to check out the Beartooth Highway in Montana. It’s been called the most scenic route to Yellowstone Park because it climbs almost 11,000 feet above sea level with stunning views of the mountains. You’ll drive through pine forests and alpine tundra. And if you drive to the top, you’ll see glacial alpine lakes and snow that is there even in the summer months.
Nebraska – Great Platte River Road Archway Monument
A combination of architecture and natural beauty, The Archway is a beautiful pitstop along the Great Platte River Road. This iconic road is worth a trek, too, since it was once part of the original Oregon Trail.
Choose from audio tours or just walk through the museum yourself to learn about other people and groups that helped build America, like the Pony Express and the Lincoln Highway.
Nevada – Hoover Dam
Most people associate Nevada with big-star entertainment and games at places like Las Vegas and Reno. But what you really need to see is the Hoover Dam.
It’s an easy stop between Nevada and Arizona in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. Yes, the same river that carved the Grand Canyon. The Hoover Dam is tied to American History since it was commissioned by President Hoover and built during the Great Depression, from 1931-1936.
New Hampshire – Cathedral Ledge State Park
The best time to take a slow drive through New Hampshire’s Cathedral Ledge State Park is in the fall when the leaves are bursting with bold orange and red shades.
The road is a short mile long and takes you to the 700-foot Cathedral Ledge, where millions of people capture the vibrant colors of the hills. You can also access the overlook from hiking trails in the Echo Lake State Park, too.
New Jersey – Thomas Edison National Historic Park
Combine history and science into one fascinating museum, and you’ve got the Thomas Edison National Park. This is where American inventor Thomas Edison lived and conducted much of his trail-blazing research. The Edison family home is named Glenmont, and once inside, you can see more than 6,000 historical photographs of Thomas Edison and his family.
New Mexico – Albuquerque Old Town
The city of Albuquerque is unlike anything else in the United States. It is the site of true Southwest culture, full of century-old adobe houses and restaurants that serve authentic sopaipillas.
Albuquerque Old Town is where the culture really shines. Go shopping or enjoy one of the live events—you might even be lucky enough to catch a fiesta!
New York – Statue Of Liberty
Manhattan is a hot tourist destination for people from all over the world. However, the Statue of Liberty is the most recognizable monument in the entire state. It was the first thing that immigrants saw as they arrived on boats at Ellis Island, and it stands for freedom, justice, and the American dream.
North Carolina – Biltmore Estate
It’s hard to believe that this expansive, overwhelming estate was just known as “home” to the Vanderbilt family. Today, it’s a National Historic Landmark and one of the most popular places for weddings.
The Biltmore Estate is located just outside Asheville and spans a whopping 800 acres. It offers tours and has three different overnight properties.
North Dakota – Badlands Overlook
Travel along the South Unit Scenic Drive and stop at the Badlands Overlook. The views will take your breath away! The entire expanse of Theodore Roosevelt National Park will spread out in front of your eyes. The best time to enjoy the overlook is right at sunrise. You might even see some elk or bison wandering about.
Ohio – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Museum
This museum is a must-see for music lovers of any genre, not just rock music. The Rock Hall sits on the bank of Lake Erie in Cleveland and features one-of-a-kind authentic exhibits.
Walk up each floor to see once-in-a-lifetime artifacts, like the throne from Taylor Swift’s “Look What You Made Me Do” music video. They also have personal items from Blondie, Billy Joel, Elton John, and more. Plus, they even have fun interactive exhibits for people of all ages.
Oklahoma – The Cave House
Call it the Cave House or the Flintstone House, but you’ll agree that it’s one of the most unforgettable homes you’ll ever visit. It was built in the 1920s as a cave garden-themed restaurant. Today, the current owner allows people to tour the home (for a price, of course). Some people say it’s haunted, but everyone says it’s memorable.
Oregon – Crater Lake
You have to see this to believe it; yes, it really is that blue in real life. It was formed about 7,700 years ago after a volcano erupted and a mountain peak collapsed.
Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA and is so pure and blue because of the rain and snow. You’ll want to spend a bit of time relaxing here, taking in the awe-inspiring blues and whites that dazzle off the water.
Pennsylvania – Gettysburg National Military Park
The entire state of Pennsylvania is filled with must-see landmarks. From the food in Lancaster County to the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, there is enough to keep you busy for weeks. But Gettysburg National Military Park tops the list because history was made here.
Drive through the battlefields, pay your respects at the monuments, take a ghost tour, or stand in the spot where President Lincoln gave the iconic Gettysburg Address.
Rhode Island – Cliff Walk
If the ocean is your happy place, then the best place to view it is on the Cliff Walk. It’s 3.5 miles long and mostly easy-to-walk boardwalk. Part of the trail takes you over the rugged New England rocky shoreline. The views are absolutely amazing, peering over a 70-foot drop.
South Carolina – Old Sheldon Church Ruins
Feel the pulse of history when you visit the Old Sheldon Church Ruins outside of Beaufort, SC. It was built in the Greek Revival between 1745 and 1753.
It was first known as Prince William’s Parish Church and was burned down by the British in 1779 during the Revolutionary War. Then, it was rebuilt, only to be burned down again in 1865 by General Sherman in the Civil War. Now, it’s a popular site for weddings, thanks to the historic bricks and stunning oak trees.
South Dakota – Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Everyone who drives through South Dakota has to stop at the imposing carvings of past Presidents. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln adorn the cliffs at Mount Rushmore.
No one is allowed to climb them or get very close, but they’re awe-inspiring to see in person. The sculptures are carved into the mountains of the Black Hills. It’s such a popular destination that around 3 million people visit it each year.
Tennessee – Great Smoky Mountains
This was a really tough one to choose from because Tennessee also has Graceland, the Ryman Auditorium, and the National Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Motel). It all boiled down to the landmark with the most stunning views of nature, and there’s nothing like the misty clouds that settle on the Great Smokey Mountains.
It’s the perfect place to camp among the woods and black bears. While you’re there, visit Dollywood and watch Dolly’s Stampede.
Texas – San Antonio River Walk
Since it’s so large, it’s really tough to pick just one landmark from Texas. Out of all of them, the one that draws the widest variety of people has to be the San Antonio River Walk.
Take a relaxing boat ride through the river or sit outside on the patios with a handcrafted cocktail. It’s right around the corner from the historic Alamo site too.
Utah – Inspiration Point
The name says it all. You can’t help but feel inspiration wash over you as you take in the reddish limestone spires. From Inspiration Point, you can see all of the hoodoos at once in the Bryce Amphitheater. This is a must for hikers, with a 1.5-mile hike from Bryce Point to Inspiration Point.
It’s a bucket list destination for anyone who loves the natural wonders of the world because it has the Paunsaugunt plateau, rock walls known as Siletn City, and the head of Campbell Canyon all in one place.
Vermont – Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge
Covered bridges are just as loved and photographed as the Trussel arch ones, and out of all of them, the Cornish-Windsor Bridge has a seriously scenic backdrop. For the best pictures, visit it in the fall, when the leaves are changing.
This 158-year-old bridge crosses the Connecticut River and connects to New Hampshire. It’s the 2nd-longest covered bridge in America.
Virginia – Colonial Williamsburg
Immerse yourself in interactive history at Colonial Williamsburg. Take a carriage ride through the town, speak to innkeepers, and watch a blacksmith work. You’ll feel like you took a step back in time to the days when the Founding Fathers walked the same cobblestone streets. It’s also really close to Jamestown Settlement and Busch Gardens, too.
Washington – The Space Needle
It has a unique shape that rises 605 feet into the sky. At the top, there’s so much more to do than just take in the views. Conquer your fear of heights on the glass floor and Skyriser glass benches, or enjoy cocktails at the bar.
The Space Needle was built as a centerpiece for the 1962 World’s Fair and still represents the Age of Space today.
West Virginia – New River Gorge Bridge
Hikers, waterfall fans, and nature photographers will find an abundance of magnificent places in wild and wonderful West Virginia. So, it’s really tough to pick just one landmark. Is it Black Water Falls? The home of the Moth Man? Yes, go see those!
If you only see one thing in West Virginia, visit the thrilling New River Gorge Bridge. It’s 3,030 feet long, making it the longest steel pan in the Western Hemisphere.
Wisconsin – Lambeau Field
Does the name Lombardi mean anything to you? If it does, then you’ve got to take a tour of the historic Lambeau Field. This football stadium has witnessed Frozen Tundra games and concerts by Paul McCartney and Billy Joel. It is one of the oldest continually operating NFL stadiums, making it a destination for sports fans.
Wyoming – Old Faithful
Honestly, all of Yellowstone National Park is a must-see; but if you only have time to see one thing, go see Old Faithful. It’s incredibly accessible and even has bench seating. The dazzling geyser shoots 100-180 feet into the air. Eruptions last about 2-5 minutes and happen 20 times a day.
The park staff maintains eruption predictions so you can plan your visit around it. It erupts about every 60-110 minutes.
