50 Stops for a Nonstop Nationwide Road Trip

Whether you're on a romantic voyage for two, traveling with family and friends or rolling solo, all you need is a couple of months and well-planned savings to visit every U.S. state on a nonstop road trip. We've got the ultimate guide across America mapped out to perfection. Our diverse list includes budget and photo-friendly locales, along with some classic road trip pit stops. Cruise with us from east to west as we touch each state in this one-of-a-kind cross-country itinerary.

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If the sun chose Acadia National Park as the first place in the country to shine on, we figure it's a good place to start for our trip. There's some debate as to the exact location that calls dibs on the first rays cast by the sun, but Cadillac Mountain has one of the best vantage points for views. There are no losers in the race of the rising sun, only luminous sights and the beginning of a memorable trip.

After enjoying the morning in Maine, you're going to want to hop on the road with enough time to get to Burlington, Vermont, where Battery Park has one of the prettiest sunsets in the east. Peering over Lake Champlain, the natural scenery is enough to earn this place a pit stop, but the war memorials will add some historical value to your already awesome day.

Only a few hours away from the previous stop, Weirs Beach in Laconia, New Hampshire, is another lakefront location worth the visit. Equipped with a boardwalk, bumper cars and boat rentals, Weirs clearly knows how to host families. Next to Lake Winnipesaukee, it's easy to peacefully people-watch while enjoying the day.

Just over 100 miles from the previous town, Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts, is up next. Home of the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. If it's in your budget, plan to travel in season and catch a game. If it's too pricey or time-consuming to stay for the first pitch, take a tour for a bit cheaper or snap a pic outside for free!

Scenic drives keep expenses down and jaws dropped while on the road. Take a ride down Ocean Drive in Newport, Rhode Island, also called "Ten Mile Drive," for its lining of landmarks and monuments. You'll find plenty of opportunity to pull over and breathe in the Atlantic air while feasting your eyes on breathtaking views.

When Mark Twain wrote "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," he lived in this Hartford home. Visit the abode of one of the greatest and most well-known authors in history as an unforgettable excursion on your cross-country road trip (and a fairly short distance from our previous stop). The gothic architecture of the Mark Twain House and Museum is alluring both inside and out, making it a very photogenic history lesson.

Where New York's Twin Towers once stood, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum commemorating the lost lives of thousands replaces them. The 2-acre-wide dedications are enormous man-made waterfalls framed by bronze panels with the names of every 9/11 victim. Nearby, the Brooklyn Bridge and other New York must-sees are within walking distance to maximize the experience.

For the next destination on the list, you can leave your car parked (save on dollars and gas mileage whenever possible) and hop on the PATH train (transferring to the light rail) to check out Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. A spectacular New York City skyline lies in view while you enjoy the more laid-back, Jersey side of the Hudson River, also one of the few places you can take a ferry to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

The essence of France hits you right in the face in this unlikely Wilmington, Delaware, estate. Nemours Mansion and Gardens (again, only a couple hours' drive from where we last left off), was created by Alfred I. duPont in the early 1900s to resemble a French chateau. The 77-room mansion and largest garden of its kind in North America will easily steal your attention, so try not to get lost on the over 200-acre property. We've still got most of the country to see!

The charming Annapolis Historic District in Maryland draws visitors from far and wide, but we only have to travel about 100 miles to get here from our Delaware destination. And ain't it quaint? The brick-lined avenues and peeks at the bay provide a cozy, home-like feeling during this getaway. Stay awhile and soak up the pleasant vibes by taking a walking tour, going paddle-boarding or grabbing a warm drink at any of the conveniently located cafes.

Next, a three-hour drive into Virginia puts you in Williamsburg, where things get a little retro. Colonial Williamsburg is where you'll find re-enactors acting the part in this living history museum of a town. Tour guides dressed in 18th-century garments, talking the old-timey vernacular of yesteryear, make it fun for families to immerse themselves in the past and learn about the region.

A bit of a lengthier drive, about 300 miles into West Virginia, will take us to a place suited for road trips. The New River Gorge Bridge is a beautiful and practical structure that reduced what was once a 40-minute drive through mountains into a one-minute drive. For the adventurous among us, this is a place to let your daredevil out, as you'll see base jumpers parachuting around the bridge. For the rest of us, this would be a good time to rent a bike and pedal along the New River for a nice stretch.

Now it's time for some real road tripping! Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the next stop on the map. While it's an eight-hour drive without delays, the city is an incomparable destination. Why else would we be stopping in Philly, besides the cheesesteaks, the brotherly love and running up the stairs from the "Rocky" movies? To see the Liberty Bell, of course, as well as other unbelievable artifacts from the founding days of America at Independence Hall. Save the cheesesteak for after the tour, so you can crash for the night on a full belly. This day will definitely be a long one.

The plan is to wake up early the next morning, or maybe dedicate a day to driving more than 600 miles into Ohio where you'll need to rest up for a full day at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. This place is huge, with landscaping that will awe you throughout your visit. You can attempt it, but it's doubtful you'll be able to see the astounding number of animal exhibits, habitats, and enjoy all the rides and activities for the family on-site in only one day. Don't let us stop you from trying, though!

Time to head up north for about four hours until we almost reach Canada, but not quite. Although we can see Ontario just across the Detroit River, we're going to stay stateside in Michigan and peruse the GMRENCEN, once known as the Detroit Renaissance Center. The lively metropolis is an exciting place to be. Shopping, casinos, dining, comedy clubs … you name it, you'll find it here. The Detroit Riverwalk will possibly sway you to spend one more day in town. Just to recharge your batteries, of course (wink).

Downtown Indianapolis is a cool place to be. There's a mall that's the good kind of ridiculous, all sorts of quirky bars and restaurants and a night that lights up while horse-filled carriages escort lovers and families through the Indiana evening streets. But since we probably did some heavy shopping in Detroit, and had to travel 300 miles south to get here, let's try to learn more than we spend by visiting the Indiana State Museum. If you really want to take it easy, find some solitude simply by enjoying the White River State Park, where the museum is located.

In not-so-far-away (about two hours from the last city) Louisville, Kentucky, next on the agenda is to check out the ponies. More accurately, stop at Churchill Downs to see the kind of arena the world's finest racing horses compete in. Combine a tour of the equestrian racetrack with a walkthrough of the Kentucky Derby Museum to better understand and appreciate your trip. If you decide to attend an actual horse race while in town, remember to dress business casual for these prim and proper events.

Whether you think The King is hiding away on an island trying to stay incognito, or you accept that he lives on forever through his musical legacy, we can all agree that his former home, Graceland, in Memphis, Tennessee, is where you can best feel the spirit of Elvis Presley. Tour his massive mansion and the adjacent museum dedicated to everything related to the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame inductee. It'll be close to a 400-mile drive from where we last left, but that's nothing on this mega road trip.

Time for some serenity in Durham, North Carolina. It'll take us over 700 miles to get here, but enjoy the ride. Once arrived, breathe the aromatic airs of the immaculately landscaped Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Located on the campus of Duke University, this stunning garden includes inspiring sculptures and a bridge with intricate architectural details floating over an adorable pond. Time will seem to slow long enough for you to rev up your engines and hit the road full of energy yet again.

Up next, it's only a three-hour trek from Durham, North Carolina, to Charleston, South Carolina, where the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge awaits. Another walk wouldn't hurt, and you can take a stroll on the scenic sides of the bridge (got to stay moving during all of this driving!). Get some exercise, catch views of the city and do some premium people-watching as a pedestrian on the bridge. While driving, check out the bridge's design itself, as clean lines and triangles appear to form a humongous tepee shell.

In the middle of Georgia, another 300-mile journey, visitors can cruise on a meditative Ferris wheel ride on Skyview Atlanta. The massive attraction draws tourists and locals to board the enclosed, climate-controlled cars, where they can get a slowly rotating view of the city. It conveniently sits across the street from Centennial Olympic Park, a thriving green space created for the 1996 Summer Olympics that the city hosted, and is central to Atlanta sights including the CNN Center, The World of Coca-Cola Museum and the Georgia Aquarium. Talk about getting the most out of one location.

If you're going to drive to Florida, especially those last 800 miles down I-75 from Atlanta, you might as well put the pedal to the metal and take it all the way to Key West. Since it's Key West specifically, we can't mention the isle-town without suggesting Duval Street, the most popular area for temporary guests. Drop anchor for a day or two (at least) to recuperate from the long journey so far. Unwind on pristine beaches and pop in and out of shops, eateries and local attractions.

An entire day's drive (close to 900 miles from the Keys) will bring us back up the Florida peninsula and over to Mobile, Alabama. You don't need to be a World War II buff to appreciate the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park. The gargantuan battleship is equipped with 12 decks that were once filled with the sailors that defended our country during the last World War. A tour will reveal that modern-day volunteers worked tirelessly to restore and maintain the dazzling conditions of the historical military vessel, along with other artifacts from WWII.

About 300 miles northwest of Mobile, a significant city in the history of the blues is next on the itinerary. Blues icon and pioneer B.B. King grew up here, and the B.B. King Museum and Interpretive Center is named in his honor. First-time visitors often show up without any prior knowledge of the history of this musical genre, but leave with their heads full of new information and hearts beating with new inspiration because of this museum's meaningful representation of the man and the music.

There is so much to see and do in New Orleans, Louisiana, a 4 1/2-hour drive from the home of blues in neighboring Mississippi, it's a shame to suggest only one stop. The all-encompassing French Market, including a flea market with local vendors, is the culturally rich pit stop you need. Sample what feels like another place in time but is actually modern downtown New Orleans. The magnificent French Quarter and legendary Bourbon Street are a short walk away as well, so find a central parking spot and camp there for the day.

Nature pulls us 500 miles from the New Orleans city center to Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas. Mather Lodge is known for its hospitable accommodations and vast views from cabin windows. The park itself is insanely spectacular, and there's so much to do. There are waterfalls streaming into creeks, long hikes and short hikes. You can go fishing, have a picnic or enjoy the comforts of an on-site restaurant. This location allows you to rest up, recharge, retreat and reconnect with Mother Nature.

A six-to-seven-hour drive northeast will lead you to St. Louis, Missouri's iconic Gateway Arch, which has recently added a museum that shares the stories of Native Americans and early explorers, a fresh reason to visit the classic landmark. Taking a tram to the top of the arch will reveal a remarkable scope of the city in this essential pit stop. If possible, take advantage of the day cruises on the Mississippi River.

Have you ever seen the viral video of Cherry, the rude waitress? The tattooed, sassy server works for Ed Debevic's, a Chicago diner known for its nostalgic atmosphere and not-so-nice service—but in a good way! Visitors flock here for the unique dining experience and purposefully terrible table-side etiquette of employees. The original location is closing later in 2018 and reopening elsewhere in town, so now is the time to visit. It was only a 300-mile drive from St. Louis to here.

As a road trip stop should be, the North Point Lighthouse in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a sight to see. Its hexagonal tower might look intimidating, but the climb to the top, up the charming spiral staircase, is a relatively easy one for most visitors. The attached museum has fact-filled tours and guides that make you feel right at home. What a contrast to the comical Chicago diner about 100 miles ago.

Sit back solo travelers, Como Town in St. Paul, Minnesota, is definitely a destination for the kiddos. Couples, if you're young enough in spirit to be a kid for the day, go for it. But families come first at Como Town, a mini-amusement park that looks more like a giant toy wonderland. The rides and activities are designed with 2- to 12-year-olds in mind, but since adults can fit on the most fun rides, this qualifies as a stop everyone can enjoy. By the way, it took about five hours to get here from the lighthouse.

This stop is for the 'gram (Instagram, that is). Think about years from now, when you're looking at photos from this trip. You'll want those unforgettable moments that signaled the significance of the most major road trip of your life. The Geographical Center of North America in Pierce County, North Dakota, lends a visible marker, the type that a vehicle vacation calls for. There's been some recent talks, however, that the actual center of North America is in Center, North Dakota. We won't blame you if you want to visit both.

If we travel about 500 miles south of North America's central point, we'll be right by Mount Rushmore in Keystone, South Dakota. The faces of four great presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt—will be etched into your memory the same way Gutzon Borglum carved this memorable image into the mountainside. The famous sculptor selected these four men based on their history-defining decisions, leading to the parts of America we appreciate most today.

More than 600 miles away from the previous landmark, the High Trestle Trail Bridge is a show-stopping work of architecture. Depending on the angle, the bridge can appear to be a completely different shape. If you can view it in the daytime and nighttime, you'll really get to see the versatile transformation of the half-mile-long bridge set on a former railway. The creative endeavor is one of the state's proudest projects.

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A couple hundred miles west and we pull up in Lincoln, Nebraska, specifically in front of the Nebraska State Capitol building. The well-constructed building stands 400 feet tall and is wrapped in a bronze, marble and gold leaf exterior (swanky). A tour inside is even more fascinating, as visitors can more closely examine the careful artwork and original design put into every detail and fixture, such as the colorfully carved double doors leading to the former senate chamber.

Depending on the route you choose, a 200-300 mile drive from Lincoln puts you in Wilson, Kansas. An unlikely location for the World's Largest Czech Egg? It seems so, but this is where you'll find the 20-foot-high, 15-foot-wide decorative roadside attraction, framed by a gazebo. The eye-catching egg has stolen the spotlight since its completion in 2015 (the gazebo was added in 2016), but visitors can experience the local Czech influence at a restaurant close by or take a guided walking tour to stretch out your time in this special, hidden Kansas town.

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Rolling down south another few hundred miles, our next road trip pit stop lives in Oklahoma City. The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum holds an enviable collection of gripping pieces of folkloric art and Old West memorabilia. The main focus is on the cowboys and cowgirls that helped shape the image of past and present-day America, but you won't be able to take your eyes off the larger-than-life "The End of the Trail" sculpture that captures a Native American man and his horse at the end of a long journey. Western movie stars are paid special homage in a dedicated section of the museum favorited by visitors.

Considering how big Texas is, the 400-mile drive from OKC is a short one. That'll put you right around Austin, where there's the vibrantly splashed walls of Graffiti Park at Castle Hills, an extremely picture-worthy place. Recognized by more and more people as a true form of artistic expression, this park contributes to spectators' appreciation of the creative aspects of street art. You can easily spend hours staring at the mixture of color, technique and influence that went into the literal hills of art seen here.

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About 500 miles from Austin, on the other side of Texas's state line, the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico shed light (barely) on the naturally created rock formations that decorate the caves. The Big Room is the most popular of two self-guided tours that are available to visitors. Take as much time as you'd like bumping around the mystical surroundings as you listen to the recorded audio that helps you learn at your own pace.

There's no way around the 11-hour drive it takes to get here from Carlsbad, but the Grand Canyon is número uno on the list of road-trip stops. Traveling through the scenic desert, stopping along the road to take photos with giant cutout characters and cranking the radio as loud as possible are the pillars of what road tripping was founded on. But nothing compares to watching the rising sun cast a glow over the entire canyon, making it even more obvious why it's called "grand."

Cruise 300 miles up into Springdale, Utah, for one of the reasons you embarked on this vehicle vacation in the first place. On the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, you'll spot waterfalls, rusty cliffs and desert wildlife. The town of Springdale also offers tourist-friendly options that can make this a pretty and practical place to play and stay.

There's another 700 miles to go in order to make it to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The main attractions are the colossal, contrasting colored natural rock formations that make up shapes you never imagined sediment could fall into. The photos you take here will be some of your best on the trip, but the activities available may outweigh the sights. Go rock climbing, hike a trail, go bicycling or on a guided walk. You can even take a Jeep, Segway or trolley tour around these Zeus-sized boulders.

In Wyoming, 10 hours after exiting Colorado Springs, we're on the lookout for one of Wyoming's most famous naturally occurring elements: geysers. Old Faithful is the spout we all know and love, but the lesser-known Beehive Geyser is where this road trip is pulling us. With the close proximity of both, you're able to ping-pong around hot springs, hiking trails and all the activities provided by Mother Nature at Yellowstone National Park, one of her best creations to date.

In 1876, hundreds of lives were lost here on the Little Bighorn Battlefield. This memorial in Garryowen, Montana, is 300 miles from the geysers in Yellowstone National Park, where we last left, and worth every inch of the journey. The long-lasting impact this landmark will leave gives opportunity for thoughtful appreciation of life while you're traveling on the road.

Moving 700 miles closer to the West Coast, we set our sights on the Boise Train Depot. The open-spaced hall is greatly detailed inside and out, with a central bell tower and shiny black vintage train parked out front. These alluring features match the splendor of the garden and grounds, creating an overall relaxing vibe and aesthetic. Spend some time here re-energizing before the next pit stop.

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After traveling more than 600 miles from Boise, some people would come to Las Vegas, Nevada, and spend all of their time on the Strip. Unfortunately, they never make it just outside of the magnetic tourist hotspot to the Fremont Street Experience, a permanently festive boulevard where local amusements get mixed in with the tourist-friendly thrills you expect. From zip lining to souvenir shopping, giant pancake challenges to talented street performers, Fremont Street Experience hosts one of the most family-friendly places in the city. If you happen to land here on the first Friday of the month, you'll be in for a real treat.

Putting another 600 miles on the speedometer and heading westward, we finally meet the Pacific Ocean in California. Lombard Street in San Francisco is the destination set in our hypothetical GPS. Known as the crookedest street in the world, the extremely sharp and steep turns seem impossible for cars to maneuver through, but onlookers are too busy taking photos of the gorgeous flowers surrounding the street and gaping at the view from the top of the wonky hill to even notice.

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Heading into Oregon from California, there are several routes to get to Crater Lake, our next pit stop. Once there, hike along the trails, listen to the waterfalls trickle down cliffs or just chill lakeside and bask in the glow of the crystal-clear water. Now that we're getting closer to the end of this extensive cross-country trip, it's even more important to keep your energy up. We've saved the best for last!

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Here's to another drive over 400 miles long up to Seattle, Washington, where even the rain can't damper local spirits. A trip to Pike Place Market represents how upbeat and interesting the residents of Seattle truly are. This is where locals and visitors converge to buy fresh seafood, shop at farmer's and craft markets, and snap a pic with the famously sticky gum wall (which is cleaned annually, for all those wondering). No need to search for the original Starbucks, all you coffee heads out there. It's located in the Pike Place Market as well.

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You're wondering how we could possibly get to Hawaii, the 50th state, by car. Well, we're not driving to the middle of the Pacific Ocean, but we are going to keep north. Thankfully it's not even a full three-hour drive from Washington to Vancouver, British Columbia. Vancouver isn't an American territory, but you can board a roundtrip cruise from here to Hawaii, leaving your car parked until you return. This will be the priciest part of your trip by far, but it's a well-earned semi-finale that will cater to you after all that driving.

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Our mega road trip comes to an end at the Husky Homestead in Alaska. It'll take two days to drive all the way to Denali National Park from Vancouver, but a special, furry treat is waiting for you once you arrive. Iditarod champion Jeff King runs the Husky Homestead, where visitors can watch beautiful canines train for sled races. You'll be able to pet the Husky pups that are training for their future racing careers and hear all about how they compete. What a perfect way to end this long and lovely trip—with canine kisses in the Alaskan tundra.