No Road Trip Adventure Is Complete without Stopping at These 15 Pit Stops

Every road trip needs some pit stops along the way but these stops need not be strictly utilitarian. Include your pit stops as part of your adventure by stopping at the right places. Along with venues to eat and vendors to stock up on supplies, a great pit stop should include memorable attractions and entertainment. Visit some of these 15 pit stops on your next road trip and make it an epic getaway.

1. The Iowa 80 Truckstop

Walcott, Iowa

The world’s largest truck stop is likely to have everything you might possibly need in a road trip pit stop. Established in 1964 the Iowa 80 Truckstop is like a small city complete with a barber, laundromat, movie theater, library, and dentist. There are multiple places to eat, shop, and explore.

2. Strawberry Park Hot Springs

Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Sore muscles got you down? A well deserved road trip pit stop at Strawberry Park will set you right. The hot springs are open year round and surrounded by nature for a truly relaxing experience. Lodging is available if you aren’t ready to leave. Book a massage before you go and hit the road refreshed.

3. Mammoth Cave National Park

West Central Kentucky

If you’re looking for somewhere to spend the night, Mammoth Cave National Park has several options including cabins, a hotel, and campgrounds. While you’re there explore the world's longest known cave system and enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking and horse-back riding. The park includes 2 restaurants, a store, and plenty to see, meaning your overnight stay could easily turn into a few days of respite.

Winterthur

New Castle County, Delaware

Stretch your legs while you view the collection of Henry Francis du Pont. Close to 90,000 objects are on display in what was once his childhood home. The museum sits in a 60 acre garden and is surrounded by 1000 acres of woodlands and meadows. Grab a bite to eat and some food for the road at the pavilion and check out the shop before you go.

5. Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Boston, Massachusetts

For shopping and dining few places can rival the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Take a stroll and check out the shops and other vendors selling all sorts of items. A large selection of dining options will satisfy any palette. The atmosphere is lively and street entertainers show off their acts. There are also tours available, some of which are free of charge!

6. Fern Canyon

Humboldt County, California

Fern Canyon is located in the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. Reaching a depth of up to 80 feet, the canyon traps a lot of the moisture from the stream that carved it into the rich soil. The canyon gets its name from the ferns and other plants that cover its walls. It is a truly breathtaking place and well worth visiting.

7. Olde Avon Village

Avon, Ohio

The Olde Avon Village meshes the old and the new. It is a community of restored homes converted into one of the best road trip pit stops in existence. Shop for antiques, art, housewares, jewelry, toys, and much more. There are a number of places to eat and several services available such as salon treatments, eye care, and a gym.

8. Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo, Texas

Located just off interstate 40, Cadillac Ranch is a collection of Cadillacs like no other. This colorful art display features ten cars upended and buried nose first in the sand. The vehicles are adorned with spray paint and the sculpture is free to tour. Great place for a road trip pit stop to let you stretch your legs while you snap some unique photos.

9. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Nashville, Tennessee

Established in the 1960s, the musical collection housed at the country music hall of fame is the largest in the world. Tour the exhibits and immerse yourself in the history of country music. Stop for a bite to eat at the restaurant and grab some souvenirs at one of the onsite stores.

10. Meteor Crater & Space Museum

Winslow, Arizona

Meteor Crater is exactly what it sounds like, a giant crater which formed when the earth was struck by an asteroid some 50,000 years ago. It measures 4,000 feet across and it is one of the best preserved meteor impact sites. Take a tour around the crater and explore the space museum. There are places to eat and shop on site as well as an outdoor pet kennel to give your furry friends a break from the car too.

11. Butterfly World

Coconut Creek, Florida

Walk with the birds and butterflies at this outdoor butterfly park. Sitting atop 3 acres, Butterfly World includes butterfly and bird aviaries, botanical gardens, a butterfly farm, and a research center. Learn about butterflies and how to attract them to your yard at this road trip pit stop.

12. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Palm Springs, California

This road trip pit stop can easily turn into a day trip but it’s worth it. Take the world’s largest rotating tram along the cliffs of Chino Canyon. Travel 2.5 miles in a ram car as it slowly spins for the most spectacular views. Ten minutes later riders arrive at the Mountain Station. Here visitors can dine at one of two restaurants, see the natural history museum, enjoy the view at one of the observation decks, go to one of two documentary theaters, visit the gift shop, and enjoy over 50 miles of hiking trails.

13. San Antonio River Walk

San Antonio, Texas

There is so much to see and do at the San Antonio River Walk. This pedestrian street is a tree lined city park. Countless venues await to feed and entertain when you visit this road trip pit stop. This place is packed with restaurants, shops, and attractions.

14. Route 66 Drive-in Theater

Springfield, Illinois

Here is one road trip pit stop for which you don’t have to leave your vehicle. The historic Route 66 Drive-In Theater lets you watch a movie right from the comfort of your car. Of course if you want to get out you are welcome to. While you’re there, enjoy some refreshments at the snack stand and let the kids burn off some energy at the playground.

15. Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica, California

The famous Santa Monica Pier is a beautiful place to include on your road trip. Have some fun at the amusement park, aquarium, and beach. Grab a bite to eat at a concession stand or enjoy a meal on the sand. There are ample shops and stands to find just what you’re looking for and plenty of photo opportunities at this destination.

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