11 Roadside Attractions You Must See Before You Die

Never spend a weekend wondering what to do again thanks to these wacky roadside attractions that are such unique destinations. And we found spots across the US that fit the bill for whatever you're looking for. We're talking dinosaurs to indoor carousels to futuristic experiences — all located right off the highway. And many of these spots are landmarks that have been hosting visitors of all ages for years. Check out these 11 stops you need to add to your road-trip bucket list. Source: Flickr users Rex Brown, Karen, and Alexis Fam

01
The Mystery Spot
Flickr user Sarah Murray

The Mystery Spot

Where: Santa Cruz, CA

What's the big deal? The Mystery Spot, just outside of Santa Cruz, is a gravitational anomaly nestled among the redwoods that will defy your mind. It's a fun destination that will leave you with lots of memories. A California Historical Landmark, the roadside attraction was established in 1941 and entices thousands of visitors to its unique location.

02
London Bridge
Flickr user Ken Lund

London Bridge

Where: Lake Havasu City, AZ

What's the big deal? In the late 1960s the London Bridge was in need of replacement so the city of London reached out to see if anyone might be interested in purchasing it — and Lake Havasu City did! Each block of the bridge was numbered before it was disassembled and then shipped overseas through the Panama Canal. The final reconstruction was completed in 1971 and it's a definite stop you must visit before you die.

03
Cadillac Ranch
Flickr user Rex Brown

Cadillac Ranch

Where: Amarillo, TX

What's the big deal? This public art installation and interactive sculpture has dotted the landscape of Amarillo since 1974, featuring junk Cadillacs from the birth to the death of the vehicle. They're buried in the ground at the same angle as the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Cadillac Ranch is located right off the highway and you can even pick up your own spray paint for adding a bit of personal art to the cars.

04
The Beer Can House
Flickr user Joevare

The Beer Can House

Where: Houston, TX

What's the big deal? Homeowner John Milkovisch decided that beer cans made better siding than anything else and has been adorning his house since 1968. If you're in Houston, drive on over and pay a visit to the Beer Can House.

05
Lucy the Elephant
Flickr user Tony Fischer

Lucy the Elephant

Where: Margate, NJ

What's the big deal? Lucy the Elephant was constructed in 1882 to bring tourists to the area — and she's still doing so today. You can take a tour of Lucy or just enjoy her glory while strolling around her feet.

06
Biosphere 2
Flickr user Karen

Biosphere 2

Where: Oracle, AZ

What's the big deal? This spaceship-like creation just north of Tucson is a must visit. Biosphere 2 is filled with real-time research about the future of our planet — including an underwater ocean viewing area.

07
Coral Castle
CoralCastle.com

Coral Castle

Where: Miami, FL

What's the big deal? This amazing structure was built by hand by Edward Leedskalnin. It's a bit of a mystery why or how Ed created this unique creation, but it's a spot you must check out if you're in Miami. It's rumored the finished castle was created to represent his broken heart — but we'll never know.

08
The Enchanted Highway
North Dakota Tourism

The Enchanted Highway

Where: Gladstone, ND

What's the big deal? This stretch of highway near Gladstone is filled with metal sculptures that make the drive stunning. Check out the Enchanted Highway and plan on stopping every few miles to document the roadside art.

09
House on the Rock
Flickr user Alexis Fam

House on the Rock

Where: Spring Green, WI

What's the big deal? Visually stunning yet eclectic and weird, the House on the Rock is a destination you must see if you're in the Wisconsin area. Spend hours getting lost while wandering through the crazy collections of items inside the house, then enjoy the beautiful gardens. It's a day trip you'll definitely enjoy.

10
Cabazon Dinosaurs
Flickr user Bunnicula

Cabazon Dinosaurs

Where: Cabazon, CA

What's the big deal? BIG dinosaurs! Get up close and personal with dinosaurs while getting educated about what life was like in prehistoric times. It's fun and amazing — and perfect for kids and adults of all ages.

11
Tinkertown Museum
Flickr user Osseous

Tinkertown Museum

Where: Sandia Park, NM

What's the big deal? Tinkertown Museum is a 40-year labor of love by Ross Ward. Filled with a megacollection of circus memorabilia and carved items, it's a fun stop if you're in the Sandia Park area. It's true folk art at its best.

More From Hilton

More From Hilton

Booking a trip to one of these destinations? Check out Hilton's array of locations, from the Hilton Garden Inn Amarillo to the Hampton Inn Santa Cruz, and be guaranteed a warm and hospitable stay.