Road trips are a great adventure that can take you to places you never imagined. From seeing new sights, exploring small towns, and discovering unexpected excursions along the way.
There’s no better way to truly experience a destination than experiencing it firsthand instead of just reading about it in books or on your computer screen.
With that being said, if you’re considering taking a road trip from Florida to California (or if you want inspiration for planning one), then this post is definitely for you!
Here I’ll provide insight into some of my favorite stops and destinations throughout the journey–including incredible national parks and fascinating attractions located off the beaten path. So buckle up – it’s time for an exciting ride!
Plan your route and stops
Planning a Florida to California road trip is an exciting process that can be overwhelming. Start by making a list of your must-see stops; for example, national parks or state landmarks.
Once you know where you want to go, plug the locations into a route planner such as Google Maps or Waze so you can determine the best route with the least amount of driving time and cost.
Additionally, it helps to plan places to stay in advance and take into account any unpredictable factors like weather or construction delays.
Research the best attractions along the way
Taking a road trip from Florida to California is an amazing way to explore the United States. Along the way, travelers have a variety of attractions to enjoy.
From historic landmarks and stunning natural wonders to unique museums and fun amusement parks, there is something for everyone!
Before taking off on your Florida to California journey, be sure to research each destination carefully so that you don’t miss out on some of the best attractions this great country has to offer.
Make sure to get some rest in between long drives.
On a Florida to California road trip, making sure you get some rest in between long drives is incredibly important.
Stopping for enough rest will not only help you stay alert but can also make the overall experience more enjoyable and allow you to take in all the different sights along the way.
Instead of just buzzing through each state, build in a portion of the journey that allows you to experience some true Americana on your cross-country adventure.
Take a few-hour break or overnight in interesting places like small-town diners and historic hotels alongside rushing golden rivers. Not only will it ensure that your drive is safe, but it might also become part of your favorite memories from the entire trip.
Take advantage of unique roadside attractions like kitschy diners, quirky museums, and scenic overlooks.
1. The Big Texan Steak Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a restaurant located in Amarillo, Texas, that is best known for its 72 oz. Steak challenge. If you can eat the entire steak, along with all the sides, within one hour, it’s free!
The restaurant also has an attached motel, so you can stay the night if you’re up for the challenge.
2. The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois
The World’s Largest Catsup Bottle is a water tower located in Collinsville, Illinois, that is shaped like a giant catsup bottle. The tower was built in 1949 and is currently used as a storage tank for the local water supply.
However, it is open to the public and has been designated as a state historic site.
3. The Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota
The Corn Palace is a multi-purpose arena located in Mitchell, South Dakota, that is covered in murals made entirely out of corn.
The Corn Palace hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including basketball games, concerts, and trade shows. It is also a popular tourist destination, with over 500,000 people visiting each year.
4. Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas
Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation located in Amarillo, Texas, that consists of 10 Cadillacs buried nose-down in the ground.
The Cadillacs were installed in 1974 by a group of artists known as the Ant Farm and have since been spray-painted by countless visitors.
Cadillac Ranch is now owned by billionaire Stanley Marsh 3rd and remains one of Amarillo’s most popular tourist attractions.
5. The Bubble Room on Captiva Island, Florida
The Bubble Room is a restaurant located on Captiva Island, Florida, that is known for its eccentric decor and delicious food. The restaurant was founded in 1979 and has been featured in numerous magazines and television shows over the years.
Visitors can expect to find walls covered in old photographs, toys hanging from the ceiling, and an extensive menu of American comfort food favorites.
6. Leila’s Hair Museum in Independence, Missouri
Leila’s Hair Museum is a museum located in Independence, Missouri, that contains over 600 wigs and 2,000 hair artifacts from around the world.
The museum was founded by Leila Cohoon, who was a hairdresser for over 50 years before opening the museum in 1971. Visitors can see hair art from every continent at Leila’s Hair Museum, making it a truly unique destination.
7. Salvation Mountain in Niland, California
Salvation Mountain is an art installation located in Niland, California, that was created by Leonard Knight as a tribute to God. The mountain is made entirely out of adobe bricks and straw and features colorful murals and sculptures throughout.
Salvation Mountain has been designated as a National Folk Art Site and attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.
Check out hidden gems like state parks or local festivals that you might not have known about beforehand.
If you’re planning a road trip from Florida to California, it could be tempting to ignore all of the unexpected stops along the way. However, taking a few detours might reveal some hidden gems that you wouldn’t even expect.
For example, there may be local festivals and events that are taking place during your trip or a state park nearby with breathtaking views.
Sure, they might require more time and effort than just sticking to the path, but these places can offer spectacular experiences that will make your journey even more memorable.
So next time you’re on the road, try out something new – it just may surprise you!
Don’t forget to take pictures at each stop so you can remember them later on!
On a Florida to California road trip, you want to make sure you remember every stop along the way! Sure, you’ll have the memories of all the wonderful places full in your head- but how wonderful would it be afterward to look at amazing photos taken of each spot?
From the sandy beaches of Florida to the luscious greenery in California, capturing these moments in time with a camera is key to making sure you never forget them. Don’t forget to take pictures at each stop so you can remember them later on!
