America seems built for road trips. The easy highways between the big cities and the changing landscapes as you cross the country make it an enjoyable way to explore the diversity of the states. But a road trip is about much more than the destinations – it’s about the journey and the things you find along the way.
Some of the things are… to put it mildly… a bit weird. Whether it’s the people, the history or the culture, there is plenty of wackiness to find on a drive through the United States. Some of these things are even worth a detour to see for yourself.
We’ve taken to the road ourselves to bring you some of the strangest things you can discover on an American road trip.
A 21-foot Buck Atom Space Cowboy is one of the latest additions of public art along Oklahoma’s Route 66. Local creative visionary, Mary Beth Babcock, dreamed up this idea to create a new Roadside Attraction along Route 66 in her beloved city of Tulsa. The fibreglass space cowboy is the first of its kind, which stands proud above the Buck Atom’s Cosmic Curious gift shop which celebrates all things Route 66.
Route 66 museum is primarily devoted to the history of U.S. Route 66, a U.S. Highway which served the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, in the United States from 1926 until it was bypassed by the Interstate highway system and decommissioned in 1985.
The ultimate gathering of freaks and geeks happens each year in San Diego. Comic Con is the world’s biggest comic and game event and if you’re in California at the right time, it’s worth a drive to see all the action and colour that happens across the city.
Perhaps you don’t want to actually stop at this road trip attraction – but if you’re going through the wetter areas of Florida, keep your eyes peeled. There’s a good chance you’ll spot an alligator in the swaps by the side of the highway.
You may remember the sitcom Full House was set in San Francisco and, although most of the show was filmed in a studio, the exterior of the house is still standing in a suburban street. The owners aren’t too keen on all the attention but plenty of tourists turn up every day to have a look and take a photo. And don’t miss the Gay Pride parade in San Fransisco while you are there.
This spot of land was used by politicians and other senior Americans to sort out their arguments by dueling with pistols to the death. Dueling was illegal in Washington DC but this place was just over the border in Maryland, so they would come here. The last duel was held here in 1868.
When it comes to the state fairs across the US, one of the biggest is the Texas State Fair in Dallas. Forget the rides and the exhibitions, it’s all about the food and you’ll find some wacky stuff for sale. If you like your food deep-fried, don’t worry, because it seems pretty much anything can be cooked that way!
