We live in a big country and there are so many amazing things to see. After all, it's called America the Beautiful for a reason.
So we asked the BuzzFeed Community to tell us about the must-visit stops along a great American road trip. Here are some of their best responses.
1. Ecola State Park (Oregon)
"Just off Highway 101 in Oregon, Ecola State Park boasts amazing views, which you might recognize from movies like The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop. Plus, if you’re looking for a great breakfast in the area, try Pig 'n' Pancake in Cannon Beach." — redtoenails
2. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)
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"There's so much to explore in this massive cave system. There's a small hotel in the park where you can spend the night so that you can see the caves at sunrise. It was one of the most beautiful things I've seen." — mitchellb49df486ee
3. Skylight Inn BBQ (North Carolina)
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"Definitely make a detour to Ayden, North Carolina and eat at Skylight Inn. It's the most amazing whole hog BBQ you'll ever have." — fallonrae22
4618 Lee St, Ayden, North Carolina
4. Teddy Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)
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"My family was driving from New York to Yellowstone when we saw signs for Teddy Roosevelt National Park. We had never heard of it, but decided to stop by. It was one of the best decisions we made on our trip. The park was almost completely empty and we had way more wildlife encounters in our three hours there than during our three days in Yellowstone." — Kellynadams
5. The Finger Lakes (New York)
"This region in Upstate New York is surrounded by wineries and it's home to the cutest little towns! If you go in the fall, you’ll be amazed at the foliage." — rebeccaclairec
6. Strawberry Park Hot Springs (Colorado)
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"While driving from Boston to California, Steamboat Springs, Colorado was one of my favorite stops. I went to Strawberry Park Hot Springs, which was incredible. I got there right when it opened and had the pools to myself for almost an oil. The hot springs vary in temperature and are completely surrounded by nature." — maiat40d30191e
7. Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
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"Right off I-40 between Flagstaff and the New Mexico Border, this might be the most underrated of the national parks. It's never crowded, but it's such a cool place. The petrified forest and painted desert are beautiful, and there's lots of cool history about how the forest came to be. You can see most of it from your car as you drive, so it's very accessible." — amm4isu
8. Assateague Island (Maryland and Virginia)
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"Located off the coast of Virginia and Maryland, this Atlantic island is famous for its wild ponies that wander on the seashore. There's lots of great wildlife, fishing, camping, and stunning beaches." — rachelsporyh
9. Beartooth Pass (Montana)
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"This scenic byway offers the most breathtaking mountain views. As you drive, you'll see great horned sheep, beavers and all kinds of wildlife. And depending on the season, you could see waterfalls and snowy peaks along the way. The pass lets out at the entrance of Yellowstone National Park." — elizabetht484817fbb
10. Dunford Bakers (Utah)
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"If you're passing Salt Lake City, stop by Dunford Bakers in West Jordan. I've lived on both coasts, plus a few places in between, and this place makes the best large, old-fashioned donuts." — VirtualCake
8556 S 2940 W, West Jordan, Utah
11. Ogden Farmer's Market (Utah)
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"Everyone always mentioned Moab when talking about Utah, but I particularly love the town of Ogden for its farmer's market. I've found some of the best local artists and foods sold here, and it's a really fun experience." — livibeekealy
12. Mackinac Island (Michigan)
"There are no cars allowed on this island, only bicycles and horse drawn carriages. It’s a small vacation town with plenty to do and it is absolutely gorgeous!" — donnas4d97feea7
13. The Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee)
"It’s one of the most visited national parks for a reason, and it's especially beautiful during the fall." — tthornton2
This national park is amazing during the fall. Drive along the mountains with your windows down taking in the sounds of the river and the sights of the leaves changing colors." — KaraWest1
14. Marietta Diner (Georgia)
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Just outside of Atlanta, this diner has amazing food and terrific cake for dessert. After you eat, you can pop by to see the famous KFC big red chicken. It's just a minute away." — k4d75fcd36
306 Cobb Pkwy S, Marietta, Georgia
15. Spearfish Canyon (South Dakota)
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"This area, also commonly called the Black Hills, boasts countless hikes and trails you can take. You’ll see wildlife, waterfalls, and tons of trees. With so much to do, it's a great stop for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors." — kylies45604bba6
16. Clearwater Beach (Florida)
"Stop here for beautiful, soft white sand and Pier 60, an awesome spot with a cool sunset market. Don't miss Frenchy's Cafe for amazingly fresh seafood." — desireedavis0919
17. Providence (Rhode Island)
"It's easy to forget about Rhode Island, the smallest state, but Providence is a super cool and diverse city with a very up-and-coming arts and culture scene. It's also just a short drive from Rhode Island's beach towns." — jordanmirandas222
18. The Buckhorn Bar (Montana)
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If you're driving between Yellowstone and Glacier National Park don't miss this convenient stop. The food is delicious, especially the broasted chicken and white sauce." — a47516488d
120 Main St, Augusta, Montana
19. Custer State Park (South Dakota)
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"I always love finding lesser known parks to visit. Near Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, there's Custer State Park, where we got to see hundreds of bisons up close. It was really amazing." — krystalw4fe00ea7c
20. Belcross Bake Shoppe (North Carolina)
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"If you find yourself in the Outer Banks, seek out the small town of Camden and stop at this bakery. They are famous for their sweet potato biscuits-- one of the greatest breakfasts ever." — rileya49cd7d02e
269 US-158, Camden, North Carolina
21. Hocking Hills State Park (Ohio)
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"This park is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen." — nicholeclr
22. Fern Canyon (California)
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"This must be the most beautiful place I’ve ever witnessed in my life. Pictures don’t do it justice, but when you're seeing it in person everything just feels serene and right." — HumboldtHoney
"This place is a hidden treasure and should be a major stop on any California/American road trip." — suupernatural
23. Frank Pepe's (Connecticut)
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"This 'New Haven-style' pizza parlor serves thin-crust, coal-fired Neapolitan pizza. It's the best in the world!" — EMB2019
157 Wooster St, New Haven, Connecticut
24. Moab (Utah)
"Known for its red rock formations, this city is absolutely stunning and surreal." — elanaw2
25. White Sands National Park (New Mexico)
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"With its wave-like dunes, White Sands is breathtaking and wonderfully unique." — helloder
26. Point Lobos (California)
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"Set on highway one, this is a must stop. Pack good shoes and plan to spend a few hours there. It's home to the bluest water you'll find in California and breath taking views." — Branna
27. Pagosa Springs (Colorado)
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"A great stop when the weather is nice, you'll find hot springs and a lazy river you can float down." — cheaser08
28. Crater Lake (Oregon)
"It's a stunning drive around the crater and there's a one-mile hike you can take if you want to swim. It’s also conveniently located between Mount Saint Helens and Redwood National State Park." — talkingmushroom
