One of the best parts of a road trip is the unexpected joy of pulling over for something weird, wonderful, or just plain scenic. From giant statues to breathtaking viewpoints, roadside attractions give your journey flavor and spontaneity.
But nothing kills the vibe faster than pulling up to an overcrowded site with no place to park. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of top U.S. roadside attractions that combine fun with accessible, often free parking, plus tips for capturing great photos without the crowds.
1. Cadillac Ranch – Amarillo, TX
Spray-painted Cadillacs buried nose-down in the Texas desert.
- Parking: Free, roadside dirt lot with space for RVs.
- Tip: Visit early in the morning to snap photos without tour buses in the background.
- Bonus: Bring your own spray paint to leave a mark—it’s encouraged.
2. The World’s Largest Ball of Twine – Cawker City, KS
It’s quirky, it’s Midwestern, and it’s a must-see.
- Parking: Street-side and free public parking nearby.
- Photo Tip: Use portrait mode to capture the twine texture up close while avoiding parked cars.
3. Wall Drug – Wall, SD
From dinosaur statues to homemade donuts, this place is a roadside icon.
- Parking: Multiple lots including RV spaces and free customer parking.
- Fluz Tip: Save on parking-related expenses using SpotHero, a Fluz merchant, if you’re stopping in bigger cities along the way.
4. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox – Bemidji, MN
Iconic statues of the legendary lumberjack and his sidekick.
- Parking: Free public lot adjacent to the park.
- Photo Tip: Sunset lighting adds a beautiful glow to these bold-colored statues.
5. Mystery Spot – Santa Cruz, CA
This tilted house defies the laws of gravity (and logic).
- Parking: Paid lot on-site.
- Savings Tip: Book ahead through Ace Parking, a Fluz merchant, for other city parking on your California route.
6. Route 66 Midpoint – Adrian, TX
A perfect stop to say you’ve hit the halfway mark of Route 66.
- Parking: Free diagonal street parking and a small lot nearby.
- Photo Tip: Grab a wide-angle shot of the Route 66 emblem painted on the road.
7. Dinosaur World – Cave City, KY
A family-friendly stop with life-sized dino statues and trails.
- Parking: Free on-site parking with room for buses and RVs.
- SwiftPark Mention: If continuing to a nearby airport, look into partners like SwiftPark for longer-term, secure vehicle storage.
8. Corn Palace – Mitchell, SD
An entire building decorated with corn murals? Only in America.
- Parking: Free street parking and nearby public lots.
- Fluz App Tip: Use ParkWhiz, a Fluz merchant, for city parking before or after your rural detour.
9. The Oregon Vortex – Gold Hill, OR
A gravitational anomaly where people appear to change height.
- Parking: Free gravel lot on-site.
- Photo Tip: Capture optical illusions in video format—they’re hard to explain with a photo alone.
10. Salvation Mountain – Niland, CA
A massive, hand-painted tribute to love and faith, built from adobe and paint.
- Parking: Free dirt lot; bring a vehicle that can handle rough terrain.
- Pro Travel Tip: Use ParkEase or Eco Parking if you’re storing a vehicle while flying into the region for part of your trip.
Road Trip Parking Tips
- Use Parking Apps: Services like SpotHero, ParkWhiz, and Ace Parking offer discounts and real-time availability at lots across the country. You can access all three through the Fluz app for added cashback.
- Plan Photo Ops at Off-Peak Hours: Aim for sunrise or weekdays for fewer crowds and better lighting.
- Reserve Long-Term Parking: If you’re combining a road trip with a flight, book ahead with SwiftPark, Eco Parking or ParkEase to save on secure, well-lit parking.
From quirky statues to historical markers, America’s roadside attractions are as diverse as its landscapes. With plenty of free or easy-to-access parking, smart scheduling, and cashback tools like Fluz, you can keep your travels smooth, affordable, and photo-worthy at every stop.
