Image via Complex Original
When people decide to travel, they might make big plans to head toward the Caribbean, or if they're fancy, some place in Europe. However, what people seldom realize is that America is home to some of the most amazing sites and cities on the planet. All you'll need is a car and a few good friends to get there. Whether you're road-tripping along the east coast, the west, or somewhere in between, we've got you covered. Here are 30 Instagram Photos That Will Make You Want To Take a Road Trip Across America This Year. It's time to save up some gas money.
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Arctic National Park
This mountain vista is located in the Brooks Range in Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve in Alaska. In all fairness, it may be hard to roadtrip to Alaska, but should it be at all possible for you, this stop definitely needs to be on the list.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington is a fantastic stop if you're into mountains and lakes. Luckily, it has both. Any season is gorgeous there, but winter is especially beautiful given that the mountains will be blanketed in snow.
Golden Gate Bridge
An obvious stop if you're driving through San Francisco. Whether you want to drive right through or pull over to take in the scenery, you'll be glad you did either way.
Glaciers In Alaska
You can't exactly get here by car without passing through another country, but you can get close enough to take in the view. Alaska is known for its prestine glaciers, and if you happen to be in the area, you can't help but stop and notice.
Fall Festivals
San Diego's Wanderlust festivals are the perfect pit stop for fall roadtrips. Aside from the fact that the beaches are awesome, you'll have a hell of a time with all the other side adventures while you're there.
Brooklyn Bridge
Welcome to Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge is architecturally beautiful. Unfortunately, it's filled with traffic most of the time, but it's still a great place to take in the view, especially near Brooklyn's DUMBO neighborhood.
Laguna Beach
Roadtrips and surfing sessions go together like a good PB & J. Laguna Beach just so happens to have epic waves. So, next time you're driving through the area make sure to grab a board and have at it.
Haleakala Crater
Haleakala crater on the island of Maui in Hawaii is absolutely amazing. If you happen to be in Hawaii and are driving around the area, there's a perfect road to drive down to see the crater.
Grand Canyon
If you're roadtripping to Las Vegas from the southern states, take some time out to tour the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Needless to say, it's incredible and you'll be glad you did it. However, one of the few ways to see it is via chopper, so if you're afraid of heights, this may not be for you.
Chiricahua National Monument
Chiricahua National Monument in Arizona has an amazing landscape dubbed the "Wonderland of Rocks." As you can see this is well worth the drive. Covered in snow or not, these rock formations are breathtaking, especially if you're standing on top of one.
Beaver Falls
If you can't make it to Costa Rica, Beaver Falls in Oregon has some epic waterfalls that match up quite well. If you go when it's warm, you can probably even swim in the falls—which is even more awesome.
Central Park
New York City is known for being the city that never sleeps. But, if you want a little down time, Central Park should definitely be a stop. Park your car, grab a blanket and have a picnic in one of the most iconic parks in the world.
The Bean
If you're headed towards Chi-town, you'll have to stop and see "The Bean." This landmark in Chicago is pretty cool, and the perfect place to take Instagram selfies.
Bridgewater
Bridgewater, Mass., is the perfect place to visit during the fall. Obviously there are trees everywhere, so you can imagine the colors you'll see. If you like nature, this place needs to be on your list.
Lake Poygan
Lake Poygan in Wisconsin is the perfect waterfront to take a roadtrip break. Park the car, take out a boat, and enjoy life.
Pebble Beach
The Lone Cypress tree in California near Big Sur, Pebble Beach, is a tiny little tree right on the coast near the water. Granted, a tree may not seem like a must, but the horizon from it is amazing. Hiking alongside the area is awesome to do.
Florida
Beaches are all over Florida. So, if you're taking a roadtrip through the state, make sure to stop and take it all in. Since roadtrips are exhausting, some downtime is definitely needed.
New York City
If you're taking a roadtrip, everything in New York City should be on your list. The traffic is a nightmare, but the area is stunning. From Times Square to the West Village, there's plenty to see.
Galveston Bay
Texas is known for having bigger... everything. However, it also has some of the best waterfront bays you'll ever see. Galveston Bay happens to be one of them.
Rhode Island Sunset
Rhode Island may not be first stop on everyone's roadtrip list. However, you shouldn't sell this state short. It has beautiful landscapes and sunsets that you absolutely have to see.
East Twin Glacier
Frozen rivers in Alaska need to be seen to be believed. The east twin glaciers in particular are known to be some of the coolest sites there. So, if you happen to be in Alaska, do this—you'll never know when you might get the chance again.
Miami Beach
If you're roadtripping in Florida and happen to land in Miami, do yourself a favor and park the car on Collins Ave. and head down to the beach. Obviously there are loads of beautiful people, but the beach isn't so bad either.
Acadia National Park
Champlain Mountain at Acadia National Park in Maine is absolutely beautiful. It's filled with multi-colored trees all through the season.
Street Art Tracks
Street art is one of the most popular forms of artwork nowadays. This location, just a few miles outside of San Francicso, is just loaded with art perfect for pictures. Just be sure to be careful and not stand on the tracks, like this dude.
Fort Funston
Fort Funston is a former harbor defense installation located in the southwestern corner of San Francisco. Clearly, it has unreal sunsets perfect for a mid-roadtrip pit stop.
Lake Namekagon
Lake Namekagon is located in Northern Wisconsin and known for some of the most epic sunsets you will ever see. Just imagine getting out of the car after a long drive to chill by the water and watch the sunset.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a resort city in California known for its Coachella festival. However, if you're looking for a little piece and quiet, Palm Springs during non-Coachella season is gorgeous. Between the mountains and the palm trees, it's perfect for everyone.
Savannah Georgia
The Wormsloe Plantation is one of those sites you have to see to believe. Granted, you can't just pass by in a car to get the full effect of its beauty, but getting out of for this one is definitely worth it.
Castle Crags Wilderness
Just north of Redding, Calif., this is the perfect destination to pass through during a roadtrip. Even though California is mainly known for its beaches, its forest landscapes are absolutely breathtaking.
Utah National Park
The Arches National Park in Utah is one of the most gorgeous places to visit during the winter season. Even if you're a person who enjoys sunny weather, you'll still appreciate the snowfall over the landscape. Just take in the beauty as you're driving through.