The Quirkiest Roadside Attractions for Your East Coast Road Trip
They make up the backbone of any eclectic American road trip: What's a true campervan journey without a few quirky detours along the way? The East Coast of the United States, much like its counterpart routes out west, holds a treasure trove of unusual and offbeat roadside attractions that can add a layer of whimsy to your adventure. Forget for a second about the national parks and natural curiosities — from towering giants to mysterious oddities, these stops are not just photo opportunities, they're the stuff of legends and lore.
Read on for recommendations for a truly adventurous journey; Embark on a sometimes strange and always entertaining road trip like no other, filled with the quirkiest and most captivating roadside attractions the East Coast has to offer.
The World's Largest Lighthouse: Portland, Maine
As you set out on your East Coast odyssey, there's no better place to begin than the Portland Head Light in Maine. This iconic lighthouse stands not only as a sentinel of maritime history but also as the world's largest of its kind. Its picturesque location against the rugged Maine coastline, where the Atlantic Ocean stretches as far as the eye can see, promises awe-inspiring views and a memorable start to your journey.
Dinosaur Land: White Post, Virginia
A few hours south in Virginia, you'll encounter a time warp at Dinosaur Land. Life-sized dinosaur sculptures transport you back to the prehistoric era, with quirky and sometimes hilariously inaccurate creations that are bound to amuse. Whether you're a paleontology enthusiast or simply looking for a unique stop, you can't miss the opportunity to snap a selfie with these colossal creatures.
Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard: Waterbury, Vermont
Your taste buds are in for a treat in Vermont, where you can pay your respects at Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard. Here, discontinued ice cream flavors find their final resting place, complete with tombstone-like markers. It's a quirky and lighthearted visit that allows you to honor beloved flavors that have gone to the great ice cream parlor in the sky.
The Mystery Hole: Ansted, West Virginia
West Virginia boasts the enigmatic Mystery Hole — a roadside attraction that defies explanation. Descend into this subterranean world of bizarre optical illusions and physics-defying oddities. From tilted rooms to objects that appear to defy gravity, this attraction will leave you both puzzled and entertained.
Lucy the Elephant: Margate City, New Jersey
A true Jersey Shore icon, Lucy the Elephant is an elephantine oddity: a colossal six-story elephant that has stood sentinel for over a century. Beyond her charming exterior, you can explore the interior, which has served as a hotel, summer home, and even a tavern in its storied past. Lucy is not just an oddity; she's a piece of history you can step inside.
The Real Quirks Are On the Way
As you set off on your East Coast road trip, remember that it's not just about reaching your destination—it's about savoring the delightful quirks that await along the way. These offbeat attractions are a testament to the creativity, eccentricity, and sense of humor that make the road trip experience so unforgettable.
Adding a touch of the unusual to your itinerary is the perfect way to spice up a road trip for travelers who may not be as into the usual hiking and backpacking trips we recommend for our travelers. It's the quirks that make the memories, and the East Coast is brimming with them!