Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on a Roadtrip from Burlington, NC to Los Angeles, CA
Are you dreaming of an epic road trip across the United States, from the East Coast to the West Coast? Look no further than the route from Burlington, North Carolina to Los Angeles, California. Buckle up and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure.
Did you know that the distance from Burlington, NC to Los Angeles, CA is a whopping 2,352 miles? That's equivalent to driving from London, UK to Istanbul, Turkey! But don't be intimidated by the length of the trip; there are plenty of amazing places to visit along the way.
About halfway through your journey, you'll find yourself in Shamrock, Texas. This small city is the perfect spot to stretch your legs and refuel your car. Check out the restored 1930s Phillips 66 Station and U-Drop Inn, which served as a filming location for the Disney-Pixar movie "Cars".
The entire road trip from Burlington, NC to Los Angeles, CA will take approximately 36 hours of driving time, without stops. However, we recommend taking your time and making several stops to fully enjoy the sights and sounds of America. So without further ado, here are our top five places to visit on your road trip:
1. Grand Canyon National Park
No road trip across the United States would be complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon National Park. This natural wonder is a spectacular display of nature's beauty, with layers of red rock stretching out over 277 miles. Take a hike along the South Rim Trail to fully appreciate the breathtaking views.
Point of interest recommendation: Stop at the Desert View Watchtower for an expansive view of the surrounding area.
2. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
If you happen to be traveling during October, make sure to stop at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Watch as hundreds of hot air balloons fill the sky, creating a colorful floating festival unlike any other.
Point of interest recommendation: Grab a bite to eat at the festival's food vendors and enjoy the live music performances.
3. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
In the heart of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) boasts over 150,000 works of art spanning the history of art from ancient times to the present. Take a stroll through the outdoor sculpture gardens and marvel at the contemporary exhibitions.
Point of interest recommendation: Don't miss the famous "Urban Light" installation, featuring 202 restored cast-iron street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s.
4. Petrified Forest National Park
Located in northeastern Arizona, Petrified Forest National Park is a geological wonderland filled with perfectly preserved fossilized trees and stunning views of the Painted Desert. Take a walk through the Jasper Forest and Crystal Forest to see some of the oldest and most beautiful fossils in the park.
Point of interest recommendation: Stop at Newspaper Rock to see over 650 petroglyphs carved into the rock face.
5. Cadillac Ranch
Just west of Amarillo, Texas, Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation consisting of ten Cadillac cars buried nose-first in the ground. Visitors are invited to bring their own spray paint and leave their mark on the cars, creating a constantly changing work of art.
Point of interest recommendation: Explore the surrounding prairie and see if you can find any unique spray paint designs.
In conclusion, the road trip from Burlington, North Carolina to Los Angeles, California may be long, but it's also filled with incredible sights and experiences. Stop at the Grand Canyon National Park, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Petrified Forest National Park, and Cadillac Ranch for an unforgettable journey across America. Road trips are all about the journey, not the destination, so take your time and enjoy the ride.