Road Trip from Charleston, WV to Ontario, CA: Top Five Must-Visit Places

Going on a road trip is always an exciting idea, and what a better way to explore America's beauty than traveling from West Virginia to California! Here are our top five picks for the best places to visit during your journey.

The Route and Halfway Point: McLean, TX

Our journey starts in Charleston, West Virginia, and ends in Ontario, California, crossing nine states. The journey involves traveling approximately 2,577 miles with an estimated driving time of 40 hours, excluding stops.

If you're a seasoned traveler, you may agree that a road trip without a proper midway stop can take a toll on your body and mind, so we recommend McLean, TX, as a perfect pit stop. This cozy little town, located in the Texas Panhandle, is the midpoint of Route 66 that stretches from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California.

##1. Indianapolis, IN: The Racing Capital of the World

A few miles away from Kentucky, our first stop is Indianapolis, the heart of Indiana. Indianapolis is known worldwide for its famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, also known as the "Racing Capital of the World." The speedway hosts the Indianapolis 500, the largest single-day sporting event globally, and is also home to the IndyCar Series and NASCAR.

Suppose you're a fan of racing, history, or you're with kids who love thrills and adventure. visiting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum would be a great experience to learn and see some of the iconic cars on display. You can take a tour of the speedway or even ride along with a professional driver, experiencing what it feels like to be a race car driver.

##2. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX: A Unique Roadside Attraction

Every road trip needs some strange and off-beat destinations, and Cadillac Ranch is just the perfect place to be! Looking for a beautiful place to have a picnic, then you're in for a treat. Cadillac Ranch features ten vintage spray-painted Cadillac cars, buried nose-first into the ground, a sight you don't come across every day.

Cadillac Ranch is situated in Amarillo, TX, and is open to the public all year round. Visitors are allowed to "graffiti" or spray-paint their names, expressions, or even their thoughts all over the cars. Take as many photos as you like, and blend with the colorful environment.

##3. White Sands National Park, NM: A Dazzling Natural Site

Do you want to experience a fantasy-like scenery? Then White Sands National Park is a must-visit stopover. Located in southern New Mexico, the National Park is an incredible natural wonder known distinctly for its vast gypsum dunes. With over 275 square miles of the white sand-like desert, you will fall in love with this mesmerizing location.

The park's unique feature offers visitors the chance to hike, take scenic drives, or even enjoy boogie boarding and sledding during designated months. There's still more—walking in the dunes, especially under a moonlit sky, is an unforgettable and calming experience you'll never forget.

##4. Big Texan Steak Ranch, Amarillo, TX: An Appetizing Dining Experience

Famous for its "free 72 oz steak challenge," the Big Texan Steak Ranch is just a few miles away from Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX. The restaurant offers some of the best steak entrees from the rib eye to the prime rib. And if you're up for the challenge, you can risk having a free steak if you devour a 72 oz steak in under an hour.

The restaurant ambiance is Texan-themed, recreating the cowboy era, and all staff is dressed like cowboys and cowgirls. You can also enjoy some live music performances after meals. The Big Texan Steak Ranch is a must-stop if you're looking to enjoy a good meal, experience Texas culture, and, if you're brave enough, take a shot at the free 72 oz steak challenge.

##5. Joshua Tree National Park, CA: A Natural Marvel

Our last stop in this amazing journey is Joshua Tree National Park. Located in Southern California, this desert landscape spans over 792,510 acres, displaying impressive rock formations and Joshua trees, spiky trees resembling cactus that grow in the desert.

The park is aptly named after the unique Joshua trees that grow in the National Park, along with other plants and wildlife species. Adventurous hikers and climbers come from far and wide to experience rock-climbing and bouldering on the cone-shaped rocks.

Conclusion

This was our list of top five must-visit places between Charleston, WV, and Ontario, CA. Each stop comes with a unique experience, making your road trip memorable and fulfilling. From Cadillac Ranch to White Sands National Park and the Big Texan Steak Ranch, we're confident that there is something for everyone. So, fill up your gas tank, buckle up your seatbelts, and start hitting the road!