The ultimate list of Roadside Attractions

As a road trip travel blogger I have come across some fascinating roadside attractions. I thought it would be fun to put together a collaborative article on the best roadside attractions from around the world. To do this, I have enlisted the help of my fellow travel blogger friends to contribute. These roadside attractions span the globe, so bookmark this page for the next time you head off on a road trip adventure. You’ll find everything from natural wonders, kitschy and bizarre man-made things, to dramatic pieces of public art. Please leave comments below with your favorites, or, if you have suggestions that you think should be added to this list.

BTW, these roadside attractions are in no particular order.

Seven Magic Mountains near Las Vegas, Nevada

Set against the bland Mojave Desert landscape, the most arid in North America, Seven Magic Mountains can be seen for great distances due to the dramatic and eye-popping colors. The colors are actually so bright that they do not look real, in person, or in photos. Located near the northbound lanes of Interstate 15, near the frontage road of Las Vegas Blvd, this monolithic roadside attraction is absolutely worth a stop.

T-Rex in Drumheller, Alberta

Drumheller Alberta is not near any big city in Alberta but is a significant tourist spot because of the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology which is one of the best dinosaur museums in the world. The town is located where the plains meet the badlands which is why this area is rich with dinosaur fossils. But there is one dinosaur there that you can’t help see. A local park has a giant T-Rex that you can even climb up inside and look out of the mouth for a great view.

Bamahenge in rural Josephine, Alabama

There is something very strange going on in rural Josephine, Alabama and if you’re not paying attention you just might miss it.  Welcome to Bamahenge – a full size replica of Stonehenge just off of a country road in rural Southern Alabama. If a random Stonehenge replica isn’t enough of a surprise – you’ll also find dinosaurs, spiders, an European Renaissance fountain and a very large lady in the water.

Handara Gate in Bali, Indonesia

The gate of the Handara golf resort in northern Bali became famous through Instagram – it’s super photogenic! The gate is actually located directly on the main road running along the lakes of northern Bali, you’ll see it when you drive along. Recently, a small pavilion was set up and tourists are required to pay 30,000 IDR in order to take a picture there. However, this does not really keep tourists away – there’s a queue most of the times to get that famous Insta shot!

Center of the World Roadside Attraction in Felicity, California

Who knew the center of Earth was located in the California desert? A golden dot inside a pyramid has been internationally recognized as the Center of the World. For the rest of the story, you will just have to visit this funky attraction in Felicity, California (population less than 10), a few miles from Mexico and Arizona borders.

Giant Kachina in Apache Junction, Arizona

Apache Junction is home to the majestic superstition Mountains and is well known to road trip enthusiasts for the historic Apache Trail.  Thanks to the generous donation of artist Merrill Orr, Apache Junction now has one of the largest Kachina sculptures in the world. What is a Kachina you ask? A popular Native American symbol that is derived from the southwestern part of the United States, they are spirits or personifications of things in the real world.

Silo Art Trail – Victoria, Australia 

Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in San Bernardino County, California

Rock of Cashel in Ireland’s Ancient East

Ireland’s Rock Of Cashel is one of the coolest roadside attractions in the world because of its history and easy access from the interstate (or motorway as the Irish call it). You can drive around the Rock, or take a tour of the inside! Make sure to visit the nearby Hore Abbey as well for some of the best views of Rock Of Cashel!

Chalet on Balea Lake in the Fagaras Mountain Range in Romania

Riding the Transfagarasan Highway in Romania to cross the Fagaras Mountain Range is an experience in itself, and there are breathtaking viewpoints over the valleys on every hairpin turn. On the highest point of the Road, though, there’s a stunning glacial lake called Balea with a cute little chalet. Streaks of snow decorate it year-round. It’s a must stop photo op!

Click here to see page two of this ultimate list of roadside attractions (11-20).