Top Places to See When Driving From Arizona to New Jersey
Are you excited about hitting the road and exploring the United States? As you drive through the country, you’ll come across stunning nature parks, historical landmarks, and diverse cities that offer unique experiences. One of the most popular routes for a road trip is from Arizona to New Jersey, passing through the exciting cities of Texas and beautiful national parks in the Midwest.
To help you plan your adventure, we’ve put together a list of the top places to see when driving from Arizona to New Jersey. This list is not exhaustive, and we encourage you to explore off the beaten path and make your trip your own. Let’s dive in!
National Parks
Petrified Forest National Park
Distance from Phoenix: 220 miles
Your first stop should be at the Petrified Forest National Park, known as one of the most beautiful and unique national parks in the country. This park stretches over 100,000 acres, providing an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. You can hike among the fascinating fossilized trees that date back millions of years, observe petroglyphs left by Native Americans, and enjoy the incredible views from the Painted Desert.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Distance from Nashville: 216 miles
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an oasis of lush green mountains and vibrant wildlife. Drive along the Newfound Gap Road, where you’ll encounter stunning views of the Appalachian Trail, waterfalls, and wildlife such as black bears, elks, and deer. You can also enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, or scenic driving throughout the park..
Cities
Nashville, Tennessee
Distance from Little Rock: 327 miles
Music lovers cannot skip Nashville while driving from Arizona to New Jersey. This city is known as the “Music City,” where you can visit iconic music venues, such as the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, and Country Music Hall of Fame. In addition, the city offers delicious Southern food, fascinating history, museums, and a vibrant nightlife.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Distance from Austin: 537 miles
New Orleans is a legendary destination for food, music, culture, and amazing nightlife. This city is famous for its district of French Quarter, where visitors can experience the city's unique architecture, jazz, and Creole cuisine. You can’t miss the lively Bourbon Street, which is filled with bars, restaurants, and street performers.
Washington, D.C
Distance from Philadelphia: 138 miles
As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. is home to historical landmarks, world-class museums, and impressive architecture. Step inside iconic structures like the White House, Capitol Building, and the Lincoln Memorial. The city also offers many free museums, such as the Smithsonian, and stunning gardens located at the National Arboretum.
Landmarks
Cadillac Ranch
Distance from Amarillo: 5 miles
The Cadillac Ranch is an iconic attraction located on Route 66, a few miles west of Amarillo, Texas. This roadside art installation consists of ten Cadillacs placed nose-down into the ground, spray-painted with graffiti. Visitors are encouraged to leave their own graffiti and become part of this colorful and ever-changing artwork.
Atlantic City Boardwalk
Distance from Philadelphia: 60 miles
The Atlantic City Boardwalk is a must-see attraction when driving from Arizona to New Jersey. This 4-mile long boardwalk is filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, amusement parks, and casinos. The stunning view of the Atlantic ocean and the classic East Coast vibe make it an ideal place for taking a stroll, relaxing on the beach, or trying your luck at the slot machines.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are countless amazing places to explore as you drive from Arizona to New Jersey. It’s up to you to choose the attractions that align with your interests, schedule your stops, and hit the road. Make sure you have your camera ready, as photo opportunities are endless. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey, meet new people, and discover hidden gems along the way. Safe travels!