6 Scenic Road Trip Stops Along US-50

US-50 stretches from Maryland to California through twelve states, and has long been recognized as one of the most varied cross-country routes in the United States. Started in the latter half of the 1920s as part of the original federal highway system, it linked existing regional roads into a single east-west line that carried the nation's early motorists through countless major cities, rural regions, mountain passes, deserts, and small towns, becoming a mammoth artery spanning more than 3,000 miles.

Its alignment changed many times in the twentieth century, but the route still generally cuts through a wide cross-section of American landscapes. Drivers can encounter anything from rolling farmland in the Midwest, perilous grades in the Rockies, and extensive, empty reaches across Nevada. Because the terrain changes so frequently, this iconic highway works well for travelers looking for a road trip passing by a rich mix of remarkable natural features, local history, and access to lesser-known corners of America. With that, here are 6 stops that we highly recommend along this lengthy route.

Lake Tahoe, California & Nevada

Lake Tahoe is easily one of the most scenic points along the western end of US-50, where the highway reaches lofty elevations and opens to clear views of the basin. The route passes through South Lake Tahoe, giving you quick access to a variety of lakefront paths, public beaches, and short side roads that lead to trailheads in the surrounding forests and parklands.

The shoreline provides numerous viewpoints over the crystal clear water and the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada beyond, while nearby parks like Sand Harbor State Park and Van Sickle Bi-State Park present ample public spaces for a stretch and a fresh air break, or for learning about the region’s geography. The area also contains several small historic sites linked to early settlements and transportation routes across the Sierra, namely the Lake Tahoe Historical Museum and the nearby town of Genoa, Nevada, which has held onto a sort of Wild West theme since its founding in 1851.

Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Great Basin National Park lies just south of US-50 near the town of Baker and marks one of the quietest stopovers on the route. As one of the least visited national parks in the United States, it has a surprising amount of draws for you to appreciate. The Lehman Caves Visitor Center, for example, sits near the entrance of a navigable cave system and serves as the starting point for guided tours that move through subterranean chambers lined with rare formations, such as "shields" and draperies, which you can explore in depth with a visit.

Up above, the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive leads higher into the park's mountain range, with marked pullouts and access to the Bristlecone Trail, where you'll be able to witness some of the oldest trees in North America. Mather Overlook also provides a clear view of the basin-and-range topography, while the nearby Baker Archaeological Site offers a short walking path through documented Fremont structures that date back as far as 2,000 years ago. This stretch of US-50 going through northern Nevada is also considered the Loneliest Road in America, due to its relative absence of towns and few modern amenities, so be sure to fill up on gas before traversing this section.

Cañon City, Colorado

Cañon City sits along a well-traveled stretch of this highway and provides several direct stops tied to the region's unique geology, railroad history, and outdoor recreation. For one, the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, reached by a marked turnoff south of town, includes the suspension bridge, rim-straddling viewpoints, and a small visitor area with exhibits on the formation of the gorge in which the town rests.

Next, the Royal Gorge Route Railroad departs from the historic Santa Fe Depot downtown and follows the Arkansas River through the canyon, giving you a close view of its rock walls. Another interesting attraction is the Museum of Colorado Prisons, which boasts a collection of prison-related exhibits dating back to the 1920s. For an especially picturesque route to explore, Skyline Drive, accessed from a spur near the western edge of town, is a narrow ridge-top road with lots of pullouts perfect for observing exposed dinosaur tracks along with broad views of the valley beyond. Cañon City is also full of useful amenities, including hotels, restaurants, gas stations, outfitters, and other businesses, conveniently clustered downtown.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve presents a direct window into one of the few remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America. Its historic Spring Hill Ranch House and barn complex sit near the visitor center, also outlining the area’s extensive 19th-century ranching operations. Several trails branch from the main grounds, including the Southwind Nature Trail, which passes through open prairie and limestone outcrops, and the Scenic Overlook Trail, which leads to a high point with wide views of the Flint Hills.

For a guided perspective, the preserve runs periodic bus tours into bison ranges as well, giving you a closer, much more detailed look at regional herd management and grassland restoration practices. All in all, this is a cool attraction for nature lovers and those simply looking for something uncrowded and far flung from any highly populated area on the eastern half of US-50.

Cincinnati Museum Center, Ohio

Located at Union Terminal just off US-50 in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, the Cincinnati Museum Center is among the most significant cultural stops along the route. This beautifully restored Art Deco station houses multiple institutions under one roof, including the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Children’s Museum. But even if you do not have the time to explore in depth, the building’s grand rotunda, murals, and streamlined architecture make it an attraction in its own right for sightseers.

If you do have a few hours, however, a plethora of exhibits on local history, paleontology, transportation, and more of the sciences are there for your appreciation. The site also includes the Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor, originally opened in 1933 as the Rookwood Tea Room, and a number of other well-marked walking areas that further highlight the terminal’s past as an important rail hub.

National Mall, Washington, D.C.

Towards the far eastern terminus of US-50, the byway feeds directly into central Washington, D.C., giving you immediate access to the National Mall and its many major landmarks. The mall stretches from the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and includes several of the country’s most recognized monuments, such as the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial. The Smithsonian museums are another huge draw, lining both sides of the mall and even offering free entry to its array of institutions covering aviation, natural history, American history, and so much more.

This destination easily offers one of the most concentrated collections of national heritage found anywhere along the highway, and it's perfect for either bookending or commencing a road trip along it. A paved web of pathways makes it easy to walk or bike between the various memorials, reflecting pools, and museum entrances, while nearby green spaces provide clear views of the city’s historic core and outdoor room to simply relax when the weather is good.

Experience Almost All of America on this One Highway

Traveling the length of US‑50 opens a scenic window into the nation's diversity of people, cultures, and natural environments. From the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains to Ohio’s lush river valleys, each stop mentioned above unveils a layer of regional history, beauty, and unique character. Whether exploring national parks, countryside communities, major metropolitan areas, or prehistoric sites, this iconic byway above all gives you a direct way to experience America’s roadside attractions, making the journey itself as rewarding as the destinations along the route!