The Ultimate US Road Trip 50 States Challenge: I Tried to Travel All 50 U.S. States But Failed #1st Attempt

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US Road Trip 50 States Challenge, There’s something exhilarating about setting out on a journey with an ambitious goal—one that pushes the boundaries of endurance, adventure, and discovery. I embarked on the ultimate U.S. road trip with a singular mission: to visit all 50 states in one go. Starting from the bustling streets of New York City, I mapped out a route that would take me through the varied landscapes of America, from towering mountains to coastal highways, sleepy towns to vibrant cities.

US Road Trip 50 States Challenge

But sometimes, reality doesn’t align with our plans. After traveling through 36 states, I had to call it quits. Unexpected hurdles, fatigue, and logistical challenges got in the way. Despite not reaching all 50, the journey was nothing short of extraordinary. This is the story of my attempt to conquer the 50-state road trip and the lessons I learned along the way.

Table of Contents

The Grand Plan: Mapping the Route

Before hitting the road, I spent weeks meticulously planning my route. I aimed for efficiency, covering as many states as possible without backtracking excessively. The plan looked something like this:

  1. Start in New York → Down the East Coast → Across the South → Up through the Midwest → The Rocky Mountains → The West Coast → The Pacific Northwest → The final stretch across the Great Plains and the last handful of states.

This meant covering thousands of miles, adjusting to different time zones, weather conditions, and regional cultures, all while living out of my car. With a trunk full of supplies, a rough budget, and a playlist ready, I set out on the most ambitious journey of my life.

The Journey Through 36 States

1. New York – The Big Apple Sendoff

Starting in New York was fitting. The city that never sleeps was a symbolic launch pad for my adventure. I grabbed a classic New York bagel, took a moment to admire Times Square one last time. The energy of New York City was the perfect send-off. After a classic New York bagel loaded with lox and cream cheese from a local delight, I hit the road, passing the Statue of Liberty in my rearview mirror.

2. New Jersey – A Quick Stop for Boardwalk Eats

New Jersey was a quick drive-through, but I couldn’t resist stopping by the famous Jersey Shore boardwalk for some saltwater taffy.

Just across the Hudson River, I made a pit stop in Atlantic City. The boardwalk was bustling, and I couldn’t resist trying a fresh slice of boardwalk pizza and some saltwater taffy.

3. Pennsylvania – The Historic Keystone State

A detour to Philadelphia brought me face-to-face with the Liberty Bell, but the real star was the legendary Philly cheesesteak. I debated between Pat’s and Geno’s but ended up devouring one from both. Verdict? Deliciously impossible to choose.

4. Delaware – The First State, The Fastest Drive

Delaware was the first “blink-and-you-miss-it” state. A short drive through Wilmington and onto the next stop.

Crab Cakes and Calm Waters

The coastal charm of Rehoboth Beach was undeniable. I sampled a fresh crab cake sandwich — crispy, tender, and just the right amount of seasoning.

5. Maryland – Crabs & Coastal Views

I made a stop in Baltimore for some of the best crab cakes I’ve ever had. The Inner Harbor was lively, but I had to keep moving.

Blue Crabs and Old Bay

In Baltimore, I embraced the Maryland tradition of cracking blue crabs dusted in Old Bay seasoning. It was messy, but every bite was worth it.

6. Virginia – Mountains and History

Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway was a scenic paradise. The historic feel of Williamsburg was captivating.

Biscuits and Blue Ridge Views

Driving through the Blue Ridge Parkway was breathtaking. I grabbed a warm, buttery biscuit slathered with sausage gravy at a small roadside diner — Southern comfort food at its finest.

7. North Carolina – BBQ Heaven

No road trip is complete without indulging in some legendary Carolina BBQ. Pulled pork with vinegar-based sauce—perfection.

BBQ Perfection

Eastern-style BBQ- The tangy, vinegar-based sauce on pulled pork was unlike anything I’d ever tasted.

8. South Carolina – Southern Charm & Beaches

I took a brief detour to Charleston, a city bursting with history and charm.

Lowcountry Flavors

In Charleston, I savored a classic Lowcountry boil — shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage cooked together in a spicy broth. It tasted like the South in a single bite

9. Georgia – Atlanta’s Buzzing Energy

Atlanta welcomed me with its dynamic cityscape and soul food. The peach cobbler was a must-try.

Peach Cobbler and Southern Hospitality

Sweet tea and peach cobbler, a dessert that melted in my mouth with every forkful.

10. Florida – Sunshine & Theme Parks

I spent a day exploring Miami’s beaches and Orlando’s theme parks. Florida’s tropical energy was infectious.

Cuban Sandwiches and Key Lime Pie

I wandered the colorful streets of Miami and tried an authentic Cuban sandwich — pressed to perfection with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. Dessert? A slice of creamy Key Lime pie in Key West.

11. Alabama – Sweet Tea and Southern Hospitality

A peaceful drive through Alabama’s rolling hills reminded me of the deep cultural roots in the South.

Fried Green Tomatoes and Sweet Tea

A stop in Birmingham introduced me to crispy fried green tomatoes served with a tangy remoulade sauce. Pair that with bottomless sweet tea, and I was in Southern heaven.

12. Mississippi – The Blues Trail

I stopped in Clarksdale to experience the birthplace of the blues.

Blues and Biscuits

Driving down the Mississippi Blues Trail, I indulged in buttery biscuits with honey and local fried catfish. The soulful music echoing from roadside juke joints made the experience unforgettable.

13. Louisiana – The Magic of New Orleans

New Orleans’ French Quarter was mesmerizing. The jazz, beignets, and vibrant nightlife made it hard to leave.

Beignets and Jambalaya

In New Orleans, I wandered the French Quarter with powdered sugar dusting my hands after devouring freshly fried beignets from Café du Monde. Jambalaya for dinner, with its smoky sausage and spicy kick, sealed the deal.

14. Texas – Everything’s Bigger

From BBQ in Austin to the vast deserts of West Texas, this state felt like a country of its own.

Brisket and Big Skies

The Lone Star State greeted me with open arms and even larger plates. At a roadside BBQ joint in Austin, I relished smoked brisket so tender it fell apart with the slightest touch

15. Oklahoma – The Heartland

Driving through Oklahoma’s wide-open spaces was peaceful. I stopped in Tulsa for a taste of Route 66 nostalgia.

Chicken Fried Steak and Route 66 Nostalgia

Oklahoma City offered me a taste of true Southern comfort food — chicken fried steak smothered in creamy white gravy. It was as indulgent as it sounds.

16. Arkansas – Natural Beauty

The Ozarks provided some much-needed nature time.

Delta Tamales and Hot Springs

Who knew Arkansas had its own spin on tamales? Unlike the traditional Mexican version, Delta tamales were spicier, steamed in corn husks, and served with chili.

17. Missouri – The Gateway to the West

The towering Gateway Arch in St. Louis was breathtaking.

St. Louis Style BBQ and Gooey Butter Cake

The Gateway Arch was impressive, but the city’s signature BBQ ribs stole the show. For dessert, I tried the iconic gooey butter cake — a dense, buttery square of pure delight.

18. Kansas – Endless Horizons

A long, flat drive with some of the most stunning sunsets I’ve ever seen.

Sunflowers and Comfort Food

A drive through the sunflower state led me to a humble diner where I tasted homemade chicken and noodles over creamy mashed potatoes. A Kansas classic.

19. Nebraska – The Unexpected Gem

Omaha’s food scene surprised me, especially the Reuben sandwich.

20. South Dakota – Mount Rushmore

Seeing the iconic faces carved into stone was surreal.

21. North Dakota – The Quiet State

With wide-open prairies and a slower pace, North Dakota felt like a pause in the journey.

22. Minnesota – The Land of Lakes

A quick detour through Minneapolis for Juicy Lucy burgers.

23. Wisconsin – Cheese and Countryside

Cheese curds and scenic farms made Wisconsin a highlight.

24. Illinois – Chicago’s Skyline

Deep-dish pizza in Chicago was worth the hype.

25. Iowa – Cornfields and Small-Town Vibes

The rolling fields were mesmerizing in their simplicity.

26. Missouri – Back Again for BBQ

Couldn’t resist another stop for BBQ in Kansas City.

27. Colorado – The Rocky Mountain High

Denver’s altitude and breathtaking views made it a memorable state.

Rocky Mountain Oysters and Craft Beer

In Denver, I braved a plate of Rocky Mountain oysters — yes, deep-fried bull calf testicles. Was it strange? Absolutely. Did I regret it? Not one bit

28. Wyoming – Yellowstone’s Wonders

Yellowstone National Park was one of the most awe-inspiring places I visited.

29. Montana – Big Sky Country

The vastness of Montana’s landscapes left me speechless.

30. Idaho – The Unexpected Stop

The hot springs and scenic byways made Idaho an underrated stop.

31. Washington – Pacific Northwest Beauty

Seattle’s Pike Place Market and coffee culture made me feel at home.

32. Oregon – Coastal Wonders

Driving along the Oregon Coast Highway was one of the most scenic parts of the trip.

33. California – The Golden State

From the redwoods in the north to the beaches of LA, California was a trip in itself.Utah’s national parks were also breathtaking

34. Nevada – The Las Vegas Experience

Bright lights, casinos, and the desert surrounding Vegas—what a contrast.

35. Utah – Arches & Red Rocks

Utah’s national parks looked like another planet.

36. Arizona – Grand Canyon Majesty

The Grand Canyon was the perfect grand finale… except it wasn’t the finale I wanted.

Why I Had to Stop at 36 States

By the time I reached Arizona, exhaustion had set in. The endless days of driving, unpredictable weather, and budget constraints had taken their toll. I was physically and mentally drained. The road, once an exciting playground, now felt like an insurmountable challenge.

I had hoped to push through, but sometimes, knowing when to stop is just as important as knowing when to start.

Lessons Learned from the Journey

  1. Flexibility is Key – No matter how much you plan, the road has its own agenda.
  2. America is Incredibly Diverse – From landscapes to cultures, no two states felt the same.
  3. Solo Travel is Rewarding but Challenging – It pushes you but can also be lonely.
  4. Sometimes, It’s Okay to Stop – Success isn’t always about finishing; sometimes, it’s about knowing when to pause.
  5. Food Tells Stories: Every bite introduced me to a piece of American culture.
  6. The Journey Matters More Than the Destination: I may not have reached all 50 states, but the 36 I explored gave me memories I’ll cherish forever.

Will I Try Again?

Absolutely. Though I didn’t reach all 50 states, the 36 I did visit left me with stories, lessons, and memories that will last a lifetime. The road is still calling, and one day, I’ll answer again. One day, I’ll return to complete the challenge and finally say I’ve set foot in all 50 states. But for now, I’ll savor the memories of the open highways, the roadside diners, and the people and flavors that made my journey unforgettable.

Some Questions Regarding The Trip

✅ 1. Why Did I Decide to Travel to All 50 States?

I’ve always had a passion for road trips, and the idea of exploring every U.S. state felt like the ultimate adventure. I wanted to experience the diverse cultures, landscapes, and, of course, the food that makes each state unique.

✅ 2. How Long Did I Plan for the Trip?

I initially planned to complete the trip in around 3 months. This gave me enough time to explore major landmarks, enjoy local experiences, and stay flexible for unexpected detours.

✅ 3. How Far Did I Get?

I made it to 36 states before deciding to end the trip. While I didn’t reach my goal of all 50 states, I saw incredible sights and made unforgettable memories.

✅ 4. What Were Some of the Challenges Faced?

Fatigue: Long driving hours and unpredictable sleep schedules caught up with me.
Budgeting Issues: Food, gas, accommodations, and car maintenance added up faster than expected.
Weather: Some regions faced unexpected storms and road closures.
Loneliness: Traveling solo for weeks at a time had its emotional challenges.

✅ 5. What’s My Favorite State?

It’s hard to pick just one, but California stood out for its diversity — from the redwoods to the coastline to vibrant cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Utah’s national parks were also breathtaking.

✅ 6. Which State Had the Best Food?

That’s a tough one! But some standouts include:
Texas: Smoked brisket and BBQ ribs.
Louisiana: Beignets and jambalaya in New Orleans.
Maryland: Blue crabs with Old Bay seasoning.
North Carolina: Vinegar-based BBQ pulled pork.
Illinois: Deep-dish pizza in Chicago.

✅ 7. Where Did I Stay? in Hotels, Motels, or Campgrounds?

It was a mix of everything. I stayed in:
Motels for budget-friendly stops.
Hotels in cities for comfort and convenience.
Campgrounds in national parks for an immersive nature experience.
Airbnbs when I wanted a more local experience.

✅ 8. How Did I Budget for the Trip?

I set aside around $10,000 for gas, food, lodging, and activities. However, with rising gas prices and unexpected car maintenance, I went over budget. In hindsight, having a cushion of around $15,000 would have been wiser.

✅ 9. What Essentials Did I Pack?

Snacks and Water: For long stretches between towns.
Roadside Emergency Kit: Including jumper cables, a first aid kit, and spare tires.
Sleeping Bag and Tent: For camping when needed.
Travel Apps: Google Maps, GasBuddy (for gas prices), and Airbnb.
Camera: To capture moments along the way.

✅ 10. What Were Some Must-See Stops Along the Way?

Grand Canyon, Arizona – A breathtaking wonder.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming – Incredible geothermal features.
New Orleans, Louisiana – Rich culture, live jazz, and amazing food.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North Carolina – Scenic mountain views.
Chicago, Illinois – Deep-dish pizza and vibrant city life.

✅ 11. Did I Regret Not Finishing the 50 States?

Not at all! While I didn’t complete all 50 states, I experienced more than I ever imagined. The lessons, memories, and people I met along the way were worth every mile. And who knows? I may return one day to complete the challenge.

✅ 12. Would I Recommend a Road Trip Like This?

Absolutely! If you love adventure, spontaneity, and exploring new places, a U.S. road trip is an unforgettable experience. Just be flexible, budget wisely, and embrace the unexpected.

✅ 13. What Advice Would I Give Someone Planning a Similar Trip?

Start Small: Try a regional road trip before committing to all 50 states.
Budget Wisely: Track your expenses and have an emergency fund.
Be Flexible: The best moments often come from spontaneous detours.
Embrace Local Culture: Eat at mom-and-pop diners and talk to locals.
Stay Safe: Keep emergency supplies, inform someone of your route, and check the weather.

✅ 14. Will You Try the 50 States Challenge Again?

Yes! While I didn’t make it this time, I’m already dreaming about a second attempt. Next time, I’ll take it slower, plan rest days, and focus more on the experience rather than the number of states.

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