As a general thing, interstate rest areas are nothing to get excited about. Most are pretty humdrum, featuring drab buildings with utilitarian restrooms and directory boards, maybe some picnic tables, and an area for walking dogs. Few are worth taking a second look at, but some are truly remarkable. Here are the five most scenic interstate rest areas in the United States.

Meteor Crater Rest Area, Winslow, AZ

On I-40 at milepost 235, twenty miles west of Winslow, AZ

Set amidst the red rocks and just a short drive from Meteor Crater, this rest area provides walking trails, picnic tables and open air shelters. A short hike provides a distant view of the crater. A short drive brings you there. Definitely worth a stop.

Bonneville Salt Flats Rest Area, Wendover, UT

On I-80 at milepost 10, nine miles east of Wendover, UT

The views from this rest area at the edge of the Bonneville Salt Flats are otherworldly. The flat, unbroken surface of the salt pan stretches away into the distance like a white sand beach in search of an ocean. Clouds billow in a vast blue sky overhead. It’s like you’ve landed on the surface of another planet, something to see and marvel at.

Southeastern Vermont Welcome Center Rest Area

On I-91 at milepost 5.6, near Guildford, VT

The buildings at this super clean and comfortable rest area resemble rustic farm buildings. The interiors are built of exposed timbers with floor to ceiling windows. Handcrafted Vermont rocking chairs invite travelers to relax and sit awhile. Outside, pleasant walkways wend past landscaped gardens with Governor’s Mountain in the background. On weekends farm stands are erected for the sale of fresh produce and home baked goods. This is a Welcome Center that goes out of its way to welcome you.

Randolph E. Collier Rest Area, Yreka, CA

On I-5 at milepost 786, two miles north of the Route 96 junction, near Yreka, CA

Picnic tables sit amidst a grove of trees overlooking the tumbling Klamath River with the Siskiyou Mountains in the background. Walking trails run parallel to the river with benches set at intervals. The Visitor’s Center is bright and airy. The grounds are lovingly maintained. When you stop here, you actually want to stay awhile. This is a rest area that’s truly restful.

Scenic Overlook Rest Area, Las Cruces, NM

On I-10 at milepost 135, ten miles west of Las Cruces, NM

Looking out past a giant roadrunner statue constructed entirely of recycled metals, this inviting rest area offers gorgeous views of Las Cruces and the Organ Mountains in the distance. Blending nicely with the surrounding desert landscape, picnic shelters built of native flagstones provide a relaxing place to sit and take in the scenery.

Image credits

Rest area shelters, Ryan Riggins

Meteor crater, Jimmy Conover

Bonneville Salt Flats, Sandra Seitamaa

Guilford Welcome Center, John B.

Randolph Collier rest area, JayZee on Wikimapia

Scenic Overlook rest area, New Mexico Department of Transportation