A craveable and delicious road trip: 13 of the most iconic McDonald’s across America

McDonald’s food is always the perfect road trip fuel, but what if the restaurants themselves elevated the pit stops even further?

We’re encouraging fans to make more vacation memories when they hit the highways for an end-of-summer road trip by checking out some of the most iconic and unique McDonald’s locations across the country.

Sure, World Famous Fries® and a Big Mac® are enough of a reason to hop in the car, but these locations have some special sauce of their own. 

There’s the Mansion McDonald’s in Freeport, Maine, where visitors can enjoy lobster rolls and explore the nearly 170-year-old Gore House. Or the oldest operating McDonald’s in Downey, California. There are restaurants with themes like “fancy” and “retro,” and those that serve unique items like pizza and omelets or global favorites. And don’t forget to check out the restaurants shaped like trains or UFOs. These are one-of-a-kind locations that you have to see for yourself! 

We’ve collected these unique locations – 13 in all – on a map fans can use to start their journey. The locations span the U.S., so there’s a special route for everyone to enjoy. 

Most Iconic McDonald’s: The complete list 

#1 Mansion McDonald’s 

11 Mallett Dr, Freeport, ME 04032  

Built in 1850, the spectacular Gore House was converted into Freeport, Maine’s only McDonald’s in 1984. Love seafood? Add a lobster roll to your order here. Yes, really! 

#2 Retro McDonald’s

14 Plaza Way, Fairhaven, MA 02719

Step back in diner history with this Massachusetts McDonald’s that’s stayed true to its retro look. With black-and-white tiled flooring and vinyl booths, slide in and order a Vanilla Shake for two.

#3 Denton House 

2045 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040  

McDonald’s restored this Long Island gem to its 1926 appearance. Come in and see what life was like during the “Roaring ‘20s.” And if you have a Model T—take it through the drive-thru added to the back of the house.

#4 Skinny McDonald’s 

262 Canal St, New York, NY 10013  

Sandwiched in the middle of busy Canal St., this location is for those who know where to look. Bring your appetite and your camera. You’re going to want a picture in front of the elegant cast iron exterior. 

#5 Fancy McDonald’s 

6201 Brecksville Rd, Independence, OH 44131

This restaurant trades McDonald’s classic Golden Arches for classical columns. Feast your eyes on the colonial décor, grand chandeliers, and many other features that have earned this location its “fancy” name. 

#6 Global Headquarters 

1035 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607

Step inside this restaurant located inside our headquarters and get a taste of our innovations from around the world. A restaurant on the ground floor of MHQ features a rotating menu of popular items from around the globe. And if you’re interested in furthering your education, consider learning more about Hamburger University.

#7 Entertainment McDonald’s 

6875 W. Sand Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819

Entertainers are always willing to go the extra mile, and this Orlando-based McDonald’s lives up to its name. Want something beyond the classic menu? Pizza, pasta and omelets are an order away. And with an enormous playhouse and dozens of arcade games, you’ll have plenty of activities to keep you entertained after a meal.

#8 Highway McDonald’s  

767 Will Rogers Turnpike, Vinita, OK 74301

Sometimes bigger truly is better, and this Oklahoma staple once held the title for the largest McDonald’s in the world. Beat hunger with these serious hangar vibes and see its gigantic golden arch for yourself. It won’t be hard—it literally towers over the traffic. 

#9 UFO McDonald’s  

720 N Main St, Roswell, NM 88201  

This spaceship-shaped McDonald’s serves World Famous Fries® in a town full of extraterrestrial rumors. Treat someone to a meal and ask them where they’re from—they just may say another galaxy…

#10 Teal Arches McDonald’s 

2380 W US Hwy 89A, Sedona, AZ 86336 

When Sedona officials felt the gold in our iconic arches might distract from the natural surroundings, we obliged—spurring this location’s vibrant Teal Arches. Actually color yourself surprised, and see that the blue is true. 

#11 Oldest McDonald’s 

10207 Lakewood Blvd, Downey, CA 90240  

Celebrate history with the world’s oldest operating McDonald’s. The appearance has gone virtually unchanged since the ‘50s. From the fishbowl-style kitchen to the sixty-foot, single-arch “Speedee” street sign, see for yourself how McDonald’s became the fan favorite it is today.

#12 Train McDonald’s

1611 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311  

This location mimics a train station, befit with passenger train cars for guests to eat in during their culinary getaways. All aboard! Snag your ticket to a first-class experience.  

#13 Vegas McDonald’s

3475 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109