20 Best Road Trip Stops on a Texas to California Drive

Plan the most iconic and memorable road trip from Texas to California.

Don’t you just love a good road trip? Boy, I sure do! The wide open road, fresh smells of freedom, winding twists and turning roads, scenic landscapes in every direction, and a whole lot to see a lot the way makes for an epic vacation. Driving from Texas to California allows you the chance to see some of the most stunning and popular attractions in the Southwestern United States.

Whether you are looking for beautiful national parks, historical monuments, and destinations, little towns with a lot to offer, quirky roadside attractions, Pacific ocean views, or big bustling cities, driving from Texas to California has it all. No matter which route you choose to take, you are guaranteed to be awe-struck at the vast amount of scenery and things to do along the way.

Many people, such as myself, often opt for road trips to save money on high costing airfare. Depending on your destination, it can really make a big difference in your budget. If you are traveling from Texas to California, especially if you are on a budget, I’m sure youre wondering: Is it cheaper to fly or drive from Texas to California?

As the road trip does take more than a day to complete (non-stop driving that is), the cost depends on multiple different factors. Are you renting a car or driving your own? How much money will you spend on gas? Will you drive straight through, or make stops along the way? While a lot of these factors are based on personal preference, gas, and accommodation prices are likely to always fluctuate in price. So to answer your question, it really just depends.

If you do choose to drive, get ready for an adventure of a lifetime! Make the most out of the South Western United States and discover these 25 best road trip stops on a Texas to California road trip!

It’s most likely your Texas to California road trip will be starting from one of the 4 major cities in Texas; Austin, Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio. If you are flying into Texas to begin your road trip, it's likely your starting point will be from Dallas or Houston, as these cities have the 2 major airports and are well connected to the rest of the state.

However, if you are looking to skip out on driving across Texas altogether, start in a western city in Texas, such as Amarillo or El Paso.

If you are taking the Northern route, your best bet is to start from Dallas or Amarillo. If you are taking the Southern route, Houston, Austin, or El Paso would be the best options.

Dallas: Dallas has the largest airport in the state and is the perfect place for beginning a road trip from Texas to California. It's easily accessible to the northern route along Route 66 and features city highlights such as Deep Ellum, Bishops Arts districts, and dozens of interesting museums.

Amarillo: Amarillo is one of the most popular cities along Route 66. It features Route 66 Historic Drive, housing murals, diners, and nostalgia shops. It's a great place to begin a Texas to California road trip when taking the northern route.

Austin: Rising in popularity in recent years, Austin is one of the most exciting destinations in the state of Texas. It's full of exciting nightlife, delicious cuisines, and a friendly and inviting atmosphere, and is a perfect place to begin a road trip from Texas to California when wanting to see Texas and take the southern route.

El Paso: The border town of El Paso is the best place to start your Texas to California road trip if you are wanting to bypass Texas altogether. It sits in the western panhandle and features a huge blend of American and Mexican cultures.

Houston: Houston allows you to drive the furthest along your road trip along the entire state of Texas. Starting here is definitely the longest route, but the most to see and do. Plus, Houston is a fun and diverse city, an epic starting point for any adventure.

San Diego: California's southernmost city of San Diego is a melting pot of cultures and one of the most exciting cities in California. While ending here may cut your road trip short, it's a great stopping point for those who want to relax for a few days on the beautiful California beaches and indulge in delicious Mexican cuisine.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles is the largest city in the United States and a great stopping point for any road trip. Not only is the city loaded with things to see and do, Hollywood celebrities, and beautiful beaches, but if you are flying home from the end of your road trip, it’s likely your return flight is from LAX.

Palm Springs: Palm Springs sits pretty close to Joshua Tress National Park and is a great end point to your Texas to California road trip. It has beautiful beaches, up-scale shopping and scenery, and a relaxing atmosphere; perfect for the ending of a long drive.

Santa Monica: If you take the northern route, Santa Monica will be the best stopping point, as it marks the completion of route 66. Celebrate the end of your long adventure, walk the famous pier, and relax on one of the most popular beaches in the country.

San Francisco: San Francisco, otherwise known as Silicon Valley, is a great stopping point in northern California. Not only can you drive the coast and enjoy this fabulous vibrant city, but there are multiple airports in the area where you can book your return flight home.

Yosemite National Park: Sitting in the northern point of California, Yosemite is a great ending point if you are looking to drive the full length of California. While this route may be the longest, it's full of some of the best things to see and do, and allows you to travel up the gorgeous California coastline to one of the most visited and famous National Parks worldwide.

Big Sur: Drive the coast up Route 1 to Big Sur and discover the best of California’s coastline. Featuring rocky cliffs and gorgeous beaches, it's one of the most amazing coastal sites in California and the perfect ending to any long road trip from Texas.

When traveling from Texas to California, you have 2 main routes. The southern Route along Interstate 10, or the northern historic route along famous Route 66. No matter which route you choose to take, you will travel across 4 states and more than 1500 miles.

The southern route is definitely more scenic and is the best option for seeing an array of National Parks. The northern route is perfect for those who love to drive and has a chance to experience the most famous highway in the country.

If your road trip happens to be a round trip, why not do both routes? My recommendation would be to drive the northern route there while taking the southern route back to Texas. This way, you are able to see the best of both routes!

Whichever route you choose to take on your Texas to California road trip, there are interesting destinations and attractions to see along the way. Equally fun whether it be north or south, a road trip from Texas to California will be one for the books.

From scenic landscapes from desert to mountains and incredible nature to bustling cities, epic towns, and roadside attractions, it's amazing how much you can see across a stretch of 4 states.

Let's break down the most popular and iconic road trip stops and sites to see while taking a road trip from Texas to California on both the I-10 and Route 66.

The Northern route along the Mother Road Route 66 is by-far more historical option. It’s the most famous highway in America stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica and has some of the most iconic and nostalgic roadside sites to see on a Texas to California road trip, such as:

One of the most popular locations worldwide and one of the most visited national parks in the country is the iconic Grand Canyon. It can easily be reached from Route 66 and is a must-stop along any Texas to California road trip. Formed millions of years ago from erosion of the Colorado River, it spans 277 miles and is 6,000 feet deep at its lowest point. Begin at the visitor's center to learn the canyon's history, then hike, drive the rim, or descend down into the canyon to discover it firsthand.

Albuquerque, New Mexico is the largest city in the state and full of culture, historic sites, delicious cuisine, and a lot to see and do. Boasting multiple museums, loads of shopping, and the Rio Grande Zoo, nature lovers and city buffs can enjoy the magic that Albequerque has to offer. Be sure to take a stroll around the Old Town for the best souvenir shopping, galleries, and a chance to immerse into the local lifestyle. It's a great stopping point on your Texas to California road trip since the city has various hotels and guesthouses to choose from.

Just north of Albuquerque sits the small town of Santa Fe. This town has a huge bohemian and artsy vibe, featuring more than 100 art galleries along Canyon road, museums, markets, and local boutiques. What was once home to hundreds of Native Americans, visitors can learn about their history, and lifestyle, and purchase handmade native American jewelry and trinkets as well. Before you take off, make sure to have a refreshing margarita along the Margarita trail!

Sitting in the panhandle of Texas is the nostalgic Cadillac Ranch, one of the most famous attractions along Route 66. Just outside of Amarillo sits an art installation of 10 Cadillacs buried head-first into the sand. It was made to emphasize the car obsession of Americans, as well as quirky road side attractions for those driving the historic route. It's the perfect place for fabulous Instagram photo opts and one of the most unique stops along the Texas to California road trip.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park is a unique geological attraction not too far from Amarillo, Texas. Start at the visitors center for panoramic views of the canyon then take the scenic drive to discover the canyon depths and valleys. Hikers can enjoy miles and miles of scenic trails, such as the CCC of Lighthouse trail, as well as various camping opportunities around the park. The deep canyon with red rock formations shooting high about the hills is a must-see spot on any road trip from Texas to California.

If traveling along the northern route of Route 66 while on your Texas to California road trip, Adrian is a must-stop destination. Famous for being the midpoint of Route 66, the small town features the famous Midpoint Cafe, Route 66 memorabilia all over the place, and the essential ‘Welcome to Adrian’ sign, the perfect place for a photo op along your road trip.

The Santa Rosa Blue Hole in New Mexico is a naturally fed swimming hole with a system of underground caves, It's one of the most popular stops along Route 66 and is also a popular scuba diving destination in the United States. It's most famous for its electric blue color and is truly a sight to see. Visitors can enjoy swimming hiking or relaxing around the Santa Rosa Blue Hole. If you are traveling in the summer months, this place is a must-stop for cooling off and beating the heat.

Located in northeastern Arizona is the infamous Petrified Forest National Park. It's one of the most jaw-dropping places in the United States and one of the best sites along your Texas to California road trip. What was once an ancient forest, turned to stone over time, and now contains the largest amount of petrified wood in the world. Hike along the miles of trails and discover fossilized logs and trees wide a diverse blend of textures and colors.

Seligman is an iconic stop while driving Route 66 and a perfect place to add to any Texas-to-California road trip. Perfect for history buffs and antique lovers, it boasts retro shops and diners, Route 66 memorabilia, and antique markets. Be sure to check out the converted gas station and Return to the 50s museum while in town to learn about the history and fun facts of this little town.

Kingman sits along Route 66 and has a rich history and lots to see and do. It's home to the famous Route 66 museum, the Mohave Museum of History and Arts, and the vintage Locomotive Park. Learn about early transportation along the route and the movement of people cross country during the great depression. It’s definitely a hidden gem along the route, but a place worth stopping for sure.

Santa Monica is a great site to see along a Texas to California road trip, as well as an ideal stopping point if taking the northern route. The mile marker finishing Route 66 sits on the Santa Monica pier (a must-see) and has one of the country's most popular beaches, Santa Monica Beach. Famous for its exciting pier, amusement park, and seaside views, Santa Monica is a great place to relax, unwind, and review destination highlights and photos from your exciting Texas to California road trip.

The Southern route along Interstate 10 is the more scenic option when driving from Texas to California and passes through various national parks, state parks, and little towns. It's the best option for those who love exploring the outdoors and appreciate the stunning scenery and diverse landscapes. Some of the best stops and sites to see on a Texas to California road trip taking the southern route include:

Sitting in Alamogordo, New Mexico, White Sands National Park is one of the best natural wonders along any Texas to California road trip. Most famous for its vast gypsum deposits, it features large white sand dunes spanning for miles. The park offers hiking, biking, camping, and even boarding down iconic sand dunes. This is a great option for an overnight stay along your Texas to California road trip as the National Park offers the opportunity to sleep under the stars; a stargazer's paradise.

Big Bend is one of the least visited and remote National Parks in the United States, mostly due to its location, but is without a doubt the hidden gem of Texas. Ditch the car and set out on the foot or by bike and explore the vast National Park firsthand. Home to the rugged Chisos mountains and a desert full of cacti and diverse wildlife, Big Bend is perfect for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who love a good view.

The natural wonder of Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a UNESCO Heritage Site and one of the best sites to see on the southern route of a Texas to California road trip. The park has been home to Native Americans for more than 11,000 years and features some of the largest caves worldwide with huge geological foundations inside. The best way to explore the caverns is by booking a guided tour for the best overall experience and a chance to learn a lot of history about the area.

Taking a detour through Marfa, Texas while on the southern route from Texas to California is a great place to rest for a pit stop. Marfa is a small town in the middle of the desert in western Texas. It's full of colorful buildings antique shops, art galleries, and breathtaking scenery all around. If you choose to stop here for the night, keep an eye out for the infamous Lights of Marfa once the sun sets.

Whether you choose to begin your road trip in El Paso or not, it still deserves a stop on any Texas to California road trip. El Paso is a small border town on the border of Texas and Mexico and is blended with a mix of cultures, attractions, and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. It's definitely one of the most underrated cities in Texas, as it's home to the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame, the Museum of Art, and the jaw-dropping Franklin Mountains State Park. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the miles of hiking trails, leading to beautiful views of the city landscape.

Tuscon, Arizona is without a doubt one of the most underrated cities in the country. Featuring more than 200 years of history, beautiful landscapes, and an eclectic downtown area, it's a fun and exciting stop to make on your Texas to California road trip. Outdoor lovers can enjoy hiking, exploring Kartner Caverns, and wandering through the Catalina Mountains, while city birds can enjoy shopping on 4th Avenue and discovering the vast amount of cuisine options in the city.

If you are ending your road trip near or around Palm Springs, it’s likely Joshua Tree National Park in California will be one of your last stops. The unique environment, climate, and vegetation make this National park one of the most unique in the country, bursting with Joshua trees, cholla cacti, ocotillos, and a wide range of wildlife. From the Interstate, head towards Cottonwood Visitors Center, the southern entrance to the park, and enjoy miles of hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, scenic drives, and a chance to camp under the stars.

Death Valley National Park is the lowest point in North America and one of the sites to see on a Texas to California road trip. Badwater Basin sits 282 feet below sea level, resulting in a surreal landscape tricking the senses to think what is actually a thick layer of salt of the ground, is snowflakes covering the earth. It's home to stunning scenery, salt flats stretching for miles, and surreal sights, unlike any other destination in the world.

If you are a fan of dinosaurs or traveling with children, be sure to add Cabazon to your itinerary during your texas to California road trip. This quirky roadside attraction features 2 lifesize dinosaurs replicas (T-rex & Apatosaurus), surrounded by gift shops, picnic tables, and attractions for kids to play. Cabazon is great for a quick roadside stop and a unique excursion on any Texas to California road trip.

The city of Angels, Los Angeles, is by far one of the most epic cities along your Texas to California road trip. It's one of the largest cities in the country, known for its ethnic diversity, Hollywood celebrities, high-end shopping, and beautiful white beaches. Whether you are looking to relax seaside after days on the road, tour movie studios, or hike to the infamous Hollywood sign, the city is full of magic and has something for everyone.

For more tips on how to plan your trip, be sure to check out this post on how to plan a cross-country road trip - How to plan a cross country road trip

We hope you have enjoyed this guide to the best 25 road trip stops on a Texas to California drive! Hopefully, after reading, you are inspired to hit the open road and discover some of the best parts of the entire United States.