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Are you looking for a new road trip from Los Angeles but can’t decide on your destination or route? Then why not head to Dallas? Not only is there plenty to see and do here, but you can hit some excellent spots on the way, enjoying fantastic views and packing adventure into every stop. We know that a 1,446-mile road trip can be daunting, especially if you aren’t sure what to fill your stops with, and we have the perfect solution. Our 8-12 day road trip allows you to enjoy every high point from LA to Dallas, including Phoenix, El Paso, and Las Cruces. Follow our itinerary below to see what you could enjoy on your next road trip!
Stop 1: Los Angeles, California
Start your trip in LA, where you can soak up all the City of Angels has to offer before setting off. We recommend enjoying breakfast at the Griddle Cafe, which is well-known for its pancake stacks. These will give you the fuel you need for a day of sightseeing! There is so much to see and do in LA, but we highly recommend a trip to the Griffith Observatory for stunning views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign. It’s also worth visiting the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and strolling along the Venice Beach boardwalk for its unique shops and people-watching with a wonderful view of the beach.
Stop 2: Palm Springs, California
A 110-mile drive will bring you to Palm Springs, a desert oasis filled with chic shopping experiences and mid-century architecture to enjoy. There are also numerous tourist attractions, including the Palm Springs Art Museum, which features Native American art and contemporary exhibits. For an adventure, head to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and take a 10-minute trip from the desert floor to the alpine forests, offering stunning views.
Stop 3: Phoenix, Arizona
A longer, 264-mile drive brings you to Phoenix, where there is so much to see and do. The Desert Botanical Garden is worth a visit, where you can see thousands of cacti and desert blooms up close. You can also visit Camelback Mountain. This is a short drive from town, but it offers a rewarding hike with wonderful views. We also recommend making time to visit Roosevelt Row, where you can grab food or a drink from one of the funky cafes and enjoy the colourful murals.
Stop 4: Tucson, Arizona
Tucson is 90 minutes away from Phoenix and provides an artsy and more laid-back space for you to stop. The blend of Mexican influence and Old West history is apparent as you drive through, with the University of Arizona situated just five minutes away, providing a wealth of creativity and students in the area.
As part of your stop, check out the Saguaro National Park. The towering cacti are an incredible sight here, especially at sunrise or sunset, so it’s worth visiting at one of these times. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is also a good place to explore, where you can enjoy botanical gardens, a zoo, and a natural history museum under one roof! Fourth Avenue is the best place to grab all of your supplies, too, before the longest drive of the journey begins.
Stop 5: Las Cruces, New Mexico
The drive to Las Cruces spans 278 miles, so be sure to have all the necessary supplies before setting off. While in Las Cruces, we recommend a visit to Old Mesilla, a historic district just 10 minutes away. The laid-back atmosphere is perfect for walking and exploring artisan shops.
If you want to see more of the outdoors, then the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument should be on your itinerary. It is 25 minutes away from town and has one of the best hiking trails of this trip! The Dipping Springs trail is suitable for all experience levels and is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Stop 6: El Paso, Texas
A shorter, 45-mile drive brings you to El Paso, sitting on the New Mexico and Texas border. Here, the blend of Mexican and Texan cultures is evident, with numerous murals and historic buildings to explore. We recommend the Plaza Theatre, which is home to one of six Mighty Wurlitzer Blaban III Organs ever made!
A 10-minute journey out of El Paso allows you to soak up some nature along the Scenic Drive. Here, you will see the border between El Paso and Ciudad Juárez, extending into Texas. It’s a great place to enjoy some sights before heading to the El Paso Mission Trail, home to some of the oldest churches in the USA. It is the perfect stop for any history lover!
Stop 7: Midland, Texas
A 306-mile drive brings you to Midland, which can be deceiving. At first, it will seem like there isn’t much to explore, but there is more here than pumps and pipelines. A 20-minute walk from town is the George W. Bush Childhood Home, where you can see artefacts from where both presidents spent some of their early years. The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum is an excellent spot for those interested in the area’s connections to the oil industry. You will have the opportunity to see hands-on exhibits and vintage oil field gear on display.
If you want some nature too, Midland has just the spot for you! The I-20 Wildlife Preserve & Jenna Welch Nature Study Centre is 10 minutes away, with a stunning boardwalk trail around a seasonal playa lake. It is the perfect spot for birdwatching and will make you feel a thousand miles away from oil country!
Stop 8: Abilene, Texas
As your journey approaches its end, a 151-mile drive to Abilene will allow you to enjoy some greener scenery. Alongside its lush landscapes, there is Frontier Texas! Museum, which is the perfect place for children and adults, the holograms of Old West characters telling stories provide an immersive experience that will give you a new understanding and appreciation for those who shaped the American West.
Abilene is also known as the Storybook Capital of America, with numerous spots for book lovers to enjoy. There are plenty of statues of children’s book characters for you to enjoy across Downtown Abilene, like Stuart Little and the Cat in the Hat. The National Centre for Children’s Illustrated Literature is also worth a visit. You can see original artwork from some of the best-loved children’s books here.
Stop 9: Dallas, Texas
Finally, a 181-mile drive brings you to Dallas, your final stop on the trip. Dallas has plenty to offer, from its Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum to the Dallas Museum of Art. At these, you will learn about the life of President John F. Kennedy and some of the ancient and contemporary art pieces in Dallas. If you want to head outdoors, we recommend the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. It is just a 20-minute drive away and offers stunning views of White Rock Lake.
Start planning your LA to Dallas road trip today
Now that you have your itinerary sorted, it’s time to finalise your road trip plans. For a trip like this, we recommend using a campervan, which will keep you comfortable and provide a space for you to eat and sleep along the way. You can hire a campervan from Travellers Autobarn, who offer easy campervan rentals without breaking the bank. Their campervan rental locations across the country allow you to pick up your campervan and start your journey from anywhere, including LA! Check out their campervan hire rates in Los Angeles to continue planning your road trip today.