Los Angeles to Dallas Drive – Road Trip Itinerary

We’re kicking off in the City of Angels, and there is no shortage of things to explore before you head out on the open road. Start your day by grabbing breakfast at the Griddle Cafe in West Hollywood, which is famous for its towering pancake stacks. After that, head up to the Griffith Observatory for some insane views across the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign before driving over to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Or, if you want that true LA vibe, stroll down the Venice Beach Boardwalk for some quirky people-watching!

If you’re looking for somewhere to set up camp in LA why not check out the Best LA campgrounds.

Once you’re done exploring Los Angeles, it’s time to jump in your RV and start making your way to your first stop – the beautiful Palm Springs.

Just under two hours from Los Angeles, you’ll arrive in Palm Springs, and from the moment you step out of your RV, you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. This desert oasis has mid-century architecture and chic shopping experiences to discover, as well as some fantastic tourist attractions. The first of these is the Palm Springs Art Museum, which is conveniently just 10 minutes from Downtown Palm Springs and is home to exhibits showcasing contemporary and Native American art.

Or, for something a little more adventurous, take a 15-minute drive out of town to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and go from the desert floor to alpine forests in a thrilling 10-minute ride.

After a day exploring everything Palm Springs has to offer, Happy Traveler RV Park on Mesquite Avenue is the perfect place to relax for the evening. There are 130 full-hookup sites here, and you’ll have access to amenities, including hot showers, laundry facilities, and even a swimming pool and spa. The only thing to note is that children are only allowed here from April 1st  to November 1st – outside of these months, it’s an adults-only RV park.

You’re now leaving California in the rearview mirror and crossing into Arizona, and as you arrive at Phoenix, you’ll find a busy metropolis with plenty to explore. Start your day here by making your way to the Desert Botanical Garden, where you can stroll amongst thousands of cacti and desert blooms.

Also, if you’re feeling a little more energetic, you can take a short drive out of town and hike up Camelback Mountain. Whichever you choose to do, you cannot visit Phoenix without carving out some time to visit Roosevelt Row to see the colorful murals and grab something to eat at one of the many funky cafes.

When you’re ready to call it a day, head to Desert Shadows RV Resort, which is only 20 minutes away and has some excellent facilities on offer. These include sites with full hookups, laundry facilities, WiFi, an indoor heated pool and jacuzzi spa, and various game courts. Everything you need for a comfortable and memorable stay before heading back out on your journey.

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Just over 90 minutes on the road, Tucson is like Phoenix’s artsy, slightly more laid-back counterpart. As you roll into town, the first thing you’ll notice is a blend of Old West history and Mexican influence, along with plenty of college students around town thanks to the University of Arizona, which is just 5 minutes from town.

One of the best things to do while you’re here is take the short drive to Saguaro National Park to see the towering cacti, which are particularly beautiful at both sunrise and sunset. After that, visit the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which combines a zoo, botanical gardens, and natural history museum all under one roof. And, when you’re ready to eat or stock up on your supplies, you’ll find everything you need on Fourth Avenue.

The next leg of your journey is the longest time you’ll spend on the road so far, so it’s definitely worth spending the night in Tucson and there’s no place better for RV camping than Sentinel Peak RV Park. It’s super close to town (less than 10 minutes) and has 23 full hook-up sites that are up to 70 feet long, giving you plenty of space. You’ll also have access to some great amenities, including a swimming pool, laundry facilities, and a games room.

A new day brings a new state with it, and you’ll now cross the border into New Mexico. Las Cruces is the warm welcome you’d expect from New Mexico, and Old Mesilla (a historic district just 10 minutes from Downtown Las Cruces) is the perfect place to stroll and explore artisan shops and grab a plate of green chile enchiladas at La Posta de Mesilla.

It isn’t all about the laidback atmosphere here, though, and there are still opportunities to explore the great outdoors. For example, the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is only 25 minutes from town and is home to some of the best hiking trails you’ll find on your entire road trip, including the Dripping Springs Trail, which is a relatively easy hike suitable for all experience levels.

Whatever you feel like doing, Hacienda RV Resort is a great option if you’re looking for a comfortable campground in Las Cruces. It’s less than 10 minutes from town and has a total of 113 sites of various sizes and layouts. In terms of amenities, you’ll get access to full hookups, an outdoor patio with a fireplace, a hot tub, laundry facilities, and a community clubhouse where you can swap stories with fellow travelers.

Looking to set up shop for the night in New Mexico? Why not try your hand at boondocking with these best boondocking spots in New Mexico.

Just an hour away and right on the New Mexico / Texas border, El Paso is the perfect place to stop and appreciate a real mix of Mexican and Texan culture. As you walk through town, you’ll find fascinating murals and historic buildings to explore, including the Plaza Theatre, which is also home to one of only six Mighty Wurlitzer Blaban III Organs ever made!

If you’re after some fantastic views and the chance to explore El Paso’s more natural side, take the 10-minute journey to the aptly named “Scenic Drive”, where you’ll see across El Paso and Ciudad Juarez into the Texas border. Also, if you love history, make sure you take the time to visit the El Paso Misson Trail, which features some of the oldest churches in the U.S.A.

After a day exploring the best of El Paso, you’re going to need a comfortable place to rest, and El Paso Roadrunner RV Park fits the bill perfectly. Not only is it conveniently located just 10 minutes from town, but it has some awesome amenities, including hot showers, ice, laundry facilities, and a fully stocked on-site store. It’s also pet-friendly, provided you keep your dog on a leash outside of your RV.

You’re now in Texas, and at first glance, it might not seem like there’s too much to explore in Midland, with oil rigs dotting the horizon and its strong ties to the petroleum industry. But look closely, and you’ll find more than just pumps and pipelines! You can visit the George W. Bush Childhood Home, which is a 20-minute walk from town and home to artifacts from where both Presidents spent part of their early years. And, if you are interested in the area’s links to the oil industry, The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum is 10 minutes from town and a lot cooler than it sounds, with hands-on exhibits and vintage oil field gear on display.

Nature lovers aren’t left out, though. The I-20 Wildlife Preserve & Jenna Welch Nature Study Center is just 10 minutes away and has a beautiful boardwalk trail around a seasonal playa lake that is great for birdwatching and will truly make you forget you’re in the middle of oil country.

When you’re ready to kick back for the evening, Midland RV Campground is the place to go. It’s around 10 minutes from town and has 315 full hook-up sites, so it’s a very good option if you’re concerned about finding a space elsewhere. Along with this, you’ll also have access to laundry facilities, hot showers, an on-site store, a fitness center, and a dog wash station that’s perfect for cleaning mucky pups after a day of adventure!

After a couple of hours on the road from Midland, you’ll arrive at Abilene, and the first thing you should do here is head straight to the Frontier Texas! Museum on N 1st Street. Both adults and kids will love this place, with its holograms of Old West characters telling their stories in a way that is incredibly immersive, giving you a whole new appreciation for the people who helped shape the American West.

That being said, it isn’t all about the Old West here, and Albiene is also the Storybook Capital of America. As you might imagine, this means there are plenty of opportunities to satisfy any bookworm, and throughout Downtown Albiene you’ll spot several statues of classic children’s book characters like the Cat in the Hat and Stuart Little. There’s also the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature less than five minutes from town, where you’ll find original artwork on display from some of the world’s best-loved children’s books.

For a great camping spot close to the action, head to Whistle Stop RV Resort. It’s less than 10 minutes from Downtown Abilene and has a range of excellent amenities available to all guests, including a camp kitchen, a swimming pool, an on-site convenience store, and a covered pavilion that’s perfect for kicking back with a cool drink and admiring the view.

After several days on the road and plenty of exciting discoveries, you’ve finally made it to Dallas! This doesn’t mean the adventure is over, though. In fact, it’s far from it, and you should definitely start your time here by visiting the Dealey Plaza and the Sixth Floor Museum, which is within walking distance of town and where you can learn more about the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy.

There’s also the Dallas Museum of Art to explore, which is right in the heart of town and is home to ancient sculptures and contemporary art pieces, offering something for everyone. Or, if you want a taste of the outdoors, The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is only 20 minutes away and is flanked by the beautiful White Rock Lake.

You’re also going to want to stay somewhere truly amazing as your road trip comes to an end, and Dallas / Arlington KOA lets you do just that. It’s half an hour from Dallas, but the slightly longer drive from town gives you the chance to access amenities like a swimming pool, kid’s club, bike rentals, a playground, a purpose-built dog exercise area, camp kitchen, cable TV, WiFi, and a bounce pad. There are also fire rings and wood available, so you can gather around the campfire one last time and look back at your awesome vacation.

Ready to hit the open road in style? At Travellers Autobarn, you’ll find affordable campervan hire in Los Angeles with the freedom of free unlimited miles, so you can explore every stop from LA to Dallas without worrying about the distance you’ve covered.

Thinking of taking another Los Angeles road trip after this one? Here are some other itineraries you might be interested in:

• Los Angeles to Sacramento Road Trip
• Los Angeles to Chicago Route 66 Road Trip – Best Drive Itinerary
• Los Angeles to Palm Springs Road Trip – Best Drive Itinerary
• Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe Road Trip – Best Drive Itinerary

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