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I’ve done the cross-country drive more times than I can count, and the route between Southern California and North Texas is one I know well. If you’re planning it for the first time, you need a solid plan, not just a list of random places.
This guide gives you my tested, practical list of LA to DFW drive stops that are actually worth your time.
We will cover exactly where to pull over, why I-40 is the better choice for this trip, and how to stay safe and sane on the road. Forget generic advice; this is what works.
Should I take I-10 or I-40 from LA to DFW?
This is the first big question for anyone mapping out this drive.
For me, the answer is clear. I-40 offers a better experience with more varied scenery and interesting places to stop between LA and Dallas.
I-10 is often faster on paper, but it can be monotonous. I-40 follows parts of historic Route 66 and takes you through higher elevations, which means cooler weather through Arizona and New Mexico.
Here’s a direct comparison to help you decide.
Follows the classic Route 66 path, full of Americana.
Higher altitudes in AZ and NM mean less extreme summer heat.
Direct access to Flagstaff, Petrified Forest, and Palo Duro Canyon.
Generally more scenic with varied mountain and desert landscapes.
Can be brutally hot, especially driving through southern Arizona.
Fewer memorable stops directly on the highway.
Scenery is less varied, mostly low desert for long stretches.
You’ll miss the unique Route 66 history entirely.
My Top 7 LA to DFW Drive Stops on the I-40 Route
This is my go-to list for a two or three-day drive. These stops are easy to access from I-40, break up the drive nicely, and offer a real sense of place.
It’s a reliable answer to “what is there to see between California and Texas?”.
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Route 66 Mother Road Museum, Barstow, CA
Historic Artifacts & Photos. (Entry: Free, donations welcome). My Take: Reopened March 22, 2025, this is a perfect first stop to stretch your legs and get into the road trip mindset. It’s small but full of character and Route 66 history.
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Petrified Forest National Park, AZ
Unique Geological Formations. (Entry: $25 per vehicle). My Take: The park road runs right through it, making it an efficient and visually stunning detour. The Crystal Forest trail is short and impactful.
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Lowell Observatory, Flagstaff, AZ
Historic Observatory. (Entry: $35 for adults, $30 for seniors, $20 for children). My Take: If you’re staying overnight in Flagstaff, this is a must-do. Seeing where Pluto was discovered is incredible. Check for evening viewing programs.
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Old Town Albuquerque, NM
Historic Plaza & Shops. (Cost: Free to walk around). My Take: The ideal place to stop for dinner and an overnight stay. The Pueblo-Spanish colonial architecture feels a world away from LA.
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Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo, TX
Public Art Installation. (Cost: Free). My Take: It’s a road trip cliché for a reason. Grab a can of spray paint (people leave half-used ones) and add your mark. A fun, 20-minute stop that celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024.
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Palo Duro Canyon State Park, TX
Second-Largest US Canyon. (Entry: $8 per adult). My Take: Drive the park loop and stop at the overlooks. The scale of it is surprising and a great final nature stop before the flatlands of North Texas.
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Prewitt-Douglass Park, Amarillo, TX
City Park with Dog Area. (Cost: Free). My Take: If you have a dog, this is a lifesaver. It’s clean, has a dedicated dog run, and is a safe place for them to burn off energy before the last leg of the drive.
💡My Audio Tip for the Road
Download podcasts and playlists before you leave. Cell service is spotty between Flagstaff and Amarillo. I learned this the hard way on my first trip. Having hours of audio ready to go is a necessity.
Where to Stay Overnight: Albuquerque
For a two-day trip, Albuquerque is the logical halfway point. It has plenty of good, safe hotel options near I-40.
For a unique stay that fits the road-trip theme, I often recommend Hotel Zazz.
A restored mid-century modern motel, very fun and colorful. Located near cool restaurants and shops in the Nob Hill district. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and have a retro vibe. It’s a safe, easy stop right off the main road through town.
How to Make the Drive from CA to TX Fun and Safe
A successful road trip is all about preparation. Rushing it or being unprepared for the desert is how you turn a good drive into a bad one.
These are my non-negotiable checks before I start any long-distance drive. For additional expert safety guidance, AAA provides comprehensive road trip safety resources that I always recommend checking before any major drive.
Check your tire pressure before you leave, including the spare.
Top off your windshield washer fluid; bugs are a real issue.
An oil change before a 1,400-mile trip is cheap insurance.
Make sure your AC is working perfectly. Don’t risk it.
A cooler with water and snacks saves time and money.
Keep a small bag with one change of clothes for the overnight stop.
A sunshade for your windshield is essential during stops.
Don’t forget a phone charger and a backup power bank.
Among all the great LA to DFW drive stops, safety is the most important one you can make. The desert sections are remote.
⚠️Desert Driving Advisory
Never let your gas tank go below a quarter full. Gas stations can be far apart, especially in Arizona and New Mexico. Always carry extra water in your car, more than you think you’ll need, for both you and your vehicle.
Source: Personal experience crossing the Mojave Desert
This list of interesting places to stop between LA and Dallas should give you a great starting point.
The drive is long, but with the right plan, it’s a fantastic American road trip.
FAQs: Your Questions on LA to DFW Drive Stops
How many days does the drive from LA to DFW take?
You can do it in two very long days of driving (10-12 hours each). I strongly recommend taking three days to make it more relaxed and to have time for the stops. This turns it from a chore into a real trip.
What is the best time of year to drive from California to Texas?
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) are ideal. The weather is pleasant, avoiding the intense summer heat and potential winter ice in the high-elevation areas of Arizona and New Mexico.
Is the drive boring?
It has long, straight sections, but I-40 is far from boring. The landscape changes dramatically from the California desert to the mountains of Arizona, the high plains of New Mexico, and the canyons of the Texas Panhandle. The Route 66 stops add a lot of character.
How much time do you save taking I-10 instead of I-40?
While I-10 can be 1-2 hours faster without stops, this advantage disappears once you factor in traffic near Phoenix and the lack of engaging places to pull over. The slightly longer drive time on I-40 is easily offset by the better scenery and more enjoyable stops.
Is the LA to DFW drive on I-40 pet-friendly?
Yes, it is quite pet-friendly. Many gas stations have designated pet areas, and outdoor stops like Cadillac Ranch and Palo Duro Canyon are great for pets on a leash. Petrified Forest National Park has restrictions, so check their official site. Including a dedicated dog park stop like Prewitt-Douglass Park in Amarillo is a great idea.
What should I budget for the main attraction fees?
Based on the stops I recommend, a solo adult should plan for around $68 in main entry fees: Petrified Forest National Park ($25/vehicle), Lowell Observatory ($35/adult), and Palo Duro Canyon State Park ($8/adult). Other stops like Cadillac Ranch and Old Town Albuquerque are free to visit.
Are there good alternative overnight stops besides Albuquerque?
Absolutely. If you want a shorter first day, Flagstaff, AZ is an excellent option with a cool, mountain-town feel. If you prefer a longer first day to make the second day shorter, Amarillo, TX is the best choice. Both cities have plenty of safe lodging and dining options just off I-40.
How reliable is cell phone service on the I-40 route?
Cell service is strong in and around cities like Flagstaff, Albuquerque, and Amarillo. However, it can be very unreliable or non-existent in the long stretches between them, particularly across eastern Arizona and New Mexico. I always download maps and playlists to my phone before leaving.