The 8 Best Road Trips In The Southwest

From sun-drenched deserts and beach getaways to vibrant cities full of history and culture, the American Southwest beckons with a kaleidoscope of landscapes. Discover eight of the top road trip destinations in the Southwest, offering a taste of the area’s unique charm, hidden gems and must-see attractions.

1. Austin, TX

“Keep Austin Weird” is the slogan for this quirky city known for its hipster culture.
Live music fills the air, from iconic Sixth Street to hidden speakeasies. Foodies will love the mix of food trucks and farm-to-table fare.

Along the way, take I-35 North for scenic Hill Country views and charming towns. Travelers from San Antonio, 80 miles from Austin, can enjoy I-35 South and stop in historic San Marcos. Bring an inner tube if you’re going to visit the river!

Austin also has plenty of fun detours along the way. For HGTV fans, Waco's Magnolia Market awaits. Your next stop at Gruene Historic District offers a general store and the oldest dance hall in Texas. Austinites and travelers alike can continue down I-35 for both of these memorable spots.

2. Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix sizzles with a surprising mix of desert landscapes and metropolitan energy.
Hike Camelback Mountain for breathtaking views, or explore the Desert Botanical Garden's diverse cacti collection. History buffs will appreciate the S'edav Va'aki Museum, the largest archaeological site in Arizona preserving ancient Native American history.

Take I-10 East for a smooth journey. Travelers coming from Tucson (110 miles away) can enjoy a scenic route on US-89 North, stopping at Biosphere 2, a giant experimental ecological research facility. For a touch of Wild West history, take I-10 East and explore Tombstone, a legendary mining town.

3. Corpus Christi, TX

Corpus Christi reigns supreme on the Texas coast, and is also known as the hometown of music legend Selena Quintanilla.

Immerse yourself in Tex-Mex culture, visit the Selena Museum to honor the Queen of Tejano music and unwind on pristine beaches. This South Texas beach town boasts a unique blend of Texan and Mexican influences.

Nature lovers can explore Padre Island National Seashore, the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. Then, head over to Mustang Island State Park, known for its birding opportunities.
Travelers coming from San Antonio (140 miles away) can enjoy a scenic route on US-181 South, stopping to explore the King Ranch, a historic working ranch.

4. Las Vegas, NV

Better known as Sin City, Las Vegas is a dazzling escape where casinos meet world-class entertainment within a pristine desert backdrop.

Try your luck at the iconic Caesars Palace, or be wowed by the acrobatics of a Cirque du Soleil show. Foodies will find a global smorgasbord, from Michelin-starred restaurants to celebrity chef hotspots like Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen.

For a direct route, take I-15 South. Travelers coming from Zion National Park (130 miles away) can enjoy a scenic drive on UT-9 East, stopping to marvel at the natural wonders of the park. Nature lovers can also escape the neon with a hike in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, right in Las Vegas proper.

5. Houston, TX

Houston, also known as “Space City”, offers a tantalizing mix of attractions.

Curious minds will appreciate NASA's Johnson Space Center, as well as Houston’s Museum District. For a little retail therapy, head to The Galleria Mall, the largest shopping center in Texas boasting luxury brands on every floor. And when hunger strikes after all that shopping, you’ll love this city’s culinary scene, offering everything from Tex-Mex to international flavors in Asiatown and beyond.

Take I-10 West for a scenic drive with a stop in Brenham, known for its Blue Bell Creamery. Travelers coming from Austin (160 miles away) can take I-35 South to explore the historic town of Round Top.

Looking for a coastal stop along the way? Galveston Island is an hour from Houston. This Gulf of Mexico hotspot offers beaches, amusement parks and fresh seafood. History buffs can explore the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site.

6. Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City offers a satisfying blend of heritage and modern attractions.

Immerse yourself in cowboy culture at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, or explore the Oklahoma City Museum of Art's diverse collection. Sight-see animals at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, or cheer on the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder in one of the Summer League games.

History buffs will appreciate a visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum. For a touch of family fun, Frontier City amusement park offers thrilling rides and Wild West shows.
I-35 North or South offers a smooth ride depending on your origin. Travelers coming from Wichita, Kansas (190 miles north) can enjoy I-35 South, stopping for a taste of authentic barbecue in historic Stockyards City.

7. Dallas, TX

Home to the legendary Dallas Cowboys, Dallas offers a dynamic dose of Texas spirit.

Delve into the Perot Museum of Nature and Science's fascinating exhibits, or explore the Dallas Museum of Art's vast collection. The AT&T Stadium in Arlington is just a short drive away — though football season won’t be in full effect, the stadium still hosts concerts and other events through the summer.

Take I-35W North for a smooth ride to the area. Coming from Austin (200 miles away), enjoy I-35 South and consider riding through Waco for an over-the-top beverage stop at the Dr. Pepper Museum. For a touch of Western heritage, take a 30-minute drive down I-30 from Dallas to see Fort Worth's historic Sundance Square.

8. Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque is New Mexico's largest city, boasting both modernity and historic charm.
Soar above the city in a colorful hot air balloon (it's the Hot Air Balloon Capital of the World!), or explore the historic Old Town, with its adobe buildings and traditional shops selling Native American crafts. Fans of "Breaking Bad" can visit filming locations, while foodies will devour New Mexican cuisine, known for its chiles and unique flavors.

Those with a taste for historical knowledge can explore the Petroglyph National Monument, showcasing ancient rock art. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Sandia Mountains offer hiking, biking and breathtaking views of the city from the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway.

I-40 East offers a straightforward journey to and from Albuquerque. Travelers coming from El Paso, Texas (270 miles away) can enjoy a scenic route on US-54 North, stopping at White Sands National Park to marvel at the otherworldly gypsum dunes.

Now you’re road trip ready, so crank up the tunes and hit the open road! The Southwest awaits with unforgettable experiences around every bend.

This content is brought to our community by T-Mobile.