From the Pacific to the Atlantic, if you're crossing the country through the southern part of the country, you'll probably spend some time on Interstate 10. Good thing, too, since I-10 takes you through some pretty awesome landscapes-- the deserts of Southern California, Texas's Hill Country, and the Florida Panhandle are all highlighted along the way. Whether you're just hopping on for a little bit, or you're seeing this bad boy all the way through, there's tons to see and do just off the route.
The great thing about I-10 is that it passes through tons of natural beauty. Detour off and take a scenic cruise through Saguaro National Park. Saguaros are actually pretty fascinating as far as plants go. They can live for over 100 years and grow to be 20 feet tall, and they're pretty rare, only native to certain parts of Mexico, California and Arizona.
The Pima Air and Space Museum is special not only because it's one of the largest air and space museums in the country, housing more than 300 historically significant aircraft, but also because they have a deal with the nearby AMARG, also known as the world's largest airplane boneyard. Call ahead and book tickets on a bus tour that will take you past more than 4,000 decommissioned planes!
You'll also pass by the epic Titan Missile Museum. The only remaining Titan II ICBM (there were once 54 across the country), this is the only place where you can get up-close and personal with a missile that could launch a 9-megaton nuclear warhead. If that's not totally epic, then I don't know what is!
A quick detour off the interstate will take you to the kitschy historical town of Tombstone, where the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place. Stop by Big Nose Kate's to grab a bite to eat or a drink in a historic Wild West saloon.
Make a stop by The Thing, an old-school roadside stop that calls to mind the quirky attractions of years gone by-- right down to the billboards lining the Interstate, asking "WHAT IS 'THE THING'?" Sure, it's a little cheesy, but it's only $2 to enter and have your mind blown by... whatever it is.
Then, the interstate will take you through a short portion of New Mexico. You won't be here long, but you can stop by the gorgeous desert landscapes of City of Rocks State Park. Rocks and boulders, shaped by the forces of nature into hoodoos and pinnacles, reach nearly 40 feet tall, and make for a striking landscape to hike through.
Spend the night soaking up some New Mexico culture at the Lundeens Inn of The Arts; each room in this B&B (located in a historic, 100-year-old building) is named for an artist and decorated with Southwestern flair.
New Mexico is also home to Dripping Springs Natural Area. Here, you'll find piñon and juniper lining the easy, well-marked trails, which offer the chance to see all kinds of desert wildlife, like golden eagles, mule deer, hawks, quail, lizards, and even mountain lions.
Located on the grounds of the White Sands Missile Range military installation (one of the largest in the country), the White Sands Missile Range Museum is full of information about the United States’s nuclear program, our space adventures, and our development of rocket technology.
The museum is nice, but the Missile Park is where you’ll snap your photos… The park has roughly 60 different rockets all used by the US in combat between WWII and the Gulf War. They’ve got a Loon (the US version of the V-1), a Pershing II, a Patriot, and heck, even a V-2.
The rocky hills at Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site make for some world-class climbing, but even if you aren't a rock-climbing pro, you can still appreciate this uniquely Texas park. It's known for its pools of water found in the granite formations: they can be home to toads, shrimp, and all kinds of other interesting wildlife!
A full third of the I-10 route is located through Texas: the road crosses the Lone Star State at its widest part. Grab some cheap, quick grub at local favorite Chico's Tacos as you swing through El Paso. Expect to find deep-fried taco deliciousness smothered in tomato sauce and topped with a healthy dose of shredded cheese: it's nothing fancy, but it hits the spot.
Take a dip in the world's largest spring-fed pool at Balmorhea State Park. The pool itself is 1.75 acres big and holds 3.5 million gallons of water-- so it's definitely Texas-sized!
It's fed by the San Solomon Springs, which pump 15 million gallons of fresh, pure spring water into the pool every day-- so it's all natural and totally not chlorinated. The pool is up to 25 feet deep in some places, which makes it perfect for snorkeling or skin and scuba diving, if a casual dip in the more shallow parts or doing jack knifes off the diving board isn't quite doing it for you. Plus, since the water stays around 72 to 76 degrees naturally, it's refreshingly cool during the hot summers, but not so cold that you have to worry about it being too frigid to jump right in to.
They offer camping and an old-school motor lodge onsite as well, so if you find yourself staying longer than planned here, you can make a day of it.
Then go back in time to the 1850's at Fort Lancaster State Historic Site. Here, you can explore the ruins of more than 25 buildings that once served as a rest stop for mail carriers and settlers in the mid-19th century. You'll leave with a newfound appreciation for the fact that you can road trip I-10 in a car, instead of in a horse-drawn wagon!
Stretching your legs on a road trip is super important, so get out of the car and head underground to the cool Caverns of Sonora for a change of scenery. This stunning show cave offers tours of the tunnels, loaded with stunning rock formations, as well as hikes above ground, the chance to pan for gold, and homemade fudge at the ranch-style gift shop.
There's tons of outdoor fun to be had at South Llano River State Park: hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and more... but the coolest activity here is tubing down the river. The park itself rents out inner tubes so that you can lazily float down the cool, clear river!
Just outside San Antonio, you'll find Six Flags Fiesta Texas, a massively popular theme park with tons of thrills. With rollercoasters like Superman: Krypton Coaster, Pandemonium and Goliath to drop towers, log flume rides, bumper cars, and tons more, everyone is sure to find something. Even those afraid of rollercoasters can enjoy food, beer, and a live show!
I-10 passes through the city of San Antonio, and it's worth it to take a day or so to explore this Lone Star City. Home to The Alamo, the Tower of the Americas, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, The Institute of Texan Cultures, the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, tons of museums, incredible Mexican food, and more, it's a prime example of Texas at its finest!
One of the coolest parts of San Antonio, though, is the city's River Walk. Lining the banks of the San Antonio River, you'll find restaurants, shops, museums, bars, parks, and tons more. Tour the river from a boat, or spend an evening strolling along the River Walk taking in the views. Stop by The Esquire Tavern for a drink, Luke Restaurant for modern Cajun-inspired cuisine, Little Rhine Steakhouse for old-school eats, and the Pearl Brewery to explore even more shops and restaurants.
The Mission San Antonio de Valero, better known as The Alamo, is a fort where Spanish missionaries and Native Americans lived. It's most famous for being the site where a band of Texans held out against the army of General Santa Anna. Even though the Alamo fell, "Remember the Alamo" became a rallying cry for the Texan Army, who eventually won independence. Today, The Alamo is a look into the past, and is an interest spot to visit.
If you need a place to spend the night in San Antonio, check out the Hotel Havana. It's a sleek boutique hotel right on the River Walk, and you won't find a cozier place to stay while exploring the city. Located in a 1914-era building within walking distance of most of San Antonio's most popular spots, it's got an airy, old-school vibe and a great onsite restaurant.
From the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Ocean, a trip along the entirety of I-10 means crossing through America's deserts, hill country, swamplands, small towns, and big cities. One simple interstate can show you all different sides to America: landscapes, cultures, cuisines and attractions that are all distinct, yet distinctly American!
