From the Pacific to the Atlantic, if you're crossing the country through the southern part of the US, 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.
Road trips and burgers go hand-in-hand, but the grub you'll find at The Stand in Phoenix is definitely not your average fast food fare. The patties are made fresh daily and topped with crisp, locally-grown veggies and other tasty accoutrements. Pro tip: their hand-spun milkshakes are to die for. Get the chocolate-chile if you're feeling adventurous.
And if you need a hotel in Phoenix the Clarendon Hotel, the Zenyard Guesthouse and the Saguaro in Scottsdale are among the many excellent accommodation options.
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.
There are some nice hotels in Tucson as well: the Cactus Cove B&B, the Big Blue House Inn and the Catalina Park Inn B&B are a couple worth checking out.
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 I-10 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.
Also 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Oh, and stay the night at the Menger Hotel, the Hotel Havana the Omni La Mansion del Rio, or one of the other great hotels in San Antonio!
One of the coolest parts of San Antonio 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.
After San Antonio, you'll be driving into Texas's quaint Hill Country. New Braunfels is a quaint little settlement that evokes small town Texas charm. Grab a bite to eat at local favorite Granzin Bar-BQ: get their delicious smoked meats as a plate, on a sandwich, or even in a taco! The sausage, brisket and turkey are especially tasty. Finish it off with a big glass of sweet tea and a few sides!
If you somehow still have an appetite after chowing down at Granzin, head to Lockhart to sample the food at Black's Barbecue. The atmosphere is super authentic; it's been around since 1932, making it one of the oldest BBQ joints in Texas. The beef ribs, brisket, homemade sausage, and chicken are especially delicious, and make sure to save room for sides and banana pudding. Bonus: you can buy bottles of their signature sauces so you can bring home a taste of Texas!
The sleek, modern Aloft hotel in Houston stands in stark contrast to the normal, rustic/country aesthetic you see all across Texas, which is kind of nice. Cozy, minimalist rooms, a chic cocktail bar, free wifi, and an awesome pool add to the experience!
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!
