The deserts of Southern California, Texas' Hill Country, and the Florida Panhandle are all highlighted along Interstate 10, which runs across the southern part of the U.S.. Whether you're just hopping on for a bit or crossing from coast to coast, here are our favorite things to do along I-10.
A quick detour off I-10 will take you to the town of Tombstone, where the infamous gunfight at the O.K. Corral took place. A number of preserved buildings and kitschy attractions share tales of the Old West days. Stop by Big Nose Kate's to eat or drink at the Grand Hotel's original bar, which dates to the 1880s.
Spend the night soaking up some New Mexico culture at the Lundeens Inn of The Arts. Each room in this bed and breakfast—located in a historic 100-year-old building—is named for an artist and decorated with Southwestern flair.
Grab cheap, quick grub at Chico's Tacos as you swing through El Paso. This local favorite offers deep-fried taco deliciousness smothered in tomato sauce and topped with a healthy dose of shredded cheese.
South Llano River State Park is a recreational paradise, offering hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. For an unforgettable experience, rent an inner tube and take a lazy float down the cool, clear river.
I-10 passes through the city of San Antonio. Consider spending a day or more embracing this entertaining city. Home to The Alamo, the Tower of the Americas, the Institute of Texan Cultures, the San Antonio Zoo and Aquarium, incredible Mexican food, and more, it's a prime example of Texas at its finest.
If you are staying the night, check out the Menger Hotel, Hotel Havana, Omni La Mansion del Rio, or one of the other great hotels in San Antonio,
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.. Today, The Alamo is an interesting look into the past, right at the heart of downtown San Antonio.
If you need a place to spend the night in San Antonio, check out the Hotel Havana, a sleek boutique hotel located in a historic building right on the River Walk. You'll be within walking distance of many of San Antonio's most popular spots.
After San Antonio, you'll be driving into Texas's Hill Country. New Braunfels is a quaint settlement that evokes small-town Texas charm. Grab a bite to eat at Granzin Bar-BQ, a favorite with locals. Get delicious smoked meats as an entree, on a sandwich, or even in a taco.
If you somehow still have an appetite after chowing down at Granzin, head to Lockhart to sample the food at Black's Barbecue. Open since 1932, this is one of the oldest barbecue joints in Texas. The beef ribs, brisket, homemade sausage, and chicken are especially delicious. Make sure to save room for sides and banana pudding. Bonus tip: Buy bottles of the signature sauces to take home a taste of Texas.
The sleek, modern Aloft hotel in Houston stands in stark contrast to the rustic/country aesthetic you see across Texas. Cozy, minimalist rooms, a chic cocktail bar, and a cool pool add to the experience.
Houston is a cultural hub for the Lone Star State. From the hugely popular Space Center Houston to the National Museum of Funeral History, this town has attractions that range from classic to quirky. If you're really looking to get an authentic Texas experience, head to the Houston Rodeo.
One of Houston's most popular attractions is the Space Center Houston. This is the official visitor center for Johnson Space Center, which was the home of NASA's mission control for historic spaceflight programs like the Gemini and Apollo missions, as well as current International Space Station operations. It's also where astronauts train and important research happens. Space Center Houston is loaded with artifacts, educational exhibits, and an epic gift shop. Take a guided tour to learn more.
Eventually, I-10 will take you out of Texas and into Louisiana. Get a taste for the state's bayou landscape and history at Nibletts Bluff Park, where you'll find camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing, as well as the remains of a Civil War fort, a railroad tram, and a 1910 church. It's free to visit.
Louisiana is best known for the vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations that New Orleans hosts each year. The festivities include numerous parades, intricate costumes, and plentiful food and drink. In nearby Lake Charles, the Mardi Gras Museum is a great place to learn about this colorful tradition, no matter the time of year. Video footage, costumes, historical background information, and even a parade float that you can climb on give visitors a taste of Mardi Gras.
Go back in time at Lafayette's Acadian Village to tour a collection of restored buildings built in the traditional Acadian style used by the descendants of French colonists. Most of the 19th-century buildings are authentic, made with hand-cut cypress boards, mud walls, wood pegs, and peaked roofs. It's a gorgeous place for a peaceful stroll.
The French Press offers a classy, French/Southern-inspired menu. Boudin ball poboys and Cajun-style eggs Benedict are just two of the unique offerings.
Driving through the swampy wetlands of Louisiana is an experience, but you need to actually get out on the water to understand this unique ecosystem. Champagne's Swamp Tour offers a two-hour excursion through the Lake Martin Cypress Island Preserve Swamp. Learn about the flora and fauna, as well as Cajun history and culture.
Step back in time on the USS Kidd, a ship that served in WWII and the Korean War. The Fletcher-class destroyer is docked in downtown Baton Rouge. This floating museum allows you to walk the decks and see artifacts from the battles in which the ship served. Take in views of the Mississippi.
Sometimes you just need a casual, laid-back place to spend the evening. Hang with Louisiana State University students while enjoying a beer, oysters, and great live music at The Chimes in Baton Rouge.
Historic Michabelle Inn is a 1907 Greek Revival mansion that has been transformed into a family-owned bed and breakfast. You'll be treated to opulent furnishings, whether you are staying in the main home or in the private Creole cabins. Expect a healthy dose of Southern hospitality to go with the antebellum setting.
From the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Ocean, a trip along the entirety of I-10 means crossing through deserts, hill country, swamplands, small towns, and big cities. One simple interstate can let you experience U.S. landscapes, cultures, cuisines, and attractions.
