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.
The Pima Air and Space Museum is one of the largest air and space museums in the country, housing more than 300 historically significant aircraft. The museum partners with the nearby 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, known as the world's largest airplane boneyard, to offer a bus tour, which will take you past more than 4,000 decommissioned planes.
Detour off I-10, and take a scenic cruise through Saguaro National Park. Saguaros can live for over 100 years and grow to be 20 feet tall, and they're relatively rare, only native to certain parts of Mexico, California, and Arizona.
There are many nice hotels in Tucson, as well. The Cactus Cove Bed and Breakfast and the Catalina Park Inn are a couple worth checking out.
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: The hand-spun milkshakes are renowned. Get the chocolate chile shake if you're feeling adventurous.
If you extend your stay in Phoenix, the Clarendon Hotel and The Saguaro Scottsdale are among the many excellent accommodation options.
Stretch your legs after cruising I-10 with a hike at Joshua Tree National Park. Named for its well-recognizable trees—which are actually a species of yucca plants—the park also has fascinating geological formations. Hike out to Skull Rock for climbing and boulder scrambling. If you brought a tent, you can set up camp at one of the nine campgrounds inside the park.
You might recognize this iconic roadside attraction from Pee-wee's Big Adventure. Originally built in 1964 to garner attention to a now-defunct restaurant, the massive dinos currently stand guard over a museum and gift shop.
On your way out of Los Angeles on I-10, make a quick detour to grab a bite to eat at Tio's Tacos. You'll appreciate the folk art as much as the food in this eclectic Mexican eatery, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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.
