The Great American Road Trip: Brownsville to Santa Monica
Looking for a good ol' American road trip? Look no further than the journey from Brownsville, Texas to Santa Monica, California. This coast to coast adventure boasts beautiful views, historic landmarks and plenty of hidden gems along the way. But before we begin, it's important to note that there are a few different routes you can take.
Route 1: The Southern Route
If you prefer warm weather and scenic views along the way, taking the southern route may be the perfect choice for you. The route takes you through Houston and San Antonio before hitting New Mexico and Arizona. Though it's longer than the northern route, it's known for having fewer trucking highways.
Distance: 1,800 miles Travel Time: 28 hours
If you decide to take this route, we highly recommend checking out Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. This natural wonder features breathtaking limestone caves and underground rock formations that are bound to leave you awestruck.
Route 2: The Northern Route
While the northern route may be a bit chillier, it offers breathtaking views of picturesque mountains and wide open spaces. The route takes you through Denver and Salt Lake City before finally arriving in California. It's worth noting that there may be more truck traffic on this route due to the popularity of the I-80.
Distance: 1,900 miles Travel Time: 30 hours
If you take the northern route, be sure to take a pit stop at Arches National Park in Utah. This otherworldly landscape is home to over 2,000 natural stone arches, and is the perfect spot for some hiking or rock climbing adventures.
Route 3: Combination of the Southern and Northern Route
For anyone who wants to split the difference, we recommend taking a combination of the Southern and Northern Routes. You'll get to enjoy the warm weather and scenic views of the South before heading up north and enjoying the gorgeous mountain views along the way.
Distance: 2,200 miles Travel Time: 34 hours
If you take this combination route, make sure to check out Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona. The park is famous for its painted desert and the world's largest collection of petrified wood.
Regardless of which route you choose, we highly recommend taking it slow and enjoying the sights along the way. From historic landmarks like the Alamo in San Antonio to the glamour of Hollywood in Los Angeles, this road trip has something for everyone. Happy travels!