Exploring the Best Road Trip from Burbank, California to San Marcos, Texas

Burbank, California and San Marcos, Texas are two cities located about 1,400 miles apart. Driving from one city to another is a great way to see the beauty of the southwestern United States. The road trip will take around 22 hours, but there are tons of great places to stop and explore along the way. Deming, NM is the halfway point of the trip, and there are several must-see attractions in this town.

Top Five Things to Do

White Sands National Monument

White Sands National Monument is a unique and gorgeous landscape that is definitely worth a visit for anyone coming through New Mexico. The sand dunes here are made of gypsum crystals, making them soft and white. Visitors can hike on the dunes, sled down them, or simply admire the scenery. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and costs $25 per vehicle.

Interesting fact: The gypsum that forms the sand dunes at White Sands is leftover from an ancient lake bed that covered the area millions of years ago.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a stunning underground cave system that attracts visitors from all over the world. The caves were formed over millions of years and feature incredible rock formations and underground lakes. Visitors can walk through the caves on guided tours, or explore on their own. The park is open year-round, but hours and tour availability vary by season. Tickets cost $15 per person.

Interesting fact: Some of the largest underground chambers in the world are located in Carlsbad Caverns.

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch is an iconic roadside attraction located near Amarillo, Texas. It features a row of Cadillac cars that are half-buried in the ground, with their tailfins sticking up into the air. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own spray paint and add to the ever-changing artwork on the cars. The attraction is free and open 24/7.

Interesting fact: Cadillac Ranch was created in 1974 by a group of artists known as the Ant Farm.

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is a vast and stunning landscape that encompasses a variety of ecosystems, from desert to mountain to river. Visitors can hike on one of the many trails, go rafting on the Rio Grande, or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The park is open year-round and costs $30 per vehicle.

Interesting fact: Big Bend is one of the least-visited national parks in the United States, despite its incredible beauty.

The Alamo

The Alamo is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Texas. It is a former mission fort that was the site of a famous battle during the Texas Revolution. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the history of the Alamo at the on-site museum. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.

Interesting fact: The Battle of the Alamo only lasted for 13 days, but it has become a symbol of the struggle for Texas independence.

Conclusion

Driving from Burbank, California to San Marcos, Texas is a great way to see some of the most iconic and beautiful scenery in the Southwestern United States. There are countless attractions and interesting stops along the way, including the unique and stunning White Sands National Monument in New Mexico, the incredible underground cave system at Carlsbad Caverns, and the historic battle site of The Alamo in San Antonio. The journey takes about 22 hours, but with so many amazing sights to see, it's well worth the time spent on the road.