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17 May 2025
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Austin to Los Angeles Road Trip Itinerary

Austin to Los Angeles Road Trip Overview

Embark on an unforgettable road trip from the heart of Texas to the sun-soaked coasts of California! Starting in lively Austin, you’ll experience the city's iconic live music, buzzing food scene, and outdoor beauty. Your journey continues to the charming town of Fredericksburg, where German heritage and scenic wine country await. Move on to Sonora, home to stunning cavern adventures and authentic Texan hospitality.

Heading west, Fort Stockton welcomes you with fascinating Old West history and striking desert landscapes. The vibrant border city of El Paso offers a unique blend of cultures, set near the majestic Franklin Mountains. Crossing into Arizona, soak in the art, history, and saguaro-studded wilderness of Tucson before reaching the big city energy and desert sunsets of Phoenix. Next, discover the surreal rocky vistas and iconic plant life of Joshua Tree National Park—ideal for hiking, climbing, and stargazing.

End your journey in spectacular Los Angeles. Here, iconic sights like Hollywood, Santa Monica Pier, and diverse neighborhoods invite endless exploration. From Texas Hill Country to the California coast, this classic American road trip offers a blend of culture, history, and breathtaking natural wonders at every turn.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Austin, TX

    Austin boasts a vibrant live music scene, eclectic food culture, and unique attractions like the Texas State Capitol and Barton Springs.
    Austin, TX
    Austin, TX
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    Austin, TX
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    Austin, TX
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    Austin, TX
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    Austin, TX
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    Austin, TX
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    Austin, TX
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Fredericksburg, TX

    Fredericksburg is known for its charming German heritage, local wineries, scenic Hill Country vistas, and historic Main Street.
    Fredericksburg, TX
    Fredericksburg, TX
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    Fredericksburg, TX
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Sonora, TX

    Sonora offers visitors a look at the beautiful Caverns of Sonora, historic downtown, and opportunities to experience small-town Texas hospitality.
    Sonora, TX
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    Fort Stockton, TX

    Fort Stockton features rich Old West history, the iconic Historic Fort Stockton, and the scenic Pecos River landscapes.
    Fort Stockton, TX
    Fort Stockton, TX
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    Fort Stockton, TX
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    El Paso, TX

    El Paso charms visitors with its unique blend of Mexican and Texan cultures, great food, stunning Franklin Mountains, and vibrant arts scene.
    El Paso, TX
    El Paso, TX
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Tucson, AZ

    Tucson is known for its beautiful desert scenery, authentic Southwestern cuisine, Saguaro National Park, and vibrant arts and culture.
    Tucson, AZ
    Tucson, AZ
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Phoenix, AZ

    Phoenix offers vibrant city life, great Southwestern cuisine, scenic desert hiking trails, and major attractions like the Desert Botanical Garden.
    Phoenix, AZ
    Phoenix, AZ
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    Joshua Tree National Park, CA

    Joshua Tree National Park amazes visitors with its surreal desert landscapes, unique Joshua trees, excellent rock climbing, and stargazing opportunities.
    Joshua Tree National Park, CA
    Joshua Tree National Park, CA
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Los Angeles, CA

    Los Angeles is known for iconic beaches, world-famous attractions like Hollywood and Disneyland, diverse neighborhoods, and a thriving entertainment industry.
    Los Angeles, CA
    Los Angeles, CA
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    The Salt Lick BBQ (Austin, Texas)

    The Salt Lick BBQ (Austin, Texas)

    Famous for its authentic Texas barbecue served in a rustic setting with communal tables and a legendary pit.
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    Alpine Haus Restaurant

    Alpine Haus Restaurant

    A charming German restaurant in Fredericksburg offering classic Bavarian dishes in a cozy historic house.
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    Cattleman's Steakhouse

    4.7
    $$$$

    Cattleman's Steakhouse

    Located on a working ranch near El Paso, this spot offers huge steaks, Old West ambiance, and desert views.
    4.7
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    Little Anthony’s Diner

    3.9
    $$$$

    Little Anthony’s Diner

    An iconic 1950s-themed diner in Tucson known for classic American eats, car shows, and retro vibes.
    3.9
    $$$$
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    The Pink Door

    The Pink Door

    A quirky Los Angeles eatery with pink décor, playful cocktails, and inventive dishes that capture LA’s eclectic spirit.
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Hotels

  • Hotel Icon

    The Driskill - Austin, TX

    4.6

    The Driskill - Austin, TX

    A historic and grand hotel in Austin, known for its opulent architecture, vintage charm, and ghost stories.
    4.6
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    Hangar Hotel

    4.6

    Hangar Hotel

    An aviation-themed boutique hotel in Fredericksburg built to resemble a WWII aircraft hangar, complete with period details.
    4.6
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    Hotel El Capitan

    4.4
    $$$$

    Hotel El Capitan

    A beautifully restored railroad hotel in Van Horn, TX, blending Southwestern style and vintage railroad charm.
    4.4
    $$$$
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    Hotel Congress in Phoenix, AZ

    4.5

    Hotel Congress in Phoenix, AZ

    A Tucson landmark, famous for its wild Prohibition-era past, vintage rooms, and lively entertainment.
    4.5
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    The Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo, California

    The Madonna Inn, San Luis Obispo, California

    An iconic California hotel with whimsically themed rooms, unique décor, and a legendary pink dining room.
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    BERT KREISCHER: PERMISSION TO PARTY

    BERT KREISCHER: PERMISSION TO PARTY

    The event will take place at NMSU Pan American Center in Las Cruces.
    Map IconNMSU Pan American Center in Las Cruces (17.44 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 Oct 2025
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  • Event Icon

    UTEP Football vs. UT Martin

    UTEP Football vs. UT Martin

    The event will take place at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso.
    Map IconSun Bowl Stadium in El Paso (35.48 mi)
    Calendar Icon7 Sep 2025
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  • Event Icon

    UTEP Football vs. ULM

    UTEP Football vs. ULM

    The event will take place at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso.
    Map IconSun Bowl Stadium in El Paso (35.48 mi)
    Calendar Icon21 Sep 2025
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  • Event Icon

    UTEP Football vs. La Tech

    UTEP Football vs. La Tech

    The event will take place at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso.
    Map IconSun Bowl Stadium in El Paso (35.48 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Sep 2025
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  • Event Icon

    UTEP Football vs. Liberty

    UTEP Football vs. Liberty

    The event will take place at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso.
    Map IconSun Bowl Stadium in El Paso (35.48 mi)
    Calendar Icon9 Oct 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
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  • Event Icon

    UTEP Football vs. Jax State

    UTEP Football vs. Jax State

    The event will take place at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso.
    Map IconSun Bowl Stadium in El Paso (35.48 mi)
    Calendar Icon9 Nov 2025
    Website IconVisit Website
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  • Event Icon

    UTEP Football vs. NMSU

    UTEP Football vs. NMSU

    The event will take place at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso.
    Map IconSun Bowl Stadium in El Paso (35.48 mi)
    Calendar Icon23 Nov 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    4.1M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle

    Austin to Los Angeles. Interesting sites, cool hip restaurants, funky shops, thrift store recommendations?

    4.1M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle

    /r/roadtrip
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  • Reddit Icon

    I was thinking about driving a bit of the former road 66 along with I40 and stopping in Amarillo, ABQ, phoenix. Not very imaginative (Im french so

    Drive from Austin Tx to LA : Best route? best stops?

    I was thinking about driving a bit of the former road 66 along with I40 and stopping in Amarillo, ABQ, phoenix. Not very imaginative (Im french so

    /r/roadtrip
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  • Reddit Icon

    4.1M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle

    Austin to Los Angeles

    4.1M subscribers in the roadtrip community. /r/roadtrip is your source for everything road trip related. Whether you enjoy traveling by motorcycle

    /r/roadtrip
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    Hi guys, I feel like driving up to Austin but I have never taken a long trip let alone drive my self. I do have a Tesla, and I was hoping to hear

    Road trip in Tesla from Los Angeles to Austin, TX -

    Hi guys, I feel like driving up to Austin but I have never taken a long trip let alone drive my self. I do have a Tesla, and I was hoping to hear

    /r/roadtrip
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  • Reddit Icon

    Cheap traveling, ways to get around, tips & tricks, etc. ... Hi all!. Like the title says, I am taken a road trip w/ my father. 10.30 to 11.5. Edit: Los Angeles, CA to Austin,...

    Road Trip. La -> Austin.

    Cheap traveling, ways to get around, tips & tricks, etc. ... Hi all!. Like the title says, I am taken a road trip w/ my father. 10.30 to 11.5. Edit: Los Angeles, CA to Austin,...

    /r/TravelHacks
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Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    A classic road trip anthem that captures the spirit of adventure.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Eagles - Hotel California - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Hotel California - 2013 Remaster

    Perfect for entering California, this song conjures up the mystique of the Golden State.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Chuck Berry - Route 66

    Chuck Berry - Route 66

    Celebrate the quintessential American road trip with this iconic track.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Elvis Presley - Viva Las Vegas

    Elvis Presley - Viva Las Vegas

    Bring some energetic fun as you cruise the wide open southwestern highways.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Allman Brothers Band - Midnight Rider

    Allman Brothers Band - Midnight Rider

    A soulful, laid-back vibe ideal for watching the landscape roll by.
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  • Music Icon

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    An upbeat tune that keeps spirits high throughout your journey.
    Listen on Spotify
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    The Chicks - Wide Open Spaces

    The Chicks - Wide Open Spaces

    Embrace the vast desert landscapes with this empowering song.
    Listen on Spotify
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    The Mamas & The Papas - California Dreamin' - Single Version

    The Mamas & The Papas - California Dreamin' - Single Version

    Capture the anticipation of reaching the California coast.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Stevie Wonder - Superstition - Single Version

    Stevie Wonder - Superstition - Single Version

    A funky, energetic track that makes the miles more fun, especially in Arizona.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    Pharrell Williams - Freedom

    Pharrell Williams - Freedom

    Feel the exhilaration of travel and open roads with this modern classic.
    Listen on Spotify
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