Texas To California Road Trip: The Ultimate Guide

Traveling from Texas to California is one of the best journeys you can experience in the USA. The 1,407 miles of a road trip from Texas to California takes around 21 hours and 10 mins of driving without stops.

This article includes 30 top tips that turn your California trip into an unforgettable journey. So if you’re looking for the best hotels, restaurants, and places to visit on the road trip from Texas to California, take your coffee and keep reading!

10 Best Hotels On The Way From Texas To California

On the way from Texas to California, you may want to stay at some points on the way. So here are the top ten hotels on the Texas – California route!

1. Homewood Suites by Hilton Midland, TX: Homewood Suites by Hilton Midland, TX, is one of the best hotels where you can stay on the road trip from Texas to California. Driving from Texas to Homewood Suites by Hilton Midland, TX, might take around 2 hours and 24 mins. The hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast, evening dinner, and drinks every Monday-Thursday. It also has an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Check the Homewood Suites by Hilton Midland, TX, one of the best hotels in Midland, Texas, on TripAdvisor and Booking.com for recent reviews, prices, and availability.
2. Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center: Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center is another top hotel where you can choose to stay on the road trip to California from Texas is Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Located in Odessa, Texas, the hotel is 163 miles away from Texas, and it would take 2 hours and 36 mins to drive. In addition, the Odessa, TX hotel offers onsite dining and Starbucks®, an outdoor pool, and over 33,000 sq. ft. of event space. If you want to learn more about the Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
3. iStay Hotel Ciudad Juarez: Didn’t our first two hotel suggestions interest you? So we would like to introduce you to the iStay Hotel Ciudad Juarez. iStay Hotel Ciudad Juarez is located in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, and it’s 445 miles from Texas. So you can arrive there with 6 hours 41 mins of non-stop driving. The iStay Hotel Ciudad Juarez is located in the city’s best shopping and business district, which has a variety of activities and entertainment, from movies, theatres, and restaurants to nightclubs, bars, and more. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of iStay Hotel Ciudad Juarez for more information.
4. Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort: If you are taking the road trip from Texas to California, Tucson, Arizona is must have a place you should visit. Plus, Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort is one of the best hotels in town. It is Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, 767 miles from Texas, and it would take 11 hours and 22 mins to drive. Experience luxury at the Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, where you’ll enjoy the authentic southwestern atmosphere and discover this resort’s romantic and vintage style. The botanical gardens surround the resort’s private casitas, guest rooms, and suites. If you need more info about the price and availability of Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort, check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages.
5. Royal Palms Resort and Spa: Our next hotel is Royal Palms Resort and Spa, Phoenix, Arizona. It will take 12 hours, and 45 mins of car ride o reach this hotel from Texas. Royal Palms Resort provides a unique and unforgettable journey for all senses. The winding cobblestone pathways are lined with romantic nooks, crackling fireplaces, and refreshing courtyard fountains. Check the Royal Palms Resort and Spa on TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Royal Palms Resort and Spa for reviews, prices, and availability.
6. Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II: Another hotel you can accommodate on the road trip from Texas to California is Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II. It’s possible to arrive at this hotel in Palm Desert, California, within 16 hours and 29 mins drive from Texas. Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II features award-winning service and is located near Palm Desert, Joshua Tree National Park, and Wet N ‘Wild Palm Springs. Relax in one of the villas’ eight outdoor pools, or grab a bite at The Water’s Edge Bar & Grill. Before making the reservation, we suggest you read the latest reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
7. Wigwam Motel: Another hotel that deserves to be on the list is Wigwam Motel. It’s located in San Bernardino, California, 730 miles from Texas. You can arrive there within 10 hours 58 mins of car drive. The Wigwam Motel is a great place to stay if you’re looking for an authentic slice of Americana. It’s reminiscent of the good old days before air travel became easily affordable and road trips were all the rage. If you need further information, you can check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Wigwam Motel.
8. The Prospect Hollywood: Located in Los Angeles, California, The Prospect Hollywood is another hotel where you can stay on Texas to California road trip. The Prospect Hollywood is 1,253 miles from Texas and will take 18 hours and 26 mins of non-stop driving. Hollywood Prospect is a luxurious adult-only accommodation with a bar, garden, and terrace. Continental and à la carte breakfast options are available every morning at the accommodation. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of The Prospect Hollywood for more information.
9. Best Western Plus Hill House: As we approach the end of our list, another hotel we would like to introduce to you is the Best Western Plus Hill House hotel. Best Western Plus Hill House, Bakersfield, California, is 1,296 miles from Texas, and you can arrive there with 19 hours and 19 mins of non-stop driving. Each room has a mini fridge for guests to use and an in-house fitness room so you can stay active while on the road. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Best Western Plus Hill House for more information about the Best Western Plus Hill House hotel.
10. Homewood Suites by Hilton Fresno: The last hotel we recommend you to stay at on the road trip from Texas to California is the Homewood Suites by Hilton Fresno hotel. You can arrive at Homewood Suites by Hilton Fresno, Fresno, California, after 21 hours, 4 mins of non-stop driving, and 1,296 miles of the road trip from Texas. This Fresno hotel offers spacious accommodations with many of the comforts of home, including full kitchens. In addition, it is close to popular area attractions and features state-of-the-art amenities and services. Check the TripAdvisor and Booking.com pages of Homewood Suites by Hilton Fresno for more information.

In this part, we explained ten different hotels you can stay at on the road trip from Texas to California. You can pick one of them that suits your taste. Don’t forget to share your experience by writing a comment to this post. It will help people who will take some Texas to California routes.

Now, it’s time to discover the best restaurants from Texas to California. We have ten restaurant recommendations worth your attention.

10 Best Restaurants On The Road Trip From Texas To California

If dining is a pleasure, some restaurants will please you on your Texas to California road trip. In this section, we list the ten different restaurants to dine at on the road trip from Texas to California. Stay hungry and enjoy!

1. Cancun Grill, Midland: We would like to start our restaurant recommendation list on the road trip from Texas to California with Cancun Grill, Midland. Cancun Grill, Midland, is located in Midland, Texas, 142 miles from Texas. It would take 2 hours and 16 mins to drive. The food is exciting and well-prepared, with excellent service. The cocktails are some of the best in Midland. For more information about Cancun Grill, Midland, you can visit the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of Cancun Grill, Midland.
2. Cork and Pig Tavern, Odessa: Another top restaurant you can choose to eat at on the road trip to California from Texas is Cork and Pig Tavern, Odessa. Located in Odessa, Texas, Cork and Pig Tavern, Odessa is 160 miles from Texas and would take 2 hours and 33 mins of driving. I prefer the pork ribs after an appetizer of hard-boiled eggs with bacon—a great draft beer selection. There are many other choices on the menu, for sure. If you want to learn more about Cork and Pig Tavern, Odessa, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
3. Flor de Nogal Restaurante: Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who are fond of food is Flor de Nogal Restaurante. It will take 6 hours 42 mins of car drive to take 446 miles from Texas to Flor de Nogal Restaurante, Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. The food is exquisite, and the atmosphere is breathtaking. I highly recommend Flor de Nogal to anyone looking for a delicious and romantic dining experience. For more information, you can check Flor de Nogal Restaurante on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
4. Baja Cafe of Tucson: Baja Cafe of Tucson deserves to be on our list. It is one of the most recommended restaurants in Tucson, Arizona. This restaurant is locally owned and has a full-service menu that includes breakfast, brunch, and lunch. The restaurant has a Southwestern flair which can be seen in the many dishes with a Mexican or Southwest flavor. Baja Cafe of Tucson is 772 miles away from Texas, and it would take 11 hours and 15 mins of non-stop car driving. If you want to learn more about Baja Cafe of Tucson, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
5. Rusconi’s American Kitchen: If you enjoy dining, Rusconi’s American Kitchen would be an excellent choice in Phoenix, Arizona. It’s 884 miles from Texas and would take 12 hours and 51 mins of car driving. Rusconi’s American Kitchen offers a variety of regional American dishes, including wood-burning grill items that are affordable and accessible to diners. The restaurant also features sophisticated fare that is perfect for those who want something more than the typical bar food. If you want to learn more about Rusconi’s American Kitchen, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
6. Grill-A-Burger: Another restaurant we recommend you to visit on the road trip from Texas to California is Grill-A-Burger, Palm Desert, California. It will take 16 hours and 32 mins of driving to reach Grill-A-Burger from Texas. The restaurant makes its trendsetting burgers the old-fashioned way, using only the finest and freshest ingredients. For more information about Grill-A-Burger, you can check the TripAdvisor or Google Maps pages of the restaurant.
7. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, San Bernardino: Ranked seventh on our list, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, San Bernardino appeals to those who want to turn their California vacation into a memorable experience. Located in San Bernardino, California, 1,188 miles away from Texas, and it’ll take 17 hours and 20 mins to drive. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse has been serving renowned craft beer and meals to suit any taste for over a decade. In addition, they have lower-calorie, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, so you’re sure to find something delicious no matter what your diet looks like. If you want to learn more about BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, San Bernardino, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
8. Brent’s Deli Northridge: Rusconi’s American Kitchen is an excellent restaurant that is 1,273 miles away from Texas. Rusconi’s American Kitchen is located in Phoenix, Arizona, and you can reach there after 18 hours and 47 mins of car driving. Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant is a family-owned deli in Southern California that serves guests quality meals, from traditional recipes to premium cuts. The restaurant has been in the same family for three generations and is dedicated to providing its customers with the best possible food. If you want to discover the menu and more information about Brent’s Deli Northridge, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.
9. 24th Street Cafe: Eating is serious business. Another restaurant that can be preferred by those who take this job seriously is the 24th Street Cafe, Bakersfield, California. It is 1,297 miles from Texas and would take around 19 hours and 21 mins of car driving. Cy’s Coffee Shop opened in 1950 and became 24th Street Cafe in 1987. The restaurant is now owned and operated by local restaurateur Mark Hugs. You can visit the official TripAdvisor and Google Maps pages of 24th Street Cafe for detailed information.
10. Pismo’s Coastal Grill: The last restaurant on our list is Pismo’s, Coastal Grill. Remember, our ranking in the list is based on distance. So, the fact that Pismo’s Coastal Grill is last on the list does not mean that it is the worst restaurant. Pismo’s Coastal Grill is 1,415 miles from Texas, and it would take 21 hours and 4 mins of driving. Our friendly team is available to help with any food preferences or dietary restrictions. We provide an excellent experience for everyone involved. If you want to learn more about Pismo’s Coastal Grill, you can check it on TripAdvisor or Google Maps.

This section lists our ten restaurant recommendations for you to eat on your road trip from Texas to California. We hope these suggestions will help you turn your 1,407 miles journey into a feast of taste. Of course, you can choose a suitable restaurant from the list according to your preference. Remember, like you, people planning a California road trip need your opinion. Therefore, we kindly ask you to share your experience with us in the comment field at the end of the blog post.

In the next section, we list the destinations worth seeing along the route from Texas to California. Keep reading.

10 Places To Visit On The Way From Texas To California

A unique experience awaits you in California. However, some unique destinations like Midland, Texas are also on your road trip. We want to explain the top ten destinations we recommend on the California route.

• Permian Basin Petroleum Museum: Permian Basin Petroleum Museum will be the first destination we recommend you to stop by on your Texas to California road trip. Located in Midland, Texas, Permian Basin Petroleum Museum is 142 miles away from Texas, and it would take 2 hours and 13 mins to drive. The Petroleum Museum is a great place to learn about the history of petroleum and energy. It has an archives center, educational programs, and an interactive exhibit that lets you explore petroleum’s impact on our lives over the past 230 million years. If you want to learn more about the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Stonehenge Replica: Stonehenge Replica, Odessa, Texas, is one of the destinations we recommend you to stop by on Texas to California route. It’s 159 miles from Texas, and it’ll take about 2 hours and 34 mins of driving. Stonehenge and the meteor crater make for beautiful pictures, especially at sunset. If you want to learn more about Stonehenge Replica, you can check it on TripAdvisor or their website.
• Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe: One of the stops you should not neglect to stop by when you take the road trip from Texas to California is Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua. And if you visit Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, we suggest you visit Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. You can arrive at Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe after 15 hours and 24 mins of driving. The Cathedral is an important historical site, containing many architectural and historical features worth seeing and experiencing during a Mass. You can visit TripAdvisor and the official site of Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe for more information.
• Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: Do you also like to travel and experience new things? Then, it would be best to visit Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Tucson, Arizona, on the road trip from Texas to California. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is 774 miles from Texas, and you can arrive there after the 11 hours 26 mins of drive. The Desert Museum is an AZA-accredited zoo that occupies 98 acres of the pristine desert landscape. The museum has extensive botanical gardens, two art galleries, and a natural history museum. In addition, you should check TripAdvisor and the official website of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum before going there.
• Musical Instrument Museum: Located in Phoenix, Arizona, Musical Instrument Museum ranks fifth in our list of tourist destinations on the California road trip. You must take 12 hours 54 mins of driving to arrive at the Musical Instrument Museum. The World’s Only Global Musical Instrument Museum is home to the MIM Music Theater, a 300-seat acoustically superb performance space, the award-winning Café Allegro, and the MIM Museum Store. If you want to learn more about the Musical Instrument Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• El Paseo Shopping District: Another attraction you can visit on the road trip from Texas to California is El Paseo Shopping District, Palm Desert, California. El Paseo Shopping District is 1,132 miles from Texas, and it would take 16 hours and 36 mins to drive. A unique nine-block shopping district filled with over 200 delightful discoveries awaits shoppers in the heart of downtown. Shops, restaurants, art galleries, and more are all located within this lively area. You can check their TripAdvisor page or official website for more information about El Paseo Shopping District.
• Kelso Depot: You can visit many destinations on your Texas to California journey. One of these destinations is Kelso Depot, located in San Bernardino, California. You can arrive at Kelso Depot after 18 hours and 40 mins of driving. The national park service has beautifully restored this depot. Each of the three rooms has a different theme, each with unique features. For example, the baggage room has racks of luggage to explore; the ticket/telegraph room has tools and equipment for sending and receiving messages, while the room decorated like employees would use has a desk and chair for exploring. Finally, the one decorated like a traveling train employee could rent features signs on the wall listing destinations across America. If you want to read the reviews of previous visitors about Kelso Depot, you can visit Kelso Depot’s TripAdvisor page or their website.
• Walt Disney Concert Hall: As we near the end of our list of the top 10 best places to visit on the road trip from Texas to California, it would be unfair not to mention Walt Disney Concert Hall. Walt Disney Concert Hall locates in Los Angeles, California, 1,246 miles from Texas, and it takes 18 hours, and 18 mins drive from Texas to get there. The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s home, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, is designed to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated in the world. If you want to learn more about Walt Disney Concert Hall, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Kern County Museum: Now, we want to introduce you to another vibrant restaurant on the California trip. Located in Bakersfield, California, Kern County Museum is 1,298 miles from Texas, and it would take 19 hours and 23 mins to drive. The Kern County Museum is a history museum located in Bakersfield, California, that tells important stories about the local area and its impact on the history of California and the United States. The museum features a variety of historical objects, making it an excellent place for visitors of all ages to learn more about Kern County’s rich past. If you want to learn more about Kern County Museum, you can check it on TripAdvisor or the official website.
• Forestiere Underground Gardens: We have come to the end of our list. Our latest destination in Fresno, California, is Forestiere Underground Gardens. To reach Forestiere Underground Gardens, which is 1,414 miles away from Texas, you must take 21 hours 2 mins car journey from Texas. Then, take a one-hour guided walking tour through Baldassare Forestiere’s creation, which features an underground network of rooms, courtyards, and passageways that look like ancient catacombs. We suggest you check Forestiere Underground Gardens’ TripAdvisor and official website for more information about the place.

FAQ of the Road Trip From Texas to California

Here we are answering the frequently asked questions about Texas to California drive.

How Long Is The Road Trip From Texas To California?

• With ideal traffic and weather conditions, the road trip takes approximately 21 hours and 10 mins to drive. The distance between Texas to California is 1,407 miles.
• If you want to make Texas to California road trip by bike, the time you spend on the road will be four days and 23 hours.
• If you are crazy enough and plan to walk the Texas-California route, you will have to walk for 19 days and 6 hours.

Where Do You Stop On Driving From Texas To California?

There are many beautiful pit stops along the way to California. Here we list ten of them. For more information about the best places on Texas to California journey, you can check the 10 Best Places To Visit On The Way From Texas To California part.

1. Permian Basin Petroleum Museum: 142 miles / 2 hours 13 mins to drive from Texas | 1,321 miles / 19 hours 35 mins of driving to California.
2. Stonehenge Replica: 159 miles / 2 hours 34 mins to drive from Texas | 1,310 miles / 19 hours 28 mins of driving to California.
3. Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe: 1,054 miles / 15 hours 24 mins to drive from Texas | 442 miles / 7 hours 18 mins of driving to California.
4. Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum: 774 miles / 11 hours 26 mins to drive from Texas | 700 miles / 10 hours 59 mins of driving to California.
5. Musical Instrument Museum: 890 miles / 12 hours 54 mins to drive from Texas | 608 miles / 9 hours 29 mins of driving to California.
6. El Paseo Shopping District: 1,132 miles / 16 hours 36 mins to drive from Texas | 340 miles / 5 hours 37 mins of driving to California.
7. Kelso Depot: 1,098 miles / 18 hours 40 mins to drive from Texas | 359 miles / 7 hours 17 mins of driving to California.
8. Walt Disney Concert Hall: 1,246 miles / 18 hours 18 mins to drive from Texas | 218 miles / 3 hours 40 mins of driving to California.
9. Kern County Museum: 1,298 miles / 19 hours 23 mins to drive from Texas | 108 miles / 1 hour 54 mins of driving to California.
10. Forestiere Underground Gardens: 1,414 miles / 21 hours 2 mins to drive from Texas | 32.1 miles / 37 mins of driving to California.

Where Should You Stay On The Road Trip From Texas To California?

There are many excellent hotels during your Texas to California road trip. We have selected ten hotels for you. These hotels are listed below. Remember, you can find detailed information about these hotels in the 10 Best Hotels On The Way To California From Texas section.

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Midland, TX: 150 miles / 2 hours 24 mins to drive from Texas | 1,321 miles / 19 hours 38 mins of driving to California.
• Odessa Marriott Hotel & Conference Center: 163 miles / 2 hours 36 mins to drive from Texas | 1,303 miles / 19 hours 22 mins of driving to California.
• iStay Hotel Ciudad Juarez: 445 miles / 6 hours 41 mins to drive from Texas | 1,651 miles / 15 hours 31 mins of driving to California.
• Hacienda Del Sol Guest Ranch Resort: 767 miles / 11 hours 22 mins to drive from Texas | 704 miles / 10 hours 58 mins of driving to California.
• Royal Palms Resort and Spa: 875 miles / 12 hours 45 mins to drive from Texas | 599 miles / 9 hours 25 mins of driving to California.
• Marriott’s Desert Springs Villas II: 1,131 miles / 16 hours 29 mins to drive from Texas | 338 miles / 5 hours 31 mins of driving to California.
• Wigwam Motel: 730 miles / 10 hours 58 mins to drive from Texas | 679 miles / 10 hours 16 mins of driving to California.
• The Prospect Hollywood: 1,253 miles / 18 hours 26 mins to drive from Texas | 212 miles / 3 hours 32 mins of driving to California.
• Best Western Plus Hill House: 1,296 miles / 19 hours 19 mins to drive from Texas | 109 miles / 1 hour 56 mins of driving to California.
• Homewood Suites by Hilton Fresno: 1,414 miles / 21 hours 4 mins to drive from Texas | 30.2 miles / 37 mins of driving to California.

Where To Eat Between Texas to California?

If you are thinking of taking a break and having a nice meal on your Texas to California journey, you can consider the ten restaurants we have chosen. In addition, you can read detailed information about the restaurants in the section titled 10 Best Restaurants On The Way From Texas To California.

1. Cancun Grill, Midland: 142 miles / 2 hours 16 mins to drive from Texas | 1,324 miles / 19 hours 40 mins of driving to California.
2. Cork and Pig Tavern, Odessa: 160 miles / 2 hours 33 mins to drive from Texas | 1,312 miles / 19 hours 31 mins of driving to California.
3. Flor de Nogal Restaurante: 446 miles / 6 hours 42 mins to drive from Texas | 1,027 miles / 15 hours 34 mins of driving to California.
4. Baja Cafe of Tucson: 772 miles / 11 hours 15 mins to drive from Texas | 693 miles / 10 hours 40 mins of driving to California.
5. Rusconi’s American Kitchen: 884 miles / 12 hours 51 mins to drive from Texas | 602 miles / 9 hours 27 mins of driving to California.
6. Grill-A-Burger: 1,132 miles / 16 hours 32 mins to drive from Texas | 336 miles / 5 hours 31 mins of driving to California.
7. BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, San Bernardino: 1,188 miles / 17 hours 20 mins to drive from Texas | 275 miles / 4 hours 34 mins of driving to California.
8. Brent’s Deli Northridge: 1,273 miles / 18 hours 47 mins to drive from Texas | 207 miles / 3 hours 31 mins of driving to California.
9. 24th Street Cafe: 1,297 miles / 19 hours 21 mins to drive from Texas | 108 miles / 1 hour 54 mins of driving to California.

Conclusion

So, there you have it- a complete guide to planning a road trip from Texas to California. We have listed ten hotels, ten restaurants, and ten places to visit on the way. We have also given you detailed information about each place so that you can make an informed choice about where to stay, eat, and what to see. We hope this guide has helped make your road trip from Texas to California as enjoyable as possible.

Share Your Thoughts

Have you ever taken a road trip from Texas to California? So, it would be perfect if you shared your experience with other travelers who want the same experience. You can share your thoughts about the road trip from Texas to California and your recommendations about this route by using the comment field below.