Embark on a Memorable Family Road Trip from Texas to California: Top Stops, Dining Spots, and Perfect Cars for You and Your Dog!
/Embarking on a road trip from Texas to California not only offers a chance to explore some must-visit stops but also passes through a variety of experiences that will make the journey unforgettable. This route is filled with iconic landmarks and scenery, perfect for stretching your legs and capturing some memorable family photos. Whether you're more into historical sites or natural beauty, the path promises something for everyone. Family journeys will take you to some amazing unique dining experiences, from local diners to famous food joints, catering to any taste you can imagine. Whether you're planning a spontaneous getaway or a detailed voyage, our guide is here to help you navigate the best places to stop, eat, and the ideal car to drive. With the many different landscapes, rich cultural landmarks, and a variety of dining experiences awaiting you, this road trip promises to be an incredible journey for every family member, including the four-legged ones!
Many stops along this journey are pet-friendly, so your furry companion can enjoy the trip just as much as the rest of the family. Whether renting a vehicle or taking your own, the best car models for comfort and efficiency is crucial, especially when traveling long distances with pets and kids. Vehicles like the spacious Mazda CX-90 Premium Plus offers plenty space, ensuring everyone travels comfortably. Additionally, packing essentials, prepping your vehicle, and focusing on safety will enhance your experience, adding joy and ease to your adventure.
This long journey back and forth from Texas to California is one we have taken many times over the years since moving to Texas from California. Twice we did a one-way trip before we had our baby boy. The first time just my husband and I, and the second time we brought along our Dalmatian pup. One time we chose the "upper way" through route 66 and going through Amarillo and the other time we did the lower way of Highway 10 going through Phoenix. The next year on our return trip we took our dog. We wanted to spend two weeks in California this time, and didn't want to leave our dog Amore for that long. This third and final time we made the long drive was to move back to California. This was the longest and slowest journey of them all. We purposely took it slower to help breakup the drive, and this time because we had both our 10-month-old baby boy and our dog in separate cars. We felt it was the safest and most relaxing way to do it by far and I'm excited to share it with you and help you plan your own journey.
How Many Days Does a Drive from Texas to California Take?
The drive from Texas to California can typically take anywhere from two to three days for a fast trip, depending on your starting point, chosen route, and your pace. Of course, if you want to stop more along the way there are plenty of great things to see. For a pleasant journey, consider taking breaks and arranging overnight stops, so both your family and your furry friend can rest and rejuvenate. Planning your journey around family-friendly attractions and pet-friendly accommodations greatly enriches the experience.
Opting for a reliable and spacious vehicle, such as an SUV or minivan, really helps this travel experience by comfortably accommodating everyone, including your pet. Additionally, researching dining options along the route that offer outdoor seating or dog-friendly policies is always helpful in maintaining a joyous and hassle-free road trip.
As you journey from Texas to California, your route mostly passes through New Mexico and Arizona, each offering diverse landscapes and unique attractions. Albuquerque, New Mexico presents pet-friendly parks and a host of dining experiences that warmly welcome dogs. Similarly, Arizona's Flagstaff or Sedona is the perfect city for engaging family hikes and dog-friendly outdoor activities, offering both adventure and relaxation. Cities like Tucson offer unique dining experiences, many of which feature outdoor seating for the ease and comfort of families and their pets.
What is the Best Route to Drive from Texas to California?
Choosing an optimal route between Texas and California balances scenic beauty with travel efficiency. Opting for the I-10 W or I-40 W offers a straight shot voyage with both routes having some must-visit stops. Plan breaks at iconic locations like the Grand Canyon and small charming towns that provide memorable family experiences.
Where to Start: Houston, Texas
With so many people living in Greater Houston and its suburbs, including us, it makes for a common journey that many may be taking, full of cultural attractions and dining experiences to enjoy before you hit the road. A visit to Space Center Houston ignites your family's imagination with insights into space exploration. The city offers diverse cuisines to savor at dog-friendly restaurants, ensuring that your four-legged companion feels right at home. Stretch your legs at scenic landmarks like Buffalo Bayou Park, perfect for a leisurely family stroll and quality playtime with your dog. We personally started in Houston because we lived in Magnolia, which is 45 mins northwest of the city. So, this was always our starting point but anywhere in Texas will lead you to the same highways when journeying to California.
Where to Stay:
Where to Eat:
The Rustic - A great family friends location with outside lively atmosphere
Goode Company - they have many restaurants around Houston & The Woodlands with different types of cuisine just be sure the one you pick has outdoor seating for pups
Taste of Texas - not pet friendly but if you can successfully leave your dog in the hotel one night this is my personal favorite place to eat in Houston! A must eat that truly shows some Texas Pride!
What to Do:
Houston Astro's Game (not dog friendly)
Walk Bayou Park or Houston Arboretum & Nature Center (pet friendly)
Space Center Houston (not pet friendly)
First Stop: Fort Worth, Texas
A amazing slice of "God Bless Texas", and a great stopping point if you are starting from Houston. Fort Worth and its Stockyards is our favorite place to visit in Texas to really gives you the Western culture and Texas experience. This vibrant city is full of culture, history, and entertainment. It is the perfect destination for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation. Whether you are looking for some country western fun at the Stockyards, outdoor activities, shopping, dining, or a unique cultural experience, you can find it all in Fort Worth. I have an entire blog post just on Fort Worth from our many visits and for even more in-depth info. Below I'll share all dog friendly options, but everything else will be in the blog post.
Discovering the Best of Fort Worth: A Traveler's Guide
Where to Stay:
What to Do:
Trinity Trails - a nice relaxing outdoor activity
Second Stop: Amarillo, Texas
If you're planning a family road trip from Texas to California and are looking for a next great place to stop, consider the Barfield, Autograph Collection in Amarillo. Located along your route on the I 40, this hotel offers excellent accommodations that will make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. We loved this hotel, and the rooms were very spacious for all of us and our furry friends. This place checked all the boxes we are looking for in search for the perfect hotel. It had a beautiful setting in a renovated historic building, a great restaurant, a very nice fitness center, room service all day and night, and pet friendly and family friendly.
Where to Stay:
Barfield, Autograph Collection
Where to Eat:
The Big Texan - Touristy but a must stop in Amarillo. Dog friendly with outside seating but honestly you may want to leave them at the hotel to really experience this place inside.
What to Do:
Third Stop: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Where to Stay:
Both hotels are owned by the same company and right next to each other in Old Town. We have stayed at both of them and are both very nice and clean and perfect for you and your whole family.
Where to Eat:
Gardunos - inside of the Hotel Albuquerque a perfect spot to enjoy a true Mexican meal.
Sawmill Market - The market houses 27 individual local merchants including a brewpub, a cocktail and wine bar, and mercantile. At the center is THE YARD, an outdoor dining + play space. This isn't dog friendly but still a great place to grab food and head back to your hotel room.
What to Do:
Explore Old Town
Take a fun Hike
Fourth Stop: Sedona, Arizona
It's an ideal spot to stretch your legs and let your pup explore designated pet-friendly areas. Don't forget to capture some family photos with the most majestic red rock backdrop! For a hearty meal, pack a picnic to enjoy while taking in the panoramic views at Mather Point or stop by the many delicious restaurants downtown that are not only pet friendly but many offer a dog menu. A visit to Sedona isn't just about hiking and viewing, it's about immersing you and your family, furry friends included, in some of the most beautiful spots in nature.
Where to Stay:
Where to Eat:
Rascal - Located at the Wilde Resort hotel and a delicious option for breakfast lunch or dinner. They not only offer a large menu for the whole family but for your fury friends too. Our girl was in heaven with the stew!
Where to End: Pasadena, California
End your road trip either home, or stop in Los Angeles to Pasadena, California, a city known for its picturesque streets and vibrant culture. This final destination offers an array of activities and relaxation for both your family and pets. With numerous parks and outdoor spaces, your dog gets plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs and explore. Enjoy diverse culinary delights at the city's family-friendly and pet-welcoming cafes. Explore cultural attractions like the renowned Huntington Library and Old Town Pasadena, showcasing something for everyone to enjoy. Navigating Pasadena is convenient with well-maintained roads and ample parking spaces, making the conclusion of your trip as stress-free as your travels have been. I truly opted for our last stop to be in Pasadena to stay at the luxurious Langham hotel. A truly one-of-a-kind relaxing place to end any road trip. Dogs are welcome, their pools are perfect for cooling off and the restaurant on sight was so delicious. Be sure to grab the banana bread, as it's the best one I have ever had!
Where to Stay:
Where to Eat:
The Terrace - at the Langham Pasadena. A perfect place to eat while stay and dog friendly. Food was great!
Gus's BBQ - Dog friendly and 7 min from hotel
True Food - Always a fresh and delicious pick that's dog friendly!
What to Do:
Explore Old Pasadena.
Visit South PAWsadena Dog Park.
A long list of Museums you can also visit with your kids but are not dog friendly
Tips for a Cross Country Road Trip With Dogs
To make the long journey more enjoyable for both you and your furry companion, once again make sure to choose a large enough pet-friendly vehicle with enough space and ventilation. This ensures a comfortable ride for your dog and family. The 2025 Mazda CX-90's roomy third row gives plenty of space for the whole family, our pup and extra luggage! The CX 90 is the largest SUV in the Mazda line, that offers flexible seating options. Options like the dual captain's chairs and second row center console that we had filled with toys to keep our 10-month-old entertained the entire trip.
Be sure to research and plan stops at dog-friendly parks and rest areas along the route for bathroom breaks and exercise, improving everyone’s travel experience. You can easily find places your dog is welcomed on the apple map's by narrowing down your search. Be sure to pack essential supplies like food, water, a leash, waste bags, and your dog’s favorite toys and bedding, as these necessities are crucial to keeping them happy throughout the trip. Select dining spots with outdoor seating or pet-friendly policies, allowing you to enjoy meals without leaving your dog alone in the car or hotel. We also made sure every hotel offered room service in case we were too tired and didn't want to leave we could order breakfast before we left for the day or dinner when we got in that night. Having food available, even if its leftovers is always good to not get "hangry" on the road. Beyond comforts for the dog, also ensure their safety by using a pet seatbelt, travel crate, or dog barrier in the car to minimize distractions and safeguard them in case of sudden stops. Our big girl likes to stand up and can sometimes block your view, so we always put a pet seatbelt that limits her from doing this and also lay down beach towels, so she won't damage any of the leather in the car. Keeping her comfortable, but also the car clean and safety in check is important.
This road trip from Texas to California takes in plenty of adventure, culture, and relaxation. It offers an unforgettable experience for everyone, including your dog. With thoughtfully planned stops, diverse dining, and the ideal car choice, the journey becomes as enjoyable as the destination itself. So, hopefully my advice helped assist you on your travels! May your adventures be filled with discovery, laughter, and shared moments that linger as cherished memories. Embrace the journey, and happy travels on the open road!
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