Route 66 and Texas Hill Country USA Tour

ITINERARY

DAY 1: DALLAS – ARRIVAL
Arrive in Dallas, collect your rental car, and explore highlights including Reunion Tower, the vintage M-Line trolleys, and the Dallas Museum of Art. End your day in the lively Bishop Arts District, browsing its independent shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, and cafés.

DAY 2: DALLAS – OKLAHOMA CITY
Travel from Dallas to Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Sulphur, Oklahoma, enjoying its springs, lakes, and outdoor activities. Visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center to discover Native American heritage and cuisine then continue to Oklahoma City. Explore the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum or Oklahoma City Museum of Art, with the National Circuit Finals Rodeo in spring.
Driving Distance: 233 MI / 374 KM

DAY 3: OKLAHOMA CITY – AMARILLO
Follow historic Route 66 through Oklahoma City, visiting the Capitol Building and sampling famous chicken fried steak. Continue to Hydro and Clinton to see Lucille’s Service Station and the Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, exploring the highway’s history and Dust Bowl era. Cross into Texas toward Amarillo, enjoying preserved Route 66 sections, vintage roadside landmarks, and Wild West scenery.
Driving Distance: 280 MI / 450 KM

DAY 4: AMARILLO – SANTA FE
Continue west along Route 66 to Adrian, Texas, stopping at the Midpoint Café, halfway between Chicago and Los Angeles. Cross into New Mexico to explore Tucumcari’s Tee Pee Curios, then continue toward Santa Fe via historic Route 84. Enjoy the changing desert landscapes, mountains, and mesas along the way.
Driving Distance: 233 MI / 374 KM

DAY 5: SANTA FE
Spend the day discovering Santa Fe’s art, culture, and history, from Canyon Road galleries and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to local New Mexican cuisine. Explore global crafts at the Museum of International Folk Art before visiting Bandelier National Monument, known for ancient Puebloan dwellings and petroglyphs.
Driving Distance: 299 MI / 481 KM

DAY 6: SANTA FE – CARLSBAD
Travel south to Carlsbad via Roswell, exploring its famous UFO history and UFO Museum. Continue to Carlsbad Caverns National Park to discover spectacular underground chambers and rock formations beneath the Chihuahuan Desert. Explore the caves via the Natural Entrance Trail or take the elevator to the Big Room Trail.
Driving Distance: 300 MI / 482 KM

DAY 7: CARLSBAD – FREDERICKSBURG
Head into Texas Hill Country to Fredericksburg, discovering its German heritage through walking tours and enjoying local bistros, bakeries, and beer gardens. Savor the region’s barbecue tradition, with mesquite-smoked meats and tender brisket. For an authentic taste, seek out a local favorite such as Backwoods BBQ.
Driving Distance: 400 MI / 643 KM

DAY 8: FREDERICKSBURG – SAN ANTONIO
Drive Scenic Highway 16 through the Texas Hill Country to Kerrville, exploring its museums, galleries, and shops. Continue to San Antonio to discover its historic Spanish missions, including the iconic Alamo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll or cruise along the lively River Walk, browse Mexican crafts, and savor the city’s famous Tex-Mex cuisine.
Driving Distance: 85 MI / 136 KM

DAY 9: SAN ANTONIO – AUSTIN
Explore Texas Hill Country en route to Austin, stopping at scenic swimming spots such as Krause Springs, Blue Hole, and Hamilton Pool. In Austin, immerse yourself in its renowned live music scene, with venues and events throughout the year, including Austin City Limits. Savor classic Tex-Mex favorites, from breakfast tacos to margaritas, at local restaurants and food trucks.
Driving Distance: 100 MI / 160 KM

DAY 10: AUSTIN – FORT WORTH
Travel from Austin to Fort Worth, discovering its modern character and strong cowboy heritage. Explore the historic Stockyards district, with Western shops, saloons, live entertainment, and barbecue, then visit the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Finish at Sundance Square, enjoying its shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Driving Distance: 200 MI / 321 KM

DAY 11: FORT WORTH – DEPARTURE
Return your rental car prior to your departure flight.