The Best Places to See When Driving from Arlington, Texas to Oakland, California
Planning a road trip from Arlington, Texas to Oakland, California? This drive is over 1,700 miles and can take around 27 hours without stops. But, don't let that deter you because there are plenty of amazing sights to see along the way!
In this blog post, we'll be sharing the top places to stop and explore while driving from Arlington to Oakland. From stunning landscapes to historic landmarks, there is something for everyone. So, buckle up and let's hit the open road!
Natural Wonders
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Located in New Mexico, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a must-see natural wonder. The park is famous for its large, beautiful caves which include the Big Room, a 8.2-acre underground chamber that is said to be the largest single cave chamber in North America. Visitors can take tours of the caves, which range from easy to strenuous, and witness the bat flight program, where thousands of bats take flight at dusk.
Grand Canyon National Park
No road trip in the US is complete without a stop at the Grand Canyon. Located in Arizona, this natural wonder is over 270 miles long and over a mile deep. Visitors can hike the trails, take a mule ride, or simply enjoy the view from the canyon rim. There are also helicopter tours available for those who want to see the canyon from a different perspective.
Moab, Utah
Moab is a small town in Utah that is surrounded by stunning national parks and monuments. Arches National Park is located just outside of town and features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches. Canyonlands National Park is also nearby, which offers visitors stunning views of canyons, mesas, and buttes. Other nearby landmarks include Dead Horse Point State Park and the Colorado River.
Historic Landmarks
Cadillac Ranch
Located in Amarillo, Texas, Cadillac Ranch is an iconic landmark that has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows. Visitors can view the ten Cadillacs half-buried nose-down in the ground and can even bring their own spray paint to leave their mark.
Tombstone, Arizona
Tombstone is a historic town in Arizona that is known for its famous gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Visitors can step back in time and experience an authentic Western town, complete with saloons and old-timey shops. Be sure to catch a reenactment of the gunfight while you're there!
Alcatraz Island
Located in the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island is a former prison that has been turned into a national park. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the prison, which housed some of the most notorious criminals in US history. The audio tour is highly recommended, as it offers a glimpse into the daily life of the prisoners.
Quirky Attractions
The World's Largest Pistachio
Located in Alamogordo, New Mexico, this 30-foot-tall pistachio is hard to miss. The giant nut is located outside McGinn's Pistachio Tree Ranch and visitors can take a tour of the orchard and even sample some fresh pistachios.
Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell is famous for the alleged UFO crash that occurred in 1947. Visitors can explore the town's UFO Museum and Research Center, which offers a fascinating look into the history of UFO sightings. Be sure to take a picture with the town's many alien-themed attractions.
Bigfoot Statue
Located in Willow Creek, California, this 12-foot-tall Bigfoot statue is the town's claim to fame. The statue was erected in 1987 and serves as a tribute to the town's many Bigfoot sightings. Visitors can take a photo with the statue and explore the nearby Six Rivers National Forest.
Conclusion
There you have it, our top picks for places to see when driving from Arlington, Texas to Oakland, California. Whether you're interested in natural wonders, historic landmarks, or quirky attractions, there is something for everyone on this road trip. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!