Road Tripping: The Top Places to See When Driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Downtown Kansas City, Missouri
Road trips are a favored form of vacation by many travelers. Hitting the road, feeling the wind in your hair, and the freedom of the open highway is an experience like no other. If you’re planning a road trip from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Kansas City, Missouri, you are in for a delightful adventure. The journey is about 850 miles and can be done in about 13 hours depending on stops.
The journey from Albuquerque to downtown Kansas City is filled with fantastic sights, with each state offering its own unique style. With so many sights to see, where do you begin? Keep reading for our top picks of the best places to see when driving from Albuquerque, New Mexico to downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
Exploring west Texas
As you drive out of New Mexico and into Texas, you'll notice a shift in scenery. The flat desert landscape is replaced with the rolling hills of West Texas. In Marfa, stop by and view the famous Marfa Lights, a phenomena that has baffled locals and scientists for years.
After catching a glimpse of the lights, you’ll want to head down to another well-known West Texas site, the World’s Largest Roadrunner in Fort Stockton. The 11-foot-tall statue is the perfect stop for a photo-op and stretches across the highway.
Time Travel to San Antonio
When driving east on I-10, you come across San Antonio's city center. The city’s rich history is on full display, with historic missions and the famous River Walk. Starting at the Alamo, a Texas landmark for centuries, take a stroll down the River Walk to check out the countless shops and restaurants. Slowly make your way to the Pearl Brewery District, where you can find dozens of family-owned shops, breweries, and eateries.
A brief stop in Oklahoma City
After driving across most of Texas, your time in Oklahoma City will be short-lived, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't stop to soak up the sights. Oklahoma City has a vibrant city center that boasts the Oklahoma City Memorial and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. If time is not on your side, then make sure to visit the memorial for a quick history lesson.
A slice of Americana in Joplin, Missouri
Joplin is a small town on the edge of Missouri that offers a glimpse of Americana. The town is built around Route 66, a classic highway in the US that was once the most important route for travelers heading west. Joplin provides guests an opportunity to stop and check out the classic diners and hotels that are a blast from the past. Make sure to slow down, drive the historic Route 66, and maybe even snag a sample of locally made candy at the grand old-fashioned candy store.
The charm of downtown Kansas City
The final destination of this road trip is downtown Kansas City. This city is home to the famous Kansas City Barbecue, making it a must-visit destination for foodies. Thanks to its extensive range of shops, bars, and restaurants, there’s something for everyone in downtown Kansas City. Barbecue is located on every street corner, giving visitors plenty of options.
To guarantee an itinerary full of excitement and adventure, be sure to check out all the city’s art galleries and museums in the downtown area. A few fantastic museums include the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the National WWI Museum and Memorial, and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Final Thoughts
By starting in Albuquerque and cruising down I-10 through West Texas and urban centers in San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Joplin, and finally, Downtown Kansas City, you’ll have the chance to see some of the country's most iconic scenery, savor delicious cuisine and gain knowledge of the area’s culture and history. These stops could easily make for a week's worth of adventures, so make sure you take enough time on the open road to see everything the US has to offer. No matter how long your road trip takes, with something to suit everyone, these sights will keep you entertained every step of the way.