Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip
When I go on road trips, I like to find different routes for the way home than the way there. After hanging out, enjoying some beautiful days in Venice Beach, and going to Disneyland, it was time to head home. I wanted our Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip to have more Route 66 spots.
If you want a similar road trip that takes you through El Paso and Phoenix, check out my Dallas to Los Angeles Road Trip post and reverse the stops.
Just a heads up, we did a LOT of driving but not as much stopping. Most of this is because Breanna was sick on our way home. I plan to add things again as I am sure I will make this trip often.
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Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip Starting Point
Stayed at the H Hotel Los Angeles
Before we started our Los Angeles to Dallas road trip, we stayed at the H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton, and I can’t say enough good things about our stay.
The biggest selling point for me was their shuttle service to LAX. With Mimi and Nevaeh needing to catch an early morning flight, knowing they could hop on the shuttle and get to the airport without any hassle was a relief. Though we didn’t spend much time enjoying the hotel’s amenities, since most of the day before was spent exploring LA’s iconic spots like the Walk of Fame and the Mulholland Scenic Drive, our time there was great.
Our room was surprisingly spacious, with soaring ceilings that made the already large space feel even bigger. The floor-to-ceiling windows were the real showstopper, though. They offered an incredible view of LAX, and watching planes take off and land added an unexpected element of relaxation. The room felt modern and sleek, and though we were only there briefly, it was a perfect way to wrap up our day in LA. Before Bre and I hit the road west, I couldn’t resist using the in-room Nespresso machine for that perfect cup of coffee to kickstart our journey!
Breakfast at Alchemist
Since our last few hours in Los Angeles, I had to have one more coffee shop experience. After leaving the hotel, our first stop was the Alchemist Coffee Project in Koreatown, which felt like we were right in the heart of Los Angeles. Bre and I swung by here before officially hitting the road, and I have to say, this place has a vibe. It’s dark and funky, which I expected with a name like Alchemist, but it added to the whole experience. The interior feels cozy yet mysterious, and they take their coffee seriously here. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a true connoisseur, you’ll appreciate the care they put into every cup.
I highly recommend trying the Spanish Latte with sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon. It was rich, creamy, and sweet enough to wake us up before the long drive ahead. Next time we pass through, I’m bringing my computer and staying a bit longer. The atmosphere is perfect for hanging out and watching people come and go.
Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip Day 1
This starts our journey from leaving Los Angeles to ending the day in Holbrook, Arizona. Our first day took us through Koreatown for coffee and along Route 66, with stops like Wild Coffee in Havasu City and the iconic Two Guns, Arizona. Each stop along our Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip brought something unique, from funky coffee shops to historic ghost towns.
If you’ve never been to Holbrook, I highly recommend it as it’s the starting point for Petrified Forest National Park.
Wild Coffee Havasu City
Our next stop on the road trip was Wild Coffee in Lake Havasu City. It’s a great little spot for a mid-day pick-me-up.
The coffee shop is in a large building that also houses several restaurants, but when we arrived around 1 p.m., the other spots weren’t open yet. Wild Coffee, however, was buzzing with activity. Part of the crowd was due to a theater group gathering there, which gave lively energy inside.
Given the heat outside, an iced coffee was the only option, and it hit the spot.I went with the Salty Caramel Coconut Latte, opting for a half-sweet version, and it was perfect for cooling down and recharging. The balance of flavors was just right—sweet but not overpowering.
If you’re passing through Havasu City and need a refreshing coffee break, I’d recommend stopping here. While we didn’t try any food this time, as nothing on the menu jumped out at us, the coffee alone made it worth the stop.
Burrito Shak
After our coffee break, Breanna and I were in the mood for something more filling, so we headed to The Burrito Shak in Lake Havasu City. This spot was exactly what we needed.
I went for the Aloha Bowl, which came loaded with pulled pork (my choice of meat), rice, beans, cotija cheese, Baja slaw, pico de gallo, pineapple salsa, avocado crema, and a sprinkle of cilantro. It hit all the right notes—savory, fresh, and just the right amount of sweetness from the pineapple salsa.
The bowl was so satisfying that I found myself thinking about how I could recreate it at home. The mix of flavors was perfect, and it gave me that energized yet content feeling you want after a good meal on a long road trip. If you’re in the area and craving something flavorful and hearty, The Burrito Shak is a must-try!
Two Guns, Arizona
Our next stop was probably my favorite on the entire route: Two Guns, Arizona. This place is dripping with Wild West history and is a true ghost town, making it a fascinating stop.
I’ve visited twice now. There’s something captivating about wandering through the remnants of a town that once thrived, now standing still in time. It’s a perfect place to stretch your legs, take beautiful photos of graffitied abandoned buildings on an endless sunset, and soak in the eerie quietness of this long-forgotten spot.
Two Guns is steeped in history, with stories that feel straight out of an old Western movie. This area has seen everything from the Apache wars to the boom of Route 66. There’s a real sense of mystery here. Two Guns is a must-see if you’re a history buff or love a good ghost town. Next time, I plan to spend even more time there to uncover its stories and secrets.
Winslow
Our next stop on the road trip was the iconic Winslow, Arizona; yes, we had to stop and take part in the famous “standin’ on the corner” moment. The mural depicting the girl in the flatbed Ford, inspired by the classic Eagles song, is right there on the corner, making it a perfect photo op. There’s even an actual red Ford parked nearby for that extra touch.
I appreciated how patient and friendly everyone was about waiting in line to snap their picture. It’s a little touristy but a fun slice of Americana you can’t miss.
Although I haven’t had the chance to stop in, RelicRoad Brewing Company is high on my list for the next time we pass through Winslow. I’ve heard great things, and it seems like the perfect spot to grab a local brew and relax after taking in the sights. So, if you’re planning a visit, it’s worth adding to your itinerary!
Holbrook- La Quinta
After a long day of driving, Bre and I decided to stop for the night in Holbrook at the La Quinta Inn and Suites. While we didn’t have much time to explore the amenities this time around, the room was spacious and comfortable, which was exactly what we needed after being on the road all day. The traditional hotel breakfast offered just enough to get us going for the next leg of the journey.
Though La Quinta isn’t usually one of the hotel chains I gravitate toward, I’d recommend this one if you’re passing through Holbrook. One of the standout aspects of our stay was the friendliness of the people we encountered. Many of the guests were either coming from or heading to the Petrified Forest, so there was this shared excitement and conversation about adventures in the area. It added a nice communal vibe to the stop, making the overnight rest more pleasant.
Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip Day 2
The second day of our Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip took us from Holbrook, Arizona, where we stayed at the La Quinta Inn and Suites, all the way to Amarillo, Texas. We stopped at Gallup Coffee Company and explored the vibrant Tin Can Alley in Albuquerque along the way. Each leg of the journey added something special, reminding us that the best part of any Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip is discovering hidden gems.
Gallup Coffee Company
Our next stop was the Gallup Coffee Company, a solo adventure for me since Bre wasn’t feeling her best. Naturally, I ordered a spicy mocha latte—are you surprised? While there was no latte art, the drink tasted great, with the spice complementing the chocolatey richness.
I also picked up some coffee beans to bring home because the smell was too enticing. However, I did have a bit of an odd interaction with the barista, who seemed to assume I didn’t know much about coffee until I mentioned that I had an espresso machine with a grinder and didn’t need the beans ground. It seems snobbery in the coffee world has happened increasingly, and it’s a real shame. I could get on a pedestal here but I regress, let’s keep moving on.
All in all, though, the coffee shop had a cozy vibe and the area is so unique that I’d recommend stopping in if you’re passing through Gallup and need a good caffeine fix.
Tin-Can Alley Albuquerque
Our next stop was Tin Can Alley in Albuquerque, and it was such a fun and unique spot!
I wanted to try something different, so I went with the Arepa del Patrón from The Guava Tree Cafe. It was packed with flavor—slow-roasted pork, garlic sauce, and a spicy chile de árbol sauce, all topped with queso fresco and avocado. Every bite was delicious. I had a Papelón, a raw sugar lemonade made with cinnamon and cloves, to drink. It tasted like Christmas in a glass—warm, cozy flavors, but still refreshing.
Breanna wasn’t feeling up for a full meal, so we kept it light for her with a sparkling Shirley Temple—which had sparkles in it! We couldn’t resist ordering her a caramel latte cupcake, which was phenomenal—soft, not overly sweet, and just the right size for a little treat.
Tin Can Alley is a funky, vibrant food hall with many different options. If you’re traveling through Albuquerque, I highly recommend stopping by.
Embassy Suites Amarillo
We were supposed to be home by the end of Day Two, but her illness allowed us a little extra time—which was good because we needed it.
After a rough start with our original plan to stay in a camper at the Big Texan RV park, Breanna and I had to change course. We’d booked the camper on Airbnb, but unfortunately, the AC wasn’t working, and after calling for help, no one came to assist us.
We made dinner, cleaned up, and eventually decided to leave, which was a big disappointment. However, it led us to a great alternative—Embassy Suites in Amarillo.
Once we checked into the Embassy Suites, the disappointment from earlier faded away. The room was spacious and comfortable, and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier. One of the highlights was when they let me know I could park on the street for free since it was Saturday night, which saved me $25 on parking! I felt safe doing so, and that small tip was a win in my book.
The hotel and, more importantly, the staff turned the evening around, and I recommend it if you’re passing through Amarillo.
Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip Day 3
As our Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip continued, unexpected stops and last-minute hotel changes made it even more memorable. By the time we reached the quirky Turquoise Coffee Shop on the final day of our Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip, we had collected stories, enjoyed local flavors, and shared countless laughs.
Turquoise Coffee Shop
Our final stop on this road trip was the Turquoise Coffee Shop, a place I’d wanted to visit since first spotting it on our way to Colorado in 2016. I even had their website saved on my phone!
While the “Coffee shop” part of their name had me expecting a more traditional coffee shop, it turned out to be more of a funky breakfast spot that happens to serve coffee. I ended up making a latte when I got home.
The owner was incredibly kind, and the overall vibe of the place was quirky and fun. If you’re looking for an unconventional breakfast experience while passing through, this spot could add some character to your morning. While not what I consider a coffee shop, it is a one-of-a-kind stop and might just be what you’re looking for.
Final Thoughts on our Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip
As our Los Angeles to Dallas road trip ended, we experienced many unique spots and unexpected adventures. Each stop offered excitement, from the hustle and bustle of Alchemist Coffee Project in Koreatown to the peaceful views from our room at Embassy Suites in Amarillo.
The journey wasn’t without its bumps—like our disappointing experience at the Big Texan RV park—but the road always led us to something better, like discovering hidden gems such as Wild Coffee in Havasu City and the funky Tin Can Alley in Albuquerque.
Each leg of the trip reminded us that even when plans go off course, the road always has more to offer, whether we were meeting friendly travelers excited about the Petrified Forest at La Quinta Inn in Holbrook or grabbing an impromptu breakfast at the quirky Turquoise Coffee Shop, every moment added to the adventure.
If you’re planning your own Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip, I highly recommend exploring the lesser-known spots along Route 66. The experiences we gathered were more than pit stops—they became stories to remember. Now- it’s time for you to make some as well!
