You are in for an amazing journey with this one! Yes, the drive is quite long, but all the amazing stops along the way will make it feel like the most epic adventure yet. This is exactly the kind of experience your family or crew misses by just flying to the destination. Think of all the laughs and memories you will make on this amazing journey through some of the best places the United States has to offer. Safety is of course the number one priority, and nothing is safer at the moment than avoiding planes when thinking of travel.  For families, road trips not only offer a safer way, but studies show they make the entire experience more memorable for kids. So why not ditch the plane for some old-fashioned road trip fun and soak up the full experience of the journey. AVR fully believes that every stretch of the journey should be a fun one and that is exactly what this all about. With hand-picked stops guaranteed to excite the whole family, AVR has your back.

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Amarillo, Texas: Everything is bigger in Texas, so stay no need to rush it.

5 hours 31 minutes, 364 miles if starting from downtown Dallas via I-287N

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the state itself. There is no need to rush the drive and get out of Texas, as it has some amazing things to offer. Amarillo offers such a wide variety of activities, there is sure to be something for even the pickiest of the family. From real cowboy and cowgirl experiences, classic cars, and botanical gardens, every taste gets satisfied. Amarillo is even located near historic Route 66, which is a famed attraction loved by all. Lodging is available for all budgets, so there is no need to rush the fun. That way you can rest up and head out the next day knowing you had a nice time taking in some of the best Amarillo has to offer. Be sure to try some local favorites for takeout or delivery. GasBuddy also has you covered with the cheapest fueling options, so you can refuel without breaking the bank on your way out. This stop is sure to get the family revved up for what else the journey has to offer.

 

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Ghost tours that aren’t for the faint of heart and much more

4 hours 15 minutes, 288 miles if coming from Amarillo, our previous suggested stop

9 hours 46 minutes, 652 miles if coming from downtown Dallas

Albuquerque is home to some unique attractions that are sure to get the adrenalin pumping. From scary ghost tours, to soaring high in a hot-air balloon, you will get your fill of excitement. There are some more mundane attractions as well, like a fun scavenger hunt or museums, for those that are more laid back. Lodging is very affordable, so the family can spend the night if need be and have more time for the city. There is an abundance of local food favorites, but be sure to try some interesting ones Albuquerque has to offer. GasBuddy always has you covered with the cheapest fuel options, so you can get the most out of your gas budget. Whether you stay for the day or stay overnight, Albuquerque will not disappoint. This hand-picked stop from AVR will have the family totally sold on the journey. Best part is, you haven’t even reached your destination yet. AVR, because the journey should be just as fun as the destination.

Flagstaff, Arizona: Come see the beauty within

4 hours 47 minutes, 323 miles if coming from Albuquerque, our previous suggested stop

You know the journey is going to be good when this many amazing stops are right along the route to your destination. Sure, going off the beaten path can lead to some spontaneous finds, but sometimes the best journey is the most straightforward one. Flagstaff is home to some amazing sights and attractions that are sure to get the whole family in on the fun. From stargazing, brewing companies for the adults, hiking trails, and museums, Flagstaff has it all. There is even a casino in the area if you wanted to try your luck at some responsible gambling. With so much to do, your crew or family will probably want to take up one of Flagstaff’s various lodging options. That way you can spend some time really exploring all the city has to offer. With so many great food options, you’ll definitely want to try them all. Gas isn’t the cheapest here, but GasBuddy still has you covered so you can find the best value.

Las Vegas, Nevada: Fun for the Whole Family

3 hours 51 minutes, 254 miles if coming from Flagstaff, our previous suggested stop

Vegas is known for its nightlife and gambling, but there is so much more to the city. From shows, Grand Canyon tours, or just walking the strip, Vegas has something exciting for the whole family. The Hoover Dam is also a short drive away and makes for an amazing picnic spot with gorgeous views of the Colorado River. With really affordable and kid friendly lodging locations, you can rest easy without breaking the bank. Vegas is home to some diverse and amazing local cuisine, so be sure to try some of the favorites. With Vegas being a bustling city of lights and sound, it makes for the perfect last stop before enjoying the sounds and sights of nature. The drive from here to Yosemite is a bit long, so feel free to add a stop in between if everyone is feeling restless. A good place would be Bishop. It is near Yosemite, so you can stock up on any last-minute supplies and refuel before heading out. You can even spend the night, so you are well rested for camping, hiking, and water related activities that await you at Yosemite.

Yosemite National Park, California: nothing like you have ever seen before

5 hours 35 minutes, 342 miles if coming from Las Vegas, our previous suggested stop

You have had this amazing journey and are just now getting to the original destination. Imagine if you just flew in all the fun your crew or family would have missed out on. Those are the experiences AVR wants to bring you. We want this to be more than just a road trip, we want it to be a journey that will be a lifetime memory. Yosemite is Not just a great valley, but a shrine to human foresight, the strength of granite, the power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra. First protected in 1864, Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias, a vast wilderness area, and much more. There are plenty of places to camp outdoors, but if your family isn’t the camping type, there is plenty of lodging available with reservation. Hiking, backpacking, tours that are ranger guided, bird watching, stargazing, fishing, horseback riding, winter sports, water activities, and so much more, can all be experienced here. No one can have a bad time exploring these countless acres nature has produced. Food and groceries are no problem, as many places in and near the park have you covered. Yosemite has numerous food options all year in Yosemite Valley and seasonally at Wawona, Badger Pass, Glacier Point, White Wolf, and Tuolumne Meadows. Additionally, groceries are available all year in Yosemite Valley, Wawona, Crane Flat, and El Portal, and seasonally at Tuolumne Meadows. Picnic areas are available throughout the park. Wherever you eat or bring food in Yosemite, please respect animals at a distance; never feed or approach them. Learn more about how to keep your food from bears and what to do if you see a bear. AVR hopes you enjoy this wonderful guide and welcomes you to share any pictures you have if you decide to take this incredible journey.

 

AVR is dedicated to making the entire journey an unforgettable experience. This may be a very long one, but the stops are pretty spread out to minimize long periods of driving. Feel free to add as many stops as your family or crew would like. We do not tell you how to do a journey, as there is no right way, but we do want to offer our input to take the hassle and stress of planning away. So, come do a journey the AVR way!  If the above journey sounds amazing, feel free to get the entire directions here, stops included. AVR, because the journey should be just as fun as the destination.