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Will be driving (with my wife & two small kids) from Malibu to Santa Fe in a couple of weeks. What's the best route to go in terms of things to do along the way? I've driven from SFE to San Diego before (spending a night in Phoenix). Any suggestions?
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Los Angeles to Santa Fe, NM: Take I-40 or I-10?
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We did I-40 to I-10 once from Albuquerque to Los Angeles, heading south through Lake Havasu City. I remember there being a whole lot of nothing - and it was really hot.
Our usual route is I-40 to I-15. You could stop at the Grand Canyon and the Meteor Crater on the way.
Lee Ann
I prefre the I-40 route....Kingman, AZ has an interesing Mojave history museum, you can follow parts of old Route 66 betweeb Kingman and Flagstaff. The is the Grand Canyon Railroad in Williams, Az..in Flagstaff you can tour the Lowell Observatory...You pass though/by the Painted Desert and Petrified Forest National Park.
I'm glad you mentioned the observatory, boom_boom. It's pretty interesting.
Lee Ann
Be warned: If you visit Santa Fe, you will leave Los Angeles permanently! We did the trip (for our 2nd time) in April, and are now planning a move from LA to Santa Fe early next year.
That said, we have driven both highways, each direction. (However, we don't have small children.) And it doesn't matter which you take, the wind is absolutely gale force most times.
On the 40:
Get off the highway just before you leave California, and onto Route 66. Oatman is a tiny spot in the road, but a great place to stretch your legs. It's known for the wild donkeys which roam the town, and are friendly enough that the kids can feed them.
Follow 66 into Kingman, where's there are several places to eat -- one we love is a Route 66 diner called Mr. D'z, the food isn't fabulous but the chocolate shakes are the best. And, it's a nice glimpse into the 50s.
Of course, take a detour north to the Grand Canyon. It's 1.5 hours to one of the Earth's natural wonders. But, hang onto those kids as there's not a guard rail in sight.
Not quite as nerve-wrecking for parents is the Petrified Forest and Painted Desert just past Holbrook. The parks are connected and a great place to let the little ones burn off some energy as they scramble through trails of fossilized wood and the most amazing colors splashed about the rocks. There are also some petroglyphs, and a small museum too.
On the 10:
If you can manage to leave the kids for some time with a baby-sitter, or one parent sacrifice for the other, then look for hot springs around Phoenix. Wow. Nothing cures sore muscles from a long drive quite like hot springs.
A stop in Tucson would be wonderful too. The Living Desert Museum was educational -- and hot, hot, hot -- but is another good place for families. (Take water and sun screen).
Depending on their ages, they may enjoy Tombstone. Yes, it's touristy, but the whole town gets involved. I've never seen so many people dressed up as prostitutes, outlaws and sheriffs in one place. The O.K. Corral is a bit over-hyped, but hey, it's in every history book.
In the same area are a few wineries (yes, I said wineries). They aren't Napa quality, but also a nice break from driving. And look for 'ghost towns' too.
Happy Trippin'!