Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > United States
Reload this Page >

California to San Antonio Texas in August

Search

California to San Antonio Texas in August

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 16th, 2009, 07:00 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
California to San Antonio Texas in August

We will be making a road trip in our truck camper from Southern California to San Antonio, Texas in August. Does anyone have suggestions on what we can do along the way that is interesting, active or fun? Any suggestions on where to camp? Anything we should not miss? We have been to the Grand Canyon, Sedona, Tombstone, Old Tuscon Studios, & Bisbee, all of which were very interesing. Thanks for any help you can provide.
karn is offline  
Old Jun 16th, 2009, 11:26 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Okay, since you know Tucson, I am starting from there.

In New Mexico, you will come through Las Cruces. There is Mesilla, an old Spanish town & plaza where Billy the Kid used to drink and socialize.

http://www.mesilla.com/

An hour eastwards, you find White Sands Natl. Mon. which is a most outstanding desert experience.

http://www.nps.gov/whsa/

Just a little further is Alamogordo with its Space Museum:

http://www.nmspacemuseum.org/

Further eastwards, if you have a sense of humour, you may do a little detour northwards to Roswell, where you find a strange UFO museum:

www.roswellufomuseum.com

Southwards, you come to Carlsbad with a famous cave (I haven't been into the cave):

http://www.nps.gov/cave/

Otherwise, this part of New Mexico resembles the scenery in the Wall-E movie.

If you drive southwards, take the road through the mountains and Fort Davis in order to catch some different scenery after driving through barren arid country. Fort Davis is a Historic Site and a nice little town:

http://www.nps.gov/foda

From Fort Davis, proceed to Marfa and then the US 67 to Presidio and from there the 170 eastwards - it is a very scenic road along the Rio Grande.

Before you reach Big Bend Natl. Parkpark, stop in Terlingua - a most unique ghost town with a gorgeous bar (Starlight Café) and a museum-like general store:

http://www.historic-terlingua.com

Big Bend is a very attractive Natl. Park with several campgrounds. You find desert, mountains and the banks of the Rio Grande river (opportunities for canoeing).

http://www.nps.gov/bibe/

From Big Bend, you should take the US-90 to San Antonio to get a proper impression of rural Texas.
traveller1959 is offline  
Old Jun 17th, 2009, 03:52 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 3,220
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Good suggestions above.

I'm assuming you're staying generally within the I10 "corridor". Definitely recommend Carlsbad Caverns, especially it's Big Room which comprises 8+ acres and its ceiling is 350' high. Don't miss the bats at sunset.

Also Monahans Sandhills State Park (TX) with its large sand dunes.

And of course there's the Hill Country northwest of San Antonio.

Big Bend is certainly worth a visit - just remember it will be extremely hot in Aug so take heed of precautions re water, etc.

In the Ft Davis area, visit the McDonald Observatory. At almost 7,000 ft, the views of the stars can be amazing.

Ft Davis will take you near Marfa and Alpine on US 90, very pleasant known for artist colonies and with their elevation the cooler temps at night will be welcome in Aug.
dfr4848 is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2009, 07:12 PM
  #4  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wow you guys are awesome. Thank you so much!!! Great ideas!
Karn
karn is offline  
Old Jun 24th, 2009, 07:35 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
if you are going to be in Alamogordo, take a detour and go to cloudcroft. it will prob 35 degrees cooler, and the scenery is beautiful. maybe you can plan to spend the night there, that would be a nice stopover, and not really out of the way.
westtexas is offline  
Old Jun 24th, 2009, 04:46 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks westtexas-sounds lovely!
Karn
karn is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MrMarsellus
United States
5
Feb 16th, 2015 08:02 AM
kangagirl80
United States
29
Nov 13th, 2012 11:50 AM
Bwino
United States
51
May 9th, 2012 11:59 PM
PhotoNoni
United States
23
Jun 10th, 2007 11:20 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On



Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -