Cross-Country Road Trip from Tampa to Las Vegas with Fun Stops Along the Way
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It had been a while since my last cross-country road trip, but this summer I finally packed up the car again and hit the road from Tampa, Florida to Las Vegas, Nevada. This time, I wasn’t traveling solo. My boyfriend Tyrone joined me for the drive, and of course my corgi Kuma came with me too.
I mapped out a week-long route with plenty of interesting stops: Pensacola, Dallas, Fort Worth, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Monument Valley, and finally Las Vegas. Each destination had its own charm, from nostalgic college hangouts to desert views straight out of a movie.
Road Trip Itinerary Overview
Here’s how our 7-day Tampa to Las Vegas road trip shaped up. Distances are approximate and based on our route, so make sure to double-check with your own GPS.
Day 1: Tampa → Pensacola, FL
📍 450 miles | ~6.5 hours
First stop in my old college town for nostalgia, food, and bowling.Day 2: Pensacola → Dallas, TX
📍 630 miles | ~9.5 hours
Long day of driving, but we broke it up with stops and a fun evening in Dallas.Day 3: Dallas & Fort Worth, TX
Explore Dallas’ AT&T Discovery District and Fort Worth Stockyards (45 minutes apart).Day 4: Dallas → Albuquerque, NM
📍 640 miles | ~9.5 hours
Stayed at the Drury Inn and checked out Breaking Bad filming spots.Day 5: Albuquerque → Santa Fe, NM
📍 60 miles | ~1 hour
Short drive north for Meow Wolf and Santa Fe’s art scene.Day 6: Santa Fe → Four Corners → Monument Valley, UT/AZ
📍 ~330 miles | ~5.5 hours (with Four Corners stop)
Stood in four states at once, then caught sunset at Monument Valley.Day 7: Monument Valley → Las Vegas, NV
📍 400 miles | ~6 hours
Sunrise at Forrest Gump Point before making the final stretch into Vegas.
Stop 1: Pensacola, Florida – A Trip Down Memory Lane
Our first stop was Pensacola, my old college town. It was fun (and a little surreal) showing Tyrone around all the places I used to hang out in my twenties:
University of West Florida – where I spent countless hours in the computer lab.
Hillview Terrace & Eden Crossing (now Jasmine Creek) – my first apartment, still standing strong.
WSRE TV Station – my first real editing job at PBS.
Cordova Lanes Bowling Alley – where I quickly learned Tyrone is much better at bowling than me.
McGuire’s Irish Pub – a Pensacola classic, complete with walls covered in dollar bills and the famous 18¢ bean soup.
Seville Quarter – A Pensacola icon since 1967, this entertainment complex has seven themed rooms and courtyards. I spent plenty of nights here during my college days.
👉 If you’re planning a stop here, check out the must-dos in Downtown Pensacola.
Colorful Pensacola sign in front of 850 Fusion, a restaurant we ate at near our hotel
Bowling at Cordova Lanes
Of course we had to add our dollar bill at McGuire’s
Stop 2: Dallas & Fort Worth, Texas – Big City Meets Cowboy Charm
This was my first time visiting Dallas, and I was surprised by how much there was to see and do. We explored the AT&T Discovery District, which feels like stepping into a futuristic plaza filled with massive LED screens, creative light displays, and plenty of great food options.
One of our favorite finds was Bourbon and Banter, a stylish underground speakeasy located inside a hotel. To get in, you dial a secret code on the vintage phone booth and watch as the hidden door open. It’s a clever and fun gimmick that instantly sets the mood for the night.
We also made the quick drive to Fort Worth Stockyards, which turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. Twice a day, longhorn cattle march through the streets, giving you a glimpse into authentic Texas culture. If you’re into Western style, this is the perfect place to shop for boots, hats, and other cowboy-inspired finds.
👉 If you have a few extra days to spare, Texas has plenty of other fun stops worth adding to your itinerary. Consider making detours to Waco or Austin for more unique food, culture, and small-town charm.
AT&T Discover District
The LED display was humungous!
Fort Worth is a must-stop!
Stop 3: Albuquerque, New Mexico – A Treat for Breaking Bad Fans
Albuquerque has a bit of a mixed reputation, but I found it fascinating, especially if you’re a Breaking Bad fan. We stopped by several of the show’s famous filming locations, including:
Jesse Pinkman’s house
The Dog House drive-in
Walter White’s car wash
Walter White’s house (now fenced off due to curious visitors)
We stayed at the Drury Inn and absolutely loved it. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the hotel offered complimentary dinner, drinks, and breakfast, which was such a nice perk after a long drive.
Before heading off to Santa Fe, we spent some time exploring Old Town Albuquerque, a colorful and charming area filled with boutique shops, local art galleries, and plenty of dog-friendly stores. It’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs and grab a bite before getting back on the road.
👉 If you have a little extra time in your itinerary, New Mexico is full of incredible sights. I highly recommend stopping by White Sands National Park before reaching Albuquerque. The bright white dunes are otherworldly and make for an unforgettable detour.
The Dog House where Jesse Pinkman used to do his thing
Colorful Old Town Albuquerque
Living my Breaking Bad moment
Stop 4: Santa Fe, New Mexico – Art Wonderland at Meow Wolf
Just an hour north is Santa Fe, home to the very first Meow Wolf. This immersive art experience feels like stepping into another world. It’s full of interactive rooms, neon lights, and imaginative installations that make you feel like you’re in a dream.
We stayed downtown near restaurants and shops, but it started raining soon after we arrived. I would have loved to spend more time exploring the historic plaza area, which is lined with local boutiques and art galleries.
👉 If Santa Fe isn’t quite your scene, keep heading west and make a stop at Petrified Forest National Park. It’s one of the lesser-known national parks, and I was pleasantly surprised by how fascinating it is. The colorful landscapes and ancient petrified wood make it well worth a visit.
Meow Wolf is simply amazing
Every room at Meow Wolf is mind blowing
Las Palomas – the hotel we stayed at in Santa Fe
Stop 5: Four Corners & Monument Valley – Iconic Southwest
On the drive to Monument Valley, we stopped at the Four Corners Monument, where New Mexico, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah meet. It’s a quick but fun stop if you want the classic “four states at once” photo. Admission is $8 per person, and there are food vendors selling Navajo tacos and lemonade.
The real highlight of this leg was Monument Valley, which was even more beautiful in person than I imagined. We stayed overnight so we could catch both sunset and sunrise, and sunrise completely stole the show with its vivid colors lighting up the red rock formations.
We also stopped at Forrest Gump Point, the famous stretch of road where Forrest decides to stop running. It’s a must for photo lovers.
👉 If you’re looking to add a bit more adventure to your trip, consider stopping at Zion National Park. The Narrows is one of the most unique hikes I’ve ever experienced, with breathtaking canyon walls and a trail that winds right through the river.
Four corners with Kuma (Note that only service animals are allowed into Four Corners)
Sunset at Monument Valley
Sunrise at Monument Valley
Stop 6: Las Vegas, Nevada – The Final Destination
After nearly 2,500 miles, we rolled into Las Vegas, our final stop. Tyrone was home, Kuma was ready for another nap, and I was excited to spend the rest of the summer out west.
Every city we visited had its own distinct personality:
Pensacola was nostalgic and familiar.
Dallas was modern and vibrant.
Fort Worth had classic cowboy energy.
Albuquerque was quirky and full of Breaking Bad history.
Santa Fe dazzled with creativity.
Monument Valley was a natural masterpiece.
Driving into Las Vegas
Tips for Planning Your Own Cross-Country Road Trip
Book dog-friendly hotels in advance – Hampton Inn and Drury Inn were lifesavers.
Check museum schedules – many close on Mondays.
Bring snacks – roadside attractions (like Four Corners) can be pricey.
Allow for spontaneous stops – some of our favorite moments were unplanned, like retro state signs or cowboy boot shopping.
Don’t skip sunrise at Monument Valley – it’s absolutely worth the early alarm.
