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14-Day Epic Road Trip Itinerary from Home to Houston via Newport Beach, Scottsdale, and Austin

Viewed by 65 travelers

Day 1: California Dreaming

Newport Beach, CA

5:00 PM

Arrive in Newport Beach

After a long day of driving, settle into your hotel and enjoy a breezy evening along the beach.
Drive along Pacific Coast Highway to reach Newport Beach.
USD200 (Hotel), Evening

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Crab Cooker

Savor fresh seafood and the ocean breeze while dining at this beloved local eatery.
Within a short 5-minute drive from your hotel.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Newport Beach

Day 2: Beach Bliss

Newport Beach, CA

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Breakfast Republic

Kick off your morning with amazing pancakes and endless coffee at this popular spot.
Just a short drive from your hotel.
USD20, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Relax at Balboa Beach

Spend the day lounging on the sandy shores of Balboa Beach and swimming in the Pacific Ocean.
Directly accessible from the restaurant; park nearby.
Free, 4 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch at Pier Burger

Enjoy a casual lunch offering beach-style burgers and fries with an ocean view.
Just steps away from the beach.
USD15, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Explore Balboa Island

Check out the charming shops and take a stroll along the waterfront on Balboa Island.
Take the ferry from Balboa Peninsula.
USD2 (ferry), 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Fisherman's Restaurant

Dine on the delicious catch of the day with a sunset view over the water.
Return to Balboa Peninsula and drive to the restaurant.
USD40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Newport Beach

Day 3: Journey to Scottsdale

Scottsdale, AZ

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Filling Station

Enjoy a hearty breakfast filled with all-American classics before hitting the road.
Drive 20 minutes to the nearby cafe.
USD15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Drive to Scottsdale, AZ

Embark on a scenic drive to Scottsdale while taking in the desert landscapes.
Head east on CA-91 and follow I-10 E to AZ.
Gas USD40, 6 hours

5:00 PM

Arrive in Scottsdale

Check-in at your hotel and unwind after your drive.
Follow local directions to reach your accommodation.
USD180 (Hotel), Evening

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Mission

Indulge in modern Latin cuisine in an atmospheric setting with stunning decor.
A short drive from your hotel.
USD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Scottsdale

Day 4: Scottsdale Adventures

Scottsdale, AZ

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Butterfield's Pancake House

Start your day with a giant stack of pancakes in this family-friendly establishment.
A short drive from your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Explore Scottsdale Old Town

Wander through the vibrant Old Town Scottsdale and enjoy its unique shops and art galleries.
Just drive a few minutes to Old Town.
Free, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Gelato Spot

Cool down with an artisanal gelato and light lunch around the Old Town area.
Easily walkable from Old Town shops.
USD15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Hike at Camelback Mountain

Take on the stunning trails of Camelback Mountain and reap the rewards of breathtaking views.
Drive to the Camelback Mountain trailhead.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Eddie V's Prime Seafood

Experience upscale seafood dining with a chic ambiance and live music.
A 15-minute drive from the mountain.
USD70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Scottsdale

Day 5: On the Road to Austin

Austin, TX

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with creative twists on classic dishes before departing.
Drive 10 minutes to the eatery.
USD20, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Drive to Austin, TX

Travel east to Austin, absorbing the scenic beauty of the Texas landscape.
Take I-10 E to I-35 N.
Gas USD40, 6 hours

3:00 PM

Arrive in Austin

Check-in at your hotel and relax for a bit.
Follow local directions to your accommodation.
USD150 (Hotel), 1 hour

4:00 PM

Explore South Congress Avenue

Browse the eclectic shops and vibrant murals on iconic South Congress.
Short drive or rideshare from the hotel.
Free, 2.5 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar

Savor the coastal-inspired menu with ocean-fresh seafood in a lively setting.
Located right off South Congress.
USD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Austin

Day 6: Stay and Enjoy Austin

Austin, TX

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Kate's French Bakery

Begin your day with freshly baked pastries and coffee at this charming bakery.
A short drive from your hotel.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Texas State Capitol

Explore the grand Texas State Capitol, rich in history and beautiful architecture.
Drive to the Capitol building.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Franklin Barbecue

Experience some of the best barbecue in Texas with a line worth waiting for.
Directly across from the Capitol.
USD30, 2 hours

2:30 PM

Relax at Zilker Park

Unwind at Zilker Park with opportunities for walking, picnicking, or paddleboarding.
A quick drive from Franklin's.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Uchi

Dine on phenomenal sushi and unique dishes at this acclaimed restaurant.
A short drive from Zilker Park.
USD80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Austin

Day 7: Journey to Houston

Houston, TX

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Juan in a Million

Enjoy a Tex-Mex breakfast at one of Austin's staples that serves generous portions.
Quick drive or rideshare to the restaurant.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Houston, TX

Hit the road for an exciting drive to Houston, filled with vibrant city life.
Head south on I-45.
Gas USD40, 2.5 hours

12:00 PM

Arrive in Houston

Check into your hotel and unwind for a brief moment.
Follow local directions to your accommodation.
USD150 (Hotel), 2 hours

2:00 PM

Visit Houston Museum District

Explore an array of cultural institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts and Natural Science.
Drive to the Museum District.
USD25 (museum entry fees), 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Brennan's of Houston

Indulge in an upscale dining experience featuring Creole-inspired dishes.
Short drive from the museum.
USD80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Houston

Day 8: Houston Exploration

Houston, TX

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Blacksmith

Start your day with exceptional coffee and breakfast tacos at a local favorite.
Conveniently located in Montrose, just a short drive.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Stroll through Hermann Park

Relax with a peaceful morning walk through the picturesque Hermann Park.
Drive to the park entrance.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at The Raven Grill

Savor Southern dishes and refreshing craft cocktails at this cozy grill.
Short drive from Hermann Park.
USD25, 1.5 hours

2:00 PM

Visit The Houston Zoo

Enjoy an afternoon visiting exotic animals and beautiful exhibits at one of the best zoos.
Less than 10 minutes from The Raven Grill.
USD30, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen

Delight in fresh seafood dishes served in a casual Texas ambiance.
A short drive from the zoo.
USD50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Houston

Day 9: Beach Day in Galveston

Galveston, TX

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Spot

Indulge in a beachfront breakfast at The Spot, loved for its casual vibe and hearty plates.
Drive to Galveston; set out 45 minutes from Houston.
USD20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Spend a Day on Galveston Beach

Relax on the shore, swim, and soak up the sun against the backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico.
Direct access from the restaurant.
Free, 4 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Fish Tales

Recover from the beach with fresh seafood or classic fried dishes at this waterfront eatery.
Just a short walk from the beach.
USD25, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Visit Moody Gardens

Explore the massive entertainment complex featuring an aquarium, rainforest, and much more.
Drive down Seawall Blvd.
USD35, 3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Rooftop Bar at The San Luis Resort

Dine on delicious fare while enjoying stunning views of the sunset over Galveston Bay.
5-minute drive from Moody Gardens.
USD65, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Galveston

Day 10: Cultural Riches in San Antonio

San Antonio, TX

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Egg & I

Fuel up with a tasty breakfast that offers a range of delicious options.
Drive to San Antonio via I-10 W.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit The Alamo

Immerse yourself in Texas history by visiting the iconic Alamo.
Located downtown; park nearby.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Stroll the River Walk

Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque River Walk and enjoy its beauty.
Easily accessible from The Alamo.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Casa Rio

Enjoy classic Tex-Mex dishes while overlooking the beautiful river.
Just a minute’s walk from the River Walk.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Explore San Antonio Missions

Visit these UNESCO World Heritage-listed missions to learn more about Texas history.
Drive or take a historic mission trail route.
Free, 3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Boudro's

End your day with a delicious meal along the River Walk at this popular eatery.
Quick drive back to the River Walk.
USD40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in San Antonio

Day 11: Charming Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg, TX

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Old Spanish Trail

Dive into a unique breakfast experience with German-inspired dishes before heading out.
Drive from San Antonio to Fredericksburg along US-87 N.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Explore Main Street Shops

Wander through Fredericksburg’s adorable shops, boutiques, and art galleries.
Located on Main Street; plenty of parking.
Free, 2 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Fredericksburg Brewing Company

Enjoy a casual lunch with house-brewed beer and hearty Bavarian fare.
Just a few blocks from Main Street.
USD25, 1.5 hours

1:30 PM

Wine Tasting at a Local Vineyard

Spend the afternoon savoring local wines at one of Fredericksburg’s renowned vineyards.
Drive to the vineyard of your choice.
USD40, 3 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Cabernet Grill

Indulge in an upscale dinner featuring Texas cuisine paired with local wines.
Nearby the vineyard; easy drive.
USD60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Fredericksburg

Day 12: Relaxation in Kerrville

Kerrville, TX

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Kerrville Café

Enjoy a traditional diner-style breakfast featuring Texas favorites.
Short drive from Fredericksburg via TX-16 N.
USD12, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Visit the Museum of Western Art

Discover cultural reflections of the American West in this unique museum.
Just a short drive in Kerrville.
USD10, 1.5 hours

11:00 AM

Explore Louise Hays Park

Take a leisurely stroll along the Guadalupe River with scenic views of nature.
Close by from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

1:30 PM

Lunch at Rails A Cafe

Savor hearty sandwiches in a casual atmosphere at this local café.
Just a short drive from the park.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Relax at The Point Parks

Enjoy time by the river; lounge, picnic, or take part in outdoor games.
Close to the café.
Free, 3 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The River's Edge

Dine riverside with local fare and beautiful views of the Guadalupe River.
Short drive from The Point Parks.
USD40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kerrville

Day 13: Fun in San Marcos

San Marcos, TX

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Place

Enjoy an enormous plate of classic American breakfast in a family-friendly setting.
Drive from Kerrville to San Marcos via I-35 S.
USD15, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Shop at the San Marcos Premium Outlets

Indulge in retail therapy at the largest outlet shopping mall in Texas.
Drive just off I-35.
Free to enter, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Grin's Restaurant & Bar

Casual dining featuring burgers and sandwiches in a fun atmosphere.
A short drive from the outlets.
USD20, 1.5 hours

3:00 PM

Explore Texas State University Campus

Walk around the historic campus and take in the beautiful grounds.
Nearby; short drive or walk.
Free, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Root Cellar Cafe

Enjoy local and organic ingredients at this charming eatery for dinner.
A brief drive from campus.
USD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in San Marcos

Day 14: Return Home

Home

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Common Bond Cafe

Enjoy artisanal pastries and coffee as you wrap up your adventure.
Back in Austin before hitting the road.
USD15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Drive Back Home

Hit the road for a scenic drive back home, taking with you fond memories of your journey.
Follow personal navigation as you exit Austin.
Gas USD40, 6 hours

5:00 PM

Arrive Home

Return home refreshed and filled with great stories from your epic road trip.
Drive through familiar routes back home.
Free, N/A
Find Hotels in Home
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