The drive from Austin, Texas to Las Vegas, Nevada is just over 1,400 miles and can easily become a tedious drive. But for those wanting to take a trek to Sin City this summer, the stops along the way may only overshadow their final destination.

Stopping at some of the largest cities in the Southwest and beautiful natural scenery, this 21-hour drive could be your week-long Las Vegas road trip adventure. There are several ways to get from Austin to Las Vegas. this route This allows travelers to stay close to the main road while allowing road travelers to pass through as many fun outdoor attractions and unique towns as possible along the way.

Google Maps offers three different driving options for those driving from Austin to Las Vegas. This road trip route combined two of these paths to make the most of attractive stops while maintaining a decent amount of time. In addition, hotel recommendations are provided at each stop, chosen for their high quality of service, excellent reviews, and convenience for road-trippers who want to stay close to the main road.

Fredericksburg, Texas

With famous Texas wineries, Fredericksburg, and many historic museums just an hour and a half away from the Austin start, it’s worth taking an early break from the road.

The town has a strong German influence, which you can enjoy at the Pioneer Museum, Marktplatz von Fredericksburg, and the Verreinskirche Museum. On the more modern side, you can also (responsibly) enjoy famous vineyards such as Grape Creek Vineyards and Pontotoc Vineyards He Weingarten. Both vineyards offer tasting tours for his day stop in the city.

• Things to do in Fredericksburg, Texas: Pioneer Museum, Marktplatz von Fredericksburg, Velains Church Museum, Grape Creek Vineyards, Pontotok Vineyard Weingarten, Wildseed Farms, Old Tunnel Provincial Park, Das Peach House

Junction, Texas

A portion of the scenic Texas Hill Country in Junction, Texas, it’s a scenic stop for outdoor enthusiasts driving from Austin to Las Vegas. With the Southern Llano River flowing through the town, visitors to the junction can easily enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.

In town, visitors can also enjoy the Kimble County Historical Museum or play a round of golf at a public golf course before heading into West Texas.

• Junction, Texas Attractions: South Llano River State Park, Shriner Park, Kimble County Historical Museum, Golf, Hiking, Biking, Swimming, Fishing, Kayaking, Birdwatching

El Paso, Texas

Known as the “Hidden Gem of the World,” El Paso is a somewhat isolated town on the border of Texas and New Mexico. The last major Texas city before New Mexico, El Paso has everything that makes West Texas exceptional: museums, historic sites, and a vibrant downtown.

Located on the Texas-Mexico border, El Paso has many reasons for travelers to stop by, including fusion food options, art and history museums, and picturesque state parks. With so much to see and do, the hardest part of stopping in El Paso is getting back in your car and continuing your road trip.

• Recommended places to visit in El Paso, TX: El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Zoo and Botanical Garden, El Paso Holocaust Museum and Research Center, Chamizal National Monument, El Paso Archaeological Museum, El Paso Historical Museum, Franklin Mountains State Park

Related: America’s Hidden Gems: The Ultimate Travel Guide to El Paso

Las Cruces, New Mexico

The Southwest is not only rich in natural beauty, but also has a unique historical background. Home to New Mexico State University, Las Cruces offers several immersive ways to explore the region’s history.

The New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum is a particularly popular attraction, offering interactive exhibits that explore the rural farming and ranching life that established the area. Further evidence of his 200-year resort history in the area can be found in the Dripping Springs Natural Area outside Las Cruces.

• Attractions in Las Cruces, New Mexico: New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, Dripping Springs Natural Area, Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, Natural Science Museum, Las Cruces Railroad Museum, Zulu Museum: Home of the Zulu Collection

Coronado National Forest, Arizona

The drive from Austin to Las Vegas traverses most of the Southwestern desert, making the unique forests that appear even more special. Not far from Interstate 10 is the Coronado National Forest, which contains 15 different mountain ranges, affectionately called “Islands of the Sky” because they appear to float above the flat desert. increase.

This diverse landscape is home to everything from saguaro cacti to highland wildflowers and animals such as kangaroo rats, bracken, black bears and cougars.

• Coronado National Forest attractions are: Camping, Hiking, Birdwatching, Historic Areas, Wildlife Watching

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona is a great place for road trips of all kinds, exploring both the great outdoor opportunities and the unique museums and shops in the town itself.

One of Tucson’s most unique attractions is Saguaro National Park. This is he one of the best places in the world to see the majestic Saguaro. Visitors can also learn about these giants and other desert creatures at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. It takes about three hours to fully explore and costs $29.95 per visitor.

• Things to do in Tucson, Arizona: Saguaro National Park, Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, Mission to San Xavier del Bac, Catalina State Park, Trail Dust Town, University of Arizona, Hiking Trails, Guided Tours

RELATED: Tripartite Relationship: Phoenix vs. Tucson vs. Scottsdale, Which City in Arizona is Better for a Vacation?

Phoenix, Arizona

Arizona’s capital city, Phoenix, is a must stop on any drive from Austin to Las Vegas. With a vibrant downtown and vibrant nightlife, Phoenix is ​​well worth an extended drive.

The town is dotted with numerous history, culture and art museums, and the beautiful desert landscape surrounding the town offers hiking trails and trails for those who want to enjoy the outdoors on their long journey to Sin City. There are cycling trails.

• Some of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona: Arizona State Capitol Museum, Papago Park, Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Pueblo Grande Museum Archaeological Park, Musical Instrument Museum, Wrigley Mansion, hiking trails, nightlife, luxury resorts

Related: Affordable Arizona: How to Budget a Cheap Vacation to Phoenix

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is considered one of the best small towns to visit in the United States, especially during the warm summer months. The town is popular for its variety of activities, including more than 200 hiking trails in Red Rock State Park and nearby pine forests.

The town also has many cultural attractions, such as the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, which help give the small town a big-city feel that locals and road-trippers alike will enjoy.

• Recommended places to visit in Sedona, Arizona: Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, Chapel of the Holy Cross, Red Rock State Park, Slide Rock State Park, Cathedral Rock, Devil’s Bridge Trail

Tonto National Forest, Arizona

Arizona’s largest national forest and the sixth largest national forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is the perfect place to rest after a long road trip.

Those who aren’t tired of riding can also enjoy a train ride through Goldfield Ghost Town. Tortilla Flat, on the other hand, is a charming wooded town of six people that manages to recreate the atmosphere of the Old West with its saloons and prickly pear gelato.

• Things to Do in Tonto National Forest: Hiking, Biking, Kayaking, Goldfield Ghost Town, Tortilla Flats, Railroad Ride

Hoover Dam, Nevada

One of the most iconic man-made structures in the United States, the Hoover Dam makes a great final stop on a road trip to Las Vegas or a day trip from the strip after a long drive.

Visiting Hoover Dam is as easy as enjoying the unique scenery, but guests who want a little more can visit Lake Mead or book one of the multiple tour options in or around the dam. can do. The Hoover Dam is so close to Las Vegas itself that it also serves as a great morning trip before checking into his one of the city’s many excellent hotels.

• Hoover Dam is recommended for: Boating, swimming, guided tours, kayaking