After driving a different route to Los Angeles from Dallas, we decided to take our traditional route home. Partly because it was faster, and partly because we wanted some different scenery. And maybe a little bit because I wanted to swing back by Two Guns, Arizona. So here’s my guide to a quick Los Angeles to Dallas road trip.

Day 1: Starting in Los Angeles

Our Hotel

Before we embarked on our Los Angeles to Dallas road trip, we stayed at the H Hotel Los Angeles, a Curio Collection by Hilton, and I couldn’t say enough good things about our stay. The most significant selling point for me was their shuttle service to LAX. With Mimi and Nevaeh needing to catch an early morning flight, it was such a relief to know they could hop on the shuttle and get to the airport without any hassle. 

Sadly, we didn’t spend a lot of time enjoying the hotel’s amenities, since most of the day before had been spent exploring LA’s most well-known spots, such as the Walk of Fame and Mulholland Scenic Drive; the time we did spend at the hotel was wonderful.

Our room was surprisingly spacious, with soaring ceilings that made the already ample space feel even bigger. The floor-to-ceiling windows were the real showstopper, though. They offered an incredible view of LAX, and watching planes take off and land provided a nice way to unwind after a busy day of fun. 

The room felt modern and sleek. And, of course, before Bre and I hit the road west, I couldn’t resist using the in-room Nespresso machine for that perfect cup of coffee to kickstart our journey!

You’ll find that extra funny when you read where our first stop was. 

Stop #1: Alchemist Coffee; Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA.

Are you surprised that it was a coffee stop? Yeah, me neither.

Our first stop on the Los Angeles to Dallas road trip was Alchemist Coffee Project in Koreatown. After driving there, I felt like we were in the heart of Los Angeles. 

It’s dark and funky, which I kind of expected with a name like Alchemist, but it added to the whole experience. Naturally, I did my research and knew that they take their coffee seriously here. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker or a true connoisseur, you’ll appreciate the care they put into every cup.

I highly recommend trying the Spanish Latte, made with sweetened condensed milk and cinnamon. It was rich, creamy, and just sweet enough to wake me up before the long drive ahead. Next time we pass through, I’ll bring my computer and stay a bit longer. The atmosphere is perfect for hanging out and watching people come and go, and there’s just something about the buzz of Koreatown.

Stop #2: Wild Coffee and the Burrito Shak; Lake Havasu, AZ.

Wild Coffee

Up next? Wild Coffee in Lake Havasu City. A great little spot to grab a mid-day pick-me-up. The coffee shop is situated in a large building that also houses several restaurants. However, when we arrived around 1 p.m., the other spots weren’t open.

 Wild Coffee, however, was full of activity. Part of the crowd was due to a theater group that had gathered there, which made for some lively energy inside. 

Given the heat outside, an iced coffee felt like the only option, and it hit the spot. I went with the Salty Caramel Coconut Latte, opting for a half-sweet version, and it was perfect for cooling down while giving me that mid-day umph I needed to keep us going on our Los Angeles to Dallas road trip.

The food was very coffee shop-ese (go figure), so we decided to find food elsewhere.

Burrito Shak

Breanna and I were in the mood for something more filling, so we headed to The Burrito Shak in Lake Havasu City, and it was exactly what we were looking for. 

I went for the Aloha Bowl, which came loaded with pulled pork (my choice of meat), rice, beans, cotija cheese, Baja slaw, pico de gallo, pineapple salsa, avocado crema, and a sprinkle of cilantro. It hit all the right notes—savory, fresh, and just the right amount of sweetness from the pineapple salsa.

The bowl was so satisfying that I found myself thinking about how I could recreate it at home (and now I want to). 

Time to keep on keeping on: after all, this Los Angeles to Dallas road trip isn’t going to drive itself.

Stop #3: Two Guns, Arizona

Our next stop was my favorite on the entire Los Angeles to Dallas road trip: Two Guns, Arizona. This place is steeped in Wild West history and is a true ghost town, making it a fascinating stop. I’ve visited twice now, and each time I find myself wanting to return to explore even more. I am captivated by wandering through the remnants of a town that once thrived, now standing still in time. 

Two Guns is full of history, with stories that feel straight out of an old Western movie. From the Apache wars to the boom of Route 66, this area has seen it all. 

There’s a real sense of mystery here, with abandoned buildings and the remnants of what used to be a small but bustling town. If you’re a history buff or just love a good ghost town, Two Guns is a must-see.

And don’t worry- a whole post is coming soon. After all, Two Guns deserves it. 

Stop #4: Winslow, AZ.

Are you standing in a corner in Winslow, Arizona? Well, if you are, the girl in the flatbed Ford is there as a mural. Additionally, a red Ford is nearby for taking pictures. People are very patient about waiting in line for their photo opportunity. It’s a little touristy, but it’s a fun slice of Americana you just can’t miss.

Also, I haven’t had the chance to stop in yet. Relic Road Brewing Company is high on my list for the next time we pass through Winslow. I’ve heard great things, and it seems like the perfect spot to grab a local brew and relax after taking in the sights.

We ended up having dinner at a Denny’s and, I’ll be honest, it was perfect for us. 

Day 2: Hollbrook, AZ. to Amarillo, TX.

LaQuinta Inn and Suites; Hollbrook, AZ.

After a long day of driving, Bre and I decided to stop for the night in Holbrook at the La Quinta Inn and Suites. As with the first one on our stay, we didn’t have much time to explore the hotel’s amenities, but the room was spacious and comfortable, which was exactly what we needed after a day on the road. 

In the morning, the traditional hotel hot breakfast offered just enough to get us going for the next leg of the journey. 

Though La Quinta isn’t usually one of the hotel chains I gravitate toward, I’d recommend this one if you’re passing through Holbrook. 

One of the standout aspects of our stay was the friendliness of the people we encountered. Many of the guests were either coming from or heading to the Petrified Forest, so there was this shared excitement and conversation about adventures in the area. It added a nice communal vibe!

Stop #1: Gallup Coffee Company

Our next stop was the Gallup Coffee Company, and this one was a solo adventure for me since Bre wasn’t feeling her best. 

I ordered a spicy mocha latte—are you surprised? While I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t any latte art (I love those little details), the drink itself tasted great, with just the right amount of spice to complement the rich chocolate flavor.

I also picked up some coffee beans to bring home because the smell was just too enticing to pass up. However, I did have a disappointing interaction with the barista, who seemed to assume I didn’t know much about coffee until I mentioned that I had an espresso machine with a grinder and didn’t need the beans ground. Don’t be pretentious – always treat people with kindness; it goes a long way. After all, you never know who you’ll meet or what their story is.

I’d still recommend stopping in if you’re passing through Gallup and need a good caffeine fix. And who knows, you’re barista might be chill.

And kudos- at this point we’re half way on our Los Angeles to Dallas road trip.

Stop #2: Tin Can Alley; Albuquerque, NM. 

Our next stop was Tin Can Alley in Albuquerque, and it was such a unique spot!

I wanted to try something different, so I went with the Arepa del Patrón from The Guava Tree Cafe, and oh man, was it packed with flavor! Slow-roasted pork, garlic sauce, and a spicy chile de árbol sauce, all topped with queso fresco and avocado. Every bite was delicious. 

To drink, I had a Papelón, which is raw sugar lemonade made with cinnamon and cloves. It tasted like Christmas in a glass.

Breanna wasn’t feeling up for a full meal, so we kept it light for her with a sparkling Shirley Temple, which actually had sparkles in it! We also ordered her a caramel latte cupcake, which was phenomenal—soft, not overly sweet, and just the right size for a little treat. 

Tin Can Alley itself is a funky, vibrant food hall with tons of different options, so if you’re traveling through Albuquerque, I highly recommend stopping by. 

And if you want more Albuquerque recommendations, we’ve got them for you (coming soon)!

Stop #3: Embassy Suites; Amarillo, TX.

Yes- we’re in the home stretch of our Los Angeles to Dallas road trip!

After a somewhat rough start with our original plan to stay in a camper at the Big Texan RV park, Breanna and I had to change course. 

We’d booked the camper on Airbnb, but unfortunately, the AC wasn’t working, and after calling for help, no one came to assist us. So, we made dinner, cleaned up, and eventually decided to leave, which was a big disappointment. 

Once we checked into the Embassy Suites, the earlier disappointment faded away. 

The room was spacious and comfortable, and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier. One of the highlights was when they let me know I could park on the street for free since it was Saturday night, which saved me $25 on parking! I felt safe doing so, and that small tip was a win in my book. The hotel turned the evening around, and I would recommend it if you’re passing through Amarillo (in case you haven’t noticed, I have a fondness for Hilton hotels). 

Day 3: Amarillo, TX. to Dallas, TX.

Our final stop on this Los Angeles to Dallas road trip was the Turquoise Coffee Shop, a place I’d been wanting to visit since first spotting it on our way to Colorado back in 2016. While the name had me expecting a traditional coffee shop, it turned out to be more of a funky breakfast spot that also serves coffee. I ended up making a real latte when I got home, but that’s not to say the place wasn’t worth a visit.

The owner was incredibly kind, and the vibe of the place was quirky and fun. 

If you’re looking for an unconventional breakfast experience while passing through, this place might just add some character to your morning. While you’re there, be sure to sign the guest registry. 

No, it’s not your typical coffee shop, but for a one-of-a-kind stop, it might just be what you’re looking for.

Wrapping Up Our Los Angeles to Dallas Road Trip

Whatever you’re reason for taking this epic Los Angeles to Dallas road trip (or the reverse, for that matter), I hope this little glimpse into Route 66 history left you ready for your next adventure. Do you have any tips for my next trip? Be sure to shoot me a message!

Looking to reverse the trip or do you want a different route? Be sure to check out this post on our Dallas to Los Angeles trip.