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By Huuk Team

Road trip from San Diego to El Paso

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ITINERARY

12h 45m721 miles12 stops
1
Gates Pass
Gates Pass Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
2
Omni Tucson National Resort Golf Course
2727 W Club Dr, Tucson, AZ 85742-9766
This golf course is the home of the PGA Northern Telecom Open.
3
Cactus Forest Trail
Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ 85743
4
Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum
196 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701-1002
Whether you are a lifelong Tucson resident or a first-time visitor, the Tucson Presidio Historic Museum is must-see. At this re-creation of a Spanish fort built in 1775, experience a 150-year-old classic Sonoran Row house to see how houses were built before the railroad brought in the new building materials of that age. See archaeological remains of a pit house in the ground, and learn about the lives of early Native Americans. Take a docent-led tour of where you’ll discover how Tucson residents lived before air conditioning and cell phones. Kids of all ages can try out Presidio-era kids games in the box on the Territorial Patio and try on the cuera, the Presidio soldier’s version of chainmail, in the soldiers’ quarters. During our many Living History events, visitors enjoy demonstrations of blacksmithing, food preparation, and also see historical re-enactments and soldier drills. We also offer more than 15 historic and cultural walking tours, most in the downtown area.
5
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
1601 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
Located on the University of Arizona campus, Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium inspires visitors of all ages to explore the wonders of science. Take a journey through the solar system and beyond in Flandrau’s state-of-the-art planetarium theater, featuring a fulldome digital projection system that launches you from the Earth to the planets, moons, and asteroids of our galaxy. Flandrau also offers fun interactive science exhibits that will engage the whole family, and dazzling specimens from the UA Mineral Museum. Current exhibit topics include earth science, sharks, astronomy, math puzzles, and gemstones. Open Tuesday through Sunday, see website for hours, showtimes, and admission prices.
6
Rio Grande Riverpark Trail
5240 Hunters Glenn Ct, El Paso, TX 79932-3149
7
Lloyd's Pub
6110 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79912-4567
8
Franklin Mountains State Park
1331 McKelligon Canyon Rd, El Paso, TX 79930-2649
America's largest urban park measures more than 24,247 acres, covering 37 square miles.
9
King's X Bar
4119 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902-1504
10
McKelligon Canyon
1331 McKelligon Canyon Rd, El Paso, TX 79930-2649
11
Billy Rogers Arroyo Park
Corner of Virginia St. and New York St., El Paso, TX
12
El Paso Saddleblanket
6935 Commerce Ave, El Paso, TX 79915-1101
The El Paso Saddleblanket Retail Outlet is No Longer Open to the Public. In order to enter our showroom you must present proof of business. El Paso Saddleblanket Company is the World's Largest Southwest Trading Post The wholesale showroom touts one of the widest selections of Southwest and Western crafts in the world, overflowing with Southwest rugs, blankets, turquoise jewelry, Mexico pottery, western purses, Brazilian cowhides, bedspreads, hand-painted artifacts, mounted horns, handwoven baskets, serapes, and much more! Founded by Dusty & Bonnie Henson, they have spent more than 44 years of traveling the globe-trading, buying, manufacturing, wholesaling and designing the best selection of Southwest products available anywhere.
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OVERVIEW

Are you looking for an unforgettable road trip experience? Get ready to embark on an exciting adventure from the vibrant coastal city of San Diego to the historic border town of El Paso. Along the way, you'll traverse diverse landscapes, encounter fascinating cultures, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The journey unfolds like a captivating tapestry, weaving together breathtaking natural wonders, charming towns, and a rich tapestry of history.

As you set off from the sun-kissed beaches of San Diego, the coastal views will give way to rolling hills and sprawling deserts. The desert landscapes of Arizona and New Mexico will captivate you with their unique beauty and the towering mountains will add a touch of grandeur to your journey. Each town you encounter will offer a glimpse into the diverse cultures that have shaped this region, from the vibrant Native American heritage to the Spanish colonial influences.

As you approach El Paso, the landscape transforms once again, showcasing the vibrant desert scenery and the iconic Rio Grande that marks the border between the United States and Mexico. The city of El Paso itself is a melting pot of cultures, where the flavors of Mexico blend seamlessly with the traditions of the American Southwest. The journey culminates in this vibrant and historic city, where you'll have the chance to explore its rich heritage and savor the unique blend of cultures that make it so special.

1
Start:Gates Pass
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(952) review
Gates Pass Road, Tucson, AZ 85743
2
Omni Tucson National Resort Golf Course
Tucson, Arizona·
4.0
(95) review
This golf course is the home of the PGA Northern Telecom Open.
2727 W Club Dr, Tucson, AZ 85742-9766
3
Cactus Forest Trail
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(9) review
Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ 85743
4
Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson Museum
Tucson, Arizona·
4.5
(92) review
Whether you are a lifelong Tucson resident or a first-time visitor, the Tucson Presidio Historic Museum is must-see. At this re-creation of a Spanish fort built in 1775, experience a 150-year-old classic Sonoran Row house to see how houses were built before the railroad brought in the new building materials of that age. See archaeological remains of a pit house in the ground, and learn about the lives of early Native Americans. Take a docent-led tour of where you’ll discover how Tucson residents lived before air conditioning and cell phones. Kids of all ages can try out Presidio-era kids games in the box on the Territorial Patio and try on the cuera, the Presidio soldier’s version of chainmail, in the soldiers’ quarters. During our many Living History events, visitors enjoy demonstrations of blacksmithing, food preparation, and also see historical re-enactments and soldier drills. We also offer more than 15 historic and cultural walking tours, most in the downtown area.
196 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701-1002
5
Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium
Tucson, Arizona·
4.0
(93) review
Located on the University of Arizona campus, Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium inspires visitors of all ages to explore the wonders of science. Take a journey through the solar system and beyond in Flandrau’s state-of-the-art planetarium theater, featuring a fulldome digital projection system that launches you from the Earth to the planets, moons, and asteroids of our galaxy. Flandrau also offers fun interactive science exhibits that will engage the whole family, and dazzling specimens from the UA Mineral Museum. Current exhibit topics include earth science, sharks, astronomy, math puzzles, and gemstones. Open Tuesday through Sunday, see website for hours, showtimes, and admission prices.
1601 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
6
Rio Grande Riverpark Trail
El Paso, Texas·
4.0
(4) review
5240 Hunters Glenn Ct, El Paso, TX 79932-3149
7
Lloyd's Pub
El Paso, Texas·
4.0
(5) review
6110 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79912-4567
8
Franklin Mountains State Park
El Paso, Texas·
4.5
(425) review
America's largest urban park measures more than 24,247 acres, covering 37 square miles.
1331 McKelligon Canyon Rd, El Paso, TX 79930-2649
9
King's X Bar
El Paso, Texas·
4.0
(8) review
4119 N Mesa St, El Paso, TX 79902-1504
10
McKelligon Canyon
El Paso, Texas·
4.0
(7) review
1331 McKelligon Canyon Rd, El Paso, TX 79930-2649
11
Billy Rogers Arroyo Park
El Paso, Texas·
2.5
(7) review
Corner of Virginia St. and New York St., El Paso, TX
12
El Paso Saddleblanket
El Paso, Texas·
3.5
(74) review
The El Paso Saddleblanket Retail Outlet is No Longer Open to the Public. In order to enter our showroom you must present proof of business. El Paso Saddleblanket Company is the World's Largest Southwest Trading Post The wholesale showroom touts one of the widest selections of Southwest and Western crafts in the world, overflowing with Southwest rugs, blankets, turquoise jewelry, Mexico pottery, western purses, Brazilian cowhides, bedspreads, hand-painted artifacts, mounted horns, handwoven baskets, serapes, and much more! Founded by Dusty & Bonnie Henson, they have spent more than 44 years of traveling the globe-trading, buying, manufacturing, wholesaling and designing the best selection of Southwest products available anywhere.
6935 Commerce Ave, El Paso, TX 79915-1101

CHECKLIST

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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the driving distance between San Diego and El Paso?
The distance is 721 miles
What's the travel time between San Diego and El Paso?
The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it is typically 12h 45m mins in normal traffic
What are some of the best cities to visit between San Diego and El Paso?
Some popular stops include
Are there any cool sights or attractions I shouldn't miss on my drive to El Paso?
There are plenty! Here are some stops you shouldn’t miss on your way to El Paso
What’s the weather like in El Paso?
The weather in El Paso is generally mild year-round, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. See the links below for more information
Weather in El Paso in January
Weather in El Paso in February
Weather in El Paso in March
Weather in El Paso in April
Weather in El Paso in May
Weather in El Paso in June
Weather in El Paso in July
Weather in El Paso in August
Weather in El Paso in September
Weather in El Paso in October
Weather in El Paso in November
Weather in El Paso in December
Interested in a detailed plan for your time in El Paso?
Plan your dream El Paso trip with our daily itineraries featuring must-see attractions! See them here!
A 1-day itinerary in El Paso
A 2-day itinerary in El Paso
A 3-day itinerary in El Paso
A 4-day itinerary in El Paso
A 5-day itinerary in El Paso
A 6-day itinerary in El Paso
Where else can I travel to if I'm starting my trip in San Diego?
We have a lot of great trip options for San Diego! See the links below for all the itineraries we created for you