The Best Road Trip from Dallas to Santa Fe
This Dallas to Santa Fe road trip winds through Wichita Falls, Amarillo, and Santa Rosa with plenty to see, do, and eat along the way.
Written by Ben Guess
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Table of Contents
- Key trip details
- The Journey Begins: Dallas, TX
- Dallas to Wichita Falls, TX
- Wichita Falls to Amarillo, TX
- Amarillo to Santa Rosa, NM
- Santa Rosa to Santa Fe, NM
- Why you need roadside assistance for your Dallas to Santa Fe road trip
- Protect your car with a solid insurance policy
Load full table of contents
This road trip will take you from lively and cultured Dallas,
Texas
through the beautiful, blistering desert of New Mexico
, all the way to the historic city of Santa Fe. If you’ve been dreaming of a lonesome road winding through the desert, complete with tumbleweeds, sunsets against gorgeous red rock, and the wind blowing through your hair, have we got a trip for you!
But before you begin, make sure you’re traveling safely. Nothing kills a road trip buzz faster than a dead battery or flat tire. If you’re a member of Jerry’s
roadside assistance program
, you can relax—your membership covers towing, lockout services, fuel delivery, and even Uber credits so that you can enjoy the open road with peace of mind.So with that said, here’s everything you need to know about what to see, what to do, and where to eat on your Dallas to Santa Fe road trip through the American Southwest. Yeehaw, y’all!
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Key trip details
Distance: 645 miles
Driving time: 9 hours and 58 minutes
Suggested length of trip: 2 to 3 days
Itinerary
- Dallas, TX
- Wichita Falls, TX
- Amarillo, TX
- Santa Rosa, NM
- Santa Fe, NM
The Journey Begins: Dallas, TX
If you’re starting in Dallas, you’re off on a fantastic note! One of the biggest cities in a big state, Dallas is famous for its food, culture, and nightlife.
What to do in Dallas
- Watch a game: Sports fans can catch a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium. If you really want to party like a local, try to arrive a little early to enjoy the tailgate party in the parking lot of the stadium right alongside homegrown Dallas residents.
- Dallas Art Museum: If you’re more into arts and culture, take a trip to the Dallas Art Museum. Relax and take a breath while admiring works by world-renowned artists like Monet alongside pieces by local legends like Georgia O’Keefe.
- House of Blues: Check out Dallas’s House of Blues for vibrant live music and folk art decor. If you’re getting a little thirsty, tryThree Links, a combo craft brewery and concert venue with performances from up-and-coming artists as well as veteran musicians. It’s hard to beat for excellent beer and excellent live music.
Where to eat in Dallas
- The Slow Bone($$): If you’re in Dallas for a limited time, barbecue is your best option right off the bat! The Slow Bone, in the Design District, is a low-key choice that’s perfect for lunch as it’s only open till 3 PM. They offer BBQ specials, meat plates, andTexasclassics like Frito Pie. If you’re hankering for classic Texas cuisine, this is the place to be.
- Babb Bros. BBQ & Blues($$): What beats live music and melt-in-your-mouth barbecue? Not much—which is why you should visit Babb Bros. BBQ & Blues in Trinity Groves. Offering live blues music on Fridays and Saturdays, plus a full-service bar, Babb’s is perfect for nourishing your body and your soul!
Dallas to Wichita Falls, TX
138 miles, 2 hours and 7 minutes
After driving for two hours, everyone starts to get a little frayed around the edges. Wichita Falls, TX is the perfect place to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat before getting back on the road!
Take US-287 N for Wichita Falls.
What to do in Wichita Falls
- Lucy Park: Check out the falls, of course! Wichita Falls is named for the beautiful waterfalls in Lucy Park—and in a state known for its dust and drought, they are a sight to behold. A little walk in a beautiful park is a great way to take a rest.
Where to eat in Wichita Falls
- Back Porch Draft House($$): Once again, if you’re in Texas, barbecue is the best choice! The Back Porch Draft House (which carries vegetarian options, too!) is a great choice.
- Branding Iron Restaurant($$): This is another delicious option if you’re in the mood for BBQ, brisket, or other similar dishes.
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Wichita Falls to Amarillo, TX
225 miles, 3 hours and 26 minutes
After a combined five hours of driving, it’s a good idea to start looking for places to stop for the night. Luckily, Amarillo comes right in time—this little town has plenty of places to eat, stay, and experience North Texas!
Hop back onto US-287 N to get to Amarillo.
What to do in Amarillo
- Palo Duro Canyon: If you still have some energy left from the drive, you can try a short hike (or a short zipline!) in Palo Duro Canyon!
- Cadillac Ranch: However, Amarillo is most well-known as the home of the Cadillac Ranch. If you want to see a great piece of history and one of the toproadside attractionsin the country, it’s definitely worth the visit.
Where to eat in Amarillo
- Fire Slice Pizzeria($$): Getting a little tired of barbecue? That’s no problem—Fire Slice Pizzeria is a great choice for some incredible food.
- The Drunken Oyster($$$): If you want to check out some of the other cuisines found in Texas, The Drunken Oyster offers traditional Cajun and Creole food.
- Tyler’s Barbeque($$): And if you could happily eat Texas barbecue for the rest of your life, you’re going to love the ribs at Tyler’s Barbeque!
Where to stay in Amarillo
- Starlight Canyon Bed and Breakfast: Starlight Canyon Bed and Breakfast offer scenic views and cozy lodging. Cost per night: from $180
- Drury Inn and Suites: For those who prefer traditional hotels, though, the Drury Inn and Suites is a top choice for a good night’s sleep. Cost per night: from $108
Amarillo to Santa Rosa, NM
172 miles, 2 hours and 30 minutes
There’s no way to drive from Texas to
New Mexico
without stopping for the Route 66 Museum! (And why would you want to?) The pretty little town of Santa Rosa is the perfect place to check out the museum and take a break from your drive.I-40 W is the best way to get from Amarillo to Santa Rosa.
What to do in Santa Rosa
- Route 66 Auto Museum: The primary attraction in Santa Rosa is the Route 66 Auto Museum, a must-see for any road trip passing it by—and a great way to learn about the history of highway driving in the United States.
- Blue Hole: Santa Rosa also has the Blue Hole, a natural waterhole with sapphire-like depths and a constant temperature of 62 degrees. It’s open year-round, which means that you and your pals can pull up, hop into your swimsuits, and jump right in! Is there anything more refreshing?
Where to eat in Santa Rosa
- Las Palmas($): Santa Rosa is full of hidden treasures—including when it comes to food! Check out Las Palmas for some delicious Mexican cuisine.
- Jeffrey’s Hillside Cafe($$): Not in the mood for the taqueria? Jeffrey’s Hillside Cafe for some good American eats.
Santa Rosa to Santa Fe, NM
108 miles, 1 hour and 45 minutes
And just like that, the Dallas to Santa Fe drive ends at the oldest capital city in America! But that doesn’t mean that the fun has stopped. There’s always something to do in the beautiful, historic town of Santa Fe.
Take US-84 W and I-25 S to get to your destination.
What to do in Santa Fe
- Loretto Chapel: Santa Fe is home to many different types of culture and history—and it has the sites to prove it. Check out the Loretto Chapel, now converted into a private museum.
- Bandelier National Monument: Check out the Bandelier National Monument, which includes sheer-walled canyons and Ancestral Pueblo dwellings.
- Browse an art market: And for the art lovers, you’re in luck! Santa Fe has a longstanding history of art markets and hosts various outdoor markets depending on the season. It’s hard to not find something to do in such a vibrant town! Get started withthis guide.
Where to eat in Santa Fe
- Radish & Rye($$$$): There’s no shortage of food options, either. Radish & Rye is a great spot for locally sourced food and simple dishes executed flawlessly.
- El Chile Toreado($): For more regional specialties, El Chile Toreado serves delicious food for incredible value.
- Geronimo($$$$): If you want to go upscale, check out Geronimo. It’s a fine-dining restaurant located in an adobe built in 1756!
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Why you need roadside assistance for your Dallas to Santa Fe road trip
Now that you have everything you need to plan a great trip, you want to make sure that you’ll be covered for any eventuality—just in case any unexpected twists come your way.
The roadside assistance program from
Jerry
gives you peace of mind that you won’t be stuck in the desert with a flat (for long, anyway). For just $6.99 you’ll be covered for towing, lockouts, fuel delivery, and more. You’ll even receive Uber credits if you get into a real pickle! Even if you lose your keys in Santa Rosa’s Blue Hole, you can rest safe in the knowledge that help from Jerry is only a tap away.
Protect your car with a solid insurance policy
In addition to providing top-of-the-line roadside assistance to members,
Jerry
makes shopping for car insurance a breeze! In under a minute, Jerry delivers customized quotes from dozens of providers to ensure you’re getting the best coverage at the lowest price.And once you pick a plan, Jerry will help you cancel your old policy, with everything from the paperwork to the phone calls. That way, you can focus your energy where it really matters—getting out on the road and having the time of your life!
"I’m saving money! I received a quote for half of what I was paying, even after adding roadside assistance and lowering my deductible. I’m blown away at how easy the process was. I’m so glad I gave this a try—I’m very happy!" —Kim B.
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