Denver to Orlando in 9 days Self-Drive Itinerary

DOWNLOAD: DENVER TO ORLANDO SELF-DRIVE ITINERARY

  • Denver CO to Colorado Springs CO
  • Colorado Springs CO to Amarillo TX
  • Amarillo TX to Oklahoma City OK
  • Oklahoma City OK to Dallas TX
  • Dallas TX to Austin TX
  • Austin TX to Houston TX
  • Houston TX to New Orleans LA
  • New Orleans LA to Pensacola FL
  • Pensacola FL to Orlando FL

Distance: 2263 miles

Day 1. Denver CO to Colorado Springs CO

Collect your rental car or motorhome in Denver today. If you are picking up a motorhome allow at least one hour to familiarise yourself with your vehicle before you leave the depot.

Depart this morning and take the I-25 S to W Bijou Street in Colorado Springs.

The Garden of Gods Park is one of the most visited attractions in the area, showcasing the stunning views of the Pikes Peak. Whether you want to take a Jeep or Segway tour, have a go at rock-climbing or just walk around, there are many ways to enjoy the natural beauty of this park.

The National Museum of World War II Aviation is dedicated to preserving the aviation history, and is the home to a number of aircrafts, vehicles, artefacts and documents. Seeing the actual aircrafts in person, combined with the stories behind them will leave you wanting to learn more about World War II.

Distance: 71 miles, 1 hour 10 minutes.

Stay: Golden Eagle Campground.

Day 2. Colorado Springs CO to Amarillo TX

Depart this morning and take the I-25 S, US-87 S and US-287 S to E Amarillo Boulevard/ Route 66 in Amarillo.

The Cadillac Ranch is not an actual ranch, but an art installation created by Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels. The entire installation consists of parts of Cadillac automobiles, including both junk and used parts. The installation represents how cars have evolved over time, and is quite a stunning image in the middle of the Texan desert.

Visit the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, home to the second largest canyon in America. The rugged beauty of the park can be explored through hiking, biking and horseback riding. Or if you’re up for something more relaxing, try nature or bird watching.

Distance: 363 miles, 5 hours 30 minutes.

Stay: Amarillo KOA.

Day 3. Amarillo TX to Oklahoma City OK

Depart this morning and take the US-287 S/ US-60 W/ US-87 S. Follow the I-40 E to S Shields Boulevard in Oklahoma City.

The National Cowboy and Heritage Museum is one of a kind, showcasing an immersive history into the American West. From art to pop culture, Native American objects and cowboy gear, witnessing this part of history is a must-see when travelling through America.

For a truly authentic Oklahoma City experience, you must eat at the Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, one of the oldest restaurants in the city. With former presidents such as Ronald Reagan visiting the restaurant, it’s worth checking out for an insight into a local specialty.

Distance: 260 miles, 3 hours 50 minutes.

Stay: Twin Fountains RV Resort.

Day 4. Oklahoma City OK to Dallas TX

Depart this morning and take the 1-40 E. Follow the I-35 S and I-35E S to Commerce Street in Dallas.

The Sixth Floor Museum is believed to be the place where Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated President John F. Kennedy. The building was transformed into a museum, to represent the life, work and death of Kennedy. The harrowing museum with the history that it holds is something you are unlikely to forget.

The Dallas Museum of Art is a pillar of the city, ever since its establishment in 1903. The collection holds more than 24,000 works from both local and international artists. Pieces of Claude Monet and Jackson Pollock are not to be missed.

Distance: 206 miles, 3 hours 10 minutes.

Stay: Dallas/ Arlington KOA Holiday.

Day 5. Dallas TX to Austin TX

Depart this morning and take the I-35 E and I-35 S to N Interstate 35 Frontage Road in Austin.

The Texas Capitol is an integral part to Texas’ political history, as it is the building where laws are made and enacted. Take a free guided tour of the Capitol and learn of its history, the building and Texas legislature.

The LBJ Presidential Library is another avenue into America’s political history. Named after President Lyndon Baines Johnson, the library aims to make all records of his administration free to the public, so they can make their own judgements about him. As President Johnson was active during the Vietnam War, the documents are of great importance and interest.

Distance: 195 miles, 3 hours.

Stay: Oak Forest RV Park.

Day 6. Austin TX to Houston TX

Depart this morning and take the I-35 S and TX-71 E to E Highway 71. Continue to Colorado County. Follow the I-10 E to Bagby Street in Houston.

If you have ever wanted to be an astronaut, the Space Center is Houston is the closest experience you will get to the real thing. With attractions such as the Historic Mission Control, where NASA monitored nine Gemini and all Apollo missions, to the immersive experiences of becoming a space explorer, this is one of the star attractions of Houston.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is home to the Burke Barker Planetarium, Wortham GIANT Screen Theatre, Cockrell Butterfly Center as well as a number of permanent exhibits covering everything from Native American history to palaeontology. The world-class museum will leave you with a greater understanding of the world we live in today.

Distance: 165 miles, 2 hours 30 minutes.

Stay: Quality RV Resorts.

Day 7. Houston TX to New Orleans LA

Depart this morning and get on the I-45 N. Follow the I-10 E to Carondelet Street in New Orleans.

The National WWII Museum takes a New Orleans perspective of the war, chronicling the major leaders and events that led up to and during the war. Exploring both the everyday man and woman experience, combined with the actions of world leaders, the museum will leave you with a greater perspective of World War II.

New Orleans has a great musical history and culture, so definitely check out Frenchmen Street. The street is one of New Orleans’ live music and entertainment districts, boasting a number of restaurants, bars, galleries and shops. Within the bars, there is every genre of music imaginable, and with stars such as Stevie Wonder popping in without notice, you never know who you might see.

Distance: 348 miles, 5 hours 10 minutes.

Stay: French Quarter RV Park.

Day 8. New Orleans LA to Pensacola FL

Depart this morning and take the I-10 E to N Payne Street in Pensacola.

The National Naval Aviation Museum is one of the most visited museums in Florida, with locals and tourists flooding here to witness more than 150 beautifully restored aircrafts. The aircrafts are just the beginning, with flight simulators and the 4D experience, you can easily spend a whole day here.

Distance: 201 miles, 3 hours.

Stay: Avalon Landing RV Park.

Day 9. Pensacola FL to Orlando FL

Depart this morning and take the I-110 N. Follow the I-10 E, I-75 S and Florida’s Turnpike to W South Street in Orlando. This is a long haul section and could easily be broken up with a stopover in Tallahassee along the way.

Orlando is the home of amusement parks in the U.S, with numerous options available. Universal Studios is one with a focus on seeing your favourite movies up close. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter offers an immersion into the world, where you can dine at the Leaky Cauldron and travel to Hogsmeade on the Hogwarts Express.

Aimed at a younger audience, Legoland is another popular theme park where the rides and attractions are made with children in mind. Whether you want to create something yourself in the Imagination Zone or ride rollercoasters in the Lego Kingdoms, everyone will find the child in themselves.

Allow 60 minutes to return your campervan.

Distance: 453 miles, 6 hours 20 minutes.

Stay: Orlando SE/ Lake Whippoorwill KOA.


Disclaimer

DriveNow's suggested itineraries are made available to assist travellers create and build personalised journey plans. DriveNow does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of these itineraries and they are provided as is and as advisory only. You acknowledge that any reliance on or use of any itinerary shall be at your sole risk.