At just over 1,400 miles, a drive from Austin, Texas, to Las Vegas, Nevada could easily turn into a chore of a drive. For those willing to take on this summer trek to Sin City, however, the stops on the journey may just overshadow the final destination.

Stopping through some of the biggest cities in the Southwest and beautiful natural scenery, this 21-hour drive may well turn into a week-long Vegas road trip adventure. While there are several different ways to get from Austin to Las Vegas, this route keeps travelers near the main road while also ensuring road trippers will 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 has combined two of those paths to keep the time reasonable while also maximizing engaging stops. Additionally, hotel recommendations have been provided at each stop, selected for their high-quality service, excellent reviews, and convenience for road trip travelers looking to stay near the main roads.

Fredericksburg, Texas

Just an hour and a half from the starting point in Austin, Fredericksburg, Texas’ famous wineries and numerous historic museums make it well worth taking an early break from the road.

The town has strong German influences, which can be enjoyed at the Pioneer Museum, Marktplatz von Fredericksburg, and Vereins Kirche Museum. On the more modern side, visitors can also (responsibly) enjoy famous vineyards like Grape Creek Vineyards and Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten, both of which offer tasting tours for those making a one-day stop through the city.

• Things to Do in Fredericksburg, Texas: Pioneer Museum, Marktplatz von Fredericksburg, Vereins Kirche Museum, Grape Creek Vineyards, Pontotoc Vineyard Weingarten, Wildseed Farms, Old Tunnel State Park, Das Peach Haus

Junction, Texas

Part of the scenic Texas Hill Country, Junction, Texas, is a beautiful stop for outdoor lovers making the drive from Austin to Vegas. With the South Llano River running through the town, visitors to Junction can easily enjoy fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

In town, visitors can also enjoy the Kimble County Historical Museum or enjoy a round of golf at the public golf course before making their way toward West Texas.

• Things to Do in Junction, Texas: South Llano River State Park, Schreiner Park, Kimble County Historical Museum, Golfing, Hiking, Biking, Swimming, Fishing, Kayaking, Birding

El Paso, Texas

Known as "the hidden gem of the world," El Paso is a somewhat isolated town situated on the border between Texas and New Mexico. As the last major town in Texas before heading into New Mexico, El Paso has some of everything that makes Western Texas exceptional, including museums, historic sites, and a thriving downtown.

Situated right on the border of Texas and Mexico, El Paso offers many reasons for visitors to make a stop in town, including fusion-style 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 will be getting back in the car to continue the road trip.

• Things to Do in El Paso, Texas: El Paso Museum of Art, El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, El Paso Holocaust Museum & Study Center, Chamizal National Memorial, El Paso Museum of Archaeology, El Paso Museum of History, Franklin Mountains State Park

Related: Hidden Gem Of America: The Ultimate Travel Guide To El Paso

Las Cruces, New Mexico

The Southwest is rich not only in natural beauty but has a unique historic background as well. Las Cruces, home to New Mexico State University, has several immersive ways to explore the history of the region.

New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum is a particularly popular attraction that offers interactive exhibitions that explore the rural farming and ranching life that established the area. More evidence of the history in the form of 200-year-old resorts of the region can be found in Dripping Springs Natural Area on the outskirts of Las Cruces.

• Things to Do in Las Cruces, New Mexico: New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, Dripping Springs Natural Area, Prehistoric Trackways National Monument, Museum of Nature & Science, Las Cruces Railroad Museum, Zuhl Museum: Home of the Zuhl Collection

Coronado National Forest, Arizona

The drive from Austin to Las Vegas mostly traverses the desert lands of the Southwest, making the unique forests that appear all the more extraordinary. Not far from I-10 stands Coronado National Forest, which encompasses 15 different mountain ranges, affectionately called "Sky Islands" for the way they appear to float above the flat desert lands.

The wide variety of landscapes are home to everything from Saguaro cacti to high-altitude wildflowers and feed animal life like kangaroo rats, ringtails, black bears, and cougars.

• Things to Do in Coronado National Forest: Camping, Hiking, Birdwatching, Historic Areas, Wildlife Viewing

Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona, is a great stop for every kind of road tripper, with both amazing outdoor opportunities and unique museums and shops to explore in the town itself.

One of the most unique attractions in Tucson is Saguaro National Park, one of the best places in the world to see giant Saguaros in their full glory. Visitors can also learn about these giants and other desert life in the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which takes approximately three hours to fully explore and costs $29.95 a visitor.

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

Related: Three-Way Tie: Phoenix Vs. Tucson Vs. Scottsdale, Which Arizona City Is Better For A Vacation?

Phoenix, Arizona

The capital of Arizona, Phoenix, is a can't-miss stop for those taking the time to drive from Austin to Vegas. With a thriving downtown and vibrant nightlife, Phoenix is well worth extending the drive time.

Numerous historical, cultural, and art museums dot the town, while the scenic desert landscape around the town offers hiking and biking trails for those hoping to enjoy the outdoors between stops on the long haul to Sin City.

• Things to Do in Phoenix, Arizona: Arizona Capitol Museum, Papago Park, Pioneer Arizona Living History Museum, Heard Museum, Phoenix Art Museum, Pueblo Grande Museum Archeological Park, Musical Instrument Museum, Wrigley Mansion, Hiking Trails, Nightlife, Luxury Resorts

Related: Affordable Arizona: How To Budget For A Cheap Vacation To Phoenix

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is often considered one of the best small towns to visit in the US, particularly during the warm summer months. The town's popularity stems from the wide variety of activities available, including over 200 hiking trails in Red Rock State Park and the nearby pine forests.

The town also has a number of cultural highlights, such as Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, that help give the small town a big-city feel that locals and road trip travelers alike can enjoy.

• Things to Do 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

The largest national forest in Arizona and the sixth largest in America, Tonto National Forest is a great stop for tired road trip legs looking for a stretch on some hiking trails.

Those not tired of riding in a vehicle can also enjoy a train ride through the Goldfield Ghost Town. Meanwhile, Tortilla Flat is a charming town inside the forest with a population of six that manages to bring to life the Wild West vibe, complete with a saloon and prickly pear gelato.

• Things to Do in Tonto National Forest: Hiking, Biking, Kayaking, Goldfield Ghost Town, Tortilla Flat, Train Rides

Hoover Dam, Nevada

One of the most iconic man-made features in the United States, Hoover Dam is a perfect final stop on a road trip to Las Vegas, or even as a day trip from the strip after finishing the long drive.

A visit to the Hoover Dam can be as simple as enjoying the unique views, but guests looking for a little more can pay a visit to Lake Mead or book one of multiple tour options on or around the Dam. Since Hoover Dam is so close to Las Vegas itself, it also works as a great morning trip before checking in to one of the many exceptional hotels in the city.

• Things to Do at Hoover Dam: Boating, Swimming, Guided Tours, Kayaking