Leaving Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia for Naval Base San Diego, California, our military family set out on a PCS adventure. Beginning with the busy transit route of I-40, I'm sharing the notes we gathered for sites to see on our cross-country journey.
If you have a PCS across the U.S. coming up, why not turn it into an epic road trip and see a sight or two along the way? Use the following information to help plan your own side excursions.
Hang on tight while we take a whirlwind tour from coast to coast. #RoadTrip!
1) Asheville, North Carolina
Nearest Military Installation: Charlotte Air National Guard
Attractions:
The Biltmore Estate
With 250 rooms, this historic mansion and its expansive terrace remain as captivating today as George Vanderbilt’s vision in 1895.
Blue Ridge Mountains of the Appalachian Range
Perfect for explorers to stretch their legs, the Buck Spring Trail off the Blue Ridge Parkway leads to the remains of a Vanderbilt hunting lodge and panoramic views from Mount Pisgah.
2) Knoxville, Tennessee
Nearest Military Installation: McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base
Attractions:
Ober Gatlinburg
Savor stunning views of the Great Smoky Mountains from the soaring heights of a tram ride at this popular amusement park.
Dollywood
Tap you toes to bluegrass tunes as you tour the attractions of this vibrant East Tennessee theme park.
3) Nashville, Tennessee
Nearest Military Installations:
Fort Campbell, Kentucky
Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee
Attractions:
The Grand Ole Opry
A true gem in Music City, live performances at this legendary theater have delighted country music fans since 1925.
Country Music Hall of Fame
This museum highlights notable names in country and bluegrass music and hosts community music classes, programs, and events.
4) Memphis, Tennessee
Nearest Military Installations:
Naval Support Activity Mid South
Tennessee National Guard
Attractions:
Peabody Hotel
A tradition since the 1930’s, watch the famous Peabody Ducks march through this historic hotel.
Graceland
After visiting Sun Studio downtown, music fans can slip on blue suede shoes and tour the 13+ acre estate of Elvis Presley.
5) Little Rock, Arkansas
Nearest Military Installations:
Pine Bluff Arsenal
Camp Robinson
Little Rock Air Force Base
Attractions:
Hot Springs National Park and Bathhouse Row Historic District
From the stained glass of the ceiling to the spring pump room on the lowest level, the Fordyce Bathhouse tour gives visitors a glimpse of an early 1900’s spa resort.
William J. Clinton Presidential Library
With a replica of the White House Cabinet Room, museum goers can have a seat at the conference table and learn presidential facts from touch-screen displays.
As this journey west continues, the route changes from I-40 to I-30 and leads into the Lone Star State.
6) Dallas, Texas
Nearest Military Installation: Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) Headquarters
Attraction: The 6th Floor Museum
This downtown Dallas museum celebrates the life and legacy of President John F. Kennedy near the location of his death.
7) Fort Worth, Texas
Nearest Military Installation: Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base
Attraction: Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
Follow a herd of longhorns along the rustic brick streets to a dance hall, rodeo arena, and mercantiles and saloons.
Now on I-20, the pleasing scents of the yellow roses of Texas lead us further on.
8) Abilene, Texas
Nearest Military Installation: Dyess Air Force Base
Attraction: Frontier Texas! Museum
Travelers can learn a few things about the Wild West while continuing to trek through the Southern Plains.
9) Pecos, Texas
Nearest Military Installation: Goodfellow Air Force Base
Attraction: West of the Pecos Museum
At this restored 19th century hotel and saloon, listen to lore about cowboys, the Old West, and the birthplace of Texas rodeo.
On the road again, we are now trucking along I-10...
10) El Paso, Texas
Nearest Military Installation: Fort Bliss
Attraction: Scenic Drive and Overlook
No Instagram filter needed when stopping by this picture-perfect viewpoint of El Paso and nearby Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
11) Las Cruces, New Mexico
Nearest Military Installations:
Holloman Air Force Base
White Sands Missile Range
Attraction: White Sands National Monument
White sand. Blue sky. Bright sunshine. Well worth a side trip to see the limitless vista of stunning white gypsum sand dunes.
12) Tucson, Arizona
Nearest Military Installations:
Fort Huachuca
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
Attraction: Pima Air and Space Museum
To cover the most ground, hop on a bus to tour the 80+ acres of this “Boneyard” aircraft storage museum.
Now on I-8, our travels continue through the Sonoran Desert.
13) Yuma, Arizona
Nearest Military Installations:
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma
Yuma Proving Ground
Attraction: Bridge to Nowhere and Tiny Church
If driving through the wide open desert has a weary traveler feeling like they’re going nowhere, this elaborate bridge that leads to nothing will confirm their perception! To refocus their thoughts, a desert nomad can stop in at the 8-foot x 11-foot tiny church nearby.
14) Ocotillo, California
Nearest Military Installation: Naval Air Facility El Centro
Attraction: Desert View Tower
Old school roadside attraction with an observation tower for unobstructed views of the desert landscape of the Imperial Valley.
Sound the trumpets! We've finally arrived at Naval Base San Diego, CA! After dropping anchor at the Navy Gateway Inn, we set out to see the homes from our MilitaryByOwner property search lists. Don't miss the wealth of information on the MilitaryByOwner's website as you plan and prepare for your upcoming military move.
Click below for more fun stops along I-40!
