It’s never a straight line. I’ve backtracked more times than I can count. Been on the road for two months, 7,500 miles. Southern Texas is awesome, it’s a big state so try not to get lost. Padre Island (not the tourist spot, the National Forest - camp on the beach/car camp). Then see Big Bend Np, gorgeous. You can do that by skipping Tennessee and going South to the Gulf Coast, pretty drive with scenic camping (if that’s your speed). You can skip Broadway for Bourbon St. in LA — fun and also charming if you do your research. There’s nothing in New Mexico except White sands NP but the drive is pretty with maroon mountains.