good road trip places in texas

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Home » North America » Best Road Trips in Texas (Texas Best Destinations in 2024)

Best Road Trips in Texas (Texas Best Destinations in 2024)

A combination of awesome national parks and buzzing cities make Texas the perfect place to explore by car. Any good road trip will have you travelling between them along wide open roads with endless landscapes on either side of you. And there’ll be BBQ spots and natural pools to break up the journey!

It’s hard to plan a road trip to Texas because the place is just so big. In fact, it’s the biggest state in the lower. So, how can you pack the most in without tiring yourself out with the long drives between destinations? That’s where we come in.

In this post, we’ll help you plan the perfect Texas road trip. Not only will we tell you where to go, but we’ll also give you some ideas about what to do when you’re there and the best places to stay for your budget. With our expertly crafted Texas road trips, you’re sure to have an excellent adventure. Let’s hit the road!

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Why Roadtrip in Texas?

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If you don’t know Texas well or you’re not yet convinced about travelling across the state by car, let us reassure you; here are the top five reasons to road trip in Texas:

• National Parks:  With more than 100 national and state parks, there are plenty of spectacular spots in the state where you can get close to nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
• History:  It’s not just the natural sites that impress in Texas. Historical sites leftover from French, Spanish, and Mexican rule dot the state. Sites of battles and mission churches make learning about Texas’ past more accessible.
• Cities:  There are some huge cities in Texas, each with their own distinct character and personality. Austin is known as The Live Music Capital of the World, while Houston is said to be the most diverse city in the US!
• Texas BBQ:  BBQ here is more than just regional cuisine; it’s synonymous with the Lone Star State. You won’t find better brisket and ribs anywhere on earth!
• Rodeo:  Is there anywhere more associated with cowboys than Texas? We’d say no. Be sure to check out one of these awesome events on your road trip – there are events year-round at Forth Worth!

Surely by now you’re loading up the car and looking for the nearest gas station. First, though, let’s get some admin out of the way.

The Ultimate Texas Road Trip – 6 days

National and state parks route – 7 days, texas hill country loop – 3 days.

• From: Austin
• Total Distance: 738 miles
• Top Road Trips Stops: San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin

This is the best road trip in Texas if you want to get a taste of city life and not have super long distances between each stop. You’ll get a sample of all the best that Texas has to offer, with live music in Austin, shopping in Dallas, and rodeo in Forth Worth. There are several stops on the roads in between that will show you rural Texas too. This one really does have everything!

Make sure you check out our guide to the best motels in Austin , because they are located near the main road links and are cosy and affordable, perfect for road trips!

Road Trip Highlights:

• Austin Cathedral of Junk
• Alamo Fort and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
• Space Center Houston
• Dinosaur Valley State Park
• Forth Worth Stockyards Cattle Drive

Day 1: Austin to San Antonio (1.25 hours)

Your first day doesn’t have a lot of driving at all, so you can spend plenty of time in both Austin and San Antonio. Starting off in the Texan capital, there are loads to do depending on your travel style (and the weather).

If it’s sunny, check out Lady Bird Lake for a spot of stand up paddleboarding or chill out in Zilker Park. Alternatively, visit the impressive Texas Capitol Building – the largest of its type in the country. Don’t worry if you don’t get to see everything you want to in Austin; your road trip ends here too. But now, on to San Antonio!

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in San Antonio, consider checking out one of the best bed and breakfasts in Texas for an affordable and homey feel.

• Best Things to Do:  Texas State Capitol, Zilker Metropolitan Park and Botanical Garden, Barton Springs Pool, Cathedral of Junk
• Where to Eat:  SFC Farmers’ Market at Republic Square, Franklin Barbecue, Mrs Johnson’s drive-in doughnut bakery (Austin)
• Where to Stay:  Drifter Jack’s Hostel , Aloft Austin Northwest , Downtown Birdhouse

Day 2: San Antonio and the Hill Country 

Of all the cities in Texas, San Antonio is said to be the hardest to drive in. That’s because it doesn’t follow the regular grid system. However, don’t let that put you off – it’s a fascinating place. Since you have the whole day here, you have a couple of options.

Stay in town to check out the River Walk or visit the legendary Alamo Fort, where Texas won its independence. Alternatively, you can drive out into the hill country. We’ve got a whole road trip coming up later on Hill Country, so more info on that then!

• Best Things to Do:  The Alamo, San Antonio River Walk, Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, San Antonio Botanical Garden
• Where to Eat:  El Mercado Plaza (over 100 local restaurants and shops), Pearl Farmers Market, Buckhorn Saloon and Museum
• Where to Stay:  Hilton Palacio del Rio , Historic River Walk Loft Apartment , Awesome Location Alamo/Riverwalk

Day 3: San Antonio to Houston (3.5 hours)

Day three sees you head east towards the coast and Houston on I-10. It’s the southernmost highway in the US and actually runs fully from Los Angeles to Jacksonville in Florida. But you’ll only be on it for a relatively short stretch. Once you arrive in Houston, you’ll be welcomed by the 4th largest city in the United States – and the most diverse! There’s just so much to do in Houston.

Insider tip: If you’re looking for awesome accommodation, check out the numerous amazing Airbnbs in Houston !

Leave San Antonio early so that you can head to Houston’s Space Center, where there’s a lot to see! Then, make your way into the city and explore the downtown underground tunnels. If your car is dirty, stop off at the world’s longest car wash.

• Best Things to Do:  Space Center Houston, Discovery Green Park, The Galleria Mall, Hines Waterfall Park, World’s Longest Car Wash
• Where to Eat:  The Hobbit Café, Rosie Cannonball, Hando, Toukei
• Where to Stay:  Wanderstay Houston , Courtyard Houston Downtown Convention Center , Small Modern Airbnb , Peaceful Studio with Downtown View

Day 4: Houston to Dallas (3.5 hours)

Take I45-North for the quickest route from Houston to Dallas. Alternatively, take Highway 6 North. The trip adds an extra two hours, but it’s worth it to stop off at Dinosaur Valley State Park.

As well as fossilised footprints, there are hiking trails and a playground. Great if you’re travelling with kids. When you arrive in Dallas, get a lay of the land from the top of the Reunion Tower. Then, if you still have time, check out the Sixth Floor Museum. It’s thought to be where JFK’s assassin fired from. Booking in advance online is recommended, and don’t forget a cool place to stay !

• Best Things to Do:  Dinosaur Valley State Park detour, Dallas Arts District, Reunion Tower, Sixth Floor Museum
• Where to Eat:  Sno (ask for a Piccadilly Raspa), Taqueria El Si Hay, S + D Oyster Company, Bubba’s Cooks Country
• Where to Stay:  The Wild Wild West , Alla’s Historical Bed and Breakfast , Retro 80s House , Downtown Tiny House

Day 5/6: Dallas to Forth Worth and Return to Austin (3.5 hours)

Day 5 is just a short drive on I-30 west to Forth Worth before the final stage of your loop back to the Texan capital, Austin. It’s famous for the Daily Cattle Drive, so you might end up in a traffic jam behind a herd of cows if you’re not careful.

The city is a blend of modern and traditional, and its cowboy roots mix with an exciting art and dining scene. The Fort Worth Water Gardens are a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and chill out before you return to Austin.

• Best Things to Do: Fort Worth Stockyards Cattle Drive, Fort Worth Water Gardens, Kimbell Art Gallery, Billy Bob’s Texas.
• Where to Eat:  Billy Bob’s Texas (lots of bars and restaurants), FunkyTown Donuts, Riscky’s Brisket Bites, Wabi House.
• Where to Stay:  Hilton Fort Worth , Treehouse Studio near Downtown , Backyard Cottage near Downtown

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• From: Padre Island National Seashore
• Total Distance: 1,316 miles
• Top Road Trips Stops: Padre Island National Seashore, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, Big Bend National Park, Guadalupe Mountains, Dinosaur Valley State Park

Now, let’s look at the best road trip in Texas for nature lovers. This will take you through every type of landscape there is in Texas. Starting off at the coast, you can bathe in the warm Gulf Waters and watch wildlife on South Padre Island. If you fancy spending extra time on the coast, Port Aransas is just a short drive away.

If you head to Port Aransas, consider staying in Corpus Christi where the vacation rentals are a little more affordable. Corpus Christi is also somewhere you might want to stay a couple days. There’s plenty of things to do in Corpus Christi but windsurfing is the number one activity.

Then, learn more about Texas’ history at the Missions National Historical Park. Hike and bike in the Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks, before jumping back to prehistoric times at Dinosaur Valley State Park.

If you fancy this one, you could even rent an RV in San Antonio for a truly epic journey!

• Bird watching on South Padre Island
• Cycling between the churches of Missions National Historical Park
• Glamping in Big Bend National Park
• Climbing Guadalupe Peak
• See dinosaur footprints at Dinosaur Valley State Park

Day 1 and 2: Padre Island National Seashore to Missions National Historical Park (2.5 hours)

The first day of this Texas road trip is one of those which is lighter on the driving. You’ll cover 172 miles on I-37 North from Padre Island to the Missions National Park. Having such a short drive means you have time to explore Padre Island’s gems, and if you can extend your trip, we highly recommend staying in Padre Island to make the most of the area.

Wildlife lovers will not be disappointed – there are more than 380 species of birds in the parks, and you can even release turtle hatchlings. Spend the night here before moving on to Missions National Historical Park. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of four different missions sites along the San Antonio River.

• Best Things to Do:  Birdwatching in Padre Island National Seashore, kayaking, canoeing, or windsurfing on the Laguna Madre, Biking along the San Antonio River.
• Where to Eat:  Bar Louie South Padre Island, Barry’s International (Padre Island). Savor, Bourdro’s Texas Bistro, Cookhouse (San Antonio)
• Where to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn , Surfside Condo (South Padre Island), Drury Plaza Hotel , Private Riverwalk One Bed House

Day 3 and 4: Missions National Historical Park to Big Bend National Park (7.5 hours)

The next leg of your trip can be split across two days if necessary – after all, you’ll be travelling more than 400 miles! After a big breakfast in San Antonio, head west on the US-90 Highway towards Big Bend National Park. You’ll be skirting along the Mexican border for some of it!

Big Bend National Park offers incredible desert and mountain landscapes that are popular with hikers and campers. After an arduous hike in the Santa Elena Canyon, find a hot spring along the Rio Grande to soak those aching muscles.

If you’re into your art, the town of Marfa is pretty close by and well worth checking out! There’s lots of great places to stay in Marfa , if you fancy a little road trip detour.

• Best Things to Do:  Hiking in the Santa Elena Canyon, Hot Spring Historic Trail, Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive
• Where to Eat:  Chisos Mountains Lodge Mountain View Restaurant
• Where to Stay:  Off-Grid Adobe Dome , Cozy Cactus , Tin Valley Retro Bus , Las Estrellas Tipi

Day 5: Big Bend National Park to Guadalupe Mountains National Park (5 hours)

Another long journey today, but it’s well worth it. You’ll swap the desert lands of Big Bend National Park for the mountains of the Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Make a very early start and stop off in the town of Van Horn for a late breakfast.

As you carry on towards Guadalupe Peak itself, keep your eyes peeled for the population of bighorn sheep that call the area home. Stay the night in the park before tackling Guadalupe Peak the next day. It’s a 6 – 8 hour round trip, but you won’t want to do it in the midday heat!

A top tip, if you want to stay near the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and you have a bit more time, consider staying in El Paso. There are a lot of things to do in El Paso so if you’re thinking of extending your trip for a day or two, this would be a worthwhile detour.

• Best Things to Do:  Clark Hotel Museum (Van Horn), Guadalupe Peak hike, Smith Spring Loop Hike from Frijole Ranch.
• Where to Eat:  Boots and Scoops, Mom’s Kitchen, Cornudas Cafe.
• Where to Stay: West Patio Bed and Bath , Farm Stay in Dell City

Day 6 and 7: Guadalupe Mountains National Park to Dinosaur Valley State Park (7 hours)

The quickest way to your final stop on this Texas road trip itinerary sees you leaving the state altogether! Yep, you’ll pass through New Mexico on your way to Dinosaur Valley State Park along I-20 E. There are a few places to break up your trip (which you can do in one day or spread over two) on the highway. The first is near Sweetwater – the National WASP WWII Museum.

It’s an off the beaten track tribute to the first women who flew aircraft in the military. Stop for a kolache at Texas Doughboys in Abilene before visiting the site of the Santa Claus Bank Robbery in Cisco. Stay the night in Glenrose before checking out Dinosaur Valley State Park. Then, it’s a return to Dallas! If you still have time and want to visit some more, there’s a lot of things to do in Dallas.

• Best Things to Do:  Dinosaur Valley State Park, National WASP WWII Museum, Old Rip Horned Lizard (Eastland), Site of Santa Claus Bank Robbery, Cisco.
• Where to Eat: Texas Doughboys (Abilene), Hammond’s B-B-Q (Glen Rose)
• Where to Stay:  Modern Farmhouse , The Glenrose Treehouse , Country Woods Inn

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• From: San Antonio
• To: San Antonio
• Total Distance: 279 miles
• Top Road Trips Stops: Bandera, Kerrville, Fredricksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, New Braunfels

Are you looking for Texas road trip ideas that don’t take up an entire week? Or perhaps you don’t want to be driving for miles and miles in an unfamiliar state? Well, not to worry. This much shorter trip is made just for you. A road trip in Texas Hill Country combines beautiful scenery, BBQ spots, and cowboy towns. It’s the true essence of Texas! And yes, there is some great hiking and climbing along the way.

• Oompah music at Ausländer Biergarten in Fredricksburg
• Enchanted Rock Natural Area
• Bracken Cave Preserve bat colony

Day 1: San Antonio to Fredricksburg (2 hours)

You can get from San Antonio to Fredricksburg in as little as an hour and ten minutes. However, that would mean missing out the charming towns of Bandera and Kerrville. Just a short journey west on Highway 16, Bandera is the self-titled Cowboy capital of the world. It’s a good spot for lunch (or a late breakfast) before moving on to Kerrville.

If you didn’t eat in Bandera, stop at Billy Gene’s, where you can dine with views of the Guadalupe River. Not hungry? Check out Stonehenge II instead. Your stop for the night is Fredricksburg. You’ll have to pinch yourself to be reminded you’re not in Germany!

• Best Things to Do:  Frontier Times Museum, Great Western Cattle Trail (Bandera), Stonehenge II (Kerrville), shopping and eating in Fredricksburg.
• Where to Eat: Old Spanish Trail Restaurant (Bandera) Billy Gene’s (Kerrville) Ausländer Biergarten (Fredricksburg)
• Where to Stay: Hotel Kitsmiller on Main , The Hideaway , Casa Tranquila

Day 2: Fredricksburg to Bracken Cave Preserve/New Braunfels (3 hours)

Head north from Fredricksburg area to your first stop of the day – Enchanted Rock Natural Area. There are more than eight miles of hiking trails here, and rock climbing for more adventurous tourists. Don’t spend too long here though, because your next stop is the beautiful natural spring of Hamilton Pool.

It’s a protected nature reserve, and you can’t swim here, but you’re sure to get some fantastic photos so don’t forget your camera. The final spot for the day is Bracken Cave Preserve. You’ll want to get there before dusk, as it’s home to the largest colony of bats in the world!

• Best Things to Do:  Hiking and climbing in Enchanted Rock Natural Area, Hamilton Pool, Bracken Cave Preserve.
• Where to Eat:  Enchanted Inn Restaurant, The Ice Cream Shop Hamilton Pool Road
• Where to Stay: River Road Bungalow , Canyon Getaway with Beautiful Views

Day 3: Bracken Cave Preserve/New Braunfels to San Antonio (1 hour)

With the hot weather in Texas Hill County, you’ll want to cool off, so head to Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort. It’s great fun for the whole family. Check out the cute town of New Braunfels and its shops and restaurants before a leisurely drive back to San Antonio. Once you’ve parked up, check in to your accommodation for the evening before going to the Japanese Tea Garden to decompress after a busy few days. Then, find somewhere for dinner on the River Walk!

• Best Things to Do:  Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort, Natural Bridge Caverns, Gruene Hall, Japanese Tea Garden.
• Where to Eat:  Das Nutrition Haus, Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar (New Braunfels), The Barbecue Station, WD Deli (San Antonio).
• Where to Stay:  Inn on the Riverwalk , Hotel Valencia Riverwalk , City View River Walk Studio

There are two types of driving in Texas, and they’re both very different – urban driving and rural driving. Urban driving is the same as in many cities across the US. Most cities operate a grid system, and it’s easy to find your way around. However, San Antonio can be quite frustrating!

If you’re driving in rural Texas, be sure to fill up when you can as there may not be another gas station for miles. It’s also essential to keep bottled water in your car – it can get mighty hot.

Texan drivers can be quite aggressive, so make stops at roadside attractions on long rural drives to decompress. While it can be a challenge at times, don’t let any of this put you off. Driving in Texas is a lot of fun!

Renting a Vehicle in Texas

It’s really easy to rent a car, too. Go with one of the big companies at an airport or a major city, and you shouldn’t have any problems. Your rental desk may encourage you to go for something bigger if you’ve booked in advance, but remember that you know best what you’re comfortable driving.

When renting a car in Texas, do consider the following:

• Age Surcharge: Drivers under 25 can expect to pay more to rent a car by roughly $30USD per day.
• Deposit: Cash deposits are not accepted by most rental companies. Expect to pay somewhere between $100 and $300 USD on a debit or credit card. You’ll get it back if the car is returned in the same condition as you took it!
• Additional Driver Charge: Additional drivers can be added for as little as $10, provided they meet age and license requirements.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can also tap into the van life to explore this beautiful state by renting an RV in Austin. You can do it from multiple other cities too because the RVs can come to you!

Texas law requires you to have a type of insurance called 30/60/25. Because you won’t be able to drive the car away without this, rental companies can charge extortionate amounts. Get insured for a better price beforehand with RentalCover.com

Don’t have a car? Well, we’re going to have to sort that out! Use  rentalcars.com  to find the best deals on the web and save heaps of cash!

Road Rules in Texas

Rules for driving in Texas are pretty similar to those throughout the United States. You’ll be driving on the right and passing on the left. However, each city may have a few subtle differences, so it’s a good idea to check out those according to the city or cities you’re planning to visit.

Some of the most important rules include using headlights when visibility is less than 1,000 feet. We’d suggest just using them all the time to be safe. It’s against the law to litter from your vehicle, which carries a fine of up to $500. And, while the blood alcohol content can be 0.08%, it’s best if you don’t drink and drive.

There are a couple of unusual laws in Texas that probably won’t make a blind bit of difference to your trip, but we figured you’d want to know anyway. While it’s illegal to use a vehicle that doesn’t have windshield wipers, you can’t operate a vehicle without a windshield. Not sure what the wipers are brushing there!

And the road rules don’t just stop at cars. In Texarkana, horses must be fitted with tail lights for nighttime rides. We don’t think a horse could cover the distances we have in mind for you, though!

Insurance in Texas

We touched on insurance earlier, but here’s a little more info. Texas law requires drivers to have 30/60/25 insurance. This is $30k injuries per person, $60k per accident, and $25k for property damage. This is the MINIMUM that you’re expected to have.

This can be a bit confusing, especially if you’re not from the United States. So, check out RentalCover.com . Their collision damage coverage and roadside assistance packages can save you money. Don’t get ripped off paying over the odds with your rental company’s insurance packages!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re not careful, Texas’s wilderness will smack ya to next Monday.  There are six road trip essentials I never go traveling without:

1. First Aid Kit : Even if you don’t plan on doing anything extreme on your trip, like hiking, climbing, or other extreme sports, you never know what could happen. You could cut yourself while cooking, smash a finger in a car door, or burn yourself on a hot radiator. A first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

2. Aux Cord : One of the only things to do on a long car ride by yourself is to listen to music or a podcast. Since most people use their phones as an MP3 player these days, an auxillary cord is crucial to preserving your sanity. If there is no auxiliary port in your car, buy a radio transceiver or use a portable speaker.

3. Phone mount :  It’s very dangerous to be looking down at your phone while driving. If you need to have access to your phone, for maps and what-not, buy a mount for it. This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and your phone won’t be far from your field of view.

4. Headtorch : Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries.

5. Roadside Emergency Kit : Just like you never know what could happen to yourself , one never knows what can happen to their car . A vehicle can mysteriously fail, break, run into a ditch; all that and then some. Most emergency kit include a pair of jumper cables, a tow rope, a set of essential tools, and ties.

6. Toiletry Bag : I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super-efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full road trip packing list.

Well, that’s just about everything covered, and you’re ready for your road trip in Texas! Will you be soaking up the culture of the cities, imagining the battle scenes of the Alamo, or finding dinosaur footprints in a state park? All of this and more is possible on your Texan road trip.

We’re sure that any of the three awesome road trips above will give you unforgettable memories of your trip to the Lone Star State. Just be sure to pick the one that’s the best match for your travel style… and how much you want to drive. Trust us, it’s (Fort) Worth it!

If you’re thinking of exploring the neighbouring areas, check out our Best Road Trips in Southwest guide!

• Check out our backpacking Dallas guide for in-depth info for your trip.
• Check out the  best B&Bs in Texas for the start of your epic trip.
• Check out all the epic  things to do in Lubbock, Texas while you’re visiting.
• Broaden your horizons by embarking on an epic road trips around the US .

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Hey folks…quick correction in the Texas driving segment. “And, while the blood alcohol content can be 0.8%, it’s best if you don’t drink and drive.” I have the utmost confidence you meant .08%. I was probably a solid .8% once in my life. Think I lost my dog, my truck, and any remote sense of dignity that night.

Indeed, thanks for spotting that, Kirk. I must say your 0.8% experience sounds like a wild ride.

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21 Amazing & Incredible Road Trips in Texas

Looking for the best road trips in Texas?

With its vast distances, far-flung cities as well as natural areas, and offbeat roadside attractions, the Lone Star State is one of the best road trip destinations in America.

Here you will find several unforgettable road trips, scenic drives, and backcountry gems.

Also Read: Best Weekend Getaways in Texas for 2022

Texas promises the ultimate vacation for road trip lovers.

Whether you want a themed road trip like the best barbeque joints or a family trip to natural attractions or a drive down the best beaches in the state, Texas has the ultimate road trip for you!

Discover the best road trips in Texas in this epic guide!

Also Read: Texas to California Road Trip Itinerary

Best Texas Road Trip Ideas – Long Distance Trips!

Planning a long distance road trip around Texas?

The state is so vast and spread out that you can easily spend two to three weeks planning a road trip to Texas and still not see it all!

The 7 regions of Texas make excellent road trips in themselves as do the major attractions in Texas.

Here are our favorite places to road trip in Texas in a week or more.

Also Read: 20+ Best Spots to Watch 2024 Solar Eclipse in Texas

Highlights of Texas Road Trip

If you can visit Texas only once, then use this itinerary!

Our Best of Texas road trip will take you through the highlights of the state.

From the megacities of Dallas and Houston to the lovely San Antonio River walk, explore the best places to visit in the state in one epic Texas road trip. 

Begin your trip in Dallas at the historic Dealey Plaza.

The Sixth Floor museum is a must visit – this is where the assassination of JFK took place.

Next, enjoy the cultural heart of Dallas by visiting the museum district.

See the dinosaurs at Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Art lovers should visit the Dallas Museum of Art.

Enjoy the nightlife in Deep Ellum and the trendy vibe of Bishops Arts District.

Up next, Fort Worth.

Fort Worth is home to the Fort Worth Stockyards.

This is your chance to admire the cowboy side of Texas.

Plan your visit to see the daily cattle drives as well as mock shootouts.

Two step at Billy Bobs and eat the famous Texas bbq. Buy western hats and boots while you’re there!

Then drive down to lively Austin.

Tour the magnificent Texas State Capitol building made of pink granite. Visit the museums and walk around Lady Bird lake.

Enjoy the city’s nightlife and music scene.

Austin is the live music capital of Texas and you can find events as well as performances happening almost everywhere in the city.

San Antonio

Make the short drive south to San Antonio.

Begin your trip at the Alamo where the famous Battle of Alamo took place.

The Spanish Mission is an iconic part of the rich Texas history.

After Alamo, visit the city’s second most popular attraction of the San Antonio River Walk.

Dine at the River walk restaurants and take a stroll on the paved paths. Take a boat trip down the river.

Finally, it’s time to drive east to Houston.

Marvel at the exhibits in Johnson Space Center and enjoy the culinary scene of Houston on Westheimer Road. 

Finally, spend some time relaxing on the beach at Galveston.

If you have more time you can even drive down the Gulf Coast to Mustang Island or South Padre Island or head to West Texas and Big Bend. 

To plan this trip down to the details, read our Ultimate Texas Road Trip Itinerary now.

West Texas Road trip to Big Bend National Park

West Texas is one of the least visited regions of the state and has spectacular natural attractions and desert scenery. 

The West Texas road trip is a delight for those who love off the beaten path attractions.

The highlight of this trip is, undoubtedly, Big Bend National Park.

This is one of the most beautiful national parks in America.

It has many attractions such as hiking in the Chisos mountains, paddling down the Rio Grande river, scenic drives, bird watching, and wildlife.

Santa Elena Canyon is amongst the best kayaking trails in Texas.

Apart from the national park, the Big Bend region also offers many other attractions for travelers.

Visit the quaint town of Alpine, visit the Gage gardens in Marathon, and also admire the unique art installations in Marfa.

Take a walk through the abandoned ghost town of Terlingua on a day trip and catch a magnificent sunset out in the desert.

The peak season to visit Big Bend National Park is from fall to spring when the weather is cool enough to make hiking in the desert a pleasure.

Big Bend and West Texas are the ultimate Texas road trip destinations in winter!

Our Most Popular Big Bend Road Trip Planners! Austin to Big Bend Road Trip Guide Houston to Big Bend National Park Trip Planner Dallas to Big Bend National Park Itinerary San Antonio to Big Bend Trip Itinerary

Gulf Coast road trip

Lighthouses and pristine Lone Star beaches !

This epic road trip down the Gulf Coast of Texas is definitely one for beach lovers.

On the way, you can explore some of the last remaining lighthouses along the Texas Coast….

…. splash and swim at beautiful beaches,

camp on the Texas beaches, and enjoy the sound of the waves pounding the coast at night. 

You can beach comb for seashells and shark teeth or watch out for dolphins and sea turtles.

Take a stroll in the charming Texas beach towns and cities by day and step inside a seafood shack for dinner at night.

Other activities include building sandcastles and horse riding on the beach at dawn.

Hands down, one of our favorite Texas road trips ever! 

Texas Hill Country road trip

The Texas Hill Country is one of our favorite regions of Texas.

The region is bounded by Austin in the east, San Antonio in the south, Llano in the north, and stretches west as far as Rocksprings.

There are many amazing things to do in the Hill Country for all ages.

Fredericksburg, a delightful town with German heritage is located in the heart of Hill Country. 

The region offers many attractions including stunning natural areas like Enchanted Rock and Hamilton Pool, romantic bed & breakfasts, cowboy ranches, barbeque joints, and charming small towns such as Brenham and New Braunfels . 

Caves and caverns, waterfalls and swimming holes, scenic drives, dinosaur tracks and fossils – the Hill Country has it all!

With its abundant wineries, vineyards, tasting rooms, and wine festivals, the region is also known as Texas wine country.

It is a favorite with wine lovers.

A road trip to the Hill Country is delightful in all seasons.

In spring, you can spot the famous Texas bluebonnets blooming all over the Texan countryside while in summer, you can beat the hot Texas sun by floating down the Guadalupe River.

See enchanting fall colors and attend events at wineries in autumn and see the holiday lights in the Hill Country at Christmas. 

Route 66 in Texas

If you are a fan of road trips, then you must drive along Historic Route 66 in the Texas Panhandle.

Route 66 is known as the Mother Road and extends from Chicago to Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles.

The Texas section of Route 66 crosses the panhandle and has plenty of unique road trip stops.

The road is 180 miles long and extends from Shamrock to Adrian. 

The U-Drop Inn in Shamrock was featured in the movie ‘Cars’.

Adrian marks the midpoint of the road and is home to the famous Midpoint Cafe.

This cafe is the inspiration for Flo’s V8 Cafe in the movie’ and also a must see photo op along the road. 

But the main attraction of Route 66 is in Amarillo .

See the Route 66 Historic District, visit the museums in Amarillo, then have dinner at the famous Big Texan Steak Ranch.

Here you will also find Cadillac Ranch : one of a kind art that features 10 vintage Cadillac cars painted in vibrant shades and hues!

The cars at Cadillac Ranch look simply fantastic and make for Instagram worthy shots.

A short way outside of Amarillo, off Route 66, you will find Palo Duro Canyon State Park .

Known as the Grand Canyon of Texas, the beautiful natural area of Palo Duro Canyon is worth the detour on your Texas panhandle road trip.

East Texas road trip to Caddo Lake

This classic road trip is a must for adventurers and outdoor explorers.

Make the trip out to the Texas Louisiana state border and go on an epic adventure at Caddo Lake State Park .

With its Spanish moss curtains, bald cypress trees that grow out of the shallow water, and hundreds of tree stumps all around you, Caddo Lake State Park is an enchanting place.

The best way to explore it is by kayaking the water trails.

The three small towns of Carthage, Marshall , and Jefferson are located quite close to Caddo Lake and are worth a visit.

At Carthage, you can visit the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

See the beautiful Victorian architecture in Marshall before checking out the historic structures in Jefferson. 

Other attractions in the Piney Woods region of East Texas include the Sabine National Forest, the town of Port Arthur, and the Sea Rim State Park.

At Sea Rim, you will find one of the least crowded beaches along the Gulf Coast as well as saltwater marshes which are great for birdwatching.

If you are making the trip from Houston, then take the time to see Nacogdoches – one of the oldest towns in Texas!

Best Short Road Trips in Texas

These short Texas road trips are good to explore the major cities and their surrounding attractions and perfect if you have a long weekend in Texas.

Austin and Hamilton Pool Preserve

One of our favorite weekend road trips from Houston is to Austin and Enchanted Rock Natural State Area.

This road trip combines beautiful Hill Country views with unique roadside attractions and the urban attractions of Austin.

Austin is home to the University of Texas as well as the State Capitol building. 

Zilker Park is a great place to spend a day amidst lush green trees while Lady Bird Lake is great for paddling and enjoying downtown views.

Austin has many museums for culture lovers and is also a culinary destination.

To end your day, enjoy the nightlife on 6th Street or watch the bats fly under the Congress Bridge at sunset for a unique experience.

Also Read: Best Places to see Bats in Texas

A road trip to Austin cannot be complete without visiting the nearby city of Dripping Springs.

It promises a variety of outdoor experiences including the popular swimming hole of Hamilton Pool Preserve and the rolling vineyards of Hill Country.

You can also visit distilleries, breweries, and go horseback riding at a ranch in Dripping Springs.

San Antonio and Natural Bridge Caverns

Similar to the Austin road trip, this short road trip along I-10 offers plenty of fun attractions.

San Antonio is the #1 tourist destination in the Lone Star State and has a variety of things to do for visitors.

The Alamo, a former frontier Spanish Mission and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the top attractions in the city. 

The other most popular attraction is the iconic San Antonio River walk .

The River walk is a beautifully landscaped vibrant place with shops, restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.

You can cruise down the San Antonio River and learn more about the history of this beautiful city from tour guides. 

While you are visiting San Antonio, you should take the time to visit Natural Bridge Caverns.

Here you can explore two distinct cave systems of guided tours and see geological landforms such as stalactites and stalagmites.

The adjacent Natural Bridge Wildlife Safari is one of our favorite drive-through safaris in the state – kids can feed zebras and deer from the car in the park. 

Prehistoric road trip to Glen Rose

Glen Rose is one of the best places to visit in Texas with kids.

This underrated road trip has plenty of attractions and should be on the top of your Texas bucket list.

Glen Rose is home to 3 awesome kid-friendly attractions: Dinosaur Valley State Park, Dinosaur World, and Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. 

At Dinosaur Valley State Park, kids can walk and explore real dinosaur footprints that were left in the river bed millions of years ago.

It is amazing to see these huge footprints and walk in the steps of the giants.

Just outside of the state park, you will find Dinosaur World.

Here kids can see hundreds of giant dinosaur statues, dig for fossils, see dinosaur skeletons and fossils in the museum, and buy a variety of dinosaur-themed souvenirs. 

Nearby Fossil Rim Wildlife Center has a drive-through safari where kids can feed deer, zebras, ostriches, goats, and even giraffes right from the car!

Dallas and Fort Worth

The Dallas Fort Worth metropolitan area is vast and worthy of a long road trip in itself.

The region has plenty of historical attractions, cultural destinations, barbecue spots, and Wild West charm.

You will also find loads of outdoor areas, green spaces, and stunning natural attractions in the vicinity. 

Begin your trip in Dallas at the Sixth Floor Museum, which overlooks the Dealey Plaza.

Then explore the Dallas Arts District and it’s attractions including the Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas Museum of Art, and the Nasher Sculpture Center.

Take the time to explore the stunningly landscaped grounds of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens along White Rock Lake. 

If you can, attend the Texas State Fair. The event has many attractions for the whole family.

Spend the rest of your trip in Fort Worth.

If you are a fan of cowboys, rodeo, and the Wild West then you will love Fort Worth.

Begin your trip at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

This is cowboy country!

You can see cattle walking down the streets, visit the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, and experience a Wild West saloon at Billy Bob’s.

Fort Worth also has many other attractions such as the zoo, museums, and street art.

End your trip with a visit to Six Flags Fiesta theme park in Arlington .

To spend time outdoors, visit the Cedar Hill State Park or Fort Worth Botanic Garden.

These are perfect to spend the day out in the open with the entire family. 

Houston, Kemah, and Galveston

Explore the best of the Texas Gulf Coast region with this road trip to Houston and Galveston.

Along the way stop at Kemah and have fun at the boardwalk. 

Begin your trip by checking out the popular attractions in Space City.

See the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall fountain and the museums downtown.

If you have kids, visit the Houston Zoo, Children’s Museum, and the Butterfly Center.

Then tour the Johnson Space Center and see the Apollo 13 spacecraft. 

If you happen to visit during March, attend the famous Houston Livestock Show – the Rodeo !

Watch the downtown Rodeo parade , try carnival rides, and see the famous concerts.

Then take the trip out to Kemah.

The Kemah Boardwalk has many attractions for all ages.

Here you will find excellent waterfront dining, thrilling rides, a rainforest exhibit, and beautiful water views. 

For your final stop, relax on Galveston Island.

Take a stroll along the promenade and swim in the Gulf waters.

Relax on the beach and catch some sun – unless it’s summer! Enjoy the rides at the historic pleasure pier.

On hot summer days, see the beautiful Moody Gardens pyramids.

Dine on seafood and take the ferry to Bolivar peninsula to spot the dolphins swimming in the waters.

Rio Grande Valley & South Padre Island

Follow the epic US-83 south through Rio Grande Valley to the beautiful South Padre Island .

Along the road, in the valley, you will find beautiful fruit orchards and roadside stands selling fresh fruit. 

The valley is a favorite Texas winter vacation getaway for snowbirds from up north – these are known as the Winter Texans.

Go hiking through the marshes of the valley and on birding trails to see Texas’s amazing wildlife. 

End your trip in the Resort City of South Padre Island, only skip the spring break season!

While the island is home to the college population and beachside parties during spring break, it is perfect for families for the rest of the year.

Go horseback riding on the beach, learn to make a sandcastle, or just enjoy a day by the sea.

South Padre Island is our favorite weekend getaway in Texas. 

Brenham and Washington County

This makes the perfect short Texas road trip from either Dallas, Houston, Austin, or San Antonio.

While it’s most popular during the wildflower season, Brenham is great to visit year-round. 

Take a stroll in the town and see the historic architecture as well as beautiful homes on Main Street.

See the museums and beautiful murals in town. Shop for antiques and eat in local restaurants.

Brenham is romantic and charming, a perfect place for couples. 

Then see the other attractions in Washington County .

Explore the small town of Independence.

Visit the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site and see the place where the Declaration of Texas Independence was passed. 

Guadalupe Mountains road trip

Looking to explore hidden natural wonders in Texas?

Take a long road trip in southeastern Texas to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Up for an adventure?

Hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak and admire the Texan desert spread around you.

Looking for something less strenuous? Explore the park on scenic drive and family friendly hiking trails.

While you are there be sure to visit the city of El Paso and the Monahans Sandhills State Park.

El Paso is a booming frontier Texan town along the Mexico border. It has plenty of character.

See the city’s historic buildings and Spanish mission, shop in ethnic markets, and enjoy the cuisine.

The beautiful Franklin Mountains State Park is located at the center of El Paso and also worth a visit.

In Monahans Sandhills State Park, you can go sandboarding over the sand dunes.

Kids of all ages love this state park for the sand play opportunities.

Love caverns? Drive across the New Mexico border to see Carlsbad Caverns National Park!

Be sure to plan this road trip in the cooler fall to spring months as the region gets very hot during summer.   

Seasonal Texas road trips

In addition to these year-round road trip attractions, Texas also has many seasonal road trips.

In the fall, you can go on a beautiful road trip to see the fall colors. That’s right, Texas has fall colors! 

And in spring, you obviously need to go on a bluebonnet jaunt – search for those beauties and other flower fields including Indian paintbrushes and poppies along roadsides.

In the holiday season, drive to Grapevine – the Christmas Capital of Texas.

Meet Santa and play in the snow to ring in Christmas. 

And come summer, you can go on one of our favorite Texas road trips.

Load up your 4WD or RV with camping gear and go driving on 60 miles of sandy beach at Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi.

Actually, you can even do this trip year-round!

Here are our favorite seasonal road trip inspiration ideas for travel in the Lone Star State. 

Texas fall colors trip

When you think of fall foliage and scenic drives, Texas doesn’t immediately come to mind.

You’d be surprised to know that Texas sports some of the most vibrant fall colors – if you know where to go!

Start this nature lovers road trip by hiking the beautiful Lost Maples State Natural Area, then enjoy fall colors from the water at Garner State Park.

Next head to Guadalupe River State Park for the most beautiful fall displays in Central Texas.

Dinosaur Valley State Park is also spectacular during the fall while in East Texas, the fiery reds and oranges are most beautiful at Tyler State Park.

With advance reservations and careful planning, you can visit these hidden gems together on an epic fall colors road trip. 

Also Read: Best Places to see Fall Colors in Texas

Fredericksburg and Willow City Loop wildflowers trip

Come spring, and nothing is more enchanting than the Texas Hill Country.

While the entire Hill Country is scenic and colorful during spring, it’s heart is the vibrant city of Fredericksburg and the unpaved Willow City Loop that is located just a few miles away. 

On the Willow City Loop, you will find cowboy boots, famous Texan ranch signs, beautiful homes, as well as simply stunning displays of the bluebonnets and other wildflowers including Indian paintbrushes.

You can take the iconic photos of cattle and horses among the flowers. 

Ennis Bluebonnet Trails

Ennis , located just a little over half an hour south of Dallas, is home to pretty and colorful bluebonnet hills in spring.

The town holds the Ennis Bluebonnet Festival, which is one of the major spring festivals in Texas.

Visitors from all over the world come to see the beautiful flowers.

There are assigned bluebonnet driving trails as well as audio tours to make sure you enjoy the blooming flowers.

There are other activities like concerts, barbeque cookoffs, and more to enjoy time in Ennis.

Christmas road trip to Grapevine

Grapevine is popularly known as the ‘Christmas Capital of Texas’ due to its over the top holiday decorations, the sheer number of Christmas themed events, and the vibrant holiday atmosphere.

The Great Wolf Lodge is an excellent place to stay, enjoy the snow, and have a fabulous Christmas vacation.

During the holiday season, Grapevine’s Main Street including the Town Square is resplendent with millions of lights and looks magical.

The town also has many holiday-themed events including the North Pole Express and is amazing to visit for the entire family. 

Beach camping trip to Padre Island National Seashore

Looking for a quiet beach away from the crowds on the Texas Gulf Coast? Looking for a budget friendly beach vacation?

Head down to Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi.

Padre Island National Seashore is one of our favorite national parks in Texas.

It is located on the undeveloped barrier island of North Padre.

The national park has over 60 miles of beach area – South Beach – which is open for beach driving and primitive camping.

Camping here is an amazing experience. You sleep by the ocean in the shade of the sand dunes and wake up to seagulls soaring in the sky.

Other things to do at Padre Island National Seashore include birding trails, kayaking, windsurfing, as well as turtle hatchling release programs. 

Padre Island National Seashore is, undoubtedly, one of the best places to road trip in Texas!

Marble Falls

Marble Falls makes the perfect Hill Country road trip during spring.

If you have seen Ennis and Fredericksburg and want something new to visit this spring, then check out beautiful Marble Falls.

The road to Marble Falls goes through rolling hills and blooming bluebonnet fields. It looks enchanting in the spring. 

Downtown Marble Falls is a charming place to explore.

Shop in the boutique stores, browse through art galleries, and admire the sculptures on Main Street.

A must visit on the Marble Falls road trip is the iconic Blue Bonnet Cafe .

This eatery has existed for ages and is most famous for its pie.

The abandoned Bluebonnet House is also a must-see attraction during spring.

Turkey Bend Recreation Area in Marble Falls is awesome for mountain biking amidst the flower fields.

We hope you liked our ideas to plan the perfect Texas road trip.

Did we miss any cool places to road trip in Texas? Let us know in the comments.

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The 6 most spectacular road trips in Texas

Aug 28, 2023 • 8 min read

Texas is the perfect state for a road trip filled with BBQ breaks © monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images

Texas is big – very big. But Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and El Paso are easy-to-reach launchpads for scenic road trips across the state. Just be ready for some lonely roads, particularly in West Texas.

These are six of our favorite road trips in the Lone Star State , from the kitschy charms of Route 66 in the Panhandle Plains to the windswept beaches of the Gulf Coast. Top tip? Brake for dance halls and BBQ joints – wherever you are.

1. Hill Country

Best scenic road trip Austin–San Antonio; 200 miles 

The Hill Country is one of the prettiest regions in Texas, especially in spring when wildflowers bloom along the roadside. In Austin , soak up the live music and food truck scene – and watch the bats swoop out from beneath the South Congress Bridge – before heading west to Dripping Springs. Dubbed the Gateway to the Hill Country, this welcoming small town is home to Jester King Brewery , Treaty Oak Distilling and Hamilton Pool Preserve . Wine country begins here too.

Swing north to the Lyndon B Johnson National Historic Park , which spotlights the 36th president’s local roots across two historic towns: Johnson City and Stonewall. Continue north to hike up the 425ft granite dome – part of an enormous underground batholith – at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area then dip south to explore antique shops and museums in German-settled Fredericksburg. After walking the caverns in Boerne, conclude in San Antonio , where The Alamo and the gorgeous River Walk anchor downtown.

Planning tip:  Get your Texas playlist ready with these tunes: New San Antonio Rose by Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys; Luckenbach, Texas by Waylon Jennings; On the Road Again by Willie Nelson; Amarillo by Morning by George Strait; What I Like about Texas by Jerry Jeff Walker & Gary P Nunn; Miles and Miles of Texas by Asleep at the Wheel; El Paso by Marty Robbins; Waltz Across Texas by Ernest Tubbs; Corpus Christi Bay by Robert Earl Keen; God Blessed Texas by Little Texas.

2. Big Bend Loop

Best off-the-beaten-path road trip El Paso–El Paso; 900 miles

The Big Bend region of West Texas isn’t the middle of nowhere, but it might be next door. Murals pack a visual punch in El Paso , a scrappy starting point for exploring West Texas . A drive east through the high desert leads to remote Guadalupe Mountains National Park , home of the highest peak in Texas. Cool off in the spring-fed pool at Balmorhea State Park then settle in for world-class stargazing at the McDonald Observatory in tiny Fort Davis.

A battered school desk attracts intrepid hikers to the top of Hancock Hill in Alpine, which qualifies as a metropolis around here. Swing through Marathon before driving into the heart of Big Bend National Park . Stargazing, hiking in the Chisos Mountains, and admiring Santa Elena Canyon are just a few of the highlights here.

The Rio Grande feels like your sidekick while driving scenic FM 170 west through Big Bend Ranch State Park . With minimalist art, mysterious lights, and tasty Marfalafel on offer, the city of Marfa is the right kind of weird. And just as you think you’re driving back into normal on your return to El Paso, Prada Marfa rises up from the desert to say, “Not quite yet.”

3. Houston & the Gulf Coast

Best road trip for beaches Houston–South Padre Island; 600 miles 

A drive along the Gulf Coast delivers birdwatching, kayaking, coastal conviviality and oh-so-many beaches. Immerse yourself in Houston's culture and cuisine, then pull over for Space Center Houston – where the tram passes the Apollo Mission Control Center – on your drive to the coast. The first stop on the Gulf is Galveston , a barrier island where sunny beaches and old-school Southern charm reign supreme. Whooping cranes winter at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge while galleries and restaurants shine in pedestrian-friendly Rockport.

Kick back in winsome Port Aransas, a small beach town with a big personality. Escape the crowds at Padre Island National Seashore , where you can kayak and windsurf and also drive on the beach. Explore museums and the aquarium in Corpus Christi , then drive south for an end-of-trip embrace of festive beach living on South Padre Island. Although it might be a touch too festive during spring break.

Local tip:  Let the Texas landscape surprise you. No less than 35 ecoregions exist here. Contrary to stereotypes, white-sand beaches, soaring pine forests and snowcapped mountains are all part of the picture. Indigenous birds, mammals and alligators outnumber the head of cattle here. All told, the natural attractions are a major reason to visit Texas.

4. Route 66 & the Texas Panhandle Loop

Best road trip for American kitsch Amarillo–Amarillo; 450 miles 

This windswept drive tackles the Mother Road and the Panhandle Plains with breezy, and we mean breezy, aplomb. About halfway between Chicago and Los Angeles on the old Route 66, Amarillo is a cattle town with a kitschy side – just step inside the neon-fronted Big Texan Steak Ranch . As numerous billboards attest, diners can earn a free 72oz steak – if they can eat it in an hour!

On your drive east on Route 66, pull over for the Leaning Water Tower and the World's Tallest Cross in Groom, the barbed wire museum in McLean and the U-Drop Inn in Shamrock – it was the model for Ramone’s Body Shop in the Pixar movie Cars .

Drop south across the plains to explore the magnificent Palo Duro Canyon , the second-largest canyon in the US behind the Grand Canyon. Lubbock is home to the Buddy Holly Center , which honors the rockabilly legend, and the fantastic Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum . Drive north to complete the loop at Cadillac Ranch , where 10 Cadillacs are buried hood-first on the windy plains on the western outskirts of Amarillo. Route 66 runs for 177 miles across Texas, often overlapping with I-40.

5. Fort Worth, Dallas & Northeast Texas

Best road trip for quintessential Texas Fort Worth–Jefferson; 250 miles 

Stockyards, museums, oil derricks and outdoor adventure. This road trip is all Texas. Explore the historic stockyards in Fort Worth , a stopover for cattle drives on the Chisholm Trail, then dive into art and history in Dallas , a posh oil industry hub. The city is also home to the Sixth Floor Museum , which delves into the assassination of JFK here in 1963.

From Dallas, drive east through Northeast Texas , a region known as the Piney Woods due to its extensive pine forests. Roses and spring azaleas bring manicured charm to Tyler while oil wells bring money to mind in Kilgore. The beauty gets wild – and slightly eerie – among the moss-covered cypress trees in swampy Caddo Lake , which branches off into bayous and tributaries ready-made for adventurous paddlers. Unwind in charismatic Jefferson, a wild riverboat town in the 1800s now known for its Greek-revival homes, brick streets, and gentile Southern spirit.

Local tip: Stretch your legs in Dallas. The major art and history sights are concentrated blissfully close together, something you'll appreciate given the overall sprawl. Downtown museums and Arts District attractions nearby are in areas easily traversed either by walking or taking the McKinney Ave trolley.

6. Texas BBQ and Dance Halls

Best road trip for a rollicking fun time Austin–Gruene; 100 miles, 350 miles if you take the detour

Two things Texas does extremely well? BBQ and dance halls. This road trip may not be the most scenic or the most direct, but it is a blast. Bring a portable chair and rest your legs while waiting in the line at Franklin BBQ in Austin – you’re gonna need ‘em at full strength later with all the two-stepping going on at the legendary Broken Spoke. Head west to the Hill Country for dancing at Mercer Dance Hall in Driftwood then dig in the next day at Salt Lick , where the indecisive should go for the family-style all-you-can-eat platter.

Swing southeast for a BBQ quadruple-threat in Lockhart. Designated the BBQ capital of Texas by the state legislature, it’s home to Black’s Barbecue , Kreuz Market (don’t ask for sauce or a fork), Chisholm Trail Bar-B-Q and Smitty’s Market . When your belly is full, it's just a 45-minute drive southwest to the worn wooden dance floor at Gruene Hall . Open since 1878, it’s the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. Music nightly. Beer cold. Happiness assured.

Detour: It’s a 75-mile haul northwest from Driftwood to Llano for brisket at Louie Mueller, which opened in 1949, and at Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ, which opened in 1963. But hey, they’re Texas classics and worth a trip if you’re serious about your BBQ. Stop by Enchanted Rock State Natural Area on your drive south to tiny Luckenbach. Made famous by Willie and Waylon’s catchy tune, Luckenbach is home to another beloved dance hall. It’s also a laid-back place to sip a beer under the oak trees on a lazy afternoon.

This article was first published Nov 12, 2020 and updated Aug 28, 2023.

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15 Most Exciting Road Trips From Texas

Road trip cities from texas.

Take a state as big as Texas — 268,597 square miles — and couple it with a pandemic, and you have another meaning to "Lone Star State."

If you are antsy and in need of travel, we've found cities you can visit that are just a road trip away. Some may only take a few hours, but all can be done in a day to get you to a new place to see, explore and shake up repetitive days.

Ready to go? We have the mileage, hotels and attractions already planned out for you on these 15 most exciting road trips from major cities in Texas.

New Orleans

Let the good times roll in New Orleans, home to the nation's biggest Mardi Gras celebration and Jazz Fest.

Where to Go: Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World museum, the French Quarter and the Garden District

Where to Stay: Maison de la Luz , the top-ranked hotel in the city

Where to Eat: Cafe du Monde for its famous beignets

Getting There

From Houston: 348 miles, 5 hours and 15 minutes

From Dallas: 506 miles, 7.5 hours

From San Antonio: 543 miles, 8 hours

From Austin: 564 miles, 9 hours and 15 minutes

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Go farther afield to the crossroads between the American Plains and the West, where ample skiing and crisp air await.

Where to Go: The Garden of the Gods, Pikes Peak and one of many zipline tours

Where to Stay: The Broadmoor , a destination resort dating back more than 100 years

Where to Eat: Salsa on the Rock, the top-rated restaurant in the city

From Houston: 958 miles, 14.5 hours

From Dallas: 724 miles, 10.5 hours

From San Antonio: 862 miles,13 hours

From Austin: 849 miles, 13 hours

Oklahoma City

You won't be able to squeeze in all of the sights in OK City in one weekend — there are more than 50 attractions here.

Where to Go: Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, Bricktown, and the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Where to Stay: Inside a 1920s renovated building at the Ambassador Hotel Oklahoma City, Autograph Collection  

Where to Eat: Metro Wine Bar & Bistro, the city's favorite

From Houston: 445 miles, 6.5 hours

From Dallas: 206 miles, 3 hours

From San Antonio:  466 miles, 7 hours

From Austin: 388 miles, 5 hours and 45 minutes

Shreveport, Louisiana

Check out the border city offering riverboats, gaming and waterfront entertainment.

Where to Go: R.W. Norton Art Galley, Shreveport Water Works Museum and Shreveport Aquarium

Where to Stay: Try the Remington Suite Hotel and Spa , and get pampered during your visit.

Where to Eat: Leave behind Tex-Mex for Athena Greek & Lebanese Grill.

From Houston:  238 miles, 4 hours

From Dallas: 188 miles, 2 hours and 45 minutes

From San Antonio:  414 miles, 6.5 hours

From Austin: 336 miles, 5.5 hours

Kansas City, Missouri

Visit the City of Fountains, and enjoy its wide array of music clubs — this is where swing and bebop began.

Where to Go: The National WWI Museum and Memorial, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Union Station and Arabia Steamboat Museum

Where to Stay:  Crossroads Hotel , a charming boutique property beloved by travelers

Where to Eat: Devour the barbeque ribs at Jack Stack Barbeque Freight House.

From Houston:  745 miles, 11.5 hours

From Dallas: 508 miles, 8 hours

From San Antonio:  780 miles, 12 hours

From Austin: 702 miles, 11 hours

Santa Fe, New Mexico

See the oldest continuously inhabited city in the U.S. — a place that inspired artist Georgia O'Keeffe.

Where to Go: Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, Museum of International Folk Art and Canyon Road

Where to Stay: Sample the exceptional at the luxurious Inn of the Five Graces .

Where to Eat: Sazon, the city's best restaurant with a Latin flair

From Houston: 874 miles, 13 hours

From Dallas: 640 miles, 9.5 hours

From San Antonio: 706 miles, 10 hours and 45 minutes

From Austin: 686 miles, 10 hours and 45 minutes

Mesa Verde, Colorado

Visit the oldest archaeologically preserved city in the country at this national park and heritage site.

Where to Go: The site's Cliff Palace, Balcony House, Spruce Tree House and numerous hiking trails

Where to Stay: The Far View Lodge is the only lodging within the park's entrance.

Where to Eat: The Metate Room at the Far View Lodge, featuring park views and fine dining

From Houston: 1,102 miles, 17.5 hours

From Dallas: 912 miles, 14 hours

From San Antonio:  978 miles, 15.5 hours

From Austin: 959 miles, 15.5 hours

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Step back in time in the town that became a retreat a century ago, due to its naturally heated thermal waters.

Where to Go: Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs National Park, Fordyce Bathhouse and Lake Catherine State Park

Where to Stay: Lookout Point Lakeside Inn will give you the best views of the lake and provide plenty of peace.

Where to Eat: Grab breakfast at the Pancake Shop dinner.

From Houston:  402 miles, 6 hours and 45 minutes

From Dallas: 287 miles, 4.5 hours

From San Antonio: 548 miles, 8 hours and 45 minutes

From Austin: 470 miles, 7.5 hours

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Don't miss the Festival Capital of Louisiana, Lake Charles, which gives NOLA a run for its money.

Where to Go: Millennium Park, USS Orleck Naval Museum and Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu

Where to Stay: You don't need to spend a fortune to get away to the Hampton Inn Lake Charles .

Where to Eat: Save room for the steaks at Ember Grille & Wine Bar.

From Houston: 143 miles, 2 hours and 15 minutes 

From Dallas: 342 miles, 5.5 hours

From San Antonio:  339 miles, 5 hours

From Austin: 404 miles, 4 hours and 45 minutes

Memphis, Tennessee

Visit the home of blues and rock 'n' roll — the likes of Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded here and Elvis and B.B. King called it home.

Where to Go: Sun Studio, Graceland, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel

Where to Stay: Stay at the iconic Peabody Hotel and watch the ducks parade in the lobby.

Where to Eat: Gus's World Famous Fried Chicken for real soul food

From Houston: 567 miles, 8 hours and 45 minutes

From Dallas: 452 miles, 6.5 hours

From San Antonio:  725 miles, 10.5 hours

From Austin: 647 miles, 9.5 hours

Dodge City, Kansas

Go back to the Wild West, where Wyatt Earp regained control of the Old West town and Westerns have been filmed.

Where to Go: Dodge City Trail of Fame, Boot Hill Museum and Dodge City Zoo

Where to Stay: Take a pick from chain hotels like the Best Western Plus Country Inn & Suites .

Where to Eat: Central Station Bar & Grill for a taste of home

From Houston: 696 miles, 10 hours and 45 minutes

From Dallas: 466 miles, 7.5 hours

From San Antonio:  658 miles, 10 hours and 15 minutes

From Austin: 628 hours, 9 hours and 45 minutes

Branson, Missouri

Head to the Ozarks, and enjoy the vacation town of Branson, a four-season resort area.

Where to Go: Sparky Free Downtown Branson Trolley, Historic Owen Theatre and Burbank Jones specialty shop

Where to Stay: There are 15 suites in the award-winning and rustic Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks Lodging .

Where to Eat: The Keeter Center is also the go-to for great food.

From Houston: 597 miles, 10 hours

From Dallas: 432 miles, 7 hours

From San Antonio:  699 miles, 11 hours

From Austin: 621 miles,  9 hours and 45 minutes

Gulfport, Mississippi

Hit the white-sand beaches of Gulfport and the Gulf Islands National Seashore on the barrier islands, and try your luck at the casinos of Mississippi.

Where to Go: Ship Island, the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies and the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum

Where to Stay:  The area is home to many cozy B&Bs, including the Guest House at Gulfport Landing .

Where to Eat: Seafood is the way to go here, and you'll find it at Half Shell Oyster House.

From Houston: 528 miles, 8 hours and 45 minutes

From Dallas: 560 miles, 8 hours and 15 minutes

From San Antonio:  598 miles, 9 hours

From Austin: 566 miles, 8.5 hours

Taos, New Mexico

Heed the calling of the slopes in one of the best ski resorts in the country surrounded by an artistic community.

Where to Go: Taos Ski Valley and the Spa and Wellness Center at the Blake

Where to Stay: The alpine resort, The Blake , puts you in the heart of it all, with its location adjacent to a ski lift.

Where to Eat: Continue the alpine adventure at the Bavarian Restaurant, serving authentic German fare.

From Houston: 893 miles, 14 hours

From Dallas: 658 miles, 10.5 hours

From San Antonio: 737 miles, 11 hours and 45 minutes

From Austin: 723 miles, 11 hours and 45 minutes

Meet where the East meets West in the Gateway City of St. Louis, well worth the drive.

Where to Go: Gateway Arch, Soldiers Memorial Military Museum, City Garden, and the Thaxton & Speakeasy

Where to Stay: Embrace the arts with a stay at the Angad Arts Hotel in the Grand Center Arts District.

Where to Eat: Pappy's Smokehouse for St. Louis-style barbeque

From Houston: 779 miles, 12 hours and 15 minutes

From Dallas: 636 miles, 10 hours

From San Antonio:  903 miles, 14 hours

From Austin: 825 miles, 13 hours

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Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

15 Fun Texas Road Trips For Your Bucket List

April 27, 2021 //  by  Southern Trippers

Searching for the best Texas road trip? We’ve got you covered! As the largest state in the continental US, there is so much to do in Texas. This can be quite overwhelming for many tourists and locals alike! There is no need to worry, though, as we have compiled a list of some of the best road trips in Texas.

Texas is best known for its barbecue and its proud history. However, there is so much more that this great state has to offer. Whether your passion lies in majestic waterfalls, scenic drives, or anything in between, Texas is the state for you!

With so much to see and do in this state, it is very easy to get lost. That is why we have categorized each road trip by theme, so you are able to see exactly the sights you want to see. So grab your travel partners, hop in the car, and go find your perfect Texas road trip.

Small Towns in Texas Road Trip

• Marble Falls
• Nacogdoches

Texas is well known for sprawling cities like Dallas and Houston, but this state is full of hidden gems. Texas is littered with cute small towns , and this Texas road trip will take you right through the best of them!

The small towns in Texas each have their own unique personality. Wimberley is the perfect chic spots for nature lovers, while Nacogdoches has the quintessential Texas small town feel. Each small town feels like its own little world, and this is the perfect road trip for those who want to stray from the beaten path.

Starting out of Austin, this road trip has relatively short round trip time of 11 hours. This gives you ample time to explore these small towns to their fullest. The Small Towns in Texas Road Trip is one of the best road trips from Austin if you want to explore the more local side of Texas.

This is truly one of the Best Things To Do In Texas to put on your Texas bucket list!

Haunted Texas Road Trip

• Yorktown Memorial Hospital

With all of the history in Texas, there’s bound to be a few haunted hide outs. There have many instances of the strange and unnatural in the Lone Star state. If you’re brave enough for a little night driving on this Texas road trip, you might see something you can’t explain.

Come to Lobo to experience a true Texas ghost town. This once thriving farm city was left abandoned after the area dried up. Terlingua is also a famous ghost town in Texas. Complete with a ghost town cemetery, this is one city you might want to bring a friend, or a safety blanket, to.

However, Texas is not just ghost towns. The Yorktown Memorial Hospital is your textbook haunted, abandoned hospital. If ghosts are not your thing, Marfa may be a cute small town, but it is home to some close encounters of the third kind. The Marfa Lights were a serious of mysterious glowing orbs seen in the west Texas sky.

Texas Waterfalls Road Trip

• Spring Falls
• Gorman Falls
• Pedernales Falls
• Dripping Springs Falls

While waterfalls are not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Texas, the state boasts some of the prettiest waterfalls in the country. The many rivers flowing through Texas combing with a deceptively hilly terrain to create some majestic waterfalls. Start in Dallas, and work your way down to Austin with this amazing Texas road trip.

Much of the water in Texas is spring-fed, making it exceptionally blue and cool year-round. This water looks especially nice cascading down a smooth or directly off a cliff. One this road trip, you will be able to visit all kinds of waterfalls. From the sheer drops of spring falls to the gentle decline of Pedernales, Texas has it all.

The waterfalls might be the stars of the show, but there is much more to this road trip. Many of these waterfalls reside in beautiful state parks. Take some time to tour these parks and enjoy one of the most beautiful road trips from Dallas.

Coastal Texas Road Trip

• Corpus Christi
• South Padre Island

Let the top down and take a drive down the iconic Texas coast. There are many fantastic cities and towns along the Texas coast that are perfect for a leisurely trip. The beaches along this trip are perfect for soaking up some sun, or taking a relaxing dip in the water.

Thanks to the warm Gulf of Mexico currents, the Texas coast has some of the warmest water in the US. This is perfect for those who can’t quite get time off in the heat of the summer. Ditch the huge crowds in Miami and cruise along one of the most relaxing road trips in Texas.

The cities and towns along this trip are also very unique. From the giant glass pyramids of Galveston to the amusement park of South Padre Island, there is so much to do in these cities. Be sure to take some time and explore the vibrant cities along the beautiful Texas coast.

Texas National Park Road Trip

• Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• Fort Davis National Historic Site
• Big Bend National Park
• San Antonio Missions National Historic Park

One of the most naturally beautiful states in the US Texas boasts fourteen individual lands managed by the US National Parks Service, including two national parks . Both of these parks are on the west side of Texas, making this west Texas road trip a must for all nature lovers.

Texas may be better known for its prairies and deserts, but the state features one of the most stunning mountain ranges in the US. The stunning Guadalupe Mountain Range is the perfect combination of desert and mountain. Watching the sun set over this mountain range is most certainly a bucket list item.

These national sites and parks are also perfect for exploring. There are many hiking, biking, and walking trails in each one of these stops. Be sure to take your time and soak in the natural beauty of Texas.

Epic Nature Road Trip

• Bayou Big Bend Collection and Gardens
• Caverns of Sonora
• Santa Elena Canyon

This is one of the most involved Texas road trips on this list. The lengthy road trip time is more than justified, though, as this trip takes you along a greatest hits tour of nature in Texas.

Start in Houston and visit the Bayou Big Bend Collection and Gardens. Here you will be able to see much of the wildlife and flora specific to this great state. After this warm up, you will be ready to see all of the natural wonders of Texas.

This trip has too many highlights to list. However, El Capitan stands out as one of the most awe inspiring spots in Texas. The peak of this formation seems to rise up out of nowhere to pierce the Texas sky. If you are in the area want to see the natural beauty of Texas, be sure to embark on one of the most stunning road trips from Houston.

Abandoned Places Road Trip

• Patient Buildings at Terrell State Hospital
• Baker Hotel
• Walnut Ridge Mansion
• The Rig Theatre

Step in to Texas history without the need for a museum. These abandoned buildings will transport you back into the old days of Texas. This eerie road trip is equal parts fascinating and spine chilling.

Who doesn’t love an abandoned hospital? Terrell State Hospital closed in 1985, but it still serves the public as nightmare fuel. However, you can go during the day to get a much more calming glimpse of what hospitals were like in the past.

The other spots along this Texas road trip highlight the everyday aspects of early life in the state. From old hotels to movie theatres of yesteryear, this road trip will let you peek through the curtain of history. Museums often gloss over mundane aspects of history like this, so visiting these sites will be very refreshing for history lovers.

Texas Hill Country Road Trip

• Ennis Bluebonnet Trail
• Willow City Loop

Bluebonnets are the official state flowers of Texas, and it is clear to see why. There is nothing more Texan than a field covered in the beautiful Texas Bluebonnet flower. These flowers grow abundantly in the hill country region of the state, making this Texas hill country road trip is full of the best places to see bluebonnets .

Texas is very proud of their bluebonnets, and will take any opportunity to show them off! There is actually a rumor that it is illegal to pick these flowers, since they are sacred to Texans. This is not true, however, it is illegal to trespass on private property to hunt for these flowers.

One of the highlights of this road trip is the Willow City Loop. Within the already beautiful Willow City there is a famous 13 mile trail perfect for viewing bluebonnets. This is one of the most scenic drives in Texas, and provides some of the best bluebonnet viewing in the state.

Texas Castles Road Trip

• Bishop’s Palace
• Newman’s Castle
• Falkenstein Castle
• Castle Avalon

Castles in Texas? Finding a fairytale castle in Texas seems as likely as finding a fish in the Sahara desert. However, this state features an abundance of beautiful castles, as long as you know exactly where to look.

Start at the scenic Bishop’s Palace. This castle is located right on the water, giving it a pristine view of the Gulf of Mexico. Dating back to 1892, this wonderful historic castle offers tours through its dazzling three story layout.

The other castles along this list mix everything you love about your favorite fairytale castle. Newman’s Castle features a moat and drawbridge. Falkenstein Castle features historically accurate German flair and is one of the best castles in Texas. Castle Avalon greets you with a fantastical two story gatehouse. Texas may not conjure images of fantasy castles, but these ones are definitely worth a visit.

Texas Spirits Road Trip

• Hill Country Distillers
• Shiner Brewery
• Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery
• Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co.

Texas produces some of the finest drinks in the entire US, and this road trip will take you along some of the finest breweries and distilleries the state has to offer. If you want to drink in all the state has to offer, this boozy Texas road trip is perfect for you.

Some of the finest distilleries in the US can be found in Texas. With a wide range of drinks that can cater to any palette, Texas is perfect for a boozy road trip. Deep Eddy specializes in fantastic flavored vodka, Firestone and Robertson supplies authentic Texas whiskey and bourbon, and Hill Country Distillers offers fantastic moonshine.

This trip also takes you into the town of Shiner, Texas. The birthplace of Shiner beers, this brewery offers extremely interactive tours. Complete with multimedia experiences and a “big new honky-tonk bar,” this brewery is not one you want to miss.

Texas International Road Trip

• Fredericksburg
• Castroville

People of every race and nationality have come to Texas looking to start a new life. This has been great for Texas, as each new addition to the state has added to the broad identity of Texas. There are many cities and towns within Texas that make it feel like you are entering a whole new country.

The story of Texas is composed of many different cultures. West is Czech, Dublin is Irish, Fredericksburg is German, and Castroville is French. Each city offers a new experience, and this Texas road trip is perfect for those who do not have the time to traverse Europe.

Each of these stops offers unique highlights that you must check out. There is a roadside stop called Slovacek’s in West that serves as an amazing Czeck bakery. Walking through downtown Castroville transports you to a quaint town in the wine country of France. While in these cities, be sure to talk to locals to find the best places to stop to get the full cultural experience.

Everything’s Bigger in Texas Road Trip

• World’s Largest Cowboy Boots
• World’s Largest Pecan
• Buc-ee’s New Braunfel
• Moontower Pizza Bar

Everything is bigger in Texas! This state is well known for it’s never ending pursuit to be the largest. From arbitrary records to functional size, Texas features all kinds of colossal attractions worth visiting.

Texas features many “World’s Largest” attractions, and they are very serious about them. The World’s Largest Pecan was briefly leapfrogged by a rival pecan statue, and the state of Texas quickly came together to snuff out this competition. The World’s Largest Cowboy Boots are a bit more safe, though, as no one has even attempted to compete with this 35-foot-tall pair of footwear.

There are also many other, more functional giant attractions in Texas. Buc-ee’s is an iconic gas state and convenience store in Texas, and its giant New Braunfel location is also the world’s largest convenience store. Moontower Pizza serves the world’s largest commercially available pizza, perfect for a road trip of you and your 40 closest friends.

Texas Museum Road Trip

• Space Center Houston
• Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
• Bullock Texas State History Museum

Texas is a treasure trove of science and history, and these wonderful museums let you explore it all. This state is more than happy to show off their accomplishments in science, art, and history. This is one of the best Texas road trip ideas for anyone who has a passion for learning.

Texas boasts a very unique history. The state has been occupied by the French, Spanish, and Mexican, and even spent a brief period as its own country. This history is on full display at both the Bullock State History Museum as well as the Alamo.

The Space Center Houston shows off Texas’ deep ties with NASA, as well as highlighting the technological advancements in space travel. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is the perfect place to view works from throughout the world, from antiquity to the present. This museum road trip is perfect to experience the nerdier side of Texas.

Texas Springs Road Trip

• Hamilton Pool Preserve
• Barton Springs Pool
• Jacob’s Well Natural Area
• Hancock Springs

Some of the finest natural springs in the US can be found in Texas. Natural springs are known for their consistent temperature year-round, which is perfect for cooling off on a summer day or warming up on a winter’s day.

Many of these springs are very popular swimming holes for the locals. Barton Springs is a prime spot for the residents of Austin to cool off. Many of them are very friendly and will gladly fill you in on some of the hidden gems of the city.

Many of the other springs are less tourist destination and more natural wonder. Jacob’s Well is the second-largest completely submerged cave in Texas and is one of the most epic places in the south . Along with swimming, Jacob’s Well is a great place for hiking and bird watching. It is also possible to go on an hour-long tour with a naturalist guide.

Texas BBQ Road Trip

• Tejas Chocolate + BBQ
• Stanley’s Famous Pit Barbecue
• Harris Bar-b-que
• Hutchins BBQ

When you think of barbecue, you are most likely thinking of Texas barbecue. This state is well known for smoky brisket and delicious pulled pork. It is no wonder why barbecue heavyweights like Houston and Austin are some of the best food cities in the south .

This trip starts at Tejas Chocolate + BBQ. This specialty shop pairs smoky brisket with rich chocolate truffles to create a unique experience that you won’t soon forget. Be sure to save some room, though, as this Texas road trip is sure to leave you with a full stomach.

All of these barbecue restaurants boast awards too numerous to mention, and each one comes with its own unique specialty. Stanley’s does an excellent pork rib dish, Harris Bar-b-que serves iconic Texas brisket, and Hutchins invented the uniquely Texan dish called a “Texas Twinkie,” which is a brisket-stuffed jalapeño wrapped in bacon.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed with all there is to do in Texas. This state has everything from natural wonders, to delicious food, to man made marvels. There road trips in Texas will be your guide through this amazing state and help you experience the wonder of Texas.

17 Fantastic Texas Road Trip Ideas (2024)

Fancy a drive?

If you’re feelin’ the need for speed, fire up the family speed wagon, rent a convertible for you and your best pal, and keep reading for some awesome Texas road trip ideas.

Jump in a car and head out of town to be transported to the old west, see the stars and sights in Texas’ magnificent Hill Country, or soak up some sun along the Texas coastline.

Follow the map below as your plan your next adventure and remember, it’s not the destination, it’s the journey.

Hey! Want more super helpful Texas guides? Check these out!

• 19 Incredible Texas AirBnbs
• 15 Amazing Texas Hotels
• 17 Best Beaches in Texas
• 25 Enchanting Castles in Texas
• 11+ Best Beach Towns in Texas
• 19 Best Things to Do in Austin, Texas
• 19 Fantastic Day Trips from Houston
• 21 Charming & Romantic Getaways in Texas for Couples
• 31 Fun Things to Do in El Paso, Texas

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How to get around Texas as a visitor

If you’re visiting and need to rent a car, we highly recommend Discover Cars where they find you the best car rental deals from all of the competitors (has saved us so much money!).

Don’t forget to pack…

For all of your road trip hacks, don’t forget to bring:

• roadside emergency kit: always have an emergency kit like this one on hand – this is our non-negotiable for road trips
• foldable car trash can: you’d be surprised how much trash you can accumulate in a road trip! Keep it all stored in this awesome foldable car trash can until you get to your next stop
• car power charger: keep all of those electronics charged using this extension for your power port, including 4 USB plugs and 2 regular plugs!

West Texas Road Trips

Starting at El Paso, there are lots of places in West Texas to visit, and with lots of open road.

It’s the perfect place to start your Texas road trip itinerary.

Just three hours’ drive is Marfa , and the infamous Prada Marfa art installation, which makes for a great Texas day trip .

Snap a pic in your best road trip outfit, or window shop on your way into town.  

It’s a small town with big appeal.

There’s a quirky art scene with lots of local galleries and places to pick up some one-of-a-kind Texas pottery.  

Grab a spot at the viewing area at dusk and debate what causes the infamous Marfa Lights.

Scientists can’t explain it, but maybe you’ll develop a new theory?

The lights are just a warmup for your next road trip destination – the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis . 

2. McDonald Observatory

Just 45 minutes from Marfa and three hours from El Paso is the BEST star gazing in all the lone star state, really in all of the continental U.S.!

Book passes early for the Evening Sky Viewing and Star Party, $25 for adults and only $5 for children, with military discounts.

Held every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday, spend two hours on the top of Mount Locke in the Davies Mountains with a guided open-air constellation tour and live telescope viewing in the amphitheater. 

You’ll see the darkest sky lit up by the brightest stars, which is a once in a lifetime experience.

3. Fort Davis Historic Site

If you’ve gotten into Fort Davis a bit early for the star party, check out the Fort Davis Historic Site.

A must-see for Texas history buffs and a step back in time for those looking to escape the everyday on their road trip.

The site is a former military post from the 1880s during the American Indian Wars, and the buildings have been restored to that time period.

Listen for the bugle call which sounds on a daily schedule to add some authenticity to your visit.

Learn about the famed Buffalo Soldiers, take a hike in frontier land, or kids can go on a scavenger hunt to become a Junior Park Ranger – even earning a ranger badge to wear proudly on the rest of your road trip!

Worked up an appetite?

Stop by the Fort Davis Drug Store , a legend known for its’ Southern fare.

The drug store turned full-service restaurant offers the most flavorful chicken fried steak you’ve ever tasted.

And it should be, as this place invented it!

That’s right, the Fort Davis Drug Store is home to the original recipe.

4. Big Bend Ranch State Park

Staying in West Texas, follow the renowned River Road, or El Camino del Rio through Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Talk about a scenic drive – this one has it all!

Travel along the 50-mile stretch between Lajitas and Presidio following the Rio Grande River to see wildlife and remote Texas prairie land.

Reach the “Big Hill” for an awe-inspiring picnicking spot overlooking the Chisos Mountains, Colorado Canyon, river and mountains straddling Mexico. 

With 238 miles of trails, this is an excellent time to stretch your legs with a hike.

The Park offers trails for varying levels, good for both families and those more experienced.

Closed Canyon is highly recommended as a short 1.5-mile moderate trek deep into a canyon.

Be careful about the 12 ft. drop!

Fill up your tank and bring all the essentials as the park is not near modern conveniences.

It takes about 4.5 hours to get there from El Paso or 1.5 hours from Marfa. 

Worth the drive if you’re looking to catch up with the great outdoors.

Best Texas Road Trips for Couples

In north Texas, you’ll find some ultimate road trips in Texas between Amarillo and Lubbock .

Only an hour and 45 minutes apart, with loads of stops in between, you’ll want to grab a friend for these next ideas.

5. Cadillac Ranch, Amarillo

Driving along Route 66, find your kicks with quick a stop at Cadillac Ranch .

It’s the quintessential road trip stop with a short but fun agenda.

Buried in the ground are 10 Cadillacs from a 1974 sculptural art installation.

Graffiti artists have been leaving their own mark on these rusty frames ever since, causing a Jackson Pollock like drip effect.

It’s the perfect setting for your desert meets urban photo session.

Free to enter anytime, but a bit of a hike to get there from the road, you can BYO-paint or purchase a can from the gift shop. 

The Cadillac RV Park and Gift Shop is located 2 minutes away and has kitsch galore – souvenirs, t-shirts, snacks, and plenty of Caddy themed merch for your own vehicle.

And with friendly staff, clean restrooms, and everything at reasonable prices, it’s the ultimate roadside pit stop.

6. The Big Texas Steak Ranch and Brewery

On the other side of Amarillo, don’t miss the Big Texas Steak Ranch & Brewery .

Being in the car all day sure does work up an appetite.

Are you up to the 72-oz. steak challenge?

7. Will Rogers Range Riders Rodeo

This area of Texas is well-known for being horse country, with plenty of places to stop for a trail ride. 

Why not be a little more adventurous and plan ahead for a truly Texas experience – a rodeo!

Held on Amarillo Rodeo Grounds, the Will Rogers Range Riders Rodeo occurs the last weekend in June with day tickets at $15 (under 12 free) or a weekend pass for $40. 

Park on the grounds and strap in to watch a full day of steer wrestling, bronc and bull riding, and barrel racing.

Only in Texas!

8. Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Time now to switch your ride for something a bit different – choose either horses or a Jeep.

Rent your own horse for the day at Palo Duro Riding Stables or Palo Duro Canyon Jeep and Horseback Rides.  

Both are rated highly for their care of the horses and love of the land.

Costs vary depending on size of the party and how long you’d like to be out but count on a starting rate of $35 per person.

Kids must be of a certain age and weight to ride.

Guided rides on horseback or tours in a Jeep are available.

The Park also offers hiking trails for those who prefer to travel on foot. 

Plan your route as there are many options for length and climbing challenge. 

Be sure to lather up with sunscreen and bring water as the Texas sun can be brutal here.

9. Bar Z Winery

Need some refreshments after your hike?

Next stop is Canyon, near Palo Duro, where you’ll want to grab a seat for some of the area’s best wine from local grapes.

On a nice day, select a flight to taste outside, where the beautiful Texas landscape matches the warm hospitality.

Head indoors to kick your feet up on the couches and chill with your favorite person, watch whatever national Texas team is playing that night, or just vibe to the live music.

Either way, it will be a memorable moment on your dreamy Texas road trip.

Best Family Road Trips from Texas

10. wichita falls.

Blink and you might miss this pitstop a little under two hours northwest of Dallas/Fort Worth.

But what it lacks in size it makes up for in places worth stopping for on the itinerary.

First up, the “ world’s littlest skyscraper ” found at 701 La Salle.

This small building has an interesting beginning, involving a businessman that skipped town with his investor’s money after promising a 40-story skyscraper.

Find out what happened when you visit, as it’s an interesting business lesson to ponder when you hop back on the road. 

Sitting on the Wichita River, find Lucy Park to give the kids time to stretch their legs, have a picnic or jump in the pool. 

There’s even a man-made waterfall for some cooling off time.

Originally a cattle and oil hub, today Wichita Falls boasts an acclaimed arts and culture scene with two love theatre troupes and a ballet school.

Check schedules before you venture out to catch a performance while you’re in town.

11. Nacogdoches

Nacogdoches is a sweet spot equally situated between Dallas and Houston , worth a swing by on your way in either direction.

This is the oldest town in Texas with lots to do as you pass through.

Step back in time at Millard’s Crossing Historic Village , with a tour through an 1800’s pioneer village featuring wood and leather crafts makers, and blacksmithing during certain months.

Kids enjoy the log homes, displays with authentic artifacts, and interacting with the shopkeepers for a turn the clocks back experience sure to keep them talking for hours back in the car.

Visit during the Blueberry Jam music festival or drive through the impressive lights display during the holidays.

A great place to refresh after hiking or exploring any of the three surrounding national forest areas.

South Texas offers loads of fun Texas road trips around San Antonio and Houston.

12. Banderas

An hour north of San Antonio is the self-proclaimed Cowboy Capital of the World, Banderas .

Known as the place where Apache and Comanche Indians fought the Spanish Conquistadors, then later becoming a staging area for the last great cattle drives in the 1800’s, this lively town is home today to many National Rodeo Champions.

First, stop by the Visitors Center for a map of scenic drives and rides found throughout the area.

They’ve done all the work for you, just bring a bike or car and choose your own adventure.

One of the favorite drives is called the Three Sisters or Twisted Sisters, which follows winding roads along picturesque vistas, limestone paths, valleys, and rivers.

You may just plan an entire day for this one postcard-worth route.

Back in Banderas, take your pick of activities between horseback riding, golf, hunting, rodeos, shopping, wineries, or dancing to live music played on the main street every weekend.

Nearby dude ranches make for an interesting overnight activity for the family or group of friends.

Count this stop as one of the best family road trips in Texas.

13. Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is just over an hour northwest of San Antonio , but full of outings for everyone.

First stop is the Pioneer Museum , one of the best museums in Texas , which tells the story of the German settlers and features displays on the Hill Country heritage through a self-guided tour on the 3.5-acre property.

Price is $15-20 per person, but the staff are knowledgeable and friendly.

There’s also plenty of Fredericksburg tours to uncover, including the Fredericksburg trolley tour which is a must for families and the Fredericksburg Winery Tour .

If you’re still keen for more, next visit the National Museum of the Pacific War.

This vast space was voted as the fifth-best history museum in the United States by USA Today readers in 2020.

Strolling through the grounds expect to see WWII exhibits and artifacts, including a highlight for history buffs – a recreated combat zone.

Reenactments take place on the ground throughout the year.

Book your tickets in advance for $16 per person, with discounts for children, seniors and military. 

Ultimate Texas Road Trip Ideas

14. urban wine trail.

Hire a designated driver for this next road trip idea.

Consider a group trip roaming through the Urban Wine Trail , which includes 50 wineries located throughout Texas Hill Country, 10 of which are in downtown Fredericksburg alone.

Enjoy a glass to go while you shop and stroll along main street, on your way to the next local watering hole.

Moving further into north Texas, add Waco to the list of destinations for your journey across the state. 

Equi-distant between Austin and Dallas (making it a great day trip from Austin ), this Heart of Texas spot has lots more to offer outside of the famous Magnolia Silos (which offers fun for everyone and you should definitely check out on one of these Fixer Upper tours !)

Families love the Dr Pepper Museum, the original home of America’s favorite cherry flavored soda. 

Make the most of your time with one of the soda themed experiences – make-your-own flavor, create your own tasting (soda this time, not wine), or check out the paranormal tour if you’re bold.

These extras range in coast form $10 up to $30 per person, with limitations on age for the paranormal experience.

Kids love being soda scientists and creating their own concoction.

No need for another souvenir when they can bring home their very own bottle.

Last, travel back to the wild west with a visit to the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum .

Located on the Brazos River, fans of the nation’s oldest law enforcement agency won’t want to miss this stop to learn more about this storied time in American history.

Admission is $8 and the gift shop has plenty of exceptional gifts for anyone that couldn’t hop in the car with you for a quick getaway.

Personal favorite?

The Texas state flag belt buckle. 

16. Corpus Christi

Two hours from San Antonio and three from Houston, Corpus Christi is a go to destination for road tripping and one of the best places to visit in Texas .

Loads of sea life exploration with a visit to the Texas State Aquarium , or dolphin excursions.

Leave the car behind and book the sunset tour with Dolphin Watch Nature Tours or this incredible glowing kayak tour .

Best prices in the area for a trip out on the water to view all kinds of sea animals.

They offer family-friendly day tours too, each costing an average of $35 per person.

Lots of options for other activities including jet ski rentals, kayaking, hiking, boating, fishing and more.

Add this one to your schedule for a chance to soak up the sun as you cruise around Corpus Christi Bay.

17. Texas Coastline

While you’re there, drive along the Texas coastline, stopping at any number of Texas beach towns along the way.

From South Padre Island up to Galveston , each sandy spot offers a different place to cool off with a dip in the water, climb up lighthouses for a scenic Gulf view, or stop at a local seafood shack for some of the freshest catch of the day you’ll rave about for years to come.

Feeling inspired to hop in the car and go?

Pack a cooler, fill up, roll the windows down and coast to any of these destinations for a memorable road trip.

Don’t just drive through Texas, stop and learn along the way.

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Texas Road Trip

23 Amazing Family Road Trip Ideas In Texas

23 Most amazing family road trip ideas in Texas are right here.

There’s no place like Texas. And there’s no better way to experience it than a road trip with your family. We’ve put together 23 of the most amazing family road trip ideas in Texas so you can get out there and explore this great state with your loved ones. Some may be obvious, and some might not have even crossed your mind. It’s worth a look. I have a 13-year-old grandson that I raise who will get mighty bored if we don’t go anywhere, so I’m off to find fun things for us and you, too!

Whether you’re looking for something that’ll get everyone talking or just looking for an easy ride through some beautiful scenery, we’ve got you covered.

Family Road Trip Ideas In Texas

If you’re planning a kid-friendly trip, these ideas are some of the most common. Considering factors such as length of stay, the age of your children, and if you want to take your pet, you can plan a vacation that your kids and yourself will remember forever.

1. Texas State Parks

Camp out at your nearest state park or another one further down the road. State parks offer kids outdoor activities, like canoeing, hiking, geocaching, swimming, etc. If you’re not a tent camper like me, some state parks have cabins and screened shelters with cots to rent. We like to go geocaching in state parks because they make sure the treasure is usually there, unlike some places we’ve been to where there’s nothing to find when you get there. Be sure you download the geocaching app before you leave home.

I’ll never forget our day trip to  Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose, TX. Seeing those dinosaur footprints for the first time was a woozer. Besides searching for dinosaur tracks in the cold water, the kids also went geocaching, had a picnic, and hiked as much as possible until we got tired. If you go to this state park, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is a short drive and close to Dinosaur World. You could probably make a pretty fun weekend right in Glen Rose.

Or how about a hatchery tour at Sea Center Texas? It’s under the umbrella of the Texas State Parks located in Lake Jackson, TX, near Brazosport …and admission is free.

2. Texas Water Parks Trip Ideas In Texas

Water parks in Texas are preparing for their opening day in May, and some offer specials on season passes. Take a look here at the Texas Water Parks Open for 2023 .

3. Jellystone Parks In Texas

Why yes, Yogi Bear still exists! Did you know there are five Jellystone Parks in Texas? They are all spread out in the Lone Star State. Earlier this month, my grandson and I enjoyed staying at the North Texas Jellystone Park in Burleson, TX. He had a blast, and I got to act like a kid, too!

The other four are in or near Tyler, Houston, Texas Hill Country, and San Antonio.

And, if you vacation with your grandkids, you may want to read about the  best Texas towns to visit with your grandkids . I’ve taken mine to a lot of them.

4. Texas Area Lakes

We have tons of lakes to use. And I’m sure camping spots will fill up quickly in summer and fall. If you’re not a tent camper, this is the year to try it out. Yikes, I can’t believe I said that!! But bring your kayak and stay in the water all day or fish from the bank or a pier. This is probably one of the cheapest vacations you and the kids will enjoy.

5. Stay In A Yurt Or Glamping Tent

Do you know that companies like Hipcamp, Tentrr, and Airbnb have yurts, glamping tents, and camping areas that may be in the next town over from you? Staying in a yurt or glamping tent is an experience; some are on a river, lake, or in the woods. You never know where they might be unless you look. Try looking up the next town from you and seeing what you find.

6. Staycation At A Nearby Hotel or A Resort

Have you noticed some of these new hotels have more amenities than ever? Like live music at night, an outdoor lounge area with yard lights lit up at night, drink specials at the bar for the adults, and more. The ones that come to mind are Texican Court in Las Colinas and  Cavalry Court in College Station.

Or what about a resort hotel with many amenities for kids and families? Great Wolf Lodge might not be a bad idea. No spoiling the fun with that indoor pool.

7. Stay At A Guest Ranch

Depending on where you live, you may have a guest ranch near you. But if not, maybe a short road trip might be worth it. Guest Ranches have some activities on the ranch, like horseback riding and perhaps fishing, but indeed, time out in nature, hiking, and good hearty meals. Check it out.

8. Rent An RV

Camping season is upon us, and road-tripping in an RV for the first time might be fun. There are over 18,000 campgrounds in Texas that allow RVs. The pets can come, you make your meals if you want, and some campgrounds have fun weekly activities all lined up. And, best of all, you don’t have to go that far to enjoy an RV camping experience. Ending the day with a homemade meal cooked over the campfire or portable grill would be heaven for this girl. This could very well be an inexpensive road trip you’ve been looking for.

There is even a website where you can actually go to the campsite of your wish and rent an RV that is already hooked up, so all you have to do is make it your home for however long you rented it.

Try GOrving.com for that.

9. Take A Zipline Road Trip

Indeed, there is a zipline course near you. Take the whole family and go ziplining for the day. It’s an adventure and one I must confess that I love. Maybe that’s why I’m mentioning it here. I know not everyone loves the idea of flying through the air attached to a cable, but it sure is fun! My kid loves it, too. In the above photo, we were at the NY Texas Zipline Course in LaRue, TX (East Texas). That’s the city of Tyler behind us.

10. Find A Haunted Town

There are haunted towns and places in Texas just waiting for you. Most are haunted all year long – HA! Check out the  Haunted Towns and Places In Texas  that we found. Halloween might be the only time you’ll find a haunted house, but haunted towns are year-round destinations …because they’re haunted!!

11. Trek A National Park In Texas

Big Bend National Park has abundant outdoor adventures and would make a fantastic Texas road trip with the family. Providing you all like the outdoors, this is a great place for a day hike with great views of the mountains and the Rio Grande. It would be an unforgettable family vacation for sure. Bring more water than you think you’ll ever need.

There are entrance fees per vehicle. Last year it was $30. FYI, if you have a Texas State Park pass, you won’t be able to use it here.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park is Texas’ other national park in far West Texas and east of El Paso. You may want to go here if you like hiking ancient fossil reefs. Entrance fees here are $10 a person.

12. South Padre Island

If you don’t like crowds, you may want to go to the beach in the off-season, but the weather is still great. It doesn’t ever get that cold in Padre, so going any time other than summer is good.

13. Port Aransas Beach

Again, going to a beach in the off-season may be a better choice for you and your family. Not only will it be less crowded, but prices may have dropped as it goes into its off-season. I remember a time when my grandson swam at the beach in October. We had no idea that could be possible and didn’t pack his swimsuit. We let him go in – clothes and all.

14. New Braunfels For The Win

There is much to do in the town all year round. The Guadalupe River is fun any time …but the water does get cold. Many restaurants and places to stay are all over town, from cabins on the rivers to hotels and Airbnb.

15. Canoe The Colorado River

Canoeing the Colorado River is a great option for beginners. When I was there many years ago, there weren’t many rapids in the water, so it wasn’t terrifying. But hey, I’m terrified of large white caps!

Here are the towns the river runs through – take your pick.

Marble Falls, Austin, Bastrop, Smithville, La Grange, Columbus, Wharton, and Bay City.

​16. Road Trip to Small Towns East of Dallas

My thought is the four towns that make up Washington County – Brenham, Caldwell, Washington, & Burton . There are a lot of historic sites in this part of Texas, especially in Washington, where 59 delegates from all parts of Texas met at Washington, Texas, to formally declare independence from Mexico and to sign the papers. There’s even a tour guide to tell you all about it. I took my grandson when he was in the 5th grade, and he was so interested because he had already studied it in school. Each small town has something they boast about.

17. Fort Worth Stockyards

I highly recommend Cowtown, aka the Fort Worth Stockyards, especially if you’ve never been. You need to go to this place at least once in your life to say you’ve been there. Cattle drives happen every day at 11 am and again at 4 pm. It resembles the legendary Chisholm Trail from the late 1800s when cowboys and wranglers took the cattle down south to Abilene, Kansas.

18. Hike Enchanted Rock

After a long day of hiking Enchanted Rock, go into the town of Fredericksburg, TX, and have a glass of wine. There is a tasting room on just about every corner. You’ll want to make sure to spend some time in the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for its scenic views of the mountains. Everyone who goes is in awe. Make reservations online before you go; all state parks only allow a certain number of people inside at a time. This park is busy, especially on a Saturday.

19.  Palo Duro Canyon – Texas Panhandle

Palo Duro Canyon, a Natural Wonder of Texas, should be on everyone’s travel list soon or later. It’s just as beautiful as the Grand Canyon. And if your family is into ziplining, you can do that over the canyon. You’ll forever want to do it again …but that’s coming from someone who got the ziplining bug after her first trip here.

If road tripping here, stop and see the Cadillacs all lined up in a row at the iconic Cadillac Ranch.

Tip: Bring a can of spray paint for each person and let them make their mark on the cars – yes, it’s allowed.​

20. Corpus Christi

Heard of Lively Beach? It’s a resort that caters to Corpus Christi beaches. It’s on Mustang Island, where everything is happening. Look for better deals in the off-season here too.

21. Galveston Island Beach

You can always take a road trip to Galveston. The food is good, and the beaches are okay. The entire family will have fun at Pleasure Pier. Stay until the evening when the party really starts! Moody Gardens would be an excellent place to check out – it’s got something fun for the whole family.

22. Go Tubing Down The Frio River

One of the best road trips I’ve taken with my grandson. We went four years ago and stayed with my uncle and his family. Brody had a blast jumping off the rocks and tubing down the river. Garner State Park is nearby, too, and I hear that this park has remarkable views.

23. San Marcos

San Marcos River in Central Texas, about 30 miles south of Austin right off Interstate 35, is a great place to consider for a family road trip in Texas. Though the river is cold, you’ll get used to it! I’m not really fond of cold water, but the kids love it. Tubing the San Marcos River is pretty cool if you’ve never done it. There are also places to jump off into the water. That’s what I remember when I was there as a kid.

I hope you’ve got something out of these family road trip ideas in Texas and are on your way to somewhere good!

About Kim Croisant

Kim Croisant is a freelance writer and owner/writer at Texas Travel Talk and a native Texan living north of Fort Worth. When not writing about travel destinations (not just in Texas), restaurants, and hotels, she is most likely juggling family life, caring for her mother, and raising her grandson. She loves red wine, chips & dip, and travel magazines. Follow her on Instagram @texastraveltalk.

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7 Perfect Texas Road Trips

By: Author texasonly

Looking for Texas road trips ?

Then you are in the right place!

Texas is a huge state that is best discovered by hitting the open road.

We were born and raised in the great state of Texas, and still call it home.

This means you are in good hands while exploring this list of road trips in Texas .

Famous for delicious Texas barbecue, cowboy culture, and true southern hospitality, Texas will not disappoint!

Texas road trips allow you the opportunity to explore everything that the Lone Star State has to offer.

From big cities to small towns, national parks, state parks, and everything in between, inspiring Texas quotes and captions for years!

Here are some of the best road trips in Texas for you to explore!

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.  By purchasing through these links, we get a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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Join the texas travel community and get a free texas bucket list checklist, 1. texas road trip to the hill country.

Towns Include:

Fredericksburg

San antonio.

The beautiful Texas Hill Country draws visitors from all over the world.

People come to this part of Texas to see the beautiful rolling Texas hills and to explore the Texas wine country .

Some of our favorite Texas small towns are in this area also!

Begin your trip in the Texas State Capitol, Austin .

Here you can explore the state capitol building, eat some great food , and enjoy the live music scene that Austin is so famous for.

Austin is full of outdoor activities as well. Hike Mount Bonnell to get a great view of the area or paddle your day away on Lady Bird Johnson Lake, one of the lakes in Austin .

Of course, visitors flock to Austin’s Congress Street Bridge to see the bat colony go out for their nightly feeding.

If you drive about 45 minutes southwest of Austin, you will find the artsy community of Wimberley, Texas .

Wimberley is home to the spring-fed Jacob’s Well and the Blue Hole Regional Park , both popular Texas swimming holes.

You can also visit the popular Hamilton Pool swimming hole to swim and see one of the waterfalls in Texas as well.

During your time in the Texas small town of Wimberley, you can visit the many wineries and distilleries that call this part of the Texas Hill Country home.

Our next stop is Fredericksburg , a German settlement that today is one of the premier wine regions in Texas.

While here you will definitely want to do a wine tasting (or two) at the best wineries in Fredericksburg .

You should also stay in one of the charming family-owned bed and breakfast hotels in Fredericksburg.

This Texas road trip is great anytime, but it is especially beautiful in the spring when all of the Texas wildflowers are in bloom.

If you are visiting in spring, add the gorgeous Willow City Loop to your Texas Hill Country itinerary.

If you have extra time in Fredericksburg, consider taking a day trip to Marble Falls .

Marble Falls is a great little lakeside town containing fun, boutique shops, and an epic pie shop, Bluebonnet Cafe.

Of course, it is also a great area to see all of the Texas bluebonnets if you are visiting during the spring months.

If you have time, you can also check out nearby Johnson City, TX . Johnson City is full of history and well worth exploring!

Our final stop on this epic Texas road trip is San Antonio.

The most popular attraction in San Antonio is the San Antonio River Walk.

The River Walk is a great place to grab a great meal, drink a margarita, and do some serious people-watching.

Of course, the River Walk isn’t the only thing to do in San Antonio.

Be sure to visit the San Antonio Mission Trail which includes the famous Alamo.

San Antonio also has a great botanic garden, fabulous parks, great shopping, and there are loads of beaches and state parks near San Antonio !

2. Route 66 Road Trip in Texas

Attractions on the road trip:

• Cadillac Ranch

Amarillo and Route 66

The historic Route 66 cuts through a portion of the Texas panhandle from Oklahoma to New Mexico.

If you make the entire Texas portion of the trip, it is only 178 miles!

Granted, there aren’t a lot of towns on this Texas road trip, it is definitely one that should be on your bucket list.

Many people who stop in Amarillo while on a road trip make their way to the Big Texan Steak Ranch to try out the 72 oz steak challenge.

If you can eat the steak and all of the side items within the allotted time, your meal is free and you get your picture on the wall.

Of course, along the way, you will want to visit the popular roadside attraction, Cadillac Ranch.

This 1974 art exhibition is comprised of 10 cars (Cadillacs) stuck nose down in the desert landscape.

Other stops to consider along Route 66 include Dot’s Mini-Museum and the Vega motel near the border with New Mexico, Midpoint Café, a 1950s dining establishment.

3. Road Trips in Texas to the Gulf Coast

Cities Include:

Corpus Christi

South padre island.

A Texas road trip along the Gulf of Mexico will have you traveling to some of the best cities on the Texas coast.

It’s hard to believe that Texas has over 3,000 miles of coastline, now that makes for an epic road trip for sure!

The first stop on this road trip is in the fun seaside town of Galveston, Texas.

Galveston has played a big role in Texas history as it was once one of the wealthiest towns in the United States thanks to the bustling port.

Galveston is a great city to enjoy some time on the best beaches in Texas , do some bird watching, or play on the amusement park rides of the Historic Pleasure Pier.

After leaving Galveston, hit the road for the next stop on this Texas road trip, Corpus Christi.

While in Corpus Christi , visit the Texas State Aquarium and take a tour of the USS Lexington.

Our final stop on this Texas road trip is South Padre Island.

South Padre Island is popular for the epic spring break parties that happen here each spring, but there is more to South Padre Island than that.

Along the way, explore the island’s 113 miles of Texas coastline before heading into town to discover what Padre Island has to offer.

You can enjoy Schlitterbahn Water Park or get your adrenaline fix at Gravity Park.

Of course, taking a fishing or sailing charter from Padre is always a good idea also.

Many are offered year-round thanks to the tropical climate found here.

4. West Texas Road Trip

This road trip includes:

The vast land that is found in west Texas will help visitors to understand why we always say ‘everything is bigger in Texas.’

The sprawling landscape of this area is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

You definitely don’t want to miss it!

Road trips in Texas that include Big Bend should also include stops in Marfa and Terlingua along the way.

The small town of Marfa will have you trying to decide if the Marfa lights are one of the natural wonders of the area or are from aliens.

It will also have you exploring Texas history museums and eating some really great food.

Terlingua and Big Bend

Terlingua is an eccentric Texas town that is known as a Texas ghost town.

This tiny town is home to some quirky places to stay, some interesting roadside attractions, and a population of 50 people!

This is one of the best Texas road trips for outdoor lovers as it ends up in Big Bend National Park.

Big Bend National Park encompasses over 1,200 acres of land just waiting to be explored.

Take note though, this national park is known for its harsh environment, so be careful out there!

While in the area, don’t forget to visit Big Bend Ranch State Park also.

The largest state park in Texas, Big Bend Ranch has incredible views of the night sky, numerous hiking trails, and some incredible canyon views.

Another great small town in this area is Alpine, Texas .

5. El Paso Loop Road Trip

• Guadalupe Mountains State Park

The El Paso Loop road trip is probably one of those road trips that many people don’t really know about, but I am here to tell you it should be on your Lone Star State road trip list for sure.

This road trip will have you exploring the remote area of far west Texas, taking in some amazing views, and exploring the west Texas landscape.

Start out exploring Franklin Mountain State Park before visiting the attractions in town like the El Paso Museum of Art.

There are some great restaurants and lots of pretty murals around El Paso also.

You can leave the city and visit the Hueco Tanks State Park and see the unusual granite features that draw loads of rock climbers to this area.

Guadalupe Mountain State Park

About 1.5 hours from the Hueco Tanks State Park is the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home to the world’s largest fossil reef!

The small town of Fort Davis is on this Texas road trip also.

Here you can explore Davis Mountain State Park, the Fort Davis Historic Site, and the historic downtown area.

6. Piney Woods of East Texas Road Trip

Cities include:

A road trip through the Piney Wood of East Texas is one of the best Texas road trips for nature lovers.

Drive a couple of hours east of Dallas -Fort Worth, and you will feel like you are in a totally different area of Texas.

The first stop here is the small town of Canton, Texas.

This little town is known for the world’s largest flea market that takes place here the first Monday weekend every month.

When they say the world’s largest flea market, they mean it.

The population of the town skyrockets during these weekends!

After exploring Canton, head to Tyler, Texas. Tyler has so many great restaurants, great shopping, and a fabulous lake.

They are also famous for their Tyler roses and are home to the largest rose garden in the United States.

Your final stop on the Piney Woods road trip is Longview.

Longview is a great place to visit in the fall as when the fall foliage takes over and covers this area.

Longview is also home to some great museums, restaurants, and cute shops.

This is also one of the best road trips for festival lovers as Longview is known to host several festivals throughout the year.

You can also do the Piney Woods Wine trail while in this area.

This wine trail has you visiting some of the great Texas wineries that call this region of Texas home.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the wineries in East Texas !

7. International Cities of Texas Road Trip

Castroville.

You don’t have to leave Texas to feel like you have traveled internationally thanks to the road trips in Texas that include the cities formed by international immigrants.

These towns are evidence of the diversity and culture of the people of Texas.

About 1.5 hours southwest of Fort Worth , you will find the small central Texas town of Dublin.

Dublin is a small Texas city that is big on personality and fully embraces its Irish culture.

While visiting, you can make your own soda at Dublin Bottling Works before you eat one of their delicious hamburgers at Doc’s Soda Shop which is located on-site.

Be sure to take your picture with the 4 leaf clover sign and the other murals you will find around town. You can also shop for Irish souvenirs at Things Celtic.

This fun store has everything from kilts to keychains.

While in Dublin, you have to visit Veldhuizen Cheese and taste some of the delicious homemade cheeses that are made.

The town of West is a small city about on hour south of Dallas .

West is best known for their amazing kolaches. That is thanks to the Czech heritage that shaped this town.

The best time to experience all things Czech is during their annual Westfest.

Westfest celebrates all things Czech!

Visitors to West during this festival get to enjoy dancing the polka to a live band, shop the many great vendors, and eat their heart’s fill of Czech food!

Immersing yourself in the German heritage of Fredericksburg is easy.

The German influence is everywhere in this city.

Start out by visiting Fredericksburg’s Pioneer Museum to see how the first German settlers lived. Here you can tour homes and see the artifacts from this era.

While here you can also drink some German beer and wine and eat some delicious German food.

A visit to Castroville, Texas will have you thinking you have been transported to a small town in the French countryside.

The half-timbered Steinbach Haus is the perfect place to start your journey.

This house was built in the early 1600s and was imported to Castroville!

This isn’t the only house though, there are examples of Alsatian architecture all over town.

Visit the boutique shops in town to find the perfect ‘French’ souvenir before grabbing a tasty treat from Haby’s Alsatian Bakery.

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About The Author

Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel.  Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region.  She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.

Jen | Local Love & Wanderlust

Saturday 8th of July 2023

Good reference, my inlaws moved to Texas - if we ever visit them this will come in handy.

Monday 10th of July 2023

Thanks for checking it out, Jen!

A Capone Connection

I'm going to be in San Antonio in September so this is super helpful. Thanks so much! I love road trips.

I'm so glad to hear this! I hope you have fun!

Saturday 17th of June 2023

These are so great! I went to Austin for a wedding a few years ago and had an awsome time checking out the music scene. I would love to spend more time there and do some Texas road tripping!

Sunday 18th of June 2023

Yes, Austin has an awesome music scent. Texas is a great place to road trip option. The sheer size means there are so many fun itineraries you can create!

Where to See Texas Fall Foliage — Texas Travel Talk

Wednesday 20th of July 2022

[…] Depending on the region, Texas is a vast state with diverse landscapes and climates. This means you can have a different experience in our state by driving just a few hours in any direction. That means Texas is great for road trips. […]

22 Best National Parks to Visit in April You'll Love

Monday 10th of January 2022

[…] then Big Bend National Park should definitely be on your list. Big Bend is one of the perfect Texas road trips that allow you to escape and become one with […]

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The Family Vacation Guide

20 of the Best Family Road Trips in Texas

posted by James Brockbank on December 8, 2021 // last updated on December 8, 2021

Howdy, y’all! Is your family looking for fun ideas for close-to-home vacations in the Lone Star State? Texas is the second-largest state in the United States and offers many educational, fun, and nature-filled road trip adventures for the entire family. 

Whether the gang wants to drive far and spend a few nights basking in nature or take a short drive to somewhere beautiful, we’ve got the 20 best family road trips in Texas to help you get inspired for your next family vacation. 

Dinosaur Valley State Park

Big bend national park , enchanted rock state park , port aransas & mustang island state park , galveston island , fort worth , garner state park , san antonio , brenham and round top, amarillo , grapevine , bandera , spicewood , new braunfels , corpus christi , austin , dallas , houston .

Just a short drive outside of Fort Worth, the Dinosaur Valley State Park is an incredible road trip adventure for the entire family. For families with little ones who get a thrill out of dinosaurs, this is a dream trip that allows you to literally walk in the footsteps of these prehistoric creatures. 

Located near Glen Rose, Texas, your family can explore over twenty miles of trails along the Paluxy River and look for visible dinosaur prints. There are also two giant dinosaur statues that the kids will go wild over. Other options include camping, picnicking, mountain biking, swimming, horseback riding, and more. 

You can take a guided tour of the 1,500-acre park or download the dinosaur print map on your phone and try and spot them all for yourself.

Children twelve years and under have free entrance here for day use. Anyone over the age of thirteen must pay a $7 entrance fee. 

If you plan on hitting up multiple destinations on this list, consider getting a Texas State Parks Pass which gives you unlimited access to nearly 90 different national parks in the state. Y’all will also get discounts on camping fees, park store purchases, and equipment rental. 

To visit the Dinosaur Valley State Park from Austin, head north for around three hours. From Fort Worth, head south then west along Route 67 for about a one-hour road trip. 

The Big Bend National Park is a protected park in West Texas that spans over 800,000 hectares of scenic landscapes. This location is one of the best family road trips in Texas for the incredible scenery the whole family will enjoy during the drive and within the park. 

Enjoy family camping, day hikes, and exciting educational exhibits about animals, plants, sea fossils, dinosaur bones, and birds found in the area. 

Take the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and explore thirty miles of gorgeous landscapes as you and the family take pictures at various overlooks, viewpoints, and canyons.

Big Bend charges entrance fees per vehicle. Families coming here in the same car will only need to pay $30, which gives the whole family access to the park for seven days. Camping fees depend on which campground your family prefers and can cost anywhere between $16-$10 per night. 

Big Bend National Park is an eight-hour drive from Dallas and about a seven-hour drive along Route 10 from Austin. 

One of the best family road trips in Texas is a scenic drive through the Texas Hill Country to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area .

Located in Fredericksburg, Texas, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has been a protected historical landmark since 1936 and a national natural landmark since 1971. It has over eleven miles of hiking trails, but its claim to fame is a 425-foot pink granite natural rock formation called a batholith. 

Here the family can learn about rock formations and geology while taking in the natural scenery of the unique landscapes. Listen to folklore and stories about why many local tribes deem this area enchanted. In fact, archeological evidence suggested humans inhabited this natural area even 12,000 years ago, giving the region a rich history worth learning about on your vacation. 

Note that you cannot swim at Enchanted Rock State Park nor ride bikes on the hiking trails. 

If you have a Texas State Parks Pass, it includes this park. Otherwise, entrance fees are $8 for visitors aged thirteen and up or free for children twelve years old or younger. 

Head west for about two hours from Austin to visit this state park. If coming from Dallas, plan for four hours of car time as you head southwest to this natural wonderland. 

Port Aransas is a beach community and city located on Mustang Island well worth a visit on your next family road trip in Texas. 

The Mustang Island State Park has five miles of coast where the entire family can enjoy surfing, swimming at the beach, kayaking, and fishing in the bay. Camping here has electricity and hot water for added comfort. 

Port Aransas Beach is on the northernmost point of Mustang Island. It is within walking distance to the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center , which has a 700-foot boardwalk that allows parents and kids to walk over the freshwater wetlands and take in the spectacular animals and vistas. 

From Dallas, Port Aransas is about a six-hour drive south. From Austin, it’s around four hours of driving time. Parking permits to park near the beach in Port Aransas are $12 per day. 

Just a short drive outside of Houston, Galveston is a coastal island city with so many family activities to do along the way and once you arrive. 

Most notably is the Moody Gardens Aquarium that gives the kids an opportunity to see sharks, penguins, and exotic rainforest animals. 

Families will love heading to the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier for rollercoasters and water rides that are sure to thrill the whole family. The smell of funnel cakes permeates the air and will draw you to the delicious dining options that include a Brewing Station for the parents. 

Or dive into nature at the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge or the Galveston Island State Park. Here you can rent a lodge or go camping, hike along trails, mountain bike, fish, and so much more. 

Galveston Island is only a one-hour drive outside of Houston. Pack some snacks and movies for the 4-5 hour drive from Dallas or Austin. 

Fort Worth is a town just outside of Dallas and is an excellent place for the family to escape for some together time. 

Immerse yourself into cowboy culture by visiting a cattle drive, rodeo, or the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame . Kids love to explore the Fort Worth Zoo with over 7,000 different animals to see and learn about. Check out the Kimbell Art Museum with paintings from world-famous artists if your family enjoys art. 

Another highlight of Fort Worth is the wide variety of restaurant options for some famous Texan flavors. 

Perfect for long and short family roads trip in Texas, Fort Worth is only about forty-five minutes from Dallas and a three-hour drive north of Austin. 

Garner State Park is a wonder to behold, especially on an autumn family road trip when the forest leaves change into a sunset of colors. 

This state park has sixteen miles of trails for scenic hiking that the entire family will enjoy. Jump into the Frio River or enjoy fishing from its shores. The concession building is where it’s at for nighttime fun as everyone gathers to dance around an old-school jukebox. 

Depending on how your family best enjoys their time in nature, you can reserve a cabin or campsite. 

Entrance fees for visitors aged thirteen and up is $8 and free for kids aged twelve and under. 

Garner State Park is approximately five and a half hours southwest of Dallas, so pack some snacks and fun driving activities for this family Texas road trip. If your family is heading to Garner State Park from Austin, expect a drive time of around three hours. 

Waco is a superb destination for a scenic and fun family road trip in Texas. Located in central Texas, Waco has many things to see for the entire family to enjoy. 

If your kids get a kick out of animals, then the Cameron Park Zoo should be one of your first stops. With nearly 2,000 different animals, visitors will have a chance to see their favorite animal and learn something new at the same time. Or head to the Waco Mammoth National Monument to learn about wooly mammoths and see their prehistoric bones. 

If sports are more your family’s thing, then you shouldn’t miss the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. Here you can learn about sports history from 1951 and onwards. Have fun placing your hands up against famous NBA players’ handprints and other interactive exhibits. 

For outdoor recreation, explore Lake Waco, local farmers markets, and many areas for family picnics. 

Last but not least, Waco is home to the Dr. Pepper Museum. Here, you and the family can learn about the oldest drink manufacturer in the United States and, of course, taste some of the delicious products. 

From Austin, Waco is a two-hour drive going north. From Dallas, it is about a two-hour drive, headed south.

San Antonio houses the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas, the San Antonio Mission National Historical Park. Head here for one of the best family road trips in Texas. 

Drive through scenic Texan landscapes as you arrive into this historical city with a lot to discover and explore. 

Walk the 8-mile stretch along the scenic San Antonio River and visit the Spanish colonial missions Concepción, San José, San Juan, and Espada. Your family will learn about life in Texas in the 18th century. 

“Remember the Alamo!” at the Alamo San Antonio and Alamo Gardens with interactive tours and exhibits that are an educational and fun experience for everyone in the fam. Watch demonstrations about frontier life with a visit to the Living History encampment. 

San Antonio also has the Sea Life Aquarium and a LEGOLAND® Discovery center that are both sure to widen your kid’s eyes and bring a smile to their faces. 

San Antonio is approximately four and a half to five hours southwest of Dallas. From Austin, head south on Route 35 for a two-hour family road trip. 

Why not check out our guide to the best family hotels in San Antonio ?

Round Top and Brenham are two small Texas towns for short family road trips an hour’s drive away from both Houston and Austin. 

Brenham is known as a must-stop for authentic and delicious Texas BBQ. It also houses an annual Texas Arts and Music Festival that will give the whole family new things to see and hear to inspire the kids for their next school art project. 

With plenty of museums, wineries, parks, shopping, and even the Blue Bell Aquatic Center, there are things to do in Brenham to keep the whole family entertained.  

Nearby is the small town of Round Top, where the family will enjoy the oddities they spot at the local antique fair held twice each year. 

If your starting destination is Dallas, drive south for around four hours and pass through many picturesque landscapes and cute towns as you venture forth on your family road-trip adventure. 

The Texas Panhandle has many amazing stops for family road trips in Texas, and Amarillo is the largest city located in the Panhandle region. Head here for your next family road trip for all the beautiful stops along the way – or make this your final destination. 

Check out Cadillac Ranch, a permanent art installation of ten upturned Cadillacs that have now been colorfully covered in graffiti and make for really cool family photoshoots. 

The Palo Duro Canyon State Park is another must-visit during your family road trip through the Texas Panhandle. Here you can hike and take in the iconic scenery of the second largest canyon in the United States after the Grand Canyon. 

There’s also the Wonderland Amusement Park with rollercoasters, arcade games, and rides for all ages to get a thrill out of Amarillo. 

Drive five and a half hours northwest from Dallas to visit Amarillo. If coming from Austin, you’ll have nearly eight hours straight of driving if you don’t make stops at the many scenic spots along the way. 

Grapevine is right in between Dallas and Fort Worth, making it a quick family getaway if you’re starting out from either of these locations. If not, it is a fantastic family road trip option for families also looking to spend time getting to know more of Fort Worth and Dallas. 

True to its name, parents and adult family members can expect some world-class wine tasting in Grapevine. On the other hand, kids will have their fill of fun at the LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and Sea Life Aquarium. 

Check out a glassblowing studio or see if your family can work as a team to get out of an escape room in the allotted time. Then, finish your day with a murder mystery dinner. 

Stay at the Great Wolf Lodge for the whole family to enjoy the waterpark, fun MagiQuest, rope courses, arcade games, and even a Build-A-Bear workshop. 

Grapevine is around three hours north of Austin. Heading up Highway 35, you can easily incorporate a stop in Waco on your way from Austin to Grapevine. 

Close to San Antonio, Bandera is a tiny town nicknamed the cowboy capital of the world . If your little ones love all things cowboy and cowgirl, this is definitely a destination to add during one of the best family road trips in Texas. 

You can find anything cowboy-themed here. Horseback riding is a must, but you can also head to the waterpark or jump into the Medina River. 

Visit the Natural History Museum and the Frontier Times Museum or even see the historic Bandera county jailhouse. Your family has a wide choice of things to do, like checking out a rodeo, going ziplining, or hunting for antiques.  

You can visit both Bandera and San Antonio on one great road trip. If you’re driving from Dallas, plan for around five and half hours of driving time though there are many tempting stops along the way. 

Fort Davis, Marfa, and Alpine 

Fort Davis, Marfa, and Alpine are three small towns located on the western border of Texas. Here you can really immerse yourself into the picturesque desert landscapes and explore some of the lesser-seen sides of Texas. 

Go on historic walking tours with the family to get a feel for these small towns brimming with history and aching to tell their stories. You can tell dad that there’s also a 9-hole golf course with some incredible views at the Alpine Country Club. 

Take a scenic drive on Highway 166 through the Davis Mountains, then go for a short hike at the Fort Davis National Historic Site. 

Driving directly from Dallas to any of these three towns will take approximately seven and a half to eight and a half hours, depending on traffic. If driving to one of these western towns from Austin, the drive time will be around six and a half to seven hours. 

Located along the snaking Colorado River, Spicewood is a natural paradise your family will be so happy to escape to on a memorable family road trip away from home. 

Krause Springs is a spot worth checking out for natural hot springs and geysers. There are numerous recreational areas, vineyards, and distilleries worth visiting if your family members are interested in those activities. 

While there are many camping spots and hotels to choose from, your family will surely get a kick out of sleeping at a treehouse hotel. For even more treetop views, go on a ziplining adventure that ends with a splash in the river. 

From Austin, Spicewood is only forty-five minutes up Highway 71. From Dallas, your family will need about four hours in the car to arrive at their fun-filled destination.

German settlers founded New Braunfels , a small town in Texas located on the Guadalupe and Comal rivers. This town is filled with antique shops, outdoor adventures, and great shopping. 

Landa Park, Canyon Lake, and The Natural Bridge Caverns are fantastic options as a first taste of the fun outdoor activities that New Braunfels has to offer. 

Head to the McKenna Children’s Museum for interactive exhibits about science, space, culture, and technology to promote enjoyable educational opportunities. Your family might also love to catch a play at the Circle Arts Theatre. 

New Braunfels is about four hours by car from Dallas, Texas. New Braunfels is a shorter forty-five-minute to one-hour drive from Austin. 

Corpus Christi is one of the major cities in Texas that is a great place to park and stretch your legs during your Texas family road trip. 

The top sites to see include the Texas State Aquarium and, of course, South Padre Island . These destinations ensure a fun beach-time getaway by the ocean. 

Austin is the capital city of Texas and is brimming with unique activities for families discovering the best family road trips in Texas. 

As the capital, you can expect plenty of options for museums, art galleries, and lots of live blues and country music. On top of that, there are endless dining options that even the pickiest eater of your family will have a hard time turning their nose down at. 

Why not check out our guide to the best family hotels in Austin for inspiration on where to stay?

Dallas is another major Texas city that your family needs to see during your next road trip, especially if you plan to head to Fort Worth, Grapevine, or anywhere else north of Waco. 

Dallas boasts the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, the Dallas Museum of Art, and a Six Flags amusement park. 

Why not check out our guide to the best family hotels in Dallas for inspiration on where to stay?

As the hometown of Beyonce, Houston doesn’t need to brag much about the other things worth doing here when there’s a slight chance you could spot the visiting superstar roaming around town. 

If your kids or more fans of stars than superstars, Houston is still a great place to visit during your family road trip since it is also the hometown of the Houston Space Center. NASA astronauts receive training here, and your kids can get an up-close look at what that space program is like. 

Why not check out our guide to the best family hotels in Houston for inspiration on where to stay?

Start the Car 

Get your family ready to start the car and explore some of the best family road trips in Texas! Since everything really is bigger in Texas, be sure to keep your eyes peeled and your camera charged because there are so many wonderful things to see and do for the whole family.

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

The Stunning Texas Drive That Is One Of The Best Road Trips You Can Take In America

Katie Lawrence

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015. Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).

More by this Author

We’re firm believers that Texas is the most naturally beautiful state in America. Our state has it all: beaches, mountains, wetlands, plains… it’s basically an entire country all by itself! The vast expanses of the West Texas desert and Panhandle plains offer some of the best scenery in the Lone Star State, from towering peaks to ancient canyons. This scenic drive is one of the best road trips in Texas and among the most beautiful drives you can take in America.

Here’s the Google Map for the trip – feel free to adjust the route to your liking.

1. Big Bend National Park

2. Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Salt Flat)

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3. Monahans Sandhills State Park (Monahans)

4. Palo Duro Canyon State Park (Canyon)

Would you take this road trip to some of the most scenic places in Texas? Do you think it’s one of the best road trips in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! And when you’re ready to hit the open road, be sure to consult the OnlyInYourState road trip essentials guide that will make packing a breeze.

Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another road trip in Texas that will show you how stunning the state truly is.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Best scenic places in texas & related info.

What are the best scenic places in Texas?

It is no secret that there are some incredibly beautiful places in the Lone Star State. But here’s a list of the best scenic places in Texas:

• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
• Franklin Mountains State Park
• Dallas Arboretum And Botanical Garden
• South Padre Island
• Longhorn Cavern State Park
• San Antonio River Walk
• Garner State Park

While these are just a few of the best scenic places in Texas, there are many others that are worthy of your bucket list. And here’s another article about some of the most scenic places in Texas . 

What are some places to visit on a road trip in Texas?

The best road trip in Texas would include seeing some of the hidden gems in the state. Here is a list of a few of them:

• BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
• Blue Lagoon
• Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
• Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center  
• Blue Hole at Riding River Ranch

Here’s a previous article with some more incredible hidden gems in the Lone Star State that would be great for a road trip in Texas. 

What are some towns that are perfect for a road trip in Texas?

Some of the best towns in America are located right here in the Lone Star State. Here are a few of the best towns that are worthy of a road trip in Texas:

• Fredericksburg
• Dripping Springs
• Johnson City
• Marble Falls
• Port Isabel

These are just a few of the beautiful towns that are perfect for a road trip in Texas. Here’s a previous article about some more towns in the Lone Star State that are worthy of a road trip . 

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• This Texas Mountain Road Trip Takes You To The Most Stunning Peaks You've Ever Seen
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5 Best Texas Road Trips to See Stunning Wildflowers

It's time to stop and smell the bluebonnets.

There's a slight warmth in the air. The days are getting longer, and the rain and snow are slowly starting to taper, which means one thing: Texas is about to be overtaken by wildflowers .

The Lone Star State is home to some 2,700 different wildflower species , including the bluebonnet, Indian paintbrush, and pink evening primrose. They're all just about ready to pop into a vibrant display of color, blanketing the fields and lining the roadways. And that's why now is the perfect time to plan a Texas wildflower road trip.

Though the size and locations of the flowers vary annually, Texas is home to some tried-and-true destinations to enjoy these picturesque views during peak bloom time, which takes place between mid-March and mid-April. Read on to see which Texas road trip route is best for you.

Washington and Grimes Counties

There's an 80-mile round-trip circuit between Brenham, Burton, Independence, Washington, and Chappell Hill that takes travelers along a route that showcases bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush blooms, thistles, purple coneflowers, verbenas, skullcaps, rattlesnake masters, blanket flowers, and more. As Texas Highways explains on its website, "Those reliably lined with them include State Highway 105, Farm to Market 50 (FM 50) to Independence, FM 390 to Old Baylor Park, and FM 1155's doglegs between Chappell Hill Historic District and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site."

Want to go even further? Visitors can take a 105-mile loop from Brenham through Navasota, Plantersville, Magnolia, Hempstead, and back to Brenham and catch an awe-inspiring display of natural color against the backdrops of oak and pine forests along FM 1774.

If you're looking for something a bit more official, head straight to the source at the Official Texas Bluebonnet Trail in Ennis. The area is home to never-ending grassy plains that are taken over by bluebonnets every spring. And if you plan a visit in April, you can partake in the Bluebonnet Trails Festival, which showcases the 40-plus miles of scenic wildflower routes through the area.

Texas Hill Country

For another guaranteed view of the bluebonnets, make your way to Texas Hill Country . Specifically, head to Marble Falls , Burnet, Lampasas, San Saba, Mason, Llano, Fredericksburg, and Johnson City to spot the flowers alongside Indian paintbrush blooms, pink evening primroses, daisies, winecups, prairie verbena, and goldeneye phlox.

Texas Highways additionally notes, " Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site , between Fredericksburg and Johnson City, boasts more than 400 species, including bluebonnets, evening primrose, and scarlet sage."

It also points to the Willow City Loop, which includes U.S. 281, U.S. 290, and Ranch Roads 1323, 1631, 2721, and 1320. As a bonus, stop in Fredericksburg to visit Wildseed Farms , the nation's largest working wildflower farm.

West Texas is home to its own wildflowers — namely, in the Terlingua and Big Bend region. Here, visitors will likely find roadside blooms set amongst the area's otherwise arid landscapes. Guests may even stumble upon fields of the Chisos bluebonnet, a unique Texas flower that can reach up to four feet in height. According to Texas Highways, visitors may also want to head approximately five hours north to pay a visit to Franklin Mountains State Park , home to the ocotillo, yucca, Southwestern barrel cactus, and Chihuahuan fishhook cactus.

Finally, make sure to hit East Texas on your wildflower road trip. Here, visitors will find the distinct white and pink blooms on the Texas Dogwood Trails. Palestine's Davey Dogwood Park is also home to 254 acres of public grounds, five miles of roads, and eight miles of trails, all overflowing with dogwood trees that will soon be in full bloom. For a drive-by flower show, Texas Highways suggests trying your luck along the sides of FM 227, and then making your way to State Highway 21 for redbuds and yellow jessamine.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out the Texas Highways maps with even more detailed routes for your wildflower drive.

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10 Best Road Trips from Texas (with maps & tips)

The Lone Star State is vast and boasts many spectacular things to explore, with scenic waterfalls, lush forests, diverse wildlife, rolling hills and vibrant cities. However, your itinerary shouldn’t be limited to the state, as there are tons of things to see beyond its borders. Whether you seek natural excursions or an urban vibe, there are plenty of road trips to choose from. Make some playlists, buckle up and hit the road for a memorable road trip from Texas. Here are the 10 best road trips from Texas for you to enjoy.

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• San Antonio to New Orleans
• Austin to Oklahoma City
• Austin to Santa Fe
• Fort Worth to Mesa Verde National Park
• Fort Worth to Hot Springs, AR
• San Antonio to Lake Charles, LA
• Austin to Memphis
• San Antonio to Gulfport, MS
• Fort Worth to Albuquerque
• Austin to Kansas City

1. San Antonio to New Orleans

From San Antonio , head east on Interstate 10, through scenic landscapes and cities, all the way to New Orleans. You may decide to make a stopover in Houston or Lafayette, Louisiana, along the way. Upon arriving at New Orleans, you will be greeted by Southern hospitality and unique culture. Whether you are a music enthusiast, foodie or fan of architecture, New Orleans offers something for everyone.

SIXT Pro Tip:

A visit to New Orleans is not complete without a cemetery tour. Take a guided stroll through St. Louis Cemetery in the French Quarter to learn more about the history and culture of The Big Easy.

SIXT Travel Facts:

DISTANCE FROM SAN ANTONIO: 543 Miles; an 8-hour drive

TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.

2. Austin to Oklahoma City

Take I-35 N to Oklahoma City, an often-overlooked city boasting hidden gems that make it a worthy road trip destination. Oklahoma has something for everyone, from a diverse dining scene to scenic views, natural attractions, a budding art scene and rich history.

Drive to the Stockyards just outside the city for a taste of the Old West. Enjoy a Stockyards Stampede with actual chuckwagons and horseback riding exhibitions. If you’re lucky you can catch a gunfight with fully costumed entertainers acting on the street.

DISTANCE FROM AUSTIN: 388 miles, a 6-hour drive

3. Austin to Santa Fe

If you’re looking for a relaxing destination, head northwest on US-87 N and US Hwy 285 N to Santa Fe, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the county. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year, Santa Fe is your ideal destination for intriguing outdoor adventure. You can enjoy the city’s historical charm, diverse culinary scene and art scene.

For a memorable musical experience, go to a performance at the Santa Fe Opera. The open-air theater allows you to enjoy views of the star-studded New Mexico sky. The theater is also a stunning contemporary piece of architecture.

DISTANCE FROM AUSTIN: 704 miles; an 11-hour drive

4. Fort Worth to Mesa Verde National Park

For an escape to the outdoors, take US-287 N and I-40 W to Mesa Verde National Park. Since this is a long drive to Colorado, grab a bite or stay overnight in one of the towns in a city along the way like Amarillo or Albuquerque, New Mexico. Once you reach the park, you’ll be blown away by the beautiful scenery and interesting cliff dwellings.

To explore the cliff dwellings called Balcony House, Long House and Cliff Palace, you need to get tickets from the Visitor Center & Museum. Arrive at the center early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures during the summer months.

DISTANCE FROM FORT WORTH: 864 miles; a 13-hour drive

TOLLS: When you arrive at the Mesa Verde National Park entrance, off Highway 160, you will have to pay an entrance fee of $20 for a 7-day pass.

5. Fort Worth to Hot Springs, AR

Head northeast on I-30 E all the way to Hot Springs to relax. Once you arrive in Hot Springs, you will be surrounded by natural beauty and history set against a laidback yet inviting setting. The city is not new to welcoming visitors, thanks to its naturally occurring thermal springs, which in the past were thought to have medicinal properties.

Visit Lake Catherine State Park for its scenic hiking trails winding through about 3.5 square miles of woodland and coastal areas. The park also offers outdoor activities, including fishing, picnicking and boating.

DISTANCE FROM FORT WORTH: 326 miles, a 5-hour drive

6. San Antonio to Lake Charles, LA

Enjoy scenic views of a range of landscapes with a road trip to Lake Charles via I-10 E. The city is famous for its unique festivals and dining scene. However, Lake Charles offers much more attractions to enjoy during your visit, including parks, museums, Southern delicacies, amusement parks and historic architecture.

History geeks will enjoy the horse-drawn Charpentier Historic District Tour where you can explore Lake Charles’ stunning Victorian architecture and learn about its historical significance. If you’re short on time you can also take a self-guided drive tour of the same route by downloading the Historic Tour app.

DISTANCE FROM SAN ANTONIO: 339 miles; a 5-hour drive

7. Austin to Memphis

Drive northeast on I-30 E to Memphis, a vibrant, diverse city. The River City is renowned for its barbecue and blues music. However, Memphis has more to offer including a rich history, fine weather and thrilling nightlife, making it ideal for a visit.

Visit the Memphis Zoo for a close encounter with various animal species. The zoo has a remarkable menagerie with over 3,500 animals depicting over 500 species from around the world. Besides seeing exotic animals, you will enjoy seeing them in ecosystems that mirror their natural habitats.

DISTANCE FROM AUSTIN: 647 miles; a 9.5-hour drive

8. San Antonio to Gulfport, MS

For a coastal experience, take I-10 E to Gulfport, Mississippi. Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico, Gulfport is a paradise for beach bums. The city boasts water and theme parks and watersport equipment rentals for outdoorsy visitors. Besides the water activities, Gulfport offers museums, fresh seafood and more.

Explore the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport to discover more about the animal species that call the Gulf Coast home. The institute is dedicated to research and conservation in marine ecology and mammal biology.

DISTANCE FROM SAN ANTONIO: 598 miles; a 9-hour drive

TOLLS: There are no tolls on this route.

9. Fort Worth to Albuquerque

Albuquerque rarely pops up on road trip destinations However, the city has much to offer including picturesque natural scenery, ancient Pueblo architecture, unlimited entertainment, a rich history and chili-based specials.

Albuquerque is a hot air ballooning hotspot, owing to excellent air currents from the Sandia Mountains, favorable weather and vast open spaces. Relive the city’s history of hot air ballooning at the Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum or enjoy the adventure of ballooning at World Balloon and Rainbow Ryders.

DISTANCE FROM FORT WORTH: 623 miles; an 11-hour drive

10. Austin to Kansas City

Take a long road trip on US-69 N to Missouri. The drive features interesting changes of scenery and towns along the way. Kansas City is a foodie paradise and features a booming art scene, vibrant neighborhoods, museums and numerous shopping opportunities.

For a bit of history, visit the National World War I Museum. The museum is set up in a narrative style, as though WWI soldiers are giving visitors their battle tales through the exhibitions. WWI trenches, propaganda posters and weaponry are all on display in the museum.

DISTANCE FROM AUSTIN: 692 miles; an 11-hour drive

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Best places to visit in texas.

They say everything is bigger in Texas. And if you take into account all that the state has to offer, it's easy to see why the Lone Star State packs such a potent punch with travelers. Texas is filled to the brim with breathtaking countrysides, significant historical attractions, diverse museums, pristine city parks, suburban shopping meccas, mouthwatering barbecue and more. U.S. News took into account traveler sentiment and expert analysis to come up with the best places to visit in Texas. Want to share your opinion? Make sure to vote below to help determine next year's list. 

Big Bend National Park

Fredericksburg, tx, san antonio, guadalupe mountains national park, port aransas, south padre island, mustang island, corpus christi, san josé island.

This sprawling metropolis promises a jam-packed itinerary for every type of traveler, whether you're traveling with the family or on a romantic getaway . Explore the many museums, parks and historical sites the city has to offer, including the infamous Dealey Plaza, where JFK was assassinated, or get to know Dallas' vibrant, artsy neighborhoods like Trinity Groves and the Design District. And if you're visiting during football season, catch a Dallas Cowboys game to see state pride at its best. However you spend your time, you'll be surrounded by top-notch restaurants and a surplus of shopping options.

Every year, more than 500,000 people visit this national park along the U.S.-Mexico border to spend some time outdoors. Big Bend National Park features hundreds of miles of paved and dirt roads for scenic drives, as well as 150-plus miles of hiking trails. While exploring the park's sections of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande, keep your eyes peeled for more than 450 bird species, including several kinds of woodpeckers, thrashers and sparrows. At night, camp (or glamp) under the moonlight to see why Big Bend is one of the best dark sky parks in the country.

For a different kind of Texas vacation, skip the state's main cities and beach towns in favor of a visit to Fredericksburg. This Texas Hill Country locale is known for its superb shops, rich German roots and tasty wines. When you're not enjoying some retail therapy on Main Street, learn about the town's connection to Germany at the Pioneer Museum. Don't forget to sample some of Fredericksburg's delectable vino before you leave; you'll have your pick of more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms in and around Fredericksburg.

Historical relics like The Alamo are no doubt San Antonio's biggest draw. However, you don't need to be a history buff to enjoy all the city has to offer. The River Walk makes for a soothing stroll along the San Antonio River, while the expansive Brackenridge Park offers a variety of attractions and amenities. Active travelers can practice their swing at the park's golf course and ball fields, nature lovers can pass the time in its stunning Japanese Tea Garden and families can get an up-close look at the on-site San Antonio Zoo's animals. Before you leave, sample a San Antonio staple – the puffy taco.

If hiking is one of your favorite pastimes, then you'll want to venture to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This national park by the southern Texas-New Mexico border houses eight of the state's 10 highest peaks, including the iconic El Capitan, and features 80-plus miles of hiking paths, such as traveler-approved routes like Devil's Hall and the Guadalupe Peak Trail. Although the scenery is stunning year-round, for extra-memorable vistas, visit in fall when the park's tree leaves turn vivid shades of red, orange and yellow.

This small town on Mustang Island (about 40 miles northeast of Corpus Christi) provides ample opportunities for fun in the sun. When you're not sunbathing, parasailing or splashing around at the beach, put your angling skills to the test in the "Fishing Capital of Texas" or sign up for a dolphin-watching cruise. You'll also want to keep an eye out for the endangered whooping crane and other birds in this bird-watching paradise. If you love festivals, time your visit to coincide with one of Port Aransas' events, which focus on everything from art to music to food.

Texas is home to some prime Gulf Coast shorelines , and South Padre Island is considered one of the best. South Padre offers 34 miles of relaxing beaches along the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. While the island has a reputation for being a prime party spot for spring breakers, the rest of the year it's favored by families thanks to its affordability and bevy of kid-friendly attractions. Head to Sea Turtle, Inc. to learn about local sea turtle rehabilitation efforts, or visit Beach Park Waterpark to cool off on a hot day.

The capital city's colorful character takes Texas to an entirely new level. Austin offers loads in the way of culture, cuisine and natural scenery. While here, enjoy unique outdoor areas like Zilker Metropolitan Park (where you'll find the natural Barton Springs Pool), various museums and plenty of delectable Tex-Mex joints. The best way to soak up Austin's contagious energy is to visit Sixth Street. This music hub is packed with bars, restaurants and live music venues that have helped Austin earn its "Live Music Capital of the World" moniker. For a souvenir, head to SoCo to pick up a pair of authentic cowboy boots.

Originally inhabited by wild horses, the aptly named Mustang Island is now known for its miles of beaches and outdoor activities. On this 18-mile-long barrier island, which sits about 30 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, visitors will find Mustang Island State Park, a popular place to go mountain biking, kayaking and swimming. The park is also home to endangered sea turtles and more than 400 bird species, making it an excellent destination to spot wildlife, and boasts 5 miles of beaches. For more outdoor recreation outside the park, travelers can visit North Packery Beach to enjoy water sports like kiteboarding, wakeboarding and surfing.

Once a lesser-known, low-key getaway, this small town just north of Mexico now attracts space enthusiasts thanks to its SpaceX launch site. Beachgoers will still find plenty of allure with Boca Chica's 8-mile-long stretch of sand, but remember to bring your own equipment since water sports rentals like surfboards and kiteboards are not available on-site. You'll also want to plan ahead, as the beach is closed near rocket launch dates. While here, save time for wildlife watching, as the area is a haven for various bird and sea turtle species, particularly in spring and fall.

Renowned as one of America's top barbecue destinations, Houston offers travelers a finger-licking good time. But did you know Houston is also a culture hub? Within the urban sprawl, visitors can check out museums galore, from NASA's impressive Johnson Space Center to the quirky Art Car Museum. Many of the city's restaurants and shops are also covered in Instagram-worthy murals. Plus, with the world-class Houston Zoo , verdant Buffalo Bayou Park and a children's museum, Houston is an ideal (and affordable) vacation spot for families. Consider purchasing a CityPASS to save even more coin.

Corpus Christi features several scenic shorelines and can't-miss attractions to keep you entertained for days. Popular stretches of sand in this Gulf Coast city include McGee Beach and North Beach, which is also home to two of Corpus Christi's most visited sights, the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington. Additional museums and entertainment venues can be found in SEA, the city's Sports, Entertainment and Arts District. Meanwhile, music fans can visit several sites dedicated to the emblematic Tejano singer Selena, including the Selena Museum and the Mirador de la Flor memorial.

Sitting in between Fort Worth and Dallas (roughly 23 miles from both), Grapevine delights all travelers, whether they're outdoorsy types, historians or wine lovers. Lake Grapevine is a popular boating and fishing spot, while its surrounding trails attract hikers and bikers. Meanwhile, history buffs can engage in 19th-century heritage events at Nash Farm or ride into the past on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. As its name suggests, Grapevine is also home to several tasting rooms along Texas' Urban Wine Trail. What's more, with some of the best water parks in Texas , an aquarium and a LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Grapevine is incredibly kid-friendly.

Located about 50 miles southeast of Houston, Galveston attracts Texans looking for a convenient place to spend some time at the beach. The island features family-friendly spots like Stewart Beach (with amenities like lifeguards, volleyball courts and a playground) and Pleasure Pier (which features an array of games and rides). Meanwhile, Schlitterbahn Waterpark offers yet another place to play. Away from the sand, visitors can explore the shop-, restaurant- and nightclub-filled Strand District, named a National Historic Landmark for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Travelers will also want to check out other historical sights, such as Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion.

Easy to reach by ferry from Port Aransas, this former ranch is now a prime beach destination. Because San José Island is privately owned, the island's only publicly accessible land is its 21-mile stretch of unspoiled sand situated below the vegetation line. But visitors will find plenty to do on the beach. The island's more than 600 kinds of fish and roughly 300 bird species make it a terrific place to go fishing and birding. Other popular pastimes here include shelling and surfing.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Padre Island National Seashore

Texas Hill Country

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13 Unique Places to Visit on a West Texas Road Trip

• Post author By Melissa
• Post date April 17, 2024
• 14 Comments on 13 Unique Places to Visit on a West Texas Road Trip

West Texas is perhaps one of the most desolate places in the United States. You can drive for hours and still not reach any sizable city. But a West Texas road trip can also be an intriguing and unique experience. 

You’ll see the terrain turn from barren deserts to lovely mountains (yes, West Texas has mountains) and then back again. You’ll drive through the tiniest of towns and wonder what people who live there actually do. And while it may sound like there isn’t much worth driving hours for, there are actually a lot of interesting places to visit in West Texas.

This travel guide includes the best things to do on a West Texas road trip and the 13 best places to visit .

Tips for planning the perfect West Texas road trip

Growing up in West Texas I took for granted the uniqueness of this region. It truly is one of the best places in Texas to visit . West Texas is not only desolate though, but also BIG. So, during your West Texas road trip, take time to appreciate the wide openness and enjoy getting away from the busyness of life.

You are truly venturing where the WIFI is weak (or non-existent) and where you will feel very off the grid .

If you’re planning a West Texas road trip, here are some tips that will make your vacation more enjoyable.

Table of Contents

Fill up your gas tank every chance you get

Because of the desolation of the region make sure you have enough gas or petrol in your car’s fuel tank. In this area of the world, I don’t like to let the meter get below a quarter of a tank. It may be a while before you come across another gas station.

While there are a lot of things to see in West Texas, gas stations aren’t one of them. They are few and far between, so if you are planning a West Texas road trip, top off the gas tank every chance you get.

Expect moments with no phone service

Also, have plenty of music or audio books downloaded because your radio won’t work out here, unless you have satellite radio. In fact, there will be numerous long stretches of road where you will have no phone service, no radio, and no other cars in sight. 

Despite the lack of phone service or even radio, a West Texas road trip is undoubtedly one of the most memorable and fun Texas road trips .

Spend a night in one of the larger West Texas cities, like El Paso or Midland

Depending on where you are coming from and how you are getting to West Texas, the closest airports are in Midland-Odessa or El Paso.

If flying into Midland-Odessa, it may be worth spending a day exploring, as there are several fun things to do in Midland , as well. Likewise, El Paso is a large city, and you’ll find plenty to do there to pass the time for a day.

Plan for the weather

West Texas is known for its extreme weather conditions, so it’s crucial to pack accordingly. Summers can be scorching hot, with temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C). Winters, on the other hand, are mild, but the nights in the desert can be surprisingly cold. 

Check the forecast and pack versatile clothing, including layers, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy footwear, and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Things to do on a West Texas road trip

West Texas, with its vast landscapes and rugged charm, offers a captivating experience for adventurers seeking a taste of the wild frontier. This region is brimming with natural beauty and hidden gems waiting to be discovered, making it worthy of your Texas bucket list .

On any West Texas road trip there are a few things everyone must do and see. Here are our top 13 things to do and places to visit in West Texas.

Go for a Hike in Big Bend National Park

No visit to West Texas is complete without exploring the remarkable Big Bend National Park. 

Big Bend National Park may be one of the lesser visited national parks in the United States. Simply because of its remote location along the West Texas-Mexico border, you won’t find a ton of tourists in the park. Big Bend is beautiful. Its breathtaking vistas rival many of the popular national parks you’ll see on a northern Arizona and southern Utah road trip .

Although it can often feel as hot as the surface of the sun in Big Bend, it is a wonderful place to hike, tune in with nature, and search for native wildlife.

One of the more popular hikes takes you through Saint Elena Canyon cliffs that tower 1,500 feet above you. 

Another popular hike, the Window Trail lets you witness the stunning Chisos Mountains through the frame of a natural window. The hike is roughly 5 ½ miles long and involves a challenging climb out of Oak Creek Canyon on the return trip. 

Looking for a shorter hike in Big Bend? Check out Closed Canyon. This 1.5-mile trail takes you through a slot canyon, similar to the narrow slot canyons famously found in Utah .

Plan to camp out at least one night if you want to do one of these stunning hikes.

Cross the Mexican Border in a Rowboat to Visit a Rural Village

While you’re in Big Bend National Park you can actually cross the Rio Grande River and venture into Mexico for lunch. 

Doing so will require a short ride on a rowboat and a mile-long journey on a donkey to get to the rural village of Boquillas del Carmen . This is one of the most unique travel experiences we’ve ever had, and the Mexican food was definitely worth the trip! 

Don’t forget to bring your passport!  Although the Boquillas Crossing isn’t your typical border crossing, it is still a legal one, and the same rules apply.

Visit a Ghost Town

Just outside of Big Bend National Park , you’ll find an abandoned mining town that went bust.

Terlingua is now a ghost town with decaying buildings, old mining shafts, and a cemetery that has a creepy, haunted feeling. There are still a few dozen residents who live in Terlingua. They basically cater to the tourists who stop through on their way to or from Big Bend. 

You’ll find some restaurants, a trading post, and even a hotel and some unique glamping yurts. Just don’t expect to find any chains like McDonald’s or Holiday Inn in Terlingua. It is a great place to stay if you want to feel completely off the beaten path, star-gaze, and tap into the serenity of solitude.

Visit an Old Military Post in Fort Davis

Fort Davis is an interesting look at military life in the Southwest back in the 1800s. This well-preserved military post serves as a reminder of the significant role the military troops played in the Anglo settlement of the western frontier. 

Originally established in 1854, Fort Davis served as a crucial outpost along the San Antonio-El Paso Road, providing protection for settlers during a time of westward expansion. The military’s primary purpose at Fort Davis was to defend the region from Indians and Mexican soldiers in the area. 

At Fort Davis, you can take a self-guided tour of the five restored buildings and explore the ruins of about 100 more. The fort’s restored buildings include barracks, officers’ quarters, and the hospital.

The fort’s museum showcases exhibits that delve into the area’s Native American history, Buffalo Soldiers, and the challenges faced by those stationed at this remote outpost.

Experience the Quirkiness of the Artistic Enclave of Marfa, Texas

Marfa, Texas has become somewhat of a hub for quirky artistry. One of the best small towns in America to visit , this tiny town has risen to fame over the past few years. 

Marfa has attracted celebrities like Beyonce and Matthew McConaughey who have come to see what this West Texas gem is all about. 

Known for its outdoor, minimalist art installations, visitors to Marfa should plan to check out the Chinati Foundation , a contemporary art museum featuring large-scale installations by the likes of Donald Judd.

Also not to be missed, outside of Marfa on Highway 90, you’ll find a massive mural of James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor. Created by artist John Cerney, the mural is a tribute to the 1956 movie “Giant” which was filmed in West Texas.

You can also have a meal and enjoy some live music and refreshing drinks in the beer garden at Planet Marfa . In Marfa, you’ll feel inspired by the creatives and artists who live and visit this eclectic town.

Watch Mystery ‘Ghost Lights’ Dance Across the Horizon

About 10 miles outside the town of Marfa, Texas you’ll find a small observatory overlooking, well, nothing. Only empty deserts surround the building as far as the eye can see. 

But at night, people will gather on the back observation deck of the building in hopes of catching a glimpse of an unexplained phenomenon – the Marfa lights . Ask anyone who grew up in West Texas about Marfa and they will tell you about the ‘Marfa lights’. 

After nightfall, strange glowing orbs appear off in the distance. The lights move around, even dance a little. The enigmatic Marfa Lights have fascinated visitors for decades. Head to the Marfa Lights Viewing Area on U.S. Highway 67 to witness these elusive phenomena.

Whether they are atmospheric reflections, car headlights, or something truly unexplained, observing the dancing lights in the desert is an otherworldly experience that will leave you in awe.

To my knowledge and in all my research, I’ve yet to find a true scientific explanation for the lights. While there are plenty of speculations, everything from UFOs to natural gas clouds, no one really knows why these ghost lights appear.

 Swim in the World’s Largest Spring-fed Swimming Pool

The small town of Balmorhea, Texas is home to the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool. 

The Balmorhea State Park is the perfect place to cool off on a hot West Texas day. The pool is home to various types of fish and has a constant flow of natural spring water feeding into it. In fact, more than 15 million gallons of water flow through the pool each day. 

The water is crystal clear and cold. Reaching depths of 25 feet, it’s also a popular place for scuba diving in West Texas. Be sure to pack your snorkel gear, and swim among the fish in this incredible and amazing place to go in West Texas!

Climb the Tallest Peak in Texas

West Texas not only has mountains, but it is also home to the highest mountain in the state. The summit of Guadalupe Peak is 8,751 feet above sea level. It’s a challenging hike mainly because of the hot, arid desert climate, but a rewarding one. 

Located in Guadalupe National Park , if you plan to hike Guadalupe Peak , make sure you bring plenty of water. You will go through water much faster than you expect because of the extreme heat and dry climate.

If visiting both Big Bend and Guadalupe National Parks, you may want to buy a national park pass , as well, which will cover admission into both national parks.

Sleep in a teepee

If a teepee, yurt, or a vintage trailer sound like your kind of lodging, then you’ll love El Cosmico in Marfa.

This one-of-a-kind desert retreat is like a whimsical glamping destination blended with a hippie commune. It offers a truly unique experience for travelers seeking a blend of nature, art, and unconventional accommodations.

While you’ll have to share a communal bathroom with other teepee dwellers, the accommodations are far from basic. With Bohemian décor, electricity, and brick floors, you won’t feel like you’re roughing it in the desert here. 

The other communal spaces foster a sense of community, with outdoor hammocks and communal kitchens that encourage conversation with other travelers and fellow adventurers staying at the property.

Terlingua also has unique teepee accommodations as well as yurts and bubble accommodations located at Basecamp Terlingua .

Take a picture in the middle of nowhere

Far West Texas is the perfect place to unleash your inner “Instagram model” and take the cliché middle of the road photo. 

After driving for miles, and miles , and miles without seeing a single other car on the road, we decided to pull over for an impromptu photo shoot. 

Nothing defines West Texas more in my opinion than a sleepy road without any traffic for as far as the eye can see framed with the expansive blue skies above. I have been gone from West Texas for half my life, but this view always makes me feel ‘home’ again.

Do a little window shopping at the Prada store outside of Marfa

While you’re still in “Instagram model” mode, head 30 minutes west of Marfa to the town of Valentine . You won’t find much there except a tiny replica of a Prada storefront .

Yes, in the middle of the far West Texas desert, you’ll find car after car pulling over on the side of the road so visitors can strike their best pose. 

The storefront is just another quirky art installation in this part of Texas, made famous by celebrities and fashion influencers set on capturing the perfect photo. 

Created by artists Elmgreen and Dragset in 2005, this permanently sealed storefront resembles a genuine Prada boutique, complete with pristine window displays showcasing luxury goods. However, upon closer inspection, visitors realize that the store is non-functional.

So, you won’t find anything to actually buy. You’ll have to get your Texas souvenirs elsewhere, but go ahead, dress up, take a picture, and #doitforthegram at this iconic West Texas landmark.

Go Sandboarding on natural West Texas sand dunes

Monahans Sandhills State Park offers a mesmerizing landscape that beacons photographers and adventure seekers alike. 

Spanning over 200 square miles, this natural desert oasis consists of rolling sand dunes that shift and reshape with the strong West Texas winds. The golden-hued dunes stretch as far as the eye can see, inviting adventure seekers to explore their sandy slopes on sleds and sand boards.

It is one of the most unique places to visit in West Texas and provides an otherworldly experience that captures the spirit of Texas wilderness at its finest.

Watch a glorious West Texas sunset

Perhaps one of my favorite things to do on a West Texas road trip is actually one of the simplest. 

At sunset, stop and appreciate the beauty of Mother Nature. Sunsets in West Texas are truly special. It’s like God turns the West Texas sky into a brilliant canvas of orange, pink, purple, and blue.

Photos never do it justice, but when the sun starts to set in West Texas, stop what you are doing and appreciate the moment.

Why you should take a West Texas road trip

Texas has so many micro-cultures. From the metropolitan vibes of Dallas and the cowboy culture of Fort Worth to the hipster atmosphere of Austin and the Latin influence in San Antonio, the state is as diverse as it is large. 

But to truly understand the entire state, you can’t skip the vast and often excluded area of West Texas. It has a unique culture in itself, one that truly has to be experienced to appreciate it.

Have a question about any of these places to visit in West Texas? We’d love to hear from you and answer any questions you might have while planning your West Texas road trip. Leave your comments below.

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14 comments on “13 Unique Places to Visit on a West Texas Road Trip”

Great article and pictures on West Texas! I have traveled to Midland to visit family and sure wish I’d read your experiences before now. NEXT TIME I’ll be heading farther West in Texas. It seems like its own country, so diverse and something wonderful no matter what your idea of Paradise happens to be.

My family is in Midland, too. I finally ventured further west only recently. Definitely put it on your travel list!

Great Suggestions & Im looking forward to going. I’ve lived in Texas my whole Life & never Been to any of those places

I lived a couple hours away from them for much of my life and never visited some of them until adulthood, so don’t feel bad. 🙂

Oh mygosh ALL of these things are my style of travel! From the nature to the unique experiences to the teepee lodging! I love this so much!

Looks like you need to plan a trip soon! 🙂

Found this very interesting. I’d love to visit Big Bend NP, and crossing the Rio Grande into Mexico is another interesting option. Great post.

Definitely check it out sometime. It is a beautiful part of the country, and the Boquillas crossing into Mexico is a must!

I love this post! I grew up in Dallas and West TX is one of my parents’ favorite places so many childhood trips there, and then as an adult I took my husband. Hopefully sometime soon we’ll take our kids. Love al your recommendations- Big Bend, Balmorrhea especially! I’d add Fort Davis too- there’s Davis Mountains State Park with a really neat 1930’s era lodge plus the actual fort and the town.

Yes, Fort Davis is great, too! Love their adorable downtown area. Great suggestion!

I drove past that Prada place this summer on our way to Fort Davis. We didn’t stop because I didn’t see it until we were whizzing past. I did a double-take in the rear view mirror though. Did that say Prada?!?! Haha! I’m definitely planning to stop if we ever go that way again. The drive from Fort Davis back towards I-10 heading east was very scenic as well.

I grew up in a small West Texas town, Kermit. I now live in Southeast Texas and I miss my old stomping grounds. My husband and I raised 2 boys in Midland and we make it back there to see family. Home will always be West Texas. The beautiful sunsets, see for miles and the wonderful places mentioned. Once a West Texas Girl always a West Texas Girl.

I come from West Texas, the Ft. Stockton area. My Great-grandmother, Annie Riggs owned the Riggs Hotel which is now the Annie Riggs Musuem. I lived in that area until I was 6 years old and revisited my Grandfather Barney Riggs Jr. and Grandmother Rosemary Riggs in the 50’s when they lived in the Hotel to keep it safe. When one visits the area, they step back in time and realize how rough the area was then and how tough West Texans had to be. It has a beauty all it’s own and anyone that visits should read your information so they can truly appreciate the beauty of the land.

In March of 1989 we took at trip to Fort Stockton, then Alpine, Fort Davis, and then camped in Big Bend National Park. It was AWESOME! All the places you mentioned are cool. Alpine needs to be added to the list. Hope to go back again.

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21 Terrific Day Trips in Texas

Long vacations and shorter weekend trips are an amazing way to unwind and refresh your life before getting back into the demand of everyday life–but don’t forget to consider delightful day trips in Texas as well.

Although Texas day trips don’t leave you as long to explore, they can serve to give you intermittent breaks from busy work life and recharge your system. 

Given the enormous breadth of Texas, there is no shortage of places to visit for a short adventure. 

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

How We Organized These Day Trips in Texas

Of course, the distance that one must travel from one side of the state of Texas to the other doesn’t give us the option of simply listing the great day trips Texas has to offer. 

With that in mind, we’ve broken down our outings by the region of the state you’ll start from.

We have divided the areas into West Texas , South Texas , Central Texas , North Texas and given special recognition to the Panhandle region. 

So, take a seat and follow along as we make our way through the best day trips in Texas. 

The Best North Texas Day Trips

Six flags over texas – arlington.

Two hundred acres of fun rides and entertainment are what Six Flags over Texas offer to those who venture into the park. 

Servicing the North Texas area for 60 years, Six Flags Over Texas is a must-visit for a full day of exciting roller coasters, themed shows, and sunshine. 

First Monday Trade Days, Canton

Held on the first Monday of each month and having the title as the largest flea market in the world, the legendary Texas swap meet is one of the most popular venues to visit while in North Texas. 

While it is perfect for a day trip, the market is large enough to take up several days to see all it has to offer. 

Take plenty of spending money and room in your car to carry home all of those must-have items you can’t live without. 

Lake Texoma

This lake is so large that they had to name it after two different states!

Lake Texoma is a popular destination in North Texas or Southern Oklahoma, depending on how you look at it. 

This lake not only makes for a great outdoor adventure but is the center of entertainment in the area as well. 

The shores around Lake Texoma also boast resorts, casinos, fishing charters, and golf, just to name a few items to check off your fun list. 

Fort Worth Stockyards

A Texas day trip into Fort Worth for shopping and fun is not complete without stopping by the Fort Worth Stockyards. 

Take a trip back in time into the old west when cattle were king, and the stockyards thrived on sale. 

Even today, you can witness a cattle drive twice a day at the stockyards and enjoy a gunfight reenacted, just like you might have seen decades ago. 

Food, fun, and entertainment are the order of the day at the Fort Worth Stockyards, so be sure to take a classic day trip in Texas to this historical and action-packed venue. 

Delightful Day Trips in East Texas

Caddo lake .

A visit to Caddo Lake is a trek into our past.

The waters of the area, created by the great raft of tree debris hundreds of years ago, led to building a habitat for wildlife and humans that has persisted for centuries. 

Today, Caddo Lake is perfect for a day visit to take a hike, go for a swim, or hike the wooded trails of the areas. 

A visit to Caddo Lake State Park is always a good idea, where you can rent a kayak or a canoe and enjoy paddling under the great cypress trees that line the waters of this great lake. 

Texas State Railroad, Palestine

Do you love historic trains? Ever wanted to ride on one?

If so, you can have your chance at the Texas State Railroad in Palestine, Texas. 

Here, in the Piney Woods of East Texas, the old steam locomotives still run, and you can be a part of it. 

Book an open car, a dome car, or even a caboose for a 2 ½ hour journey through the pines of East Texas. 

This day trip is absolutely perfect as an outing for the whole family. 

Caddo Mounds State Historic Site

Deep in the East Texas forest, we find the Caddo Mounds State Historic Site.

Located between Crockett and Nacogdoches, Texas, the Caddo Mounds is a place to visit the past. 

Set amongst the pines and near the Neches River, the ritual dirt mounds of the site’s namesake were long abandoned when the Caddo people were forced to move east into Louisiana territory. 

Amongst the ancient mounds now stands a museum on the history of the Caddo people in the area and their way of life. 

Wonderful West Texas Day Trips

Trans-pecos festival of music.

This annual music fest takes place in one of West Texas’ favorite and eclectic towns. 

Each year the town of Marfa celebrates the Trans-Pecos Festival of Music.

Although this can go on for more than one day, it also makes for an awesome day trip of live music. 

Book a place to stay early, though, because finding a bed in Marfa during the festival can be difficult. 

Balmorhea State Park

Part ancient water source and part modern-day swimming pool, Balmorhea State Park is a natural wonder of West Texas. 

To cool off from the summer desert heat, take a drive to this spring-fed marvel and take a dip with fish and other wildlife in this crystal clear, cool water. 

The park’s green grass around the water hole has plenty of room for a shady picnic when swimming turns to hunger.

Don’t miss out on this big sky country gem when looking for day trips in Texas. 

Monahans State Park

If you like the outdoors and don’t mind a bit of sand in your shoes, then Monahans State Park makes for an exciting day trip in Texas. 

Monahans is the Texas version of what we think the Sahara looks like with its rolling sand dunes. 

Spend the day surfing down the dunes and enjoy a picnic lunch for a break at this unique West Texas state park .

Sonora Caverns 

A few miles off of Interstate 10, we find the Sonora Caverns, widely considered one of the most beautiful caves in Texas .

Privately owned, these underground trails have developed over millions of years. 

Take a tour through the caverns and see the incredible geology that forms around us through the interaction of rock and water.

Be prepared for total darkness like you’ve never seen before when your guide turns out the lights in a demonstration of total blackness. 

After your venture under the earth, take time to browse the large gift shop that certainly has a souvenir for you to take home. 

Stunning Day Trips in South Texas

Corpus christi.

What could be better than to visit the statue of the queen of Tejano music? All the fun that surrounds it of course!

Everyday trip to Corpus Christi should add a visit to the statue of Selena (Mirador de la Flor). 

That’s only to start the fun. After your statue pilgrimage, enjoy a full day of shopping, eating, and relaxing on one of the many beaches in Corpus Christi . 

As the sun goes down, the nightlife begins. Try your dancing skills with the Texas two-step or enjoy some drinks overlooking the water.

Whatever your choice, you’ll find plenty to do on your TX day trip to Corpus Christi. 

South Padre Island

Keeping with the ocean vibe, our next day trip is an adventure to South Padre Island .

Although there are several seaside places to visit in the state, South Padre is our version of clear water paradise.

Spend the day at the beach, eating some great seafood, and for a memorable close to the evening, go horseback riding on the beach at sunset.

Cool Texas Day Trips in the Panhandle

Palo duro canyon state park.

The Texas version of the Grand Canyon happens to be located in the panhandle of the state, just outside of Amarillo and not far from Route 66 . 

With over 120 miles of area and wilderness, Palo Duro Canyon is one of the absolute best day trips in Texas for those visiting the Panhandle.

Take in one of the many trails for hiking the canyon (especially the hike to the Lighthouse !), or bring your mountain bike for a spin. 

Caprock Canyons State Park

When you feel the need to hang out with the state’s wild animals, take a day trip to Caprock Canyons State Park. 

One of the park’s main attractions is the bats and bison that make the area their home. 

Texas has the world’s largest bat population, and this state park offers the time to spend with them.

The bison, of course, is a throwback to yesteryear when millions of them roamed the plains of Texas and the U.S. 

Classic Central Texas Day Trips

Hamilton pool preserve.

One of the most beautiful places to visit in the Hill Country, not to mention one of the most popular day trips in Texas, is the famous Hamilton Pool located in Dripping Springs .

If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a clear water grotto fed by a waterfall from above. 

This special place is hidden and only accessible by a short but rocky hike down and into the grotto where its year-round cold waters welcome visitors for a swim. 

Be sure to plan ahead and make a reservation before visiting, as the available spots book up weeks in advance.

Fredericksburg

Not too far outside the city of Austin, you’ll find the delightful town of Fredericksburg, Texas.

Fredericksburg is known for its German heritage (and food), its beautiful Hill Country setting, its proximity to Enchanted Rock , and its many, many wineries . 

The perfect day trip to Fredericksburg is bound to involve a little bit of everything–be sure to stroll Main Street, pay a visit to a winery, enjoy some German food, and check out the surrounding area.

During bluebonnet season, Willow Loop Road is a must-visit, and for those who want to seek out a Texas legend, nearby Luckenbach is well worth a visit!

Inks Lake State Park

Texas has some of the best state parks in the country, and boy, do we have a ton of them. There are not many areas of the state that don’t offer a park nearby. 

For a nice day trip for the family, take a drive to Inks Lake in the Highland Lakes area of the Hill Country.

This lake has clear water and plenty of space for spreading out a picnic. 

Try your luck at fishing off one of the lake’s piers, or rent a paddleboat and kayak for a self-guided tour (be sure to seek if you can spot one of the lake’s waterfalls from the water!).

If getting on the water is not your thing, there are plenty of trails to explore around the lake and even a bird blind set up for the bird watchers in your family. 

Jacob’s Well

Speaking of cool and clear waters, Jacob’s Well is one of the most popular–and mysterious– swimming holes in Texas .

Located near Wimberley, Texas, the well has been welcoming swimmers to its natural beauty for decades. 

Jacob’s Well is an artesian spring that is located in the second-largest submerged cave in Texas.

At 140 feet deep, it’s quite mesmerizing, and plunging into its icy waters is incredibly refreshing on a hot day.

Like several of the most popular day trips in Texas, you’ll need to plan ahead to visit Jacob’s Well: reservations to swim in it during the summer sell out weeks in advance.

If you only want to take a short stroll to admire it from above, though, no reservation is needed.

River Tubing in New Braunfels

Yes, we saved the ultimate in Texas day trip for last.

Although you can make a full weekend out of this summer tradition, for most, a single day is enough to wear even the most adventurous person out. 

The Guadalupe River in New Braunfels is home to one of the most fun activities we have in Texas, river-tubing. 

River tubing in Texas is quite simple. Rent a tube for you and one for your ice chest full of your favorite beverages and float down the river until the sun bakes you to a crisp (did I mention you need sunscreen)? 

And don’t worry about being alone during your float; each day, hundreds of others will be doing the same and enjoying this wonderful river.

If the river itself is not to your liking, visit the Schlitterbahn, a New Braunfels water playground with slides and other fun water adventures. 

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Dallas to Arizona Road Trip Itinerary

See the best of West Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona as you hit the open road on this Dallas to Arizona road trip itinerary!

Straight through from Dallas to Flagstaff in the middle of Arizona is 14 hours driving time on I-40.

But that’s no fun.

I love a good road trip, and if I have a long trip to complete, you know I’m going to be researching different places to stop along the way.

Below, you’ll find just that for each step of your journey from the heart of Texas into the Grand Canyon State.

I’ve also shared ways to extend your trip into various areas of Arizona.

In short, prepare for an epic road trip into the Southwest filled with national parks visits, roadside attractions, and vintage Americana!

Dallas to Arizona Road Trip Itinerary: Stop-by-Stop

NOTE: If you’re looking for a place to camp while you’re in the Dallas area, I highly recommend the Vineyards campground in Grapevine, Texas .

Not only is this one of the prettiest campgrounds we’ve stayed at, but it also has huge lots, water sports rentals, a private beach, and daily activities. It’s like summer camp without the counselors!

Stop 1: Abilene, Texas

Begin your road trip by heading out of Dallas towards New Mexico.

Pick up I-20 on the western side of Fort Worth and follow it 150 miles to our first stop in Abilene.

NOTE: About 75 miles west of Fort Worth, you can stop at Palo Pinto State Park , Texas’ newest state park. While it isn’t fully completed yet, the state park will eventually have hiking, camping, fishing, and non-motorized boating. If you’re planning to visit this area in 2025 and beyond, check to see which of the park’s planned recreational activities has been completed.

Next, we need to stop in Abilene, Texas , where you’ll find plenty of Texas history and arts-themed activities.

The Grace Museum is excellent for the entire family with kid-friendly exhibits, history areas, photography gallery, and more across 5 different sections.

For even more American history, step into yesteryear at Frontier Texas!, an interactive history museum tracing the steps of both the Native Americans and the pioneers during Westward Expansion.

Your childhood literary favorites are larger than life along the storybook trail through downtown Abilene, where you can find sculptures of Horton (from Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who ), Charlotte and Wilbur (from E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web ), and so many more. See the entire route on the storybook sculpture map here .

Abilene Zoo boasts more than 250 species across 8 areas of the park. In addition to viewing the animals, kids can go gem mining, ride a train, go fishing in Tittle Lake, and go on behind the scenes tours.

Stop 2: Carlsbad, New Mexico

Today, we’re visiting the oil fields of West Texas on our way to Carlsbad, New Mexico.

Keep on I-20 until you get to Big Spring, and then take Texas Highway 176 from Big Spring to New Mexico Highway 62. Highway 62 will take you directly into Carlsbad.

Once you leave Big Spring and Interstate I-20, the area becomes very remote very quickly, and you will likely go miles without seeing anything but oil rigs bobbing up and down.

As someone who’s from a place without any oil production, I found this area fascinating, but I also freely admit that it is rough and tumble, and not the place that I’d like to have car trouble.

Fill up and eat before you leave the interstate because the gas stations and food options between Big Spring and Carlsbad are sparse at best.

Once you get to Carlsbad, you’ve got plenty to do, see, and eat as it’s easily the largest city in the southeastern corner of New Mexico.

Here, you can pick up supplies from Walmart, dine out at one of the area’s many restaurants, and explore 2 different national parks.

Start with 2 days at Carlsbad Caverns , one of the most incredible cave systems we’ve visited so far.

Don’t forget to book the ranger-led King’s Palace Tour for extra time exploring a less-traveled section of the caverns. There is a small fee associated with the tour, but it’s worth it!

Just 30 minutes south of Carlsbad Caverns is the less-visited but still amazing Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Located on the border of New Mexico and Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park boasts 8 of the 10 highest peaks in Texas.

The park’s development has been an emphasis on hiking in the park, as many of the most spectacular overlooks are accessible only on foot. (This is in direct opposition to other national parks, like Shenandoah National Park , which are organized around a roadway.)

You’ll want to bring a good pair of hiking boots, a day pack, and plenty of water to see the Salt Basin sand dunes, Frijole Ranch, McKittrick Canyon, and more.

If you’re not sure what you need for this adventure, check out my gear guides:

Best Hiking Clothes for Women

Best Hiking Gear for Kids + Printable Checklist

Best Toddler Hiking Shoes

Suggested place to camp near Carlsbad, New Mexico : Lake Brantley State Park, which I think is one of New Mexico’s best campgrounds . This inexpensive campground has areas for RV and primitive camping. While it feels remote, the campground is just minutes from Carlsbad on Highway 285.

FREE U.S. National Parks Checklist

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Stop 3: Roswell, New Mexico

Yes, it is weird, and that’s just the way that Roswell likes it.

This little town’s claim to fame occurred back in 1947 when a rancher about 80 miles away claimed to have found pieces of a flying saucer . The military quickly got involved, but the plot just thickens from there.

Was it a weather balloon prototype? Some sort of secret military craft? Or something truly alien?

Whatever was going on all those decades ago still has the world enraptured as Roswell sees visitors from all corners of the globe (including the Camping Kiddos since I can’t resist a weird locale!).

From the UFO-shaped streetlights to the massive alien-themed murals, you quickly get the idea that this town loves the hype.

If you’d like to dive into the strangeness that started all of it, head into the International UFO Museum and Research Center . Here, you’ll get detailed accounts of what happened back in 1947 and beyond, including video and audio interview clips, newspaper articles, and other ephemera.

Even if you’re not a believer, the kitschy alien displays (with moving UFO!) and the extensive library are worth a stop.

Stop 4: Alamogordo, New Mexico

Add in your second national park of this trip when you visit Alamogordo.

Here, you can explore the incredible White Sands National Park, which only became a national park in 2020 after decades of being a national monument.

See how you can effectively spend one day in White Sands with hikes, the Junior Ranger program, ranger-led events, and more.

You’ll absolutely want to spend part of your day sand sledding, so check out my complete guide to White Sands sledding tips !

Extend your trip with even more incredible places to visit near White Sands and Alamogordo , ranging from space history museums to mountain hikes.

You really need at least 2 or 3 days here to fully explore everything. Don’t forget to try the pistachio ice cream at Pistachioland, a working pistachio farm just north of Alamogordo.

Suggested place to camp near Alamogordo : We stayed at the Alamogordo/ White Sands KOA in Alamogordo, and it was wonderful. The owners are incredibly nice, offering up free coffee and hot chocolate in the mornings, a huge game room, and a movie library.

Stop 5: Santa Fe, New Mexico

Take Highway 54 out of Alamogordo and then follow it out of Tularosa.

You’ll pick up New Mexico 3, which is a very rural road, at Duran. Follow New Mexico 3 to Encino, then hop onto 285 North towards Santa Fe. While 285 is a bigger road than New Mexico 3, there are still very, very few gas stations and food options along the way.

Stop at Clines Corners, which is has been serving customers since historic Route 66 came through here. (Nearby I-40 is now overlaid on Route 66 in this part of the state.)

Cline Corners is huge with multiple gas pumps, RV parking, a convenience store, and a gift shop.

You’re less than an hour to Santa Fe from here, so keep on Highway 285 and you’ll run straight into Santa Fe.

Stop 6: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Did you know that Santa Fe was established in 1607, the same year that the English colony of Jamestown was settled?

Unlike Jamestown, Santa Fe has thrived since its first days, and it is now a hub of art and culture in the Southwest.

You cannot visit Santa Fe without spending some time exploring the historic downtown area. You’re walking in the footsteps of Native American traders, Spanish monks, and early European explorers who traveled the Old Santa Fe Trail.

Visit the Museum of New Mexico History to get a grasp on the major events that have happened in the state. As part of this experience, you’ll be able to walk into the original Governor’s Palace, which is the oldest public building in the United States.

The Plaza outside of the Palace is a great place to eat lunch while listening to one of the live musicians that are often set up here.

After lunch, explore some of the other historic spots within walking distance, including the Loretto Chapel and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi.

Elsewhere in Santa Fe, you can’t miss Meow Wolf: House of Eternal Return , which is a mind-bending interactive art project.

Suggested place to camp in Santa Fe : We enjoyed our time at the Santa Fe KOA, which had on-site gem mining, a game room with arcade games, and a playground. The sites were small but level and shaded. There were lots of kids around, which my children appreciated.

Stop 7: Grants, New Mexico

As you set out from Albuquerque, the landscape outside of your car will be filled with rolling red deserts, sagebrush, and craggy cliffs.

However, as you approach Grants, New Mexico, that landscape begins to resemble the surface of the moon.

Huge chunks of a matte black substance push their way past the grass on either side of the road, and you might be left wondering if an asphalt truck blew up on this section of the highway.

But the answer is one that’s far more exciting than a malfunctioning piece of road machinery.

You’re seeing the results of volcanic activity that reshaped this part of western New Mexico between 700,000 and just 3,900 years ago.

You can explore more of this incredible natural wonder at the 2 main sites near Grants, New Mexico.

El Malpais National Monument

This NPS sites allows you to hike through and learn about the lava flows.

You’ll see how the unique geological formations here provided shelter to generations of Native Americans, particularly the Zuni and Acoma tribes, as well as Spanish explorers, the Navajo nation, and pioneers.

There are a variety of surface trails that allow you to access the different lava flow areas. More adventurous visitors can take a self-guided tour into one of the many lava tubes, but you’ll want to bring the appropriate safety gear.

The national monument is open year round, although some of the caves are off limits to the public during the winter to protect resident bats.

Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano

A privately owned site, the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano is another great way to explore this fascinating landscape.

It’s not as large as the nearby NPS site, but it’s still worth a visit.

Included in the admission cost is a museum filled with Native American artifacts and 2 self-guided hikes. The Ice Cave stays chilly year round with naturally occurring sheets of ice on the walls.

It does close in the winter from November 1-March 1.

Stop 8: Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

The next major stop on I-40 West is going to be the exit for the Painted Desert Visitors Center at Petrified Forest National Park.

At the visitors center, you can grab a map of the park, pick up a souvenir, watch the park’s history movie, or have a picnic.

There’s also a gas station here. It’s really expensive, but convenient. There’s no other gas at this exit or anywhere in the park for another 25-30 miles.

Once you’re in the park, you’ll be able to see the southern end of the Painted Desert, which has red, orange, grey, blue, purple, and yellow layers in the worn away rock.

For a larger national park, it’s surprisingly easy to tour Petrified Forest National Park in one day . By sticking to the main park road and touring north to south, you’ll be able to see the park’s highlights in a relatively short period of time.

The best way to see the park is to complete a couple of the easy hikes in Petrified Forest , which will allow you to get into the heart of the petrified wood fields, the Painted Desert, Blue Mesa, and more.

On the end of the park closest to Holbrook, you’ll be able to see fields of petrified trees from the forest that once stood here more than 250 million years ago.

Suggested place to camp near Petrified Forest : Holbrook/ Petrified Forest KOA, which I think is the best camping near Petrified Forest National Park . You can’t RV camp inside the park, so the closest place to leave your rig is at this KOA. We loved the daily breakfast and dinner options, heated pool, and large playground.

Stop 8: Route 66 Towns

There are 2 towns on the original Route 66 that are worth stopping at during your road trip from Dallas to Arizona.

First, Holbrook, Arizona, is home to several fun spots, including the inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel in Cars . We stayed in one of the sister locations of the Wigwam Villages while in Cave City, Kentucky !

Holbrook also has a couple of shops that sell petrified wood and other minerals. It’s illegal to take wood from the national park, so this is a good alternative if you’d like a souvenir.

Winslow, Arizona, is about 30 minutes west, and it’s bigger than Holbrook with even more reasons to stop.

For fans of ‘70s rock, you won’t want to miss Standin’ on a Corner Park in the heart of downtown Winslow, Arizona.

This little town was immortalized in the second verse of The Eagles’ 1972 hit, “Take It Easy.” Winslow is noted in the song and was inspired by a road trip that the members took as they were trying to finish their debut album.

>> Check out more things to do in Winslow, Arizona on Route 66 here! <<

Another interesting stop near Winslow is Homolovi Ruins State Park, where you can hike to a Mormon pioneer cemetery and see 2 Native American living areas dating from 1000-1300 CE.

Bring a picnic to eat under one of the covered shelters. Several have incredible views of the desert. You might even see some of the native donkeys that roam the park.

Stop 9: Meteor Crater

If you’ve ever wanted to feel small, Meteor Crater is an excellent place to do so.

Created by a meteor about 50,000 years ago, this massive site is so much more than just a big hole in the ground.

Of course, the crater itself is a highlight—and you must make time for the 45-minute tour of the crater rim (included in the cost of admission).

You can also see and touch a piece of the meteor, walk through multiple interactive museum areas, experience a 4D ride about space and the crater, and shop for space-themed souvenirs.

Kids should complete the scavenger hunt booklets to receive a free science ranger patch.

Meteor Crater was one of my kids’ favorite things to do—and they still talk about visiting here regularly. It’s SO much more than just a hole in the ground!

Final Stop: Flagstaff (and Beyond)

While I’m ending the road trip itinerary here in Flagstaff, this doesn’t really mean goodbye.

Flagstaff is the central Arizona, so you’re set up for ending your road trip here, or continuing to explore the Grand Canyon State.

There are several other incredible places to visit in Arizona depending on where you’d like to your end destination to be!

You could head south to Sedona, Phoenix, and Saguaro National Park.

Or, you could continue on west to Kingman, additional Route 66 towns, and, ultimately Las Vegas.

To add a third national park to your trip, you can head north from Flagstaff to visit the Grand Canyon. Check out our guides to make sure your visit is great:

Guide to the Grand Canyon with Kids

1 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary

7 Day Grand Canyon Itinerary

Visiting Monument Valley with kids is a guaranteed amazing family vacation!

Located on the border of Arizona and Utah, this stretch of land is one of the most beautiful parts of Arizona that we’ve visited.

Here, you can explore the Navajo Nation’s incredible site, where you’ll learn about unique geological features, see where dozens of Westerns were filmed, and drive the scenic loop around the valley.

4 Great EV Road Trips in the U.S. Chosen By Electric Car Experts

We asked some prominent ev enthusiasts for their favorite electric road trips across the u.s. from the shores of connecticut to california’s historic route 66, these excursions are expert approved..

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The Red Cliff Bridge on Colorado’s US-24 highway is best seen from an emissions-free EV.

Courtesy of Colorado Tourism Office

The great American road trip is evolving thanks to the rise of electric vehicles. Each year, more charging stations pop up—there were 20 percent more electric vehicle stations in the United States in 2023 than in 2022, and that number is projected to rise in 2024.

Beyond the clear benefits of gas savings and a lower footprint, EV road trips force you to stop and recharge (both your car and yourself) and see the full range of a destination, from its local grocery store parking lots to its iconic landmarks of yesterday and today.

“EVs offer limitless opportunity to go almost anywhere without leaving a carbon footprint,” says Bruce Redman Becker, architect and owner of Hotel Marcel, a 100 percent solar-powered and fully electric hotel in New Haven, Connecticut (with abundant EV charging, naturally). We asked several EV enthusiasts for their electric road trip recommendations across the nation.

The solar-powered Hotel Marcel is an eco-friendly charging point from which to begin your EV adventure.

Courtesy of Hotel Marcel

Connecticut’s Coastline

Suggested by: Bruce Redman Becker, owner/architect of Hotel Marcel, the first all-electric hotel in the U.S .

Bruce Redman Becker’s love for all things electric goes beyond his zero-emissions Hotel Marcel; he’s also the chairman of the Electric Vehicle Owners Club in Connecticut and has been driving an EV since 2011. A graduate of the Yale School of Architecture, Becker says his favorite EV drives are along New England’s coast, including the Connecticut shoreline drive.

Departing fully charged from Hotel Marcel, take the scenic coastal drive from New Haven to the village of Mystic, stopping at the coastal town of Old Saybrook along the way. Stretch your legs while you recharge at Connecticut’s largest shoreline park, Hammonasset Beach State Park , which has charging stations on-site. Enjoy oysters on New Haven’s waterfront at Shell & Bones, and in the heart of Mystic, see what all the fanfare is about at Shipwright’s Daughter , with a menu from a 2024 James Beard Chef award finalist.

Hammonasset State Park boasts two miles of sandy beach—and some EV charging stations.

Courtesy of Connecticut Office of Tourism

Other drives nearby

EV drivers can feel “range confident” in Connecticut with more than 360 public EV charging stations and at least 23 Tesla supercharging stations across the state. Becker also recommends taking your EV to the Appalachian Trail in the state’s northwest corner. “Hikers can go to fairly remote places with EVs,” he says. Connecticut is home to some 49 miles of the iconic trail.

Where to stay

Hotel Marcel New Haven, Tapestry Collection by Hilton , has 24 charging stations. Fill up at the sustainably minded BLDG restaurant while you wait. Saybrook Point Resort & Marina in Saybrook, one of Connecticut’s oldest towns (located where the Connecticut River meets Long Island), has four Tesla charging stations, and the Whaler’s Inn in Mystic has two Tesla charging stations.

Detroit to Michigan’s Lakes

Suggested by: Nick Fitzpatrick, cofounder & head of design at Grounded, an EV RV startup

You don’t need to own an RV to get a taste of vanlife. Instead you can use RVshare, the Airbnb of RV rentals, which has over 100,000 vehicles available for rent across the U.S. In partnership with Grounded, it now offers EV RVs to rent out of Detroit.

Nick Fitzpatrick, cofounder and head of design at Grounded, says his top road trip was their inaugural drive in their company’s newly built Grounded G2, driving a loop of Michigan all the way into the Upper Peninsula. “My favorite part of the journey was just after we had crossed the Mackinac Bridge,” says Fitzpatrick. “We cruised along a road that followed along the edge of Lake Michigan, and there was a gorgeous warm glow from the sunset spilling through the windscreen into the cabin.”

After their first charge at Meijer, a family-owned one-stop shop in Gaylord, in the middle of the night, they had their first match of “parking lot disc golf” there to pass the time. “A lot of our charging was done at Meijer [grocery] stores, and they should be commended for their commitment to installing EV chargers at their locations around Michigan and beyond,” says Fitzpatrick. They also charged at Northern Michigan University, which provided them with a key boost of charge overnight in Marquette , a port city on the southern shores of Lake Superior.

Only about 225 miles from Detroit, Indiana Dunes National Park offers a network of hiking and biking trails along Lake Michigan. For a longer road trip—more than 500 miles from Detroit—you’ll find Isle Royale National Park on an island in Lake Superior, the largest of the Great Lakes.

Fitzpatrick parked the Grounded RV at Hipcamp locations through the trips.

California’s Route 66 from Pasadena to Santa Monica

Suggested by: Ariel Fan, CEO of GreenWealth Energy, an EV charging company

Santa Monica aims to be the most EV-friendly city in the country. It boasts more than 332 public charging stations, including 21 free stations, and has over 4,400 registered electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Ariel Fan, CEO of GreenWealth Energy, an EV charging company based in Pasadena, says one of her favorite EV drives is from her home in Pasadena (an artsy and walkable alternative to L.A. itself) to Santa Monica.

The Taiwanese American EV entrepreneur recommends charging in the supercharger hub Arroyo Electric Vehicle Charging Depot in Pasadena, which has 26 powerful public chargers. While you charge, check out ArtCenter College of Design ’s galleries across the street. The college has a world-renowned Transportation Design program—where the future of EVs could be envisioned.

“Santa Monica is less than a 45-minute drive away,” Fan says. And from there, you can take a scenic drive up the coast on the Pacific Coast Highway to visit destinations like the Getty Villa or the sea caves at El Matador State Beach. “The Getty has also made an effort to cater to EV drivers by providing free EV chargers for visitors, ensuring that I never have to worry about running out of battery while exploring the coast,” says Fan.

To see more of Route 66 through California, head to the city of Needles , which is 275 miles away. Stop at Barstow, a San Bernardino County town, which is home to the Route 66 Mother Road Museum , housed in a 1911 hotel and the Calico Ghost Town , and Mojave National Preserve .

Fan recommends staying at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel , which offers EV charging for valet parked vehicles. Santa Monica has plenty of EVgo and ChargePoint chargers available in its parking lots, making it convenient to top off your vehicle’s charge while exploring the area.

Glenwood Springs has over 200 EV charging stations.

Photo by Jacob Boomsma/Shutterstock

The Colorado Rockies through Glenwood Canyon

Suggested by: EV Explored, Patrick Anderson and Liv Leigh

Liv Leigh and Patrick Anderson document their multiple road trips of 1,000+ miles in their Ford Mustang Mach-E on their blog, EV Explored. They had no experience with driving electric cars before they got their first EV in 2021 but quickly learned by taking a road trip around Colorado and to San Diego.

One of their favorite routes is driving through the Colorado Rockies along I70, which Anderson says is easy because of the number of charging stations. “One of my favorite stretches of Interstate in the entire U.S. is through Glenwood Canyon in western Colorado,” he says. “It’s really scenic and also a marvel of highway engineering.”

Leigh has mobility issues, which can make driving an EV extra challenging. Many of the charging stations they come across are not designed for anyone in a wheelchair. “With gas stations, there is often a button you can push to request assistance and they have very accessible restrooms,” says Anderson. “We’ve talked about this a few times in our videos and we hope that eventually charging companies take notice and make sure stations are inclusive for everyone.”

While Aspen has long attracted travelers, Glenwood Springs is quickly becoming a destination for EV drivers to recharge with its hot springs and increasing number of charging stations.

Two of Colorado’s most sustainably focused towns—Glenwood Springs and Aspen—are powered by 100 percent renewable energy. And the state is in the process of electrifying all 26 of its scenic and historic byways. Top of the Rockies Scenic Byway is a fully electric 82-mile byway lined with chargers and features sky-high views of Mount Elbert and Mount Massive. From Aspen, travel across the Continental Divide and along the Arkansas River.

Aspen Meadows Resort has two electric vehicle charging stations. In Glenwood Springs, Glenwood Hot Springs Resort and Glenwood Springs Inn both have charging stations.