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The Perfect Texas Gulf Coast Road Trip Itinerary: See the Coast of Texas in 10 Days!

Last Updated on: 28th January 2022, 03:24 am

I grew up spending family vacations on Texas’s Gulf Coast, and there really is nothing better than a Texas Gulf Coast road trip! Here’s my recommendations for the perfect Gulf Coast itinerary that goes from Corpus Christi to Galveston.

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When you think of Texas you probably conjure up images of Stetson-toting cowboys, dry desert landscapes, and epic BBQs. The popular image of the Lone Star State doesn’t often include much in the way of water.

But Texas has an absolutely awesome coastline, 367 miles stretching all the way from the bayous of Louisiana to Matamoros in Mexico. Without a shadow of a doubt, the best way to explore this beautiful corner of Texas is by hitting the road on a Texas beach road trip!

Where to Start Your Texas Beach Road Trip?

Exploring the Gulf Coast in Texas offers magnificent beaches, stunning landscapes, and adventure at every turn. You really can’t go wrong no matter which city you choose to start from.

Coming down from Oklahoma, you might want to start in the north. In that case, you can follow this itinerary backward. I started in the south because I usually drive down to Corpus to stay with family before heading to the beach.

  If you are planning a cruise  from New Orleans, or just looking for somewhere new to explore, a Texas Coast road trip is a brilliant way to start out. You can keep going around the gulf til you hit NOLA. Of course, going from Corpus Christi to New Orleans will tack on a few extra days?

Check out this itinerary for some inspiration, and  start planning your next adventure today and check out this great Texas road trip playlist.

Texas Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Here’s my idea of a fabulous Texas beach road trip.

Day One and Two: Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi is a pretty city, well worth exploring before you set off. Sitting on the edge of a wide bay, its beaches are nicely sheltered, and the Texas State Aquarium is also worth a look.

While here, visit the USS Lexington, an Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War II for the United States Navy which is now a fabulous naval museum right on the water.

5 More Things to Do in Corpus Christi

Besides the aquarium and the Lexington, don’t miss:

• Selena Museum
• South Texas Botanical Gardens
• North Beach
• The Art Museum of South Texas
• Hurricane Alley Water Park

Where to Stay in Corpus Christi

Here are recommendations for each budget category and an Airbnb option. These options are near North Beach which is conveniently located near most of the best things to do in Corpus.

Budget: Motel 6 Corpus Christi

Mid-Range: Hotel DeVille

Luxury: Omni Corpus Christi Hotel

Airbnb: Surfer’s Dream Private Beachfront Condo

Day Three and Four: Port Aransas (Mustang Island)

From Corpus Christi, head south to Mustang and Padre Islands, where you can see huge flocks of migratory birds, and if you are lucky, endangered kemp’s ridley sea turtles!

I like to keep my time in Port Aransas loose, bouncing between the islands based on weather and what I want to do that day. My primary goal out here is to just relax, but if you’re more into fishing than sunbathing, check out my cousin Stanley Orchard’s YouTube channel about fishing in the area.

Where to Stay in Port Aransas

Budget: Alister Square Inn

Mid-Range: The Place at Port Aransas

Luxury: Plantation Suites

Airbnb: Beautiful Beachfront Condo

Day Five: Surfside Beach

After exploring Mustang State Park and the gorgeous beaches of South Padre, head north through Port Aransas, Fulton, and Rockport to Surfside, keeping an eye out for Aransas National Wildlife Reserve on your way.

In Surfside Beach, you can bask in nature at the nearby Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge or soak up the beach atmosphere in town.

Where to Stay in Surfside

Budget: Anchor Motel

Mid-Range: Beach House with Sunset Views

Luxury: Ocean Village Hotel

Airbnb: 3BR with Ocean and Bay Views

Day Six through Eight: Galveston

After a night in Surfside, head back up the coast and meander your way along the gorgeous Matagorda Bay coast. Find your way down to Matagorda itself, and spend a while exploring the splendid isolation of Matagorda Island and Matagorda Bay Nature Park.

Moving on, you’ll have to head inland until you reach Angleton when you can dive back down to the Gulf and drive along Galveston Island until you reach Galveston itself.

Check out the Historic Pleasure Pier on the south shore, and the bizarre glass pyramids of Moody Gardens, home to all manner of exotic creatures including sharks, monkeys, and animatronic dinosaurs!

This itinerary sets aside time to really enjoy this coastal gem, so slather on that sunscreen and hit the beach!

5 More Things to Do in Galveston

Besides the pier and the beach, don’t miss:

• 1892 Bishop’s Palace
• Strand Historic District
• Moody Gardens
• Galveston Historic Seaport
• Moody Mansion

Where to Stay in Galveston

Budget: Beachtree Motel

Mid-Range: Knights Inn Galveston

Luxury: Four Seasons on the Gulf

Airbnb: Galveston Beach Front Condo

Day Nine and Ten: Houston

Galveston to Houston is a breezy fifty mile-drive, and won’t take you more than an hour. This is a great way to end your trip, as Houston is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the US.

It’s also a great way to spend the last few days of your trip if you’ll be flying out of Texas since Houston has a large airport.

While you can make the trip in under an hour, a more scenic route is to jump on a ferry from Galveston to Port Bolivar, and drive up the Bolivar Peninsula until you reach the Anahuac National Wildlife Reserve.

Grab a lunch of freshly-caught fish at Crystal Beach, then take a big loop around Trinity Bay before heading into Houston along the I-10. You’ll get a taste of the bayous spilling over from Louisiana, before enjoying the cultural delights of Texas’s biggest city, and your final destination! 

During your last few days in Texas, soak up Houston’s history at the Space Center Houston and learn all about Houston’s role in America’s space exploration.

A Texas coastal road trip is a brilliant adventure and offers an alternative perspective on the Lone Star State. An underrated gem, the Texas Gulf Coast has loads to offer, and this adventure is the best way to experience it!

5 More Things to Do in Houston

Besides Space Center Houston, don’t miss:

• The Museum of Fine Art
• Kemah Boardwalk
• Battleship Texas State Historic Site
• Market Square Park
• Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

Where to Stay in Houston

Budget: DoubleTree by Hilton

Mid-Range: Aloft Houston Downtown

Luxury: The St. Regis Houston

Airbnb: Pool House Pied-A-Terre Suite

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10 Best Road Trips You Can Take Through The Scenic State Of Texas

Discover the best road trips in Texas, from Gulf Coast adventures to Hill Country charm. Explore scenic wonders and vibrant culture.

• Texas offers stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences, making it perfect for road trips filled with incredible scenery and activities.
• Some of the best road trips through Texas include exploring the charming small towns and wineries of Hill Country, marveling at the desert and mountain vistas of Big Bend National Park, and relaxing on the serene sandy beaches of the Gulf Coast.
• From following the iconic Route 66 through the Texas Panhandle to discovering lakes, forests, and rivers in the scenic northeastern corner, there are endless options for scenic roads in Texas that show off the state's most stunning vistas, charming towns, and rich culture.

Texas has stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural experiences. From basking on the golden beaches of South Padre Island to hiking the rugged mountains and deserts of Big Bend National Park , the Lone Star State has incredible scenery and activities to enjoy on a road trip.

Whether someone wants to cruise along the legendary Route 66, wine taste their way through Hill Country, or explore ghost towns in west Texas, the options for traveling through what is easily one of the best states for a road trip are practically endless. Here are some of the best road trips in scenic Texas that showcase the state's most stunning vistas, charming towns and cities, and rich culture.

Food-Fueled Road Trip: The Guide To The Best BBQ Restaurants In Texas

10 hill country loop: wander the rolling hills and valleys, a scenic driving loop through the beautiful texas hill country, with charming small towns, wineries, and endless views..

This route is one of the best road trips in Texas ; it's a central Texas loop that takes travelers through the rolling hills and charming small towns of Hill Country. Highlights of this drive include visiting Luckenbach, the "world's smallest honkytonk," with a colorful history and lively music scene. Travelers can also hike and take in the views from Enchanted Rock, a pink granite dome that juts up 425 feet from the surrounding plains.

The loop winds through Fredericksburg, where visitors can taste wine at one of the many wineries and visit unique museums like the National Museum of the Pacific War. End the Hill Country road trip in the lively city of Austin, exploring the music venues, BBQ joints, and hip SoCo neighborhood.

• Road Trip Length: 316.9 miles
• Major Stops: Austin , Fredericksburg , Luckenbach , Johnson City , Wimberley
• Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers

9 Big Bend Country: Marvel At Desert and Mountain Vistas

Adventure through west texas to big bend national park, home to stunning desert scenery and rugged mountains..

Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas offers visitors stunning desert and mountain scenery. One of the most scenic road trips in Texas, travelers traversing this route can hike trails like the Chisos Mountain Loop to earn panoramic views and see unique wildlife like javelinas. Plus, dipping in the Rio Grande River offers a refreshing cool from the desert heat.

Visitors can stargaze at the nearby McDonald Observatory at night and see constellations under dark skies. The trip also includes stops in charming towns like Marfa, famous for the mysterious Marfa Lights, and Alpine, home of the Museum of the Big Bend.

• Road Trip Length: 250 miles
• Major Stops: Big Bend National Park , Marfa , Alpine

8 Gulf Coast Getaway: Relax On Serene Sandy Beaches And In Scenic Seaside Towns

Cruise along the sparkling gulf coastline, soaking up the sun, seafood, and small beach towns..

A road trip along the Texas Gulf Coast offers beautiful beaches, fresh seafood, and fun coastal attractions. Highlights of this route, which is among the most scenic drives in Texas on the coast, include enjoying miles of remote beaches on South Padre Island, perfect for beachcombing, building sandcastles, fishing, and swimming.

In Galveston, travelers can catch a shrimp boat ride and learn about this historic industry. The USS Lexington in Corpus Christi offers the chance to explore a WWII aircraft carrier. And no Texas road trip is complete without spending time in Houston, the state's largest and most cosmopolitan city, to experience the museums, restaurants, and NASA complex.

• Road Trip Length: 1630 miles
• Major Stops: Houston , South Padre Island , USS Lexington

7 Route 66 Road Trip: Follow Iconic Mother Road Through Texas Panhandle

Travel a slice of the legendary route 66 through the wide-open texas panhandle and step back in time..

Cruising along the Texas stretch of historic Route 66 provides a fun blast from the past. Road trippers can enjoy some of the top stops along Route 66 in Texas; they'll discover mid-century motels, vintage diners serving homemade pies and classic sandwiches, and plenty of quirky roadside sights. A highlight is stopping at the Cadillac Ranch, which is one of the best attractions on Route 66 where 10 graffiti-covered Cadillacs stand nose-first in the dirt.

The trip also winds through charming small towns like Shamrock, famous for its water tower decorated as a shamrock, McLean and Phillips 66 station museum, and more museums that showcase the history of Route 66. The starting point in Texas is Glenrio, a ghost town on the border with New Mexico. From there, travelers can continue to California if they wish to extend their adventure.

• Road Trip Length: 2400 miles
• Major Stops: Amarillo , Cadillac Ranch , Midpoint Cafe

10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Historic Route 66

6 northeast texas getaway: discover lakes, forests, and rivers, meander past pine forests, lakes, and rivers in texas' scenic northeastern corner..

Northeast Texas often gets overlooked, but it makes for a lovely adventure since the region boasts some of the best road trip routes in Texas. Highlights include boating, waterskiing, and fishing on Lake Texoma, one of the largest lakes in Texas. In historic Jefferson, travelers can stroll through antique shops, tour historic homes, and ride on a steam train, while outdoor adventures abound at Cooper Lake State Park, with hiking, biking, camping, and abundant wildlife.

Meanwhile, Caddo Lake provides beautiful scenery for boating and ample opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting of alligators, turtles, and more. End your northeast Texas trip in nearby Dallas to take in museums, pro sports, and a happening restaurant scene, or head to Texarkana and see where Texas meets Arkansas.

• Road Trip Length: 127 miles from Dallas, 77 miles from Texarkana
• Major Stops: Dallas , Cooper Lake , Caddo Lake , Jefferson

5 Texas BBQ Road Trip: Sample Smoked Brisket Across The State

A mouthwatering pilgrimage to texas' legendary barbecue joints, from hole-in-the-wall to world-famous restaurants..

Wondering where to get authentic Texas BBQ ? For the ultimate foodie road trip across central Texas, hit the state's legendary barbecue hotspots. The trip should start in Austin, where favorites like Franklin Barbecue, la Barbecue, and Valentina's Tex Mex BBQ serve up tender brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, spicy sausage, and more.

Continue feasting on melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats at small-town spots like Louie Mueller and Snow's BBQ in Taylor, and then go on to Lockhart, the so-called "Barbecue Capital of Texas." Don't miss renowned joints like Black's BBQ, Smitty's Market, and Kreuz Market. End the foodie road trip in Elgin at Southside Market, the oldest barbecue restaurant in Texas, dating back to 1882.

• Road Trip Length: 330 km
• Major Stops: Lockhart , Austin, Lexington

These Are Some Of The Best BBQ Restaurants In The U.S.

4 texas dance hall road trip: twirl and whirl at historic venues, two-step back in time at texas' historic and charming dance halls, steeped in lone star culture..

One of the best Texas road trips for those seeking to Experience Texas' lively western culture and two-stepping music scene should look no further than this country dance hall adventure. Texas dance halls are historic, community-gathering places that host regular live country music and dancing nights.

Stop at Gruene Hall near New Braunfels, billed as the "oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas." Dance the night away or enjoy a meal on their patio overlooking the Guadalupe River. John T. Floore's Country Store in Helotes has drawn crowds since 1945 with its lively atmosphere and wooden dance floor. Kicking up dust at Luckenbach Dancehall, made famous by Waylon Jennings, offers an authentic Texas honky tonk experience. And no country music trip is complete without visiting Billy Bob's.

• Road Trip Length: 400 miles
• Major Stops: Gruene , Luckenbach, Albert , Anhalt

3 Texas Wine Country Road Trip: Sip In the Lone Star State's Vineyards

Taste award-winning wines in texas hill country's vineyards and small-town wineries..

One of the best route trip routes in Texas for wine lovers is the journey through the up-and-coming Texas wine region of Hill Country. Over 50 wineries producing award-winning wines dot the landscape between Austin and Fredericksburg, producing varietals like Tempranillo, Viognier, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Start the road trip in Fredericksburg, visiting wineries like Pedernales Cellars and taking in the charming Main Street. Head to Hye, where William Chris Vineyards offers tastings against a backdrop of scenic views. Stop at Texas Hills Vineyard in Johnson City for a wine and cheese pairing.

End the wine-tasting tour in Stonewall, home of Becker Vineyards, one of the most famous in Texas. Relax at the wine bars, restaurants, and tasting rooms between wineries. Prime time to visit is during Texas Wine Month each April when special events and live music make it an even more lively experience.

• Road Trip Length: Fredericksburg to Stonewall: 16 miles, Stonewall to Johnson City: 15 miles, Johnson City to Driftwood: 38 miles, Driftwood to Dripping Springs: 14 miles
• Major Stops: Fredericksburg , Johnson City , Hye

2 Crystal Beach: Relax On The "Blue Wave Beach"

Soft white sands and calm blue waters create a peaceful beach escape on the bolivar peninsula..

This journey is a nice short road trip in Texas for those looking for a beachy day trip. Located on the Bolivar Peninsula off the coast of Galveston, Crystal Beach offers 32 miles of sandy coastline and calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming and fishing. It's a beach town with a relaxed pace of life, where visitors can spend days relaxing in the sun, building sandcastles, beachcombing, dolphin watching, or fishing from the long Galveston Jetties.

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier has carnival rides and midway games for those wanting more action. Travelers can also take a short ferry ride from the peninsula to Galveston to experience its attractions. But the best pastime on Crystal Beach is simple relaxation on this tranquil stretch of the Texas coast.

• Distance : 17 miles from Galveston
• Major Stops : Crystal Beach , Pleasure Pier , Fishing Charters

1 Bluebonnet Trail: Witness Spring Flowers Blanket Hill Country

Each spring, vibrant wildflower blooms paint a sea of blue along texas hill country roads..

This signature drive is one of the best Texas road trip routes in the spring. Vibrant bluebonnets blanket the Texas Hill Country each spring, creating a spectacular floral sight. The ideal way to take in these signature vivid blue state flowers is by driving the Bluebonnet Trail, located an hour west of Austin. This 25-mile loop follows ranch land and winding roads that explode with color in March and April.

From Burnet to Marble Falls, the landscape comes alive with rolling blue carpets of bluebonnets. Be sure to stop frequently for Instagram-worthy photos of the seasonal bloom. Take advantage of the Equestrian Trail Rides during these months, where one can saddle up horses and ride through waves of bluebonnets. It's a quintessential Texas experience and one of the prettiest seasons for a drive.

• Road Trip Length : 16-mile loop
• Major Stops: Equestrian Center , Vista Ridge Ranch , Willow City Loop
• Best Time to Visit: March-April

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 […]

The 8 Most Scenic Road Trips in Texas

Even if you only have a day or two to explore, these road trips deliver natural swimming holes, stunning views, and good eats aplenty..

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With the largest highway system in the United States, Texas is ideal for road-tripping.

Photo by IrinaK/Shutterstock

In the largest state in the contiguous United States, it can take hours just to drive out of Texas, especially if you live toward the center—say, near San Antonio or Austin. So, when most Texans plan road trips, it’s usually an in-state jaunt. The good news is thanks to its size, there are many scenic things to see and do within the borders of the Lone Star State.

Texas sits in an interesting geographical position and boasts 10 different, distinct biomes—it’s not all rolling tumbleweeds and high desert—so there is plenty of scenery to enjoy. Some areas of interest to consider for your trip: the piney woods and Louisiana-like swamps of East Texas; the charming knolls of the Hill Country (and all the clear, cool rivers that run through it); the enchanting, mountainous West Texas desert; the rolling plains of the Panhandle.

If you’re a history buff, there are many historical museums, towns, and monuments to add to your itinerary. Texas was its own country for nine years, something no other state can claim, and has all of the drama, military conflict, and political spats that go along with nation building. With more than 16,000 historical markers throughout all 254 counties of the state, be ready to tap on the brakes and pull over for a quick stop. As John Steinbeck noted in Travels With Charley , the smaller a town is, the more historical markers it is likely to have.

Perhaps what makes a Texas road trip truly unique and worthwhile are the distinctive communities you’ll encounter. Most of central Texas was settled by German immigrants and many small towns in the area—like Gruene, Fredericksburg, and New Braunfels—have German-style restaurants, shops, and even festivals like Wurstfest . South Texas is home to the second-largest population of Latino people in the country after California, with a vibrant Tejano culture that’s been around for centuries. (I sure hope you like Tex Mex.) For a more traditional Southern jaunt, head to Houston where the drawls grow longer, the sweet tea flows free, and the barbecue ribs are as sweet as honey.

All of that, and I haven’t even talked yet about Buc-ee’s , aka the best (and cleanest) gas station chain ever and current record holder for the largest gas station in the world . Consider stocking up on beef jerky and beaver nuggets while you’re there and picking up a chopped brisket sandwich. And keep your eyes peeled for those good ol’ mom-and-pop diners as well—they might be selling homemade pies that will put your mama’s recipe to shame. Oh, and don’t forget to make a pit stop for barbecue if you happen to be near one of the best ’cue joints in Texas.

Ready to ride? Here are the eight of the best Texas road trips:

Highway 170 partially runs along Texas’s border with Mexico, making for striking canyon views.

Photo by jamsedel/Shutterstock

1. Lajitas to Presidio

• Start: Lajitas
• End: Presidio
• Distance: 50 miles
• Recommended time: One day

In the far reaches of West Texas, in the desolate-yet-beautiful borderlands between Mexico and the U.S., is Highway 170, arguably one of the most gorgeous drives in the whole country. Don’t just take my word for it—in 2008, National Geographic Traveler named it one of the nation’s most scenic highways, along with classics like California’s Highway 1 .

You could begin this journey in either direction, but the canyons are most spectacular if the drive starts in the small town of Lajitas (not much there besides a high-end golf resort and air strip) and ends in the slightly bigger small town of Presidio. There are no tourist traps or cultural stops along the way; this is a drive purely for enjoying the ruggedness and solitude of the West Texas desert landscape. Be sure to bring snacks or enough food for a roadside picnic—there are plenty of places to pull off from the road and enjoy a scenic meal.

For fans of Lonesome Dove , consider a detour to see the casita that served as Maria’s Ojinaga home in the miniseries Streets of Laredo , in the ghost town of Contrabando within Big Bend Ranch State Park . And if you happen to be driving from Presidio to Lajitas, make the extra 13 miles to Terlingua, where you can refill on fuel and refill your belly at the legendary Starlight Theatre Restaurant and Saloon —the margaritas are chilly and strong.

The Davis Mountains Scenic Loop begins and ends in Fort Davis.

Photo by Mae Hamilton

2. Davis Mountains Scenic Loop

• Starts and ends in: Fort Davis
• Distance: 75 miles

The Davis Mountains of West Texas are classified as a “ sky island ,” and their green slopes certainly strike a sharp contrast to the brown scrub brush of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. Encompassing a scenic 75-mile stretch of Texas State Highway 118 and Texas 166, the Davis Mountains Scenic Loop is the most elevated highway in the state as well as one of the least crowded and most scenic. When I made this trip in November 2021, I didn’t see a single car besides our own for the entire duration.

Along the way, travelers can admire historic ranches, rolling golden grasslands, and mountaintops teeming with flora and fauna found nowhere else in the state. There are several picturesque places to stop for a picnic, including the fancifully named Dead Man’s Canyon , which, as legend has it, got its moniker when the body of young Horace Powe was found propped up next to a boulder in the 1880s—he had been shot 11 times.

The route also passes through 33,000 acres of wild mountain land that’s stewarded by the Nature Conservancy’s Davis Mountains Preserve as well as the University of Texas’s famous McDonald Observatory . The McDonald is a working observatory; academics travel from all over the world for the dark sky reserve that encompasses much of the Big Bend region of West Texas. However, there’s also a museum on campus where visitors can learn all about the research facility’s history and current functions.

Because the loop begins and ends in Fort Davis, spend some time in the small mountain town that still does not have a single traffic light. Blue Mountain Bar and Grill , which uses local ingredients in its kitchen, is a favorite.

If you have a few days to burn in the area, consider embarking on a more thorough West Texas road trip .

The Bluebonnet House in Marble Falls, built in the 1800s, is one of the most photographed homes in the state.

Photo by JaDipity/Shutterstock

3. Mineral Wells to Marble Falls

• Starts: Mineral Wells
• Ends: Marble Falls
• Distance: 163 miles
• Recommended time: One or two days

This is a Texas road trip best suited for summer thanks to its watery itinerary—there are several places to swim along this route.

The journey begins in the small North Texas town of Mineral Wells, once a bustling, premier spa destination known for its hot springs that lured the likes of Judy Garland, Clark Gable, Will Rogers, and even Bonnie and Clyde to its alkaline, mineral-rich waters. Sadly, the Baker Hotel , the place that put the town on the map, shut down in 1972. However, a group of investors bought the hotel in 2019 and are restoring the Grand Old Lady (placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982) to its former glory. (Keep up with their progress on their popular TikTok account.) But you don’t need to stay at the Baker to enjoy the water: Mosey on over to Lake Mineral Wells State Park , if the urge to splash around strikes you. Mineral Wells also has a cute downtown with plenty of shops and restaurants; try the shrimp and grits and ribs at Hole in the Wall Grill & Bier Garten .

Highway 281, which will take you from Mineral Wells to Marble Falls, is full of Hill Country charms and views. Stop in Hico for its Billy the Kid Museum (and an Old West conspiracy theory that says Billy wasn’t killed by Pat Garett in Fort Sumner—instead, he ran away to Hico in some sort of Elvis-Presley-is-still-alive kind of plot twist). Lampasas is home to the oldest spring-fed swimming pool in the state if you’re ready for another dip.

Finally, the journey ends in the small town of Marble Falls, set along the Colorado River, where retirees flock; you can get in one last swim here. Marble Falls is also home to the Blue Bonnet Cafe , a cozy diner famous for its homemade-style pies.

If you’re looking to spend a few days exploring the area, consider embarking on the ultimate Texas Hill Country road trip .

Port Aransas has over 18 miles of fluffy, white-sand beaches.

Photo by Stephanie A Sellers/Shutterstock

4. Galveston to Port Aransas

• Starts: Galveston
• Ends: Port Aransas
• Distance: 209 miles
• Recommended time: Two or three days

The saying goes that the West Coast is the best coast, but how about the third coast? Texas has 367 miles of shoreline, making it the sixth-longest coastline in the country. Unlike the East and West coasts where some of the most expensive property in the world comes with an ocean view, the beach communities of Texas are, for the most part, composed of working-class folks. This road trip begins in the island city of Galveston, 50 miles from Houston. Thanks to its proximity to H-Town, Galveston is one of the most popular beach towns in the state and features attractions like the Moody Gardens and the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier . I think the best beaches in the state are a little farther south—thankfully, the road south along State Highway 35 is a beautiful one. Winding through marshlands, the route provides peekaboo views of the Gulf Coast and meanders through cute towns like West Columbia (capital of the Republic of Texas for eight months in 1836) and the fish-crazy city of Rockport.

Finally, the journey will end in Port Aransas, one of the prettiest beach towns in Texas. There you’ll find 18 miles of white-sand beaches and fresh Gulf Coast seafood. In the colder months, be sure to make a detour to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge , where the last wild flock of endangered whooping cranes likes to winter. Between April and August, baby sea turtles hatch and make their big journey to the ocean.

After you’re done with the Twisted Sisters, hop over to the nearby Frio River for a dip.

Photo by Taylor Leto/Shutterstock

5. Twisted Sisters Motorcycle Route

• Starts and ends in: Leakey
• Distance: 100 miles

Comprised of three Farm to Market roads—FM 335, FM 336, and FM 337—the Twisted Sisters Motorcycle Route is known the most challenging motorcycle loop in the state. And, it also happens to be one of the nicest drives in Texas. Located northwest of San Antonio, the Twisted Sisters cuts through the heart of the Hill Country. Expect gentle, rolling hills, lush live oaks, and limestone outcroppings.

But for motorcyclists, the road can also be dangerous—a sign off of FM 336 warns that 10 bikers have lost their lives on the Twisted Sisters since 2006. However, for experienced motorcycle enthusiasts, the twists, turns, and occasionally bumpy pavement of the famed loop are a delight to experience.

The Twisted Sisters ends and begins in the same place: Leakey, Texas, population 555. After the Twisted Sisters, consider relaxing by the banks of the Frio River, lined with bald cypress trees that turn a gorgeous shade of umber in the fall.

Texas’s stretch of old Route 66 will take you across the Panhandle.

Photo by TLF Images/Shutterstock

6. Route 66

• Starts: Shamrock
• Ends: Glenrio
• Distance: 164 miles

The Lone Star State is home to the shortest stretch of Route 66, a little under 165 miles (not everything is bigger in Texas), and it cuts almost straight across the Panhandle. As elsewhere in the USA, most of the road is not in service or has been demolished, but Route 66 mostly follows the modern path of Interstate 40. There are several Route 66–themed attractions to stop by during this drive, including the iconic, art deco–style U-Drop Inn and the public art installation of Cadillac Ranch . But perhaps one of the most famous stops is the Big Texan Steak Ranch , which serves 72-ounce steaks for free —if participants can eat the entire hunk of meat in less than an hour with no assistance.

Established in 1878, Gruene Hall may be the most famous dance hall in Texas.

Photo by Philip Arno Photography/Shutterstock

7. Gruene to Fredericksburg

• Starts: Gruene
• Ends: Fredericksburg
• Distance: 71 miles

This is probably one of this Texan’s favorite road trips on this list, mostly for sentimental reasons. As anyone who grew up in Central Texas knows, options for convenient day trips are scarce in the region, but Gruene and Fredericksburg are tried and true, and the drive between them is gorgeous.

Gruene (pronounced “green”) is a little German Texan town on the banks of the Guadalupe River; it is most famous for Gruene Hall , the state’s oldest continuously operating dance hall. Gruene Hall is something of a Texas legend and is worth visiting all on its own—musicians like Townes Van Zandt, Willie Nelson, and George Strait have played at the famed venue. Gruene was initially established by German immigrants interested in cotton farming; a giant cotton gin facility in town has been converted into the Gristmill River Restaurant and Bar , which has a fine view of the Guadalupe (its rushing waters once powered the gin).

The jaunt up to Fredericksburg, about 78 miles west of Austin, takes drivers through rolling Hill Country landscapes and vineyards. Much like Gruene, Fredericksburg was also settled by German immigrants and is famous for its German-style fare—consider stopping by the Old German Bakery and Restaurant on Main Street for some schnitzel and potato pancakes. Fredericksburg is famous for its peaches, so the best time to visit is in the summer when things like peach cider and ice cream are available and farm stands line the highways.

How do you know if you’re in East Texas? Take a deep breath—smell pine? You’re there.

Photo by @invadingkingdom/Unsplash

8. Houston to Sam Houston National Forest

Starts: Houston Ends: Sam Houston National Forest Distance: 47 miles Recommended time: An afternoon is fine, but plan an overnight visit to truly immerse yourself in the area.

The metropolitan crown jewel of East Texas is Houston (with its insanely delicious and diverse culinary scene ), but to get a taste of what the surrounding countryside is like, venture outside city limits to the Pineywoods . The Pineywoods of East Texas is a large area of woodlands that’s part of a bigger forest system that extends into Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Here, travelers will find swamps as well as heavily forested areas peppered with oak, mesquite, ash, elm, and, of course, pine trees. Hundreds of different bird, mammal, amphibian, and reptile species call the Pineywoods home, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, southern short-tailed shrew, and rafinesque big-eared bat. Keep a careful eye out for venomous water moccasin (aka cottonmouth) snakes as well as the fearsome American alligator.

One of the best and most convenient places to explore the Pineywoods from Houston is Sam Houston National Forest , just under an hour’s drive from the city. Day hikes like the Lone Star Hiking Trail or Double Lake Trail make it easy to get a sense of the area in a few hours, but there are overnight camping options in the park as well. Try visiting in the spring or fall to avoid those broiling Texas summer temperatures. If you’re looking for a place to cool off, head to the Blue Lagoon , an old limestone quarry that’s been turned into a swimming hole. Though it primarily caters to scuba divers, casual swimmers are also welcome.

Huntsville is only a 10-minute drive from Sam Houston National Forest. The town is infamously the home of the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville, which houses the Death Row unit of the state. In Huntsville, travelers can visit the Texas Prison Museum , which is dedicated to “preserving the history and the culture of the Texas prison system.” Inside, there are exhibits that cover Bonnie and Clyde, the history of how the state’s penitentiary system grew, plus a display dedicated to those who were proven innocent after being wrongly executed by the state—it’s an intense, but sobering experience.

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Gulf Coast road trip

Road tripping through the Gulf Coast of Texas calls for some much-needed R+R as you take in the stunning waterfront views. From beaches to amusement parks and delicious bites, there is so much to explore!

Get to know the Gulf Coast

Summertime calls for beach time, and there’s no better place to experience it than on Texas’ Gulf Coast. From Galveston to Houston to Corpus Christi and South Padre Island, there’s a lot of sun to take in!

Day 1: Taking in Beaumont and Galveston

Kick off your trip by taking in Texas’ history, soaking up the sun amidst peaceful, waterfront views and embracing your inner-child with classic amusement park rides.

Fire Museum of Texas

Located in a former fire station built in 1927 and boasting a larger-than-life fire hydrant outside, this museum offers something for travelers of all ages. Kids can even drive the fire engine simulator!

Dutch Windmill Museum

Serving as a tribute to Dutch settlers, this museum offers a unique view of Texas’ history while also exploring the beautiful grounds. There is no admission fee, but donations are encouraged.

Katie’s Seafood House

Open seven days a week, this local spot serving fresh Gulf Coast fish is a must. Diners rave about the relaxing, waterfront views when sitting on the back deck.

Galveston Island State Park

Visiting the coast means taking in waterfront views, and this park does not disappoint! With both beach and bay sides, there is something for every kind of water enthusiast.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

This amusement park offers a quintessential boardwalk experience – from rollercoasters to candy shops to carousels and deep-fried food, you’ll find it all here!

Open 7 days a week, this beach offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, music and entertainment. With festivals and concerts throughout the summer, turn your beach day into an experience!

Day 2: Exploring Houston

Tackling Houston means hitting the classics, like the Space Center, while also taking in lesser-known spots that locals rave about. Let’s get going!

Brennan’s of Houston

Operating since 1967, this Creole dining destination is a must-stop. If you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to try the turtle soup.

Space Center Houston

With interactive exhibits perfect for all ages, you’ll find yourself spending hours here. Be sure to book virtual ride and tram tickets before your visit as they tend to sell out.

Lone Star Flight Museum

With 24 historic aircrafts on display, this museum offers a unique learning experience about the history of aviation. Visitors can even participate in live action hang-glider simulators!

Crawfish & Noodles

Offering a fusion of Vietnamese and Cajun fare, this restaurant offers a new take on the classics. Aptly named, diners rave about the crawfish and the unique blend of flavors.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Open daily with free admission, this stop offers a nature refuge among the city landscape. With shaded trails, beautiful flora and a play area, this nature escape has something for everyone.

Day 3: Discovering Corpus Christi

Visiting Corpus Christi calls for taking in Gulf Coast views, lazy beach days and learning about history. Kick back and relax as we take in this unique city.

San José Island

Embrace the warm, Gulf Coast waters at this privately owned island. With 21 miles of tranquil sand, visitors can discover one-of-a-kind seashells as you comb the beach.

Tejano Civil Rights Museum

Corpus Christi is the birthplace of the Hispanic Civil Rights Movement, making a trip to this museum a must. Learn about the history of the brave individuals who fought for Hispanic Civil Rights across the country.

USS Lexington

This museum is open year-round and seven days a week allowing visitors to learn about the history of the USS Lexington and what life is like on a carrier. Be prepared to spend a few hours here as there is much to discover!

Mustang Island State Park

Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico, this welcoming park offers 5-miles of stunning beaches. The park is also a popular camping spot. Keep an eye out for jellyfish and sea turtle sightings!

Heritage Park

This historic park is the home of twelve, beautifully cared-for Victorian homes that date back all the way to 1851. Explore the area to take in the history and surrounding shops and restaurants.

Black Diamond Oyster Bar

Locals rave about this hidden gem. It’s the perfect stop for gumbo, fried shrimp and of course, oysters.

Day 4: Kick back on South Padre Island

Now that you’ve arrived at your final destination, it’s time to kick back and relax. As you explore South Padre Island, be sure to step back to take in the peaceful waterfront views surrounding you.

Painted Marlin Grille

This Bayfront eatery boasts drinks and food as fresh as the air. If you’re looking for a unique menu item, be sure to try the avocado fries!

Air Padre Kiteboarding

Starting as a kiteboarding school, this local spot now offers rentals for surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and, of course, kiteboarding. They also offer kiteboarding lessons so you can feel confident hitting the water!

Rockport Beach Park

Named Texas’ first Blue Wave Beach by the Clean Beaches Coalition, this stunning location offers pristine sand, a family-friendly environment and plenty to do!

Start planning your trip to the Gulf Coast now

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Historic Texas Coastal Road Trip

The Texas coast stretches 350 miles from South Padre Island to the Louisiana border, extending through a diverse array of towns, each with their own rich history. The southern portion of the coast—roughly 100 miles of shoreline between Rockport and South Padre Island—offers travelers a diverse range of heritage tourism opportunities.

PORT ARANSAS

Initially referred to as Star, The Pass, Ropesville, and Tarpon, Port Aransas was officially named in 1911. The town preserves its past by maintaining its 19th-century historic architecture. Visitors can partake in many natural excursions such as tarpon fishing, kayaking, and surfing. Along with its relaxed activities, Port Aransas offers historical experiences making it an ideal tourist destination.

Cultural Attractions

Just across Aransas Bay in Rockport-Fulton, the ornate  Fulton Mansion State Historic Site ,   decorated with dark columns and trim, embodies the wealthy home life of the Fulton family. Luscious grass covers the perimeter of the house, and oak trees surround the sides. The house is filled with love, as well as interior gas lighting and flush toilets. George and Harriet Fulton bought their dream house in 1877 with profits from their ranching empire and spent their lives together in the mansion.

The  La Salle Odyssey  museums capture Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle’s expedition to Texas, from its conception in France to the discovery of the remains of his ship  La Belle . The THC offers a  La Salle Odyssey mobile tour  with supplemental audio tracks and videos. But the infectious passion of the museum workers, details of the exhibits, and access to more knowledge from the displays and staff members make the visits worthwhile.

In the early 2000s, the   Texas Maritime Museum in Rockport   joined the La Salle Odyssey project to show the daily life aboard  La Belle . The artifacts range from navigational devices to medical instruments and a large wooden model of the ship encased in glass. The museum also includes reimagined exhibits, allowing visitors to experience the life of the French sailors and their navigation skills.

Natural Heritage

For a relaxing day, visit the CCC-constructed  Goose Island State Park . Although visitors cannot swim at the park, they can camp, fish, hike, boat, and observe the wildlife. The 1,620-foot-long fishing pier and boat, kayak, and canoe launch make fishing easily accessible.

Roosevelt’s  is a classy, simply decorated restaurant connected to the historic Tarpon Inn. It serves traditional American dishes such as the mahi filet   and seared ahi tuna—each is packed with flavor. However, this upscale dining is on the expensive end. For a more affordable option, the restaurant will cook a visitor’s catch and serve it with julienned vegetables for $20 a person.

For a memorable experience in a charming seaside village, book a room at the historic  Tarpon Inn ,   listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1886 with surplus lumber from Civil War barracks, this Port Aransas icon is an “inn” in every sense of the term, offering a slice of life in the late 1800s. Its old-fashioned style means there is no TV in any room (Wi-Fi service is available). The rooms are small, but the vintage beds and furniture are charmingly refreshing.

Another historic lodge that resembles the late 1800s is the  Angel Rose . Originally a Victorian home, the Angel Rose is now a bed and breakfast. Maintaining much of the house’s integrity, the B&B only has three rooms. Angel Rose is a six-minute walk from the Texas Maritime Museum, but guests can rent bicycles for a faster (and more-scenic) option.

CORPUS CHRISTI

Corpus Christi harbors a long history. Initially an advantageous encampment location to secure the border at the Rio Grande, Corpus grew into the largest city in the  THC’s Tropical Trail Region . It includes Victorian houses, expansive museums underscoring often-ignored historical events, and a designated Main Street district downtown. For marine archeology enthusiasts, Corpus exhibits 23 shipwreck collections.

The  Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History  features educational exhibits emphasizing the Gulf Coast’s importance to the natural world. The museum’s noteworthy maritime exhibits showcase artifacts recovered from shipwrecks, including an exhibit featuring personal items of the sailors from French explorer Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle’s ill-fated  La Belle .

The massive   USS Lexington  looms large in the Corpus Christi Bay. Once the nation’s longest-serving aircraft carrier, this decommissioned World War II vessel is now a 33,000-ton floating museum. Visitors can experience tours of the ship’s decks and quarters, view restored aircraft, and interact with a high-tech flight simulator.

To learn about the region’s natural heritage, visit the  Texas State Aquarium , which inspires appreciation for the Gulf of Mexico and beyond through its exhibits. The Blue Hole and Coral Reef show the area’s unique geography and vibrantly colorful and diverse fish. Others show dangerous predators at close yet safe distances. The aquarium rescues and rehabilitates endangered species such as sea turtles and sharks.

For locally harvested seafood at affordable prices, visit  Snoopy’s Pier . In 1980, Ernie Butler and his wife purchased a bait stand and burger joint, which they transformed into a restaurant with recipes shared by their family and friends. For dessert, customers can go next door to Scoopy’s, offering treats and ice cream.

Hotel De Ville  is adjacent to the beach, a Ferris wheel, and the  USS Lexington . The convenient location gives families a versatile road trip experience. The rooms are recently renovated and spacious.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

South Padre is accessed from the mainland via the Queen Isabella Causeway at Port Isabel. For a more serene locale, visitors can continue north past the attractions for an uninhabited beachfront stretching for 26 miles.

South Padre’s history began when the Spanish established a permanent residence around 1804. Prior to then, only nomadic Native Americans and survivors of three shipwrecks in 1554 inhabited the space. In fact, remains of the wrecked fleet of ships reportedly lie beneath the waves.

Built in 1852,  Port Isabel Lighthouse State Historic Site   has withstood the weather for over a century. One of the only Texas lighthouses open to the public, the 72-foot structure offers beautiful views of coastal sites not accessible elsewhere in the state. At the base, visitors can see the lighthouse keeper’s cottage.

Located near the historic Port Isabel Lighthouse,  Manuel’s  has been offering reasonably priced fresh food for 27 years. Manuel’s offers authentic Mexican food, including the popular wet enchilada wrap. Note: Manuel’s is cash only.

Additional Resources

• Texas Tropical Trail Region
• Texas Time Travel
• La Salle Odyssey Mobile Tour
• Marina Arts District (Corpus Christi Main Street)

Content is provided by the Texas Historical Commission, which manages 32 State Historic Sites, the Texas Heritage Trails Program, Texas Main Street Program, and many more heritage tourism and historic preservation initiatives across the state.

More Texas Inspiration

Roadside Attractions

Hidden Gems in Texas

Driving The Hill Country

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9-Day Best of Texas Road Trip Itinerary

There’s no better way to explore Texas than with a road trip. As you (hopefully) know, the state is huge. And it’s full of great cities and places to visit. Even this 9-day Texas road trip itinerary will barely scratch the surface of the Lone Star State. 

But we know that vacation time is often limited. Sometimes you have to just squeeze in a quick trip even if you know you won’t get to see or do everything.

Growing up, Grant lived in Plano (north of Dallas) for a few years. One of the first trips Grant and I took together was to see his dad and stepmom when they were living in the Dallas area. Of course, we turned that into a week-long road trip.

Since then, we’ve done several more road trips to and through many parts of Texas. And we’ve loved them all and are itching to explore even more of the state.

This 9-day itinerary starts along the Gulf Coast, then moves inland to central Texas, ending in Fort Worth. Along the way, you’ll explore sandy beaches, historical missions, Austin’s quirkiness, the Hill Country and Fort Worth’s cowtown.

Texas Road Trip Itinerary At-a-Glance

Day 1 – galveston.

• Day 2 – Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Day 3 – Padre Island National Seashore

Day 4 – san antonio.

• Day 5 – Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park 
• Day 6 – Fredericksburg & Drive to Austin

Day 7 – Austin

Day 8 – waco.

• Day 9 – Fort Worth Stockyards 

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Best Time for a Texas Road Trip

All of our visits to Texas have been in the winter or spring (December – April). As you might guess, it’s just too hot for us in the summer. Generally, temperatures are mild in the winter.

In the summer (June, July, August), average high temperatures in central Texas are in the mid-90s. And those temperatures often soar above 100 degrees.

Also be aware that summer and early Fall is hurricane season, with most activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October. This will mostly affect the coast. But, rain and winds will move often move inland.

For cooler temperatures, late fall, winter or early spring are the best times to visit Texas. 

Winter in Texas

It is important to note, though, that Texas does sometimes get winter weather, especially in the panhandle. In fact, we were in Texas for the great freeze in February 2021 that completely overwhelmed the power grid across much of the state. 

Trying to avoid the winter weather that we knew was coming, we headed to Brownsville and South Padre Island to visit Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park . Even the southern tip of Texas wasn’t far enough south to miss the arctic blast, though. 

During our visit, many businesses lost water and/or electricity. We were ok for a few days, though we did end one lunch in the dark and had to pay with cash. Then, our hotel lost water. Driving north from South Padre Island to get home was eye-opening. We had trouble finding food, a hotel and even bathrooms. 

We learned a lot on that trip about how ill-prepared we were for emergencies while traveling. We’ve since outfitted our vehicle with plenty of supplies in case we end up in a similar situation again!

Despite that experience, we were brave enough to return to Texas in December 2023. Thankfully, we had just about perfect weather. Temperatures were mild and we got first-hand experience as to why so many full-time RVers choose to winter in south and central Texas. 

Don’t let our experience scare you. Texas really is great in the winter. In fact, much of our itinerary will focus on things we did in the winter. In warmer months, you’ll be able to enjoy even more outdoor activities.

Planning Your Texas Road Trip Itinerary

Since everyone has a different starting point, our 9-day Texas road trip does not include driving time from or back to your home. With less time, you can easily focus on just one or two cities. With more time, there is plenty more to add on around the state and I’ve included a few suggestions.

Our book, USA RV Adventures , includes an 18-day route through the Best of the Lone Star State. This 9-day itinerary is similar to the middle portion of that route. If you are traveling with an RV, you will find recommendations for campgrounds and additional RV-specific information in the book. You can also check out all the campgrounds we’ve stayed at and our reviews on RV Life .

If you prefer to fly to Texas, you can easily complete this road trip in a rental car. I suggest flying in and out of either Houston or Dallas/Fort Worth. 

We built this itinerary to mimic the trip we took in December 2023 – January 2024. We started our trip in Galveston so we could take advantage of the resort credit with our Hilton American Express Aspire Card before it expired. You could easily do this trip in reverse order if you prefer to end with a relaxing beach stay.

• Sinclair, Bonnie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 560 Pages – 02/28/2023 (Publication Date) – Moon Travel (Publisher)

Located about an hour southeast of Houston, Galveston is on the northern end of the Texas barrier islands. It is predominantly a beach town with a growing cruise terminal.

Of course, in the winter it was a little too cold to swim or sunbathe. Still, we enjoyed the sunshine and simply being in a smaller city with less traffic and congestion. At the same time, I liked that the beach town wasn’t completely dead in the winter. Pretty much everything was open, including the amusement park on the pier.

Depending on the weather, you can still enjoy a walk on the beach. Even when it’s cold, there’s something rejuvenating about soaking up some sunshine!

Downtown Galveston is easily walkable with a variety of shops and restaurants. And the main square, Saengerfest Park , holds a couple of unique art pieces which are well worth viewing.

Regardless of the time of year, be sure to visit Moody Gardens . While the tropical gardens are the main draw in the spring and summer, special events make it a worthy stop year-round. During our visit, the Holiday in the Gardens wowed us with a mile-long trail through the Festival of Lights. Additional activities included an immersive ice land, ice skating, an arctic slide and more.

If you are visiting in February, it is important to note that Galveston holds one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country. We haven’t been but it could be an interesting alternative to New Orleans. 

In the winter, one day in Galveston was long enough for us. I could certainly see staying longer when it’s warmer, though. 

Where to Eat and Sleep in Galveston

For breakfast, we highly recommend the Gumbo Diner , which serves classic American diner fare with a cajun twist. The breakfast entrees were delicious and the beignets rivaled those we had in New Orleans. 

The diner is also open for lunch and dinner but we only had breakfast. Based on our experience, though, I imagine it’s great any time of day!

For lunch, dinner or just drinks, we recommend Texas Tail Distillery . Try a flight with your choice of 5 samples of whisky, vodka or moonshine. If you prefer, you can choose from a wide variety of traditional and seasonal cocktails. 

Unlike most distilleries, this one has a fairly robust food menu, so it’s worth a stop even if you aren’t invested in the whisky. And the outdoor space is fantastic, so it’d be even better when it’s warm outside!

As you might guess, there is a good selection of hotels and RV parks in Galveston.

We spent two nights at the Hilton Galveston Island Resort to use our resort credit from the Hilton American Express Aspire Card. The hotel is located right across the road from the beach. In the winter, you can enjoy the heated pool. In the summer, adults will enjoy the swim-up bar.

The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.

Read the TripAdvisor Reviews | Book the Hotel

Day 2 – Galveston to Port Aransas

Your second day will take you from Galveston to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge , then on to Port Aransas (or Corpus Christi). To maximize your time at the refuge, you’ll need to get a fairly early start, especially in the winter when the sun sets early.

From Galveston, we suggest that you take the scenic drive southwest along the island. Yes, it’s about 20 minutes longer than the inland route. And there is a $2 toll road as you cross from Galveston Island to San Luis Island. 

We think it’s worth it, though, as it was a scenic and relaxing drive along the coast.

No Texas road trip would be complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s . And since there aren’t many other options for lunch, today is a great day to stop at one. There are several along the way… Just don’t spend too long shopping! 

Unfortunately, you’ll still have to turn inland at the far end of San Luis Island. From there, you’ll wind through several small towns as you make your way south to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, which is on San Antonio Bay.

So, what makes Aransas National Wildlife Refuge worth a stop? In the winter, it’s home to the last wild flock of endangered whooping cranes. 

It’s also a really nice coastal area with a large variety of wildlife. Sadly, we only saw one pair of cranes. But we saw a plethora of other birds, an alligator, deer and even a glimpse of a couple of javelinas in the distance.

The refuge also has several short and easy hiking trails, an observation tower and a nine-mile, one-way auto-driving loop.

Yes, it’s a bit of a ways “off the beaten path” but we really enjoyed Aransas NWR. And, if you have a National Parks pass, that covers the entry fee.

Where to Stay Near Aransas NWR

From the refuge, continue your drive south to either Port Aransas or Corpus Christi for the night.

Corpus Christi is a much bigger town with many more options for hotels and restaurants. But we stayed in Port Aransas so that we could spend even more time right on the coast (and for a slightly more affordable hotel).

The fastest way to Port Aransas is via the vehicle ferry from Aransas Pass (near Rockport). It’s a free ferry and you don’t need a reservation. We lucked out and drove right on and almost immediately took off for the other side of the channel. 

During peak visitation, you might have a longer wait, but they’ll have more ferries running so it shouldn’t be too long. Once on the ferry, it’s just a 5-10 minute ride to the island.

We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Port Aransas , which was comfortable. It was just a quick one-night stop, which was perfect in the winter. Port Aransas looked like a nice enough beach town if you’re visiting when it’s warmer. But there wasn’t much to do in the winter.

Read TripAdvisor Reviews  |  Book the Hotel

Your third and final day along the coast is spent at Padre Island National Seashore .

As you might guess, the main thing to do here is enjoy the beach. There is one short hiking trail that wanders through the inland dunes. Windsurfing, kayaking and fishing are also popular on both the gulf and laguna side of the barrier island.

In the summer (mid-June through August), you can watch a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle hatchling release on certain mornings. Check the park’s website for details on the schedule and other information about the hatchlings. 

In the winter, we braved the wind to walk nearly a mile down the beach. Despite the cool temperatures, the sunshine felt great and it’s always nice to get in a little exercise on a road trip.

We made it to the beach camping area, another popular activity at Padre Island National Seashore. Sadly, we didn’t have our RV with us on this trip. We definitely want to return and spend a couple of days doing some primitive (and free!) camping on the beach, though!

From Padre Island, we recommend driving to San Antonio for the night. It’s only about a 2.5 hour drive and that will allow you plenty of time the next day to explore all this great city has to offer.

If you have more time, you could always spend another night in Port Aransas or Corpus Christi to enjoy more time at the beach.

I’ve got more details on this portion of the itinerary in my article on visiting the Texas Gulf Coast .

San Antonio is best known for The River Walk and the Alamo , which are easily explored together.

Most people know the Alamo as the site of a pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution. Before that, it was a Spanish Mission and fort established by Roman Catholic missionaries. In fact, in the 1700s there were many Spanish Missionaries in South and Central Texas. 

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Start your day by exploring San Antonio Missions National Historical Park , which preserves four of these mission communities. Each preserves a history that many current San Antonio residents can trace their family heritage to.

The four missions are located south of downtown, along or near the San Antonio River. You can also easily drive between the four locations, which are about 2.5 miles apart from each other. GPS directions are fairly accurate but follow local street signs when you see them! 

A paved Mission Reach Hike & Bike Trail connects the missions as well. With enough time (and good weather), this would be a great way to see the sites.

Each of the four missions are very different and all worth a visit. The park’s main visitor center is located at Mission San José, which is the second closest to downtown. All of them have a ranger contact station and basic information, though. 

You could easily start at Mission Espada, which is farthest south and work your way north. Just a lot a little more time for Mission San José, as it is the biggest and most restored. We also suggest you watch the park movie and check out the exhibits at the visitor center.

It is also important to note that all of the missions are active churches that hold regular services. In fact, at Mission Espada there was a wedding in progress during our visit. Be considerate of these services. 

Downtown San Antonio

After touring the missions, make your way to Downtown and park. Grab some lunch and spend some time wandering along the River Walk. The River Walk is lined with a wide variety of restaurants, most offering waterside dining. 

If you prefer a less crowded meal, walk just a block or two off the River Walk and you’ll find plenty more options.

Spend as much time as you’d like walking around, taking in the sights, people-watching and shopping along the way. 

From there, walk over to the Alamo for a tour of this famed Texas site. You can tour the Alamo Church for free but reservations are required. If you want to spend more time exploring the Alamo, you can choose from a self-guided tour or join a group for a guided experience. There are also other exhibits to see which can easily make for a full day itself. 

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing along the River Walk or head back to your hotel for a nap. Or, if you have more time and energy you can visit the Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio Zoo, Japanese Tea Gardens or the Witte Museum. 

Following dinner, make your way to San Antonio’s Main Plaza for The Saga, an epic light show projected onto the facade of San Fernando Cathedral . You can catch the show Tuesday – Sunday at 9:00 pm and 9:30 pm. The 24-minute show follows the history and development of San Antonio, Texas and the United States.

This was a unique and fantastic light show that we both really enjoyed. There are a few chairs in the square but, likely, not enough for all visitors. Bring your own or be prepared to stand or sit on the ground.

Where to Eat in San Antonio

For lunch, we stumbled into La Mexicana, a Mexican restaurant right off Main Plaza. Honestly, we were so hungry we just went to the first place we saw before we both got hangry. Wow, what a great decision that was!

The restaurant doesn’t look like anything special but the food was amazing. Our meals of enchiladas and tortas were spot on. And the tortillas were seriously some of the best we’ve ever had. If you want to avoid the crowds and inflated prices along the River Walk, this is a great option that’s just a couple of blocks away.

For dinner, we headed to Pollo Asados los Nortenos , which we recommended in our book based on research. Thankfully, our research was right and we had a fabulous meal. The idea for the restaurant came following a fundraiser for a new church in the Mexican town of Nueva Rosita. 

The fundraiser was successful and the family started a food truck. Now, there are two restaurant locations not far from downtown.

It’s a small menu consisting of whole and half chicken, burgers and grilled meats. Grant and I split the whole chicken with all the sides and had way more than enough food. 

Don’t worry if there’s a wait – service is quick and you likely won’t have to wait long for a table. And we got our food just a few minutes after ordering.

Where to Stay in San Antonio

You will find a wide range of places to stay in and around San Antonio. You can splurge on a hotel along the River Walk or opt for a budget-friendly stay outside of town. Pretty much every hotel chain is represented in San Antonio and you’ll find a variety of local hotels and RV parks as well. 

If you choose to stay downtown, you’ll be able to walk to many of the places on this itinerary. 

We opted for the latter, staying at the Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio at The Rim .

Read TripAdvisor Reviews | Book the Hotel

The Rim is a suburban shopping area with a wide variety of hotels, restaurants and stores on the north side of San Antonio. The Hilton Garden Inn was comfortable and we enjoyed having the restaurant/bar as an option for breakfast and dinner. 

Check out Grant’s article for more details on visiting San Antonio Missions NHP. 

Day 5 – Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and the Hill Country

From San Antonio, continue your road trip north to explore the Texas Hill Country. 

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Spend your morning at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park . The two units of this park preserve the former president’s boyhood home and ranch, where you’ll find the Texas White House. Working in conjunction with the NPS site, the Lydon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site preserves an early 1900s farmstead and controls access to the ranch.

Start your visit at the Visitor Center in Johnson City. View the exhibits, watch the park film and take a guided tour of Johnson’s boyhood home. This modest home still doesn’t have air conditioning and is a stark reminder that LBJ grew up just like many people in the 1920s – without electricity or indoor plumbing. 

From there, continue to the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site right across the river from the LBJ ranch. The state park works in conjunction with the National Park Service so grab tickets to tour the LBJ Ranch here. But don’t run off just yet! At the state park, you will find a historic farmstead with living historians replicating what it was like to grow up in the Hill Country during LBJ’s childhood. At the farmstead, a short trail takes you to a working farm and past the park’s small longhorn and bison herds. 

At the LBJ Ranch, complete the driving tour to see the schoolhouse, birthplace, family cemetery, working ranch, airplane hangar and the Texas White House. The President and First Lady’s house got its name based on how much time they spent there, even while LBJ was in office. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to schedule a tour of the Johnson’s house.

Note: In 2024, the park started major renovations of the Airplane Hangar Visitor Center and Texas White House. Both are closed until the rehabilitation is complete. The remainder of the ranch driving tour is open and available to visitors. The Texas White House Complex is expected to reopen in late 2025. 

The Hill Country

For the afternoon, choose from one (or more) of the many wineries and vineyards along Highway 290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg. 

Before our December 2023 visit, we knew the area had recently grown into a rather large wine-producing region. We did not fully understand the extent of that growth until we saw it ourselves. 

Seriously, there were too many vineyards and wineries to count as we drove west towards Fredericksburg. There are even a few breweries and distilleries along the way as well.

You can easily spend the rest of the afternoon visiting on your own to sample the region’s production. If you don’t have a designated driver, you can join a tour to make it a safe and enjoyable afternoon.

If wine isn’t your thing, you can drive on to Fredericksburg or take a detour to Luckenbach . This unincorporated community is a modern-day ghost town, though it does have a working saloon, general store and, most notably, one of the best dance halls in Texas. 

The city is widely remembered for its 2006 population of 3 (yes, just 3). According to my research , it now boasts a population of 13. But, up to 1,300 people can flood the city on the weekend for its excellent live music and special events.

Where to Eat and Sleep in Fredericksburg

You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants and hotels in Fredericksburg, making it a great base for your visit to the Hill Country.

For either lunch or dinner, we highly recommend The Auslander , an authentic German restaurant in downtown Fredericksburg. We ended up there for a late lunch and even at 2:00 pm there was a fairly significant wait. Thankfully, it was worth it!

The menu features a variety of traditional schnitzel and sausage, along with a few American favorites for the picky eaters. 

We opted for a traditional lunch starting with spicy pimento cheese and “Old World” potato soup, followed by Kasewurst, a spicy smoked sausage. Everything was absolutely fantastic and hit the spot on a cool winter afternoon.

If German food isn’t your thing, there is a wide variety of restaurants in downtown Fredericksburg, sure to please any palette.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a specific recommendation for a hotel. We intended to stay in Fredericksburg but waited too late to make reservations since we were in town just before New Year’s Eve. 

There are many chain and local hotels in the area to choose from, though. Just make reservations early, especially if visiting around a holiday weekend. Fredericksburg and the Hill Country is a popular destination these days!

Since we didn’t have a hotel, we ended up visiting Johnson City and Fredericksburg as a day trip from San Antonio. As such, we didn’t have time to do everything we suggest on this itinerary.

Day 6 – Fredericksburg to Austin

If you didn’t have time to enjoy the downtown area of Fredericksburg on Day 5, make a point to do that before leaving town. Fredericksburg has a lovely downtown filled with shops, restaurants, breweries and wineries. 

In fact, if you didn’t make it to any vineyards on your drive in, you can find several tasting rooms in town. Some of the restaurants also serve local varieties. 

If you are visiting in the spring, head up to the Willow City Loop . This 13-mile scenic drive is about 20 minutes northeast of Fredericksburg and boasts some of the best wildflower fields in Texas. Bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes are typically plentiful if you time it right. 

Alas, on our first visit to the area in April 2011, we were a bit too early to catch the peak of the wildflower season.

If you want to stretch your legs, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Are a offers several hiking trails. The highlight of the park is a massive dome of pink granite. From the top, you’ll have amazing views of the surrounding area.

From here, drive to Austin for two nights.  

The state capital of Austin promotes itself as “the live music capital of the world.” The unofficial slogan of “Keep Austin Weird,” is a nod to promoting unique local businesses, rather than large corporations. 

If you didn’t catch the wildflowers near Fredericksburg, be sure to stop at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center . The center offers a mix of cultivated gardens and managed natural areas with a focus on conserving native plants and resources. 

The Wildflower Center was high on our list of places to visit on our recent Texas road trip. Unfortunately, we were in Austin on New Year’s Eve weekend and it was closed during our visit. Hopefully, we’ll be able to hit it the next time we are in town.

Instead, we made a point to visit the Barton Creek Greenbelt for a First Day Hike. This relatively easy trail takes you to two waterfalls… when there is water running. Again, the time of year meant for a dry creek bed and no waterfalls. Still, it was a good hike and we really enjoyed the exercise. It’s best explored in the spring or summer, though. 

Thankfully, we were able to fully enjoy one of Austin’s best-known sites: South Congress Avenue. Along this pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare, you’ll be able to explore some of the city’s quirkiness and support all kinds of businesses. 

From small independent eateries to local artists and the iconic Allens Boots, you’ll find just about everything including some of Austin’s notable live music.

Austin’s Bat Flight

From late March through early fall, be sure to end your day with Austin’s incredible bat flight . In season, the Congress Avenue Bridge is also a thriving colony of thousands of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats. 

Around sunset, the bats begin to emerge in search of food. The flood of bats pouring over Lady Bird Lake from under the bridge is an event that shouldn’t be missed.

The bat flight occurs nightly around sunset, anywhere from 7:30 to 9:45. But this is a natural event so the bats do what they want when they want. 

There are several prime viewing areas near the Congress Avenue Bridge. One of the best is the grassy hill at the Statesman Bat Observation Center. 

When we return to Austin, we’ll be making sure it’s during bat season so we can catch this spectacular event!

Where to Eat and Sleep in Austin

There is no shortage of great restaurants in Austin. From barbecue to fine dining, you’re sure to find something for everyone.

Close to the Congress Avenue Bridge, Terry Black’s BBQ is an Austin staple that is sure to have a line. If you want to combine dinner and a night out, Stubb’s BBQ has its own outdoor amphitheater and hosts a variety of acts. 

For brunch, lunch or dinner while you’re shopping, Joann’s Fine Foods is a Tex-Mex Diner with a lively patio. Its vintage diner decor provides a modern yet nostalgic vibe. The menu is quite varied and the bar is known for its extensive tequila and mezcal selection.

We popped in for lunch before walking South Congress Avenue and thoroughly enjoyed a couple of sandwiches (Patty Melt for Grant and Tuna Melt for me). Their extensive menu of all-day breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and Tex-Mex specialties made it a difficult decision, though. 

For dinner, we found the Salty Sow through the BILT Rewards Dining program and had a fabulous New Year’s Day dinner. The Truffled Deviled Eggs were the perfect start to the meal. For entrees, I opted for the Genuine Blackened Redfish, while Grant chose the Smoked Pork Carnitas. Both were absolutely perfect.

And a couple of cocktails and it was a great way to start 2024 and wrap up our time in Austin.

From Austin, you’ll continue your road trip north to Waco. For a relatively small town, there are a ton of things to do so get an early start!

Grant first visited Waco in October 2022, on a solo trip while I was on away for an EF training tour in Paris . But, of course, I had to experience all of the great sights myself. We agreed that it absolutely deserves at least one day on your Texas road trip. Honestly, you could easily spend two or three days here, though.

5 Things to Do in Waco

1) If you are fans of Fixer Upper, you can focus your visit on all things Magnolia , Chip & Joanna Gaines’ brand. But, there are plenty of other things to do in Waco. As much as we enjoy the show, we filled our time otherwise.

2) National Park fans will want to prioritize visiting the Waco Mammoth National Monument . The park preserves a fossil bed of Columbian mammoths, including the country’s only evidence of a nursery herd. 

You can visit the dig site on a guided tour, which are given every 30 minutes throughout the day. Tours last 45 minutes – 1 hour and are available on a first-come basis.

3) To understand more about Texas history, visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame . This small museum explains how the frontier law enforcement group evolved into a premier investigative unit. 

A variety of exhibits showcase weapons, notable cases (such as the notorious Bonnie and Clyde), special operations and, of course, Hall of Fame inductees. 

4) For a lighter museum visit, the Dr Pepper Museum showcases the evolution of the iconic soft drink. The museum is located in the original bottling plant. The three floors of exhibits cover the drink’s development, botting, distribution and marketing.

You can also visit the old-fashioned soda fountain for a hand-pulled and mixed soda or float. 

5) For less structure, downtown Waco is filled with shops and is very pedestrian-friendly. You can easily spend the morning or afternoon wandering around and taking in all the city offers. Additionally, the Riverwalk provides a lovely place to walk along the Brazos River. Or, you can get out on the water with a kayak or paddleboard.

Read Grant’s in-depth article about visiting Waco.

Where to Eat and Drink in Waco

After two visits to Waco, we’ve collected several recommendations for food and drink. And even a few places we wanted to visit and didn’t make it to!

Whiskey fans should make a point to visit Balcones Distilling for a tour or at least a drink. After too many distillery tours to count, Grant claims this is the best tour he’s ever taken. And their Brimstone Whiskey, which is smoked with Texas scrub oak, is one of his favorite whiskeys. I’m a fan of some of their less-smokey options and we came home with a bottle of rum on this past trip.

For wine lovers, we recommend Valley Mills Vineyards , which is about 30 minutes west of town. We enjoyed a tasting and brought back a couple of bottles. The only downside for us was that we visited in the winter so didn’t get to see active vines. It would be much more scenic in the summer when the vines are full of almost-ripe fruit!

A few restaurants that we recommend are Our Breakfast Plac e for, you guessed it… a traditional Texas breakfast. For lunch and dinner, a few options are:

• Jake’s Tea House – a car and gas-themed burger joint
• Jasper’s Bar-B-Q – tasty hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint
• Alpha Omega Grill and Bakery – one of the best Mediterranean-style cafes we’ve been to 
• Fuego Tortilla Grill – a regional fast-casual chain serving a variety of unique tacos
• Uncle Dan’s BBQ and Ribhouse – traditional Central Texas BBQ

Where to Stay in Waco

There are a variety of hotels in Waco. You are sure to find one that suits your preferences either in downtown or just outside of town. Since we prefer Hilton hotels, we opted for those on both of our visits.

For Grant’s solo trip to Waco, he stayed at the Tru by Hilton on the south side of town. The hotel was comfortable and reasonably priced, especially for one person. While we have stayed a Tru hotels when traveling together, we generally find that they are a bit cramped for two people.

When we returned together, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn , also on the south side of town.  As Diamond Members (thanks to the Hilton American Express Aspire Card), we were upgraded to a great room for anyone who needs to work on the road.

In addition to a king-size bed with a sitting area, we also had a long desk and work area. Our only gripe is there was only one desk chair, though I’m sure we could have gotten another one if we had asked.

There were a few restaurants within walking distance to the Hilton Garden Inn but we opted to head into town or to the hotel restaurant for all of our meals.

Day 9 – Fort Worth Stockyards

For your final day in Texas, you’ll drive north to Fort Worth to visit the historic Stockyards. Be sure to time your visit to catch one of two daily cattle drives, which occur at 11:30 am and 4:30 pm. 

Since it’s only about a 1.5-hour drive, you can easily spend the morning in Waco if you still have things to see and do. Or, head up early and then start your drive home or make your way to the airport for a late-afternoon flight.

The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District preserves the cowtown history of the city. There are a variety of restaurants and shops. Additionally, there is a petting farm, historic museums and a weekly rodeo. 

Most notably, Billy Bob’s claims to be the world’s largest honky-tonk. This restaurant also provides entertainment in the form of concerts, country line dancing and a bull riding arena.

You can easily make an afternoon or evening out of a visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards if you have the time. Otherwise, wander around for a bit, check out the museum and catch the cattle drive.

Of course, you’ll find a wide variety of places to stay in and around Fort Worth and the Dallas metropolitan area. 

Final Thoughts on our Texas Road Trip Itinerary

Even with a week-long road trip, we’re barely skimming the surface of all the fantastic places to go and things to do in Texas. We know we’ve left out tons of great stops. 

In USA RV Adventures , the Best of the Lone Star State route starts in west Texas at Big Bend National Park , which is a great park to visit in the late fall, winter and spring. From there, it crosses the state to Padre Island, where it joins this itinerary. 

Leaving Fort Worth, the route continues north to Caprock Canyon and Palo Duro Canyon State Parks, both of which are high on our list of places we still need to visit. 

The book, of course, provides RV-friendly directions and tips, along with campground recommendations. 

With additional time, those are great add-ons to this Texas road trip. Of course, that still doesn’t include El Paso or Guadalupe Mountains National Park (near the New Mexico border and Carlsbad Caverns NP ). 

If you don’t have time for the full 9-day itinerary, you could easily shorten it to just the coastal region or just one or two cities along the route. San Antonio, Fredericksburg, Austin and Waco all make great weekend trips if you just have a couple of days. 

With a full week, though, this itinerary takes you to some of Texas’ most beloved cities and into the heart of the Lone Star State. 

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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The Perfect 10 Day Texas Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Plan the ultimate Texas road trip itinerary that includes national parks, hiking trails, and must-see cities around the Lone Star State.

Thinking about making your way south to visit Texas ? This epic 10-day Texas road trip shows you how you can experience the best that the Lone Star State has to offer.

The bulk of this 10-day itinerary is focused on central Texas where major highways form a meticulous triangle. By following this route you can experience major cities and state capitols, all the while learning just why everything is bigger in Texas!

Beginning in Dallas, you’ll venture even further by exploring Texas’ underrate nature and a past that continues to influence the wider country.

In reality, Texas is a massive state. You’d need much longer than 10 days to really see the entire state on an epic Texas road trip. So if you do have more time to spare, you can always add to this itinerary through many of the posts that we link to along the way.

But for the purpose of this Texas road trip itinerary, we’ll be focusing on the easily accessible highlights of Central Texas.

Find more ideas with our ultimate list of the best things to do in Texas !

Table of Contents

Where To Stay In Dallas + Fort Worth

Day 2 alternative – amarillo day trip from dallas, where to stay in austin, along the way to austin from dallas – waco, day 4 alternative – texas hill country, where to stay in san antonio, where to stay in corpus christi, where to stay in houston, where to stay in galveston, day 10 – return to dallas/houston, the wrap up, the perfect texas road trip itinerary.

Texas can be explored in a number of ways. From taking domestic flights to guided tours, this huge state has so much to offer. But a Texas road trip is a quintessential way to experience the Lone Star State!

During these 10 days, you’ll see charming small towns, magnificent cities, and natural beauty. This road trip in Texas is the perfect introduction to the second-largest state in the continental US!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Day 1 & 2 – Dallas + Fort Worth

Day 1 of your Texas road trip begins in Dallas . At the top of a trio of highways that form a triangle through the heart of Texas, you’re well-placed to begin a road trip of a lifetime.

Here in Dallas, you’ll find a blend of art, history, nature, and sport. Add on a second day in Fort Worth, and you can explore the history of cattle ranches before dancing the night away at Billy Bob’s Texas.

Dallas Arts District

Encompassing the largest arts district in the nation, exploring the Dallas Arts District is the best way to start your journey through Triple D . Here, you’ll discover 20 blocks of galleries and museums, including the Dallas Museum of Art.

This thorough 3-hour tour of Dallas, not only takes you through the district but to the Klyde Warren Park and Memorial Plaza.

Sixth Floor Museum

In 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald entered the Texas School Book Depository and changed American history. Now the Sixth Floor Museum, learn all about this tragic event, including the hours before along with the emotional aftermath.

• Address:  411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202
• Hours:  10 am-5 pm (Wed-Sun)
• Price:  $18

Klyde Warren Park

Escape the bustle of downtown Dallas with a relaxing picnic at Klyde Warren Park. Not far from the Arts District, the park features a thriving food truck scene and regular events including movie nights.

• Address: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201

Perot Museum of Nature & Science

A highlight of the Dallas Arts District, the Perot Museum of Nature & Science is a must-see. Featuring almost a dozen halls spread over five floors, you can dive into the topics of engineering, evolution, and earth.

• Address:  2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201
• Hours:  10 am-5 pm (Mon, Wed-Sat) 11 am-5 pm (Sun)
• Price:  $20

African American Museum

Set in Fair Park, the African American Museum is believed to be the first of its kind. Home to a thorough collection of artifacts, documents, and art, it’s an incredible way to explore the history and culture of African Americans.

• Address:  3536 Grand Ave, Fair Park, Dallas, TX 75210
• Hours:  11 am-5 pm (Tue-Fri) 10 am-5 pm (Sat)
• Price:  Free

Want to extend to 3 days in Dallas? Check out our Dallas Itinerary !

AT&T Stadium

On day 2 of your Texas road trip, it’s time to explore neighboring Fort Worth. Along the way, you’ll pass Arlington, home to the Dallas Cowboys and AT&T Stadium.

This spectacular stadium can seat 80,000 fans and houses what was once a record-breaking jumbotron. Go watch the Cowboys or sign up for a stadium tour.

Leave the car at home with this tour of AT&T Stadium that includes transportation.

• Address: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011

Sundance Square

Spanning 35 blocks, Sundance Square represents the beating heart of Fort Worth. Old brick roads guide you by eye-catching architecture, including the historic Tarrant County Courthouse. Enjoy Texan cuisine, scratch your shopping itch, and stick around for the boisterous nightlife.

Kimbell Art Museum

Known as much for its architecture as its art, the Kimbell Art Museum quickly captures your imagination. Featuring art and antiquities from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, the galley covers a range of eras and styles with works from the likes of Picasso and Monet.

• Address:  3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
• Hours:  10 am-5 pm (Tue-Thur, Sat) 12 pm-8 pm (Fri & Sun), closed Monday

Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is a unique look into Texas’ connection to ranching and cowboys. Every day on Exchange Avenue, modern-day cowboys and cowgirls guide longhorns down the historic street. You can learn more about why at the Livestock Exchange.

Billy Bob’s Texas

Come sundown, the Stockyards is one of the best places for nightlife in Texas. Here, you’ll find Billy Bob’s Texas where you can go boot scootin’ crazy and indulge in some classic honky tonk!

• Address: 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164

You can combine your Dallas experience with a day at Fort Worth on this guided tour .

At Hotel Crescent Court , you’ll feel right at home in your opulent setting before opening the ornate French doors for your own private balcony.

With cable TV, an on-site pool and a restaurant, Hampton Inn & Suites is a great place to recuperate as you explore downtown Dallas.

Close to nightlife and local culture, SOVA puts you in the heart of the action at a budget-friendly price.

Are you excited to explore Dallas and Fort Worth in greater depth? Read up on the complete list of things to do in Dallas right here.

This drive takes 5.5 hours from downtown Dallas.

Rather than spending a day in Fort Worth, start your day bright and early to make your way to Amarillo. As you drive into the more remote northwestern Texas, you’ll begin to see a different set of micro-cultures to go along with an increase in Stetsons, wild ponies, and dusty side roads.

Amarillo is a unique, quirky town that boasts a stop along historic Route 66 on top of being the gateway to Texas’ western frontier. It’s a great, historical stop on your Texas road trip!

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch is one of the most interesting roadside attractions in Texas. Right off I-40, the “ranch” features the frontends of 10 Cadillacs buried in the Texan dirt. Decorated with a kaleidoscopic use of spray paint, it’s one of those things you wouldn’t see anywhere but Amarillo.

• Address: 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124

Sixth Street Historic District

Home to 13 blocks of Route 66 fame, the Sixth Street Historic District dates back to the 1920s. The collection of old-time commercial buildings recalls the heyday of Amarillo and features Art Deco, Art Moderne, and Spanish Revival architecture.

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

A classic West Texas experience, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum explores the history of the world’s most popular horse breed. Hands-on exhibits and events take you back in time to the height of cattle herding.

• Address: 2601 E Interstate Dr, Amarillo, TX 79104
• Hours: 10 am – 4 pm, Closed Sundays and Mondays

Day 3 & 4 – Austin

This drive takes 3 hours from downtown Dallas

Whether you’ve taken a day trip to Amarillo or decided to just stay in Dallas, next you’ll be heading south to Austin along I-35. We recommend stopping in Waco on the way, which we’ll provide more details about shortly.

Austin is a beautiful mix of arts, culture, and color mixed in with all the things you’ve come to know and love about Texas. Unique neighborhoods abound in Austin. Add on ample outdoor activities, it’s best to give yourself at least two nights to explore what Austin has to offer.

One way to split your 48 hours up is by separating the attractions on either side of the surging Colorado River.

Read Next: Find out what other destinations made our list of the best places to visit in Texas !

Downtown Austin

Towering skyscrapers, museums, street art, and mouthwatering Tex-Mex lies in wait in downtown Austin. Spend your morning at the Museum of Weird or the Mexic-Arte Museum before enjoying some takeout food along the nearby waterfront.

See the best of downtown, along with South Congress on this e-bike tour .

Texas State Capitol

Nearby is the Texas State Capitol looming proudly over the rest of the city. The 19th-century building is one of the tallest government buildings in the country, with a beautiful dome and spire reaching over 300 feet. Join a guided tour to learn more about its history and stunning architecture.

• Address: 1100 Congress Ave
• Hours: 7 am – 8 pm (opens at 9 am on weekends)

University of Texas

Home to the iconic Texas Longhorns, the University of Texas is the place to be in the fall. But there’s more to this campus than just football. Explore to find the captivating Blanton Museum of Art, along with the Natural Science Center and the Memorial Museum.

Sunset at Congress Avenue Bridge

There’s no better place to be in Austin at sunset than the Congress Avenue Bridge. Boasting the largest urban bat colony in the world, all 1.5 million of them depart once the sun touches the horizon.

Such is the heady number, it can take 45 minutes to finish all the while the sky burns bright amber.

Watch the event from the Colorado River on a kayak tour .

The Dirty Sixth

To burn the midnight oil in Austin head to the Dirty Sixth. This rowdy nightlife strip harbors bustling music venues, pumping clubs, and dim-lit bars, perfect for enjoying a drink and reflecting on the road trip thus far.

Rainey Street Historic District

The alternative to the Dirty Sixth is Rainey Street Historic District. The revitalized old district is more laid back than Sixth Street with high-end eateries, vibrant bars, and charming, old-school pubs.

Lady Bird Lake

Nurse your hangover with a trip to Lady Bird Lake. When in Austin, you’re never far from nature, and you’ll find beautiful walking and biking trails from which to explore. Stop at Zilker Park for downtown views or paddle out on the lake with your traveling crew.

South Congress

Now that you’re back to normal, head to South Congress the hotbed of the Keep Austin Weird movement. Filled with kitschy shops, street art, and teeming with food trucks, it’s the place to stay weird, enjoy sprawling murals, and feast on delightful cuisine.

The Cathedral of Junk

Speaking of weird, the Cathedral of Junk finishes in the first place. The gallery of junk is spread through a simple backyard featuring a conglomerate of random items from engines to spooky mannequins.

Travelers must call ahead before visiting.

• Address: 4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX 78745
• Cost: Donation based

McKinney Falls State Park

If you haven’t quenched your thirst for nature yet on this Texas road trip, head to McKinney Falls State Park. Venture along the Onion Creek Hike to see both the lower and upper falls. While only 10 miles from Austin, the change of pace and color along with the fresh air will have you ready to tackle the rest of this road trip.

Five-star opulence awaits at Hotel Saint Cecilia where you’ll enjoy, a la carte breakfast, an on-site pool, and free bike hire.

On Sixth Street, East Austin Hotel , is a 3-star hotel with cable TV, on-site restaurants, and close to the University of Texas.

In central, downtown Austin, the Firehouse Hostel provides a fun, atmosphere with modern amenities and close to nightlife.

Check out our post to learn more about the best things to do in Austin .

As you make your way from Dallas to Austin, get off Highway 35 for a quick stop in Waco. Home to the beautiful campus of Baylor University, you’ll find mouthwatering cuisine at local markets and plenty of kitschy shops to add to your road trip shopping bag.

Magnolia Market at the Silos

With your day now fully underway, replenish your energy stocks at Magnolia Market at the Silos. This small district features a handful of food trucks, along with the famous Silos Baking Co., to go along with the collection of live events, boutique stores, and a farmers’ market.

• Address: 601 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706
• Hours: 9 am – 6 pm (closed Sun)

Dr. Pepper Museum

America’s oldest major soda brand was founded right here in Waco. This museum features three floors packed with exhibits that take you along Dr. Pepper’s timeline. The historic bottling plant even includes a Liquid Lab where you can attempt to make your own soda.

• Address: 300 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76701
• Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm (Mon to Sat) 12 pm – 5:30 pm Sun

Wooly Mammoth National Monument

Spanning five acres along the Bosque River, the Wooly Mammoth National Monument commemorates the discovery of a collection of Columbian mammoths found in Waco. The only discovery of its kind in the states, the monument provides a glimpse into the lives of the mammoths and the epic 3-decade excavation effort.

• Address: 6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX 76708
• Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
• Price: Free. Guided tours are $6

Read next: The Ultimate 3 Days In Austin, Texas Itinerary

A guided tour of Austin may leave you feeling satisfied with your experience in the state capitol. If that’s the case, pack your car with all your day trip necessities and head to the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Featuring rolling hills, charming small towns, state parks, and elegant vineyards, it’s a lovely complement to Austin.

Pedernales Falls State Park

On route from Austin to the Texas Hill Country, stop off at Pedernales Falls State Park and soak up some natural beauty. One of the best things to do here is go for a swim in Hamilton Pool Preserve . This natural swimming hole is set in a dramatic canyon complete with limestone cliffs and a huge waterfall.

Other than Hamilton Pool, Pedernales Falls State Park has some awesome mountain biking and hiking trails.

Frederiksburg

There are a number of cozy German towns in the Texas Hill Country. The best? Frederiksburg. With eye-catching European architecture, Germanic cuisine, art galleries, and cute cafes, it’s a small town not to be missed.

Visit the Wineries

On this guided tour departing from Austin, venture into the countryside stopping at three award-winning wineries. Sample wines and local treats before exploring the beautiful, winding roads in a luxury van. This is a must for wine lovers going on Texas road trips!

Day 5 – San Antonio

This drive takes 1 hour and 20 minutes from downtown Austin.

After your visit to the Texas Hill Country, head south to San Antonio . Home to Spanish colonial missions and a thriving riverfront community, San Antonio thrives on surprising its visitors. This charming city is really a must-see on any road trip in Texas!

After a drive through the Texas Hill Country from Austin, be prepared to experience a unique city that balances prominent a Spanish past, with hints of the Wild West and modern Texan culture.

If you have time, extend your trip and spend 3 days in San Antonio !

San Antonio Missions

A National Historic Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the San Antonio Missions is a veritable gem that’s vital to America’s story. Covering five missions including the famous Alamo (San Antonio de Valero), you can learn all about the Spanish influence in this region.

The San Antonio Riverwalk

The San Antonio River Walk is the heart of local culture and hospitality. Home to river parades, the edges of the San Antonio River are lined with refined restaurants and chic bars.

This nighttime tour takes you on a River Walk Cruise with a visit to the Tower of the Americas.

Historic Market Square

Covering three blocks, the Historic Market Square is a great way to put on your tourist hat and shop, eat and drink. The square also boasts the largest Mexican market, known as El Mercado, in the States. Afterward, load up on fresh goods at the Farmer’s Market Plaza.

Natural Bridge Caverns

The Natural Bridge Caverns were discovered in the 1960s and are now the largest of their kind in the US. This guided experience allows you to skip the line and explore the vast cave network laden with stalactites and stalagmites.

Book your visit to the Natural Bridge Caverns on Get Your Guide !

Ranger Creek Brewing

It’s officially day 5 and halfway through your Texas road trip. Celebrate, reflect, and look forward to future adventures at Ranger Creek Brewing. Featuring more than just microbrews, you can enjoy small-batch craft whiskey before joining a guided tour.

• Address:  4834 Whirlwind Dr, San Antonio, TX
• Hours:  Monday – Thursday 10 am – 4 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm
• Cost:  Tours cost $15 and run every Saturday at 1 pm and 3 pm

Next to the River Walk, Hotel Emma offers guests a sun terrace with excellent views, a fitness center, and a pool, plus an on-site bar.

Wake up with a complimentary breakfast and wake up with a swim at Drury Plaza , before exploring San Antonio.

WaterWalk offers free daily breakfast, BBQ facilities, a fitness center, and a swimming pool all without hurting the wallet.

Day 6 & 7 – Corpus Christi

This drive takes 2 hours from downtown San Antonio.

After departing San Antonio on your Texas road trip, make your way south to Corpus Christi. Two days here may seem like a lot, but it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the captivating nature that South Texas has to offer.

Mustang Island

30 miles south of Corpus Christi is an 18-mile barrier island that is a boon for animal lovers and beach bums. Grab the towel and head to the wild sands of this protected area. Go for a swim in the Gulf, kayak along the rugged shorelines, and keep an eye out for the island’s 400 unique bird species.

Padre Island National Seashore

Established in 1962, the Padre Island National Seashore is the largest of its kind on earth. With 70 miles of untouched nature, explore a major bird migration spot and sea turtles or simply enjoy the views from the majestic coast.

South Padre Island

Contrasting to the previous day’s national seashore, the southern version offers a balance of humanity and natural wonders.

The beaches are delightful and there are family-friendly theme parks. However, you can’t beat a horse ride on the beach or a sunset yacht charter deep into the Gulf.

The Rio Grande

Staying in Corpus Christi provides you with an interesting opportunity to see the Rio Grande flow into the Gulf of Mexico. Visit the Las Palomas Wildlife area and be able to take a peak into the gulf coast of Mexico while enjoying one of the most southern points in mainland USA.

The Oceanside Retreat comes with beach views from your balcony, full kitchens, and walking distance to the shoreline.

Tru by Hilton provides upscale rooms with a swimming pool and fitness center all within a short drive of Mustang and North Padre Island.

The simple Knights Inn comes with beach views, cable TV, an outdoor pool, and BBQ facilities.

Day 8 – Houston

Next on your road trip in Texas, head up towards East Texas and spend some time in Houston . This diverse city has plenty of Texas history and nature to check out, plus there are a lot of great road trips to take from Houston !

Space Center Houston

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas, the Space Center Houston lives up to the hype. Dive into the history of space travel, visit Mission Control, and touch a rock that was returned from the moon! Finish up with exploring the thrilling Rocket Park.

• Address:  2101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
• Hours:  10 am-5 pm (Mon-Fri) 10 am-6 pm (Sat-Sun)
• Price:  $29.95

The Museum District

Home to 18 museums, (11 of which are free), Houston’s Museum District is as fascinating as it is budget-friendly. Highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Menil Collection, and the Museum of Natural Science.

Buffalo Bayou Park

Enjoy some sunshine, a leisurely walk, and some cheese and crackers in Buffalo Bayou Park. This urban escape features a history water reservoir-turned-art-exhibit, plus old-time homes, beautiful, landscaped gardens, and some fun biking trails.

Find more things to do on this 3 Days In Houston Itinerary !

The La Colombe d’Or promises a memorable experience thanks to its Victorian decor, outdoor pool, and proximity to central Houston.

The Cambria provides road trippers with a central location and upscale amenities at a reasonable price.

At Wanderstay budget travelers will have a modern, themed hostel with spacious communal and dining areas.

Day 9 – Galveston

From Houston, head further into East Texas with a visit to the coastal city of Galveston . Here are the top things to do when you get there!

Stewart Beach

Not far from the Historic Pleasure Pier, Stewart Beach is the spot to get some sun, go for a swim, and enjoy your last full day. Snack stands will keep your thirst quenched and your hunger at bay, and be sure to rent an umbrella for some handy shade.

The historic Strand in Galveston is lined with elegant 19th-century architecture and where tales of the past ring along the walking path. Spread along five blocks, you’ll find the Opera House from 1894 and dozens of fun shops within ancient walls.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is Texas’ answer to the one in Santa Monica. Soaring out into the Gulf, enjoy the 15-plus rides, family-fun arcades, and the token fair hot dog.

At the George Manor , you’ll be staying in a historic building with included breakfast and an on-site restaurant while being within walking distance of the beach.

On the Galveston Seawall, enjoy ocean views, on-site bar, and fitness center at Clarion Pointe .

By East Beach, Wingate by Wyndham , provides an excellent location, cable TV, and complimentary breakfast at low cost.

From Galveston, it’s time for the last leg of your epic Texas road trip. To complete the Texas “triangle” drive north for 4.5 hours along I-45. For a shorter trip, drop your rental car off in Houston, which is under an hour away.

Well, there you have it folks, the perfect Texas road trip. Over ten days, you’ll hit up some of the state’s best cities, learn about important history and indulge in some local culture. But rest assured, there’s plenty of time for fun, whether that be in Fort Worth, Austin, or Galveston.

Such is the size of Texas, there are still some notable absentees. A larger West Texas road trip would help you explore Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. But iconic places like Big Bend and the surrounding national parks would require much more time.

But no matter how much time you spend in Texas, you’re sure to have a blast!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

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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.

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Things to Do

Take a historic road trip along the texas coastline.

Texas is not always the first state that comes to mind when planning a trip to the beach. However, when you couple the state’s rich history with over 300 miles of coastline, you end up with some great stops worthy of a Texas road trip. Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Port Isabel Lighthouse

Photo: tpwd.texas.gov

With gorgeous views and a grand history, Port Isabel Lighthouse is the only Texas coast lighthouse open to the public. The grounds themselves are a great place for a picturesque picnic, and if you don’t mind climbing a few stairs and ladders, the top of the tower offers breathtaking views of both land and sea. For more information on admission and activities, visit portisabellighthouse.com .

2. Palo Alto Battlefield

Photo: nps.gov/paal

The landscape of the Palo Alto Battlefield in Brownsville has not changed much since General Mariano Arista led 3,200 men onto its coastal plains. Flanked by mesquite thickets and cactus, the troops sought to block the advancing U.S. Army. Though the troops managed to delay the U.S. advance, the Battle of Palo Alto saw many Mexican casualties, prompting Arista’s forces to retreat early the next morning. Offering a great lesson in Texas history, the Battlefield is now a national park, and is open to the public. For more information on hours and activities, visit nps.gov/paal .

3. USS Lexington

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7 Epic Texas Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

There’s absolutely no better way to explore the Lone Star State than on an epic Texas road trip, and we’ve created this road trip guide to show you some of the best ones around!

From Texas’ largest cities to its open plains, from its laid-back beach towns to its wine country, there is no shortage of variety when it comes to what you can experience in Texas.

Here are the best road trips in Texas–plus a few tips to keep in mind before you go.

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Unforgettable Texas Road Trip Ideas

Austin to san antonio loop.

For first-time visitors to Texas and Lone Star State lovers alike, it’s hard to imagine a better short Texas road trip than the route between Austin and San Antonio –especially because it is so customizable!

While Austin and San Antonio are less than 2 hours apart (allegedly–traffic often has other plans), here are just a few things to you can potentially do on the way: float the river in New Braunfels , swim in Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs, shop in San Marcos, and eat some of Texas’ best barbecue in Lockhart.

If you’d like to extend the trip, consider making a triangle between the two cities by adding a stop in Fredericksburg to enjoy some of Texas’ German history, drink local wine, and climb to the top of Enchanted Rock.

Plus, of course, there are the cities themselves: both Austin and San Antonio are home to enough fun things to do to keep you busy for weeks, from the Alamo to the Texas State Capitol and beyond.

Recommended Road Trip Length

Since the driving distances are so short for this road trip, a four or five day trip is enough to give you a nice overview of the area–but the sheer number of things to do nearby means that you could easily triple that time without getting bored!

Small Hill Country Towns + Outdoor Adventures

This Texas road trip also focuses on the general region between and around Austin and San Antonio–also known as the Texas Hill Country –but instead of focusing the trip on the area’s two large cities with a few stops along the way, this one is focused entirely on the countryside.

Starting from either Austin or San Antonio, head out into the Hill Country to explore the official Texas Wine Trail, stop by whimsical Wimberely to experience Jacob’s Well and its colorful downtown, scarf down German food in Fredericksburg , sample barbecue in Lockhart, swim in Dripping Springs, head to the LBJ Ranch, and stop by the positively tiny town of Luckenbach.

Be sure to also mix in plenty of outdoor beauty: Enchanted Rock , Pedernales Falls State Park, Natural Bridge Caverns, and Guadalupe River State Park (one of the most popular spots for floating the river ) are all accessible on this Texas road trip.

A week is long enough to have an incredibly memorable Texas Hill Country trip, though not long enough to see it all!

Texas’ portion of Route 66 is fairly short–you can drive it straight across the panhandle in about 3 hours without stopping–but it definitely makes for a classic Texas road trip!

Along Route 66, by far the biggest city you’ll pass is Amarillo, where you should definitely stop to check out the Historic Route 66 District, the American Quarter Horse Museum, and–for the very, very hungry–the 72 oz. steak challenge at the Big Texan Steak Ranch (don’t worry, they have more human-sized portions on offer too).

You’ll definitely want to swing by Cadillac Ranch as well, located just west of Amarillo, for a sight that you just don’t see everyday: 10 Cadillacs with their frontends buried in a field, spray-painted within an inch of their lives. 

Lesser-known Slug Bug Ranch (similar concept as Cadillac Ranch, but with slug bugs) is located on Route 66 as well, but on the eastern side of Amarillo.

Though it’s not technically on Route 66 itself, I also highly recommend swinging south of Amarillo to check out Palo Duro Canyon , the second-largest canyon in the USA and an unforgettable place to visit!

While you can easily drive Texas’ portion of Route 66 in a single day, we recommend spending a night or two in either Amarillo or Canyon to enjoy the nearby sights and some of the hikes in Palo Duro Canyon!

Wide Open Spaces in West Texas

West Texas is not only home to the sprawling, harsh desert landscapes that the Lone Star State is often associated with, it’s also home to both of Texas’ national parks, which can act as the backbone to a phenomenal Texas road trip.

After exploring some of the best things to do in El Paso , head to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for truly majestic landscapes (and depending on time, consider dipping across the border to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico as well).

From there, head off to Big Bend National Park: don’t miss hiking Santa Elena Canyon or admiring the views from Marshall Drive!

Nearby, you’ll find the lesser-known but still phenomenal cousin of Big Bend National Park: Big Bend Ranch State Park.

Along the way, consider stopping at the ghost town of Terlingua, the artsy town of Marfa (famous for its Prada store that never opens), and the McDonald Observatory, to fully appreciate the inky black night sky of West Texas.

In order to fully appreciate both national parks as well as Big Bend Ranch State Park while still leaving time for additional sightseeing along the way, we recommend taking around a week and a half to enjoy a West Texas road trip.

Dallas Loop Road Trip

For a Texas road trip with a fantastic mix of big cities, great food, charming small towns, and even a bit of nature, consider taking a road trip beginning and ending in Dallas.

Start off your trip by enjoying the best of Dallas and Ft. Worth, including the Arboretum, Reunion Tower, and Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas, and the Stockyards in Ft. Worth.

From there, head down to Waco, where you’ll find the insanely popular Magnolia Market at the Silos, the beautiful campus of Baylor, Wooly Mammoth National Monument, and even a Dr. Pepper Museum (Texans are serious about Dr. Pepper).

Be sure to stop along the way for kolaches in West, Texas!

Depending on the time of year and amount of time you have for your road trip, other destinations to mix in include Dublin (the original home of Dr. Pepper and a town with lots of Irish influences), Grapevine (one of the best Christmas destinations in Texas), Ennis (home to some of the best bluebonnet fields in the state during the spring) and Canton (adorable and historic, plus home to one of the best flea markets in Texas ).

A quick 3-day weekend is long enough to hit a few major sights in both Dallas and Ft. Worth and briefly see Waco as well, but for the full experience covering the great small towns near Dallas, 5-7 days would be a better time frame to work with.

Gulf Coast Road Trip

If you’re looking for a beach escape in Texas, you can’t do better than road tripping the southern section of the Gulf Coast.

Starting in Corpus Christi , head down the coast to charming Mustang Island before making your way down to South Padre to enjoy one of Texas’ most beloved beach escapes.

From riding horses on the beach to visiting a sea turtle sanctuary to, of course, simply enjoying the sun and waves, you’ll find plenty to do along the way.

Be sure to stop in Port Isabel to see Texas’ second-smallest state park and climb the 19th-century lighthouse for beautiful views of the town and water, too!

This road trip can be enjoyed over a 3-day weekend, though you’ll probably want to choose between visiting either South Padre or Mustang Island if you’re short on time.

To visit both islands and stop at fun spots like Port Isabel along the way, a week is a good time frame for this road trip in Texas.

Piney Woods Road Trip

Nothing puts the diversity of Texas on display quite as obviously as starting in the enormous metropolitan area of Houston and then driving due north, where very quickly, city will give way to green forest–a far cry from the desert landscapes of West Texas or the endless fields of the Panhandle that Texas is more likely to be associated with.

East Texas, though, is a whole different ball game, from the barbecue (generally served on a bun with sauce, unlike its better-known cousin from Central Texas) to the landscape.

For your Piney Woods road trip, stop by Davy Crockett National Forest to get an idea for what the nature in East Texas has to offer before heading onto towns like Palestine (one of the homes of the Texas State Railroad), Longview, Jefferson , Marshall, and Nacogdoches.

Caddo Lake State Park, with its beautiful bayous and Spanish moss, is also a must-see stop on an East Texas road trip.

Don’t forget to leave a little time for Houston itself: the Houston Space Center alone is worth the trip!

Starting and ending in Houston, you can get a good overview of the Piney Woods area in around a week–but consider extending your Texas road trip a bit to dip down south of Houston to enjoy the beaches of the Gulf Coast a bit, too!

Tricks + Tips for Road Trips in Texas

Don’t underestimate the distance involved in taking a texas road trip..

Fun fact: when you’re in El Paso, you’re closer to San Diego than Houston!

As the second-largest state in the USA, Texas covers a positively enormous amount of land–much of it extremely empty land, especially the further west you go–and therefore taking a road trip in Texas means planning strategically based on where in the state you are.

… and definitely don’t try to cover the whole state in one trip.

Unless you have the time and inclination to drive for thousands of miles, looping around the entirety of Texas’ most famous attractions is not realistic on a single Texas road trip.

The good news is, though, that that means there’s always a reason to come back!

Stopping and Buc-ee’s and Rudy’s are important parts of any road trip in Texas.

Buc-ee’s has a bigger reputation, but Rudy’s has better breakfast tacos–in my opinion, anyway, but there are definitely those who vehemently disagree!

Either way, these iconic Texas institutions deserve to be part of any Texas road trip. 

Rudy’s is a chain of barbecue restaurants with a side of selling gas and running a small general store, and Buc-ee’s is a gigantic gas station/souvenir shop/bakery/snack station with obsessively clean bathrooms and a beaver statue out front–and with a description like that, how can you not want to see it in person?

Texans drive fast, so be prepared!

The highest posted speed limit anywhere in Texas is 85 mph (70, 75, and 80 are more common, though), but on the long stretches of the open road, let’s just say that the speed limit can often, in practice, turn into the speed minimum.

Fill up when you can, especially when headed to rural areas.

Texas isn’t exactly Australian-Outback-levels of deprived of gas stations, but especially if you’re driving through very rural areas and/or on back roads, you won’t want to stress over your gas tank getting too low.

If you’re not in a hurry, opt for the back roads once in a while.

From beautiful farms to surprising small towns, there’s a lot of beauty lurking on Texas’ smaller roads.

Don’t plan a Texas road trip entirely around the big cities.

Texas’ cities are incredible, but many of the charms of road trips in Texas lie far away from their skyscrapers and (notorious) traffic.

Small towns, state parks, and wide-open spaces are some of the best things you can see in the Lone Star State, so be sure to mix them into your Texas road trip itinerary!

5 thoughts on “7 Epic Texas Road Trip Itinerary Ideas”

WOW! I lived the first 40 years of my life and now realize I only experienced a tiny bit of the wonders! After reading your articles (and seeing the pictures!) I can’t wait to go back and experience all of it!

Thank you so much, Diane! There is truly an overwhelming amount of things to see in Texas, we may never be done exploring it all!

Excellent presentation, but you should mention the twisted sisters, after TXDOT completes the bridge rework over Mill Creek.

I live in Virginia and I visit Texas every year and I have never before had a plan as well out as these seven trips. Thanks.

Glad to hear it, Fred! Enjoy Texas 🙂

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Ultimate Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida

• Post last modified: March 10, 2024

Embark on a Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida to savor a coastal region like no other. From a wild Padre Island, a stone’s throw from Mexico, to the quirky Key West, closer to Cuba than Miami, picking just one favorite stop is an overwhelming task. If you like stunning beaches, incredible nature and towns with character, this unbeatable drive along the Gulf Coast is for you.

Disclosure: All listings are independently selected. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more ›

Route from Texas to Florida

• Start: South Padre Island
• Corpus Christi
• Mustang Island
• New Orleans
• Pensacola Beach
• St. George Island
• Clearwater Beach
• Sanibel Island
• Finish: Key West
• Total distance:  1,981 mi / 3,188 km
• Total driving time:  38 h

Why take the Gulf Coast road trip?

It’s hard to imagine a better journey for the beach bum than this ultimate Gulf Coast road trip. As you drive from Texas to Florida, you find more pretty beach towns than you can count.

From the golden beaches of South Padre Island to the white South Florida beaches, it’s one of the most mouth-watering road trips in the US to take.

In particular, you find some of the whitest and most famous beaches in Florida. Pensacola Beach, Clearwater Beach and Sanibel Island are just a few of Florida’s many Gulf Coast beach gems.

But the ultimate Gulf Coast road trip is not solely about beaches. It’s also about the fun towns and cities that you find along the way.

New Orleans is one such unique Gulf Coast city as you drive from Texas to Florida. The Louisiana city, appropriately known as the Big Easy, offers both great sightseeing and eye-catching drinks.

Fewer miles: If you prefer a shorter Gulf Coast road trip, the Orlando to Florida Keys drive also follows that same lovely coastline but starts in the theme park capital.

1. South Padre Island, TX

On the southern tip of Texas, the ultimate Gulf Coast road trip adventure begins. South Padre Island is both an island and the southernmost town along the extensive Texas Gulf Coast.

You can, of course, begin this Gulf of Mexico road trip at any other destination along the way from Texas to Florida. However, if you want to see every mile of the Gulf Coast, you need to include South Padre Island on the itinerary.

Because South Padre Island is a very likable destination, that’s a decision easy to motivate.

When you visit Padre Island, you notice that the island is much more than the popular spring break party hub it has become known as. Texas’ southernmost Gulf Coast destination is a great place for anyone who likes beaches and the outdoors.

Above all, the main attraction on South Padre Island is its beach. With wide dunes and inviting blue Texas water, it’s easy to find peace on the island; as South Padre Island is so big, it’s always possible to get away from the crowds.

To further appreciate the stunning coastal South Texas environment, walk the popular South Padre Island boardwalks. Laguna Madre Nature Trail is perfect for a short stroll, while the adjacent South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center has a longer boardwalk offering a more complete experience.

Many birds migrating across the Mexican Gulf make their crucial first landfall on South Padre Island, creating a paradise for birdwatchers. But as you wander the South Padre Island boardwalks, you on top of a wide range of feathered wildlife also have the chance to spot alligators and tortoises — this is a beautiful introduction to the coastal South Texas area and a superb way to kick off the ultimate Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida.

Route info: Padre Island is Texas’ longest barrier island, and it stretches out all the way from South Padre Island in the south to Corpus Christi in the north. But as there is no road taking you directly from its south to its north, you need to drive on the mainland to get to the next stop on the Gulf Coast road trip itinerary.

2. Corpus Christi, TX

• Driving distance: 175 mi / 282 km
• Driving time: 3 h

When you reach Corpus Christi, you reach a Gulf Coast city that offers some great Texas attractions. Next to each other in the North Beach area, you find the city’s historic military vessel and an appealing aquarium. It couldn’t be more convenient to tick them both off your Gulf Coast bucket list.

The USS Lexington Museum , on the bay of Corpus Christi, is nothing less than an iconic experience. Stepping aboard the long serving but nowadays retired aircraft carrier of USS Lexington, nicknamed the Blue Ghost, is thrilling and educational. The huge floating museum is in immaculate condition and teaches a good history lesson.

Literally a stone’s throw away, Texas State Aquarium is another popular attraction for the Gulf Coast road trip itinerary. The aquarium works to build a brighter future for the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean and beyond. Its exhibits and fascinating creatures are enjoyable for animal lovers of all ages.

But a Corpus Christi visit is also about exploring the wild Texas coastline. Across the JFK causeway, on North Padre Island, you find the always peaceful Padre Island National Seashore . The park protects 66 miles (106 km) of wonderful coastline, boasting an incredibly spacious beach and ideal conditions for wildlife viewing. It’s an exceptional stop to further grasp the vastness and beauty of the Texas Gulf Coast.

3. Mustang Island, TX

• Driving distance: 29 mi / 47 km
• Driving time: 0.5 h

After exploring Corpus Christi and North Padre Island, the Gulf Coast journey continues further north. Only 30 minutes from Downtown Corpus Christi and next to North Padre Island, you find Mustang Island.

Mustang Island has 18 miles (29 km) of shoreline and wide sandy beaches to enjoy. Above all, it’s the perfect Texas destination to unwind as you road trip the Gulf Coast.

At the northern end of Mustang Island, you find the island’s town: Port Aransas. Also known as “Port A”, it’s a classic beach town full of character. In the downtown area of Port Aransas, you have everything you need for a pleasant vacation — including the beach, restaurants and shops — within walking distance.

All over Mustang Island, you find an appreciated slow pace. The locals call it that you’re on island time when you visit Mustang Island.

The further south and away from the liveliness in Port A you go, the more secluded the setting gets until you reach Mustang Island State Park . There you in an untouched state park environment find all the room you need to recharge your batteries before you continue the ultimate road trip along the Mexican Gulf.

Additional stop: Rockport is an idyllic bayside town that’s a pretty addition to the Gulf Coast road trip. Its Rockport Beach is shorter than many other beaches on the itinerary but still appreciated. In addition, you in the area also find the smaller Goose Island State Park and more extensive Aransas National Wildlife Refuge , which both are popular spots for wildlife viewing.

4. Galveston, TX

• Driving distance: 220 mi / 354 km
• Driving time: 4.5 h

Galveston can brag about mile after mile of sandy Gulf Coast beaches to relax on. But that’s just the start of everything that this coastal town brimming with history has to offer to the road trip along the Gulf Coast.

The historic Strand District, or just The Strand, is the heart of the town and island. Facing Galveston Bay, the historic-building-dotted district is recognized as a national historic landmark. In the outstanding setting, you find great potential for everything from daytime sightseeing and shopping to entertaining nightlife.

Not only in and around the Strand but throughout Galveston, there is a rich selection of history and museums to explore. The 1892 Bishop’s Palace is an old Galveston mansion that looks a lot like a castle from the outside. Its inside is full of architectural treasures and a must for history buffs to explore on the Gulf of Mexico road trip.

On the gulf side of Galveston, the historic Galveston Seawall since long protects the town from large waves. Built after the Galveston hurricane of 1900, the seawall is nowadays closely associated with the city. With the sea by your side, the seawall is an excellent stretch to walk, run or bike as you visit the historic Galveston.

Additional stop: Houston is the largest city in the Gulf Coast region and a must stop to include on the Texas to Florida itinerary if you want some big-city fun. Above all, the city is home to the renowned Houston Space Center where you get to learn all about space and space travel.

5. New Orleans, LA

• Driving distance: 382 mi / 615 km
• Driving time: 6 h

If you this deep into the road trip from Texas to Florida still feel any tension, it’s time to finally shake it off. New Orleans, also known as the Big Easy, values the easy going and appreciates all the temptations in life.

In the renowned French Quarter, you find a cocktail of historic French, Spanish, Creole and American architecture to admire. The district’s homes, with signature iron balconies, truly showcase the city’s multicultural heritage.

To take it all in, lace up your shoes and walk the heart of New Orleans, guided by street signs in both English and French.

The number one New Orleans street for visitors who want to let loose is Bourbon Street. It’s nothing less than a legendary spot for a cold drink on the Gulf Coast road trip. The neon green Hand Grenade is a popular New Orleans cocktail, but there are less shiny beverages to try too.

Just a few streets away from Bourbon Street, the timeless Mississippi River flows. North America’s second largest river is muddy, but you didn’t come to New Orleans to swim it anyway. Strolling along the riverfront is energizing, or you can take a steamboat cruise to experience the city from the river.

Additional stop: Coastal Mississippi, between Louisiana and Alabama, is a destination off the beaten path. The Mississippi Gulf Coast, including Gulfport and Biloxi, is famous for its casino scene and delicious seafood offerings. But on the Mississippi Sound, you don’t find beaches that can compare to beaches further east on the Gulf Coast road trip itinerary.

Additional stop: On the way to Fairhope, you drive through the Alabama city of Mobile. In Mobile, you find interesting museums, such as Mobile Carnival Museum and the USS Alabama . Either visit Mobile attractions on the way from New Orleans, or take a day trip from the nearby Fairhope.

6. Fairhope, AL

• Driving distance: 161 mi / 259 km
• Driving time: 2.5 h

It’s hard to find a place along the Gulf Coast that’s more pleasant than Fairhope, Alabama. Often mentioned as one of the best small towns in the South, you can’t miss its charm when you stop by on the Texas to Florida Gulf Coast road trip.

Located a short distance from the much bigger Mobile, Fairhope appreciates the simple things in life. Among moss-covered oak trees and on streets surrounded by colorful flowers, it’s easy to enjoy yourself.

Downtown Fairhope is the town’s hub of activity. Here, on Fairhope Avenue, you find an eclectic mix of shops, cafés and restaurants. As you stroll the street, you can feel that warm southern hospitality.

At the end of Fairhope Avenue, a medium walk or a short drive from the downtown area, the landmark Fairhope Pier extends out into Mobile Bay. Watching a sunset from the pier, or anywhere else along Mobile Bay, is the perfect end to a day on your Gulf of Mexico journey.

7. Pensacola Beach, FL

• Driving distance:  67 mi / 108 km
• Driving time:  1.5 h

You know that you have arrived in the Sunshine State when all you see is seemingly endless sugar-white sand. Not far from the Alabama border, Santa Rosa Island welcomes visitors to the quintessential Florida.

Pensacola Beach is the island’s most well-known community. The pristine Gulf Coast destination has everything you need for a beach getaway — from dreamy hotels and quirky shops to yummy restaurants and fun bars — and, of course, lovely beaches.

On the popular Casino Beach, the 1,471 feet (448 m) long Pensacola Beach Fishing Pier is located. The pier stretches out into the Gulf of Mexico, offering spectacular views over the ocean and beach.

Although Casino Beach can be rather busy, it’s never hard to find a private spot on the spacious Santa Rosa Island. If you want to escape the crowds, just head either east or west from the island’s centerpiece pier.

To the east, between Pensacola Beach and the neighboring community Navarre Beach, the untouched beaches in Gulf Islands National Seashore appeal. Here, everywhere your eyes go, you find white beaches and the inviting Mexican Gulf.

In the other direction, on the western end of Santa Rosa Island, the historic Fort Pickens magnificently stands. It was completed in 1834, and exploring the fort is a highlight on the Gulf Coast itinerary. To no surprise, white beaches abound in the far west of Santa Rosa Island too.

More info: Where to stay in Pensacola

Additional stop: When you follow the Gulf Coast from Pensacola Beach to St. George Island, the route goes through Panama City Beach. The sublime Northwest Florida destination is a great addition to the itinerary if you crave for some more time on the beach.

8. St. George Island, FL

• Driving distance: 171 mi / 275 km
• Driving time: 4 h

As you reach St. George Island, you find a Northwest Florida destination much different than the more famous Pensacola Beach and Panama City Beach. Embrace the so called Forgotten Coast, a tranquil place without the liveliness found elsewhere.

There are no high rises on St. George Island, and you don’t find the endless selection of hotels and off-the-beach distractions that many other Florida destinations pride themselves for — how incredibly refreshing.

St. George Island is a splendid destination for some quiet time before the Gulf Coast road trip itinerary takes you down to South Florida. With its natural appearance still intact and an in general slower pace, the island offers the perfect opportunity to unwind.

On St. George Island, the uncomplicated things to do are the most appreciated ways to spend a day. Hitting the beach, hiking in St. George Island State Park or visiting the iconic St. George Island Lighthouse are highly valued island activities.

Considering the island’s undeniable beauty, it’s hard to imagine that such a gem ever could be forgotten. What St. George offers to the Gulf Coast road trip itinerary is humble but still alluring.

9. Clearwater Beach, FL

• Driving distance: 310 mi / 499 km

After St. George Island, the Texas to Florida road trip takes a real turn as it follows the Gulf Coast down south. In Central and South Florida, more beautiful palm-fringed beaches await.

First out, Clearwater Beach is an all-round beach destination catering to most roadtrippers. Unfold your towel and savor its 2.5 miles (4 km) long shoreline — it’s wide, sugar white and simply gorgeous.

But Clearwater Beach is an active beach town offering more than just a beautiful beach to the Gulf Coast itinerary. The southern part of town (around Pier 60) is lively with plenty of places to grab a bite, bars and shops.

As you find everything you need in Clearwater Beach, you can keep your car parked during your entire stay. However, for a change of scenery, there’s much more to explore in the immediate surroundings.

Directly north of Clearwater Beach, Caladesi Island is an untouched island where it’s easy to unwind. A stone’s throw to the south, Sand Key Park is another pristine spot for quiet Gulf Coast days in the sun — escaping the Clearwater crowds couldn’t be any easier.

More info: Best Clearwater hotels

Additional stop: Between Clearwater Beach and Sanibel Island, there are many more pretty destinations to add to the Gulf Coast road trip itinerary. Anna Maria Island, Siesta Key and Gasparilla Island are Island are only a few of the many stunning Florida Islands in the region.

10. Sanibel Island, FL

• Driving distance: 165 mi / 266 km
• Driving time: 3.5 h

Southwest Florida’s Sanibel Island is a real contrast to Clearwater Beach’s lively beach scene. When you cross Sanibel Causeway, the island’s only mainland connection, you go back to the basics.

Life on Sanibel is uncomplicated. Sure, the island is dotted with resorts, but no buildings are permitted to be taller than the tallest palm tree, and nature is everywhere around you.

In particular, J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge boasts an untouched Florida environment and superb wildlife viewing opportunities; it’s a haven for tropical birds of different sizes and colors.

There are numerous beaches to enjoy on Sanibel Island too. Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is a popular and scenic spot with a small pier, but the further west you go, the smaller the crowds get.

If you travel all the 11 miles (18 km) across the island to its westernmost point, you reach Blind Pass Bridge. It takes you to the neighboring Captiva Island where the laid-back Southwest Florida island life continues.

More info: Sanibel Island accommodation

Additional stop: Naples is located on the southwestern edge of Florida. The pretty Florida city is known for its white beaches and upscale vibe. It’s one of the US cities with most millionaires per capita, and when you visit on the Gulf Coast road trip, it’s easy to see why.

11. Everglades, FL

• Driving distance: 92 mi / 148 km
• Driving time: 2 h

After Naples, pristine beaches give way for wild and untamed nature. Now, the Texas to Florida road trip reaches its climax for nature and animal lovers.

Everglades National Park protects 1.5 million acres of unique South Florida wilderness.

Make sure to look where you place your feet; it’s a busy park. Most famously, the area is home to the iconic American alligator; other Everglades reptiles include crocodiles, turtles, lizards and snakes.

But that’s just the start when it comes to wildlife viewing. On top of reptiles, a wide range of mammals and birds also thrive in the immense wetland — lucky visitors may spot the Florida panther.

To take full advantage of the setting, join a guided Everglades airboat tour. Numerous airboat companies happily take visitors deep into the exciting depths of the huge wetland.

Young or old, encountering tropical animals in their vast and timeless habitat is an extraordinary experience. Everglades wildlife viewing is a memory for life to bring with you home from the Texas to Florida road trip.

More info: Where to stay when visiting the Everglades

Additional stops: Between Everglades and Key West, there are many fun additional road trip stops to make. The ultimate Miami to Key West road trip itinerary takes you from key to key on the Overseas Highway all the way until the road ends.

12. Key West

• Driving distance: 209 mi / 336 km

When you reach Key West , you have traveled all the way from the southern tip of Texas to the southernmost point of Florida. After an extensive Gulf Coast road trip, Key West is an excellent place to round off the journey.

The southernmost point of Florida is also the southernmost point of the continental United States. So no matter when you take the Gulf Coast drive, it’s likely that you will end the trip with some nice and warm days.

In the depth of winter, the daily average maximum temperature is 75°F (24°C) in Key West. Even at night, the temperature on average in January doesn’t go down below 65°F (18°C) on the island.

That’s pretty manageable, isn’t it?

Still Key West has much more to offer to the Texas to Florida road trip than pleasant weather. Above all, it’s an island where something fun always is going on.

In Old Town, you find tasty restaurants and all the watering holes you could ask for. The area is also home to many popular island attractions including the Hemingway House , Key West Lighthouse and Butterfly Garden .

But the conventional way to end a day in Key West is to gather with other visitors on Mallory Square. There the traditional sunset celebration — in quirky Key West fashion, of course — takes place each evening.

As you admire the golden Mallory sunset, your head points out over the Gulf of Mexico. What a perfect spot to end the ultimate Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida, which started across the ocean.

• Where to stay in Key West

The Old Town area is the best place to stay in Key West for access to attractions. In the historic district, you have all you need for a good time within walking distance.

• Almond Tree Inn – Peaceful and central.
• Blue Marlin Motel – Affordable lodging.

Gulf Coast itineraries with days

For the ultimate Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida, we recommend setting aside 3 weeks or more. If you have less time, you can do a pacier road trip or break up the Gulf Coast itinerary and focus on your favorite parts.

Ultimate itinerary (3 weeks)

• Day 1-3: South Padre Island
• Day 3-4: Corpus Christi
• Day 4-6: Mustang Island
• Day 6-8: Galveston
• Day 8-10: New Orleans
• Day 10-11: Fairhope
• Day 11-13: Pensacola Beach
• Day 13-14: St. George Island
• Day 14-16: Clearwater Beach
• Day 16-18: Sanibel Island
• Day 18-19: Everglades
• Day 19-21: Key West

Houston to the Florida Panhandle (1 week)

• Day 1-2: Houston
• Day 2-4: New Orleans
• Day 4-5: Fairhope
• Day 5-7: Pensacola Beach

Road trip along the Gulf Coast FAQ

This ultimate Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida is 1,981 miles (3,188 km) long. Driving it takes about 38 hours, not including any stops along the way.

In contrast to the ultimate Texas to Florida road trip, you can also take a much shorter Texas to Florida drive. From Houston to Pensacola Beach, without detours, it’s 533 miles (858 km) and roughly 8 hours by car.

The Texas to Florida Gulf Coast road trip includes 5 states. After Texas, you in order pass Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama before you arrive in Florida.

The main stops included on the ultimate Texas to Florida road trip are South Padre Island, Corpus Christi, Mustang Island, Galveston, New Orleans, Pensacola Beach, St. George Island, Clearwater Beach, Sanibel Island, Everglades and Key West. You also find several appreciated additional destinations along the way.

From the golden beaches of Texas to the white South Florida beaches, a road trip from Texas to Florida is just packed with fun things to do. Along the coastline, you find not only beautiful nature, but also towns and cities with top US attractions.

For the ultimate Gulf Coast road trip from Texas to Florida, we recommend allowing 3 weeks or more. But if you have less time, you can take a pacier road trip or break the itinerary up to focus on your favorite parts.

More Gulf Coast guides

• Best things to do in Key West
• Top things to do in Clearwater

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The Lighthouse Roadtrip On The Texas Coast That's Dreamily Beautiful

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

With Texas having such a long coastline, it makes sense that it would be lined with lighthouses. This road trip takes you to five of our state’s most beautiful lighthouses that are rich with history and character.

Driving time is only about 11 hours, so while you could technically see them all in one day, I recommend taking a weekend so you can take your time reveling in the sights. As always, the Google Map has been created for you and can be found here .

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This list is only a sample of the lighthouses Texas has to offer, but these are certainly the most noteworthy. Have you visited any of them? Which is your favorite?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Home » North America » USA » East Coast

EPIC East Coast Road Trip Guide (2024)

If you want to explore America’s past and sample some of its splendor, then you can’t go wrong with an East Coast road trip!

On the East Coast, you’ll discover some of the most significant historical sites in the entire nation, not to mention a huge array of landscapes and an even greater diversity of people. While the West Coast gets most of the attention for its weather, natural beauty, and upbeat residents, the East Coast is usually considered the foundation of the nation.

But planning a road trip alongside the Atlantic Ocean can be stressful. With so many states and so many places to stop, it can be hard to know what NOT to miss and what you’d be better off skipping.

And that’s exactly why I wrote this East Coast Road Trip insider guide : so YOU know exactly what to do and where to stay along the USA’s Eastern Seaboard.  We’ll cover a wide range of topics over the course of this article including some East Coast road trip itineraries, food, lodgings, and sticking to a budget during your vehicular adventure.

Now without further ado, here’s everything you need to know to have an EPIC East Coast Road Trip!

A note on the format of this guide: Because the East Coast is massive and we have already written separate guides on New England, New York City, and Florida, this article will often refer you to other sources too. In order to best understand the East Coast, it’s very advisable to read these separate articles alongside this guide.

East Coast USA Road Trips Costs

Where to stay on your east coast road trip, best east coast road trips, places to visit on the east coast, east coast road trip tips, apartments and hotels on the east coast, renting a car or campervan on the east coast, final thoughts on an east coast road trip.

It’s hard to say how much the average cost of a road trip up the East Coast will be because there are so many routes one could take, not to mention each state is more or less expensive.

Almost every expense associated with going on an East Coast driving trip, including gas, lodging, food, drink, and whatnot, will vary depending on the state which, again, makes costs difficult to gauge.

I can say with certainty, however, that going on a road trip along the East Coast–like traveling in the USA as a whole– will not be cheap. All of the aforementioned costs add up very quickly and can be a substantial burden on your wallet. This is especially true if you’re the type of traveler who doesn’t pay attention to their spending…

Luckily you have us; we’re always looking for ways to travel cheap and love sharing the best tricks with you, the readers. Even if we are unable to travel on $10/day like in our favorite countries, we can at least help you minimize expenses. Plus, there are plenty of East Coast budget adventures to be had.

A ballpark estimate for an East Coast road trip budget would be around $175-$225 . This covers food, lodging, a rental car, gas, and entertainment.

There are a couple of things that you need to be mindful of while driving in the USA :

• Gas will be your biggest expense as you’ll be traveling a lot; more than you’re probably expecting.
• Hotels and lodging will be very expensive in popular destinations e.g. New York City, Florida beach resorts, the national parks, etc.
• Food will cost more or less depending on how often you eat out and how much you cook for yourself.

Average Costs of an East Coast Road Trip

This breaks down exactly how much you can expect to spend while traversing the East Coast.

Rental Car: $30 – $100/day

RV Rental: $100 – $300/day

Gallon of Gas: $3.50 +

Cheap Airbnb: $80 – $100

Hotel room: $130 – $150

Hostel: $15 – $35

Campground: $0 – $50

Sandwich: $4 – $9

Beer at a bar : $4 – $8

Coffee: $2-$5

Attractions : $0-$20

Dinner for two: $25 – $75

Looking for specific accommodation recommendations? Here are some of the top places to stay on an East Coast road trip:

Best East Coast Mountain Getaway: Bear Ridge Lodge

The Bear Ridge Lodge in New Hampshire is the absolute PERFECT East Coast road trip stop. The beautiful, secluded log cabin has been featured in several magazines and boasts epic mountain views without any neighbors in sight. You can relax on the beautiful porch, use the stone fireplace as a nightcap, or start a hike anytime as miles of trails are right outside the door. The lodge can sleep up to 8 guests and is a 15-20 minute drive from restaurants and stores.

Best East Coast Oceanside Cottage: Island Beach Living

Located on Pass a Grille beach alongside Florida’s West Coast, this idyllic oceanside cottage is the perfect beach stop on your East Coast road trip. Peaceful, secluded and free from the perils of mass tourism that plague most of Florida’s beaches, this cottage is literally steps from the ocean, and comes with a cycle! You can also utilize the full kitchen, or if not, several restaurants and shops are also within walking distance. This beach cottage can host two guests, and also has an outdoor shower to wash off after a sandy day!

Best Airbnb in Boston: Historic Beacon Hill Apartment

This Boston Airbnb is the best in the city for several reasons. First off, it’s located in a historic brownstone and is just minutes from the T and just a bit longer to some of Boston’s most iconic attractions. The booking gives you the entire apartment, which was recently renovated and can accommodate up to 3 guests. The picturesque space is well maintained and even has a fully functioning kitchen if you want to save money on meals!

• Boston to Washington D.C – 7 days
• East Coast Historical Road Trip – 14 days
• Ultimate East Coast Road Trip – 21 days

Below is a list of suggested itineraries for driving the East Coast of America. Varying from 7 days to 21 days in length, they cover many of the East Coast’s top attractions.

Each itinerary provides day-by-day highlights, which are meant to give you some good East Coast road trip ideas.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

Boston to Washington D.C – 1-Week East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

This is a great East Coast road trip if you only have 7 days, and you want to explore some of the USA’s best and most historic cities: Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

With 7 days you can see each of these cities’ highlights and best cultural attractions, and camp one night in Shenandoah National Park.

• Boston’s Freedom Trail
• Fenway Park Walking Tour and Game
• Exploring Manhattan and Brooklyn
• Philly’s Liberty Bell
• The Lincoln Memorial
• White House
• Shenandoah NP and the Blue Mountains

Hyatt Regency Boston

Freehand New York

Hotel Baron (D.C.)

• Boston – Sam Adams Brewery
• Brooklyn – Brooklyn Brewery, Smorgasburg
• Philadelphia – Monk’s Cafe, Evil Genius, Yards, Love City, and Crime and Punishment for a good brew. Northern Liberties neighborhood, and Steve’s Prince of Steaks for… cheesesteak.
• Washington D.C. – Adams Morgan and The Shaw for nightlife.

Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

• Governor’s Ball (June in NY)
• Tribeca Film Festival (NY)
• Philly Beer Festival (February)
• By the People Art Festival (Washington D.C in June)

Things to Do in 7 Days on the East Coast

• See the highlights of Boston
• Watch a game at Fenway Park
• Walk along the Freedom Trail
• Explore the Boston Commons
• Go on a Little Italy food tour
• Hit the food markets in NY
• Eat and go out in SoHo and Chelsea
• Walk the Highline
• Cycle in Central Park
• Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
• Get some views from the top of the Empire State Building
• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge
• Explore Brooklyn’s nightlife
• Eat some NY pizza .
• Walk around historic Philadelphia including Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
• The Betsy Ross House
• Visit the Museum of the American Revolution .

Explore the historical sites of Washington D.C.:

• Lincoln Memorial
• Washington Monument
• Capitol Hill
• The Smithsonian Museum
• The White House

PLUS take a scenic drive in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park and camp in the woods.

Many of the activities on this itinerary are great for history buffs and learning about the East Coast’s culture.

Historical Route from Boston to Savannah – 2-Week East Coast USA Road Trip Itinerary

With an extra week, you can really explore the East Coast’s most significant historical and cultural attractions. Any history buffs will love this East Coast itinerary as it will start with you exploring Boston and end all the way down to Savannah, Georgia, exploring some of the country’s most significant attractions along the way.

Along the way, you’ll pass through NYC, New Jersey, Philadelphia and the Gettysburg, D.C, Williamsburg + Fort Raleigh, and the must-visit Charleston.

• Plymoth Plantation
• Fort Raleigh
• Roanoke Island
• Myrtle Beach
• Apple Hostels of Philadelphia
• ARC THE HOTEL Washington DC
• Charleston – The Obstinate Daughter, Lewis Barbecue, and Bangkok Lounge for drinks and karaoke.
• Savannah – The Grey and Fox and Fig
• Scenic route on the Carolina coast to Savannah
• The entire Blue Ridge Parkway
• Savannah Music Festival (March)
• MOJA Arts Festival (Charleston)

Things to Do in 14 Days on the East Coast

Here are some of the best things to do in 2 weeks on the East Coast!

• Visit Bunker Hill
• Spend a day at Plimoth Plantation
• Visit the New-York Historical Society
• And the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
• Spend a day at Battery Park
• Visit Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
• National Museum for African American History
• National Gallery of Art

Visit Colonial Williamsburg and the first English settlement

PLUS stop by Wilmington or Myrtle Beach, visit the plantations outside Charleston, and walk the cobblestone streets of Savannah.

Ultimate East Coast USA Road Trip – 3-Week Itinerary

This is the  ultimate 3 week East Coast itinerary. While the previous itinerary focuses on cities and historical sites, this itinerary also leaves plenty of room to discover this side of the coast’s best beaches, hikes, and parks.

Unlike the previous routes, we’ll be starting in Maine, one of the United States’ gems. If you like good seafood and great beer, you’re going to love Maine.

Next, you’ll continue down the East Coast in a similar fashion as itinerary #2, but will also visit Acadia National Park (in Maine) Shenandoah National Park, Asheville, and the Smoky Mountains.

This is the best itinerary for you if you want to explore some of the country’s most beautiful forests and beaches as well as the most eccentric concrete jungles. Make sure to check out some awesome bed and breakfasts in Maine along the way.

• Acadia National Park
• Aloft Miami Brickell (Miami)
• Generator Hostel (Miami)
• Scenic route on the Carolina Coast to Savannah
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Florida Keys highway
• Asheville Wine & Food Festival (August),
• Brewgrass in Asheville (October)
• Daytona 500 (February)
• Ultra Miami Music Festival (March)

Things to Do in 21 Days on the East Coast

• Grab a lobster roll in Portland Maine and explore the craft brew scene.
• Watch the sunrise in Acadia National Park before anyone else in the US.
• Stop by Camden Hills State Park on your way to Boston to gawk at some quintessential New England coastline.
• Explore some of the country’s most famous campuses like MIT and Harvard in Cambridge.
• Outside of Boston, visit Walden Pond where Henry David Thoreau lived.
• Visit NYC’s best landmarks and neighborhoods.
• Eat yourself full in Queens.
• Visit all of Philadelphia’s historical landmarks.
• Explore Washington D.C’s National Mall.
• Visit some of the country’s best museums like the Smithsonian.
• Drive along the Skyline Drive in Shenandoah.
• Camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Visit the hipster town of Asheville and Biltmore Estate.
• Explore the Charleston plantations and Carolina coastline
• Check out the Savannah Historical Center.
• Driving through Florida: Amelia Island, Castillo de San Marcos, Daytona Beach, and every beach in between.
• Hang out at on the beaches of Clearwater.
• Explore the historic city of St. Augustine.
• Take a boat ride in the Everglades.
• Explore Wynwood, stay on Miami Beach, and admire Brickell’s galleries.
• Shopping in Miami.
• Hit the town at night too; this is one of the best places to party in the USA..

PLUS, for more nature, visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park and take a  Key West road trip to the Florida Keys, where you can check out places like Bahia Honda State Park, Key Largo, the southernmost point of the US and, of course, the legendary Key West itself.

Below is a list of the best road trip destinations on the East Coast. Study them well and decide which ones you like the most.

New England Road Trip

New England is often considered the cradle of American society because of its role in the early colonial days. Many of America’s original colonies were founded here but much of their remnants still remain. It’s one of the most quaint places to visit in the United States .

Those on a road trip on the Northeast Coast of the USA will find a treasure trove of historical sites, not to mention amazing coastal scenery, hearty food, and memorable locals too.

New England is a large region that is composed of 6 different states: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, so in this section, we’re only going to be able to highlight the best of New England.

Staying in Boston is guaranteed to be a good time. It’s one of the best cities on the East Coast and it’s a truly awesome place to explore.

When in Boston, be sure to check popular local attractions like Fenway Park, Boston Commons, Trinity Church, and Uptown. Try attending a sports match, which is like church for Bostonians, and be sure to grab a drink in a local New England pub. I also HIGHLY recommend staying in Cape Cod for a few days if you get the chance.

The rest of New England is defined by pastoral villages, rugged coastline, and expansive woods. A bed and breakfast in Vermont is the perfect place to unwind in lush, mountainous greenery while famous coastal destinations like Acadia National Park, and the Connecticut Coastline are unlike any other beaches in the USA.

There are a ton of awesome bed and breakfasts in Connecticut where you can stay in a historical building and enjoy that welcoming East Coast hospitality.

Also consider driving through the New England countryside, particularly around the Litchfield Hills, Mohawk Trail, and the White Mountains. If you’re on an East Coast road trip during the autumn, you’ll be treated with the magnificent fall foliage that New England is so famous for.

New York Road Trip

New York, New York. It is the very symbol of the USA and probably its most well-known city. It is a bewildering busy place with an insane amount of people, who bounce around the city like atoms in a nuclear reactor. New Yorkers like to say that if they can make it in this city, then they can make it anywhere because where else could they feel so alive?

Traveling in New York City shouldn’t be taken lightly–the city is an absolutely enormous place that has more districts than one can count. It would take a lifetime to explore all of NYC’s neighborhoods – and I’m about to explain New York in the course of around 300 words. If you think this is a vastly underwhelming number, then we agree.

NYC is one of those places that’s absolutely worth spending some time in– staying in NYC is quite the experience!

New York is one of the greatest economic engines on the entire planet. This city churns out more money than most countries. Its skyline, which is one of the most recognizable in the world, is a representative of the city’s financial success. At the same time, New Yorkers, reaping the benefits of the economy, like to celebrate after a paycheck, often.

Hotels and Airbnbs are often expensive in and around the Big Apple, but elsewhere in the state you can look at staying in New York motels which are designed for road trippers!

As for gastronomy, people love to eat and drink in NYC. This city hosts one of the craziest nightlives in the world and more world-class restaurants than I can bother to imagine. Meeting up with friends after a hard day’s work or just visiting a local attraction like the MET, One World Trade Center or Central Park , is undoubtedly the top thing to do in New York.

There’s more to New York than just the city. Be sure to visit the oft-forgotten Upstate New York. Niagara Falls , the Hudson Valley , Catskills , and the picturesque stays in the Adirondacks should all be included on a road trip from New York.

New Jersey Road Trip

New Jersey is often seen as the butt-end of New York City – a state that only serves as a giant suburb for New Yorkers who want to settle down but still be close to the city. While its close proximity to the top places in NYC is certainly a boon – you can literally see Manhattan across the Hudson in New Jersey – it’s much more than New York’s backyard.

New Jersey has a lot to offer those on a road trip down the East Coast USA, including mountains, some of the best beaches in the Northeast, and lots of agrotourism opportunities. In fact, a bed and breakfast in New Jersey is so much cheaper than staying in the Big Apple, that many tourists visiting New York opt to stay in Jersey City/Newark and commute in.

The greatest density of people in New Jersey is in Jersey City/Newark , which, to little surprise, is right next to New York City. These places are often used as a cheaper base for exploring the city but are worthy of seeing as well.

As for what to do in Jersey City , you can eat and drink just as well as in NYC and, best of all, enjoy the best views of skyline without having to deal with the massive crowds. Newark has an excellent selection of museums and art galleries.

Most who visit New Jersey head straight for the beaches, which are very fine. Atlantic City , infamous for its gangsters and casinos, is the most visited coastal city in New Jersey and arguably the most famous resort town on the East Coast. Though many come here for more carnal reasons, Atlantic City still benefits from some gorgeous beaches and surfing opportunities.

Other popular beach getaways include Belmar, Asbury Park , the Wildwoods , and Sandy Hook . You can also opt to stay on Cape May for a truly spectacular Jersey seaside experience.

Few people realize that New Jersey has mountains! The Kittatinny Mountains , a subsection of the Appalachians, run along the western edge of the state and offers many hiking trails. Further south is the expansive Pine Barrens , which is great for camping and berry picking.

Pennsylvania Road Trip

Pennsylvania is one of the most historically significant states in the entire USA. The state has been the theater for many of America’s most important revolutionary events and has also been the birthplace of many of its greatest industries.

Coal, steel, mining, and even Amish woodworking are among Pennsylvania’s proudest exports and each of these paint a clear picture of what the state is today. A road trip through Pennsylvania will be an excellent insight into middle American life, both old and new.

You can’t pass through the state without visiting Philadelphia , which is one of the most historical cities in the USA. Philadelphia’s most important landmarks include the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall , the latter of which is where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Philadelphia also hosts a wide variety of museums and historic sites that are some of the finest on the East Coast. Most famous is the Philadelphia Museum of Art , which, aside from having an excellent collection, also hosts the steps that Rocky Balboa trained on.

The rest of Pennsylvania is mostly rural. Much of Pennsylvania’s natural splendor is found here, and it’s particularly beautiful if you stay around the Poconos , Lake Eerie, and the Laurel Highlands . Famously, the Amish also live in the Pennsylvania countryside, mostly around Lancaster .

If you make it as far as Pittsburgh in the western portion of Pennsylvania, you’ll be rewarded. Pittsburgh was once the steel capital of the USA and, though it had a couple of rough years, is now becoming one of the coolest East Coast cities. There are plenty of great places to stay in Pittsburgh too.

Maryland and Delaware Road Trip

Maryland and Delaware are two of more historically significant states in the country. Much of their two histories are defined by the vital Chesapeake Bay , which served as an extremely important waterway during colonial days.

Nowadays, Maryland and Delaware are pretty quiet and mostly act as residences for rich folk from DC. The states still benefit from being located next to the Chesapeake – the seafood here is some of the best on the East Coast and there are lots of little coastal haunts worth checking out. These, in addition to the many historical attractions, make both states worth seeing.

Baltimore , Maryland is the largest city in the region and hosts the densest collection of attractions. Staying in Baltimore , made famous for its criminal elements thanks to The Wire , is not nearly as dangerous as it used to be and is actually one of the most desirable cities on the East Coast.

It has several interesting neighborhoods -like eclectic Fell’s Point , vibrant Hampden , and the artsy, somewhat ritzy Midtown – that make Baltimore worth visiting. Visit these areas and be sure to grab a famous Blue Crab around the Inner Harbor .

East of Baltimore is the Chesapeake Bay and the Delmarva Peninsula, which is where you’ll find most the region’s coastal charm. The Delmarva is shared by both Maryland and Delaware. Interestingly, the peninsula is culturally unique from the rest of the Atlantic states in that it identifies more with the South for both historical and geographic reasons. You’ll find many awesome cabins in Maryland to make a pit stop in these coastal towns.

Delaware is a very small state situated almost entirely on the Delmarva Peninsula . Almost all of the state’s attractions are found in Wilmington and on the coast.

Although it’s the largest city in Delaware, there isn’t a whole lot to do in Wilmington aside from maybe visiting nearby Brandywine Country . The Delaware Coast at least has some nice beaches. Noteworthy Delaware beaches include Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach .

You can also check out some of the cool best bed and breakfasts in Delaware , many of which are ideally located close to the beach!

Washington DC Road Trip

Washington DC is the glorious yet under-privileged nation’s capitol. It’s a perfect example of American exceptionalism and, at the same time, economic stratification. At the end of the day, staying in Washington DC is one of the best cities on the East Coast to visit, if not for its sheer beauty then for its relevant social dynamics.

Few can argue against how gorgeous the city of Washington DC is. The city itself is the product of a city planning movement that was meant to represent a new age in America. As such, Washington DC is designed to be a very modern metropolis with perfect gridwork and several large areas designated for monuments.

Most of DC’s top things to do monuments are located in or near the Mall District – a 2-mile long park that runs through the center of the city.

Most of the city’s greatest landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument , the Smithsonian Museum , and the White House are located in this park. The Mall District is certainly one of the must-see places on any East Coast road trip route and makes for a very lovely day of walking.

On the edges of the Mall are the rest of Washington DC’s most iconic places . North is Adams Morgan and The Shaw , which is where you’ll find much of the city’s surprisingly active nightlife.

East is Capitol Hill where most of the United States’ politics are done. South is the gorgeous Jefferson Memorial and, across the Potomac River, the hallowed Arlington Cemetery .

One should definitely add the outskirts of the city to their Washington DC itinerary to experience a “realer” side of the capital, where gentrification is in full effect. Much of DC’s satellite neighborhoods, where most natural-born residents are from, were socially neglected in the 90s.

Nowadays, these districts are being renovated aggressively and, in the process, are losing their identity. Visit H Street, Columbia Heights , and the Near Northeast for a taste of the new DC, both the good and bad of it.

Virginia Road Trip

Virginia is a transition state where Southern culture begins to take hold. As the former capital of the US Confederacy during the Civil War, the state is certainly not lacking its historical landmarks.

Virginia also has some of the finest scenery in the Eastern United States–you’ll even find cool wonders like the Natural Bridge State Park. Those on a road trip down the East Coast will be both delighted and captured by Virginia’s beautiful cabins that give a full dose of nature.

Richmond is the capital of Virginia. It’s a very old and historically significant city that has been around since the Colonial days. Much of its original architecture was destroyed in a great fire that occurred after the Confederates fled the city but, regardless, Richmond is still full of history and pride.

Virginia Airbnbs are plentiful in Richmond and beyond–do try them out for a more local, residential feel.

Richmond is a fairly spread-out urban area with several neighborhoods. Strewn sparsely among them are several museums dedicated to everything from poetry to historic landmarks. Aside from these, Richmond is also an arc for art and music and there are several clubs spread throughout the city.

The Virginia Coastline is where you’ll find the largest population in Virginia in addition to the usual beachside resorts. Here you’ll find Virginia Beach, Chesapeake , and Norfolk , which sort of combine to form their own metropolitan area. This part of Virginia has lots of excellent beaches to lay on but most of them are family-oriented. Staying in Virginia Beach is a great choice if you want to relax for a bit.

The interior of Virginia is mountainous and is home to a couple of beautiful national parks, like Shenandoah . Many people visit Virginia to see these parks and make road trips on the gorgeous Skyline Drive .

There are many quaint bed and breakfasts in Virginia that offer an authentic experience and are usually in renovated historical buildings. I highly recommend checking one out and experiencing that warming East Coast hospitality.

You can navigate this route all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains if you want, and can take a break at any time to go on hikes or to visit local landmarks. The Natural Bridge and the town of Winchester are good stops.

Consider taking part in the Brew Ridge Trail , which is one of the best East Coast brewery road trips!

North Carolina Road Trip

If there were one Mid-Atlantic state that offered the most, then it would probably be North Carolina . North Carolina has beaches, interesting cities, awesome mountains, and, of course, plenty of southern charm.

There are several urban centers in North Carolina. Charlotte is the largest city in the state and is becoming increasingly hip each and every day with more and more things to do . There are many cool Charlotte Airbnbs to choose from for your stay.

It’s a working man’s city with a booming economy and growing entertainment district that will soon be the next Southern jewel. It is, admittedly at the moment, still a bit dull compared to some other East Coast cities though. But you can find some cool and trendy North Carolina Airbnbs to enjoy your road trip stop at–for a much better rate than New England, that’s for sure.

Raleigh and the surrounding communes of Chapel Hill and Durham are much more fun. These cities are home to several universities, including the popular North Carolin State University and Duke , which means that there are lots of young people looking to have a good time.

The cities themselves are often ranked as being some of the most livable in the country and so make for great East Coast road trip stops.

The North Carolina Coast is awesome, filled with white sandy beaches and some of the best destinations for an East Coast road trip. Here you’ll find the extremely historical Roanoke Island as well as Kitty Hawk aka the birthplace of modern aviation. Some of the best beaches in North Carolina are Holden, Carova, Carolina, and Corolla .

North Carolina’s greatest treasure may be the fabled Great Smoky Mountains , which is home to some fantastic hiking trails. Cloaked in mist and legends of bootleggers, the Smokies are one of the most storied parts of the USA and, consequently, the most visited national park as well.

Be sure to stay in Asheville while in the Smokies, which is hands down one of the best East Coast cities to visit. Asheville has an amazing art and beer scene, and is often compared to eccentric places like Austin, Texas and Portland, Oregon. The grand Biltmore Estate is also near Asheville.

Charleston to Savannah Road Trip

Charleston (South Carolina) and Savannah (Georgia) are two cities that are fighting for your attention! Like squabbling children who want mommy to listen to them, these two cities have been in a fierce competition for generations. Visiting both of these cities will definitely be a highlight on your East Coast USA road trip.

Charleston is often considered to be the quainter and more intimate alternative to Savannah. It’s a small city that hosts some of the most well-preserved Southern architecture in the region. The French Quarter, Magnolia Plantation, Rainbow Row , and Boone Hall are all wonderful examples. A night in Charleston should definitely be prioritized, as should the epic Charleston City Market.

Savannah, on the other hand, is often seen as the larger and more charged of the two cities. As the birthplace of Georgia and a vital economic center for the South, a stay in Savannah has become much grander and, some locals would argue, more fun than Charleston.

Though Savannah lacks some of the singularly amazing landmarks that Charleston has, it still has that classy Antebellum style that we love about the South.

Savannah’s Historic Quarter is one of the largest in the USA and is most well-known for its gorgeous cobblestone streets and large public squares. Forsyth Park is a fantastic place to spend some time in, and there are also a lot of historic Georgia vacation rentals you can spend your trip in. Taking a walking tour in Savannah is arguably one of the best things to do on an East Coast road trip.

In the end, there are too many intangibles when it comes to Charleston and Savannah. The best way to experience these cities is just to visit them and compare the two yourself. Note how each prepares local Southern food and how each has worked to preserve their respective images.

Both the states of South Carolina and Georgia are much bigger than Charleston and Savannah. There are also lots of things to do in Myrtle Beach with kids. Consider visiting this beach resort town in South Carolina for your family getaway. Alternatively, head to Kiawah Island for an ocean escape.

A ways inland is Atlanta , which is the largest city in Georgia and arguably the cultural capital of the Deep South.

Florida Road Trip

Welcome to Florida ! Home to amazing tropical beaches, abundant sunshine, and most of the East Coast’s retirees. If you’ve been craving some Vitamin C and some delicious Latin food, you should be very excited to visit Florida.

If you’ve made the arduous road trip from Maine to Florida, congratulations – your beach chair and pina colada are waiting for you.

Florida is a gorgeous state with a shit ton of attractions and cities to visit. Staying in Florida is sure to be one hell of an experience. There isn’t another state quite like it, for better or for worse.

In order to better understand the Sunshine state, we highly recommend you read it.

The first place most people think when they hear Florida is Miami. (Cue corny Will Smith song.) Though much of what you hear about Miami is true – it’s glamorous, full of amazing beaches, and sometimes a shitshow – there’s a lot more to it.

Visiting Miami also means getting to experience an amazing art scene, which is best experienced in the Design District, Wynwood , and Midtown neighborhoods.

Thanks to its enormous immigrant population, Miami also has some most authentic Latin and Caribbean communes outside of their respective regions. Be sure to visit Little Havana and Little Haiti for the amazing cultures and food.

While Miami is safe for tourists, avoiding the neighborhoods of Overtown, Liberty City, and Opa Locka are musts. Luckily, there’s nothing for travelers to do in those places anyway.

The rest of Florida is defined mostly by endless stretches of beach, swamps, and Southern hospitality. The Everglades are one of the most important wetlands in the nation and are an impressive natural wonder.

Stunning beaches are a dime a dozen in Florida though the ones around the Emerald Coast, Tampa Bay, Florida Keys, and Atlantic Coast are particularly great (and yes, that’s just about everywhere.)

The only thing more numerous than beaches in Florida is Southern folk. Contrary to popular belief, only the area around Miami is predominately Latin – Central and Northern Florida are more similar to the Deep South. Expect lots of BBQ, fried gator, and charm. Places to stay in St. Augustine still have much of their Spanish colonial history and make great places to stay for a rest stop.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Off The Beaten Path East Coast Road Trip Ideas

Want to expand your road trip on the East Coast? Try connecting it with one of these other regions! They’re a bit off the beaten path but are worth visiting.

Why not just continue all the way into the Great White North for some good Canadian fun, eh?! With lovely people, hugely fun cities, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in North America, it’s no surprise that visiting Canada tops many’s bucketlist.

Visit the likes of Montreal , Toronto , Nova Scotia , and Newfoundland to experience some of the best of Canada.

2. Appalachia

The Appalachian Mountains are the greatest mountain chain on the East Coast, which separates it from the Midwestern and Great Plains regions. It is a relatively isolated place that, over the years, has developed its own distinct culture and identity. Renting a cabin in West Virginia will give you a real look into Appalachian life, which is notably different from most other US states.

Tennessee and Kentucky, though Southern leaning, are arguably a part of this region. There is no better way to experience the Appalachians than the epic Appalachian Trail, which traverses a staggering 2,200 miles and takes over 6 months to complete.

Perhaps you’re the type who likes frigid weather and lots of dairy products? Make a detour to the Midwest then for a chance to experience some of the warmest hospitality in the country.

Surrounding the Great Lakes are welcoming states like Michigan and its up-and-coming capital Detroit, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Illinois that have been the subject of much love and ridicule (because of those funny accents). The Midwest hosts a number of cool cities–you cant go wrong with a visit to Chicago or Minneapolis.

4. Deep South

If you’re looking for pleasant winter weather and a chance to experience more Southern comfort, why not head further inland into the Deep South to Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. If you drive through Alabama, check out some of the cool and unusual hotels in Birmingham and stay for a few extra days to sample some of the real staples of Southern living.

Larger cities are quite cosmopolitan–you can’t drive through the region without visiting New Orleans ! On the other hand, states like Mississippi and Alabama are where things just get plain weird.

Historical East Coast Road Trip Attractions

Want to travel through America’s history? Then stop by one of these many historical East Coast road trip attractions to learn more about how the US was made!

• Bunker Hill (Charlestown, Massachusetts) – Site of one of the earliest and most important battles in the American Revolutionary War. A granite obelisk now stands at this location. One of the first monuments erected in the USA.
• Plimoth Plantation (Plymouth, Massachusetts) – An open-air museum located on grounds of the former Plymouth Colony. Attempts to recreate life as the settling English pilgrims experienced it.
• Gettysburg (Pennsylvania) – Battleground for the largest battle of the American Civil War. Gettysburg was a decisive victory for the Union and it proved to be a turning point in the conflict. A sobering cemetery and military park are the only remains of the fight.
• Mt Vernon (Alexandria, Virginia) – Former home and plantation of the USA’s first president, George Washington. Open 365 days per year as ordained by the president himself.
• Colonial Williamsburg (Virginia) – A section of modern Williamsburg that was preserved in order to appear like an original colonial settlement. Includes American colonial buildings, educational tours, and actors dressed in anachronistic apparel.
• Biltmore Estate (North Carolina) – An enormous mansion built by the Vanderbilts, one of the foremost tycoon families of the American Gilded Age. Still owned by the Vanderbilts and still the largest private dwelling in the USA.
• Fort Raleigh (North Carolina) – The preserved remains of the Roanoke Colony, the first-ever English settlement in the USA. Shrouded in mystery as the residents famously disappeared after they lost contact with the crown.
• St. Augustine (Florida) – A modern-day city that actually has some of the most significant Spanish colonial architecture in the country. The impressive Castillo de San Marcos is the grandest and most popular attraction in the town.

National Parks on the East Coast

The national parks are among the must see places on the East Coast as they offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the region. Consider stopping by one of the following parks…

• Acadia (Maine) – A jewel of the Northeastern coastline. Features some of the best and most rugged coastal scenery in the United States. Great beaches, great fall foliage, and great attractions for a road trip up the East Coast. For easy access to the national park, we recommend staying in Bar Harbor as it’s one of the nearest towns.
• Shenandoah (Virginia) – A slim national park that is mostly visited by those making the superlative Skyline Drive. Mountainous scenery that bursts into color during the autumn. Lots of hidden vistas and waterfalls available to hikers.
• Great Smoky Mountains (North Carolina) – One of the best places on the East Coast, though it’s actually a bit far from the ocean. Spending time in the Great Smoky Range means visiting the highest mountain chain in the entire Eastern USA. One of the most ecologically diverse places in the USA and officially the most visited national park in the country. The “smokey” title comes from the frequent fog that likes to hang around the mountains.
• Congaree (South Carolina) – A very large and well-preserved tract of hardwood forest that hosts some of the largest trees on the East Coast of the USA. It floods regularly, which brings in huge amounts of nutrients for local ecosystems. Overall, a very ecologically diverse park.
• Everglades (Florida) – Massive wetlands that are one of the most important natural habitats in the USA make Everglades National Park a must see. Features endless groves, glades, and inlets that hide several threatened species including the Florida panther, manatee, and the American crocodile. Usually explored by airboat or on foot via several trails.
• Dry Tortugas (Florida) – A small chain of keys that hosts the astounding Fort Jefferson, which is the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. Being a part of the iconic Florida Keys , Dry Tortugas also has excellent diving opportunities and that beautiful Caribbean water. Can only be reached by boat.
• Biscayne (Florida) – A offshore park that shelters an enormous amount of aquatic life. A very popular place among divers and fishers. 90% of the park is located in the ocean so camping and hiking opportunities are pretty limited.

East Coast Scenic Drives

Choose any one of these scenic routes listed below to gain more East Coast road trip ideas! Each one features more of the best places on the East Coast to visit.

• Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia/North Carolina) – The most scenic road trip on the East Coast. A very long road that traverses the Blue Ridge Mountains and connects Shenandoah with the Great Smoky Mountains.
• Skyline Drive (Virginia) – A road that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park, which is arguably the most popular destination in the park. Offers breathtaking views of the mountains and also provides access to several hiking trails, including the ACT. Connects with the Blue Ridge Parkway in the south.
• Kancamagus Highway (New Hampshire) – A spectacular East Coast road trip route through the White Mountains. Most popular during the fall when the mountains explode with autumn color. Several campgrounds and viewpoints are found along the 35-mile stretch.
• Florida A1A (Florida) – A highway that runs the entire length of Florida’s Atlantic Coast. The route hugs the entire coastline to Miami and affords amazing views of the ocean. Also includes the Florida Keys Scenic Byway, which is arguably one of the most beautiful roads in the USA.
• Acadia National Byway (Maine) – Ring road that offers the best sights of Acadia National Park . Most of the park’s top attractions can be reached via the byway including Sandy Beach and Jordan Ponds. Popular in fall when the trees are changing colors as well.
• Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad (Maryland) – A historical East Coast road trip route that follows the trail of the Underground Railroad – one of the most important escape routes for African slaves during the Civil War. Along the way, you’ll visit many museums, churches, and former residences that educate you about the railroad. Not very scenic but very humbling. Baltimore is a very cool city if you fancy hanging out a few days.

A few insider tips to help your East Coast Road trip go just a lil’ bit smoother!

Getting Insured

Do you need Travel Insurance for your trip? Even if you’re only going for a few days, that’s more than enough time to get smote by wrathful angels. Have fun on your road trip, but take it from us, overseas medical care and canceled flights can be seriously expensive – insurance can, therefore, be a life-saver.

Travel mishaps can and do happen and it is well worth thinking about insurance before you leave home.

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.

Top Tips for Broke Backpackers

Below is a list of East Coast road trip ideas for saving money. Try and practice these as much as possible.

• Use vehicle relocation services: These brilliant services offer huge discounts to people on the condition they get a vehicle to a certain place at a certain time. No joke, you can rent a car sometimes for as low as $1/day! Availability is very limited though, so keep a watchful eye on the sites. Check immova and Cruise America to start with.
• Rent an economy car: Prices can be as low as $25/day depending on the time of year and how far in advance you reserve. Economy cars are also more fuel-efficient so you’ll save on fuel.
• Camp: Unless you want to fork out big bucks for a lodge, you have to camp. Campgrounds are way less expensive and sometimes even free. Check out this post for a breakdown of the best tents to take backpacking .  If you’re feeling really adventurous and want to save some cash, consider picking up a backpacking hammock.
• Sleep overnight in an empty lot: Though not technically legal, people sleep in parking lots all the time. Make sure the lot is safe by asking around. Walmarts are reportedly good places to park overnight as they allow overnight parking.
• Buy an America the Beautiful Pass : Seriously, if you’re visiting more than two national parks, you’d be a fool not to buy this.
• Cook your own food: Eating out can be very expensive. Cook your own food as much as possible to save – I recommend bringing a portable backpacking stove . Otherwise, have a fancy night out at a food cart.
• Do free shit: There are lots of free activities on the East Coast! From hiking to laying on the beach to going to the local monuments; all of these things cost you nill. Be sure to keep your ear to the ground for all things free in the East.
• Pack a filtered water bottle : It’s good for your wallet and the environment. Purified water is easy to come by in the States versus other countries.

Feeling a little gross after hanging out in the Great Smoky Mountains ? Got sand in every crack and corner of your body after laying on the beach too long? Maybe it’s time to take a break from your camping road trip on the East Coast and to check into a hotel.

Thankfully, hotels are everywhere in the USA and come in all shapes and sizes–there’s even quite the selection of USA budget hotel chains . You could perch yourself in a high-rise condo in the middle of the city or perhaps laze away in a small inn on the countryside.

If you’re on a budget East Coast road trip and need to cut costs, you’ll most likely have to settle for cheaper guesthouses and motels . These types of accommodation are fairly generic, drab, and offer a pretty limited amount of amenities. If you’re using hotels in more expensive states, than you’ll still end up paying $80/night minimum.

No matter what you end up choosing though, one thing is for certain – hotels on the East coast are expensive. Airbnbs in the US are a much better option than chain hotels most of time, and you can see plethora of reviews beforehand.

If you needed to save the most money on your East Coast road trip, then you should take advantage of hostels and campgrounds .

They are by far the most affordable type of accommodation on the East Coast, and are actually quite fun to stay at. Though hostels in the USA can be a little weird (we know: we’ve stayed at several), most are perfectly decent even if they’re not as rad as the ones in Europe or Asia.

Best Places to Stay on the East Coast

Here are some of the absolute best places to stay on your East Coast road trip:

East Coast Camping Road Trip

Spread across the entire Eastern seaboard is an endless variety of campgrounds set amongst dozens of landscapes. An East Coast camping trip is a fantastic way of seeing everything that the region has to offer, and you should rarely be left uninspired by the amazing selection.

There are all kinds of campgrounds in the East that offer a wide range of amenities and rates. Generally speaking, there are four types: private, public, dispersed , and backcountry . Below is a brief explanation of each.

• Private – Larger campgrounds that offer the most amenities including communal kitchens, showers, and maybe onsite restaurants. Most appropriate for demanding campers. Most expensive as well. Payment is made through the office of the owners.
• Public – More basic campgrounds that offer limited but crucial amenities. Running water, electricity, and bathrooms should be but are not always present. Good prices. Payment is made to a public organization either online or via a drop box at the camp.
• Dispersed – aka wild camping, primitive camping . Camping in an area that is not an official campground but is still legal. Little to no amenities. Almost always free.
• Backcountry – Camps located in the wilderness areas. Almost always require a hike to reach. Often no facilities so campers must bring food, cooking gear, camp supplies, etc. Permits are usually required and can be arranged at a nearby ranger station.

A lot of campgrounds, especially those at the national parks, can fill up very quickly. Consider booking a campground ahead of time to ensure that you have a spot.

If there are no campgrounds left at a specific place, there may be walk-up sites available, which you’ll need to arrive early to claim. If you strike out on the walk-up sites as well, there may be overflow camping nearby.

You can definitely camp for free while on a road trip down the East Coast! Most of these campgrounds are pretty remote or located on some sort of specially mandated land.

Each state offers different types of free backcountry camping so you will need to research each. To get started, check this website for a compendium of free camping on the East Coast.

Camping on the East Coast – Gear Checklist

The East Coast has some of the finest camping in the whole country. You could sleep in your car or an RV while traveling on the East Coast but sleeping outside under the stars is way more fun. Having a good tent will keep you comfortable on those chilly nights and give you lots of flexibility when it comes to finding a place to sleep.

Here are some other essentials that we recommend adding ton your road trip packing list …

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

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.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Don’t forget the insect repellent either!

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Renting a car is the most popular way of getting around the Eastern USA. There are a myriad of car rental agencies here that offer varying deals and varying models.

To find the best rental car deal in the USA, use search engines that compare the prices of individual companies. I personally like using rentalcars.com as they’ve never failed to give us a great price.

You can also rent an RV or campervan, which means you don’t have to worry about packing camping gear. You will have to empty and refill the various water tanks though, which will require a visit to the proper facilities. RVs also cost more to rent, use more gas, and demand higher prices at campgrounds.

You can drive your own campervan around the country, but this is only practical if you already own one and are importing it into the country, or have a long enough US visa to make the most out of your wheeled home.

I suggest booking a campervan with Outdoorsy as they usually have a good selection and good prices. Better yet, Broke Backpackers also get a $40 discount with Outdoorsy! Just use the coupon code “BACKPACKER” when checking out.

The roads are generally very good and a sedan or economy car should deliver you to most of the East Coast’s top destinations. Only in the most remote portions of the Appalachia and the swamplands will you need to be concerned about having 4-wheel drive.

If you need any extra motivation to book that trip, here is the perfect mix of cheesy and inspirational road trip quotes . I’m sure they’ll give you the nudge you need.

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals in the US

• Reach out to vehicle relocation services, like Imoova and Cruise America , as a way of saving heaps of cash on rentals.
• Car insurance isn’t always mandatory in the USA but is highly encouraged. This being said, you don’t necessarily have to buy car insurance from the company you’re renting from. Purchase a RentalCover.com policy to cover your vehicle against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.
• Many credit card companies offer free car insurance if you book the car with the proper card. Call your credit card company for more information regarding terms and conditions.

Best Time to Visit the East Coast

The East Coast is a massive region that is subject to more than a dozen different climates. While on a road trip along the East Coast, USA, you could potentially experience rain, sunshine, snow, and tropical storms – all in the course of a few weeks!

Depending on what you want to do, you could visit the East Coast at any time of the year. Summers generally have the most reliable weather though you might get dumped on in Florida.

On the other hand, if you were on an East Coast road trip in the winter, you could totally go skiing in New England and then surfing in Florida! Just don’t forget a high-quality ski jacket .

I have broken the East Coast into three different climate categories. These are broad generalizations and, in reality, each state has much more complex weather patterns. These categories are relevant enough for you to understand how the weather works on the East Coast.

Northeastern States (New England -> Pennsylvania) – These states are subject to 4 distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm, semi-humid summers. Winters in these states can be frigid as the Canadian winds wreak havoc. Summers are mostly mild but heat waves are still common.

Central Atlantic States (Maryland -> Georgia) – These states receive more regular rainfall throughout the year and less dramatic temperature swings. Winters are still relatively cold and summers are the hottest time of the year, which means that these states are still classified as having 4 seasons. Though rare, Georgia and the Carolinas can actually receive snow in the winter.

Tropical States (Florida) – While the climate of Northern Florida is more similar to Georgia’s, Southern Florida is textbook tropical. Rain comes in bucket loads during the summer, sometimes dangerously in the form of hurricanes. Winters are mild and clear.

Food on the East Coast

A road trip on the East Coast will afford endless opportunities for you to try different foods. The food of this region is so diverse and so different that it’s not possible to put all of it into one category (except, of course, a delicious category).

Each state has its own local delicacies. You could make a culinary road trip from Maine to Florida in pursuit of these dishes and it would certainly take up a lot of your time and attention!

But let’s briefly talk about what you’ll find on each part of the East Coast…

New England is famous for its seafood , which is often baked, stewed or steamed to divine results. Chowder is perhaps the most famous dish here, though you can’t go wrong with a good ol’ clambake or lobster roll. On that note, Maine lobster is highly regarded. Food in Boston is particularly famous for its clam chowder, Boston baked beans, and being a legendary baseball city, hot dogs.

New York City has just about every type of food imaginable because of its enormous immigrant population. You can seriously eat some of the best food from around the globe in one city. If there was one or two foods that could be called true New York food, it might be bagels and pizza . As pizza in the city is often priced at backpacker-friendly rates, just pair it with a cheap NYC hostel for an affordable adventure.

Pizza and, for that matter, Italian food is fairly common in the Atlantic states. Some places, like New Haven (Connecticut) and Scranton (Pennsylvania) even claim to have the best in the world.

The sandwich is also a staple of the East Coast and comes in many varieties. New Jersey is famous for inventing “the sub” while you can’t say you’ve visited Philadelphia’s tourist attractions without savoring its very well-known Philly cheesesteak.

As we drive further south the food begins to change. Southern cooking becomes the dominant trend and BBQ and fried foods are heavily featured. The Carolinas are particularly famous for their version of BBQ, though the Georgian variety is no slouch either.

Finally, Southern Florida has some of the best Caribbean and Latin food that you’ll eat in the USA. Cuban, Jamaican, Dominican, South American – all of these culinary styles are represented very well in Miami and the surrounding area.

Get your Buzz On

The East Coast is called the Beast Coast for a reason – people get wild on a regular basis and throw some of the best parties in the USA! You can party in a myriad of ways while on a road trip up the East Coast – you could go to a speakeasy in New York City, drink with rowdy Southies in a Boston dive, rub shoulders with politicians in Washington DC or dance all night in Miami. The possibilities are limitless.

Just make sure you know your personal limits (and that of your wallet) before dabbling in drug tourism, that’s all!

Drinking on the East Coast, particularly in the bigger cities, is by no means cheap though. Cover charges, exorbitant drink prices, and taxi fees add up very quickly; you could easily drop more than $100 in a single night.

I advise drinking at local dive bars for the cheapest drinks and taking advantage of the ubiquitous happy hour. You can get a beer for as low as $1 in some bars.

Beer is probably the most popular drink on the East Coast and is found in abundance at nearly every bar. No matter which bar you end up in, you’ll usually have a huge selection of domestic, craft, and imported choices. Best of all, it’s usually the cheapest drink!

One idea is to go on a brewery tour of the East Coast! There are hundreds of breweries on the East Coast making everything from shitty lagers to divine ales. I suggest visiting Brooklyn Brewing, Wicked Weed in Asheville, Ommegang in upstate New York, and Creature Comforts in Athens, Georgia.

Marijuana is legal for recreational use in several New England states! While on a Northeast coast road trip, you can drop by a dispensary and pick up a dime bag. All you need to buy weed is an ID proving that you’re over 21 and cash.

Be sure to brush up on local laws and don’t bring marijuana across state borders (especially into illegal states).

Being a Responsible Backpacker

Remember to be a respectful camper while on your East Coast road trip. Depart from the grounds at a decent hour, follow leave no trace principles , and be very, very aware of fire bans.

Reduce your plastic footprint: Perhaps the best thing you can do for our planet is to make sure you do NOT add to the plastic problem all over the world. Don’t buy one-use water bottles, the plastic ends up in a landfill or in the ocean.

I know it can be hard, but do your best to use the least amount of plastic water bottles that you can. Refill the ones that you do buy! Use a GRAYL GEOPRESS . Refill at your hostel/guest house! There are plenty of ways to reduce plastic!!!

Pack a tough and cool travel water bottle. You’ll use it every single day whether you are traveling or not! Be a responsible traveler , and grab a Grayl!

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

I hope this epic East Coast road trip guide has prepared you for your overland journey along the Atlantic Ocean. This region of the country is filled with unique landscapes, plenty of history, and some truly delicious food.

Traveling here will help you get to know the US, and give you a look at the diversity within it. Just look at the differences between Miami and Maine!

This is a lot to take in, but remember that road trips can be spontaneous. That’s half the fun! On the other hand, if you just can’t quite decide where to start, you can’t go wrong with the Ultimate East Coast Road trip, which truly hits all the best stops on this side of the United States.

So make those last-minute van repairs or secure your rental.

An East Coast road trip awaits !

Updated April 2023 by Samantha Shea from Intentional Detours .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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I noticed a typo. The South Carolina State University is not located in Raleigh, NC. It should read North Carolin Satate University.

Awesome high level ideas for the ultimate East Coast road trip! As a Florida local, I’d recommend travelers check out some of the smaller, lesser-known FL West Coast areas like Anna Maria Island just south of Tampa or Sanibel if you’re heading even further south. All said and done, your guide did Florida justice — from visiting the Dry Tortugas to trying our BBQ and fried gator.

Wow, really long and informative article! Don’t have much to add but two tips that fall under the category general (obvious) advice:

– Don’t set the stops in stone and don’t try to keep a timeline. Take your time to explore places and stay flexible. Your trip will benefit greatly. – Keep a track of gas stations on your route. Because obviously there’s nothing worse but to run out of gas on a rainy day in the middle of nowhere…

Totally agree! You should really check out that ViaMichelin app for gas stations and what not. It’s brilliant.

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My Two Cents: Home Run Streak Ends For Cubs' Michael Busch, But Optimism Remains

New Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch had his five-game home run streak snapped on Tuesday night, but he's still been a breath of fresh air early for the 10-7 Cubs.

• Author: Tom Brew

In this story:

When the Chicago Cubs hit the road for a West Coast road trip last week, they weren't expecting to make history. But they did, thanks to new first baseman Michael Busch.

The 26-year-old who came over from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade during the offseason hit a home run in five straight games, starting on April 10 in San Diego. He went deep off of Dylan Cease — who's not exactly chopped liver — with a two-run homer in the fourth inning.

The Cubs went to Seattle from there, and he homered in all three weekend games in the Pacific Northwest. Then in his first at-bat at Arizona on Monday night, he ripped a Merrill Kelly cutter into the seats.

Five games, five homers.

The streak finally ended on Tuesday, when Busch went 0-for-4 with a walk in the Cubs' 12-11 loss to the Diamondbacks, so he has to settle for just tying the Cubs' record for consecutive homers.

But at least he's in great company. Only four Cubs ever have gone yard in five straight games. Teammate Christopher Morel did it last year, and prior to that, only Sammy Sosa (1998), Ryne Sandberg (1989) and Hack Wilson (1928) accomplished the feat.

Those three are Cubs legends. And Busch is now sitting right there with him.

"You hit a home run in five straight games, you take notice of it," new Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. "He's off to a fabulous start as a Cub. We're grateful to have him for sure."

They sure are, because they've been looking for an every-day first baseman ever since Anthony Rizzo left. Busch was never going to play in Los Angeles with Freddie Freeman holding down first base, so this is a perfect for him, too,.

He needs to play every day, and now he's getting that chance. After a slow start to the season — he was just 2-for-13 in the first four games — he's been on a tear now. He's 15-for-43 since, with six home runs and 12 RBIs.

“It’s been an incredible hot streak, but it comes from a very even-keeled, super consistent person,” Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner said, “which is why I believe in him so much.”

Busch has helped the Cubs get off to a 10-7 start, and they're right in the thick of things in the National League Central. All five teams are .500 or better through Tuesday night's games — which is a big early-season surprise — and it's a race that's certainly wide open. All five teams are separated by only two games, with the Brewers leading the way at 10-6.

The Cubs have 20 homers already, good for fourth in the NL. The pitching needs to be better — their 4.39 ERA is 10th in the NL mostly because Kyle Hendricks (12.11 ERA) and Jordan Wicks (5.68 ERA) are getting knocked around in seven combined starts.

Several other pitchers have been great. Japanese newcomer Shota Imanaga has been terrific, still not giving up a run in three starts, and Mark Leiter Jr. has pitched 10 scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

That's one of the joys of watching an NL Central race like this one. There is no dominant team in this division, not even close. The Pirates are probably overachievingh out of the gate, but they've got some nice, young players. So do the Reds. The Brewers are in a bit of transition mode but they still have a lot of solid veterans.

And the Cardinals, they're hard to figure for me. I didn't like how they rebuilt their starting rotation over the winter, but. they're hanging right in there, too.

As for Michael Busch, it's nice to see him make a statement so early. His teammates really seem to like him, and it's nice to have a guy who can pencil in the lineup every day. He's not going to have hot streaks like this very often — Morel went 11 games without a homer after his five straight last year — but he's making it entertaining.

The late show on the West Coast was fun. He's made a name for himself now. Let's see where he takes in from here.

Tom Brew is the publisher and national baseball columnist for Fastball, our baseball channel on the Sports Illustrated/FanNation network. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @tombrewsports

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