For this guide, the knowledgeable team at Travel Texas have compiled a guide detailing five inspiring road trips in the Lone Star State of Texas.
With the Lone Star State’s endless expanse of winding roads stretching over 79,000 miles, there are countless opportunities for adventure, culture, nature, and history to be explored by car or camper. From a plethora of charming small towns and quaint coastal cities to vast national parks where the roads stretch for hours, Texas invites all travellers to saddle up and hit the highways for the ultimate Texan road trip adventure.
Road Trip Routes Suggested by Travel Texas Include:
Explore the Texas Gulf Coast
Starting the journey from Houston, which is served by daily direct flights from London. Explore the city’s vibrant arts scene, varied food offerings and world-class shopping, not forgetting a trip to Space Centre Houston, home of NASA’s Historic Mission Control.
From Houston, travellers can travel further south to experience the impressive coastal beauty and tranquillity of the Texas Gulf Coast, which stretches over 350 miles. Only a short drive away, Galveston is a coastal resort city for families and solo trippers alike, where they can appreciate Victorian architecture and lively attractions like the Pleasure Pier.
Further along the coast, the natural wonders of Padre Island National Seashore await, offering pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and even the chance to spot sea turtles in their natural habitat. A road trip along the coastline provides an unparalleled combination of windswept barrier islands and sleepy beach towns for an alternative experience of Texas’ natural beauty.
Texas Hill Country: From Austin to New Braunfels
The Texas Hill Country is one of the most favoured regions for road trippers. Its scenic roads boast thousands of varieties of blooming wildflowers, offering a car-window view of a portrait come to life.
Commencing in the quirky, liberal state capital, Austin is home to world-class culinary innovations and an eclectic array of arts and culture offerings and is also coined the “Live Music Capital of the World.” From here, travellers can venture into the heart of Hill Country and arrive in Fredericksburg, a quaint small town offering a unique blend of German heritage, boutique wineries and Oktoberfest celebrations. Visitors can also hike to the top of Enchanted Rock, a pink granite dome that provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Hill Country landscape.
Continuing westward is Bandera, known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World,” where travellers can fully immerse themselves in the authentic Western experience. Bandera offers a taste of the Wild West, with guest ranches, rodeos, and scenic horseback rides through the Hill Country.
A road trip through the Texas Hill Country would be incomplete without a stop in New Braunfels and San Marcos, two neighbouring towns that each offer a blend of outdoor adventure and cultural attractions. In New Braunfels, guests can visit the historic Gruene District, home to Gruene Hall, the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas. Just a short drive away is San Marcos, where visitors can tour the glass-bottom boats at the Meadows Center or take a leisurely tubing trip along the San Marcos River.
Prairies and Lakes: Grapevine to Waco and Beyond
The Prairies and Lakes region is a must-visit for visitors seeking a blend of bucket-list cultural landmarks and small-town charm.
In Dallas, visitors have the chance to explore its diverse neighbourhoods, dine in the choice of a multitude of restaurants and browse the cultural offerings throughout the city’s Arts District. Under an hour’s drive away situates Fort Worth, where visitors can watch daily Longhorn drives, go to one of the weekly professional rodeos and even try their hand at the Texas Two Step at Billy Bobs, the largest Honky Tonk in the world.
Nestled between Dallas and Fort Worth, the quaint town of Grapevine is home to Grapevine Lake. Here, adventurous explorers can enjoy outdoor activities from boating to hiking before exploring some of the city’s vintage charm and its historic Main Street.
Heading further South is Waco, a city that offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions along with areas of natural beauty. The Brazos River and Cameron Park are perfect for kayaking, hiking, and taking in scenic river views.
From Waco, travellers can head towards Bryan, a charming downtown with a thriving arts scene and some of the state’s best BBQ joints. Just a short drive away is Dinosaur Valley State Park, where visitors can take a step back in time and roam through some of the fossilised dinosaur tracks preserved along the Paluxy River. This allows visitors to imagine Texas exactly as it was millions of years ago.
West Texas Wonders
For those willing to venture off the beaten path, West Texas offers endless adventure and vast landscapes, with unique opportunities to explore art and history in the state’s desolate plains.
Big Bend National Park is a haven for the adventurous traveller. Guests can take on its challenging hiking trails and marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the Santa Elena Canyon. Also in the region is Guadalupe Mountains National Park, home to the highest peak in Texas and offering countless stunning vistas.
The quirky, desolate town of Marfa is renowned for its arts scene. Visitors can browse through the town’s many art galleries and experience art installations, such as the Prada Marfa installation, within the beauty of the expansive desert.
Alpine is a picturesque university town steeped in cowboy culture and scenic views. You can hike Hancock Hill, where you’ll enjoy the amazing views from the extremely out-of-place school desk near the top. Don’t miss a visit to the Big Bend Museum.
At the legendary ghost town of Terlingua, you can enjoy live music at the famed Starlight Theatre almost every night. For guided adventures within the national park, Terlingua-based outfitters offer rafting and canoe trips.
El Paso, a city rich in history and culture, showcases the scenic Franklin Mountains and historic missions, while the lively El Paso Downtown Arts District provides a rich cultural experience.
Navigate the Treasures of the Panhandle
With a trip encompassing the Texas Panhandles, motorheads can dive straight into the state’s quirky roadside attractions. They can start with a must-stop visit to Cadillac Ranch, an interactive art installation displaying ten graffiti-covered retro Cadillacs buried into the ground at a slant.
A short drive from here will lead you to Amarillo, home to the U.S. Route 66-Sixth Street Historic District, a strip of road filled with a plethora of art galleries, collectable and antique stores, clubs, and bars in historic buildings steeped in rich history.
Visitors also shouldn’t miss the rugged natural beauty of Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the U.S. Heading south, the journey through the sweeping plains leads to the historic Panhandle Plains Museum, before reaching Lubbock, the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll legend Buddy Holly and home to the iconic Buddy Holly Center.
Visit www.traveltexas.com to learn more about the above road trips and other interesting things to see and experience along the way.
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