Alright, y’all; we’ve done the seemingly impossible task of putting together a list of the best road trips in Texas that cover nearly every region of the entire state. No matter where in Texas you call home, these should have you covered. Families and friends around the state want to start planning some fun trips, so hopefully, these will give you some great ideas for stops you can make along the way. So, with this list in mind, all you have to do now is pack up your bags, grab your family and friends, and hit the road! Are you ready to explore these best road trips in Texas?
- Take a drive way out west and venture to…
Charles Pence/Flickr …Seminole Canyon State Park to see ancient pictographs, hike through the canyons, and learn the history of the people who settled there…
Patrick Denker/Flickr …spend a day (or a few) hiking, camping, and connecting with nature in the breathtaking Big Bend National Park…
JBColorado/Flickr …cool off from all that hiking in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park…
garlandcannon/Flickr …drive or hike through the Franklin Mountains in El Paso…
Lindsey Attaway/Flickr …and then surf the sand dunes at Monahans Sandhills State Park.
- Venture up into the Panhandle Plains and go to classic places like…
Kwan Wallace/Flickr Palo Duro Canyon State Park (the Lighthouse Trail is a must; just bring plenty of water!)…
Jeremy Pawlowski/Flickr …then drive an hour and a half to Caprock Canyons State Park to take in the red bluffs and see free-roaming bison…
CGP Grey/Flickr …stop and see the iconic Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo…
David Spigolon/Flickr …drive along the famous Route 66 to see old ghost towns, service stations, museums, and restaurants from a simpler time…
Bradley Gordon/Flickr …and make sure to stop in at The Big Texan Steak Ranch to try the 72 ounce steak challenge for yourself.
- Explore the hill country and do awesome things like…
dustin larimer/Flickr …tube one of the beautiful rivers in the area (this one is the Guadalupe)…
littlemoresunshine/Flickr …spend the day splashing and sliding around at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels (best waterpark EVER)…
Jdeeringdavis/Flickr …climb the massive rocks and cool off the in river at Pedernales Falls State Park…
Dave Stone/Flickr …sample some BBQ done right in Luling…
Jeremy Keith/Flickr …definitely stop in Austin to see the bats at the Congress Ave bridge, do a bar crawl on the famous (or infamous) Sixth Street, eat some of the best food in the state (whether you’re vegan or carnivore), and enjoy live music and pretty much everything else about this iconic city. You either love it or hate it, but you have to at least try it…
TimothyJ/Flickr …climb up the 1800 mass of molten magma called Enchanted Rock…
Dana Smith/Flickr …dive into the cool waters of the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve in Dripping Springs…
Randall Chancellor/Flickr …go hiking and take in the view of Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park…
Ed Schipul/Flickr …go underground and see the spectacular caverns of the hill country (pictured above is the Longhorn Caverns in Burnet).
- Travel through the South Texas Plains and make sure to…
Nan Palmero/Flickr …immerse yourself in the culture and history of San Antonio…
John W. Schulze/Flickr …drive down to the Gulf Coast and bask in the sun at Mustang Island or South Padre Island…
Vince Smith/Flickr …head down into Brownsville and explore the tropical environment at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park.
- Take on the vast prairies and lakes region of Texas and do things like…
Ken Lund/Flickr …head into Dallas for a day or two and explore the museums, botanical gardens, and the AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys..
Mbrstooge/Wikipedia ..spend the day riding awesome, heart-pounding rollercoasters at Six Flags in Arlington..
QuesterMark/Flickr …visit Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose to see old dinosaur tracks…
trickmonet/Flickr …go fishing, swimming, hiking, or boating at one of the many lakes in the area (this one is Lake Mineral Wells west of Fort Worth)…
A Yee/Flickr …take a drive down into Brenham to see the gorgeous bluebonnets and other wildflowers, plus tour the Blue Bell Creamery.
- If you’re in East Texas, you will definitely want to stop at places like…
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr …the Big Thicket National Preserve, one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the state…
Jeremy Pawlowski/Flickr …Caddo Lake State Park to see the only natural lake in Texas…
Roger Mommaerts/Flickr …spend a day with friends and family out on a boat at Lake Sam Rayburn near Jasper…
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr …visit the historic town of Jefferson and stay at the hotel (if you dare)…
Southern Foodways Alliance/Flickr …stop in at one of the small-town cafes for some delicious southern comfort food…
Scrubhiker (USCdyer)/Flickr …then, hop back in the car and take in the beautiful scenery of the towering pine trees of East Texas. Whether you complete one of these trips or all six, you’ll agree that these are some of the best road trips in Texas.
Charles Pence/Flickr
…Seminole Canyon State Park to see ancient pictographs, hike through the canyons, and learn the history of the people who settled there…
Patrick Denker/Flickr
…spend a day (or a few) hiking, camping, and connecting with nature in the breathtaking Big Bend National Park…
JBColorado/Flickr
…cool off from all that hiking in the world’s largest spring-fed swimming pool at Balmorhea State Park…
garlandcannon/Flickr
…drive or hike through the Franklin Mountains in El Paso…
Lindsey Attaway/Flickr
…and then surf the sand dunes at Monahans Sandhills State Park.
Kwan Wallace/Flickr
Palo Duro Canyon State Park (the Lighthouse Trail is a must; just bring plenty of water!)…
Jeremy Pawlowski/Flickr
…then drive an hour and a half to Caprock Canyons State Park to take in the red bluffs and see free-roaming bison…
CGP Grey/Flickr
…stop and see the iconic Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo…
David Spigolon/Flickr
…drive along the famous Route 66 to see old ghost towns, service stations, museums, and restaurants from a simpler time…
Bradley Gordon/Flickr
…and make sure to stop in at The Big Texan Steak Ranch to try the 72 ounce steak challenge for yourself.
dustin larimer/Flickr
…tube one of the beautiful rivers in the area (this one is the Guadalupe)…
littlemoresunshine/Flickr
…spend the day splashing and sliding around at Schlitterbahn New Braunfels (best waterpark EVER)…
Jdeeringdavis/Flickr
…climb the massive rocks and cool off the in river at Pedernales Falls State Park…
Dave Stone/Flickr
…sample some BBQ done right in Luling…
Jeremy Keith/Flickr
…definitely stop in Austin to see the bats at the Congress Ave bridge, do a bar crawl on the famous (or infamous) Sixth Street, eat some of the best food in the state (whether you’re vegan or carnivore), and enjoy live music and pretty much everything else about this iconic city. You either love it or hate it, but you have to at least try it…
TimothyJ/Flickr
…climb up the 1800 mass of molten magma called Enchanted Rock…
Dana Smith/Flickr
…dive into the cool waters of the Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve in Dripping Springs…
Randall Chancellor/Flickr
…go hiking and take in the view of Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park…
Ed Schipul/Flickr
…go underground and see the spectacular caverns of the hill country (pictured above is the Longhorn Caverns in Burnet).
Nan Palmero/Flickr
…immerse yourself in the culture and history of San Antonio…
John W. Schulze/Flickr
…drive down to the Gulf Coast and bask in the sun at Mustang Island or South Padre Island…
Vince Smith/Flickr
…head down into Brownsville and explore the tropical environment at the Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park.
Ken Lund/Flickr
…head into Dallas for a day or two and explore the museums, botanical gardens, and the AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys..
Mbrstooge/Wikipedia
..spend the day riding awesome, heart-pounding rollercoasters at Six Flags in Arlington..
QuesterMark/Flickr
…visit Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose to see old dinosaur tracks…
trickmonet/Flickr
…go fishing, swimming, hiking, or boating at one of the many lakes in the area (this one is Lake Mineral Wells west of Fort Worth)…
A Yee/Flickr
…take a drive down into Brenham to see the gorgeous bluebonnets and other wildflowers, plus tour the Blue Bell Creamery.
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
…the Big Thicket National Preserve, one of the most ecologically diverse areas in the state…
…Caddo Lake State Park to see the only natural lake in Texas…
Roger Mommaerts/Flickr
…spend a day with friends and family out on a boat at Lake Sam Rayburn near Jasper…
Nicolas Henderson/Flickr
…visit the historic town of Jefferson and stay at the hotel (if you dare)…
Southern Foodways Alliance/Flickr
…stop in at one of the small-town cafes for some delicious southern comfort food…
Scrubhiker (USCdyer)/Flickr
…then, hop back in the car and take in the beautiful scenery of the towering pine trees of East Texas. Whether you complete one of these trips or all six, you’ll agree that these are some of the best road trips in Texas.
Texas is unmatched when it comes to road trips you can take without even crossing the border. In truth, our state is positively massive! It would take a full year or two to see everything here, but these just cover some of the highlights about our beautiful state. Did we miss anything? Be sure to share your thoughts with us below — we’d love to hear from you!
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Address: Comstock, TX 78837, USAAddress: Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, USAAddress: Balmorhea State Park, 9207 TX-17, Toyahvale, TX 79786, USAAddress: Franklin Mountains, El Paso, TX 79904, USAAddress: Monahans Sandhills State Park, Exit 86, 2500 I-20, Monahans, TX 79756, USAAddress: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, TX 79015, USAAddress: Caprock Canyons State Park Entrance, Texas 79255, USAAddress: Cadillac Ranch, 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124, USAAddress: 7701 I-40 East, Amarillo, TX 79118, USAAddress: 305 W Austin St, New Braunfels, TX 78130, USAAddress: Pedernales Falls State Park Nature Trail, Texas 78663, USAAddress: 1601 N Washington Ave, Livingston, TX 77351, USAAddress: Enchanted Rock, Texas 78643, USAAddress: Hamilton Pool Preserve, 24300 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, TX 78620, USAAddress: Gorman Falls, Texas 76853, USAAddress: Longhorn Cavern State Park, 6211 Park Road 4 S, Burnet, TX 78611, USAAddress: San Antonio, TX, USAAddress: Mustang Island, Texas, USAAddress: Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, 2800 S Bentsen Palm Dr, Mission, TX 78572, USAAddress: Dinosaur Valley State Park, 1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, TX 76043, USAAddress: Big Thicket National Preserve, FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625, USAAddress: Caddo Lake State Park, 245 Park Rd 2, Karnack, TX 75661, USAAddress: Lake Sam Rayburn, Texas, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best road trips in Texas May 01, 2021 Beth C. What are some other great road trips in Texas? As you’ve probably gathered from reading about some of the best road trips in Texas, the Lone Star State is one that’s best explored from the car. Truly, there are endless road trips you can take in Texas, and it all depends on your preference. Do you love waterfalls? Then you should check out the ultimate waterfall road trip through Texas. Or perhaps you’re someone who appreciates the art of a delicious taco, in which case, the taco trail through Texas is a must. Looking for something else entirely? You might just be tempted by this bargain hunter’s road trip through Texas. And that’s just the beginning of some of the most memorable road trips in Texas. What are the most scenic drives in Texas? If it’s a beautiful drive in Texas you’re after, head to the countryside. The Lone Star State has nothing but open road when you get out of the major cities, and it’s these areas that make our state so breathtakingly beautiful. One beloved drive is known as the Willow City Loop. This drive is especially popular during the spring when you’ll see the road lined with beautiful and brilliant wildflowers. Plus, it’s only 13 miles, so it’s relatively short and sweet. If you’re in the West Texas area, you might consider taking the Lonesome Highway, which showcases epic views of the Guadalupe Mountains. And if you’re really looking for stunning mountain views, it doesn’t get much better than the Texas Swiss Alps Scenic Drive. It’s Texas’ version of Switzerland, and it’s positively stunning. Learn more about some of the most scenic drives in Texas. What are some fun things to do in Texas? Looking for fun things to do in Texas that will entertain the whole family? If so, you might consider a trip to Trinity River Park in Dallas. With plenty of space to roam, multiple playgrounds, walking trails, and more, this spot is perfect for a fun day trip destination. Other unique destinations in Texas include Bartlett, Brenham, Hamilton Pool, the T.C. Lindsey and Co. General Store, Cattail Falls, Gorman Falls, Guadalupe Peak Trail, and Barton Springs Pool in Austin. Learn more about these hidden gems in Texas.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best road trips in Texas
May 01, 2021
Beth C.
What are some other great road trips in Texas? As you’ve probably gathered from reading about some of the best road trips in Texas, the Lone Star State is one that’s best explored from the car. Truly, there are endless road trips you can take in Texas, and it all depends on your preference. Do you love waterfalls? Then you should check out the ultimate waterfall road trip through Texas. Or perhaps you’re someone who appreciates the art of a delicious taco, in which case, the taco trail through Texas is a must. Looking for something else entirely? You might just be tempted by this bargain hunter’s road trip through Texas. And that’s just the beginning of some of the most memorable road trips in Texas. What are the most scenic drives in Texas? If it’s a beautiful drive in Texas you’re after, head to the countryside. The Lone Star State has nothing but open road when you get out of the major cities, and it’s these areas that make our state so breathtakingly beautiful. One beloved drive is known as the Willow City Loop. This drive is especially popular during the spring when you’ll see the road lined with beautiful and brilliant wildflowers. Plus, it’s only 13 miles, so it’s relatively short and sweet. If you’re in the West Texas area, you might consider taking the Lonesome Highway, which showcases epic views of the Guadalupe Mountains. And if you’re really looking for stunning mountain views, it doesn’t get much better than the Texas Swiss Alps Scenic Drive. It’s Texas’ version of Switzerland, and it’s positively stunning. Learn more about some of the most scenic drives in Texas. What are some fun things to do in Texas? Looking for fun things to do in Texas that will entertain the whole family? If so, you might consider a trip to Trinity River Park in Dallas. With plenty of space to roam, multiple playgrounds, walking trails, and more, this spot is perfect for a fun day trip destination. Other unique destinations in Texas include Bartlett, Brenham, Hamilton Pool, the T.C. Lindsey and Co. General Store, Cattail Falls, Gorman Falls, Guadalupe Peak Trail, and Barton Springs Pool in Austin. Learn more about these hidden gems in Texas.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As you’ve probably gathered from reading about some of the best road trips in Texas, the Lone Star State is one that’s best explored from the car. Truly, there are endless road trips you can take in Texas, and it all depends on your preference. Do you love waterfalls? Then you should check out the ultimate waterfall road trip through Texas. Or perhaps you’re someone who appreciates the art of a delicious taco, in which case, the taco trail through Texas is a must. Looking for something else entirely? You might just be tempted by this bargain hunter’s road trip through Texas. And that’s just the beginning of some of the most memorable road trips in Texas.
What are the most scenic drives in Texas?
If it’s a beautiful drive in Texas you’re after, head to the countryside. The Lone Star State has nothing but open road when you get out of the major cities, and it’s these areas that make our state so breathtakingly beautiful. One beloved drive is known as the Willow City Loop. This drive is especially popular during the spring when you’ll see the road lined with beautiful and brilliant wildflowers. Plus, it’s only 13 miles, so it’s relatively short and sweet. If you’re in the West Texas area, you might consider taking the Lonesome Highway, which showcases epic views of the Guadalupe Mountains. And if you’re really looking for stunning mountain views, it doesn’t get much better than the Texas Swiss Alps Scenic Drive. It’s Texas’ version of Switzerland, and it’s positively stunning. Learn more about some of the most scenic drives in Texas.
What are some fun things to do in Texas?
Looking for fun things to do in Texas that will entertain the whole family? If so, you might consider a trip to Trinity River Park in Dallas. With plenty of space to roam, multiple playgrounds, walking trails, and more, this spot is perfect for a fun day trip destination. Other unique destinations in Texas include Bartlett, Brenham, Hamilton Pool, the T.C. Lindsey and Co. General Store, Cattail Falls, Gorman Falls, Guadalupe Peak Trail, and Barton Springs Pool in Austin. Learn more about these hidden gems in Texas.
