12 Texas Road Trips To Add To Your Bucket List

The Southern state of Texas has lots to offer and plenty of places to visit. We’ve compiled the ultimate list USA road trips that you should include on your USA bucket lists .

Texas is home to beautiful waterfalls and rolling hills. There are also scenic drives with single-gas station towns and roadside cafes along the way.

No matter what kind of landscapes you love, you will likely find it here.

Road trips are a great way to explore Texas. We have it all, whether you are looking for a Dallas weekend trip or a full-blown escape in Texas.

This collection includes Texas road trips for history buffs and nature lovers.

You’re ready for the open road? Keep reading to discover the best routes and most scenic drives to take you on your Southern adventure.

Do you plan on based in a large city? You can check out our list of weekend trips from Dallas. It includes many trips that allow you to get away from the city action and explore more of Texas.

 

Texas’s Best Road Trips

You’ve heard the expression “Everything in Texas is bigger,” but did you really know how large this state is?

The Lone Star State would accommodate the Netherlands, Belgium and Slovenia, Switzerland as well as Austria, Slovakia and Slovakia.

Just like in Europe and Texas, it is a great way to see all of Texas’ diverse attractions and landscapes.

Renting a car is a good option if you don’t own a vehicle. Driving vacations in Texas are the best way to do it!

 

Big Bend National Park

This national parks in Texas are known as “Texas’ Gift to the Nation” and you will be convinced after just one step.

Big Bend is located five hours south of El Paso, and six hours west of San Antonio. Although it’s a little far from the main urban areas in Texas, the distance adds to its appeal.

It’s a nature-indulgent weekend getaway in West Texas.

Big Bend has the best hiking trails Texas – a great excuse to get out and walk!

Visitors can get a glimpse into the past by venturing into Texas’ rugged wilderness or close to Mexico.

Big Bend was inhabited by humans as far back as 10,000 years ago. The carefully preserved archaeological sites throughout the park provide evidence of Native American groups who have lived on the land.

You can drive portions of Comanche Trail which is a commonly traveled path between Mexico and the United States. Guests are welcome to visit old mining sites, ranches, or military outposts.

You only have one chance to see Santa Elena Canyon from the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. It is a beautiful 30-mile drive that winds through several ranches and views.

Enjoy a gentle hike along the canyon floor and river.

You can also go on longer walks through the park or overnight backpacking with a permit.

 

Road trip from Mineral Wells, to Marble Falls

This lesser-known route, parallel to the Dallas-Austin drive will allow you to get up close and personal in Texas .

It takes approximately two hours to travel between these two unique destinations via Texas’ scenic US Highway 281 with many stops along the way. This is one of the most popular weekend getaways in Central Texas.

Mineral Wells is home to the abandoned Baker Hotel. This luxury resort was once the spring training ground for many of the top baseball teams in the country.

Named after the city’s mineral springs, It is believed that the water is miraculously healing and can still be purchased in bottles today.

You can stop by Hico on your way south to experience small-town life. There are less than 1,500 people living there!

You can stop by Hancock Springs Park in Lampasas if you are traveling in Texas heat.

This is the oldest swimming pool in the state, fed only by local spring water. It’s always refreshing and cool, especially after spending a few hours driving.

Marble Falls is a wonderful place to discover natural wonders. This small city is home to limestone caverns and old-growth forests. There are miles of Texas Hill Country vineyards.

The city is home to some of the most delicious homemade pies in the entire state. Southern cuisine is a favorite if you’ve ever tried it.

 

Dallas Loop Road Trip

Dallas has been a tourist destination for Texas since long, but most people stick to the downtown attractions.

Belt Line Road, a loop of 92 miles that runs through 15 cities and takes you to a part of Dallas that few people (even residents) ever see.

You will be taken to the most exciting places near Dallas.

It’s not a typical Texas road trip, but those who take it will enjoy a mix of rural and urban settings, historic neighborhoods, and delicious dining spots.

It takes approximately 2 hours to drive, but you can easily make it a full day trip to Dallas if there are many sights to see.

Cedar Mountain Nature Preserve is a short hike that allows you to stretch your legs and explore some of Texas’ native fauna. The road then heads into Dallas, with its old railroads as well as remnants from the cotton industry that shaped this area.

Grand Prairie, Carrollton and Garland are filled with historic architecture and charming shopping streets. Here you can find the farmers market and enjoy lunch at one the many favorite restaurants that specialize in comfort food.

 

Road trip from Austin to San Antonio

A weekend getaway from Austin is a quick trip to San Antonio.

It takes just 1 1/2 hours to drive 80 miles between two of Texas’ most vibrant cities. The route is filled with rolling hills and Southern charm. On either side, you’ll find historic sights and some the best food in Texas.

You could easily spend an entire post on Austin, but we recommend that you visit the Texas State Capitol to see the state’s government. Also, the East 6th Street is buzzing with bars and restaurants, so make sure to check out the highlight of Austin.

You can also stop by San Marcos on your way south to take a tour around the beautiful Spring Lake in an open-top boat. Also, you can indulge your sweet tooth at Gil’s Broiler’s Manske roll.

New Braunfels is next on the list. The small town is home to everything you need, including a German-influenced historical district and the original Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort.

You can make the most out of your time in San Antonio by walking along the famous San Antonio RiverWalk.

The River Walk is the place to be for all things art, food and shopping.

History buffs will have to visit the Alamo and other missions from the 18th century that are scattered throughout the city.

The Alamo, a small and legendary fortress that is a monument to Texan history, is something you might not know. It is home to a museum that houses artifacts and beautiful gardens.

These stops are essential for any Texas road trip!

 

El Paso Road Trip

An El Paso road trip is the best way to experience Texas cowboy life.

El Paso, a sprawling city located on the border of Mexico and New Mexico, is surrounded by rolling, low-lying Texas mountains and desert landscapes.

You’ll find many state and national parks in the vicinity that are perfect for hiking.

The 281-mile El Paso Loop should be done over a weekend. However, you can extend the trip up to five days and a whole week if your schedule allows.

Hueco Tanks State Park is the first stop. It’s about an hour drive away. This park features unique granite landscapes that are perfect for climbing and historic rock art.

Continue on to Guadalupe Mountains National Park for an additional 1 1/2 hour. Here you will be greeted by the largest fossil reef in the world and the tallest mountain ranges in Texas.

 

Piney Woods Road Trip

Anyone who enjoys beautiful forest landscapes or otherworldly lakes will love this East Texas adventure. Take a weekend off and explore sights far from the Southern states.

A 2-hour drive east from Dallas will take you to Daingerfield State Park. This park is famous for its spectacular autumn leaves.

Even for those not visiting Texas during the fall, Daingerfield offers solitude and quiet, making it a great place to camp, fish, or boat year round.

Wine aficionados may drive all or part the lesser-known Texas vineyard routes from there.

The Texas Hill Country is best known for its wine centers, but the Piney Woods Wine Trail offers more intimate tastings because there aren’t nearly as many tourists!

To get back to nature, you can continue through Jefferson and Caddo Lake State Park. Jefferson is a great place to stay for a night if you don’t have a lot of time. It’s Texas’s capital bed and breakfast.

You’ll also find Caddo lake, the only natural state-owned lake, where you can enjoy storybook images while you cruise through it. It is home to the largest bald Cypress tree in the world and a variety of alligators.

This route is approximately 4 hours from Dallas. However, you will feel like you have traveled around the globe.

 

Route 66 Road Trip

Route 66 mostly runs through Missouri, Oklahoma and New Mexico. However, the Texas panhandle has a section of Route 66 that allows for a traveling trip on the road.

Shamrock is where your Route 66 journey will begin. There, you’ll find the Tower Station and Café. The 1935 Conoco gas station is still in use, with the original signs and pumps. However, it no longer serves customers.

Continue on to Amarillo. This is the last city on the route. It is home to the US Route 66 Sixth Street Historic District. A shopping area filled with stylish antiques, and Southern cuisine.

Amarillo is also home to the bizarre sights of Cadillac Ranch, an art installation from 1974 that features 10 cars sticking out of the desert landscape.

Further down the road, in Adrian, is the halfway mark to Route 66. Here you will find the Midpoint Cafe. This diner serves classic American cuisine in a 1950s-style setting.

As you approach the New Mexico border, don’t forget Dot’s Mini-Museum or the Vega Motel.

Although the journey from Oklahoma to New Mexico is only 178 miles, there are many stops along the route that make it worth the effort.

 

Road trip from Waco to Longview

Although there are many ways to reach these cities, State Highway 31 is the most scenic. You’ll find yourself stopping every 10 minutes.

You will be able to take this driving vacation starting in Waco and go through all the water sports hotspots as well as small towns along the way.

BSR Cable Park is a water park that will make you scream, just 20 minutes from downtown Waco.

Their famous Royal Flush ride is a thrilling super slide that propels brave riders high into the air, before dropping into a refreshing pool.

Once you have dried off, go to some small-town delights. Corsicana, located 1/3 of the route, is a great spot to stop for lunch before continuing on your journey.

Corsicana is Texas’s first oil boomtown. It’s best known for its Petroleum Park, Pioneer Village and other historical stops you don’t want to miss.

Tyler, Texas, is another great place to stop driving and stretch your legs. There is a beautiful rose garden in the city and a pine forest state park that offers easy hikes.

Longview is a great place to visit, whether you’re looking for fine wine or zip-lining in the waterfalls.

 

Road trip from West Columbia to Corpus Christi

The stunning, oceanside drive along State Highway 35 is known as the “Hug-the-Coast Highway” and will leave you wishing for sunny beaches all the way.

Even at a slower pace, it can be done in a weekend. Trust us, it’s worth taking your time and enjoying quiet marshes with a glimpse at the Gulf of Mexico.

Although West Columbia may seem like a small Southern town when you first arrive, it was actually the capital of Texas for three months in 1836.

Before you head onwards towards Palacios, visit one or two museums before going to Palacios. There, you will find The Point, a legendary Vietnamese and Mexican restaurant/bait/tackle store/social hub.

This is the ideal spot for lunch before you continue your journey to Rockport, one of the most stunning stretches of the entire drive. For those with more time, the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is a great option. It adds an additional hour to your trip and offers countless amazing sights.

It is well-known for its large population of whooping cranes. You can see them up close during a 1.5-mile relaxed hike. The entire trip to Corpus Christi is only 3 hours. This gives you ample time to take in the sights from both sides and the journey between.

 

Road trip from Georgetown to San Antonio

If you’re looking for an adventurous road trip through Texas, the Georgetown to San Antonio route is the best choice.

The 2-hour drive from Los Angeles to the coast is not the most scenic. It takes careful planning and an attentive eye to see the true reasons why so many people love this trip.

Five stunning spring-fed swimming holes are hidden away from the cars speeding by. Keep your speed down and don’t forget to wear your swimsuit so that you can take a dip in the Texas sun.

The Blue Hole Lagoon is first, located just a few minutes from Georgetown’s center. After you have had enough fun, continue on to Barton Springs, 31 miles south.

Barton Springs is a popular pool in Austin. It is fed by underground spring water, which keeps it at 70 degrees year-round.

It’s then on to San Marcos Springs. However, if you want to add some action to the mix, there are the San Marcos River or Rio Vista Park in the vicinity. These are great spots for stand-up paddleboarding and tubing.

After that, it’s time to relax at Comal Springs which is the largest collection of freshwater springs Texas has to offer. Then, it’s onwards to San Pedro Springs where you can end your water adventure. This is the most historic swimming hole on this trip.

The land surrounding the springs has been occupied by humans for over 12,000 years. This leaves you free to explore San Antonio’s Spanish missions or just enjoy the vibrant city atmosphere.

 

Driving from Dallas to Galveston

This beach community in Texas is a pleasant escape from the city. It offers a more vibrant and colorful life and a refreshing sea breeze.

We know you will be excited to get to the beach so this itinerary doesn’t require too many stops. However, you might want to stop at the halfway point at the Buc-ee’s in Madisonville, a well-known Texas institution.

This super-sized gas station offers more than road trip snacks. You can find dozens of different varieties of beef jerky to choose from, and you’ll also be able to stock up on Texas-themed souvenirs.

You don’t need Dallas to satisfy your big-city cravings. Houston is the perfect place for you. You will want to travel faster if time is tight so that you can spend at least a few days on the boardwalk, in the Gulf and enjoying delicious seafood. This is the best Texas road trip.

 

Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Wine lovers, get together! This route is ideal for those who love beautiful landscapes and a chilled glass of red or white.

The Texas Hill Country Wine Trail is a great place to visit near Austin. It can be reached by using the larger city as your base.

Begin your adventure 45 minutes from Austin at Hamilton Pool (temporarily closing for repairs), a beautiful natural pool that looks a lot like one of Mexico’s cenotes.

After you feel tuckered, it is time to head west.

Fredericksburg is a German enclave in Texas Hill Country that’s home to some central Texas’ most fashionable boutique stores and exquisite vineyards.

Fredericksburg TX also ranks high as a romantic escape in the United States .

We’ve got your back with our Fredericksburg list of things you can do, which includes everything from peach picking and country music jams to Bluebonnets.

You can also stop by one of the excellent tasting rooms. Fredericksburg is located in the heart Texas Wine Country.

Then, aim south towards San Antonio and make your way to Landa Falls, where you’ll get to participate in a time-honored Texas tradition-river-tubing.

You will be able to drift down the Comal River with the memories of the vineyards in your mind and perhaps a glass of the new wine at your side. Enjoy the slow Southern lifestyle.