12 Great Road Trips to Take in Texas
Texas is a massive state! You can drive ten hours across the state and see the landscapes changing, but you will still be in the Lone Star State. This means there is no shortage of opportunities for road trippers, which gets even better with the diversity of landscapes. From the sandy shores of the Gulf Coastal Plain and the desert landscapes of West Texas to the undulating terrain of the Hill Country, travelers are spoiled with sightseeing opportunities at every turn.
A detour from the major metro areas promises exciting discoveries when you hit the rural roads. Beyond the visual spectacle, vacationers have a chance to experience the history, culture, and nature that define this beautiful state. So, if you are planning an excursion into the Texan countryside, here are some great road trips to take in Texas.
Houston To Galveston
An hour-long drive is all it takes to get from Houston to Galveston, yet the richness of attractions along the way allows road trippers to considerably lengthen their journey. Space Center Houston is an ideal first stop on the trip and exposes guests to the amazing world of space through interactive exhibits and an absorbing learning experience. Almost halfway into the drive along the I-45, you can pause in League City to refuel and enjoy a sumptuous meal at Durb's Restaurant, featuring a unique blend of Cajun and Americana cuisines.
There are multiple open spaces when you get to La Marque, a nice spot to take a breather and reconnect with nature. This includes Carbide Park, which offers a family-friendly green space in the middle of the town. Finally, the journey ends on the Gulf Coast shoreline, with a chance to admire the views from the Galveston Fishing Pier.
Dallas To Brenham
If you need a break from the choking crowds in downtown Dallas, consider hitting the open road for an easygoing drive south to Brenham. This over three-hour journey spans 220 miles and promises interesting detours along the way, starting with Waxahachie. Here, you can learn about its enduring heritage at the Ellis County Museum. Follow along I-35E to Hillsboro, where one can spend a few minutes inside the Roadside America Museum to browse its whimsical collection of memorabilia from the mid-20th century.
Another unmissable attraction to anticipate is the Waco Mammoth National Monument. This archaeological motherlode exhibits Ice Age fossils of Columbian mammoths on the outskirts of the city. Lastly, you can wrap up the trip with a historical journey at the Giddings Stone Mansion in Brenham, inside a 19th-century Greek Revival mansion.
San Antonio To Del Rio
If you've never been to Mexico, think about embarking on an amazing two-and-a-half-hour trip to Del Rio, which brings you within striking distance of the Mexican border. The route heads west from the city, along US-90. About thirty miles into the journey, pause in Hondo to experience the beauty of the Texas Hill Country and revel in the tranquil scenery of 4R Ranch. The small town of Uvalde makes for the journey's midpoint, allowing you to replenish your gas tank or enjoy a delicious meal at Sunrise Restaurant.
Before proceeding, a brief golf session at Memorial Golf Course might be in order. Additionally, you will enjoy visiting Kickapoo Cavern State Park in Brackettville. This sprawling nature area offers a network of mysterious caverns worth exploring and bird-watching opportunities. Those who want to stay the night can book a room at Whispering Palms Inn in Del Rio before heading back in the morning.
San Antonio To Corpus Christi
It takes approximately two hours from San Antonio to Corpus Christi, allowing guests to change the scenery from inland Texas to the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The journey begins southeast, following the I-37 S. While you can't run out of exciting detours along the journey, you will definitely have a blast at the Longhorn Museum in Pleasanton. This exciting facility highlights the unique heritage of the surrounding region with interactive exhibits about the Longhorn breed, the Old West, and other cultural subjects.
For nature lovers, a detour to Choke Canyon State Park when you reach the 80th mile is an excellent way to reconnect with Mother Nature. This delightful outdoor space promises first-class swimming, birding, and camping activities. Complete the journey by touring the Texas State Aquarium to marvel at exotic marine life before relaxing on the smooth sands of Whitecap Beach.
Austin To Waco
Those with a few hours to spare can get behind the wheel for a northbound trip to Waco to let their minds wander as their eyes feast on adorable sights. Visitors start in the bustling hub of Austin and head north via I-35. You can take your first stop in Round Rock to shop for all your necessary supplies at Round Rock Premium Outlets and explore its vibrant downtown district. Don't forget to get adventurous in Georgetown with an underground tour of Inner Space Cavern. This geological treasure features an age-old network of caves with elaborate rock formations.
Meanwhile, the small town of Salado has a pleasant craft brewery scene, which you can pause to sample with a few pints at the Barrow Brewing Company. That said, make sure you have a designated driver who won’t be tasting the drinks. Before you wind up the escapade, remember to indulge in some paddleboarding fun down the Brazos River courtesy of Pura Vida Paddle River Rentals.
Fort Worth To Palo Pinto
This short trip lasts about an hour and a half and takes you from the chaotic scene in Fort Worth to the more relaxed atmosphere of Palo Pinto. It covers over 60 miles, most of which is along the I-30. One of the best first stops to make is the Kimbell Art Museum in downtown Fort Worth, allowing a chance to sample the city's world-class art scene by examining a collection of pure masterpieces. Your next break should be in Lakeside for a chance to take a breather and commune with Mother Nature along the serene banks of Lake Worth.
About halfway into the trip, Weatherford seems like the best place to refuel and offers you a chance to learn about interesting war facts at the National Vietnam War Museum. Elsewhere, paranormal fans will relish a classic scare when touring the Haunted Hill House in Mineral Wells.
Dallas To Houston
From one big city to another big city, this 3.5-hour journey lets you compare some of the most famous destinations in Texas, with a mixed bag of surprises along the way. After departing downtown Dallas, the journey spans about 240 miles along I-45 S. Waxahachie is a lovely stop for nature lovers, allowing them to stretch their legs while soaking in the lush scenery along the Waxahachie Creek Hike & Bike Trail. The tiny village of Fairfield offers quaint little eateries where you can refuel. Mr Taco Taqueria is renowned for its Mexican cuisine, so feel free to try out some sumptuous burritos and tacos.
After the halfway mark, the next stop will take you to Madisonville, a lovely town with serene natural areas. This is the perfect opportunity to take a breather on the isolated shores of Lake Madison and get lost in the beautiful water scenes. When you finally reach Houston, you can decide to interact with exotic wildlife species at the Houston Zoo as the last activity on your itinerary.
Austin To Fredericksburg
One of the great road trips to take in Texas Hill Country, this brief excursion exposes vacationers to some of the most alluring natural scenery in the state. The trip lasts one and a half hours along the US-290 W, and features numerous exciting stops, starting with Dripping Springs. Here, you'll want to visit Hamilton Pool and dip inside its crystal-clear, blue-green waters. Later in Johnson City, use the opportunity to immerse yourself in the beautiful wilderness of Pedernales Falls State Park through hiking, birdwatching, or nature photography.
You can’t miss out on the famous Hill Country wine scene, so be sure to visit Pedernales Cellars in Stonewall for sweet-tasting local wines. Finally, Fredericksburg charms newcomers with its rich German heritage, which you learn more about inside the magnificent Pioneer Museum as your final activity on the trip.
San Antonio To Rio Grande City
This southwest Texas drive lasts just under four hours and takes visitors right to the Mexican border. Most of the route is along the I-37, and it spans a total of 230 miles. It has delightful little towns along the way worth stopping by, including Pleasanton. This has tranquil nature areas, led by the Pleasanton River Park. Additionally, Hebronville is the ideal stop when you want to refuel and recharge. The village boasts a bustling restaurant scene, treating passersby to a luscious mix of American and Mexican dishes at Las Lomitas Cafe & Tasty Tapestry.
After a hearty meal, take it easy with a tour of the Jim Hogg County Old Jail Museum to get familiar with the region's dynamic history. Upon arrival in Rio Grande City, consider the Bessie III Trolley Tour for an eye-opening lesson exposing the hidden treasures of historic downtown Rio Grande City.
Corpus Christi To Galveston
This four-hour excursion along the Texas coastline spoils road trippers with some of the best Gulf of Mexico (Gulf of America) vistas as it passes through charming coastal communities. Starting off along the US-59, major highlights include Port Aransas, which lets you take in its spectacular outdoor landscape from the Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center. Next, the town of Rockport tells a beautiful story about nautical expeditions in the Gulf Coast using interactive exhibits and resourceful documents inside the Texas Maritime Museum.
If you enjoy viewing wildlife, remember to pause in Lake Jackson and take the time to admire colorful shorebird species at Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. Finally, wrap up the journey by enjoying unparalleled Gulf of Mexico panoramas at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
Amarillo To Lubbock
Discover underexplored destinations in north Texas during this two-hour trip from the Panhandle to the South Plains region. The drive spans around two hours along the I-27 S and boasts unmissable points of interest to fuel your adventure, led by Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon. Here, first-timers can marvel at the nation's second-largest canyon system. Furthermore, animal lovers will enjoy exploring Buffalo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where you can witness various endemic species during hikes, camping excursions, and fishing expeditions.
Before getting to downtown Lubbock, pass by the Silent Wings Museum to learn about the rich history of the Military Glider Program during World War 2. Later, dive into the magical world of science inside Science Spectrum & OMNI Theater.
Austin To Rockport
You need just over three hours behind the wheel to complete this riveting journey to the Gulf Coast, but numerous attractions along the route promise to lengthen the trip considerably. Noteworthy mentions include Lockhart State Park, which offers recreational opportunities for fishermen, hikers, campers, and picnickers. You can visit the Gonzales Memorial Museum to learn fascinating facts about the Texas Revolution.
Meanwhile, war historians will have a blast at Fannin Battleground State Historic Site, which commemorates the Battle of Coleto, fought during the Texas Revolution. Lastly, wrap up the trip with a nonchalant picnic on the idyllic shores of Rockport Beach.
Final Thoughts
With over 260,000 square miles of territory to explore in the Lone Star State, tourists can never run out of new roads to explore and treasures to see. Whenever you need a break from city life, these great road trips to take in Texas offer a rough idea of what awaits in the state's backcountry. From discovering quaint rural communities and learning about hidden state history to engaging in wild outdoor adventures, opportunities are boundless for anyone who hits the open road.
