The Ultimate Texas Road Trip Guide: Epic Drives Through the Lone Star State
With its impressive variety of cultures and landmarks, Texas is rich with unique experiences for avid road trippers. From laid-back coastal towns to vibrant cities and charming countryside, there’s a Texas road trip for just about every style of traveler.
So, if you’re wondering if Texas is good for a road trip, we’re here to tell you it’s actually great for so many different types of road trips it could get overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve created a comprehensive guide to help you craft your ideal itinerary. So, grab your Texas atlas and get ready to hit the road.
The 7 Best Texas Road Trips to Explore the Whole State
Each corner of Texas has a distinct vibe, unique attractions, and a particular pace of life. We’ve compiled seven epic road trips that will help you sample it all — from the tastiest food to the most striking natural landscapes to the most exciting city offerings. You can tackle just one region or, if you’re feeling ambitious, travel the entire Lone Star State.
For the most authentic Texan adventure, live like the ranchers and cowboys and put your phones away to plan your excursion. Our paper road maps will provide a useful birds-eye/comprehensive view of your journey that a navigation app simply can’t. Paired with this guide, you’ll have everything you need. So, giddy up as we dive into the best road trips in Texas.
1. A North Texas Road Trip from Dallas to Fort Worth: Discovering Cowboy Chic Living
Dallas > Fort Worth
As the home of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, Dallas might be the perfect place to kickstart your Texas road trip. While this first “road trip” only contains two stops, each one is rich enough in sites and activities to keep you busy for weeks. Plus, they’re just about a 45-minute drive apart, so with a little time behind the wheel, you can experience two of Texas’ northern treasures.
Dallas
This metropolitan area has enough activities to keep you busy for weeks. However, if you only have a day or two here, first thing first: get yourself a frozen margarita. The frozen margarita machine was reportedly invented in Dallas, inspiring restaurants all over the city to compete for the best cold lime-centric cocktail. In fact, there's even an app dedicated to helping you find these spots called Margarita Mile.
Once you’ve sipped, you’ll be ready to shop — an area where this city is ready to show off. In a country where malls are becoming a relic of the past, Dallas boasts several beautiful and popular shopping malls, including the Galleria Dallas and the NorthPark Center, the 20th largest mall in the US. Just try to keep some money in your pocket for the remainder of your trip; we’re just getting started here!
End your night in Deep Ellum, an eclectic neighborhood known for its bright street murals, blues tunes coming from dozens of music venues, and collection of cocktail bars and Tex-Mex restaurants to fill your bellies.
Next up, Fort Worth. Drive time: 45 minutes.
Fort Worth
Where can you find culture and cowboys all in one place? That’d be Fort Worth, TX. Once a central trading post for cowboys, this bustling city still reveals Wild West roots weaving through the otherwise modern and vibrant streets. Experience life as it once was in the historic district of the Fort Worth Stockyards, where you can witness a real cattle drive and a rodeo. A portion of the Stockyards are on the National Register of Historic Places, and when you see the livestock holding structures converted into retail spaces, you'll see why.
Enjoy an afternoon of international art at the Kimbell Art Museum. It houses Asian and European art, including pieces from renowned greats like Monet and Picasso. The museum's structure, which is somehow equal parts farm-like and futuristic, is a work of art in and of itself.
Keep the road trip going and head for the Panhandle. Drive time: 6 hours.
2. A Northwest/Panhandle Plains Road Trip from Amarillo to Lubbock: Honoring the Past and Appreciating the Present
Amarillo > Palo Duro Canyon > Lubbock
History lovers and foodies alike will salivate over this road trip. Texas’ Panhandle Plains has tons to offer and we recommend visiting this region with a hunger for knowledge and great BBQ.
Amarillo
Visit a piece of American history at the Cadillac Ranch. This art installation sits on a portion of what was once historic Route 66. It consists of 10 Cadillacs buried nose-first in the ground, serving as a metaphor for the Golden Age of the American automobile and symbolizing the spirit of adventure and freedom once found along Route 66.
Celebrate a different part of American history at the Kwahadi Museum of the American Indian. The establishment houses multiple exhibits honoring the art and culture of the region's Indigenous people and local wildlife. Plus, during the summer, you can catch authentic Indian Ceremonial performances.
Now you’re off to take a bite out of Palo Duro Canyon. Drive time: 36 minutes.
Palo Duro Canyon
Fill your head with knowledge and your tummies with BBQ at TEXAS Outdoor Musical, an amphitheater set against the striking background of a canyon. The venue specializes in performances that focus on the history of Texas. No show is complete without a plate of grub from their traditional chuck wagon BBQ (it’s like a food truck, but an old-fashioned horse-drawn wagon instead — minus the horse).
Next, wash down that BBQ with some wine in Lubbock. Drive time: 1 hour, 35 minutes.
Lubbock
Want to sip your way through the Texas wine region? The Texas High Plains Wine Trail, which grows 90 percent of Texas’ wine grapes, is your next stop. There are plenty of vineyards and wine-tasting rooms in the area, making it easy to bop around from one to the next. To make the most of it, download the Texas High Plains Wine Trail mobile pass that earns you exclusive discounts and experiences (like barrel tours) at participating locations.
Once that wine has you feeling sentimental, head over to Ringtail Ranch, a lemur rescue that provides a forever home for neglected lemurs. In Texas, lemurs are bred and sold, much like puppies, but the limited knowledge of their care leaves many abandoned. At Ringtail Ranch, these adorable creatures are given a safe place to roam, and visitors can enjoy educational encounters to get to know these misunderstood exotic animals.
Continue the road trip with another region as you head west. Drive time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.
3. A West Texas Road Trip from Monahans Sandhills State Park to Fort Davis: Exploring Natural and Historical Treasures
Monahans Sandhills State Park > Guadalupe Mountains National Park > Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site > El Paso > Fort Davis/Davis Mountains State Park
If your goal is to visit as many National and State Parks as possible, this is one of your ideal Texas road trips. Explore a range of landscapes, from sand dunes to cattle ranches, all within a few hour’s drive of one another.
Monahans Sandhills State Park
Feel like surfing in the desert? Then head to Monahans Sandhills State Park, which contains nearly 4,000 acres of sand dunes. There are countless ways to enjoy the dunes, one of which is sand surfing, which involves balancing on a board (much like real surfing) and riding the dunes. If you don’t feel like catching air, there are also plenty of hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife-watching opportunities.
Leave sand dunes for fossilized reefs in Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Drive time: 2 hours, 15 minutes.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Situated in the Chihuahuan Desert of Western Texas, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is known for its Salt Basin Dunes, which are so white they almost look like snow. The park also houses fossilized reef mountains containing ancient reefs that once sat at the bottom of the ocean, a reminder of how much our planet has transformed. A popular hike in the park is up to Guadalupe Peak, the highest summit in Texas. From there, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of El Capitan Peak to the south.
Ready to rock climb? You’re off to Hueco Tanks State Park. Drive time: 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site
Located in the high-altitude desert, Hueco Tanks is a historic site, protected under Texas law. So tread lightly when you’re here — harming any historic artifacts or wildlife is a crime. Luckily, visiting the park is completely legal and a worthwhile experience. The park gets its name, “Heuco” (which means “hollow” or “hole” in Spanish), from the unique rock basins that supply the local desert with water. It’s a popular destination amongst rock climbers, thanks to its low boulders that allow easy scaling without the use of ropes. More ambitious climbers can enjoy traditional rope climbing on cliffs reaching 350 feet into the sky.
When all that bouldering makes you hungry, you can head to El Paso for some grub. Drive time: 45 minutes
El Paso
Ready to immerse yourself in city life after your reflective time in the parks? Then, it’s time to enjoy bright days in El Paso. An epicenter for culture, arts, and dining, El Paso is a place you could spend several days exploring. If you’re a foodie, you’ll salivate over all El Paso has to offer. But you can’t leave without a real Texan meal, which you can enjoy at the Cattleman’s Steakhouse at Indian Cliffs Ranch. This cowboy-style chophouse sits on a working 32,000-acre ranch, so you can view miles of the desert while chowing down.
Take in a little history at the Centennial Museum, the oldest museum in El Paso. It sits on the campus of the University of Texas, so you can soak in some of that vibrant student energy (and combine a Texas road trip with a college tour if you have kids of that age). The museum has permanent exhibits celebrating the cultural and natural history of the area and has a beautiful garden containing over 600 plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert.
Next up, a history lesson in Fort Davis. Drive time: 3 hours
Fort Davis
Lean into the United States’ complicated history at Fort Davis. The fort acted as a major port for the West’s defense system during wars between Native Americans and white settlers in the 1800s and during the Civil War when Texas seceded from the Union. Today, you can still see remains of the fort, which contains various structures in differing states of disrepair. If you need a quick dose of modern-day life again, there’s also a charming Main Street nearby, the entirety of which you can walk in about 10 minutes. Here, you’ll find boutiques and wine-tasting shops.
Continue discovering Texan wonders as you head to Marfa. Drive time: 20 minutes.
4. A Big Bend Road Trip from Marfa to Big Bend National Park: Appreciating Natural and Manmade Wonders
Marfa > Alpine > Big Bend
Want to know where to go on a road trip in Texas if you’re after a mix of rustic and retro vibes? The Big Bend region should be first on your itinerary. We’ve listed three top destinations below, but you don’t have to travel our suggested path. Our road atlases can help you discover additional scenic routes if you’re looking for photo ops along the way.
Marfa
Marfa is a unique place. It has a tiny population (just around 2,000) but a booming arts and music culture. The Ballroom Marfa is a contemporary art museum situated inside a 1920’s ballroom (hence the name). Here, you can find a rotating collection of exhibits, often focusing on the local landscape. Its minimalist layout, with just one ballroom, a couple of small rooms, plus a courtyard, allows the works of art to take center stage.
If you want a truly bizarre experience worthy of a scene in a Wes Anderson film, visit the Prada Store in the middle of the desert. It’s exactly what it sounds like — a Prada Store in the middle of the desert. Well, sort of — you can’t actually purchase anything here. It’s an art exhibit resembling a real Prada Store, complete with shoes and accessories in the (bullet-proof) windows. The ultra-high-end items in a designer store set against the desolate desert landscape is a strange, but whimsical sight.
Next stop: the artsy town of Alpine. Drive time: 25 minutes.
Alpine
Alpine is often called the Eden of the West because of its stunning geology and warm and welcoming people. This small town has a big personality filled with eccentric and charming businesses, such as the Front Street Bookstore. Situated in the heart of downtown Alpine, this bookstore focuses on books by local authors, and much of the collection is organized by staff recommendation, so you get a true sense of connection to the area.
Fans of vintage items will love Cheshire Cat Antiques, a treasure trove of retro items that specializes in stone jewelry. Throughout downtown, you’ll enjoy over 40 murals done by local artists on participating businesses, celebrating the local heritage and ranching culture of the region.
Ready to take a hike? You’re off to Big Bend National Park. Drive time: 1 hour, 20 minutes.
Big Bend National Park
After admiring man-made beauty in Alpine, take in the natural landscape of Big Bend National Park. This spectacular park is home to 500-million-year-old volcanic rocks and sloping sand dunes, creating dramatic vistas everywhere you look. With a wealth of wildlife species, including butterflies, bats, and scorpions (watch where you step!), the park is a dream destination for nature lovers. And with over 150 miles of hiking trails, there are hundreds of unique lookout points from which to take it all in.
Keep the road trip and experiences coming as you head for the center of the state. Drive time: 8 hours.
5. A Central Texas Road Trip from Austin to Dallas: Experiencing Live Performances
Austin > Wimberley > Gruene in New Braunfels > San Antonio
Want to enjoy a mixture of big-city life and small-town charm? Central Texas has it all. The bustling capital, historic landmarks, and quirky villages await visitors. This is one of the most diverse road trips Texas has to offer.
Austin
A road trip in Texas wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the state capital. An epicenter for live entertainment, Austin’s streets are full of life and buzzing with creativity. Enjoy some laughs at the Comedy Mothership, which hosts rotating lineups of world-renowned and rising comedians. Want to take in the city skyline from the water? Head over to Lady Bird Lake, a river-like reservoir with 416 acres of surface area open for canoeing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Don’t leave Austin without visiting the State Capitol Building, the largest capitol building in the US. It’s known for its interesting architecture — described as Italian Renaissance Revival Style — and offers free 30-minute tours throughout the week. There are thousands of treasures to explore down every alley in Austin. One of our Austin street maps can help you get a greater sense of the city and map out your days.
Leave the buzzing capital for small-town charm in Wimberley. Drive time: 1 hour.
Wimberley
Discover one of Texas’ hidden gems at Wimberley, a small village with a booming live performance, arts, and shopping scene, along with pristine natural landmarks. Indulge your whimsical side at the EmilyAnn Theatre, a performing arts space with gardens and a life-size chess board. Should you happen to visit during the holiday season, the theater puts on the Trail of Lights from November 30 through December 26 — eight acres of lighted exhibits (accompanied by complimentary hot chocolate). After taking in the arts, check out a natural wonder at Jacob’s Well, the second-longest submerged cave in Texas. You’ll want to take your camera out to capture images of the underwater caves that appear bottomless from up above.
Travel back in time next to Gruene. Drive time: 30 minutes.
Gruene in New Braunfels
You can feel like you’re visiting Germany when you spend time in the historic district of Gruene. Back in the 1840s, German farmers settled in the region, infusing it with a rich German heritage you can still see there today. Enjoy live music in a historic setting at Gruene Hall. The oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall was built in 1878 and offers live music, a large beer selection, and great views of the city. Stroll the streets of Gruene’s National Historic District, 15 acres of original township buildings, still in operation as retail spaces, alongside German colonial homes from the 19th century.
Next, remember the Alamo in San Antonio. Drive time: 1 hour
San Antonio
If you’ve ever wondered where the expression “Remember the Alamo!” comes from, you can actually visit its birthplace in San Antonio. The Alamo is an 18th-century Spanish mission that once served as the site of an important Texan battle in the fight for independence from Mexico. The mission has been preserved as a museum, open to the public. Once you’ve had your fill of history, head over to the River Walk, a network of walkways that weave over and alongside the San Antonio River. This waterfront promenade contains dozens of shops, restaurants, and hotels and is often the location for art walks and festivals.
Continue road tripping for a change of scenery as you leave dry land behind and head for the coast. Drive time: 4 hours, 30 minutes.
6. A Southeastern Coast Road Trip from South Padre Island to Galveston: Admiring Animals, Arts and the Sea
South Padre Island > Rockport > Galveston
Craving coastal relaxation? Then pack a swimsuit and a snorkel; your road trip to Texas is about to get tropical. Ask a Texanwhat the prettiest place in Texas is and you’ll likely hear somewhere along the Southeastern Coast. There are dozens of seaside towns to explore, but we think our top picks have the most memorable sites.
South Padre Island
Discover Texas’ alluring coastal charm at South Padre Island. Located at the southern tip of the Lone Star state, South Padre Island boasts picturesque white sand beaches and tranquil waters that welcome swimmers and sunbathers. Animal lovers can head to the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center and observe migrating birds from the five-story watch tower. Get your steps in on the Laguna Madre Nature Trail, a 1,500-foot boardwalk covering four acres of marshland. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab some grub at Louie's Backyard, a surf ‘n’ turf restaurant offering views of the Laguna Madre Bay (and occasional summer firework shows).
Next, go from wildlife to the “Best Small Art Town” as you head to Rockport. Drive time: 3 hours, 15 minutes.
Rockport
Rockport is, first and foremost, a relaxed beach city with plenty to do for outdoor enthusiasts. However, it was also named one of “The 100 Best Small Art Towns of America,” as it combines the natural works of Mother Earth with that of local creatives. The Rockport Center for the Arts features rotating exhibits from local artists, as well as a sculpture garden. If you want to stick to the sand, head to Rockport Beach. Its shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and it holds the rare distinction of being a Blue Wave Beach, meaning it is litter-free. Stroll onto the 800-foot pier to catch some dinner, or sit back and relax while observing the fishermen in their element.
Now, you’re off to the coastal city of Galveston. Drive time: 3 hours, 30 minutes.
Galveston
Enjoy city amenities in an island environment in Galveston. As a coastal city, Galveston naturally has plenty of beaches to enjoy. However, it’s probably most well known for Moody Gardens, a resort featuring three glass pyramids containing an aquarium, rainforest attractions, and even a golf course. You’ll notice the name “Moody” comes up often around Galveston, and that’s because many of the major cultural and educational attractions are funded by the Moody Foundation, a charitable organization started by a couple of the same name from the region. Another such attraction is Moody Mansion, which is worth a visit if you are curious about the paranormal. It’s considered the most haunted place in the city…enter if you dare.
Bring your Texas road trip full circle by exploring the eastern part of the state. Drive time: 1 hr, 15 minutes.
7. An East Texas Road Trip from Houston to Palestine: Traveling Through (Literal) Space and Time
Houston > Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail > Angelina National Forest > Nacogdoches > Palestine
If you can’t quite decide what type of road trip you’re after, sample them all in East Texas. From laid-back wine tasting to museum meccas and wilderness hikes, this part of the Lone Star State has something for everyone.
Houston
Houston is your gateway to mouthwatering culinary experiences, world-renowned museums and…space. Houston is the home of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where visitors can see artifacts preserved from critical space missions, like the Apollo 17 Command Module and an Apollo 14 prototype. After your extraterrestrial excursion, you can eat like a local at the West Alabama Ice House in Montrose. This communal outdoor dining space provides picnic tables where foodies can enjoy plates from the many food trucks that frequent the area, including the popular Tacos Tierra Caliente food truck. The “al pastor” tacos are the way to go, take our word for it.
When you’re ready to unwind with wine, head for the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail. Drive time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.
Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail
Want to sip local vintages with views of Texas wildflowers? Then, check out the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail, a collection of wineries in Southeast Texas consisting of quaint tasting rooms and vast estate wineries. As great as that already is, you can take it a step further by applying for a Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail passport. Your Wine Trail Passport provides discounts and exclusive experiences at participating venues, so you can sample bottles from throughout the region without blowing through your vacation budget. And for the ultimate floral “cherry” on top, we recommend visiting Texas in springtime, around mid-March to mid-April to catch the epic views of the blooming bluebonnets.
Next, trade wine for adventure in the Angelina National Forest. Drive time: 2 hours, 20 minutes.
Angelina National Forest
Lace up your hiking boots and pack plenty of bug spray; you’re off to the Angelina National Forest. This 153,180-acre forest sits on the shores of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir, a massive lake on the Angelina River, offering heavily wooded hiking trails just steps away from refreshing water activities. If you’re seeking some seclusion, check out the Sawmill Hiking trail, a generally uncrowded 4.3-mile out-and-back trail that takes you to old sawmill buildings. You’ll pass a waterfall in Boykin Creek on the way, so there’s an opportunity to cool off mid-hike.
Next up, an architectural tour in Nacogdoches. Drive time: 15 minutes.
Nacogdoches
Next stop: “The Oldest Town in Texas.” That’s Nacogdoches, which was established in 1779. The town takes its history seriously, as evidenced by Millard’s Crossing Historic Village. This 37-acre living history site is home to several restored Victorian structures. The village sits on land once owned by its namesake family. One of the most famous properties on it, the Millard-Lee House, is a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. A stroll through Millard Village feels like a stroll back in time.
End your trip with small-town charm in Palestine. Drive time: 1 hour.
Palestine
You’ll end your tour of East Texas in Palestine, a charming and welcoming town with more than 1,800 historic sites. If your goal when you travel is to support local and family-owned businesses, it doesn’t get more local or family-owned than Braly’s Ace Hardware. Situated inside what was once an elementary school, Braly’s Ace Hardware has been operating since 1932. Five generations of Braly family members have managed the store, which contains everything from grilling equipment to vintage toys. It was even recently named “The Coolest Hardware Store on the Planet.”
If you’re flying out where your trip began, head to Dallas to close the loop on your epic Texas road trip. Drive time: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
Let Rand McNally Publishing Guide the Way On Your Next Road Trip
Excited to explore new frontiers in Texas? Whether you want to see several southern states at once or dive deep into the Lone Star State, one of our southern US road maps can help you plan your adventures, ensuring you don’t miss a landmark — or a turn.
So, hit the road and discover the wide open roads, vibrant cities, and coastal towns of Texas. Each of our recommendations is filled with hidden gems and unique charm and we hope one of our Texas road trip ideas has sparked your curiosity about this unique state.