Texas, the Lone Star State, the second largest in the US, is rarely considered the best tourist destination. But it certainly has many things to offer! From beautiful landscapes and nature trails to historic districts and museums, the state has it all. Read on to learn about the best road trips in Texas.
A classic road trip: Texas Route 66
The Mother Road runs through Texas, too! And it’s one of the best road trips you can take in Texas. The Texas part is not as long as in other states, such as Missouri. But it definitely has many attractions. The current Interstate I-40 runs very similarly to how Route 66 used to run.
Start at Shamrock, then head to McLean. Here you can see one of the first gas stations, Texas Route 66 Museum, and the Devil’s Rope Museum. Afterward, visit Amarillo, the largest city on the 178 mile Route 66 portion. It has a Route 66 Sixth Street Historic District, a nightlife and shopping hub, with restaurants, antique and specialty shops. Also, check out Big Texan Steak Ranch, where you can try their 72 oz steak challenge! There is also a famous Cadillac Ranch nearby. After Amarillo, head to Vega, a small town, and Adrian, Route 66 halfway point. There, you can stop at MidPoint Cafe to eat classic American dishes, just like in the 50s.
For nature lovers: Texas state parks
Big Bend National Park is one of the best state parks in Texas. There are 238 miles of trails, which you can hike, bike, or ride on horseback. There are even trails you can drive on with 4×4 vehicles! Big Bend Park is large, remote, and is not visited so often, so it has a low level of light pollution and is a perfect location for stargazing. However, remember that it is a desert park and the temperatures can rise very much in summer. Try not to hike in the afternoon and drink lots of water.
Also, consider visiting Big Bend State Ranch Park too, which is very near. And if you go to the east, you will find Seminole Canyon State Park and Kickapoo Cavern State Park, which are also great.
Dallas Loop
Belt Line Road is a 92-mile looping road near Dallas, with 15 cities on the road. You can see both urban and historic sights, as well as beautiful nature spots.
First, visit Fort Worth because it’s worth it! Pun intended. There are Cultural District and Botanic Garden museums and a zoo. There are more than 200 patios and restaurants, so you will find something you like for sure. Also, consider visiting Dinosaur Valley State Park nearby, where you can see dinosaur footprints!
Later, head to Waco. Explore the Magnolia market, the Woolly Mammoth, and Dr Pepper museums. Other attractive towns nearby include Carrollton, Garland, and Grand Prairie, with historical architecture, peaceful shopping streets, and lovely markets.
Texas Beach Road Trip
Although beaches might not be what first comes to mind when someone thinks of Texas, they are beautiful and well worth exploring. You can start at Galveston near Houston, an island city. It has more than beaches: check out The Strand Historic District and glass pyramids in Moody Gardens, such as the Aquarium pyramid. There is also Galveston Island State Park, great for bird watching, kayaking and fishing.
After exploring Galveston, you can go to Surfside Beach, a lovely and peaceful beach town. The ride will take just an hour. Then you can move to Matagorda, which is much quainter and less-visited than Galveston, but its nature might be even more beautiful.
Finally, go towards Rockport, which has many attractions nearby. Rockport beach is the first Texas Blue Wave beach, safe and beautiful. There is also Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. It has more than 400 bird species, including the only flock of wild whooping cranes, one of the rarest American birds. If you want some more peace and natural sights, consider San Jose and Mustang Islands.
El Paso road trip to feel like a cowboy
Do you want to feel like a cowboy? Travel around El Paso! This city is surrounded by deserts and mountains, great for exploring. First, of course, visit El Paso itself. There are two peaks of interest very nearby: Mount Cristo Rey and the Franklin Mountains. The Franklin Mountains are in the middle of the city so you can hardly miss it. Mount Cristo Rey is very close too and offers a great view from the top.
Afterward, you can visit Hueco Tanks State Park, which has unique granite formations. Rock climbers love it especially! Just keep in mind that you either have to book a tour or reserve a permit for a self-guided tour in advance. Then, visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park, which has the highest peaks in Texas. The park is superb for hiking and backpacking.
If you want to make a loop from El Paso, go south to visit Fort Davis and Marfa. The Davis Mountains near Fort Davis are great for bird-watchers, as well as nature enthusiasts. There is also a Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch and Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. Then, visit Marfa, which is an art and soaring center. Here you can see the famous sculptural installation Prada Marfa.
The most popular cities: Austin to San Antonio
This list of Texas road trips could not complete if we did not include the most popular Texas cities and the route between them. There are only about 80 miles between them but a bunch of attractions. You can either go by the I-35 or backroads: you could explore more lovely small towns this way. Also, keep in mind that there can be traffic jams on I-35.
What to visit? First, San Marco. The city is known for its outlet shopping, a clear river you can even snorkel in, and having Texas State University stands here. A bit off to the side but pretty close is Lockhart, Texas Barbecue Capital, where you can have amazing lunch! Afterward, there is the New Braunfels town. It has both Guadalupe and Comal Rivers, Schlitterbahn Water Park, and the historic Gruene district. If you are a fan of natural wonder, consider visiting Natural Bridge Caverns between New Braunfels and San Antonio.
Did you enjoy these Texas road trips ideas? Would you like to try one? Of course, you need a vehicle. You can easily rent a car, even if you don’t have one! XRental also offers many cars: check it out!