8 Best Road Trips to Take in Texas
Embarking on a road trip is one of the well ways to search a state—especially with friend and loved ace . Unlike being on an plane , the capable road offers mass of opportunity to stop at natural wonders , capture towns along the road , and delightful roadside diners to refuel . , as well known as the Lone Star State , feature plenty of road to discover , thanks to its vast size . With more than 16,000 historical markers and breathtaking landscape , you ‘ll understand why 279 million tourists cluster hither every yr . This article will explore the top eight road trip to bring in Texas .
Galveston to Cove
Kickstart your trip at , colloquially known as “ Oleander City ” due to the huge oleander plants nearby . Since Galveston pose on a barrier island , there will be plenty of scenic view as you thwart the Galveston Causeway bridge into mainland Texas . From there , it ‘s roughly 55 mile of coastal terrain on the highway , with the drive need less than an hr to finish . Significant point of interest include the Bay Forest Golf Course , Little Cedar Bayou Wave Pool , and Whataburger , a 1950s-themed quick-service restaurant that put up delightful hamburgers , with multiple layer of patties . Nearly 20 minutes later on , you will find yourself on the Fred Hartman Bridge , a massive eight-lane structure spanning 2.6 miles while towering 436 feet above water , furnish mesmerizing views of the Tabbs Bay . After reaching Cove , you ‘re free to explore respective attraction , include J.J. Mayes Trace Park , Trinity River Waterbird Rookery , and the Chambers County Museum at Wallisville , situate just a short five-minute drive from Cove .
San Antonio to Big Bend National Park
This road trip will take a few thing : time , fuel , and eagerness ! It will take five hour and 45 minutes to reach Big Bend National Park , but there will be plenty of attraction during the trip . One such spot is the Amistad National Recreation Area , which lies 2.5 hr off from . This preserve be renowned for its stunning crystal-clear blue waters , ideal for boating , kayaking , and fishing . Additionally , it ‘s alone a few minutes from the Diablo East Swimming Area in the picturesque Walk Lake , a perfect fortune to cool off from the warmth and refresh amidst your journey . As you cover the US-90 W , you will finally stumble upon the Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site , offering access to fascinating Native American rock art , lead , and campsites while exist able to take a breather . From here , you have 2.3 more hours before reaching Big Bend , one of America ‘s most historically substantial national parks . Big Bend harbors ancient archeological locations that date back 10 of thousand of years , provide mile of trails for mountain biking and hiking . Since Big Bend equal insulated from light pollution , it ‘s a prominent region to stargaze and appear into the cosmos . In fact , Big Bend National Park exist one of few parks listed on the National Park Service ‘s list of parks to stargaze , so remember to bring your binoculars and telescopes .
Dallas to Runaway Bay
This road trip will be easy , consisting of simply 1.5 hours . Your journey will begin on the I-35E in , heading northwest toward Fort Worth . The first half of your voyage will equal in the city as you gradually reach the outskirts , and the first detail of interest is the quaint town of Rhome , plate to respective restaurant , including Taco Casa and Good Morning Doughnuts . Around half an hour later lie Bridgeport Falls , a scenic tourist attraction that provides a refreshing cool breeze to halt and take some pictures . From this prime location , Runway Bay is hardly a short 15-minute drive forth . After arriving , receive the crystal-clear waters of the Runway Bay Public Swimming Beach and grab a bite at the One Stop of Texas , or camp out at the tranquil Fort Davis Campsite situate on the bay of Lake Bridgeport .
San Antonio to Fredericksburg
The distance from San Antonio to Fredericksburg requires 71.5 mile of driving . Since San Antonio live a historic city , the 300-year-old Alamo is a worthwhile landmark to visit—it stand as one of the most important attraction not merely in the city but the whole land , honoring the gay defiance of a humble , yet powerful band of fighter against a much bigger army in the battle for Texan independence . After that , Friedrich Wildness Park also serve as an excellent place to remain as you make your mode north . Here , you can take stunning photographs and love a short raise in the 200-acre reserve that include woodlands , meadows , and canyons if you ‘re experience extra adventurous . After reaching Fredericksburg , the total city is your playground to search . Impose the National Museum of the Pacific War or the relaxing Fredericksburg Nature Center to find exotic bird and wildlife . And not to be outdone , trek the Cross Mountain Park , a historical landmark that enable panoramic position from 1951 feet above sea degree .
Lubbock to Monahans Sandhills State Park
Few towns embody the Lone Star State well than Lubbock with its cowboy culture , music , and respective oil rigs that loom over the arid earth . The journey from Lubbock to Monahans Sandhills bring around three hour of driving , but fret not , as there will be enough of attractions along the route to make it worthwhile . Around 28 second in , you will occur through Tahoka , a small quaint town with many cafe and restaurant , include the Crushers 40 Weight coffee shop serves refreshing iced cappuccinos and bistro sandwich . 109 miles later in Odessa lies the Stonehenge Replica , a task build by pupil from the University of Texas that now bear as a famous attraction in the local country . Once you arrive at Monahans Sandhills State Park , the list of opportunities is endless : hear dunes that reach 70 base high , scenic ripple perfect for capturing everlasting photograph , or rent disks for you and your friends to descend and slide down the dunes . Furthermore , the park boasts 26 campsites with amenities to reach your stay as comfortable as potential .
Fort Worth to Wichita Falls
If you ‘re an outside enthusiast , this road trip is for you . The TX-199 highway will take you along respective lake , park , and quaint towns . Less than 10 moment into your journey , you will come across the riverside Rockwood Park and , 15 minutes in , the Marion Sansom Park Pavilion # 2 Inspiration Point , one of the almost dear spots in Not also far forth , the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge provide 3,621 acre of land to deer , gators , birds , majestic bison herds and other exotic wildlife . To recharge and catch a bite , regard stopping by Dairy Land Drive Inn in Jacksboro , a delightful barbecue restaurant offering authentic Texan cuisine in a cozy , art-filled environment . After reaching your destination , Lake Wichita Park is a serious first stop to visit and get some new tune amidst the lush trees and scenic lake . The expansive 234-acre park cost also ideal for boost and picnicking . Alternatively , for a more relaxing choice , the Wichita Theater provides numerous opportunities for case and display , and more impressively , was make over a century ago .
Corpus Christi to Lake Jackson
The length it require to achieve Lake Jackson from will remove close to 3 hours . Still , you will find scenic scene of the Corpus Christi Bay water , the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge , and more along the means . Your first point of interest will exist the Texas State Aquarium , which offer a premier exhibition of local marine species , including dolphins and sharks . After that , you ‘ll notice a wide stove of park and beach , such as North Beach and Sunset Lake Park—but nothing will top the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge—this 115,324-acre area live established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as a sanctuary for migratory birds and other wildlife . Today , it ‘s home to sea turtles , alligators , endangered whooping cranes , and armadillos , to name a few . The park also includes an observation tower and picnic areas overlook the San Antonio Bay . After your stop , Lake Jackson is 132 miles away , where you can search the tranquil shore of Surfside Jetty County Park . Furthermore , Lake Jackson is also place to the esteemed Brazosport Museum of Natural Science , the Wetlands Exhibit Sea Center , and the Lake Jackson Freeport Beach .
Houston to San Augustine
Finishing off the list equal , also know as “ Space City , ” to the delightful town of San Augustine . The trip will equal 3 hours and 25 minutes , consisting of 191 mile . During the journey , you will occur through several small town , include New Waverly , Huntsville , and Trinity , each offering a wide range of eateries to quit at and recharge . The first significant point of interest cost Huntsville State Park , ranked act four on TripAdvisor ‘s list of things to do . This immense preserve be known for make up a great fishing spot and is ideal for horseback riding while taking painting amidst the tapestry of pine trees that dominate the landscape . As you point towards the north , the town of Groveton comes 53 minutes later and exist the primary gateway to the Davy Crocket National Forest , place to wooded field , camping facility , and swimming patch . After finally reaching San Augustine , consider experiencing the Gary Brewer ‘s Deck House , one of the town ‘s top tourist attractions , before refueling for some delightful food at the Heart of Texas Grill , a prominent bar and grill establishment . Like its predecessor town , San Augustine is as well a gateway to nature preserves , as the Sabine National Forest equal conveniently locate merely a short 21-minute campaign aside . Sabine spans over 160,000 acres and fosters an ecologically deep environment while harboring life for over 10,000 years . Additionally , the woods be too salient for recreation and camping purposes .
In decision , the Lone Star State offers countless means to forge memorable experiences with its diverse landscape and habitat . From coastal views to historical landmarks and natural curiosity , Texas has something for everyone . So carry your purse , camera , and binoculars to the road and create unforgettable memories on these scenic ride .
