The Ultimate Texas Road Trip: Must-See Destinations & Essential Travel Advice
Texas has always captivated me. With its vast landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the Lone Star State is a dream destination for road trips—an experience I believe everyone should have at least once in their life.
Throughout the years, I’ve traveled to various regions of Texas, even during childhood family road trips, but only after conversing with other travelers did I understand how much more there was to discover.
Drawing from their suggestions and my own adventures, I’ve crafted this definitive Texas road trip guide — an exploration of the state’s most stunning scenery, iconic landmarks, and must-see destinations.
Whether you’re an experienced explorer or embarking on your initial journey through Texas, this guide will help you maximize every moment of your trip.
Searching for the perfect Texas road trip inspiration? You’re in the ideal spot!
Preparing for Your Texas Road Adventure
A bit of planning can make all the difference before setting out on a long drive. Texas is enormous, and crossing it may take more time than traveling to the east or west coast. I discovered this the hard way during my initial road trip through Texas, misjudging the gaps between fuel stations and almost ending up stranded without gas in a remote area.
I wish I had realized earlier how crucial timing can be.
The ideal times for a road trip through Texas are spring and fall, offering pleasant weather along with vibrant wildflowers or colorful autumn leaves. Summers are marked by intense heat, while winters, particularly in the Panhandle, can be highly variable.
Essential Tips to Keep in Mind Before Exploring Texas
Planning a journey across the Lone Star State? Here are some essential tips to remember before you go:
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Packing smart is essential: make sure to bring ample water, sunscreen, and a trustworthy map.
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In Texas, there are sections of highway with unreliable cell service, and GPS doesn’t always work as consistently as one might hope.
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Never take for granted that the next gas station is nearby—I’ve adopted a strict policy to always keep my fuel tank at least a quarter full.
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Though roadside diners add to the charm and serve as convenient stops among the small family-owned eateries along the highways and interstates, I always pack a small cooler with snacks for those lengthy stretches between towns (believe me, a well-planned road trip across Texas makes all the difference).
Packing smart is essential: be sure to bring ample water, sunscreen, and a trustworthy map.
In Texas, some sections of the highway have unreliable cell reception, and GPS isn’t consistently accurate (no matter how much we hope it would be).
Never take for granted that another gas station is nearby—I’ve adopted a strict policy to always keep my fuel tank at least a quarter full.
Roadside diners add to the charm and serve as convenient stops among the many family-owned eateries along the highways and interstates. Still, I always pack a small cooler with snacks for those lengthy stretches between towns—believe me, a well-planned road trip across Texas makes a world of difference.
Must-See Destinations for a Texas Road Trip
Big Bend National Park: The Top Destination You Can’t Miss
A road trip across Texas isn’t complete without exploring this isolated and untamed national park.
The Lost Mine Trail provides an excellent way to experience the park, featuring a manageable hike that leads to stunning scenic overlooks. For a more leisurely option, Santa Elena Canyon is awe-inspiring, with its massive limestone cliffs shaped by the Rio Grande.
Last year, I personally embarked on a kayaking journey through this area and spent countless moments gazing at those towering cliffs.
For those seeking relaxation, the Langford Hot Springs offers an ideal spot to soak while enjoying views of ancient pictographs by the river. Few experiences compare to reflecting on the early cultures that once thrived in these very areas.
Keep in mind that Big Bend is far from the usual tourist trails. Amenities are scarce, so gather essentials beforehand and expect rugged terrain. Yet this remoteness sets it apart; with minimal light pollution after dark, the sky unveils an extraordinary display of stars unlike any other.
Davis Mountains Scenic Loop: A Must-Do Texas Road Trip Adventure
A standout attraction is Fort Davis, a meticulously maintained frontier outpost that provides insight into Texas’s Wild West heritage.
If you’re similar to me and grew up listening to your grandparents share countless tales about America’s past, this will certainly captivate you (for instance, were you aware it was named after Jefferson Davis, the Secretary of War, when founded in 1854?).
Continuing along the loop, the McDonald Observatory offers an exceptional stargazing experience, ranking among the top spots not only in Texas but also across the entire United States.
For decades, this location housed the globe’s second-biggest telescope, measuring 107 inches in diameter!
Davis Mountains State Park is a true treasure, featuring hiking paths and stunning vistas along Skyline Drive. While driving through the Davis Mountains, I stopped at each scenic overlook, captivated by the panoramic sights as I journeyed onward.
During my most recent trip, I even glimpsed pronghorn antelope feeding far off, a testament to how rugged and untouched this area still is.
San Antonio River Walk: A Top Road Trip Destination from Houston
Walking the 15-mile River Walk, you’ll discover vibrant eateries, quaint stores, and historical landmarks lining the meandering river. I enjoy coming in the quiet dawn as the city stirs to life, but nights are just as enchanting, with shimmering lights dancing on the water’s surface.
A trip to San Antonio isn’t truly finished without exploring the Alamo and the San Antonio Missions. These landmarks capture the spirit of Texas’s struggle for freedom and play a vital role in the state’s historical narrative.
When you have a moment, join a River Walk boat tour—it’s an enjoyable way to experience the views from a fresh angle.
We enjoyed a trip aboard GO RIO San Antonio River Cruises, where our captain was both entertaining and knowledgeable. It was surprising to discover how much there was to learn about the region, and doing so in such an engaging manner made it even better.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park: Texas’ Own Grand Canyon
Entering the canyon offers an unforgettable journey. Towering red rock formations extend into the distance, evoking a sense of ancient grandeur. Among the favored hikes, the Lighthouse Rock Trail guides visitors to a stunning natural landmark that has become an iconic emblem of the park.
For a one-of-a-kind adventure, plan a summer trip to see the TEXAS Outdoor Musical, which vividly showcases the Panhandle’s heritage in an open-air theater.
This is nothing like the Shakespeare in the Park shows I attended during high school; you could say it’s got more personality and is far more entertaining! Honestly, I’d take a touch of Texan flair over an actor drowning in a frilly collar any day.
Following your visit, you can choose to camp or glamp inside the park, allowing you to prolong your experience and deeply connect with the natural surroundings.
Close to Amarillo, you’ll find eccentric roadside stops, such as the well-known Cadillac Ranch, where guests can decorate the partially buried vehicles with spray paint, creating a vibrant and constantly evolving art exhibit.
Final Considerations: Prepared to Organize Your Texas Road Adventure?
From vast desert terrains to bustling urban hubs, Texas presents an extraordinary range of adventures for travelers on the road. Whether exploring trails in Big Bend, driving across the Davis Mountains, or wandering the River Walk, each destination uncovers a fresh facet of the state’s allure.
For anyone organizing the ultimate road trips from Houston, think about traveling west to experience stunning national parks or heading south for relaxing beach escapes. Whether you choose one direction or the other, Texas offers countless remarkable spots just waiting to be discovered.
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About The Author
Nathalie Eder
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