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The most incredible places to visit in Texas

Everything's bigger in texas.

With an area of 268,597 square miles, the gorgeous state of Texas  covers roughly 7% of the entire United States. With such an enormous canvas, narrowing down your must-visit destinations may seem like a daunting task. But fear not– whether you are drawn to the bustling cities, historic landmarks, or enchanting natural wonders, Texas has something for everyone. These are just a few of the best places to visit in Texas, each offering its own unique flavor of Texan charm.

Austin, known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” is a bustling city where country music thrives and live shows are always on the agenda. History enthusiasts can explore the stunning Texas State Capitol, while nature lovers can cool off in the refreshing Barton Springs Pool. Austin’s culinary scene is a delight, with legendary BBQ spots like Franklin Barbecue and Terry Black’s serving up mouthwatering dishes. The city’s nightlife is equally lively, with busy areas like Rainey Street and Sixth Street offering a range of bars, live music venues, and iconic food trucks.

Big Bend National Park

Once a remote and hard-to-get-to destination, Big Bend National Park has evolved into a must-visit gem in southwest Texas, attracting over 500,000 visitors annually. Covering the Chisos mountain range and a large portion of the Chihuahuan Desert, the park offers a stunning mix of landscapes. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives along hundreds of miles of paved and dirt roads or explore over 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging. 

The park’s peak season runs from November to April, when temperatures are most pleasant. For extended stays, the Chisos Mountains Lodge provides the only on-site accommodation, while camping options and nearby towns offer additional lodging choices.

Dallas, a dynamic metropolis in north Texas, is one of the best places to visit in Texas. The city is rich with attractions, including Dealey Plaza, where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, and Klyde Warren Park, a green oasis in the heart of downtown. The Dallas Museum of Art offers a diverse collection of art, while the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden provides beautiful outdoor spaces.

Dallas truly comes alive during football season, with the Dallas Cowboys drawing huge crowds and adding to the city’s electric atmosphere. The city’s culinary scene is also notable, with a variety of acclaimed restaurants and diverse dining options.

Fredericksburg

Founded in 1846 by German settlers, Fredericksburg is a charming town in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. History enthusiasts can delve into the past at the Pioneer Museum, showcasing settlers’ homesteads and artifacts. In the heart of the town square, Marktplatz features the Vereins Kirche, a replica of a historic 19th-century German church. 

Fredericksburg is also renowned for its wineries, with over 50 to explore. Notable vineyards include Becker Vineyards, known for its award-winning wines, and Grape Creek Vineyards, which offers beautiful views and a wide selection of vintages.

San Antonio

San Antonio is known for historical landmarks like The Alamo, but the city offers much more for visitors of all interests. The scenic River Walk provides a tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll along the San Antonio River, while Brackenridge Park boasts the San Antonio Zoo and the Japanese Tea Garden.

Families flock to San Antonio for its exciting attractions, such as Six Flags Fiesta Texas and SeaWorld San Antonio, which offer thrilling rides and marine life experiences. Additionally, the DoSeum, a hands-on children’s museum, provides interactive fun for younger visitors.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Guadalupe Mountains National Park, located near the Texas-New Mexico border, is home to eight of Texas’s ten highest peaks, including the iconic El Capitan. The park offers over 80 miles of hiking trails, with popular routes like Devil’s Hall and the Guadalupe Peak Trail. Visitors can marvel at the bright-white Salt Basin Dunes, witness the ancient fossilized reef mountains, and enjoy the lush grasslands. 

Planning is essential when visiting this area, as the nearest gas station is 35 miles away from the visitor center. There are no lodges within the park, so accommodations are limited to tent or RV camping. 

Just a short drive from Houston, Galveston is a charming island city on the Gulf Coast of Texas. It’s famed for Moody Gardens, where giant glass pyramids house a variety of animals, including sharks and monkeys. Families can enjoy the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier with its thrilling rides and games or explore outdoor activities at Galveston Island State Park, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, and fishing. For beach lovers, East Beach and Stewart Beach are top spots for sunbathing and relaxation. Additionally, the Strand Historic District offers shopping, dining, and Victorian-era architecture. 

South Padre Island

South Padre Island is easily one of the best places to visit in Texas. This beautiful resort town boasts 34 miles of serene beaches along the warm Gulf of Mexico waters. Known for its bustling spring break scene, the island transforms into a family-friendly destination for the rest of the year, offering affordable fun and numerous kid-friendly attractions.

Visitors can explore Sea Turtle Inc., a rescue center dedicated to rehabilitating injured sea turtles, or enjoy interactive exhibits at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. Water activities are abundant, including dolphin-watching tours, jet skiing, and parasailing. Schlitterbahn Waterpark provides a splash-filled adventure for all ages.

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Summer’s end might be just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean all your activities are over. With the end of the summer season, many are gearing up to return to school or work, meaning it’s time to cram in all of the last-minute trips possible. The end of the season also marks an ideal weather to take those final trips, as the weather is starting to cool off but you still have the privilege of longer days. With this in mind, now is the perfect time to head off on those final summer camping trips and make those last-minute summer memories. However, not any camping trip will do, across the United States there are plenty of luxury camping sites, also known as glamping, that can get you out in nature with style. These luxury camping sites are full of amenities to make your camping trip fun and comfortable.  The Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, Montana

Located in Greenough, Montana, The Resort at Paws Up is an award-winning luxury campsite with everything you and the rest of your crew. With 100 miles of trails and 10 miles of river, the site has plenty of activities to explore. After exploring the over 70 activities available, you can rest in one of three lodging options the resort offers. Choose between a luxury home, safari-style tent, or secluded tree house to lay your head and enjoy the beauty of nature. Perfect for families, groups, or work events, there's a little bit of everything here. Available year-round, The Resort at Paws Up is also ideal for a vacation during any season.  Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks, Alaska

With waves of multi-colored hues against the night sky, the Northern Lights take you into the heavens for a near spiritual experience. Also called the aurora borealis, the phenomenon occurs when the sun’s energized particles collide with the earth’s upper atmosphere, sometimes as fast as 45 million mph. When that happens, our planet’s magnetic field provides a shield and then diverts the particles toward the poles. 

The result is an otherworldly display of colorful ribbons, swirls, and diffusions, bringing the galaxies down to earth. Viewing a natural phenomenon like that puts things in perspective, making you realize how small you are and how big the universe is.

Visiting New York City is an adventure like no other. Known as the city that never sleeps, there are plenty of things to do in NYC no matter the season. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there’s always something exciting happening. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or are practically an NYC local, here’s a guide to the best things to do in the Big Apple. Brooklyn Bridge

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-do when visiting New York City. This iconic 1.3-mile bridge connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the East River. As you stroll across, take your time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Once you reach the Brooklyn side, explore the vibrant neighborhood of DUMBO, known for its charming boutiques, trendy waterfront restaurants, and the picturesque Pebble Beach.  Yankee Stadium Yankees Stadium Chanan Greenblatt / Unsplash

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Best places to visit in texas.

They say everything is bigger in Texas. And if you take into account all that the state has to offer, it's easy to see why the Lone Star State packs such a potent punch with travelers. Texas is filled to the brim with breathtaking countrysides, significant historical attractions, diverse museums, pristine city parks, suburban shopping meccas, mouthwatering barbecue and more. U.S. News took into account traveler sentiment and expert analysis to come up with the best places to visit in Texas. Want to share your opinion? Make sure to vote below to help determine next year's list. 

Big Bend National Park

Fredericksburg, tx, san antonio, guadalupe mountains national park, port aransas, south padre island, mustang island, corpus christi, san josé island.

This sprawling metropolis promises a jam-packed itinerary for every type of traveler, whether you're traveling with the family or on a romantic getaway . Explore the many museums, parks and historical sites the city has to offer, including the infamous Dealey Plaza, where JFK was assassinated, or get to know Dallas' vibrant, artsy neighborhoods like Trinity Groves and the Design District. And if you're visiting during football season, catch a Dallas Cowboys game to see state pride at its best. However you spend your time, you'll be surrounded by top-notch restaurants and a surplus of shopping options.

Every year, more than 500,000 people visit this national park along the U.S.-Mexico border to spend some time outdoors. Big Bend National Park features hundreds of miles of paved and dirt roads for scenic drives, as well as 150-plus miles of hiking trails. While exploring the park's sections of the Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains and the Rio Grande, keep your eyes peeled for more than 450 bird species, including several kinds of woodpeckers, thrashers and sparrows. At night, camp (or glamp) under the moonlight to see why Big Bend is one of the best dark sky parks in the country.

For a different kind of Texas vacation, skip the state's main cities and beach towns in favor of a visit to Fredericksburg. This Texas Hill Country locale is known for its superb shops, rich German roots and tasty wines. When you're not enjoying some retail therapy on Main Street, learn about the town's connection to Germany at the Pioneer Museum. Don't forget to sample some of Fredericksburg's delectable vino before you leave; you'll have your pick of more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms in and around Fredericksburg.

Historical relics like The Alamo are no doubt San Antonio's biggest draw. However, you don't need to be a history buff to enjoy all the city has to offer. The River Walk makes for a soothing stroll along the San Antonio River, while the expansive Brackenridge Park offers a variety of attractions and amenities. Active travelers can practice their swing at the park's golf course and ball fields, nature lovers can pass the time in its stunning Japanese Tea Garden and families can get an up-close look at the on-site San Antonio Zoo's animals. Before you leave, sample a San Antonio staple – the puffy taco.

If hiking is one of your favorite pastimes, then you'll want to venture to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. This national park by the southern Texas-New Mexico border houses eight of the state's 10 highest peaks, including the iconic El Capitan, and features 80-plus miles of hiking paths, such as traveler-approved routes like Devil's Hall and the Guadalupe Peak Trail. Although the scenery is stunning year-round, for extra-memorable vistas, visit in fall when the park's tree leaves turn vivid shades of red, orange and yellow.

This small town on Mustang Island (about 40 miles northeast of Corpus Christi) provides ample opportunities for fun in the sun. When you're not sunbathing, parasailing or splashing around at the beach, put your angling skills to the test in the "Fishing Capital of Texas" or sign up for a dolphin-watching cruise. You'll also want to keep an eye out for the endangered whooping crane and other birds in this bird-watching paradise. If you love festivals, time your visit to coincide with one of Port Aransas' events, which focus on everything from art to music to food.

Texas is home to some prime Gulf Coast shorelines , and South Padre Island is considered one of the best. South Padre offers 34 miles of relaxing beaches along the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. While the island has a reputation for being a prime party spot for spring breakers, the rest of the year it's favored by families thanks to its affordability and bevy of kid-friendly attractions. Head to Sea Turtle, Inc. to learn about local sea turtle rehabilitation efforts, or visit Beach Park Waterpark to cool off on a hot day.

The capital city's colorful character takes Texas to an entirely new level. Austin offers loads in the way of culture, cuisine and natural scenery. While here, enjoy unique outdoor areas like Zilker Metropolitan Park (where you'll find the natural Barton Springs Pool), various museums and plenty of delectable Tex-Mex joints. The best way to soak up Austin's contagious energy is to visit Sixth Street. This music hub is packed with bars, restaurants and live music venues that have helped Austin earn its "Live Music Capital of the World" moniker. For a souvenir, head to SoCo to pick up a pair of authentic cowboy boots.

Originally inhabited by wild horses, the aptly named Mustang Island is now known for its miles of beaches and outdoor activities. On this 18-mile-long barrier island, which sits about 30 miles southeast of Corpus Christi, visitors will find Mustang Island State Park, a popular place to go mountain biking, kayaking and swimming. The park is also home to endangered sea turtles and more than 400 bird species, making it an excellent destination to spot wildlife, and boasts 5 miles of beaches. For more outdoor recreation outside the park, travelers can visit North Packery Beach to enjoy water sports like kiteboarding, wakeboarding and surfing.

Once a lesser-known, low-key getaway, this small town just north of Mexico now attracts space enthusiasts thanks to its SpaceX launch site. Beachgoers will still find plenty of allure with Boca Chica's 8-mile-long stretch of sand, but remember to bring your own equipment since water sports rentals like surfboards and kiteboards are not available on-site. You'll also want to plan ahead, as the beach is closed near rocket launch dates. While here, save time for wildlife watching, as the area is a haven for various bird and sea turtle species, particularly in spring and fall.

Renowned as one of America's top barbecue destinations, Houston offers travelers a finger-licking good time. But did you know Houston is also a culture hub? Within the urban sprawl, visitors can check out museums galore, from NASA's impressive Johnson Space Center to the quirky Art Car Museum. Many of the city's restaurants and shops are also covered in Instagram-worthy murals. Plus, with the world-class Houston Zoo , verdant Buffalo Bayou Park and a children's museum, Houston is an ideal (and affordable) vacation spot for families. Consider purchasing a CityPASS to save even more coin.

Corpus Christi features several scenic shorelines and can't-miss attractions to keep you entertained for days. Popular stretches of sand in this Gulf Coast city include McGee Beach and North Beach, which is also home to two of Corpus Christi's most visited sights, the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington. Additional museums and entertainment venues can be found in SEA, the city's Sports, Entertainment and Arts District. Meanwhile, music fans can visit several sites dedicated to the emblematic Tejano singer Selena, including the Selena Museum and the Mirador de la Flor memorial.

Sitting in between Fort Worth and Dallas (roughly 23 miles from both), Grapevine delights all travelers, whether they're outdoorsy types, historians or wine lovers. Lake Grapevine is a popular boating and fishing spot, while its surrounding trails attract hikers and bikers. Meanwhile, history buffs can engage in 19th-century heritage events at Nash Farm or ride into the past on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. As its name suggests, Grapevine is also home to several tasting rooms along Texas' Urban Wine Trail. What's more, with some of the best water parks in Texas , an aquarium and a LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Grapevine is incredibly kid-friendly.

Located about 50 miles southeast of Houston, Galveston attracts Texans looking for a convenient place to spend some time at the beach. The island features family-friendly spots like Stewart Beach (with amenities like lifeguards, volleyball courts and a playground) and Pleasure Pier (which features an array of games and rides). Meanwhile, Schlitterbahn Waterpark offers yet another place to play. Away from the sand, visitors can explore the shop-, restaurant- and nightclub-filled Strand District, named a National Historic Landmark for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Travelers will also want to check out other historical sights, such as Bishop's Palace and Moody Mansion.

Easy to reach by ferry from Port Aransas, this former ranch is now a prime beach destination. Because San José Island is privately owned, the island's only publicly accessible land is its 21-mile stretch of unspoiled sand situated below the vegetation line. But visitors will find plenty to do on the beach. The island's more than 600 kinds of fish and roughly 300 bird species make it a terrific place to go fishing and birding. Other popular pastimes here include shelling and surfing.

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20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Texas

Written by Lana Law Updated Oct 6, 2023

Whether you're interested in a city getaway, a nature escape, a beach vacation, or finding an authentic off-the-beaten-path small town, Texas has everything you're looking for and more. This state is brimming with countless possibilities for fun and adventure.

While metropolitan centers like Houston , Austin , and Dallas are the usual go-to destinations for culture, shopping, dining, and action, these cities only scratch the surface. Geographically and culturally diverse, the state offers a wealth of unique attractions and things to do.

San Antonio , famous for the Alamo and the River Walk, is a must-see city if you're going to Texas.

West Texas is one of my favorite places. Big Bend National Park is home to a stunning desert landscape, and the tiny towns in the surrounding area are full of character and characters. Cities like Amarillo or Lubbock are a stark contrast to the larger centers and are easy places to visit, with great food and unusual sights.

In the warmer months head to the coast to experience a whole other side of Texas. Enjoy beaches, fishing, and fabulous seafood in places like Galveston, South Padre Island, or Corpus Christie .

For more ideas on where to go and what to see, have a read through our list of top tourist attractions in Texas.

San Antonio's River Walk

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Stretching for several miles along the San Antonio River in the heart of the city, the River Walk is lined with restaurants and lovely outdoor patios, where you can sit and dine alongside the river. Built below street level, this pedestrian walkway hugs the river as it winds and weaves through the city, and is as popular among locals as it is for tourists, day and night.

Although strolling along the river is the most popular thing to do here, another great way to enjoy the ambience of the area is on a leisurely cruise on a river boat . These run all the time and range from standard sightseeing trips to dinner cruises.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Antonio

The Alamo is one of the most important historic sites in America. Part of a mission station established in 1718, it was built by Franciscans in 1744 and by 1836, had been converted into a fort.

It became famous during the Texas Revolution, when a small force, including Davie Crockett and James Bowie, barricaded themselves in against an overwhelmingly superior Mexican army some 3,000 strong. While the defeat saw all 187 defenders killed, the cry of "Remember the Alamo!" rallied the state to eventually overcome the Mexicans.

The restored buildings and the cenotaph commemorating the fallen Texans is well worth a visit. Inside is a museum with changing displays, featuring weapons and artifacts related to the events and the history of the mission.

If you have time, it's worth visiting some of the other missions in the area, which are all part of the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, and connected by the Mission Trail .

Official site: https://www.thealamo.org/

Just 30 minutes' drive from the heart of Houston, Space Center Houston is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas. This is a wonderful place to learn about space exploration, upcoming missions, NASA's latest projects, and possibly even meet an astronaut. Space Center Houston is also home to Johnson Space Center and Mission Control , which can be visited on a tour.

You'll need to plan to spend at least a half-day exploring the entire complex. The whole place is huge, the exhibits engaging, and time flies by unexpectedly even if you aren't a huge fan of space travel.

You can explore a space shuttle replica mounted on a shuttle carrier and walk through a replica of America's first space station, Skylab. The museum also features rockets, moon rocks and Mars rocks.

From downtown Houston, Space Center Houston is about a 30-minute drive. From Galveston, it's closer to a 40-minute drive. It can be easily visited from either destination.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Houston

In the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas, on a huge bend in the Rio Grande River, lies some of the most dramatic and uniquely beautiful scenery in the state. Mountains, canyons, and the river flowing along the border, separating the United States from Mexico, offer a diverse range of recreational and sightseeing opportunities for visitors to Big Bend National Park.

While most people simply enjoy touring along the roads, the park offers a full range of things to do. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the extensive network of hiking trails and the beautiful campgrounds . Paddling along the Rio Grande or enjoying a picnic and wading into the water are other popular activities on warm days.

With more than 400 species of birds, birdwatching is another prominent pastime in the park, but even if you are not looking for them, you are likely to see roadrunners darting across the roads or trails.

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Big Bend National Park

The world's longest undeveloped barrier island, Padre Island is just a short drive south of Corpus Christi and stretches 70 miles from end to end. One of the most important conservation areas in Texas, Padre Island consists of more than 130,000 acres of beach, dunes, and grassland habitats, and is home to rare sea turtles and countless migratory birds, making it a birder's paradise. In fact, 350 different species visit this stopover on the Central Flyway migratory route.

The Malaquite Visitor Center is the best place to begin your visit to this beautiful coastal region of the Gulf of Mexico. It provides plenty of information, as well as assistance for those with mobility issues, including specially adapted beach wheelchairs.

• Read More: Top Attractions & Things to Do on South Padre Island

The Texas State Capitol, built in 1888, is considered one of the finest state legislatures in the US. In Austin's downtown core and now a National Historic Landmark, it certainly impresses with its dimensions, standing 308 feet tall.

Highlights of its 22-acre park include monuments to the defenders of the Alamo and to veterans of the Vietnam War. Guided tours of the building's interior are available and start from the visitor center with its many displays. At dusk, head across to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge for a chance to witness the spectacle of a million or so Mexican free-tailed bats coming and going from their perches under the bridge.

• Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Austin
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It was from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository in Dallas that the fatal shot that took President John F. Kennedy's life was fired. Now home to The Sixth Floor Museum, this tall red-brick building offers a detailed account of the assassination, as well as Kennedy's legacy. Highlights include accounts of his presidential campaign and term as president, all supported by historic footage, photos, and artifacts.

Also worth a visit while exploring downtown Dallas is the nearby John F. Kennedy Memorial , a huge monument dedicated to President Kennedy unveiled in 1970.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dallas & Easy Day Trips

In the northwestern corner of the state, approximately 100 miles east of El Paso, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to the four highest peaks in Texas. It's also known for an abundance of wildlife, including golden eagles.

The landscape itself is stunning, especially around the towering El Capitan, as well as the Guadalupe Peak, the highest elevation in Texas. It's also tremendously popular with hikers thanks to its more than 80 miles of trails through spectacular woodland canyons and lush springs. Be sure to stop in at the visitor center in Pine Springs for information on the park, including details of hiking and biking trails.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in El Paso

The Stockyards National Historic District remains Fort Worth's biggest draw. Founded in 1866, the area took its name from the cattle industry, as it was here that millions of cattle were rested, sorted, or shipped out to other points across the state.

The last surviving facility of its kind in the US, these historic stockyards have been transformed into a splendid attraction consisting of all sorts of fun things to see, including rodeos, concerts, theatrical performances, and western-themed shopping . Highlights include cattle driving demonstrations and a chance to saddle up for some trail riding.

Be sure to check out the Stockyards Visitor Center and the Stockyards Museum , both of which provide information regarding current events as well as the history of this fun area of Fort Worth.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Fort Worth

Like numerous spots along the Texas Gulf Coast, Galveston is home to beautiful beaches that stretch on for miles. The shallow and often calm water makes this a popular area for families and beachgoers. In summer, set up your beach umbrella along the Seawall or enjoy some fun and games at the Pleasure Pier .

But this is more than just a beach town, with plenty to do here all year long. Explore the Strand Historic District in downtown, a National Historic Landmark District, and wander past the ornate Victorian-style mansions that line the quiet streets. If you are traveling with kids, be sure to stop by Moody Gardens and Aquarium . This huge complex, with its landmark glass pyramids, is home to an aquarium, a rainforest, and an amusement park.

If you want to get out on the water, Galveston is also one of the best places in Texas for deep sea fishing . You can fish here year-round, although some of the best months are during the summer.

Galveston is less than an hour's drive from Houston and only about 45 minutes from Space Center Houston.

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• Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Galveston

Moored off the shore just a few minutes' stroll from the center of Corpus Christi, the mighty USS Lexington is one of the largest surviving vessels to have served in WWII. This important aircraft carrier was launched in 1943 and now serves as a naval museum .

On display are a large collection of vintage aircraft, and visitors can see the bridge and crew quarters. Also fun are the simulators and games, as well as a 3D movie that puts you in the pilot's seat. You can also opt for the four-hour Hard Hat Tour, which takes you into the very heart of the ship.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Corpus Christi & Easy Day Trips

Cadillac Ranch is one of West Texas' most iconic sites. Standing in a line, nose first into the ground, it might seem like an odd attraction. But visitors come here in large numbers, not only to see and photograph this colorful spectacle, they also come here to leave their mark, at least for a short while.

The artwork on the vehicles is an ever-changing canvas, with almost everyone adding their own creative mark to the Cadillacs. You are welcome to spray paint your own design . The layers of paint on these cars is hard to determine, but outside the gate, vendors sell paint chips from the cars, in jewelry settings.

While you may hear you should bring a spray can, there is no need. You can find spray cans of all colors left here on the ground from the thousands of others who have come before.

• Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Amarillo

Just a short drive from San Antonio, the spectacular Natural Bridge Caverns are part of a vast underground network consisting of more than 10,000 different stalactite formations. The largest such cave network in the US accessible to the public, Natural Bridge Caverns includes highlights such as the 40-foot-high King's Throne, a massive wall of stalactites found in one of the largest caverns, the Castle of the White Giants.

Taking its name from the huge 60-foot limestone bridge spanning its entrance, Natural Bridge Caverns also offers a number of other fun activities, including themed tours. Up top are other attractions, including a treetop climbing adventure across a sprawling network of ropeways, platforms, and ziplines.

New in 2023 is the Hidden Wonders Tour, a sound and light show complemented by the "BAT" (belt assisted transport), a conveyor belt that moves you through and eventually out of the cavern.

Official Site: https://naturalbridgecaverns.com/

In the heart of downtown Houston is the city's lovely Museum District, home to 19 museums, some of which are free. Many of the museums in this area are within walking distance of each other.

Two of the key highlights here are the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science , but the district houses a mix of quality museums, including a Holocaust museum, a children's museum, and some smaller art museums, which are well worth your time.

• Read More: Top-Rated Museums in Houston

Just a short drive from San Antonio is the small town of New Braunfels, known for its charming Greuene Historic District. One of the main attractions is the historic Gruene Hall , the oldest dance hall in Texas, operating continuously since 1878. Performances run nightly, and some of the biggest names in country music perform here, in this small venue. Children are allowed, and kids under 10 receive a discount on admission at the door.

The Grist Mill Restaurant , on the edge of the Guadalupe River makes a nice destination for day trippers who want to come for lunch. In the spring, the water is packed with people tubing down the river. And don't miss stopping by the General Store , where time seems to have stopped several decades ago.

The Dallas Arboretum is one of the top botanical gardens in the United States. Beautifully laid out over 66 acres, these gardens should be on your list of "things to do" while in the city. Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, the gardens are easily reached from downtown.

The gardens are an oasis of calm and color amid the hustle and bustle of Dallas. You can wander at will through the various gardens and flowering plants, or make a beeline for some of the top attractions. One of the marquee gardens within the park is the Woman's Garden , where you'll find an infinity pool, aquatic plants, fountains, and sculptures.

The six-and-a-half-acre Margaret Elizabeth Jonsson Color Garden is a stunning display of over 2,000 azaleas. The garden is especially vibrant in the spring, when the accompanying daffodils and tulips burst into bloom. Later in the summer, other plants like tapioca and bananas bloom in their unique ways, and the fall brings on the chrysanthemums. Large manicured lawns fill in the spaces between the gardens and are a lovely place to sit and enjoy a coffee or have a picnic with the family.

The on-site Café on the Green or the Lula Mae Slaughter Dining Terrace offer al fresco seating with views of the gardens and downtown Dallas.

Official site: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/

One of the best family outings in the state, the Fort Worth Zoo is a fun and enjoyable thing to do when visiting town. First opened in 1909, the zoo is now home to over 540 species of mammals, birds, and ectotherms. The zoo is expanding and growing with the infusion of a $100 million capital campaign.

At the Fort Worth Zoo, nine different habitats are available for viewing, ranging from the wilds of the African savannah to the chilly waters of the penguin habitat, right through to the inhabitants of the Australian Outback and Great Barrier Reef.

In addition to the various habitats, the zoo also has an area that children will love, the Toyota Children's Ranch & Petting Corral. Here, miniature donkeys, goats, sheep, and other typical farm animals exist in a setting that allows for easy petting and great photos.

Official site: https://www.fortworthzoo.org/

One of the most interesting war museums in Texas is the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg. Well-thought-out exhibits trace the history of the war in the Pacific, an aspect of WWII that many people may not be overly familiar with.

Highlights of a visit here include the Pearl Harbor Exhibit, complete with an intact Japanese midget submarine HA-19; the Doolittle Raid exhibit, showcasing the resorted B-25 Mitchell bomber; and an exhibit on the background of the ferocious 36-day battle on Iwo Jima.

One particularly chilling exhibit is of the Fat Man bomb casing. It's hard to fathom that such a small bomb could be responsible for over 100,000 deaths in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Official site: https://www.pacificwarmuseum.org/

If you find yourself down in Corpus Christie, be sure to swing by the Texas State Aquarium. This state-of-the-art facility showcases all the wonderful and weird animals that inhabit our oceans. Sixteen different habitats are home to a wide variety of fish, mammals, and other denizens of the deep.

During your visit, a must-see is the H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit, home to North America's largest viewing window. The 68-foot-long window makes you feel like you are right underwater. In addition, a walking tunnel through the middle of the exhibit, full of sharks and other predators, adds to the thrill.

It's not all underwater at the Texas State Aquarium. Above-water action is supplied by three North American river otters. Arthur, Merlin, and Fisher provide non-stop otter antics that will have you smiling and laughing.

These are just some of the attractions at the aquarium. Many more are waiting for you and your family to explore, including the H-E-B Splash Park (included with your admission) and up-close and personal animal interactions (additional fee)

Official site: https://www.texasstateaquarium.org/

West Texas holds many attractions and one of the best is the dynamic city of Lubbock . People of a certain vintage will be well aware of the city's most famous citizen, Buddy Holly . Forever immortalized with an excellent array of memorabilia in a fantastic museum, the Buddy Holly Center (you can't miss the giant glasses out front). This tribute to the musician is a must-see for music lovers.

Not to be confused with the center, new as of 2021 is the architecturally stunning Buddy Holly Hall , Lubbock's main location for a non-stop roster of performers.

But the city is much more than just Buddy Holly's history. This is an artsy up-and-coming place with farmer's markets and incredible new restaurants while still staying true to its ranching roots.

Lubbock's Cultural District is home to fine art galleries, pottery studios, and music venues. In fact, Lubbock has the most music-performing venues on a per capita basis in the entire state.

All that exploring will bring on a Texas-sized appetite and on this front, Lubbock has you well covered. Home to a variety of restaurants you'll be spoiled for choice. Fine dining aficionados with a taste for European fare will want to make a beeline for Chef Finn Walter's Nicolett . Those looking for Texas originals should go to Dirk's for chicken fried steak and other artery-clogging delicacies. The next morning do what the locals do, eat pie for breakfast at the Cast Iron Grill .

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The Great Texas Road Trip: Your Essential Itinerary

A Texas road trip itinerary offers an unforgettable adventure through a state that never fails to amaze visitors with its unique characteristics. From the vast landscapes to the rich culture, there are plenty of reasons why everyone should embark on a road trip through Texas at least once.

Firstly, Texas boasts an incredible diversity of landscapes, ranging from the rugged deserts of Big Bend National Park to the lush greenery of the Hill Country. The Gulf Coast offers beautiful beaches, while the Panhandle features wide-open plains. This geographical variety ensures there’s something to satisfy every traveler’s wanderlust.

Texas is known for its larger-than-life personality and a deep-rooted sense of pride. The people are famously friendly, and the state’s motto, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” holds true in its hospitality, cuisine, and attractions. From authentic barbecue joints to lively honky-tonk bars, the Texan culture is a blend of southern charm and southwestern flair.

History buffs will revel in Texas’s rich historical legacy. The state played a pivotal role in America’s history, from the Alamo’s iconic stand to its cowboy heritage. Museums, historic sites, and small towns provide insight into the past, making Texas a historian’s dream. Moreover, Texas is home to vibrant cities like Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, each with its unique character and attractions.

The Texan cuisine alone is worth the trip. From mouthwatering barbecue to Tex-Mex delights, the food is a journey in itself. Don’t forget to try a famous Texas breakfast taco, and be sure to explore local food trucks for authentic flavors.

Perfect Texas Road Trip Itinerary

The sense of freedom and adventure that comes with a road trip through Texas is incomparable. The wide-open highways, stunning sunsets, and the opportunity to explore at your own pace create a memorable experience. Whether you’re chasing wildflowers in spring or attending a rodeo in summer, Texas offers year-round road trip possibilities.

Begin in Dallas, known for its museums, art and food scenes, and the sports teams! Get your cowboy boots at Fort Worth and then visit the Texas Panhandle. Then head south to Austin, the live music capital of the world! See the State Capitol and enjoy kayaking on Lady Bird Lake. Head west to the Hill Country, famed for wineries and enchanting small towns like Fredericksburg.

See the San Antonio Riverwalk and the Alamo, then drive east to Houston and indulge in some space exploration! If you have the time, drive south to Big Bend and enjoy the vistas of West Texas! Plan an epic Texas road trip using our detailed guide below.

Plan the Perfect Texas Road Trip Itinerary

Dallas – 2 Days

Start your Texas road trip in Dallas. The city is well connected by air and also has rental car companies.

Dallas is a diverse city with plenty of urban attractions including museums, city parks, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

A must visit attraction is the Sixth Floor Museum in Dealey Plaza in Downtown Dallas.

The Sixth Floor Museum is located inside the Texas School Book Depository and is dedicated to the life and assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.

Another great museum in Dallas is the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

The Perot Museum has plenty of interactive science exhibits including dinosaur skeletons and is a favorite with kids.

The Nasher Sculpture Center has an impressive collection of modern sculptures.

The beautiful street art in Deep Ellum and Bishops Arts District is a favorite for photo ops in the city.

Take a walk by the Trinity River and admire the view of the impressive Dallas Skyline including the Reunion Tower skyscraper at night.

You can also enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the top of the Reunion Tower.

More Texas Travel Guides Best Places to Visit in Texas Best Road Trips in Texas Amazing Places to see bluebonnets in Texas

Fort Worth – 1 Day

Wish to experience the wild west on your Texas road trip?

Visit the Fort Worth Stockyards!

The Fort Worth Stockyards is a historic area filled with cowboys, honky tonk bars, and delicious barbecue.

Visitors can watch a cattle drive through the streets as well as see a mock shootout.

In addition to shopping for souvenirs, visitors can enjoy rodeos and ride a mechanical bull at the stockyards.

Texas Panhandle – 2 Days

From Dallas, we recommend taking the road north through the Texas Panhandle to Amarillo.

Amarillo is one of the most underrated big cities in the Lone Star State.

Spend some time in Amarillo see the historic district, museums, murals, and restaurants in the city.

Visit the iconic Big Texan Steak Ranch and try their 72 oz steak challenge!

Then see some of the major attractions near Amarillo including the famous Cadillac Ranch.

This section of the Texas road trip will be along historic Route 66.

Cadillac Ranch is an essential stop on any Texas itinerary.

At Cadillac Ranch, you will see 10 Cadillac cars half buried in the ground with their noses sticking up.

It’s a popular location to take fun photos with your family.

Drive to the Palo Duro Canyon State Park from Amarillo on a day trip.

The state park is only an hour away from the city and is home to Palo Duro Canyon, one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Texas.

The state park is famous for hiking, camping, mountain biking, and stargazing.

After seeing the Panhandle, make your way south to Central Texas.

Both Austin and the scenic Texas Hill Country are located here and are popular tourist attractions in the state.

Optional: Waco

On your way to Austin, you can visit Waco.

Waco is home to several attractions including the Waco Mammoth National Monument and the Dr. Pepper museum.

Located on the banks of the Brazos River, Waco is also one of the best places to go kayaking in Texas.

Downtown Waco has the ultimate small Town Texas vibe: here you will find Charming cafes, art galleries, boutiques, and pretty murals.

It makes a great stop on the Texas road trip, especially for kids.

Austin – 2 Days

The modern city of Austin is the capital of Texas.

Must-see attractions in the city include the Texas State Capitol building, Barton Springs Municipal pool, Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, and Mount Bonnell.

The Texas State Capitol is one of the most beautiful state capitols in America and can be seen on a self guided tour.

Austin is also famous for its live music scene and the diverse culinary options.

The festivals that are hosted here throughout the year include SXSW (South by Southwest), Austin City Limits Festival, and the Pecan Street Festival.

You can easily listen to live music in any of the city’s bars and clubs.

Austin might be famous for its urban attractions but the city is also surrounded by spectacular scenery of the Hill Country and is a heaven for outdoor lovers.

For a relaxed day trip from Austin , visit the famous swimming hole of Hamilton Pool Preserve.

Hamilton Pool is located on the western edge of Austin and is known for its beautiful natural rock pool, sparkling waterfall, and great hiking trails.

During the summers, Hamilton Pool is one of our favorite places to visit to beat the Texas sun.

Optional: Texas Hill Country

If you have more time, then explore the Hill Country from Austin on your Texas road trip.

This region of Central Texas has rolling hills, waterfalls, rivers and lakes.

The Hill Country is most scenic in spring when bluebonnets pop up all over the countryside.

You will find several charming small towns in the Hill Country such as Fredericksburg , Llano, Wimberley, and Marble Falls .

Stroll their charming Main Streets and shop for antiques and local products.

Popular natural attractions in the Texas Hill Country include Enchanted Rock Natural Area, Pedernales Falls State Park, Colorado Bend State Park, Lost Maples, and Highland Lakes.

Enchanted Rock is most beautiful during the springtime when wildflowers are in full bloom.

Float down the San Marcos River, see fall colors on the banks of the Guadalupe, hike to Gorman Falls, see the LBJ Ranch, and admire the dinosaur tracks at Canyon Lake !

Read our post on Best Things to do in the Texas Hill Country for more information.

Make your way south to San Antonio after seeing the Hill Country.

San Antonio – 2 Days

For most people San Antonio is the major attraction of any Texas road trip.

The city is home to two of the most iconic attractions in America – the Alamo and the San Antonio River Walk.

The Alamo is the site where the Texan forces held their ground for 13 days against Mexican troops in 1836.

The Spanish frontier Mission was once an old Church and has several beautiful historic murals inside it – definitely worth checking out!

Today, Alamo is a UNESCO Site and one of the most famous national parks in Texas.

The San Antonio River walk is a fantastic 4-mile linear park that follows the San Antonio River and is filled with restaurants, bars, shops, and beautiful sights.

San Antonio also has many museums for all interests, popular attractions such as the Historic Market Square, as well as amazing culinary scene.

One of the best ways to explore downtown San Antonio is on a Segway!

Natural Bridge Caverns, located about an hour away from the city, is also great to visit.

At Natural Bridge Caverns, you can see the natural marvels inside – spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

Houston – 2 Days

Houston is the largest city in Texas and one of the most famous big cities in America.

It is an essential attraction on your Texas itinerary.

Houston is famous for its museums, including the Museum of Natural Science, which features a dinosaur exhibit and an amazing Butterfly Rainforest.

The Johnson Space Center Houston complex is another popular attraction in the area.

Nasa Space Center features great interactive exhibits about space exploration and also includes IMAX theaters where you can catch 3D movies about space exploration.

Undoubtedly, Space Center Houston is one of the best things to do in Texas with kids !

Houston is also known for the Downtown Aquarium, featuring underwater tunnels that take you over sharks and stingrays.

Optional: Galveston Island

Galveston Island makes a perfect beach day trip from Houston .

Popular attractions on the island include the Historic Pleasure Pier, Galveston Railroad Museum, and Moody Gardens.

Galveston also features great seafood, shops, and the Strand Historic District.

This city is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.

Optional: East Texas

If you love exploring hidden gems, then be sure to visit East Texas on your road trip.

Here you will find charming attractions such as Caddo Lake State Park , the Texan Christmas towns of Marshall and Jefferson, and the Rose Garden of Tyler.

Read our epic guide to the best attractions in East Texas to plan this road trip.

Corpus Christi – 1 Day

You cannot really visit Texas without visiting the Gulf Coast beaches and Texas coastal towns .

Corpus Christi is a great place to start.

The city is known for its beautiful beaches and the boardwalk.

Also Read: Best beaches in Texas to Visit Now

Must-see attractions in Corpus Christi include USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, Texas State Aquarium, and North Beach.

The USS Lexington was an aircraft carrier that was vital during World War Two.

The Texas State Aquarium is another popular Corpus Christi attraction for families with kids, featuring several beautiful underwater exhibits.

North Beach features great nature trails and is a perfect place to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.

Mustang Island State Park and Padre Island National Seashore , both featuring amazing beaches, are located close to Corpus Christi.

Other Texas cities to explore near Corpus Christi include South Padre Island and Port Aransas .

After visiting the coast, drive towards the Big Bend region.

Big Bend National Park – 2 Days

Big Bend National Park is one of our favorite places to road trip in the Lone Star State.

The park is located in the far West Texas area in the Chisos desert.

Big Bend National Park is most popular for its desert landscapes and the nearby mountain range.

Popular things to do in Big Bend National Park include hiking, climbing, horseback riding, scenic drives, kayaking down the Santa Elena Canyon, and observing the desert wildlife.

Santa Elena Canyon of the Rio Grande River is one of the most scenic places in Big Bend.

Big Bend National Park is a dark sky park and offers excellent sky watching opportunities.

During your road trip in Texas, make sure to take a detour to this national park on the US Mexico border – you can experience amazing culture of both countries!

While in the Big Bend region, stop at the charming town of Marathon , stroll the Main Street of Alpine, see the ghost town of Terlingua, and admire the Prada art installation in Marfa.

Optional: El Paso

The frontier city of El Paso is a great addition to any West Texas road trip.

El Paso is located just about 4 hours away from Big Bend National Park.

The city of El Paso is famous for its cultural attractions, ethnic markets, museums, and Spanish missions.

You can spend a day walking through the historical downtown area, explore beautiful murals at San Jacinto Plaza, and admire local artists at the El Paso Museum of Art.

Franklin Mountains State Park, located near downtown El Paso, offers some great hiking opportunities.

Optional: Guadalupe Mountains National Park

If you have the time, visit this amazing National Park in West Texas.

Located near the New Mexico border, Guadalupe Mountains is a must visit for outdoor lovers.

The national park is home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at over 8,000 feet.

The park has desert hiking trails, sand dunes, excellent camping, and wildlife viewing.

If you have time, we highly recommend exploring both these places on your Texas road trip.

If you’re looking for the best places to see on your Texas road trip, this guide should give you plenty of ideas!

Whether it’s adventure-seeking or culture that interests you most, we hope that our list will help inspire your itinerary.

From San Antonio and its iconic attractions like the Alamo (UNESCO site) and River Walk; to El Paso with its historical downtown area, Spanish missions, and art installations; there are so many places to explore!

When planning your road trip through the Lone Star State make sure not to miss Big Bend National Park – one of our favorite spots in the American Southwest.

Our Texas road trip itinerary promises a remarkable journey filled with diverse landscapes, warm hospitality, historical depth, vibrant cities, delectable cuisine, and a sense of adventure. Texas’s unique characteristics and cultural richness ensure that everyone should make the Lone Star State their road trip destination at least once in their lifetime.

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2 Weeks Texas Road Trip Itinerary

Published April 17, 2020

// By Margherita

Have you ever considered a Texas road trip? The Lone Star state is perfect for road tripping, with amazing national parks, cities and just so much to explore. Here is our 2 weeks  ultimate Texas road trip itinerary, from El Paso to Amarillo!

In case you didn’t know, Texas is big. No, actually, Texas is HUGE. To give you an idea, it’s twice the size of Italy , and three times the size of the United Kingdom, and if you were to place it on a map of Europe, it would stretch from Rome to the Baltic Sea. 

So, when you’ll be planning your Texas road trip , bear the state’s size in mind. There is no way you can cover it all on a 2 weeks Texas road trip – but you can see a lot! 

Over the course of our 2 weeks in Texas , we drove from White Sands in New Mexico to El Paso , drove south to Big Bend National Park , then continued through the Hill Country all the way to Austin and Dallas , where we turned west to Amarillo , and then back into New Mexico. 

Naturally, this is only one of many possible Texas road trip itinerary , but it does include many iconic Texan places and experiences – the desert of Big Bend, Texan barbecues and the ‘weird’ atmosphere of Austin, longhorns in Fort Worth, and the charming Hill Country. 

One thing is certain – love it or hate it, Texas is a place unlike any other in the US . It’s a place with a strong regional pride, with heartwarming hospitality and – naturally – with its own quirks, endearing and annoying at the same time for an outsider like me. 

A 2 weeks Texas road trip is just enough time to get a taste of it all – come and discover our itinerary!

Places to Visit on a Texas Road Trip

El paso (2 days).

Our Texas road trip itinerary was influenced by practical and logistical reasons, and so we started our 2 weeks in El Paso , a Texan town on the far west of the state, a short drive from New Mexico and an even shorter drive to Mexico proper. 

El Paso feels like Mexico more than it feels like Texas – Spanish is spoken way more than English with a Texan drawl, and taquerias outnumber barbecue joints about twenty thousand to one. 

Having said that, it’s a really cool place to kick off your 2 weeks in Texas. Two days are enough time to explore – spend the first day roaming the city , visiting the El Paso Museum of Art or the interesting Border Patrol Museum , walking around downtown, and ending your day at Tap Bar and Restaurant , the kind of dive bar you’ll only find along the border.

You can’t miss having some great Mexican food – if you’re on a budget, head to Lucy’s Cafe , a tiny diner famous for its machaca , and if you want to splurge opt for Elemi , a classy taco joint with creative gourmet toppings and the best blue corn tortillas you’ll ever taste. 

On Day 2 , it’s time to head out of the city! One option is hiking in Franklin Mountains State Park , only 20 minutes drive from El Paso, offering plenty of scenic trails with views over the city.

An alternative is hopping across the border to Juarez, El Paso’s sister city in Mexico – visit the Cathedral and the Museum of Revolution, and eat plenty of street tacos!

Big Bend National Park (3 Days)

Distance: 320 miles – Driving Time: 5 hours

Leaving El Paso is when I started grasping the size of Texas. Our second destination was Big Bend National Park – which is also in West Texas . So, how far can it be? An hour or two at the most? Actually, the drive between El Paso and Big Bend was a whopping FIVE HOURS LONG!

Trust me though – the drive is totally worth it, as Big Bend National Park is not only one of America’s least visited , it’s also incredibly varied in terms of landscapes and ecosystems, with the Chihuahuan desert , the Rio Grande , and the Chisos Mountains , all found within the park borders. 

We recommend spending a minimum of 3 days in the area – we have a full blog post about what to do in Big Bend National Park .

You’ll be spending the majority of the first day driving there , visiting Marfa , its Prada shop installation and some of its galleries along the way. The remaining two days will be dedicated to the national park – one day you can go hiking or driving around by yourself, and the other day can be dedicated to a backcountry jeep desert tour.

Your next destination will be the Hill Country – so, why not break your journey by staying one night at Eve’s Garden in Marathon , definitely the coolest B&B in Texas. Top tip – don’t miss breakfast!

Hill Country (2 Days)

Distance: 350 miles – Driving Time: 5 hours

Travelling from Big Bend to the Hill Country you’ll see what I mean when I say that Texas is varied in terms of landscapes . You’ll leave the desert, and arrive in a quaint, tranquil land of farmhouses and rolling hills, forests and swimming holes. 

The Hill Country is fun to explore for a couple of days. Fredericksburg is a great place to choose as your base, a town settled by German immigrants in the 19th century and still retaining a German flair , with beer gardens dishing out schnitzels, and several really nice B&B. 

You could spend one day exploring Fredericksburg , walking down Main Street browsing art galleries and craft shops, climbing Enchanted Rock for a view over the Hill Country, and visiting a winery or three – Becker and Lost Draw come recommended. The former also sells food to go, so you can make up your own picnic and find a place in the winery grounds to enjoy it. 

For your second day, there are so many options! If you’re feeling like nature , you could head to the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge , home to the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, and to other critters like skunks and armadillos.

Another nice option is The Meadows Center  in San Marcos, where you can take a river tour on glass-bottomed boats, as well as South Llano River Nature Park , where you can go paddling, river tubing, birdwatching and cycling along many miles of bike trails. 

The Hill Country offers a delightful blend of small towns, delicious wines and unspoilt nature – just what you need before heading to three big cities during the next part of your Texas road trip!

Austin (3 Days)

Distance: 80 miles – Driving Time: 1.5 hours

In case you weren’t aware, let me tell you – Austin is indeed weird! You won’t even feel like you’re in Texas – it’s a fiercely alternative, liberal town, the kind of place where you find street art and secret cocktail bars, food trucks and live music every night of the week (and not just country and western!)

To make matters even better, there is some amazing nature both in Austin , and just outside of the city – including hiking trails and swimming holes, perfect in the boiling Texas summer weather. 

After stopping in Austin during out Texas road trip , we’ve put together a 3 days in Austin itinerary – this is the bare minimum to explore all there is to see and do, and it will leave you longing for more!

If you want to spend less time in Austin, and maybe dedicate one more day to the Hill Country or Dallas/Fort Worth, there are two things to do in Austin you cannot miss.

Number one is barbecue at Franklin’s , the most delicious, most amazing meal you’ll have during your entire 2 weeks spent road tripping around Texas. Visit on a weekday if you can, try to get there early and be ready to queue – but every second spent in line will feel worthwhile once you bite into that delicious brisket! YUM!

Number two is visiting Congress Bridge at sunset to see over a million Mexican free-tailed bats fly out from their hideaway spots and under the bridge to feed on mosquitoes. Austin is home to the largest urban population of bats worldwide, so don’t miss it if you’re visiting between March and November!

Dallas/Fort Worth (3 Days)

Distance: 200 miles – Driving Time: 3 hours

Two cities in one! That’s what you’ll get when visiting Dallas and Fort Worth , less than an hour drive from one another. 

You can choose to divide your stay between the two cities , or use one as a base and visit the other as a day trip. If you opt for the second option, we recommend staying in Dallas , the larger and more cosmopolitan between the two – Fort Worth is easy to cover in one day, depending on your interests. 

3 days are enough time to spend between Dallas and Fort Worth. You’ll spend part of the first day driving from Austin – this takes about 3 hours, with a halfway stop in Waco to see or have lunch at the famous Magnolia Market Silos if you wish. 

For info on what to see in Dallas , head over to our 36 hours in Dallas article , with a full itinerary. You can’t miss the Sixth Floor Museum and Dealey Plaza, detailing the facts around JFK’s assassination, and in the evening you could attempt to drink your way up and down the Margarita Mile – BTW, did you know that frozen margarita was invented in Dallas?

Don’t forget to spend at least one full day in Fort Worth , AKA Cowtown, headquarters of the cattle industry in Texas. Fort Worth has a completely different feel compared to Dallas – it feels like a big country town, where you can half expect a herd of longhorn cows come marching down the main street.

Oh, hang on – actually, they do indeed! Just head to the Fort Worth Stockyards every day at 11.30 am or 4 pm, for the daily Cattle Parade. 

Other fun things to do in Fort Worth are visiting the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame , a fun interactive museum sharing info and stories about the lives of cowgirls past and present, and a guided tour of Firestone  &  Robertson Distilling , a local distillery producing delicious craft whiskey and bourbon. 

Amarillo (1 Day)

Distance: 360 miles – Driving Time: 5 hours

One more stop before the end of your 2 weeks Texas road trip! The Texas Panhandle , the rectangular-shaped region occupying the northernmost part of the state, between New Mexico and Oklahoma. 

The Texas Panhandle is a place with wide, open skies, endless plains dotted with windmills, canyons and ranches – basically, the stereotypical image of ‘Texas’ in people’s minds.

If you’re continuing your journey west from Dallas/Fort Worth, heading to Arizona or New Mexico, you’ll be driving through the Panhandle – so you may as well stop for a day or two. 

Amarillo is the largest town in the Texas Panhandle , and the most logical place to choose as a stop. We have three Amarillo sights and activities to recommend, perfect to round up your 2 weeks Texas road trip. 

The first is Palo Duro Canyon , just 30 miles from Amarillo, also known as the Grand Canyon of Texas. There canyon itself is the second largest in the US after (yes, you guessed it) the Grand Canyon – the state park is a pleasant place to explore for a day, with over 50 miles of trails and some caves to explore. 

Then, don’t miss the Cadillac Ranch , a unique art installation made with 10 Cadillac cars stuck to the ground and covered in spray paint, making for a cool photo stop. For your last dinner in Texas, we recommend heading to the Big Texan , a steakhouse just outside Amarillo serving delicious steaks – including a 72oz mammoth one!

Other Ideas for a Texas Road Trip

As I mentioned at the start of this article, this 2 weeks Texas road trip itinerary is not intended to cover everything to see in the Lone Star State – for that, you’ll need several months! 

If you are lucky and have extra time to spend in Texas , you may include one or more of the following locations: 

-San Antonio: the second largest city in Texas, just an hour south of Austin, famous for its riverside, for being close to the Alamo, and for the best Tex-Mex food in the state!

-Houston:  we have a problem! Sorry, just had to write that. Most people visit the largest city in Texas for the NASA Space Center, but there’s a lot more to see, and the culinary scene is the most diverse in Texas.

-South Padre Island: wait, is this Texas or Florida? This thin, narrow island in the Gulf of Mexico offers miles upon miles of beach to enjoy, plus nature trails and wildlife reserves. 

-Galveston:  this interesting coastal town on the Gulf of Mexico is worth adding to your Texas itinerary for the Pleasure Pier, with a Ferris wheel, carousels and rollercoaster, and the whimsical Moody Mansion, dating back to 1895. Galveston and Houston are about an hour drive for each other, so you if you have a few extra days to spare, why not add them both to your Texas itinerary?

Best Time for a Texas Road Trip

Texas is a huge state, so there’s not one single ‘best time’ to visit everything – it will depend on where you’re planning to head to. 

We covered the 2 weeks Texas itinerary described in this article between late January/early February , and found it a really great time to visit Texas. Save for a freak storm in Fort Worth, we had sunny and mild weather every day (in the 60s°F), perfect to hike and explore Big Bend, and to wander around cities like Austin and Dallas. 

The best time to visit Texas according to locals is spring , when the weather is a touch warmer than what we experienced, and you can see stunning expanses of wildflowers – desert blooms in Big Bend, blue bonnets in the Hill Country, and more.

Just be prepared for crowds during spring break in March, especially in Big Bend National Park.

From June onwards , the weather starts to warm up, making it hard to get out and explore. On top of that, schools across the state are out, and summer also coincides with hurricane season – so be prepared for heavy thunderstorms. 

Together with spring, autumn is also a wonderful time for a Texas road trip. The weather is once again warm and sunny, and the crowds have gone. 

Texas Road Trip Practical Info

Texas may very well be one of the best US states for a road trip – it’s so huge, that traffic is never a problem, except going in and out of cities like Dallas/Fort Worth and Austin. 

Having said that, there are a few things to bear in mind!

-Speed Limit: speed limits in Texas are similar to those found in the rest of the US, with the exception that on freeways outside cities you may see speed limits of 80 (or even 85) mph. And even if you stick to the speed limit, locals may still pass you!

-Driving Style:  Texans can be quite ‘macho’ when it comes to driving style, so make sure you’re quite assertive when merging and overtaking, as well as when driving in and around cities. Otherwise, do like what we did, and use Uber/public transit to move around busy cities like Dallas and Austin! 

-Alcohol:  Texas laws are very strict when it comes to DUI, and the blood alcohol content limit is only 0.8. Never drink and drive and if you want to have a beer with dinner, opt for a light beer or wait a while before getting behind the wheel!

-Border Patrol:  when driving close to the Texas/Mexico border, you may come across Border Patrol checkpoints. If you’re not a US citizen, you’ll be asked to present your passport and visa. Make sure you have your passport in the FRONT of the car , not in the trunk – or else you’ll have to park and ask the agent permission to get out of the car to retrieve it.

-Fuel: remember I said that Texas is huge? In isolated regions like the surroundings of Big Bend National Park, the fuel supply is limited and there may even be 100 miles or more between one gas station and the next.

Make sure you fill up when you can, or at least ask where the next gas stop will be – you don’t want to be left with no gas in the middle of nowhere!

Things To Do In Stonewall, Texas

Check out everything to do in stonewall, texas, including wineries..

I f you’ve ever been to the Texas Hill Country, chances are, you drove right past Stonewall. I’m here to tell you the next time you venture to the hill country, check out these things to do in Stonewall, Texas. If not, you’ll miss out on great wineries for fabulous wine tastings, unique places to stay the night, great roadside stops, and, more importantly, nice people!​

Stonewall, TX, is located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, sandwiched between Johnson City and Fredericksburg on US-290, aka Wine Road, aka Highway 290 Wine Trail. The small town of roughly 500 folks is a little over an hour’s drive from San Antonio and 3 1/2 hours from Fort Worth. No matter where you start out in the big cities, you’ll travel on the backroads fully equipped with unforgettable views of rolling hills, winding roads, and beautiful trees on both sides of the highway.

If it’s your first time in the hill country, you may want to skip the popular town and opt for something a little more cozy and country.

And, if you find yourself with more time on your hands, take a short drive to historic Fredericksburg for a day of shopping, history, and fabulous eateries.

The top things to do in Stonewall are hunting down its delicious Gillespie County peaches (when in season), wineries, and visiting the Lyndon B Johnson State Park and the LBJ Ranch.

• Lyndon B. Johnson State Park And Historic Site

Lyndon B. Johnson was born in Stonewall, TX, and grew up in Johnson City, TX. That’s why his legacy is spread among these two small towns.

Inside the park is The Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, where the staff dresses in costumes while welcoming visitors and demonstrating the historical past.

Be sure to go inside the Visitors Center so they can explain the layout of the park. It’s essential to do so if you care to see it all. Before leaving on your self-guided tour, walk through the early 1900s Behrens Cabin adjacent to the center.

Give yourself at least 3 hrs. FREE to enter and park.

• Johnson Family Cemetery

Our 36th President, his family, and most of his extended family are buried here.

Address: State Park Road 49, Stonewall

• Burg’s Corner Roadside Store & Texas Hill Country Peaches

My main goal when I stopped by this roadside store was to taste their peach ice cream. It was the perfect snack to get me through the day. If I weren’t traveling, I’d also pick up some produce.

Other than peaches in season, they also sell pecans, local pears, squash (several kinds), zucchini, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, green beans, sweet corn, organic pastured eggs, apples, and more. But you’ve got to taste the peach ice cream—it was delicious!

Address: 15194 US-290, Stonewall. Open year-round Thursday-Monday

• Gold Orchards

Located at 14329 E US-Hwy 290 in Stonewall, it has peaches in season, plus summer produce and fall produce. I don’t know about you, but I love stopping at roadside places like Burg’s and this one.

• Annual Stonewall Peach JAMboree & Rodeo

If you’re around in June, the Stonewall Peach JAMboree celebrates the peach season and runs a parade, rodeo, and dance.

Next Festival: 3rd full weekend in June 2024

The event takes place at the Stonewall Chamber Grounds. 250 Peach Street, and the parade goes all through town. Expect fresh peaches, peach cobbler, peach ice cream, large quantities of peaches, and other peach goods at one of several peach stands along Highway 290.

Carnival food and food trucks will be onsite if you are hankering for something other than peaches!

• Texas Hill Country Wineries Passport

If you like wine and wine tastings, you may want to know about this wine passport. The Texas Hill Country Wineries offers four wine passports a year for wineries in the Texas Hill Country that are members of the THCW. It’s a great way to taste before you buy. Not all the wineries in the area are members; you’ll have a choice of about 45 wineries to visit and use the passport.

​The following Texas Hill Country Wineries passport is its  Christmas Wine Affair . Savor all Texas Wine Country offers this holiday season from November 27 – December 22, 2023. Tickets are $65 for one person and $100 for a couple.

Good news – six wineries in Stonewall are on the passport. Look for the *asterisk in front of the winery below to see which are included in the passport.

Narrow Path Winery – Stonewall

• Wine Bars, Vineyards & Wineries In Stonewall, Texas

The asterisks indicate the wineries that are participating in the Texas Hill Country Passport in December. From a boutique winery, excellent wines, a beautiful tasting room, a glass of wine, and tasting different wines – it’s all here in Stonewall, Texas.

Adega Vinho

Address: 1000 South Ranch Road 1623

Ab Astris Winery*

Address: 320 Klein Rd

Bluemont Vineyard, Winery & Brewery

1000 South Ranch Road 1623

Cicada Cellars*

Address: US-290

Kuhlman Cellars*

Meierstone vineyards *.

Address: 573 Meier-Stone Rd

Narrow Path Winery *

Address: 6331 Ranch Rd 1623

Pedernales Cellars*

See the largest underground barrel cellar.

Address: 2916 Upper Albert Rd –

WineCub Wines

Address: 239 Miracle Mile

• Places To Stay In Stonewall, Texas

Stonewall motor lodge.

This unique place to stay in Stonewall is a classic 1960s roadside motel on Hwy 290. The Stonewall Motor Lodge is a unique boutique hotel with a vintage vibe. Have an RV? No problem. There are a few RV sites available and some cabins. Catch live music on selected days.

If you are planning a trip to the hill country for the April 8, 2024, Total Eclipse , whether you stay here or somewhere else, you’ve got to book now. Be prepared to pay double the price anywhere you book. This event goes through the hill country and will be a huge event throughout the area.

Pedernales River Habitat

For a unique place to stay on the river, sleep the night away in a tipi, solar bus, or in one of their lodges.  Pedernales River Habitat  is near wineries and Pedernales Falls State Park, and you’ll have 3 acres to roam.

Last Stand Texas

15003 E Highway 290

Peach Country RV Park

14781 E US Hwy 290

Top Things To Do Near Stonewall, Texas

With a town of only 500 or so people, there’s probably not much to do to keep you busy for a weekend, so I’ve delved into close proximity places you may want to visit, from a popular distillery and dance hall to the two towns Stonewall is located in between.

• Garrison Brothers Distillery

A distillery and a party. Garrison Brothers Distillery is the first “Legal” Texas whiskey distillery in Hye, TX. Expect live music. Check days and hours before you go – they are known to shut down to the public for private events.

• Abert Ice House & Dance Hall

This dance hall may be out in nowhere’s land, but it rocks on the party inside and outside. I was very impressed with it all. It’s not too far from Garrison Brothers. Expect live music and a lot of fun.

• House Wren 

My favorite indoor outdoor antique and garden shop right off Hwy 290 between Stonewall and Fredericksburg. I’ve bought a few succulents there that I’ve never seen before. Just look for the old truck and sign that says WREN.

• Fredericksburg, Texas

The peach capital of Texas truly is a gem of a place to visit. There are many things to do there, from spending a weekend learning about the history of Fredericksburg and spending the holidays in town .

• National Museum of the Pacific War
• Enchanted Rock State Park
• Fredericksburg Trade Days
• Pioneer Museum

• Johnson City, Texas

Lyndon b. johnson national historical park.

​ Three miles east of Stonewall in Johson City, TX

LBJ National Historical Park and Boyhood Home of our 36th President of the United States

Texas White House & LBJ Ranch

​ https://www.nps.gov/lyjo/index.htm

100 Ladybird Lane, Johnson City, TX

self-guided tours of the LBJ Ranch

As you can see, there are many things to do in and around Stonewall, Texas, any time of year.