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The Perfect 10 Day Texas Road Trip Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Plan the ultimate Texas road trip itinerary that includes national parks, hiking trails, and must-see cities around the Lone Star State.

Thinking about making your way south to visit Texas ? This epic 10-day Texas road trip shows you how you can experience the best that the Lone Star State has to offer.

The bulk of this 10-day itinerary is focused on central Texas where major highways form a meticulous triangle. By following this route you can experience major cities and state capitols, all the while learning just why everything is bigger in Texas!

Beginning in Dallas, you’ll venture even further by exploring Texas’ underrate nature and a past that continues to influence the wider country.

In reality, Texas is a massive state. You’d need much longer than 10 days to really see the entire state on an epic Texas road trip. So if you do have more time to spare, you can always add to this itinerary through many of the posts that we link to along the way.

But for the purpose of this Texas road trip itinerary, we’ll be focusing on the easily accessible highlights of Central Texas.

Find more ideas with our ultimate list of the best things to do in Texas !

Table of Contents

Where To Stay In Dallas + Fort Worth

Day 2 alternative – amarillo day trip from dallas, where to stay in austin, along the way to austin from dallas – waco, day 4 alternative – texas hill country, where to stay in san antonio, where to stay in corpus christi, where to stay in houston, where to stay in galveston, day 10 – return to dallas/houston, the wrap up, the perfect texas road trip itinerary.

Texas can be explored in a number of ways. From taking domestic flights to guided tours, this huge state has so much to offer. But a Texas road trip is a quintessential way to experience the Lone Star State!

During these 10 days, you’ll see charming small towns, magnificent cities, and natural beauty. This road trip in Texas is the perfect introduction to the second-largest state in the continental US!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Day 1 & 2 – Dallas + Fort Worth

Day 1 of your Texas road trip begins in Dallas . At the top of a trio of highways that form a triangle through the heart of Texas, you’re well-placed to begin a road trip of a lifetime.

Here in Dallas, you’ll find a blend of art, history, nature, and sport. Add on a second day in Fort Worth, and you can explore the history of cattle ranches before dancing the night away at Billy Bob’s Texas.

Dallas Arts District

Encompassing the largest arts district in the nation, exploring the Dallas Arts District is the best way to start your journey through Triple D . Here, you’ll discover 20 blocks of galleries and museums, including the Dallas Museum of Art.

This thorough 3-hour tour of Dallas, not only takes you through the district but to the Klyde Warren Park and Memorial Plaza.

Sixth Floor Museum

In 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald entered the Texas School Book Depository and changed American history. Now the Sixth Floor Museum, learn all about this tragic event, including the hours before along with the emotional aftermath.

• Address:  411 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75202
• Hours:  10 am-5 pm (Wed-Sun)
• Price:  $18

Klyde Warren Park

Escape the bustle of downtown Dallas with a relaxing picnic at Klyde Warren Park. Not far from the Arts District, the park features a thriving food truck scene and regular events including movie nights.

• Address: 2012 Woodall Rodgers Fwy, Dallas, TX 75201

Perot Museum of Nature & Science

A highlight of the Dallas Arts District, the Perot Museum of Nature & Science is a must-see. Featuring almost a dozen halls spread over five floors, you can dive into the topics of engineering, evolution, and earth.

• Address:  2201 N Field St, Dallas, TX 75201
• Hours:  10 am-5 pm (Mon, Wed-Sat) 11 am-5 pm (Sun)
• Price:  $20

African American Museum

Set in Fair Park, the African American Museum is believed to be the first of its kind. Home to a thorough collection of artifacts, documents, and art, it’s an incredible way to explore the history and culture of African Americans.

• Address:  3536 Grand Ave, Fair Park, Dallas, TX 75210
• Hours:  11 am-5 pm (Tue-Fri) 10 am-5 pm (Sat)
• Price:  Free

Want to extend to 3 days in Dallas? Check out our Dallas Itinerary !

AT&T Stadium

On day 2 of your Texas road trip, it’s time to explore neighboring Fort Worth. Along the way, you’ll pass Arlington, home to the Dallas Cowboys and AT&T Stadium.

This spectacular stadium can seat 80,000 fans and houses what was once a record-breaking jumbotron. Go watch the Cowboys or sign up for a stadium tour.

Leave the car at home with this tour of AT&T Stadium that includes transportation.

• Address: 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX 76011

Sundance Square

Spanning 35 blocks, Sundance Square represents the beating heart of Fort Worth. Old brick roads guide you by eye-catching architecture, including the historic Tarrant County Courthouse. Enjoy Texan cuisine, scratch your shopping itch, and stick around for the boisterous nightlife.

Kimbell Art Museum

Known as much for its architecture as its art, the Kimbell Art Museum quickly captures your imagination. Featuring art and antiquities from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, the galley covers a range of eras and styles with works from the likes of Picasso and Monet.

• Address:  3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
• Hours:  10 am-5 pm (Tue-Thur, Sat) 12 pm-8 pm (Fri & Sun), closed Monday

Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District is a unique look into Texas’ connection to ranching and cowboys. Every day on Exchange Avenue, modern-day cowboys and cowgirls guide longhorns down the historic street. You can learn more about why at the Livestock Exchange.

Billy Bob’s Texas

Come sundown, the Stockyards is one of the best places for nightlife in Texas. Here, you’ll find Billy Bob’s Texas where you can go boot scootin’ crazy and indulge in some classic honky tonk!

• Address: 2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth, TX 76164

You can combine your Dallas experience with a day at Fort Worth on this guided tour .

At Hotel Crescent Court , you’ll feel right at home in your opulent setting before opening the ornate French doors for your own private balcony.

With cable TV, an on-site pool and a restaurant, Hampton Inn & Suites is a great place to recuperate as you explore downtown Dallas.

Close to nightlife and local culture, SOVA puts you in the heart of the action at a budget-friendly price.

Are you excited to explore Dallas and Fort Worth in greater depth? Read up on the complete list of things to do in Dallas right here.

This drive takes 5.5 hours from downtown Dallas.

Rather than spending a day in Fort Worth, start your day bright and early to make your way to Amarillo. As you drive into the more remote northwestern Texas, you’ll begin to see a different set of micro-cultures to go along with an increase in Stetsons, wild ponies, and dusty side roads.

Amarillo is a unique, quirky town that boasts a stop along historic Route 66 on top of being the gateway to Texas’ western frontier. It’s a great, historical stop on your Texas road trip!

Cadillac Ranch

Cadillac Ranch is one of the most interesting roadside attractions in Texas. Right off I-40, the “ranch” features the frontends of 10 Cadillacs buried in the Texan dirt. Decorated with a kaleidoscopic use of spray paint, it’s one of those things you wouldn’t see anywhere but Amarillo.

• Address: 13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo, TX 79124

Sixth Street Historic District

Home to 13 blocks of Route 66 fame, the Sixth Street Historic District dates back to the 1920s. The collection of old-time commercial buildings recalls the heyday of Amarillo and features Art Deco, Art Moderne, and Spanish Revival architecture.

American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum

A classic West Texas experience, the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum explores the history of the world’s most popular horse breed. Hands-on exhibits and events take you back in time to the height of cattle herding.

• Address: 2601 E Interstate Dr, Amarillo, TX 79104
• Hours: 10 am – 4 pm, Closed Sundays and Mondays

Day 3 & 4 – Austin

This drive takes 3 hours from downtown Dallas

Whether you’ve taken a day trip to Amarillo or decided to just stay in Dallas, next you’ll be heading south to Austin along I-35. We recommend stopping in Waco on the way, which we’ll provide more details about shortly.

Austin is a beautiful mix of arts, culture, and color mixed in with all the things you’ve come to know and love about Texas. Unique neighborhoods abound in Austin. Add on ample outdoor activities, it’s best to give yourself at least two nights to explore what Austin has to offer.

One way to split your 48 hours up is by separating the attractions on either side of the surging Colorado River.

Read Next: Find out what other destinations made our list of the best places to visit in Texas !

Downtown Austin

Towering skyscrapers, museums, street art, and mouthwatering Tex-Mex lies in wait in downtown Austin. Spend your morning at the Museum of Weird or the Mexic-Arte Museum before enjoying some takeout food along the nearby waterfront.

See the best of downtown, along with South Congress on this e-bike tour .

Texas State Capitol

Nearby is the Texas State Capitol looming proudly over the rest of the city. The 19th-century building is one of the tallest government buildings in the country, with a beautiful dome and spire reaching over 300 feet. Join a guided tour to learn more about its history and stunning architecture.

• Address: 1100 Congress Ave
• Hours: 7 am – 8 pm (opens at 9 am on weekends)

University of Texas

Home to the iconic Texas Longhorns, the University of Texas is the place to be in the fall. But there’s more to this campus than just football. Explore to find the captivating Blanton Museum of Art, along with the Natural Science Center and the Memorial Museum.

Sunset at Congress Avenue Bridge

There’s no better place to be in Austin at sunset than the Congress Avenue Bridge. Boasting the largest urban bat colony in the world, all 1.5 million of them depart once the sun touches the horizon.

Such is the heady number, it can take 45 minutes to finish all the while the sky burns bright amber.

Watch the event from the Colorado River on a kayak tour .

The Dirty Sixth

To burn the midnight oil in Austin head to the Dirty Sixth. This rowdy nightlife strip harbors bustling music venues, pumping clubs, and dim-lit bars, perfect for enjoying a drink and reflecting on the road trip thus far.

Rainey Street Historic District

The alternative to the Dirty Sixth is Rainey Street Historic District. The revitalized old district is more laid back than Sixth Street with high-end eateries, vibrant bars, and charming, old-school pubs.

Lady Bird Lake

Nurse your hangover with a trip to Lady Bird Lake. When in Austin, you’re never far from nature, and you’ll find beautiful walking and biking trails from which to explore. Stop at Zilker Park for downtown views or paddle out on the lake with your traveling crew.

South Congress

Now that you’re back to normal, head to South Congress the hotbed of the Keep Austin Weird movement. Filled with kitschy shops, street art, and teeming with food trucks, it’s the place to stay weird, enjoy sprawling murals, and feast on delightful cuisine.

The Cathedral of Junk

Speaking of weird, the Cathedral of Junk finishes in the first place. The gallery of junk is spread through a simple backyard featuring a conglomerate of random items from engines to spooky mannequins.

Travelers must call ahead before visiting.

• Address: 4422 Lareina Dr, Austin, TX 78745
• Cost: Donation based

McKinney Falls State Park

If you haven’t quenched your thirst for nature yet on this Texas road trip, head to McKinney Falls State Park. Venture along the Onion Creek Hike to see both the lower and upper falls. While only 10 miles from Austin, the change of pace and color along with the fresh air will have you ready to tackle the rest of this road trip.

Five-star opulence awaits at Hotel Saint Cecilia where you’ll enjoy, a la carte breakfast, an on-site pool, and free bike hire.

On Sixth Street, East Austin Hotel , is a 3-star hotel with cable TV, on-site restaurants, and close to the University of Texas.

In central, downtown Austin, the Firehouse Hostel provides a fun, atmosphere with modern amenities and close to nightlife.

Check out our post to learn more about the best things to do in Austin .

As you make your way from Dallas to Austin, get off Highway 35 for a quick stop in Waco. Home to the beautiful campus of Baylor University, you’ll find mouthwatering cuisine at local markets and plenty of kitschy shops to add to your road trip shopping bag.

Magnolia Market at the Silos

With your day now fully underway, replenish your energy stocks at Magnolia Market at the Silos. This small district features a handful of food trucks, along with the famous Silos Baking Co., to go along with the collection of live events, boutique stores, and a farmers’ market.

• Address: 601 Webster Ave, Waco, TX 76706
• Hours: 9 am – 6 pm (closed Sun)

Dr. Pepper Museum

America’s oldest major soda brand was founded right here in Waco. This museum features three floors packed with exhibits that take you along Dr. Pepper’s timeline. The historic bottling plant even includes a Liquid Lab where you can attempt to make your own soda.

• Address: 300 S 5th St, Waco, TX 76701
• Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm (Mon to Sat) 12 pm – 5:30 pm Sun

Wooly Mammoth National Monument

Spanning five acres along the Bosque River, the Wooly Mammoth National Monument commemorates the discovery of a collection of Columbian mammoths found in Waco. The only discovery of its kind in the states, the monument provides a glimpse into the lives of the mammoths and the epic 3-decade excavation effort.

• Address: 6220 Steinbeck Bend Dr, Waco, TX 76708
• Hours: 9 am – 5 pm
• Price: Free. Guided tours are $6

Read next: The Ultimate 3 Days In Austin, Texas Itinerary

A guided tour of Austin may leave you feeling satisfied with your experience in the state capitol. If that’s the case, pack your car with all your day trip necessities and head to the beautiful Texas Hill Country.

Featuring rolling hills, charming small towns, state parks, and elegant vineyards, it’s a lovely complement to Austin.

Pedernales Falls State Park

On route from Austin to the Texas Hill Country, stop off at Pedernales Falls State Park and soak up some natural beauty. One of the best things to do here is go for a swim in Hamilton Pool Preserve . This natural swimming hole is set in a dramatic canyon complete with limestone cliffs and a huge waterfall.

Other than Hamilton Pool, Pedernales Falls State Park has some awesome mountain biking and hiking trails.

Frederiksburg

There are a number of cozy German towns in the Texas Hill Country. The best? Frederiksburg. With eye-catching European architecture, Germanic cuisine, art galleries, and cute cafes, it’s a small town not to be missed.

Visit the Wineries

On this guided tour departing from Austin, venture into the countryside stopping at three award-winning wineries. Sample wines and local treats before exploring the beautiful, winding roads in a luxury van. This is a must for wine lovers going on Texas road trips!

Day 5 – San Antonio

This drive takes 1 hour and 20 minutes from downtown Austin.

After your visit to the Texas Hill Country, head south to San Antonio . Home to Spanish colonial missions and a thriving riverfront community, San Antonio thrives on surprising its visitors. This charming city is really a must-see on any road trip in Texas!

After a drive through the Texas Hill Country from Austin, be prepared to experience a unique city that balances prominent a Spanish past, with hints of the Wild West and modern Texan culture.

If you have time, extend your trip and spend 3 days in San Antonio !

San Antonio Missions

A National Historic Park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the San Antonio Missions is a veritable gem that’s vital to America’s story. Covering five missions including the famous Alamo (San Antonio de Valero), you can learn all about the Spanish influence in this region.

The San Antonio Riverwalk

The San Antonio River Walk is the heart of local culture and hospitality. Home to river parades, the edges of the San Antonio River are lined with refined restaurants and chic bars.

This nighttime tour takes you on a River Walk Cruise with a visit to the Tower of the Americas.

Historic Market Square

Covering three blocks, the Historic Market Square is a great way to put on your tourist hat and shop, eat and drink. The square also boasts the largest Mexican market, known as El Mercado, in the States. Afterward, load up on fresh goods at the Farmer’s Market Plaza.

Natural Bridge Caverns

The Natural Bridge Caverns were discovered in the 1960s and are now the largest of their kind in the US. This guided experience allows you to skip the line and explore the vast cave network laden with stalactites and stalagmites.

Book your visit to the Natural Bridge Caverns on Get Your Guide !

Ranger Creek Brewing

It’s officially day 5 and halfway through your Texas road trip. Celebrate, reflect, and look forward to future adventures at Ranger Creek Brewing. Featuring more than just microbrews, you can enjoy small-batch craft whiskey before joining a guided tour.

• Address:  4834 Whirlwind Dr, San Antonio, TX
• Hours:  Monday – Thursday 10 am – 4 pm, Friday and Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm
• Cost:  Tours cost $15 and run every Saturday at 1 pm and 3 pm

Next to the River Walk, Hotel Emma offers guests a sun terrace with excellent views, a fitness center, and a pool, plus an on-site bar.

Wake up with a complimentary breakfast and wake up with a swim at Drury Plaza , before exploring San Antonio.

WaterWalk offers free daily breakfast, BBQ facilities, a fitness center, and a swimming pool all without hurting the wallet.

Day 6 & 7 – Corpus Christi

This drive takes 2 hours from downtown San Antonio.

After departing San Antonio on your Texas road trip, make your way south to Corpus Christi. Two days here may seem like a lot, but it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the captivating nature that South Texas has to offer.

Mustang Island

30 miles south of Corpus Christi is an 18-mile barrier island that is a boon for animal lovers and beach bums. Grab the towel and head to the wild sands of this protected area. Go for a swim in the Gulf, kayak along the rugged shorelines, and keep an eye out for the island’s 400 unique bird species.

Padre Island National Seashore

Established in 1962, the Padre Island National Seashore is the largest of its kind on earth. With 70 miles of untouched nature, explore a major bird migration spot and sea turtles or simply enjoy the views from the majestic coast.

South Padre Island

Contrasting to the previous day’s national seashore, the southern version offers a balance of humanity and natural wonders.

The beaches are delightful and there are family-friendly theme parks. However, you can’t beat a horse ride on the beach or a sunset yacht charter deep into the Gulf.

The Rio Grande

Staying in Corpus Christi provides you with an interesting opportunity to see the Rio Grande flow into the Gulf of Mexico. Visit the Las Palomas Wildlife area and be able to take a peak into the gulf coast of Mexico while enjoying one of the most southern points in mainland USA.

The Oceanside Retreat comes with beach views from your balcony, full kitchens, and walking distance to the shoreline.

Tru by Hilton provides upscale rooms with a swimming pool and fitness center all within a short drive of Mustang and North Padre Island.

The simple Knights Inn comes with beach views, cable TV, an outdoor pool, and BBQ facilities.

Day 8 – Houston

Next on your road trip in Texas, head up towards East Texas and spend some time in Houston . This diverse city has plenty of Texas history and nature to check out, plus there are a lot of great road trips to take from Houston !

Space Center Houston

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas, the Space Center Houston lives up to the hype. Dive into the history of space travel, visit Mission Control, and touch a rock that was returned from the moon! Finish up with exploring the thrilling Rocket Park.

• Address:  2101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
• Hours:  10 am-5 pm (Mon-Fri) 10 am-6 pm (Sat-Sun)
• Price:  $29.95

The Museum District

Home to 18 museums, (11 of which are free), Houston’s Museum District is as fascinating as it is budget-friendly. Highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Menil Collection, and the Museum of Natural Science.

Buffalo Bayou Park

Enjoy some sunshine, a leisurely walk, and some cheese and crackers in Buffalo Bayou Park. This urban escape features a history water reservoir-turned-art-exhibit, plus old-time homes, beautiful, landscaped gardens, and some fun biking trails.

Find more things to do on this 3 Days In Houston Itinerary !

The La Colombe d’Or promises a memorable experience thanks to its Victorian decor, outdoor pool, and proximity to central Houston.

The Cambria provides road trippers with a central location and upscale amenities at a reasonable price.

At Wanderstay budget travelers will have a modern, themed hostel with spacious communal and dining areas.

Day 9 – Galveston

From Houston, head further into East Texas with a visit to the coastal city of Galveston . Here are the top things to do when you get there!

Stewart Beach

Not far from the Historic Pleasure Pier, Stewart Beach is the spot to get some sun, go for a swim, and enjoy your last full day. Snack stands will keep your thirst quenched and your hunger at bay, and be sure to rent an umbrella for some handy shade.

The historic Strand in Galveston is lined with elegant 19th-century architecture and where tales of the past ring along the walking path. Spread along five blocks, you’ll find the Opera House from 1894 and dozens of fun shops within ancient walls.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier is Texas’ answer to the one in Santa Monica. Soaring out into the Gulf, enjoy the 15-plus rides, family-fun arcades, and the token fair hot dog.

At the George Manor , you’ll be staying in a historic building with included breakfast and an on-site restaurant while being within walking distance of the beach.

On the Galveston Seawall, enjoy ocean views, on-site bar, and fitness center at Clarion Pointe .

By East Beach, Wingate by Wyndham , provides an excellent location, cable TV, and complimentary breakfast at low cost.

From Galveston, it’s time for the last leg of your epic Texas road trip. To complete the Texas “triangle” drive north for 4.5 hours along I-45. For a shorter trip, drop your rental car off in Houston, which is under an hour away.

Well, there you have it folks, the perfect Texas road trip. Over ten days, you’ll hit up some of the state’s best cities, learn about important history and indulge in some local culture. But rest assured, there’s plenty of time for fun, whether that be in Fort Worth, Austin, or Galveston.

Such is the size of Texas, there are still some notable absentees. A larger West Texas road trip would help you explore Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. But iconic places like Big Bend and the surrounding national parks would require much more time.

But no matter how much time you spend in Texas, you’re sure to have a blast!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Alesha and Jarryd

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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9-Day Best of Texas Road Trip Itinerary

There’s no better way to explore Texas than with a road trip. As you (hopefully) know, the state is huge. And it’s full of great cities and places to visit. Even this 9-day Texas road trip itinerary will barely scratch the surface of the Lone Star State. 

But we know that vacation time is often limited. Sometimes you have to just squeeze in a quick trip even if you know you won’t get to see or do everything.

Growing up, Grant lived in Plano (north of Dallas) for a few years. One of the first trips Grant and I took together was to see his dad and stepmom when they were living in the Dallas area. Of course, we turned that into a week-long road trip.

Since then, we’ve done several more road trips to and through many parts of Texas. And we’ve loved them all and are itching to explore even more of the state.

This 9-day itinerary starts along the Gulf Coast, then moves inland to central Texas, ending in Fort Worth. Along the way, you’ll explore sandy beaches, historical missions, Austin’s quirkiness, the Hill Country and Fort Worth’s cowtown.

Texas Road Trip Itinerary At-a-Glance

Day 1 – galveston.

• Day 2 – Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Day 3 – Padre Island National Seashore

Day 4 – san antonio.

• Day 5 – Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park 
• Day 6 – Fredericksburg & Drive to Austin

Day 7 – Austin

Day 8 – waco.

• Day 9 – Fort Worth Stockyards 

(Disclaimer: When we link to places where you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes that earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

Best Time for a Texas Road Trip

All of our visits to Texas have been in the winter or spring (December – April). As you might guess, it’s just too hot for us in the summer. Generally, temperatures are mild in the winter.

In the summer (June, July, August), average high temperatures in central Texas are in the mid-90s. And those temperatures often soar above 100 degrees.

Also be aware that summer and early Fall is hurricane season, with most activity occurring between mid-August and mid-October. This will mostly affect the coast. But, rain and winds will move often move inland.

For cooler temperatures, late fall, winter or early spring are the best times to visit Texas. 

Winter in Texas

It is important to note, though, that Texas does sometimes get winter weather, especially in the panhandle. In fact, we were in Texas for the great freeze in February 2021 that completely overwhelmed the power grid across much of the state. 

Trying to avoid the winter weather that we knew was coming, we headed to Brownsville and South Padre Island to visit Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park . Even the southern tip of Texas wasn’t far enough south to miss the arctic blast, though. 

During our visit, many businesses lost water and/or electricity. We were ok for a few days, though we did end one lunch in the dark and had to pay with cash. Then, our hotel lost water. Driving north from South Padre Island to get home was eye-opening. We had trouble finding food, a hotel and even bathrooms. 

We learned a lot on that trip about how ill-prepared we were for emergencies while traveling. We’ve since outfitted our vehicle with plenty of supplies in case we end up in a similar situation again!

Despite that experience, we were brave enough to return to Texas in December 2023. Thankfully, we had just about perfect weather. Temperatures were mild and we got first-hand experience as to why so many full-time RVers choose to winter in south and central Texas. 

Don’t let our experience scare you. Texas really is great in the winter. In fact, much of our itinerary will focus on things we did in the winter. In warmer months, you’ll be able to enjoy even more outdoor activities.

Planning Your Texas Road Trip Itinerary

Since everyone has a different starting point, our 9-day Texas road trip does not include driving time from or back to your home. With less time, you can easily focus on just one or two cities. With more time, there is plenty more to add on around the state and I’ve included a few suggestions.

Our book, USA RV Adventures , includes an 18-day route through the Best of the Lone Star State. This 9-day itinerary is similar to the middle portion of that route. If you are traveling with an RV, you will find recommendations for campgrounds and additional RV-specific information in the book. You can also check out all the campgrounds we’ve stayed at and our reviews on RV Life .

If you prefer to fly to Texas, you can easily complete this road trip in a rental car. I suggest flying in and out of either Houston or Dallas/Fort Worth. 

We built this itinerary to mimic the trip we took in December 2023 – January 2024. We started our trip in Galveston so we could take advantage of the resort credit with our Hilton American Express Aspire Card before it expired. You could easily do this trip in reverse order if you prefer to end with a relaxing beach stay.

• Sinclair, Bonnie (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 560 Pages – 02/28/2023 (Publication Date) – Moon Travel (Publisher)

Located about an hour southeast of Houston, Galveston is on the northern end of the Texas barrier islands. It is predominantly a beach town with a growing cruise terminal.

Of course, in the winter it was a little too cold to swim or sunbathe. Still, we enjoyed the sunshine and simply being in a smaller city with less traffic and congestion. At the same time, I liked that the beach town wasn’t completely dead in the winter. Pretty much everything was open, including the amusement park on the pier.

Depending on the weather, you can still enjoy a walk on the beach. Even when it’s cold, there’s something rejuvenating about soaking up some sunshine!

Downtown Galveston is easily walkable with a variety of shops and restaurants. And the main square, Saengerfest Park , holds a couple of unique art pieces which are well worth viewing.

Regardless of the time of year, be sure to visit Moody Gardens . While the tropical gardens are the main draw in the spring and summer, special events make it a worthy stop year-round. During our visit, the Holiday in the Gardens wowed us with a mile-long trail through the Festival of Lights. Additional activities included an immersive ice land, ice skating, an arctic slide and more.

If you are visiting in February, it is important to note that Galveston holds one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the country. We haven’t been but it could be an interesting alternative to New Orleans. 

In the winter, one day in Galveston was long enough for us. I could certainly see staying longer when it’s warmer, though. 

Where to Eat and Sleep in Galveston

For breakfast, we highly recommend the Gumbo Diner , which serves classic American diner fare with a cajun twist. The breakfast entrees were delicious and the beignets rivaled those we had in New Orleans. 

The diner is also open for lunch and dinner but we only had breakfast. Based on our experience, though, I imagine it’s great any time of day!

For lunch, dinner or just drinks, we recommend Texas Tail Distillery . Try a flight with your choice of 5 samples of whisky, vodka or moonshine. If you prefer, you can choose from a wide variety of traditional and seasonal cocktails. 

Unlike most distilleries, this one has a fairly robust food menu, so it’s worth a stop even if you aren’t invested in the whisky. And the outdoor space is fantastic, so it’d be even better when it’s warm outside!

As you might guess, there is a good selection of hotels and RV parks in Galveston.

We spent two nights at the Hilton Galveston Island Resort to use our resort credit from the Hilton American Express Aspire Card. The hotel is located right across the road from the beach. In the winter, you can enjoy the heated pool. In the summer, adults will enjoy the swim-up bar.

The hotel also has a restaurant and bar.

Read the TripAdvisor Reviews | Book the Hotel

Day 2 – Galveston to Port Aransas

Your second day will take you from Galveston to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge , then on to Port Aransas (or Corpus Christi). To maximize your time at the refuge, you’ll need to get a fairly early start, especially in the winter when the sun sets early.

From Galveston, we suggest that you take the scenic drive southwest along the island. Yes, it’s about 20 minutes longer than the inland route. And there is a $2 toll road as you cross from Galveston Island to San Luis Island. 

We think it’s worth it, though, as it was a scenic and relaxing drive along the coast.

No Texas road trip would be complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s . And since there aren’t many other options for lunch, today is a great day to stop at one. There are several along the way… Just don’t spend too long shopping! 

Unfortunately, you’ll still have to turn inland at the far end of San Luis Island. From there, you’ll wind through several small towns as you make your way south to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, which is on San Antonio Bay.

So, what makes Aransas National Wildlife Refuge worth a stop? In the winter, it’s home to the last wild flock of endangered whooping cranes. 

It’s also a really nice coastal area with a large variety of wildlife. Sadly, we only saw one pair of cranes. But we saw a plethora of other birds, an alligator, deer and even a glimpse of a couple of javelinas in the distance.

The refuge also has several short and easy hiking trails, an observation tower and a nine-mile, one-way auto-driving loop.

Yes, it’s a bit of a ways “off the beaten path” but we really enjoyed Aransas NWR. And, if you have a National Parks pass, that covers the entry fee.

Where to Stay Near Aransas NWR

From the refuge, continue your drive south to either Port Aransas or Corpus Christi for the night.

Corpus Christi is a much bigger town with many more options for hotels and restaurants. But we stayed in Port Aransas so that we could spend even more time right on the coast (and for a slightly more affordable hotel).

The fastest way to Port Aransas is via the vehicle ferry from Aransas Pass (near Rockport). It’s a free ferry and you don’t need a reservation. We lucked out and drove right on and almost immediately took off for the other side of the channel. 

During peak visitation, you might have a longer wait, but they’ll have more ferries running so it shouldn’t be too long. Once on the ferry, it’s just a 5-10 minute ride to the island.

We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Port Aransas , which was comfortable. It was just a quick one-night stop, which was perfect in the winter. Port Aransas looked like a nice enough beach town if you’re visiting when it’s warmer. But there wasn’t much to do in the winter.

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Your third and final day along the coast is spent at Padre Island National Seashore .

As you might guess, the main thing to do here is enjoy the beach. There is one short hiking trail that wanders through the inland dunes. Windsurfing, kayaking and fishing are also popular on both the gulf and laguna side of the barrier island.

In the summer (mid-June through August), you can watch a Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle hatchling release on certain mornings. Check the park’s website for details on the schedule and other information about the hatchlings. 

In the winter, we braved the wind to walk nearly a mile down the beach. Despite the cool temperatures, the sunshine felt great and it’s always nice to get in a little exercise on a road trip.

We made it to the beach camping area, another popular activity at Padre Island National Seashore. Sadly, we didn’t have our RV with us on this trip. We definitely want to return and spend a couple of days doing some primitive (and free!) camping on the beach, though!

From Padre Island, we recommend driving to San Antonio for the night. It’s only about a 2.5 hour drive and that will allow you plenty of time the next day to explore all this great city has to offer.

If you have more time, you could always spend another night in Port Aransas or Corpus Christi to enjoy more time at the beach.

I’ve got more details on this portion of the itinerary in my article on visiting the Texas Gulf Coast .

San Antonio is best known for The River Walk and the Alamo , which are easily explored together.

Most people know the Alamo as the site of a pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution. Before that, it was a Spanish Mission and fort established by Roman Catholic missionaries. In fact, in the 1700s there were many Spanish Missionaries in South and Central Texas. 

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park

Start your day by exploring San Antonio Missions National Historical Park , which preserves four of these mission communities. Each preserves a history that many current San Antonio residents can trace their family heritage to.

The four missions are located south of downtown, along or near the San Antonio River. You can also easily drive between the four locations, which are about 2.5 miles apart from each other. GPS directions are fairly accurate but follow local street signs when you see them! 

A paved Mission Reach Hike & Bike Trail connects the missions as well. With enough time (and good weather), this would be a great way to see the sites.

Each of the four missions are very different and all worth a visit. The park’s main visitor center is located at Mission San José, which is the second closest to downtown. All of them have a ranger contact station and basic information, though. 

You could easily start at Mission Espada, which is farthest south and work your way north. Just a lot a little more time for Mission San José, as it is the biggest and most restored. We also suggest you watch the park movie and check out the exhibits at the visitor center.

It is also important to note that all of the missions are active churches that hold regular services. In fact, at Mission Espada there was a wedding in progress during our visit. Be considerate of these services. 

Downtown San Antonio

After touring the missions, make your way to Downtown and park. Grab some lunch and spend some time wandering along the River Walk. The River Walk is lined with a wide variety of restaurants, most offering waterside dining. 

If you prefer a less crowded meal, walk just a block or two off the River Walk and you’ll find plenty more options.

Spend as much time as you’d like walking around, taking in the sights, people-watching and shopping along the way. 

From there, walk over to the Alamo for a tour of this famed Texas site. You can tour the Alamo Church for free but reservations are required. If you want to spend more time exploring the Alamo, you can choose from a self-guided tour or join a group for a guided experience. There are also other exhibits to see which can easily make for a full day itself. 

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing along the River Walk or head back to your hotel for a nap. Or, if you have more time and energy you can visit the Briscoe Western Art Museum, San Antonio Zoo, Japanese Tea Gardens or the Witte Museum. 

Following dinner, make your way to San Antonio’s Main Plaza for The Saga, an epic light show projected onto the facade of San Fernando Cathedral . You can catch the show Tuesday – Sunday at 9:00 pm and 9:30 pm. The 24-minute show follows the history and development of San Antonio, Texas and the United States.

This was a unique and fantastic light show that we both really enjoyed. There are a few chairs in the square but, likely, not enough for all visitors. Bring your own or be prepared to stand or sit on the ground.

Where to Eat in San Antonio

For lunch, we stumbled into La Mexicana, a Mexican restaurant right off Main Plaza. Honestly, we were so hungry we just went to the first place we saw before we both got hangry. Wow, what a great decision that was!

The restaurant doesn’t look like anything special but the food was amazing. Our meals of enchiladas and tortas were spot on. And the tortillas were seriously some of the best we’ve ever had. If you want to avoid the crowds and inflated prices along the River Walk, this is a great option that’s just a couple of blocks away.

For dinner, we headed to Pollo Asados los Nortenos , which we recommended in our book based on research. Thankfully, our research was right and we had a fabulous meal. The idea for the restaurant came following a fundraiser for a new church in the Mexican town of Nueva Rosita. 

The fundraiser was successful and the family started a food truck. Now, there are two restaurant locations not far from downtown.

It’s a small menu consisting of whole and half chicken, burgers and grilled meats. Grant and I split the whole chicken with all the sides and had way more than enough food. 

Don’t worry if there’s a wait – service is quick and you likely won’t have to wait long for a table. And we got our food just a few minutes after ordering.

Where to Stay in San Antonio

You will find a wide range of places to stay in and around San Antonio. You can splurge on a hotel along the River Walk or opt for a budget-friendly stay outside of town. Pretty much every hotel chain is represented in San Antonio and you’ll find a variety of local hotels and RV parks as well. 

If you choose to stay downtown, you’ll be able to walk to many of the places on this itinerary. 

We opted for the latter, staying at the Hilton Garden Inn San Antonio at The Rim .

Read TripAdvisor Reviews | Book the Hotel

The Rim is a suburban shopping area with a wide variety of hotels, restaurants and stores on the north side of San Antonio. The Hilton Garden Inn was comfortable and we enjoyed having the restaurant/bar as an option for breakfast and dinner. 

Check out Grant’s article for more details on visiting San Antonio Missions NHP. 

Day 5 – Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and the Hill Country

From San Antonio, continue your road trip north to explore the Texas Hill Country. 

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park

Spend your morning at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park . The two units of this park preserve the former president’s boyhood home and ranch, where you’ll find the Texas White House. Working in conjunction with the NPS site, the Lydon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site preserves an early 1900s farmstead and controls access to the ranch.

Start your visit at the Visitor Center in Johnson City. View the exhibits, watch the park film and take a guided tour of Johnson’s boyhood home. This modest home still doesn’t have air conditioning and is a stark reminder that LBJ grew up just like many people in the 1920s – without electricity or indoor plumbing. 

From there, continue to the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site right across the river from the LBJ ranch. The state park works in conjunction with the National Park Service so grab tickets to tour the LBJ Ranch here. But don’t run off just yet! At the state park, you will find a historic farmstead with living historians replicating what it was like to grow up in the Hill Country during LBJ’s childhood. At the farmstead, a short trail takes you to a working farm and past the park’s small longhorn and bison herds. 

At the LBJ Ranch, complete the driving tour to see the schoolhouse, birthplace, family cemetery, working ranch, airplane hangar and the Texas White House. The President and First Lady’s house got its name based on how much time they spent there, even while LBJ was in office. Depending on when you visit, you may be able to schedule a tour of the Johnson’s house.

Note: In 2024, the park started major renovations of the Airplane Hangar Visitor Center and Texas White House. Both are closed until the rehabilitation is complete. The remainder of the ranch driving tour is open and available to visitors. The Texas White House Complex is expected to reopen in late 2025. 

The Hill Country

For the afternoon, choose from one (or more) of the many wineries and vineyards along Highway 290 between Johnson City and Fredericksburg. 

Before our December 2023 visit, we knew the area had recently grown into a rather large wine-producing region. We did not fully understand the extent of that growth until we saw it ourselves. 

Seriously, there were too many vineyards and wineries to count as we drove west towards Fredericksburg. There are even a few breweries and distilleries along the way as well.

You can easily spend the rest of the afternoon visiting on your own to sample the region’s production. If you don’t have a designated driver, you can join a tour to make it a safe and enjoyable afternoon.

If wine isn’t your thing, you can drive on to Fredericksburg or take a detour to Luckenbach . This unincorporated community is a modern-day ghost town, though it does have a working saloon, general store and, most notably, one of the best dance halls in Texas. 

The city is widely remembered for its 2006 population of 3 (yes, just 3). According to my research , it now boasts a population of 13. But, up to 1,300 people can flood the city on the weekend for its excellent live music and special events.

Where to Eat and Sleep in Fredericksburg

You’ll find a wide variety of restaurants and hotels in Fredericksburg, making it a great base for your visit to the Hill Country.

For either lunch or dinner, we highly recommend The Auslander , an authentic German restaurant in downtown Fredericksburg. We ended up there for a late lunch and even at 2:00 pm there was a fairly significant wait. Thankfully, it was worth it!

The menu features a variety of traditional schnitzel and sausage, along with a few American favorites for the picky eaters. 

We opted for a traditional lunch starting with spicy pimento cheese and “Old World” potato soup, followed by Kasewurst, a spicy smoked sausage. Everything was absolutely fantastic and hit the spot on a cool winter afternoon.

If German food isn’t your thing, there is a wide variety of restaurants in downtown Fredericksburg, sure to please any palette.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a specific recommendation for a hotel. We intended to stay in Fredericksburg but waited too late to make reservations since we were in town just before New Year’s Eve. 

There are many chain and local hotels in the area to choose from, though. Just make reservations early, especially if visiting around a holiday weekend. Fredericksburg and the Hill Country is a popular destination these days!

Since we didn’t have a hotel, we ended up visiting Johnson City and Fredericksburg as a day trip from San Antonio. As such, we didn’t have time to do everything we suggest on this itinerary.

Day 6 – Fredericksburg to Austin

If you didn’t have time to enjoy the downtown area of Fredericksburg on Day 5, make a point to do that before leaving town. Fredericksburg has a lovely downtown filled with shops, restaurants, breweries and wineries. 

In fact, if you didn’t make it to any vineyards on your drive in, you can find several tasting rooms in town. Some of the restaurants also serve local varieties. 

If you are visiting in the spring, head up to the Willow City Loop . This 13-mile scenic drive is about 20 minutes northeast of Fredericksburg and boasts some of the best wildflower fields in Texas. Bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes are typically plentiful if you time it right. 

Alas, on our first visit to the area in April 2011, we were a bit too early to catch the peak of the wildflower season.

If you want to stretch your legs, the Enchanted Rock State Natural Are a offers several hiking trails. The highlight of the park is a massive dome of pink granite. From the top, you’ll have amazing views of the surrounding area.

From here, drive to Austin for two nights.  

The state capital of Austin promotes itself as “the live music capital of the world.” The unofficial slogan of “Keep Austin Weird,” is a nod to promoting unique local businesses, rather than large corporations. 

If you didn’t catch the wildflowers near Fredericksburg, be sure to stop at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center . The center offers a mix of cultivated gardens and managed natural areas with a focus on conserving native plants and resources. 

The Wildflower Center was high on our list of places to visit on our recent Texas road trip. Unfortunately, we were in Austin on New Year’s Eve weekend and it was closed during our visit. Hopefully, we’ll be able to hit it the next time we are in town.

Instead, we made a point to visit the Barton Creek Greenbelt for a First Day Hike. This relatively easy trail takes you to two waterfalls… when there is water running. Again, the time of year meant for a dry creek bed and no waterfalls. Still, it was a good hike and we really enjoyed the exercise. It’s best explored in the spring or summer, though. 

Thankfully, we were able to fully enjoy one of Austin’s best-known sites: South Congress Avenue. Along this pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare, you’ll be able to explore some of the city’s quirkiness and support all kinds of businesses. 

From small independent eateries to local artists and the iconic Allens Boots, you’ll find just about everything including some of Austin’s notable live music.

Austin’s Bat Flight

From late March through early fall, be sure to end your day with Austin’s incredible bat flight . In season, the Congress Avenue Bridge is also a thriving colony of thousands of Mexican Free-Tailed Bats. 

Around sunset, the bats begin to emerge in search of food. The flood of bats pouring over Lady Bird Lake from under the bridge is an event that shouldn’t be missed.

The bat flight occurs nightly around sunset, anywhere from 7:30 to 9:45. But this is a natural event so the bats do what they want when they want. 

There are several prime viewing areas near the Congress Avenue Bridge. One of the best is the grassy hill at the Statesman Bat Observation Center. 

When we return to Austin, we’ll be making sure it’s during bat season so we can catch this spectacular event!

Where to Eat and Sleep in Austin

There is no shortage of great restaurants in Austin. From barbecue to fine dining, you’re sure to find something for everyone.

Close to the Congress Avenue Bridge, Terry Black’s BBQ is an Austin staple that is sure to have a line. If you want to combine dinner and a night out, Stubb’s BBQ has its own outdoor amphitheater and hosts a variety of acts. 

For brunch, lunch or dinner while you’re shopping, Joann’s Fine Foods is a Tex-Mex Diner with a lively patio. Its vintage diner decor provides a modern yet nostalgic vibe. The menu is quite varied and the bar is known for its extensive tequila and mezcal selection.

We popped in for lunch before walking South Congress Avenue and thoroughly enjoyed a couple of sandwiches (Patty Melt for Grant and Tuna Melt for me). Their extensive menu of all-day breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and Tex-Mex specialties made it a difficult decision, though. 

For dinner, we found the Salty Sow through the BILT Rewards Dining program and had a fabulous New Year’s Day dinner. The Truffled Deviled Eggs were the perfect start to the meal. For entrees, I opted for the Genuine Blackened Redfish, while Grant chose the Smoked Pork Carnitas. Both were absolutely perfect.

And a couple of cocktails and it was a great way to start 2024 and wrap up our time in Austin.

From Austin, you’ll continue your road trip north to Waco. For a relatively small town, there are a ton of things to do so get an early start!

Grant first visited Waco in October 2022, on a solo trip while I was on away for an EF training tour in Paris . But, of course, I had to experience all of the great sights myself. We agreed that it absolutely deserves at least one day on your Texas road trip. Honestly, you could easily spend two or three days here, though.

5 Things to Do in Waco

1) If you are fans of Fixer Upper, you can focus your visit on all things Magnolia , Chip & Joanna Gaines’ brand. But, there are plenty of other things to do in Waco. As much as we enjoy the show, we filled our time otherwise.

2) National Park fans will want to prioritize visiting the Waco Mammoth National Monument . The park preserves a fossil bed of Columbian mammoths, including the country’s only evidence of a nursery herd. 

You can visit the dig site on a guided tour, which are given every 30 minutes throughout the day. Tours last 45 minutes – 1 hour and are available on a first-come basis.

3) To understand more about Texas history, visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame . This small museum explains how the frontier law enforcement group evolved into a premier investigative unit. 

A variety of exhibits showcase weapons, notable cases (such as the notorious Bonnie and Clyde), special operations and, of course, Hall of Fame inductees. 

4) For a lighter museum visit, the Dr Pepper Museum showcases the evolution of the iconic soft drink. The museum is located in the original bottling plant. The three floors of exhibits cover the drink’s development, botting, distribution and marketing.

You can also visit the old-fashioned soda fountain for a hand-pulled and mixed soda or float. 

5) For less structure, downtown Waco is filled with shops and is very pedestrian-friendly. You can easily spend the morning or afternoon wandering around and taking in all the city offers. Additionally, the Riverwalk provides a lovely place to walk along the Brazos River. Or, you can get out on the water with a kayak or paddleboard.

Read Grant’s in-depth article about visiting Waco.

Where to Eat and Drink in Waco

After two visits to Waco, we’ve collected several recommendations for food and drink. And even a few places we wanted to visit and didn’t make it to!

Whiskey fans should make a point to visit Balcones Distilling for a tour or at least a drink. After too many distillery tours to count, Grant claims this is the best tour he’s ever taken. And their Brimstone Whiskey, which is smoked with Texas scrub oak, is one of his favorite whiskeys. I’m a fan of some of their less-smokey options and we came home with a bottle of rum on this past trip.

For wine lovers, we recommend Valley Mills Vineyards , which is about 30 minutes west of town. We enjoyed a tasting and brought back a couple of bottles. The only downside for us was that we visited in the winter so didn’t get to see active vines. It would be much more scenic in the summer when the vines are full of almost-ripe fruit!

A few restaurants that we recommend are Our Breakfast Plac e for, you guessed it… a traditional Texas breakfast. For lunch and dinner, a few options are:

• Jake’s Tea House – a car and gas-themed burger joint
• Jasper’s Bar-B-Q – tasty hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint
• Alpha Omega Grill and Bakery – one of the best Mediterranean-style cafes we’ve been to 
• Fuego Tortilla Grill – a regional fast-casual chain serving a variety of unique tacos
• Uncle Dan’s BBQ and Ribhouse – traditional Central Texas BBQ

Where to Stay in Waco

There are a variety of hotels in Waco. You are sure to find one that suits your preferences either in downtown or just outside of town. Since we prefer Hilton hotels, we opted for those on both of our visits.

For Grant’s solo trip to Waco, he stayed at the Tru by Hilton on the south side of town. The hotel was comfortable and reasonably priced, especially for one person. While we have stayed a Tru hotels when traveling together, we generally find that they are a bit cramped for two people.

When we returned together, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn , also on the south side of town.  As Diamond Members (thanks to the Hilton American Express Aspire Card), we were upgraded to a great room for anyone who needs to work on the road.

In addition to a king-size bed with a sitting area, we also had a long desk and work area. Our only gripe is there was only one desk chair, though I’m sure we could have gotten another one if we had asked.

There were a few restaurants within walking distance to the Hilton Garden Inn but we opted to head into town or to the hotel restaurant for all of our meals.

Day 9 – Fort Worth Stockyards

For your final day in Texas, you’ll drive north to Fort Worth to visit the historic Stockyards. Be sure to time your visit to catch one of two daily cattle drives, which occur at 11:30 am and 4:30 pm. 

Since it’s only about a 1.5-hour drive, you can easily spend the morning in Waco if you still have things to see and do. Or, head up early and then start your drive home or make your way to the airport for a late-afternoon flight.

The Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District preserves the cowtown history of the city. There are a variety of restaurants and shops. Additionally, there is a petting farm, historic museums and a weekly rodeo. 

Most notably, Billy Bob’s claims to be the world’s largest honky-tonk. This restaurant also provides entertainment in the form of concerts, country line dancing and a bull riding arena.

You can easily make an afternoon or evening out of a visit to the Fort Worth Stockyards if you have the time. Otherwise, wander around for a bit, check out the museum and catch the cattle drive.

Of course, you’ll find a wide variety of places to stay in and around Fort Worth and the Dallas metropolitan area. 

Final Thoughts on our Texas Road Trip Itinerary

Even with a week-long road trip, we’re barely skimming the surface of all the fantastic places to go and things to do in Texas. We know we’ve left out tons of great stops. 

In USA RV Adventures , the Best of the Lone Star State route starts in west Texas at Big Bend National Park , which is a great park to visit in the late fall, winter and spring. From there, it crosses the state to Padre Island, where it joins this itinerary. 

Leaving Fort Worth, the route continues north to Caprock Canyon and Palo Duro Canyon State Parks, both of which are high on our list of places we still need to visit. 

The book, of course, provides RV-friendly directions and tips, along with campground recommendations. 

With additional time, those are great add-ons to this Texas road trip. Of course, that still doesn’t include El Paso or Guadalupe Mountains National Park (near the New Mexico border and Carlsbad Caverns NP ). 

If you don’t have time for the full 9-day itinerary, you could easily shorten it to just the coastal region or just one or two cities along the route. San Antonio, Fredericksburg, Austin and Waco all make great weekend trips if you just have a couple of days. 

With a full week, though, this itinerary takes you to some of Texas’ most beloved cities and into the heart of the Lone Star State. 

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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Texas Travel 365

The Perfect Texas Road Trip Itinerary You Should Steal

August 23, 2021 //  by  Texas Travel 365 //   5 Comments

Are you trying to figure out the perfect Texas road trip for your next United States adventure? Whether you live in Texas and want to see more of your state or want to visit each state in depth, Texas is a place to consider for your next American road trip. This Texas itinerary will give you plenty of ideas on how to spend your time in the largest of the continental U.S. states.

Texas might not be at the top of many people’s lists of the most beautiful or interesting U.S. destinations, but they would be wrong to dismiss the Lone Star State. Texas is perfect for anyone into history, art and culture, natural wonders, or simply having a fun time. There are a ton of national and state parks, locations significant in United States history, and other unique attractions you can only find in Texas.

Begin Your Texas Road Trip By Flying Into Austin

Fly or drive into Austin, the state’s capital, to start your road trip of Texas. Though, if you are driving from a nearby state, feel free to start this Texas road trip at any of the other stops that might be closer to you.

If you plan on flying in, make sure to check Skyscanner ahead of time to find the best airfare. Most likely, you will land at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport where there are plenty of rental car options for you to choose from. Pick the car best suited for your needs, then head into the city of Austin.

If you think you need some extra help planning your road trip, there are plenty of apps you can download. Check out our recommendations here !

Don’t forget to check out our Detailed Road Trip Packing List so you don’t forget any essentials for your trip!

Stop 1: Austin

Austin is the capital of Texas and is a city known for its fun, hip atmosphere mixed with a culture devoted to music and art. The city’s slogan is famously “Keep Austin Weird” due to its diverse and eccentric nature. Austin has embedded creativity and art so well into its urban development, that it is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

There are plenty of activities to do here that are bound to excite and leave you craving more. You will need at least one or two nights in Austin to fully embrace it. You will have a blast bar hopping, testing out cool food trucks, exploring expansive parks, and soaking in the vibe of the city.

Things to Do

Admire the state capitol.

Standing in the heart of Austin is Texas’s State Capitol. Built in 1888 out of pink granite, this domed building is even taller than the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. The beautiful building is worth a visit and is free to tour as well.

Visit Some of the Amazing Museums

Austin is full of different types of museums for people of many interests. The Bullock Texas State History Museum hosts exhibits focused on the history of Texas. Found on the University of Austin’s campus, the Blanton Museum of Art is home to thousands of pieces of art from the past centuries. Art and history lovers alike will want to see the Mexic-Arte Museum, which is dedicated to Mexican and Latin American art and culture.

Swim at the Barton Springs Municipal Pool

If you feel like cooling down after a day of exploring the city, try taking a dip at the Barton Springs Municipal Pool. This natural pool is fed by a spring and remains at a cool 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. The bright, green water is surrounded by trees creating a calm setting to relax in. The pool is found within Zilker Park and there is a small fee to enter, but it is so worth it to swim is such a pretty location.

Enjoy a Concert or Music Festival

You can’t visit the Live Music Capital of the World without taking time to enjoy some of the live music that can be found throughout the city. You can spend the night on Sixth Street hopping from bar to bar enjoying the live music at each. Or head over to the Moody Theater for the famous Austin City Limits, which has featured a variety of musical artists over the years. If you are in Austin at the right time, you can attend the South By Southwest music festival.

Where to Stay

Affordable:  Days Inn by Wyndham Austin . Check Rates:   Booking.com

Mid-Range:  The Carpenter Hotel . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Stop 2: Hamilton Pool

The Hamilton Pool Preserve is just outside of Austin and makes for a great day trip from the city since it is only about a 45-minute drive west. The oasis-like pool is a lake-turned popular swimming hole and features a magnificent 50-foot waterfall. A cool carved-out cave behind the waterfall and circling a large portion of the pool provides a shady area to avoid the sun in between swimming on your visit. Know that there is no lifeguard on duty, so swim at your own risk.

The area also includes hiking trails and picnic tables and is a great place for bird watching. Before you visit, make sure to make an online reservation. Try to time your visit after a rainfall to ensure the waterfall is flowing as it does dry to a trickle at times. Swimming is sometimes no allowed when the bacteria levels of the water are too high.

Stop 3:  San Antonio

From Austin, it is about an hour and a half drive to the next city on your Texas road trip, San Antonio. This city boosts a great mix of historic and natural attractions to fit everyone’s interests. You will not be bored here as you explore famous battlegrounds and intricate caverns.

San Antonio is the second-largest city in Texas and was founded in 1718 as a Spanish mission, the evidence of which can still be found around the city. The UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Alamo and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park draw in millions of people per year.

Because of San Antonio’s history, the influences of Spanish culture can be seen around every corner. If you want to search it out, check out the Cathedral of San Fernando, the Spanish Governor’s Palace, or La Villita Historic Arts Village. Don’t forget to check out the best photography spots in San Antonio! 

Remember the Alamo

Located almost smack dab in the center of San Antonio, the Alamo is a must-see location for your Texas road trip. The old Alamo Mission was the site of a battle and standoff between the Texans and the Mexican army in 1836. Though the Alamo was eventually taken, the events that transpired there helped to rally the U.S. troops.

The Alamo is a history buff’s paradise and the building, along with the grounds is interesting to visit. It is free to visit if you do a self-guided tour, or you can pay to take a tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Stroll the River Walk

The River Walk is a pedestrian walkway below street level spanning 15 miles along the San Antonio River. The most popular part of the walk is in the city’s downtown and is full of restaurants, bars, shops, and museums. Take a stroll here during your stay to soak up the atmosphere.

Enjoy the Views from the Tower of the Americas

The 750-foot tall Tower of the Americas is found in Hemisfair Park and is a great place to visit if you are not afraid of heights. The tower features a panoramic observation deck, a revolving restaurant, and a 4D theater ride.

Explore the Natural Bridge Caverns

If you are looking for a fun adventure at a natural wonder, drive to the Natural Bridge Caverns just north of the city. These caverns are the largest commercial caverns in Texas and are certainly awe-worthy. Travel 180 feet below ground to enjoy the sight of amazing rock formations.

Relax at the San Pedro Springs Park

San Pedro Springs Park is a beautiful, 46-acre area perfect for those who enjoy time outside. It is said to be the second-oldest remaining park in the United States and is worth a visit. There is a spring-fed swimming pool, playground, and lush gardens, making it the perfect spot for families.

Affordable:  La Hacienda Inn . Check Rates:   Booking.com

Mid-Range: Hotel Havana . Check Rates:   Booking.com

Stop 4: Big Bend National Park

Now it is time to really get ready for the “road” part of your Texas road trip. This stop is a good six hour drive from San Antonio and is farther from any of the other stops. However, Big Bend National Park is a must-visit place, especially if you love to check off U.S. national parks. Because of the long drive to get there and the size of the park, you may want to stay for one or two nights. Also because of these factors, you are sure to get time to yourself, far from the tourists that can crowd other popular spots.

Big Bend is located on the Texas border with Mexico and is made up of superb desert and mountain landscapes. The park is perfect for camping and hiking, as well as photographing beautiful scenes and wildlife.

Hike the Santa Elena Canyon

The Santa Elena Canyon was carved out by the Rio Grande, creating a beautiful natural rock formation as well as a great hiking area. The trail here is just under two miles round trip and will give you drop-dead gorgeous views.

Search for Ruins

There are a smattering of cool ruins throughout the park. Search out these historic buildings to feel like an anthropologist and snap some photos. Look for the Mariscal Mine, Dorgan House, and an old post office, among others.

Soak in a Hot Spring

If all the hiking has left you with aching muscles, there are some natural hot springs to relax in. You can find a cluster of these springs down by the Rio Grande where a Hot Springs Historic Trail will lead you to each one will also providing nice views of the river.

Take a Trip into Mexico

If you bring your passport, consider taking a day trip into Mexico, which has its own national parks right across the border as well as many cute towns. Cross the border at Boquillas and take a ferry across the Rio Grande.

Affordable:  Terlingua Ranch Lodge . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Affordable:  Riata Inn – Presidio . Check Rates:   Booking.com

Mid-Range:  Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast . Check Rates:   Booking.com

Stop 5: Explore Texas Hill Country

From Big Bend loop back around to find the next stop on your Texas road trip itinerary. Texas Hill Country is found in south-central Texas between Austin and San Antonio. It is named after the rolling hills that form the area’s landscape. You can seven see Blue Bonnets In Texas here!

The area is a paradise for both nature lovers and photographers due to the many state parks and pretty scenic vistas. With so much to do and see in Texas Hill Country, you should plan to stay a couple of nights here.

Drink Wine at the Fall Creek Vineyards

Some people have referred to Texas Hill Country as the Napa Valley of Texas and if that is true, you have to try some wine! Fall Creek Vineyards can be found in the city of Driftwood. With a beautiful property and a tasting hall open seven days a week, this is a great stop for wine lovers.

Discover Fields of Bluebonnet Flowers

Bluebonnets are the state flower of Texas and if you drive through Texas Hill Country in the spring it will become apparent why as you pass field after field of the vibrant flowers. If you want to find an exceptionally photogenic bluebonnet field, try to find the Bluebonnet House outside of the town of Marble Falls. This abandoned building is known for the flowers that bloom around it.

Hike to the Top of Enchanted Rock

Head to the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to climb the 1,825-foot, pink granite mountain called Enchanted Rock. This mountain provides outstanding views of Texas Hill Country, especially if you reach the summit at sunset.

Kayak on the Guadalupe River

The scenic Guadalupe River State Park is sought after by people who love to spend time on the water. Whether you want to kayak, go tubing, fish, or just swim, the Guadalupe River is a good stop for your road trip in Texas. This state park is also great for hiking and mountain biking.

Stay in Fredericksburg, a cute and centrally located town that will provide the perfect place to stay the night in-between days out exploring the Texas Hill Country. Or stay in either Austin or San Antonio, both a short drive away as well.

Affordable:  Fredericksburg Hill Country Hotel . Check Rates:   Booking.com

Mid-Range:  Wine Country Inn . Check Rates:   Booking.com

Stop 6: Dinosaur Valley State Park

From Texas Hill Country, drive about three hours north to find the next stop for your Texas road trip. Dinosaur Valley State Park is a small park that allows visitors to take a look into the prehistoric past.

Dinosaur Valley is a classic Texas road trip stop where you can discover preserved dinosaur footprints along the banks of the Paluxy River. There are also scale-model statues of dinosaurs here that make for a great photo-op, perfect for posting on social media. The park also has hiking trails and a playground. The park is free for children twelve and under, all others pay $7.

Just outside of the park, you can find Dinosaur World, which adds to the dinosaur theme of the area. This is a fun museum with interactive exhibits, a playground, and a nature trail that winds among more scale-model dinosaurs. This is the perfect place to spend some time with kids of all ages.

Stay in Glen Rose, a small town right outside of the park, or camp at one of the park’s campgrounds.

Affordable:  Glen Rose Inn and Suites . Check Rates:   Booking.com

Mid-Range:  Inn On The River . Check Rates:   Booking.com

Stop 7: Dallas

From Dinosaur Valley State Park, it is only about an hour and a half drive northeast to Dallas. This large, modern city, like many cities in Texas, is full of both historic and fun things to look forward to. You have to stop in Dallas or your Texas road trip simply would not be complete.

You will want to spend a couple of days here to see everything. There are so many amazing day trips from Dallas that you can make it as your home base and visit the surrounding area quite easily. You can spend one day here but we suggest two or three days in Dallas to really get a feel.

Dallas is one of the most diverse cities in the United States and is home to a population with many ethnic and religious backgrounds as well as being the home of one of the largest LGBT+ communities. Due to these factors, Dallas is clearly a very modern and welcoming city. The city also houses many Fortune 500 companies, such as American Airlines, AT&T, and ExxonMobil, creating a good economic standing.

Learn About the JFK Assassination at The Sixth Floor Museum

President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas in 1963 by Lee Harvey Oswald. Anyone interested in the history of this pivotal event will want to visit the Sixth Floor Museum, which is housed in the former Texas School Book Depository where Oswald had shot from.

At this informative museum, you will be able to learn about everything that lead up to the assassination, look at many photos and videos, learn about conspiracy theories surrounding the shooting, and see the preserved spot where Oswald had fired his gun.

Watch Animals at the Dallas Zoo or Dallas World Aquarium

If you have kids with you on your Texas road trip or just love animals, you may want to visit either the Dallas Zoo or the Dallas World Aquarium. Both locations are extensive and feature a variety of animals, including many endangered ones.

Admire the View from Reunion Tower

The odd-looking Reunion Tower was built in 1978 and is 171 meters tall. At night, it is lit up and is an interesting addition to the Dallas skyline. The top of the tower provides stunning views of the city. There are also two restaurants in the tower.

Check Out Fair Park

Fair Park in Dallas is 277 acres and hosts the Texas State Fair each fall. If you are in taking your Texas road trip during this time, you have to go to the fair! There will be a ton of rides to enjoy and food to devour.

Even if the state fair is not happening when you are in Dallas, Fair Park is still worth a visit. There are many other events and concerts held here throughout the year. You can also take time to be one with nature by walking the paths or check out some of the museums here as well.

Affordable:  Best Western Cityplace Inn . Check Rates:   Booking.com

Mid-Range:  Canvas Hotel Dallas . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Luxury:   Hotel Crescent Court . Check Rates:  Booking.com

Stop 8: Houston

The next stop on your road trip of Texas is Houston, the largest city in the state and the fourth-largest in the country. You can spend a whole weekend in Houston or only go for a short stop!

To get there from Dallas, it is a three-and-a-half-hour drive south. Houston is another city that can’t be excluded from a Texas itinerary as you can tell by all the interesting and unique things to do there.

Houston is a global and diverse city full of culture and known for its tourist-friendly Museum and Theater Districts. Some of the city’s many nicknames include Space City, Bayou City, and the Culinary Capital of the South. Make sure to try some succulent, Texas BBQ while in the city as well.

Learn About Space Travel at the Space Center Houston

Outer space is something that has fascinated people for most of human history. If you are interested in space travel, NASA, or science, you have to visit one of Houston’s most popular tourist attractions. The Space Center Houston is full of artifacts, interactive displays, cool exhibits, and behind-the-scenes movies that really pull you into the world of NASA. Houston, we do NOT have a problem!

Discover History at the Museum of Natural Science

After learning about things far off in space, it is time to learn about our own planet earth. At the Houston Museum of Natural Science, you will find displays of gems and minerals, complete dinosaur skeletons, Egyptian artifacts, wild animal dioramas, and more.

Relax at Hines Waterwall Park

The focal point and namesake of Hines Waterwall Park is a magnificent 64-foot tall waterfall-like fountain. This landmark begs to be photographed. After taking a selfie for Instagram next to the cascading water, take a seat in the green lawn in front of it for a picnic or just to relax.

Walk Among Butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center

The Cockrell Butterfly Center welcomes you to walk through a beautiful butterfly habitat that is home to hundreds of butterfly species. The simulated rain forest paradise has not only butterflies, but a 50-foot waterfall, tons of tropical plants, and a few other animals and insects as well.

Pretend to be a Cowboy at a Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo take place annually in March and if your Texas road trip lines up right, you should make she to drop by the event. This is the largest event of its kind in the world, so if you have ever been interested in attending a rodeo, this is the one for you! Millions of people visit each year.

Affordable:  La Quinta Inn. Check Rates:   Booking.com

Mid-Range:  Club Quarters Hotel in Houston. Check Rates:   Booking.com

Stop 9: Galveston

Just a few minutes southeast of Houston is the coastal city of Galveston. This fun beach town is found on a long island connected to the mainland by causeways. You can visit here as a day trip from Houston or, if you have time and want to explore more in-depth, you can stay in the small city. Whatever you chose, Galveston is the perfect place to wind down from your Texas road trip.

Galveston is a tourist hub similar to New York City’s Coney Island and is known as the “Playground of the South”. Though there is a historic district, Galveston is not a place people go to visit museums or learn about history, like some Texas cities. Instead, people flock here for the carnival rides and resorts. This city is guaranteed to be a great, fun-in-the-sun time!

Have Fun at the Schlitterbahn Water Park

Whether you like the thrill of zooming down a water slide, floating in a lazy river, or lounging in the sun, head to the Schlitterbahn Water Park for a great day. Just don’t forget your sunscreen!

Explore the Historic Pleasure Pier

If you want more rides after the water park, head down to the Pleasure Pier, where you can find a year-round carnival. With roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, yummy junk food, and awesome ocean views, this pier is sure to be a fun location.

Take a Boat Tour of the Harbor to Spot Dolphins

There are many tour companies along the coast of Galveston that will happily take you out into the Gulf of Mexico in order to see dolphins. Some excursions even allow you to swim with the animals. Make sure to book a tour ahead of time to ensure a spot.

Take a Tour of Bishop’s Palace

Bishop’s Palace is not really a palace but was built as a private mansion for a wealthy couple in 1892. It is a now a beautifully crafted, historic landmark. Take a tour of the Victorian building to soak in the history of the place and admire the detailed architecture.

Explore the Moody Gardens

The Moody Gardens are comprised of three modern, glass pyramids. The three buildings each have a different theme which denotes what can be found within them. There is the Aquarium Pyramid, the Rainforest Pyramid, and the Discovery Pyramid. The Moody Gardens are like a mix of a zoo, park, and museum.

Simply Chill at the Beach

If all of your driving and sightseeing has tired you out, one way to relax and end your perfect Texas road trip vacation is to simply chill at one of Galveston’s seven beaches. Throw down a beach tower or snag a chair with an umbrella, then doze to the sound of waves crashing against the shore.

Affordable:  Galveston Beach Hotel. Check Rates:   Booking.com

Mid-Range:  Hotel Galvez and Spa . Check Rates:   Booking.com

Luxury:  Cozy Historic Beach Cottage . Check Rates:   Booking.com

Conclude Your Texas Road Trip By Flying Out Of Houston

From Galveston, head back up to Houston, return your rental car, and get checked in at the airport. If you drove, it is time to embark on your journey home.

Now you know that Texas is not just a flat, bare place with nothing to see or do. This large state is bigger than many European countries and has plenty of attractions to entertain you on a driving tour of your own country. Texas is full of unique and varying landscapes and has much historic significance. A Texas road trip is sure to be a great time for the whole family!

Reader Interactions

January 26, 2022 at 12:03 pm

Hey – love the itinerary!

I know this is up there with the ‘how long is a piece of string’ question, but do you have any thoughts on the minimum time for this?

We’re looking at a road trip itinerary at the moment, so any idea of timings would be great – thanks

February 4, 2022 at 6:48 pm

There is a LOT of driving in some parts so I would say 10-14 days would be ideal but if you have less such as 5-7 i would just cut some things out!!

April 18, 2022 at 3:26 pm

This is a great itinerary- a good starting point for planning. Thank you!

April 25, 2022 at 9:07 pm

June 29, 2022 at 11:35 am

Appreciate this information and hotel suggestions as well. Curious if you think Fort Worth would be worth a side trip?

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Texas road trip - The ultimate 1 week itinerary

Howdy, welcome to Texas! As the second largest state in the United States in terms of both area and population, there's a near infinite amount of things to see in Texas, making it the perfect destination for an epic road trip.

While there are lots of different Texas road trip routes you could take, our seven day round-trip itinerary covers all the big cities, hitting up Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth, as well as a detour through the picturesque Hill Country.

Before we launch into the trip, a quick word on driving in Texas. The car is king here, so expect to rely on your car in cities as well as to drive between them. Although this may sound annoying, it means that the roads are really clear and easy to navigate, and that there's usually ample inner city parking, making travelling by car a doddle.

Other than that everything else is pretty self-explanatory, so just get stuck in to your trip and enjoy!

Day 1: Austin - go sightseeing, take a dip in the Barton Springs Municipal Pool, & eat classic Texas BBQ food

The vibrant city of Austin is the first stop on your Texas road trip, and it's the ideal place to start and end your round trip itinerary.

As well as having a large international airport that's well-connected to the rest of the U.S. and London Heathrow, it's an amazing cultural hub to introduce you to the buzzing atmosphere you'll find throughout your Texas itinerary.

Aim to land some time in the morning and take today pretty slowly - you'll be back in Austin on day 7, so don't feel pressured to cover everything if you're feeling jet-lagged or worn out from your journey.

Travel tip: Pick up your car straight away at the airport - you'll appreciate having it to visit some of today's sights.

Fly into Austin, get settled at your hotel then head to the Texas State Capitol Building

After a quick relax at your hotel, head to the famous Texas State Capitol Building for your first taste of Austin

This magnificent building is the seat of government for the state of Texas, and is a stunning piece of 19th-century architecture that's a true symbol of the Lone Star State.

Located on a hill overlooking downtown Austin, its dome pokes through the rooftops and contrasts beautifully with the ultra-modern skyscrapers that surround it.

Picturesque grounds also wrap around the building, scattered with statues and monuments shaded by leafy trees and plants.

After you've enjoyed the outside, the best way to make the most of the inside is to take a free tour with a knowledgeable guide who'll be able to tell you all about Texan history and legislature, as well as the architecture itself.

Tours depart every 30 to 45 minutes from the south foyer and last around 30 minutes, running between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm on Saturdays, and 12.00pm to 3.30pm on Sundays.

Have a lazy lunch then visit the Cathedral of Junk

The second attraction we're sending you to in Austin is very quirky and off-the-beaten-track, which means it's practically guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Have a lazy lunch at a cafe or restaurant that takes your fancy (save the BBQ food for later), then head to the Cathedral of Junk - an epic sculpture made entirely of - you guessed it - junk.

Located in a suburban backyard, this crazy art installation is the work of artist Vince Hannemann, and its cathedral-esque structure is made up of tangles of bicycles, household appliances, toys, CDs, and pretty much anything and everything - you name it, you'll probably be able to find it somewhere in the structure.

Although it may just look like a pile of junk at first glance, it's actually really intricately made and surprisingly thought-provoking. (You know what they say about 'one man's trash'!)

Make sure you go inside and look up to the spire-shaped roof to get the full cathedral experience, and interpret the artistic message however you see fit. We like to think it's there to make people stop and think about waste and consumerism.

You'll find the Cathedral of Junk at 4422 Lareina Drive, and owing to the fact that it's a home on a quiet residential street, it's vital you call ahead and make an appointment if you want to drop by. Call (512) 299-7413 to arrange a time.

The experience is free to enjoy, however there's a suggested donation of $10 per group to support its upkeep and continuous construction.

The easiest way to get there (and then to the pool afterwards) is to hop in your hire car and drive.

Bear in mind, however, that you won't be able to park on Lareina Drive, so pay attention to parking signs and find a spot on a nearby side street.

Alternatively you could have lunch at nearby Casa Maria before your visit - there's ample parking there and the Tex-Mex is great!

Drive to Barton Springs Municipal Pool for the rest of the afternoon

The Barton Springs Municipal Pool is around 20 minutes north of the Cathedral of Junk, so it should be easy to get there with enough time for a swim before it gets dark.

If you're travelling in the colder months don't be put off from taking a dip as this three-acre natural pool is fed by underground springs, meaning the water stays at a toasty 20ºC (68ºF) all year round.

Plus, temperatures in Austin tend to be pretty mild throughout the year anyway, so there's really nothing stopping you.

As well as being a lovely place for a swim and a sunbathe, the water is home to the endangered Barton Springs Salamander, so it's a pretty important feature of Austin's landscape.

For this reason, the pool is closed every Thursday from 9am to 7pm to clean and maintain the water, so ideally day 1 of your trip should fall on a different day so you don't miss out.

Admission to the pool costs $9 for adults, and note that lifeguards are only on duty some of the time, so make sure you take care when in the water and keep an eye on any children you're travelling with.

Watch the sunset and the bats from the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge

Make it back to your hotel with enough time to freshen up and head back out to the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge before the sun sets - trust us, you won't want to be late.

This unassuming bridge over the Colorado River comes alive at sunset between March and October, when hundreds of bats fly out from underneath the bridge and are beautifully silhouetted against the orange glow of the sky.

Following the 1980 redesign of the bridge, the structure includes lots of perfectly bat-sized crevices where the animals live and give birth to their pups.

If you're travelling in August, you'll get to see the pups emerge for the first time too, virtually doubling the cloud of bats flying against the pastel-hued sky.

The walkway on the east side of the bridge has the best view, but if you want to sit down it's also possible to spread out a blanket on the riverbank below. If you choose the latter, however, beware that you're more likely to get hit by bat poo!

And even if you're visiting outside of bat season, it's still worth heading to the bridge for the sunset view before you go for dinner.

Have a classic Texas BBQ feast at Black's Barbecue

It would be wrong not to kick off your Texas food adventure with some classic BBQ goods, so stroll north from the bridge to Black's Barbecue to work up an appetite.

This family-owned BBQ joint is currently run by the third generation of the Black family, and all the meat is still smoked using traditional methods developed by the very first generation.

Using a simple rub, oak wood, and a whole lot of patience, this restaurant cooks up some of the finest cuts of meat in town.

Classic brisket, ribs, and turkey are all on the menu, along with sides including beans, potato salad, and mac and cheese. The sides, however, are the only veggie options on the menu, so definitely opt for somewhere else if you're travelling with any vegetarians.

Those that do eat here, expect to leave very full, very happy, and very ready to retire to bed.

Day 2: Austin to San Antonio via the Hill Country - drive through the Hill Country, stopping to visit Hamilton Pool Preserve, Bandera & go horseback riding

The aim of day 2 is to get from Austin to San Antonio, and we're taking you on a detour through the Hill Country to make the most of the stunning Texan landscapes - there's more to it than big cities!

This beautiful area of rolling hills, glittering streams and tall oak trees is just a stone's throw from both Austin and San Antonio, and it's a great area for some scenic driving and cowboy culture.

Travel tip: If you're travelling in spring, look out for the colourful bluebonnet flowers that pop up all over the Hill Country. Peak season is from March to mid-April.

Drive west to Hamilton Pool Preserve

We're sticking with the swimming theme for your first stop by sending you to Hamilton Pool.

This nature reserve features a 50-foot waterfall plunging into a beautiful natural blue pool, fringed by rugged rocks and trees; and yes, it's absolutely as idyllic as it sounds.

Unlike Barton Springs Pool, the water here is pretty cold so you'll probably only want to swim if you're visiting in summer. However it's still a really pretty place to stop off on your way through the Hill Country.

There are a couple of things to note when visiting Hamilton Pool Preserve, the first being that you have to reserve and pay for a time to go before you arrive.

Although this may sound fussy, it does mean that it never gets too crowded, which is good for both you and the preservation of the stunning natural environment.

There's two sessions - one in the morning and one in the afternoon - and entry costs $11 per person, with an additional $15 charged per vehicle on arrival.

It's also important to note that swimming isn't always allowed. This is because excessive rainfall or a change in the levels of bacteria present in the water can make it unsafe, so make sure you check online before you arrive.

One final thing to be aware of is that the pool is around a half an hour hike from the car park and includes some uneven surfaces and steps, so do come prepared with comfortable shoes, and consider opting out if you have mobility issues.

With the technicalities out the way, just enjoy this stunning area for an hour or two, exploring the pool's surroundings, relaxing in the sun, and going for a dip (if you're brave enough).

Travel tip: If the weather's not great, the pool's all booked up, or you just don't fancy going to the pool, you could always drive a little further and visit the Enchanted Rock instead.

This pink granite mound rises above the green plains of the Hill Country and is a lovely place for a walk and a breath of fresh air - just remember to wrap up warm if you decide to climb to the top, as it can get pretty chilly!

Head back to the car and drive south to Bandera

Your next stop in the Hill Country is Bandera, which is roughly 105 miles from the pool.

It'll probably take you the best part of two hours to get there, so if you're feeling peckish you might want to stop off for lunch or pick up some snacks in Fredericksburg on the way.

Hopefully you'll arrive in Bandera in the early/ mid afternoon, giving you plenty of time to experience it's rustic Texan charm.

As the self-proclaimed 'Cowboy Capital of Texas', this is the place to go if you're looking for real life cowboys, dude ranches, rodeos, and honky-tonk clubs.

This town is true to its roots, embracing traditional southern U.S. culture without being bombarded by franchised restaurants and shops, so a visit here is a must if you want to get a feel for the genuine cowboy way of life.

There aren't many specific sights to see here, so just spend some time walking around and getting a feel for the quintessentially Texan culture. Walking down the Main Street is a great place to start, as it's lined with lots of bustling shops, bars, and restaurants.

One shop you should definitely peek into is Bandera General Store, a shop selling everything from cowboy boots and hats to gifts, BBQ sauces and ice cream.

The store even has one of only 11 original soda fountains left in the whole of Texas, so if you're in need of an old-school thirst-quencher after your drive, this is the place to go.

Head to Silver Spur Ranch to go horseback riding

Kit yourself out with cowboy attire, hop back in the car and drive 15 minutes down the road to Silver Spur Ranch to go horseback riding. This historic ranch is the ideal place to embrace the last of the Hill Country before you head to San Antonio.

The ranch offers one -hour rides for $45 or two-hour rides for $80 (plus a $5 parking fee), so don your blue jeans, saddle up, and prepare to release your inner cowboy (or girl).

Drive on to San Antonio and have dinner on the Riverwalk

By the time you've arrived in San Antonio and checked into your hotel it will probably be the evening, so make your way to the Riverwalk for a relaxing dinner to top off the day.

This charming portion of the city is made up of walkways that run along the San Antonio River, and is lined with loads of amazing bars and restaurants.

The Riverwalk comes alive with glittering lights at night, so pick a restaurant with tables overlooking the water so you can soak up the atmosphere. You'll be back on day 3 to explore properly, so don't feel guilty about prioritising food this evening.

We've got two restaurant suggestions to give you some inspiration... just avoid Tex-Mex as you'll be feasting on that tomorrow.

Boudro's - Texas bistro Boudro's is a popular spot on the Riverwalk, and serves up hearty seafood and speciality meat dishes as well as soups, salads, and mouth-watering appetisers. Be sure to order their legendary tableside guacamole which they prepare as you watch - you can't get much fresher than this!

Ocho - Situated in a glass conservatory overlooking the river, Ocho wins top marks for location and delicious food. Dishes here draw on both Latin and Texan influences, so expect some really interesting flavour combinations and heaps of old-world charm. They also sell some of the best Margaritas in San Antonio in downstairs Havana Bar, so definitely check that out after your meal.

Stick around for a drink and a stroll along the Riverwalk, then head back to your hotel and call it a night - it's been a long day!

Day 3: San Antonio - visit the Alamo, browse the Historic Market Square & relax in the Japanese Tea Garden

Have a stroll along the riverwalk in daylight, then visit the alamo.

Kick off day 3 with a morning stroll along the Riverwalk. While by night the walk was buzzing with bars and eateries, by day it's a lovely relaxed place for a stroll, with lots of lush foliage and pretty buildings fringing the water.

Have an early morning wander, grab a quick coffee, then head to the Alamo for the rest of the morning.

Officially called the Alamo Mission (or the Misión de Álamo in Spanish), the building dates back to the 18th century and was one of the early Spanish missions in Texas to educate the American Indians on becoming Christian.

It later became a fortress and was famously the site of the Battle of the Alamo against the Mexican Army in 1836. It's essentially a monument that sums up Texan heritage and the bravery of the heroes who refused to surrender during the battle.

Today it's a really interesting historical site to visit, with a beautiful church, a Long Barrack housing an informative exhibition on the site's history, and lovely grounds with a fountain, courtyard and loads of green space to enjoy.

Entry to the Alamo is free, however it relies on donations, so dropping a few dollars into one of the collection pots is encouraged.

Head to the Historic Market Square for lunch

You'll have worked up an appetite after your morning of sightseeing, so make your way to the Historic Market Square for some lunch and a browse; it's around a 20-minute walk west of the Alamo (or a few minutes in the car).

One of the largest Mexican markets outside of Mexico, this lively outdoor plaza is home to over 100 locally-owned stalls and shops selling traditional Talavera pottery, colourful clothing, and handcrafted gifts.

You'll also find traditional music and performances in the market, transporting you straight to Mexico City.

Before you have a proper browse of the stalls, turn your attention to the food on offer and grab some lunch - the market celebrates the best of San Antonio's incredible Tex-Mex scene.

Grab some tacos and craft beer from Viva Villa Taqueria followed by a sweet treat from Mi Tierra Cafe and Bakery, then spend some time looking around, soaking up the atmosphere and buying a few souvenirs.

Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the Japanese Tea Garden

You've explored Spanish culture at the Alamo and experienced Mexican traditions at the Historic Market Square, now it's time for some Japanese heritage at the Japanese Tea Garden.

Located in Brackenridge Park towards the north of the city (you'll probably want to drive), this serene garden brings an unexpected slice of Japan to Texas and is a really beautiful yet underrated attraction to visit.

The garden was originally a rock quarry before being converted into the Japanese Tea Garden in 1917, with walkways, stone bridges, and a traditional pagoda all filling the space.

After extensive restoration between 2005 and 2011, the garden is now home to exotic plants, Japanese Koi fish, and the historic Jinju house.

Take your time enjoying the garden, making sure to check out the stone Pavilion, lily ponds, and waterfall before popping into Jingu House Cafe for a cup of tea to rest your legs; we'd recommend you spend an hour or two making the most of this serene oasis in the heart of the city.

If you've had enough of the garden and still have some time to spare before evening falls, Brackenridge Park is also home to San Antonio Zoo, a golf course and a botanical garden, so there's plenty more to occupy your time.

Have dinner then head to the Pearl District for a drink

Switch back to Texan culture for the evening and grab some dinner before heading to the Pearl District for a drink. This neighbourhood, built from the repurposed Pearl Brewery, is quickly becoming one of the city's trendiest areas.

Either honour the district's past and opt for a pint of one of Southerleigh Brewery's unique craft beers (look out for the quirky names, including 'Texas Uncommon Ale' and 'Koalas, Cocker Spaniels and Unicorns'), or head to Jazz Tx for a classy cocktail and live music.

Whichever you choose, both sum up this neighbourhood perfectly and are a great way to round off your San Antonio itinerary before you move on to Houston in the morning.

Day 4: San Antonio to Houston - drive to Houston, visit the Space Center & explore the city

Drive straight to space center houston.

The drive to Houston from San Antonio takes around three hours and 45 minutes, so you'll want to hit the road as soon as possible after breakfast to arrive at Space Center Houston in the late morning.

World renowned for being the home of NASA Mission Control, it would be wrong not to visit the Space Center on your Houston stop off. Book tickets well in advance to avoid the queues and get stuck in.

This fun and informative centre focuses on teaching its visitors all about space travel, with over 400 space artefacts, loads of exciting exhibitions and interactive displays, and actual flown spacecraft and replicas to explore.

As you can probably tell there's a lot to see here, which could easily cover the rest of the day, so if you're not too fussed about looking around Houston itself feel free to dedicate this leg of the journey exclusively to all things space.

If you'd rather keep some of your afternoon free, we'd advise spending around three hours here and prioritising the areas of the centre you'd like to see most.

Here's a list of what to expect on your visit so you can start planning:

NASA Tram Tour - A trip on the centre's tram will take you on a tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) for a behind-the-scenes look at space exploration. Features include a tour of the astronaut training facility, a look around the historic Mission Operations Control Room (from which NASA led the iconic first lunar landing) and a trip to Rocket Park.

International Space Station Gallery - This interactive gallery offers an insight into the technologies and role of the International Space Station (ISS) and what it's like to live in space, as well as presenting artefacts that have been worn or used during real ISS missions.

Starship Gallery - This area of the Space Center is home to multiple flown spacecraft including Apollo 17 (which made the last Apollo mission to the moon), and Gemini V (which took two astronauts to the moon during the Cold War). Here you'll also be able to touch a piece of genuine moonstone - pretty cool if you ask us.

Independence Plaza - This is definitely one of the centre's highlights. In the Independence Plaza you'll have the opportunity to enter the shuttle replica Independence, which is mounted on top of the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience being on a shuttle, so definitely make sure you squeeze this attraction in.

Mission Mars - This interactive exhibition gives you a feel for what it's like to travel to Mars. Experience a virtual Martian sunset, touch a Mars rock, and look inside a full-size Orion capsule to understand the colossal journey astronauts will have to make to this intriguing planet.

Astronaut Gallery - Home to one of the largest collections of spacesuits in the world, this gallery has examples on display used for everything from training drills to actual moon walks. The main suits to look out for are definitely those worn by the first two American women to go into space; they symbolise some pretty iconic moments in the history of space travel.

Tickets cost $29.95 and include admission to all of the above exhibitions.

Make your way into Houston and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city

If you've finished at the Space Center with some time to spare, drive into Houston and spend some time getting to know the city.

This buzzing metropolis is the most populous city in Texas, home to world-class restaurants, captivating art, an incredible shopping scene and a lively nightlife.

You'll probably be quite museumed-out after your epic visit to the Space Center, so we'd suggest just spending some time walking around the city at a leisurely pace.

Be sure to stroll through a portion of the downtown underground tunnels (a network of climate-controlled walkways connecting hotels, banks, shops and government offices), take a look at the octagonal Rothko Chapel, and snap a photo of the statue of Sam Houston (an important leader of the Texan revolution) in Hermann Park at sunset.

Go for dinner at The Pass & Provisions

When you start to feel those hunger pangs, make your way to The Pass & Provisions for dinner (the best way to get there is to hop in your hire car as the restaurant has both self-parking and a complimentary valet service available).

This two-in-one restaurant offers you a choice between a refined tasting menu served in the formal dining room of The Pass, or a more relaxed and informal experience at Provisions; it's up to you which you go for.

At The Pass, expect an intricate five-course tasting menu ($65) of fresh seasonal ingredients which you can pair with the perfect drink to accompany each course ($110).

The dishes are varied and exciting, and there's also the option to have a vegetarian version of the menu if you want to.

Provisions is more of a hearty affair, with comforting bowls of pasta, indulgent pizzas, and rustic bistro plates served up in a more laid-back environment.

The food is still pretty fancy (think squid ink pasta and duck confit pizza), but on less of a fine-dining level than The Pass.

Enjoy your meal, have a cocktail or two (Provisions) or a glass of wine from their extensive list (The Pass), then head back to your hotel and relax.

Day 5: Houston to Dallas - drive to Dallas, explore the Arts District, discover the history of John F. Kennedy's assassination, & have dinner at the top of Reunion Tower

The drive from Houston to Dallas is another long stretch (around three and a half hours), so drag yourself out of bed for one more early morning to arrive with some sightseeing time before lunch.

Go for a stroll around the Arts District and visit the Dallas Museum of Art or Nasher Sculpture Centre

Spend what's left of the morning having a look around the Dallas Arts District.

Said to be the largest arts district in the country, this area has loads of different arty sights to look at, so have a walk around and pick somewhere to go inside.

We'd recommend opting for either (or both) the Dallas Museum of Art, which houses over 22,000 pieces from the third millennium BC to the present day, or the Nasher Sculpture Centre, which has one of the best collections of contemporary sculptures in the world.

Admission to the Dallas Museum of Art is free, and costs $10 for the Nasher Sculpture Centre.

After you've had your art fix, grab some lunch (both museums have really nice cafes), then swap artwork for history as you make your way to Dealey Plaza for the afternoon.

Head to Dealey Plaza and learn about President John F. Kennedy's assassination

Although it may not be the cheeriest claim to fame, one of the things Dallas is most famous for is being the site of 35th U.S. President John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, and it's an important fragment of history to learn about during your visit.

JFK was fatally shot in Dealey Plaza in Downtown Dallas while riding in an open top car with his wife and then-Texas Governor John Connally. There are a couple of different attractions to visit here related to his death.

The first place to visit is the Sixth Floor Museum, located on the sixth floor of what used to be the Texas School Book Depository, in the very spot where Lee Harvey Oswald is thought to have fired the fatal shots.

The museum examines the life, death, and legacy of the president through historic film clips (including the chilling Zapruder Film of the assassination), artefacts, photographs, and informative displays detailing the events and aftermath of the shooting.

You can even stand in the exact place that Oswald is thought to have pulled the trigger.

With all the conspiracy theories that surround JFK's death, this museum is a fascinating place to get to grips with the full story and speculate about what you think really happened to the President that day.

Entry to the museum costs $18, and it's a good idea to book online in advance.

Once you're clued-up on the facts, head to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Plaza to pay your respects - it's all too easy to get caught up in the theories of what happened and overlook the fact that these exhibitions are there to pay homage to the President's death, not just his story.

The plaza is home to a simple concrete memorial designed by architect and Kennedy family friend Philip Johnson, which is intended to be an enclosed space of refuge away from the bustle of the city.

Its design is a cenotaph, a kind of empty tomb, symbolising the freedom of JFK's spirit, and it's accompanied by some words inscribed into granite squares in the plaza (we'll leave you to discover this epitaph for yourself).

Take your time visiting these monuments, then head to the nearby Commissary Cafe for coffee and cake before having a final wander around downtown Dallas.

Travel tip : Go and visit the Giant Eyeball and the Cattle Drive sculptures in Pioneer Plaza - they're pretty epic sights that'll lift your mood after that sombre afternoon.

Go for dinner at the top of Reunion Tower

After relaxing at your hotel for a bit, head to the Reunion Tower for dinner. This futuristic building is topped with a distinctive glowing ball that offers incredible 360-degree views of the city.

Reserve a table at Five Sixty , a restaurant located right at the top of the tower, where they serve up contemporary Asian dishes and a great selection of exotic beers and sake to accompany your meal.

Aside from the food, one of the best bits about this restaurant is that the whole dining room rotates as you eat, meaning that you really do get to enjoy 360-degree views without even leaving your seat - a dreamy way to celebrate your Texas road trip so far.

Have a long and slow dinner so you get to soak up the views for as long as possible, then make your way back to your hotel and call it a night.

Day 6: Dallas to Fort Worth - drive to Fort Worth to explore its modern art scene & cowboy heritage

Have a lie-in and brunch in dallas then drive to fort worth.

Have a slow start to day 6 - your itinerary has been super busy so far, so you definitely deserve a lie in!

When you're ready, head to All Good Cafe in the Deep Ellum neighbourhood for a hearty brunch.

The menu here has everything from fluffy buttermilk pancakes to classic fried breakfasts, Mexican huevos rancheros, breakfast tacos, and Texas omelettes.

If you're feeling particularly ravenous, go for their 'world's best' chicken-fried steak and eggs - definitely their signature dish that's sure to fill you with energy for the rest of the day.

Once you've eaten, make your way back to the car and hit the road for Fort Worth. This modern-yet-traditional city is located only 32 miles outside of Dallas along route 30, so it shouldn't take you more than around 40 minutes to get there.

Travel tip: Once you get to Fort Worth, we'd recommend you drive between sights rather than walking; the places on your itinerary are a little far apart and there's loads of parking available at each.

Browse the Kimbell Art Museum

There's no better place to continue your Texas art education than at the Kimbell Art Museum, so park up and head straight there once you've arrived in Fort Worth.

This world-class art museum houses an incredible permanent collection that features pieces by some of the most famous artists in history, including Matisse, Picasso, Rembrandt and Goya, that make it one of the best collections in the country.

One really special masterpiece to look out for is The Torment of Saint Anthony by Michelangelo.

The first known painting by this iconic Italian artist, it's believed to have been painted when he was just 12 or 13 before he found his niche as a sculptor. Definitely seek out this little painting as you walk around.

The building itself, designed by renowned architect Louis Kahn, is also a work of art.

Its vaulted ceilings are embedded with skylights that allow natural light to filter into the modern building and illuminate the art; the effect is pretty special.

Admission to the permanent collection is free, however there's a fee to enter some of the exhibitions, so check online ahead of your visit for what's on and how much it will cost.

There is also free parking on site, so don't worry about finding a spot to leave the car.

Enjoy the tranquillity of the Fort Worth Water Gardens

When you're done at the museum, hop back in the car and drive a few minutes east to the Fort Worth Water Gardens, another of this city's must-see sights.

This tranquil urban park is tucked away in bustling downtown Fort Worth and offers visitors a welcome respite from the busy streets.

The gardens are architecturally impressive as well as pleasantly soothing, made up of modern pools, cascading waterfall-style fountains, and tree-lined plazas to explore.

The Active Pool is, however, the undisputed star of the show here.

It features water cascading 38 feet down ledges and steps into a pool at the bottom, and it's possible to walk down amid the water to experience its sounds and motion. If you're fit to walk down the steps then definitely do - it's a really memorable experience!

Go to the Fort Worth Stockyards and watch the cattle drive

Your final stop in Fort Worth is the Stockyards, a little further north of the Water Gardens.

This historic cattle district is steeped in cowboy history, making for quite the contrast from the modern downtown you've explored so far.

Made up of low-rise buildings, cowboy stores, honky-tonk bars and rodeos, you can't get much more Wild West than the Stockyards.

Have a wander around at your own pace, taking in all the cowboy action and dipping into the shops for some souvenirs if you fancy it.

We're leaving your Stockyards itinerary up to you with just one piece of advice: make sure you arrive in time for the 4pm cattle drive.

This twice-daily herd of longhorn cattle is a tradition here that sees real Texas cowhands directing the animals down Exchange Avenue.

Every aspect of the display, from the type of cattle down to the traditional dress of the cowhands, is historically accurate, bringing the Old West to life in this modern city.

If you're worried about the ethical implications of going to a rodeo, the cattle drive is a great alternative.

Spend the evening at Billy Bob's Texas

Owing to the fact that you've just spent the afternoon at the Stockyards and it's your last night in Texas, it seems only fitting to spend the evening at one of the world's biggest honky-tonk bars, Billy Bob's Texas .

This huge 100,000-square-foot country and western nightclub in the Stockyards contains everything cowboy-themed you can think of, including an indoor rodeo arena, dozens of bars, live country music, and an enormous dance floor.

Check ahead on their website to see if anyone is performing the night you're there, and get ready to two-step the night away to celebrate the last night of your ultimate Texas road trip.

Day 7: Fort Worth to Austin - drive back to Austin, see any last minute sights & make your way home

Drive back to austin and make the most of your last few hours in texas.

Day 7 is the final day of your Texas itinerary, and what you do today depends entirely on what time you have to be at the airport to head home.

If you've got a little time to spare, we have a few last minute recommendations:

Bullock Texas State History Museum - For a final history fix, head to the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Detailing over four centuries of Texan history, this is the perfect place to polish your knowledge of the Lone Star State before you head home.

There's loads of great artefacts and exhibits to explore, particularly the impressive renovated shipwreck. Admission costs $12.

Franklin Barbecue - If you'd rather dedicate your final hours in Texas to your taste buds, then standing in line to sample the legendary brisket from Franklin Barbecue , which has been given the thumbs up by former President Barack Obama, is the activity for you.

Get in the queue as early as you can as they close up shop when the food runs out at around 3pm, and leave Texas with a belly full of the best food in town.

Zilker Park - If you'd rather just relax before jetting home, then a trip to Zilker Park should be on the cards.

This large green space is perfect for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or some relaxed sunbathing before you have to head to the airport, making it a great place to unwind.

If you decide that you want a little more excitement than that, Lady Bird lake is the ideal place for some kayaking or stand up paddle boarding in the warmer months.

University of Texas Tower - Another option is to get up high and bid farewell to Austin from the University of Texas Tower. The 45-minute tours of the tower end up at the observation deck, which offers views across the whole city. It's a wonderful way to round out your trip.

Tickets cost $6 and should be bought in advance, and note that the tower closes during winter.

Say goodbye to Texas and head to the airport

Finish up your activity, say goodbye to Austin and hop back into the car to drive to the airport - we hope ya'll had a great time in Texas!

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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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Road trip from Pa to Texas

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Hey all! Me and two of my other friends are planning a trip to Texas for a convention this summer. We've never taken road trips alone, so this would be our first. I've gone on long vacation trips with my parents but they drive usually. We would be switching out drivers every so often of course. I guess what I'm really wondering is, how should I plan it? I'm usually one to plan things but this is all new to me. How would one plan for gas stops and other things? Or should we just be mindful of fuel and fill up whenever we get the chance? Any advice would be great! Thanks! -The Lord Of Time

What you haven't told us.

Hi, and Welcome to the Great American Roadtrip Forum. Before any meaningful advice can be forthcoming, it would be useful to know where in PA you are starting from and where in TX you are heading? Both States are rather large targets. How long do you have for this trip? Since you are new at long trips, you would be best planning on 500 - 550 miles per day - which would keep you on the road around 10-11 hours each day. This would allow for all essential stops, but not a great deal of sightseeing. Switching drivers every couple of hours is a good idea. If you are a member of AAA - which would be a good idea for a long trip like this - go get maps of all the States you will traverse and see what there is along the way, and all the routes available to you. You may like to take a different route there and back. Maps will show you a wealth of information which is not available within the confines of a little screen. I am assuming you are all over 18, otherwise you could have issues with accommodation. Lifey

Hey lifey! We are just a little north of Philadelphia and would be traveling to around Dallas area. The main thing though is its only for the weekend. We wanna plan on driving all the way there in one shot. We might stop occasionally for little things and we'll have to stop of course for food and gas and to stretch. I've already mapped it out and it would take us a total of about 21 hours. To get there in time, we'd have to leave probably mid afternoon or noonish to get to our destination in time and have a little extra time just incase we run into any issues or long stops, we'll have a couple hours extra to burn up. What we want to do is rotate where someone drives for a little, someone navigates and keeps the driver company and the other person either sleeps for a little in the back. considering we dont have the time or funds to allow us to stop along the way and stay somewhere for a night being poor college students and all haha. I am a mamber of AAA so thats good, i could probably look it up, does AAA cover outside of state issues too? I always assumed that it was just for instate but then again its my parents plan and they just gave me a card and said to keep it just incase I need it. I could always ask them too. and yes we are all over 18, were 20, 20 and 23. Like I said, ive taken road trips before with family, even recently as last summer to tennessee and we drove straight there for the 15 or so hours it took, but I didnt plan any of it, it was all my parents doing so im not new to road tripping, im just new to setting on up. I"m usually the guy who does all the setting up for things we do so that I know it will go as planned. :P -Lord Of Time

a recipe for a homicide

I'm sorry, but what you're planning simply can't be done safely and your expectations simply don't match reality. You're talking about a 1500 mile trip. That's something that requires TWO overnight stops to be done safely, no matter how many drivers you have. Despite what online mapping programs will tell you, the trip can't physically be done in 21 hours (They are assuming you'll be able to travel above the speed limit for every minute of the day, without ever stopping, even for gas, to get that number.) In the real world, you're looking at around 27 hours. There simply is no way to drive that distance safely without stopping overnight to sleep. You can't get the kind of real rest you need sitting in a moving car, to operate a 2 ton machine at 70 mph. The simple fact of the matter, is that if you attempt this, over long portions of your trip, your driving skills will actually be as bad or worse than a drunk driver. It's simply a fact of the human body. Even worse, is that you say this is a "weekend" trip, which means in the off chance you make it to Dallas without harming yourself or others - you're going to be beyond exhausted when you arrive and in no condition to do anything. Yet, you're essentially going to have to turn around and do the exact same thing the very next day to come home! If you want to go to Dallas for a weekend, you simply have to fly, there really is no other option. Whatever you have planned in Dallas is not worth risking your lives, and the lives of everyone else on the road - and make no mistake about it - that's exactly what you'd be doing with your current plans.

Michael has just said everything I, and the responsible members of this forums would say. If you are that poor, search for a cheap flight now. You cannot afford to drive... not because of shortage of money, but shortage of time. This is a THREE day trip - each way. Lifey

Furthermore....

Originally Posted by Lordoftime ... we are all over 18, we're 20, 20 and 23. Like I said, I've taken road trips before with family, even recently as last summer to Tennessee and we drove straight there for the 15 or so hours it took, but I didn't plan any of it, it was all my parents ... There is a huge difference between two mature and experienced drivers driving just over 600 miles straight through, and three inexperienced young men, none of whom have even a decade of experience, and two of whom have a bare five years experience, attempting to drive 1500 miles straight through. It is suicidal and homicidal! There are very good reasons why professional drivers are limited to around 600 miles before a compulsory extended rest and sleep. I would venture that you all are a long way short of their experience. No matter what Google tells you, this is a trip to be counted in days, not hours. Lifey

Gee! Thanks guys! I figured it would be next to impossible in one shot like that. This was still just speculation, because we couldn't decide wether we should drive for a road trip to get the experience because you only live once, or we should fly. So I figured I'd see what you smart people had to say. :) I promise we won't try to kill anyone haha :P

It would make a GREAT road trip if you could take 3 days each way to do it! Hotels aren't that expensive once you get away from the northeast and big cities.

Very true, we still have some talking to do. If we were to drive, I Would've wanted to take a little bit to get there so we could stop and see the sites and stuff along the way. Campgrounds are also an option. Although, I'm not really sure how much tent sites range for.

Tent sites at a public campground (state park or similar) generally run about $20 a night. Sometimes a little less, sometimes a little more.

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This Is the Best State for a Summer Road Trip in 2024 — With More Than 9,500 Miles of Scenic Byways

Texas is the best state for a road trip adventure this year.

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

Sing it with me now — "school's out for summer …" And while it may not actually be out "forever," now is at least a very good time to plan a road trip family vacation. And if you're looking for a little inspiration on where to go this summer, WalletHub has a few ideas. 

In June, WalletHub released its report showing the best and worst states for a summer road trip in 2024 and named Texas the best state for a road trip adventure this year. 

To make its findings, WalletHub compared all 50 U.S. states based on 32 metrics, including the number of activities including zoos, amusement parks, national parks, and shoreline miles in each state. It also considered the cost of gas, a hotel, or campsite, crime and highway safety statistics, and more, and gave each state a normalized score out of 100. 

"Texas is the best state for summer road trips, leading the country when it comes to the number of available attractions, especially things like zoos, botanical gardens, and amusement parks. There are plenty of things to make stops at for a day or even just a few hours while taking a road trip," WalletHub shared in its results. It added that the very act of being on the road can be enjoyable enough as the state is home to more than 9,500 miles of scenic byways to travel through. And as far as cost, WalletHub reported that Texas is also home to the second-cheapest 3-star hotel room prices in the nation. 

Joining Texas at the top of the list is Minnesota in second place thanks to its plentiful parks and high safety rating, followed by New York in third for its high number of attractions. It's followed by Louisiana, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Wyoming, Maine, and Pennsylvania rounding out the top 10. 

“Taking a summer road trip can be a very exciting way to experience a new place, but with the prices of gas, food, and accommodations heavily impacted by inflation, you’ll want to be in a state that makes this type of vacation affordable," Cassandra Happe, an analyst at WalletHub, said in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure . "Safe roads are also key, and so is having plenty of worthwhile attractions to stop at along the road. The best states for summer road trips therefore are those that keep costs low while providing the best driving experience and most fun activities.”

See the full rankings at wallethub.com , and make sure to check out this list of essential things to pack on your next road trip before you pull out of the driveaway. 

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Pennsylvania a top-ten summer road trip state. Here's why

A recent study by personal finance resource WalletHub puts Pennsylvania in the top ten of best states for summer road trips.

Here's why WalletHub says you should fill up and cruise through Pennsylvania this summer.

Summer gas prices, attractions drive Pennsylvania to best summer road trip list

WalletHub cited accommodations , gas prices and safety as factors in its " Best and Worst States for Summer Road Trip " list.

"WalletHub compared the 50 U.S. states based on 32 key metrics to find the most fun, scenic and wallet-friendly road-trip destinations," read a portion of WalletHub's methodology. "Our data set ranges from the number of attractions to road conditions to gas and accommodation costs."

Pennsylvania ranked tenth overall on WalletHub's list.

Of the major metrics, Pennsylvania ranked 14th in activities and attractions; 14th in safety; and 32nd in costs.

WalletHub also released a "Best and Worst States for Summer Road Trips" video on YouTube to accompany its findings.

Pennsylvania only Delaware Valley state to make best summer road trip list

Pennsylvania ranked tenth in WalletHub's best summer road trip survey, and is the only state in the immediate region to make the list.

Here's WalletHub's top ten states for summer road trips:

• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania

Delaware and New Jersey didn't fair as well on WalletHub's list.

New Jersey ranked 42nd on WalletHub's best summer road trip list, while Delaware ranked 50th.

The cost of camping in New Jersey — The Garden State ranks as the fifth most expensive state for camping — helped drag down the state's ranking.

The lack of roadway scenery hurt Delaware's ranking.

Delaware ranked 49th in the "scenic byway" category, only ahead of California, which ranked 50th.

Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.

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Texas coasts to No. 1 on new list of best states for summer road trips

HOUSTON, Texas -- Houston is already at the top of the list when it comes to the best summer travel destinations, but the expansive Lone Star State is leading the rest of the nation as the No. 1 state for summer road trips in 2024.

Texas' superior traveling potential was recognized in WalletHub's annual list of the best and worst states for summer road trips , which ranked all 50 states based on their road trip costs, safety, and activities. Over 32 metrics were considered for the study, including each state's average gas prices, road quality, and variety of attractions.

The top states are the ones that have plenty of fun things to do at relatively low costs, and provide "the best driving experience," according to WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe. Texas was also No. 1 in 2023 .

Continue reading this article from our ABC13 partners at Houston CultureMap .

SEE ALSO: Houston soars in Forbes' top 10 best cities for summer travel

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Wallethub ranks Texas No. 1 state to take a road trip. See the rest of the state rankings

Looking for a road trip this summer? Look no further than Texas. 

According to WalletHub , Texas is the best state for road trips.  

Some of their reasoning included available attractions such as zoos, botanical gardens, amusement parks and scenic byways. 

Here is a look at their list. 

Ranking the states as best summer road-trip destinations 

• North Carolina 
• Pennsylvania 
• South Dakota 
• North Dakota 
• South Carolina 
• New Hampshire 
• Mississippi 
• Massachusetts 
• West Virginia 
• New Mexico 
• Washington 
• New Jersey 
• Connecticut
• Rhode Island 

Texas Natural Attractions

Exploring the natural attractions in Texas offers a range of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Here are some must-see natural destinations for a Texas road trip:

Big Bend National Park

• Santa Elena Canyon: Hike along the Rio Grande and enjoy the stunning views of the canyon walls.
• Chisos Basin: Explore the scenic trails and enjoy the panoramic vistas.
• Hot Springs Historic District: Soak in the natural hot springs along the Rio Grande.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

• Guadalupe Peak: Hike to the highest point in Texas for breathtaking views.
• McKittrick Canyon: Explore the colorful foliage and crystal-clear streams, especially beautiful in the fall.
• Salt Basin Dunes: Wander through the vast white gypsum dunes.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park

• Lighthouse Trail: Hike to the iconic Lighthouse rock formation.
• Scenic drives: Enjoy the scenic drives through the second-largest canyon in the U.S.
• Outdoor activities: Participate in horseback riding, mountain biking and camping.

Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

• Enchanted Rock: Climb the massive pink granite dome for stunning views of the Texas Hill Country.
• Hiking trails: Explore the various trails around the rock.
• Stargazing: Experience excellent stargazing opportunities due to the minimal light pollution.

Texas gas prices

There's a lot to see in the state and you're going to stop a lot for gas. According to AAA , the average price of gas in Texas is $3.08. Compared to states like California ($4.81), Michigan ($3.67) and Florida ($3.44) people might save a little more with a Texas road trip.

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Team usa at 2024 paris olympics: list of qualified u.s. athletes.

• Nick Zaccardi

The U.S. Olympic team roster for the 2024 Paris Games will ultimately include more than 500 athletes.

It will be one of, if not the biggest, delegation at the Games, which open July 26.

Athletes will make the team via Olympic Trials, international results and rankings and through discretionary selections into July.

Notable team selection events include:

Swimming trials: June 15-23, Indianapolis Diving trials: June 16-23, Knoxville, Tennessee Track and field trials: June 21-30, Eugene, Oregon Gymnastics trials: June 27-30, Minneapolis

These are the athletes who made the team or mathematically clinched spots so far, pending approval by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. The list will be updated as each new athlete earns a spot.

Archery Catalina GNoriega Casey Kaufhold Jennifer Mucino-Fernandez Brady Ellison

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Basketball Cierra Burdick (3x3) Dearica Hamby (3x3, replaces injured Cameron Brink) Rhyne Howard (3x3) Hailey Van Lith (3x3) Napheesa Collier Kahleah Copper Chelsea Gray Brittney Griner Sabrina Ionescu Jewell Loyd Kelsey Plum Breanna Stewart Diana Taurasi Alyssa Thomas A’ja Wilson Jackie Young Canyon Barry (3x3) Jimmer Fredette (3x3) Kareem Maddox (3x3) Dylan Travis (3x3) Bam Adebayo Devin Booker Stephen Curry Anthony Davis Kevin Durant Anthony Edwards Joel Embiid Tyrese Haliburton Jrue Holiday LeBron James Kawhi Leonard Jayson Tatum

Beach Volleyball Kelly Cheng Sara Hughes Taryn Kloth Kristen Nuss Andy Benesh Chase Budinger Miles Evans Miles Partain

Boxing Jajaira Gonzalez (60kg) Jennifer Lozano (50kg) Morelle McCane (66kg) Alyssa Mendoza (57kg) Joshua Edwards (+92kg) Jahmal Harvey (57kg) Roscoe Hill (51kg) Omari Jones (71kg)

Breaking Sunny Choi Logan Edra Jeffrey Louis Victor Montalvo

Canoe/Kayak Nevin Harrison (canoe sprint) Evy Leibfarth (canoe slalom, kayak slalom, kayak cross) Casey Eichfeld (canoe slalom) Jonas Ecker (kayak sprint) Aaron Small (kayak sprint)

Cycling Haley Batten (mountain) Perris Benegas (BMX freestyle) Savilia Blunk (mountain) Olivia Cummins (track) Chloé Dygert (road, track) Kristen Faulkner (track) Taylor Knibb (road) — also qualified in triathlon Hannah Roberts (BMX freestyle) Felicia Stancil (BMX racing) Jennifer Valente (track) Daleny Vaughn (BMX racing) Lily Williams (track) Alise Willoughby (BMX racing) Riley Amos (mountain) Christopher Blevins (mountain) Marcus Christopher (BMX freestyle) Justin Dowell (BMX freestyle) Matteo Jorgenson (road) Grant Koontz (track) Kamren Larsen (BMX racing) Brandon McNulty (road) Magnus Sheffield (road) Cameron Wood (BMX racing)

Diving Sarah Bacon Kassidy Cook Alison Gibson Jessica Parratto Delaney Schnell Daryn Wright Andrew Capobianco Tyler Downs Greg Duncan Carson Tyler

Equestrian Adrienne Lyle (dressage) Caroline Pamukcu (eventing) Will Coleman (eventing) Boyd Martin (eventing) Marcus Orlob (dressage) Steffen Peters (dressage)

Fencing Anne Cebula (epee) Maia Chamberlain (sabre, team event only) Jackie Dubrovich (foil) Margherita Guzzi Vincenti (epee) Kat Holmes (epee, team event only) Hadley Husisian (epee) Lee Kiefer (foil) Lauren Scruggs (foil) Tatiana Nazlymov (sabre) Magda Skarbonkiewicz (sabre) Elizabeth Tartakovsky (sabre) Maia Weintraub (foil, team event only) Miles Chamley-Watson (foil, team event only) Eli Dershwitz (sabre) Filip Dolegiewicz (sabre, team event only) Colin Heathcock (sabre) Nick Itkin (foil) Alexander Massialas (foil) Gerek Meinhardt (foil) Mitchell Saron (sabre)

Field Hockey Kelsey Bing Leah Crouse Brooke DeBerdine Emma DeBerdine Phia Gladieux Amanda Golini Ally Hammel Ashley Hoffman Karlie Kisha Kelee Lepage Ashley Sessa Meredith Sholder Abby Tamer Megan Valzonis Beth Yeager Maddie Zimmer

Golf Nelly Korda Lilia Vu Rose Zhang Wyndham Clark Collin Morikawa Xander Schauffele Scottie Scheffler

Gymnastics Evita Griskenas (rhythmic) Jessia Stevens (trampoline) Asher Hong (artistic) Paul Juda (artistic) Brody Malone (artistic) Stephen Nedoroscik (artistic) Frederick Richard (artistic) Alexi Shostak (trampoline)

Judo Angelica Delgado (52kg) Maria Laborde (48kg) John Jayne (90kg) Jack Yonezuka (73kg)

Modern Pentathlon Jess Savner (née Davis)

Rugby Kayla Canett Lauren Doyle Alev Kelter Kristi Kishe Sarah Levy Ilona Maher Alena Olsen Ariana Ramsey Steph Rovetti Spiff Sedrick Sammy Sullivan Naya Tapper

Rowing Charlotte Buck (eight) Molly Bruggeman (eight) Nina Castagna (eight coxswain) Olivia Coffey (eight) Teal Cohen (quadruple sculls) Claire Collins (eight) Azja Czajkowski (pair) Emily Delleman (quadruple sculls) Margaret Hedeman (eight) Grace Joyce (quadruple sculls) Emily Kallfelz (four) Kaitlin Knifton (four) Kara Kohler (single sculls) Mary Mazzio-Manson (four) Meghan Musnicki (eight) Lauren O’Connor (quadruple sculls) Molly Reckford (lightweight double sculls) Kelsey Reelick (four) Regina Salmons (eight) Michelle Sechser (lightweight double sculls) Jessica Thoennes (pair) Sophia Vitas (double sculls) Kristi Wagner (double sculls) Madeleine Wanamaker (eight) William Bender (pair) Justin Best (four) Oliver Bub (pair) Chris Carlson (eight) Peter Chatain (eight) Liam Corrigan (four) Ben Davison (double sculls) Clark Dean (eight) Michael Grady (four) Henry Hollingsworth (eight) Sorin Koszyk (double sculls) Nick Mead (four) Rielly Milne (eight coxswain) Evan Olson (eight) Jacob Plihal (single sculls) Pieter Quinton (eight) Nick Rusher (eight) Christian Tabash (eight)

Sailing Lara Dallman-Weiss (mixed dinghy) Daniela Moroz (formula kite) Sarah Newberry Moore (mixed multihull) Erika Reineke (dinghy) Stephanie Roble (49erFX) Maggie Shea (49erFX) Dominique Stater (windsurfing) Ian Barrows (49er) Markus Edegran (formula kite) Hans Henken (49er) David Liebenberg (mixed multihull) Noah Lyons (windsurfing) Stu McNay (mixed dinghy)

Shooting Katelyn Abeln (air pistol, sport pistol) Ada Khorkin (sport pistol) Lexi Lagan (air pistol) Sagen Maddalena (air rifle, smallbore rifle) Ryann Phillips (trap) Austen Smith (skeet) Rachel Tozier (trap) Mary Tucker (air rifle, smallbore rifle) Dania Vizzi (skeet) Vincent Hancock (skeet) Will Hinton (trap) Rylan Kissell (air rifle) Henry Leverett (rapid fire pistol) Derrick Mein (trap) Conner Prince (skeet) Ivan Roe (air rifle, smallbore rifle) Keith Sanderson (rapid fire pistol)

Skateboarding Mariah Duran (street) Paige Heyn (street) Ruby Lilley (park) Poe Pinson (street) Minna Stess (park) Bryce Wettstein (park) Gavin Bottger (park) Tate Carew (park) Jagger Eaton (street) Nyjah Huston (street) Chris Joslin (street) Tom Schaar (park)

Soccer Korbin Albert Sam Coffey Tierna Davidson Crystal Dunn Emily Fox Naomi Girma Lindsey Horan Casey Krueger Rose Lavelle Catarina Macario Casey Murphy Alyssa Naeher Jenna Nighswonger Trinity Rodman Jaedyn Shaw Sophia Smith Emily Sonnett Mallory Swanson

Sport Climbing Natalia Grossman (combined) Emma Hunt (speed) Piper Kelly (speed) Brooke Raboutou (combined) Colin Duffy (combined) Jesse Grupper (combined) Zach Hammer (speed) Samuel Watson (speed)

Surfing Caroline Marks Carissa Moore Caity Simmers Griffin Colapinto John John Florence

Swimming Phoebe Bacon Katharine Berkoff Erika Connolly Mariah Denigan (open water) Kate Douglass Erin Gemmell Katie Grimes (pool, open water) Torri Huske Lilly King Katie Ledecky Paige Madden Simone Manuel Anna Peplowski Alex Shackell Regan Smith Alex Walsh Gretchen Walsh Emma Weber Claire Weinstein Abbey Weitzeil Emma Weyant Jack Alexy Hunter Armstrong Shaine Casas Brooks Cury Caeleb Dressel Matt Fallon Nic Fink Bobby Finke Carson Foster Chris Guiliano Thomas Heilman Ryan Held Luke Hobson David Johnston (pool, open water) Keaton Jones Chase Kalisz Drew Kibler Matt King Josh Matheny Ryan Murphy Blake Pieroni Ivan Puskovitch (open water) Aaron Shackell Kieran Smith Charlie Swanson Luca Urlando Luke Whitlock

Table Tennis Rachel Sung Amy Wang Lily Zhang Kanak Jha

Taekwondo Faith Dillon Kristina Teachout Jonathan Healy CJ Nickolas

Tennis* Danielle Collins Coco Gauff Desirae Krawczyk (doubles) Emma Navarro Jessica Pegula Chris Eubanks Taylor Fritz Marcos Giron Austin Krajicek (doubles) Tommy Paul Rajeev Ram (doubles) *Madison Keys, Nicole Melichar-Martinez, Sebastian Korda and Ben Shelton met international rankings qualification criteria but were not on the named roster. Frances Tiafoe would have inherited Shelton’s spot but was not on the named roster (and retired from a June 17 match with an injury). It’s common for some tennis players to opt out of the Olympics to play summer hard-court tournaments in the U.S. instead.

Track and Field Nia Akins Valarie Allman Brittany Brown Aaliyah Butler Val Constien Vashti Cunningham Tara Davis-Woodhall Annette Echikunwoke Kendall Ellis Veronica Fraley Rachel Glenn Anna Hall Alexis Holmes Marisa Howard Chase Jackson Melissa Jefferson Weini Kelati Dakotah Lindwurm McKenzie Long Jasmine Moore Fiona O’Keeffe DeAnna Price Jaida Ross Sha’Carri Richardson Raven Saunders Emily Sisson TeeTee Terry Gabby Thomas Courtney Wayment Juliette Whittaker Allie Wilson Chris Bailey Heath Baldwin Kenny Bednarek Joseph Brown James Corrigan Freddie Crittenden Ryan Crouser Andrew Evans Grant Fisher Quincy Hall Cole Hocker Grant Holloway Sam Kendricks Fred Kerley Hobbs Kessler Woody Kincaid Erriyon Knighton Leonard Korir Joe Kovacs Noah Lyles Conner Mantz Chris Nilsen Michael Norman Yared Nuguse Payton Otterdahl Daniel Roberts Harrison Williams Jacob Wooten Clayton Young Nico Young Zach Ziemek

Triathlon Kirsten Kasper Taylor Knibb — also qualified in cycling Taylor Spivey Morgan Pearson Seth Rider

Volleyball Lauren Carlini Annie Drews Jordan Larson Chiaka Ogbogu Kathryn Plummer Jordyn Poulter Dana Rettke Kelsey Robinson Cook Avery Skinner Jordan Thompson Haleigh Washington Justine Wong-Orantes Matt Anderson Taylor Averill Micah Christenson T.J. DeFalco Max Holt Thomas Jaeschke Jeff Jendryk Micah Ma’a Garrett Muagututia Aaron Russell Erik Shoji David Smith

Water Polo Emily Ausmus Rachel Fattal Jenna Flynn Kaleigh Gilchrist Ashleigh Johnson Amanda Longan Maddie Musselman Ryann Neushul Tara Prentice Jordan Raney Jewel Roemer Jovana Sekulic Maggie Steffens Alex Bowen Luca Cupido Hannes Daube Chase Dodd Ryder Dodd Ben Hallock Drew Holland Johnny Hooper Max Irving Alex Obert Marko Vavic Adrian Weinberg Dylan Woodhead

Weightlifting Jourdan Delacruz (49kg) Olivia Reeves (71kg) Mary Theisen-Lappen (81+kg) Wes Kitts (102kg) Hampton Morris (61kg)

Wrestling Kennedy Blades Amit Elor Sarah Hildebrandt Helen Maroulis Kayla Miracle Dom Parrish Kamal Bey Aaron Brooks Adam Coon Kyle Dake Payton Jacobson Spencer Lee Mason Parris Joe Rau Zain Retherford Kyle Snyder

Stopping Point Calculator

Plan a road trip with stops.

Travelmath helps you figure out where to stop when planning a long road trip from one location to another. The best stopping point for an overnight hotel stay or a break from driving often depends on how far or how long you want to drive before pausing to rest. You can find the closest city to your stopping point to look for hotels, or explore other cities and towns along the route. Use this as a road trip planner when you're driving cross-country or mapping a route with multiple stops.

You can also calculate the halfway point between cities, the total driving distance or driving time , or get a budget for your next road trip.

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The 10 best states for summer road trips, ranked

• WalletHub released a report ranking the best US states for summer road trips.
• States were ranked across 32 metrics including gas prices, safety, and number of attractions.
• Texas was ranked the best state for summer road trips, followed by Minnesota and New York.

If you're determined to take a road trip this summer but aren't sure where to go, consider one of these 10 states ranked by WalletHub as the best summer road-trip destinations.

To determine the best states for summer road trips, WalletHub, a personal-finance website, measured 32 metrics in each state across three overall categories: costs, safety, and activities.

Each state's road trip potential was determined by examining factors such as gas prices, safety, and the number of attractions including amusement parks, historical sites, and national parks .

These 10 states earned the highest scores in WalletHub's ranking.

10. Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania ranked 32nd in costs and 14th in both safety and activities, according to WalletHub.

Popular road-trip destinations include views of Amish country along Route 30 and historic sites such as Gettysburg and the Liberty Bell.

In addition to numerous scenic byways, Maine is also home to Acadia National Park, one of the most-visited national parks in the US.

WalletHub found that Maine had the lowest average cost of car repairs out of any state. Maine was also the safest state, taking the top spot in WalletHub's safety ranking. It scored 29th in costs and 30th in activities.

Camping prices in Wyoming are the second-lowest in the country — perfect for visiting hot spots like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Wyoming was also the fifth-safest state in WalletHub's ranking and placed 22nd in activities.

7. North Carolina

North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway helped the state rank fourth for the most scenic byways and seventh in WalletHub's overall activities ranking. It was also 17th in costs and 34th in safety.

Ohio features a mix of natural wonders like Cuyahoga Valley National Park, touristy spots like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and quirky roadside attractions like the world's largest basket .

It's the second-cheapest state for car repairs behind Maine, contributing to its ranking of 21st in costs. WalletHub also ranked Ohio 24th in safety and 13th in activities.

Florida is tied with Alaska, Hawaii, California, and Washington for the state with the highest percentage of total area designated as national parkland. It also has attractions like Disney World , placing it second in WalletHub's activities ranking (California, the home of Disneyland, snagged the top activities spot).

Florida ranked 23rd in costs, but last in safety.

4. Louisiana

Louisiana has the third-lowest average gas prices, contributing to its first-place pick in WalletHub's costs ranking. It ranked ninth in activities and 46th in safety.

New Orleans offers a plethora of live music, Cajun restaurants, and lively festivals, but there's also plenty of wildlife to see in Louisiana's famous wetlands.

3. New York

New York is full of fascinating tourist sites with the second-most National Historic Landmarks per capita, placing it third in WalletHub's activities ranking. It ranked 40th in costs and 12th in safety.

In addition to the densely packed streets of New York City, upstate New York offers hiking trails, historic mansions , and views of Niagara Falls.

2. Minnesota

Minnesota ranked 12th in costs and 20th in activities. WalletHub found that the state has the third-fewest vehicle fatalities per million miles, contributing to its ranking of seventh in safety overall.

Minnesota also has the fourth-most fairs and festivals per capita in the summertime — the Minnesota State Fair in particular is legendary for its over-the-top culinary offerings.

With over 9,500 miles of scenic byways, numerous famous attractions including The Alamo and the Space Center Houston, and affordable accommodations, WalletHub ranked Texas the No. 1 state for summer road trips in 2024. It topped WalletHub's list with rankings of 11th in costs, 39th in safety, and fifth in activities.

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