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How Long Does It Take to Drive Across Texas? (Essential Tips)

Texas is a vast and diverse state and one of the most interesting states to drive through. While you can pass through a handful of states in several hours when traveling through certain parts of the country, Texas will often take you an entire day to get across.

In this article, I’ll explain to you how long it takes to drive across Texas when going through five different routes. I’ll also give you some tips and recommendations that you want to keep in mind when making your legendary journey across the Lone Star State.

Table of Contents

How long does it take to drive across Texas?

With minimal stops, the longest routes from east to west or north to south across Texas will typically take you between 12 and 14 hours but if you hit traffic driving through major metropolitan areas or take long breaks, the drive could be closer to 15 hours.

Even if you take short breaks and push the speed limit, driving across Texas is usually a full-day event.

Tip: Use the free app WalletFlo to help you travel the world for free by finding the best travel credit cards and promotions!

Tips for driving across Texas

Be ready for high speed limits.

On a lot of interstates in Texas you can expect the speed limit to range from 70 to 75 mph. On some highway sections , like on I-10 between Kerrville and El Paso, the speed limit is 80 mph!

You can usually get away with going 5 to 10 miles per hour over the speed limit but some patrol officers may decide to enforce the speed limits more strictly on the higher end of that range and beyond.

The best way to stay out of trouble with highway patrol is to utilize the app, Waze .

It will show you where the police have been reported and in my experience, after using it on dozens of road trips covering thousands of miles , it works amazingly well to give you notice about the po-pos.

Also, what works really well is finding a “George.”

A George is a vehicle that you follow as they speed ahead and become a sacrificial lamb of sorts for traffic stops.

Watch out for speedsters

Speaking of speed limits, you will undoubtedly come across a lot of vehicles driving very fast on these interstate highways.

It’s not uncommon to be driving 90 mph and still just be more or less going along with the flow of traffic.

If you stay out of the fast lane the speedsters should not be a problem for you in the vast majority of cases.

If anyone is ever flashing their lights behind you, that is a sign that you are in the way and your best course of action would be to promptly change lanes and allow the vehicle to pass you.

Avoid traffic in the major cities

When crossing through Texas, most routes will take you through the major cities and in those cities you can generally expect to have some pretty terrible traffic during rush hour.

This includes cities like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

Rush hour can vary based on where exactly in the state/city you are but generally you can expect it to occur on weekdays at 5 PM and 8 AM ( plus or minus 1 hour ).

Driving right through the heart of the cities is nice because you get to view the impressive skylines and get a sense of what the city looks like but in some cases you can save a lot of time and headache by routing through the outskirts of the city.

Once again, utilizing Waze is a great way to efficiently move through congested areas.

You’ll also find express lanes through the cities and if you have two or more passengers you can usually take advantage of these.

Make a stop at Buc-ees

If you’re looking for a gold-standard gas station to stop at that has a vast selection of foods and snacks along with super clean bathrooms then you definitely want to stop at Buc-ees .

Open 24 hours a day, for a lot of Texans no road trip is complete without a stop at Buc-ees.

If you are heading along I-10 near Houston, the city of Katy has a Buc-ees with the world’s longest car wash.

And if you are heading through the Hill Country in New Braunfels, you’ll find the largest Buc-ees which is also the largest convenience store in the world !

Related: Buc-ee’s Ultimate Guide  

Respect the fast lane & learn how to say thanks in Texan

When traveling on the interstate or any multi-lane highway, you only should stay in the fast lane (the far left lane) if you are passing or if you are going at least as fast as every car around you.

If you are traveling on one of the smaller highways with only one lane, you’ll likely find a lot of Texas drivers to be quite courteous.

When drivers can sense you are needing to pass them they often steer closer to the shoulder to make it easier for you to pass.

If this happens to you a common way to say “thanks” is to flash your hazard lights a couple of times after you pass the car.

After you pass, look to your rear view mirror and you might see the car flash their headlights which is their way of saying “you’re welcome.”

Plan your gas stops in West Texas

Once you get past Austin and San Antonio, also known as the I-35 corridor, you’ll start to notice that gas stations are not as common to find.

And as you start to enter the desert terrain of West Texas, gas stations can be located pretty far apart. My rule of thumb is to always fill up if I am passing a gas station and my vehicle is around half a tank.

I’ve definitely had some pretty close calls in the past and running out of gas in the middle of nowhere Texas is not necessarily something I’m wanting to experience, especially when the summers can be sweltering.

Related: 56 Most Beautiful Places in the USA

Texas interstate map

Below you can see all of the major interstates that run through Texas. Most of the routes I discuss below are on the interstates but some do go through smaller highways.

When people talk about traveling through or across Texas, they generally are talking about traveling on I-10 and I-20, which run east and west across the widest part of the state.

Less common, some people might take a north and south approach which would involve interstates like I-35, I-27, and even I-45.

Of course, you can also take any of the hundreds of different highways to get through the state.

Something that is pretty fascinating is that Texas has way more lane miles than any other state. So there is no shortage of roads in Texas.

Routes across Texas

I-10 (orange to el paso).

• 13 hours, 12 minutes; 874 miles

This route will take you all the way across Texas by just staying on one highway: Interstate 10. This is probably my favorite route to take across Texas.

You’ll get a tiny taste of the piney woods in the east and head through the bayous and marshes surrounding the sprawling metropolis of Houston, where you can check out attractions like the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site .

A few hours from Houston, you’ll pass through San Antonio and then head through the beautiful rolling green landscape of the Texas Hill Country.

When the bluebonnets are blooming in spring, this can be an extremely scenic drive and you might even consider hopping off the interstate to explore smaller highways with tons of vivid bluebonnets.

After you pass through the Texas Hill Country, you’ll start to hit more mountainous terrain in West Texas as you make your way through 80 mph speed limits and small towns like Fort Stockton and Van Horn which are often used as pitstops along the way.

Tip: Quality hotels in these smaller cities can sell out surprisingly quickly so if you are intending on making a pitstop you may want to book a little bit in advance.

Eventually, you’ll wind up in El Paso, Texas and you’ll be adjacent to both New Mexico and the international border of the US and Mexico. In this region, you’ll find a lot of mountainous terrain that many people never associate with Texas.

This is my favorite route because I-10 cuts through just about every type of geographic region and terrain that Texas has to offer.

You don’t quite get to experience the high plains and rolling plains of North Texas but some of the scenery in West Texas is pretty similar to that so in my book this is the ultimate route to get across Texas on.

 I-20 and I-30 (Texarkana to El Paso)

• Estimated time: 12 hours, 18 minutes; 832 miles

If you are starting or ending in Arkansas then this is the likely route you will take to get across Texas.

After starting out from Texarkana, you’ll venture through the beautiful prairies and lakes region of North Texas and then get to experience both Dallas and Fort Worth. Try to avoid the DFW area during rush hour because that could easily add on a lot to your time.

Once you get out towards Abilene, a huge stretch of this road is going to be through rolling plains and wide open spaces. You’ll see a lot of oil fields, wind turbines, and cotton fields when you get out in the open. Phone service may be very spotty.

One interesting pitstop along the way is on I-20 in West Texas where you can find Monahans Sandhills State Park — one of the only places with sand dunes in Texas.

Did you know? Texarkana is closer to Chicago than it is to El Paso, Texas.

I-27 and I-37 (Texhoma to Brownsville)

• Estimated time: 13 hours, 26 minutes; 886 miles

If you want to take the absolute longest stretch of road through Texas then you can go from north to south or vice versa.

Right on the border of Texas and Oklahoma you’ll find Texhoma, with a population of around 1,000 people.

You’re not gonna find much up in the Panhandle of Texas but along the way you’ll be able to hit up cities like Amarillo, Lubbock, and San Antonio, eventually making your way through the South Texas Plains and brush country.

Coming from the north, your ultimate destination will be Brownsville, Texas. The city gets a bad rap but it has a ton of history to check out if you are ever in the area.

Doing this route is cool because it’s not as popular as the typical east to west routes most people travel on.

Compared to all of the people who have driven across the state between New Mexico and Oklahoma, it’s probably a much smaller group of people who have made the drive between Texhoma and Brownsville.

Did you know? In Texas , “the longest straight-line distance in a general north-south direction is 801 miles from the northwest corner of the Panhandle to the extreme southern tip of Texas on the Rio Grande below Brownsville.”

 I-35, I-37, US-77 (Gainesville to Brownsville)

• Estimated time: 9 hours, 10 minutes; 612 miles

If you don’t want to take on the monster route from the very northern tip of the Panhandle of Texas, a more tame north-south route would be going from the more southern border of Oklahoma and Texas down to the tip of Texas.

This is a pretty interesting route because you can head through the prairies of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and then explore some other interesting cities in Texas like Waco, Austin, San Antonio, and even Corpus Christi.

This route will also take you through New Braunfels via I-35 which means you can stop at the largest convenience store in the world (Buc-ees) which is over 68,000 square feet!

Compared to the routes above, you’ll be heading through much more civilization but that also means you might be dealing with a lot more traffic so be prepared.

I-40 (Benonine to Hereford)

• Estimated time: 2.5 hours; 178 miles

Just like I-10, you can get across Texas with one single highway: I-40.

Traveling laterally across the Texas panhandle is kind of cheating in my opinion but this is still technically one way to get across Texas via the interstate system.

On this route, which comes with minimal bragging rights, you’ll have the privilege of traveling through the high plains and the famous city of Amarillo, Texas.

This will give you a chance to check out things like the Cadillac Ranch, US Route 66, and the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum.

Traveling across Texas is sort of a personal achievement because of how vast the state is. For the most part, driving across the state is going to be an all day event even for people who take little to no breaks on the drive.

Whether you were traveling north to south or east to west, you’ll be surprised at how diverse the landscape is and how truly open and beautiful the state is.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

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Takes considerably longer if you’re waltzing. 😀

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How Long Does It Take To Drive Across Texas?

No matter how you come at it, Texas is one big-ass state.

With their motto “Everything is bigger in Texas,” they seem to take immense pride in the fact.

And they have every right.

No state, save Alaska, matches the Lone Star State in terms of sheer girth.

At over 800 miles at its widest, Texas is a pit stop, double fill-up, overnight kind of place.

(Or a heck of a long drive if you want to get through its widest part in a single day.)

But at its narrowest, Texas is one of the skinniest states to drive across, only beaten by the diminutive New England states, Upper Idaho, and beach-body-ready Florida.

If you’re wondering how long it takes to drive across Texas, we assume you mean the traditional meaning of “across,” from east to west or west to east.

And how long it takes to drive across the state greatly depends on whether you’re in the north, the south, or somewhere in between.

How Long Does It Take To Drive Across Texas on I-10?

I-10 is one of the two interstates that goes all the way across Texas.

It’s also the southernmost east-west interstate.

It enters Texas in Orange (near Beaumont) in the east and in Anthony (near El Paso) in the west.

Along the way, it passes through Houston, San Antonio, and El Paso.

The distance across Texas on I-10 is roughly 870 miles (to get to its westernmost point) and takes 12 ½ hours to drive.

How Long Does It Take To Drive Across Texas on I-20/I-10?

I-20 is an interstate that goes through most of Texas, before meeting up with I-10 in the far west of the state.

It enters Texas in Waskom (just west of Shreveport, Louisiana) in the east and merges with I-10 in Scroggins Draw in the west.

Along the way, it passes through Dallas, Fort Worth, and Midland.

This combined path of interstates cuts most directly across the middle of the state and is the closest you’ll get to driving straight across Texas. 

The distance across Texas on I-20, meeting up with I-10, is roughly 815 miles and takes just over 11 ½ hours to drive.

How Long Does It Take To Drive Across Texas on I-30/I-20/I-10?

I-30 is a short interstate that connects only two states – Texas and Arkansas.

It enters Texas in Texarkana in the east and merges with I-20 west of Fort Worth.

Along the way, it passes through Dallas and Fort Worth.

The I-30/I-20/I-10 path cuts similarly to the I-20/I-10 path across the center of the state and is the second closest you’ll get to driving straight across Texas. 

The distance across Texas on I-30 to I-20 to I-10 is roughly 825 miles and takes around 12 hours to drive.

How Long Does It Take To Drive Across Texas on I-40?

Now that we’ve talked about how long a drive across Texas can be, it’s time to talk about just how short a drive across Texas can be.

If you drive across Texas on I-40 (the other interstate that goes all the way across the state), you drive through the panhandle, a trip that feels like a relative blip compared to the other major routes.

I-40 enters Texas in Shamrock in the east and near Glenrio in the west.

Along the way, it passes through Amarillo.

The distance across Texas on I-40 (the northernmost interstate in the state) is just over 175 miles and takes about 2 ½ hours to drive.

Of course, it’s debatable whether driving through the panhandle counts as “driving across Texas.”

Texas Interstate Drive Times

And there it is, the 4-1-1 on driving across Texas.

To sum up, here’s a handy chart on how long it takes to drive across Texas on every east-west interstate.

Plus, you know, the extra time you’ll need for all those barbecue stops.

Road Trippin’ USA: Heading West Across Texas

Explore the rural highways of the Austin-to-San Angelo route with us.

KristinVShaw

America is a vast country with tons of highways, roads, streets, avenues, and dirt paths crisscrossing every which way. If you like to drive, exploring as many segments of that web of pathways becomes a passion, and seeing new places through the windshield a must. I don't want a car that drives me, I want to drive the car; a road trip is the best way to enjoy the ride.

Thinking about navigating a new course? I'm starting a series to ignite your road-trip daydreams. Here’s my first recommendation, starting from my home city: Austin to San Angelo, Texas.

Fast Highways

I met and married a native Texan and moved to Austin in 2008, and we love it. Even after 15 years here, there is still so much of the state we haven’t seen. It's massive: spanning more than 260,000 square miles, Texas is the largest state in the continental U.S. and contains the most roadway.

My husband’s parents are from west Texas, and Will grew up in Midland. The first time I visited Midland, I was struck by the sheer flatness; one could gaze into the distance and view goes on and on forever. And that’s saying something, since I grew up amidst steady, parallel rows of corn in Indiana .

One of the most striking things about traveling through Texas is the speed. Just outside of Austin, Highway 130 has a posted speed limit of 85 mph, which is the highest in the country. Aptly, America’s fastest road leads to the Circuit of the Americas, where F1 drivers burn rubber in the fall . The very first time I drove this tollway was in a sleek Ferrari F430 , owned by an exotics rental company. I’d talked my way into reviewing it for local coverage early in my career and couldn’t believe they were letting me behind the wheel.

The owner of the company sat in the passenger seat and as we approached the brand-new on-ramp to Highway 130, he urged me to floor it.

“Floor it?” I repeated, dazed.

“Yes,” he insisted.

I kissed three digits and then slowed back down to the speed limit just as quickly; a speeding ticket would have ruined my day and a crash at high speed is stupid. It was thrilling all the same, the sensation of flying down a flat, perfectly smooth ribbon of asphalt. Large swaths of Texas are even more wide open, with stretches of road dotted by just a few other cars as you pass by cows, sheep, goats, deer, and oil-producing pumpjacks.

Over Thanksgiving, my family and I piloted a new Nissan Frontier Pro-4X . Equipped with a 310-hp 3.8-liter V6 and Bilstein off-road shocks, this truck is ideal for ranch work, and we piled in loads of wood and moved supplies from the house to the barn. But even on the highway, I really appreciated the Zero Gravity seats that make even a long drive comfortable from start to finish. I parked it right next to my father-in-law's first-gen Nissan Titan, which is still running fine after nearly two decades.

Exploring the Rural Parts of Hill Country

Heading west across Highway 71 toward Llano, the Hill Country is a part of the Lone Star State that visitors can’t seem to comprehend. A fair part of Texas is flat, especially west Texas, but the section between Austin’s Travis County and northwest to Menard County is varied. Vistas sweep through Horseshoe Bay, where Ford hosts a Bronco Off-Roadeo site, through the town of Llano.

When arriving in Llano, park the car at Cooper’s for some of the best barbecue in the world . There, I said it. Kansas City, Memphis, Atlanta, you’ve got nothing on Cooper’s brisket. Cross over the Roy Inks bridge after passing the courthouse and then you have a decision to make: go northwest toward Brady or choose the Mason-to-Menard route nearly straight west. Brady has a few fantastic antique stores and an excellent mechanic shop (as I discovered when my HHR SS overheated along the way). Mason has Nacho’s Café, Rico Café, and the beautiful and historic Seaquist House .

Either way, the road passes through Eden (which has a quirky, eternally optimistic Garden of Eden Park) and on to San Angelo. One of the largest cities in the United States without an interstate running through it, San Angelo is a small town at heart even with over 100,000 residents. The university has a big presence, as does the Goodfellow Air Force base.

Surrounding the city and heading toward Mertzon, where my father-in-law’s family settled five generations ago, livestock roams across thousands of acres of ranch land. The roads are well kept in Texas and the highway system cleverly laid out; it took me some time to get used to the feeder roads and tangles of overpasses when I first moved here, but once I did it became clear how the cities avoid total gridlock.

Wide Open Spaces

On the way back to Austin, take Toe Nail Trail through Christoval to pass by the tiniest functioning post office I’ve ever seen and a 40-year-old vineyard growing riesling, tempranillo, petite sirah, vermentino, and Mourvèdre grapes. Once again, between cities the roads are wide open and smooth, and having a vehicle made for speed helps make the drive feel shorter.

This time, I was testing a Dodge Hornet GT clad in an Acapulco Gold finish. It feels like a compact missile, much like its Alfa Romeo Tonale counterpart, zipping from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine generating 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, the Hornet GT offered a lively ride on undulating roads that felt like kiddie roller coaster, but much better.

Of course, we had to leave the Yeti behind and couldn't stock up on firewood because of the smaller cabin, but that's okay. We'll be back.

Got tips? Send them to [email protected].

How long does it take to drive across Texas?

Being the second largest state in the United States, Texas has a lot to offer travelers. It shares a border with four other states as well as Mexico. Journeying from one side to the other is only a few days' traveling time whatever your route, meaning there are no long commitments when it comes to this road trip.

You can expect to be driving for up to 12 hours from the border of Louisiana to the edge of New Mexico, but to avoid feeling any pressure and to make sure you can see the many delights Texas has to offer, we recommend you allow yourself a minimum of a few days.

Read on to discover the different routes for traveling across the state. You'll find everything you need to book your next adventure in the Lone Star State.

Unlike squarer states, Texas is a complicated shape meaning that there's no easy answer to this question. There are five different options to consider, each varying in the number of miles and time required to complete the journey.

The benefit of this is that there are different options that can cater to your specific needs and requirements. The most popular routes are I-10 in the south or I-40 in the north - but which route you choose from the table below is up to you.

There are several ways to drive across Texas

As outlined in the above table, there are five different routes across Texas. The most common route, but also the busiest, is the route from Shreveport in Louisiana to El Paso at the edge of the Mexican border. This route clocks in at around 11 hours, and that's not factoring in stop times for gas, food, and water.

Don't let the 11-hour timeframe worry you. You can simply swap drivers throughout the day or stop somewhere overnight to rest up before hitting the road again the next day.

You may instead opt to take one of the less popular northern routes. The Erick to San Jon journey is the shortest of them all at 2 hours 30 minutes, while Texarkana to San Jon will take over 8 hours to complete.

You can drive across Texas from the Mexican border

There are 29 border crossings into Texas from Mexico. Which you use depends on where in the United States you're trying to get to. Most people will enter the state via the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge or Laredo.

Once in Texas, you'll need to establish where to leave the state. The most popular exit points are into Arkansas or Louisiana. Entry into Arkansas is achieved on I-30, while entry into Louisiana would be easiest via I-10.

From Laredo to the border of Louisiana takes 6 hours 30 minutes, shaving two hours off the travel time when compared to those entering the state of Arkansas.

Don't forget to factor in the time it'll take to cross borders. This can vary from day-to-day, but being prepared for any eventuality will reduce stress on the day.

You can drive through the Texas Panhandle across Northern Texas

If you are looking to drive across Northern Texas, there are a few straightforward ways to do so. The three common entrance points are located through Texarkana from Arkansas, along I-20 from Shreveport in Louisiana and on I-40 from Oklahoma.

You will find the common exit points from Texas into the state of New Mexico on I-40 from Amarillo or on I-10 from El Paso.

How to drive across Texas as fast as possible

If you're worried about the journey, here are our top tips for how to travel across Texas as quickly as possible.

Ease the stress of the trip by having two drivers who can swap at intervals. This will reduce the amount of time you need to pull over and delay your journey.

You should also avoid driving at night, when Texas law enforces lower speed limits. Sundays are best due to there being significantly less traffic on the road.

Use a fuel-efficient car if you can to avoid needing to pull over too often for gas. Regularly stopping at the gas station will slow you down and take time away from enjoying the majestic Texas scenery.

Things to keep in mind while driving across Texas

When planning your journey, try to factor in how often you'll need to stop along the way. Fuel-efficient cars, for example, will need to stop less often for gas. With most routes being at least 8 hours, you're going to want to take a few rest stops too.

The traffic in Texas can be especially busy if you're taking one of the more popular routes, like the southern route across the state. This is because it is used by lorries to transport goods across the United States. The best practice is to avoid rush hours and take quieter detours where necessary.

It's a good idea to prepare yourself for I-10 road we mentioned earlier. With 26 lanes, it can get incredibly busy. To avoid getting stuck in traffic, travel outside of peak times. You should also pay special attention to speed limits as these change across different parts of the state.

The route from the Louisiana border to the New Mexico border takes up to 12 hours in total, assuming you don't face any delays or take more than a few quick rest stops.

Coming up against issues en route may cause anxiety unless you factor in this potential disruption beforehand and complete the trip over a 2-3 days.

By adding an overnight stop, you'll have the opportunity to explore local eateries and bars, and properly rest ahead of the following day's drive.

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Ready to hit the road and experience the best of Texas? If you want a Texas road trip where you travel across the Lone Star State, traveling from the east to the far west – we’ve got you! There can be many different ways to drive across the state, but this guide offers a scenic route with stops at some of the must-see cultural and tourist spots in Texas, from the quaint town of Jefferson to the sprawling deserts of El Paso.

Start your Texas road trip in Jefferson, a town that feels like a step back in time with its beautifully preserved architecture and oak-lined streets. It’s a perfect snapshot of Southern charm and history. While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to explore the serene waters of Big Cypress Bayou. Whether you’re up for a leisurely boat tour or a quiet afternoon fishing, the bayou offers a peaceful escape into nature.

After you’ve had your fill of Jefferson’s historical sights, make your way to Joseph’s Riverport Barbecue for some of the best-smoked meats in East Texas. Grab a plate of their famous brisket, slathered in a rich, homemade BBQ sauce, and you’ll quickly see why it’s a must-visit for anyone passing through Jefferson.

Caddo Lake State Park

As you continue your journey westward, make sure to stop at Caddo Lake State Park. This unique natural treasure is known for its enchanting cypress swamps draped in Spanish moss, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale. The tranquil waters are perfect for kayaking or canoeing, offering a peaceful way to connect with nature and maybe even spot some local wildlife.

Paddle quietly, and you might catch glimpses of alligators sunning themselves or hear the distant calls of owls and other birds nestled among the trees.

Nacogdoches

Drive southwest on US-59 S and go to Nacogdoches, proudly known as the oldest town in Texas. This small town is rich in history and charm, with well-preserved buildings and lush public gardens inviting a leisurely stroll. Be sure to visit the Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library to get a taste of 19th-century life in Texas, and don’t miss the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden, where the vibrant flowers bloom colorfully in the spring.

While you’re soaking up the history and charm of Nacogdoches, make sure to swing by Dolli’s Diner for a bite. This cozy spot is the perfect place to fuel up with a hearty American breakfast or lunch.

Drive on to Huntsville, a city with deep roots in Texas history, where you’ll find the towering Sam Houston Statue proudly overlooking I-45. Known as “The Big Sam,” this monument honors the legendary Texan who played a crucial role in the state’s history. After paying your respects to Sam Houston, head to the nearby Sam Houston National Forest for some outdoor adventures. The forest offers miles of trails for hiking and biking, beautiful campgrounds, and serene spots for fishing and picnicking, making it a perfect place to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh pine-scented air.

When hunger strikes in Huntsville, Mr. Hamburger is the place to go. This iconic burger joint, a staple since the 1950s, dishes out some of the best burgers in Texas.

Space Center Houston

Head south on I-45 to Space Center Houston, where you can dive deep into the history and thrilling future of American space travel. This world-class space museum offers an unparalleled look at the achievements of NASA and its astronauts. Get hands-on with interactive exhibits, see real spacecraft, and even tour the historic Mission Control. Whether you’re a science buff or just curious about the cosmos, Space Center Houston offers an inspiring glimpse into the boundless possibilities of space exploration.

San Antonio 

From the Space Center, take I-10 W to San Antonio, a city rich in history and culture. No visit to San Antonio would be complete without exploring the Alamo, the legendary site of the 1836 battle that symbolized Texan resilience and spirit. Take a moment to walk through this historic mission, learn about the heroes of Texas’ fight for independence, and honor their legacy.

Afterward, stroll along the famous River Walk, a network of pathways along the San Antonio River lined with vibrant restaurants, shops, and lush greenery. It’s a wonderful place to experience the heart of the city, enjoy a meal, or simply relax by the water.

Continue on I-35 N and roll into Austin. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin’s eclectic music scene is pulsing with life at nearly every bar and restaurant downtown, especially along the famed Sixth Street. Be sure to visit Zilker Park, an urban oasis where locals picnic, jog, and paddleboard on the serene Lady Bird Lake.

Just outside the city, the rolling landscapes of the Texas Hill Country offer stunning scenic drives and abundant outdoor activities. Austin’s blend of urban culture and natural beauty always creates something new to discover.

Fredericksburg

Take US-290 W and enjoy a scenic drive to Fredericksburg. Known for its German heritage and warm hospitality, this charming town is in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Wine enthusiasts will love exploring the area’s numerous vineyards and tasting rooms that dot the landscape—each offering a variety of fine wines that showcase the region’s unique flavors.

Don’t miss a chance to hike up to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from atop a massive pink granite dome. Whether you’re sipping local wines or exploring rustic landscapes, Fredericksburg provides a peaceful retreat into country life.

Continue to San Angelo, a city that captures the essence of West Texas. From Fredericksburg, take US-87 N to San Angelo and enjoy Hill Country scenery and the beginnings of West Texas landscapes. When you’re there, take a leisurely walk along the Concho River Walk, a beautifully landscaped waterfront that is perfect for an afternoon stroll or even a bike ride. Be sure to visit historic Fort Concho, one of the best-preserved frontier forts in the country, where you can step back in time and experience military life in the 1800s through well-maintained exhibits and occasional reenactments. San Angelo blends its rich history with a vibrant arts scene, making it a compelling stop on your Texas road trip.

After soaking up some local history, make your way to The Concho Pearl Icehouse for a true Texas BBQ experience. Whether you’re in the mood for smoked brisket that melts in your mouth or spicy pulled pork, the Icehouse has you covered. Pair your meal with one of their craft beers and enjoy the local music scene—it’s the perfect way to unwind and savor the flavors of West Texas.

Continue to drive westward and prepare to be captivated by Marfa, a small town with a big reputation for art and minimalism, making it a cultural oasis in the desert. Marfa’s galleries and installations, like the famous Chinati Foundation, reflect the town’s modern artistic spirit, which contrasts sharply with its rugged surroundings. Make sure to stay until dusk to catch the mysterious Marfa Lights, an unexplained phenomenon that has puzzled residents and visitors alike for generations. Marfa is where the unexpected is the norm, making every visit a unique experience.

For a culinary twist, head to Food Shark, a renowned food truck that has become a must-visit in Marfa. Food Shark serves up Mediterranean-inspired dishes as creative as the town itself. Try their famous “Marfalafel” or a savory lamb kebab!

Big Bend National Park

From Marfa, head south on US-67 S to Alpine, then take  TX-118 S  towards Big Bend. Big Bend National Park is a spectacular sight, showcasing Texas’ natural beauty, and it’s a must-see for anyone curious about the vast landscape of Texas. With its dramatic desert landscapes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking vistas, Big Bend offers some of the most stunning hikes in the Southwest. Whether you’re trekking through the Chisos Mountains or rafting down the Rio Grande, Big Bend provides endless adventure and solitude. This majestic park is not just a stop—it’s a highlight, promising profound connections with nature and unforgettable panoramic views.

After a day of exploring Big Bend’s rugged beauty, drive to the nearby ghost town of Terlingua for a truly unique dining experience at the Starlight Theatre. This historic venue, originally an opera house in the early 1900s, now serves as a charming restaurant and live music spot where you can enjoy local Texan flavors under the stars.

Return to Alpine and drive west on US-90 W to merge onto I-10 W towards El Paso. Your epic Texas road trip concludes here on the western edge of the state. Explore the Franklin Mountains State Park, offering hiking, biking, and rock climbing with spectacular views of the desert landscapes and city skyline. Don’t miss the historic missions of the El Paso Mission Trail, which are among the oldest in the United States. These missions tell the story of the city’s rich history and are a must-visit for anyone interested in the region’s heritage.

Cap off your journey at L & J Cafe, an iconic spot that’s been serving traditional Mexican cuisine since the 1920s. Located close to the Concordia Cemetery, this family-owned restaurant is beloved by locals for its authentic dishes like chile con carne and enchiladas Montadas, all served in a cozy, welcoming setting.

From the historic streets of Jefferson to the vibrant views of El Paso, each stop along this route offers a unique glimpse into the heart and soul of the Lone Star State. You’ve experienced the warmth of its people, tasted the richness of its cuisine, and stepped into the vastness of its landscapes. There’s a whole state waiting to be explored, and the road stretches out invitingly ahead. Safe travels, y’all!

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West Texas Wonders

West Texas is a great getaway to find a blend of charming towns, a look into history, and the great outdoors. Whether you’re looking to get away as a couple, or bring the whole family along, there are lots of places where you can explore safely and responsibly even amidst the current pandemic.

We were fortunate enough to get a taste of West Texas last year and have already made a list of more spots we want to check out next time we’re there. To help you plan your trip, we’ve put together a list of five spots you should visit.

Recommended Length of Stay: 3 – 5 Days

During our visit, we started and ended our trip here, but it can easily be a stop on your West Texas road trip. El Paso , known as Sun City, is one of the sunniest cities in the world with approximately 300 sunny days a year. That gives you plenty of options, whether you’re into outdoor activities or you’d rather stay inside.

Start off your day at Franklin Mountains State Park . It is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., and you can hike one of its many trails or do a guided hiking tour of old mines. It’s also the perfect place to bring a picnic lunch to take a break before getting out to explore more.

After a long day enjoying the beautiful outdoors, head back to get washed up at your hotel. We stayed at the Stanton House , which is a brand new, chic hotel. If you’re like us, after a day out, we like to pamper ourselves a bit. So get dressed up and enjoy an upscale dinner at Taft & Diaz downstairs.

The next day, start your morning off by checking out the amazing street art in El Paso. There are beautiful murals and sculptures within walking distance of your hotel. After grabbing lunch, head to the El Paso Museum of Art to escape the heat. They have an amazing collection and feature artists from both El Paso and Juarez. In the evening, grab some food at L&J Cafe , which has been around since 1927 and popular among tourists and locals.

Hueco Tanks State Park

Recommended length of stay: 1 – 2 days.

Before you leave El Paso, head over to Hueco Tanks State Park for a day. Hueco Tanks is widely popular amongst rock climbers and boulderers, but even if you don’t climb, the crazy rock structures and beautiful landscape is a great place to get outside. There are plenty of hikes to explore, and you’ll definitely want to scramble up some of the boulders yourself.

We only had time to stop by for an afternoon and loved exploring the area. Unfortunately, we didn’t have our climbing gear with us, but we’re definitely coming back to climb in the future.

Recommended Length of Stay: 2 – 3 Days

After spending time in the El Paso area, make your way over to Fort Davis . This is a great spot to escape the heat because of its high elevation. As you approach the Davis Mountains , you’ll see why it’s referred to as a sky island. The isolated mountain range is surrounded by an ocean of desert.

Starting in town, check out the Fort Davis Drug Store & Hotel , where you can get food and small supplies. From here, you should walk around town and check out some of the boutiques and architecture. Once you’re done, head over to the Fort Davis National Historic Site . It’s one of the best surviving examples of a frontier military post from the Indian War. Then, if you need to cool off, stop by the Herbert’s Caboose Ice Cream Shop , which is just across the street. Before leaving town, grab some food and supplies to pack a lunch for the next day. We recommend staying at the Indian Lodge , which is a beautiful spot to stay tucked into the mountains.

The next day, explore Davis Mountains State Park. A great place to start is at the Headquarters/Visitor Center, where you can get more information on hikes and points of interest. After exploring some hikes and picnicking for lunch, be sure you don’t miss the Skyline Drive. It’s the perfect spot for sunset and you can even see the Indian Lodge from up there.

If you’re into astronomy, stop by McDonald Observatory to look towards the night skies. They have daily tours and you’ll be amazed at what you can see from one of the darker skies in the US.

No West Texas trip would be complete without a stop in Marfa . The artsy community is full of galleries, exhibits, unique restaurants, and beautiful architecture, not to mention, plenty of photo ops.

Start our out Ballroom Marfa to check out some modern art. You’ll also want to check out Prada Marfa, which is about 30 minutes outside of town, which is extremely popular on Instagram.

After getting your fill of art, grab some food in town. We had lunch at Pizza Foundation , which was delicious and had an outdoor seating area. They do get extremely busy, so it’s recommended to call your order in before you arrive.

In the afternoon, you can check into your hotel. We stayed at Hotel Paisano , which is centrally located and has a ton of history. If you’re a movie buff, check out their Giant memorabilia. After dropping off your stuff, walk around town to see the murals, and don’t miss the Presidio County Courthouse and Central Fire Station. These beautiful buildings are worth checking out and great places to snap a few photos. We especially loved the pink fire station.

Before it gets dark, head out to catch the Marfa Lights. We don’t want to spoil the surprise, but ask the locals what their theories are about what these mysterious lights are.

The next day, head over to the Chinati Foundation , where you’ll find amazing contemporary art pieces big and small. In the afternoon, you can walk through the unique boutiques and artisan shops. When you’re ready to relax, head over to Planet Marfa for a drink, where you’ll find a huge teepee and school bus on the property. It’s a great spot to mingle with locals.

Find more things to do in Marfa from the Local Adventurer.

Big Bend was the highlight of our trip. We love exploring National Parks and the Big Bend area is not only home to Big Bend National Park , but you can also check out the small communities in the area, like Lajitas, Terlingua Ghost Town, and Study Butte. We visited as many spots as we could during our short visit, but Big Bend covers a large area, so give yourself plenty of time to explore.

Start off in the park at the Panther Junction Visitor Center to get information and maps. Then head over to Terlingua or Lajitas to use as your home base. Terlingua Ghost Town is a great spot that’s popular with locals. Not only can you explore a historic church and beautiful cemetery, but you can also get a drink and some food at the local watering hole, Starlight Theatre , or check out the other small eateries in town.

For something a bit more upscale, head to Lajitas Golf Resort. You can spend the afternoon on the 18-hole golf course, or if you’re looking for something more exciting, they have zip line tours and Stand Up Paddle Boarding guides (SUP).

During your time in the park, explore each area on separate days so that you don’t get too tired from just driving around. To the southwest, drive along Ross Maxwell Drive for beautiful scenery. Stop in the Castolon Historic Compound to get a glimpse into the history of the area, and take in the views at the Santa Elena Canyon. For a great hike, check out the Window Trail.

The eastern area, which is the farthest, is home to the Langford Hot Springs , where you can go for a soak. Hike the Boquillas Canyon Trail and explore the Rio Grande Village. Before heading home, stop by the Balanced Rock hike.

On the last day, explore the west area close to home. Whether you just want to relax in town, play a round of golf, or SUP on the Rio Grande, there is plenty to do before you end your trip.

Note: More than ever, it’s important to travel safely and responsibly. Please keep these travel tips in mind when planning your trip:

• Wear a mask. Regardless if you have symptoms, masks protect you and the people around you. When wearing one properly, it should cover your nose and mouth.
• Wash your hands regularly. It also helps to have hand sanitizer or wipes with you when you are out so you can wipe down high-contact areas.
• Keep your distance. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, it is still safest to keep at least six feet apart.
• Avoid crowded areas. If you stop somewhere and it’s crowded, move on and come back later.
• Check current hours. Although a lot of places are open, most places are open at a limited capacity or limited hours. It’s best to call ahead or check online to see what their current policies are.
• Outdoor spots aren’t necessarily open either. If they are, not all their facilities will be up and running.
• If you show any signs of COVID-19, including a fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, or diarrhea, do not travel.
• If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19, do not travel.
• The situation is fluid and constantly changing. Check the travel safely across Texas page for the most up-to-date information on state regulations. You can also find links to Texas cities to check their local rules and regulations.
• In addition, you can read what protocols are in place at hotels, restaurants, and parks during this time.
• Be respectful to other travelers as well as the employees working to keep places open by following these guidelines.

Esther & Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer , which is one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found both near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas. Follow them on Instagram here: Esther + Jacob .

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Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

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Home / Route 66 / Texas

Driving Route 66 through Texas

Known as the Panhandle because of the way it juts north from the rest of Texas, this part of our Route 66 drive is a nearly 200-mi (320-km) stretch of pancake-flat plains. Almost devoid of trees or other features, the western half, stretching into New Mexico, is also known as the Llano Estacado or “Staked Plains,” possibly because early travelers marked their route by driving stakes into the earth. The Texas Panhandle was the southern extent of the buffalo-rich grasslands of the Great Plains, populated by roving bands of Kiowa and Comanche people as recently as 100 years ago. Now oil and gas production, as well as trucking and Route 66 tourism, have joined ranching as the region’s economic basis.

Even more than in New Mexico or Oklahoma, old Route 66 has been replaced by I-40 most of the way across Texas, though in many of the ghostly towns, like Shamrock, McLean, or Vega, and the sole city, Amarillo, old US-66 survives as the main business strip, lined by the empty remains of roadside businesses. A select few are still open for a cup of coffee and a sharp taste of the living past. Originally spanning 178 miles (290 km) through Texas, today’s Route 66 is about 150 miles (24 km) that are actually drivable.

Top Route 66 Attractions in Texas

• Tower Station and U-Drop Inn Café in Shamrock : This former Conoco station is a must-see landmark, both architecturally and historically.
• Devil’s Rope Museum and Old Route 66 Museum in McLean : This museum entirely dedicated to barbed wire has more than 450 types on display.
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon : This second-largest canyon in the United States is known as the “Grand Canyon of Texas”.
• Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo : This surreal public art installation consists of 10 vintage Cadillacs buried upright in a wheat field.

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Travel Map of Texas

Road Trips from Texas to Other States

Though several things make Texas famous, it's mostly known for being a huge state (second largest in the US after Alaska), and for country music and delicious BBQ food. Being such a big state, it borders several other states, which make amazing destinations in their own right from iconic Texan cities.

Our list of 12 best road trips from Texas to other states includes relatively short and longer drives to epic states such as Florida, New York, Washington DC, California, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana and many other incredible destinations.

Keep reading to learn more about the epic road trips you can take from Texas, the highlights of each destination, and the best routes to make the most of your trip!

1. Texas to Louisiana: Road trip from Houston to New Orleans

350 miles from Houston (5 hours 15 minutes)

What sets this one apart: Despite being an under 6-hour drive, this route has so much along the way to explore , like National Forests and reserves, historical sites, and a plethora of restaurants that highlight the best of Cajun cuisine.

A one-of-a-kind place to explore, its architecture and landscapes are bound to transport you to a completely different setting with its bustling culture, cobblestoned streets, and colorful, vibrant neighborhoods.

How to get there: There are two routes you can follow for this road trip, one in-land route and a coastal route. Ideally, the in-land route is recommended because it's shorter and easier to follow, with the drive being primarily on Interstate 10 (I-10) E.

You'll begin on I-69 and Route 59 along Sam Houston National Forest. Then, you'll get on Route 28 to Alexandria and ultimately enter Baton Rouge, the capital of Louisiana. Eventually, you'll drive by the iconic towns of Lake Charles, Lafayette, and Beaumont, to arrive in New Orleans.

Our highlights: In New Orleans, places that are worth exploring include but are not limited to the Garden District & Uptown, Bayou St. John, the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Saint Bar, and Lounge. If you're a music aficionado, make sure you visit the Music Box Village.

What else is there to see while you're in Louisiana: Besides New Orleans, there are several other places to explore in Louisiana. If you're looking for a short beach escape, the Grand Isle is perfect for a night or two.

Another city that's worth spending time in during this road trip, especially considering that it's on your way to New Orleans, would be Lafayette. The city is known to be a charming home to museums, local businesses and eateries.

Outside the city, you'll also get to explore nature havens like Fontainebleau State Park, Avery Island, Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and more.

Our travel tips: As a tourist-favorite city, finding the right time to visit New Orleans is essential for making it a trip like no other.

Visiting in the fall or spring months is bound to be exciting because that's when the city is most alive – with several festivals and carnivals (but booking in advance is recommended because it's a popular time to visit).

However, if you're looking to make it a budget-friendly trip, visiting in the summer months or the thick of winter could work, although not as many events are happening.

READ MORE - Road trip from Houston to New Orleans

2. Texas to Georgia: Road trip from Houston to Atlanta

790 miles from Houston (11 hours 45 minutes)

What sets this one apart: This road trip from Houston to Atlanta promises a scenic route, taking you through the best of the South, particularly East Texas's natural reserves and forests. With a path along the rolling Tennessee Hills, this half-day-long road journey is a must-do!

If you're a history buff, this is probably the top trip for you because, along the route, you'll get a chance to explore places like the Civil Rights Memorial and the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Sites.

How to get there: You'll follow I-90, passing by Beaumont and Lake Charles before merging with Interstate 10 towards Lafayette, a perfect pit stop for the night.

You'll continue your journey on I-10, where you'll get an opportunity to detour New Orleans before merging with I-85 North and some local routes through Columbus, which'll eventually get you to Atlanta!

Our highlights: Some spots considered tourist must-dos are the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, Atlanta History Center, and MLK Jr. National Historical Park. If you're a sports fan, there are several spots to explore, especially the Centennial Olympic Park.

Some local favorite places are the Sweet Auburn Historic District, Tiny Doors ATL, World of Coca-Cola, and more.

Along this route, you'll also find the Rosa Parks Library and Museum, Jungle Gardens, and Avery Island, where you can stop for a couple of hours each during your drive to make the most of your road journey.

What else is there to see while you're in Georgia: During your stay in Georgia, there are a handful of other places that you should explore outside of Atlanta.

For nature lovers and adventure seekers, trips to Chattanooga (a detour out of state but nearby), Providence Canyon State Park, Ruby Falls, and Lake Lanier are recommended.

Our travel tips: It's a great road trip to take at any point of the year, although the summer months can get hot.

Spring or autumn are the best times to visit because the weather is perfect – particularly in the fall, you'll get to witness the tree's leaves change color though you might encounter the occasional rainfall, so pack accordingly.

READ MORE - Road trip from Houston to Atlanta

3. Texas to Florida: Road trip from Houston to Orlando

960 miles from Houston (13 hours 30 minutes)

What sets this one apart: A perfect road trip to experience the best of the South Coast ; you'll pass through many unique towns that you otherwise may not get a chance to explore while heading to a tropical Oasis, Orlando!

Along this road trip, you'll get a chance to stop by and explore several national forests and reserves, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature, go on a couple of hikes, and spot some wildlife.

How to get there: The drive mainly follows along Interstate 10, taking you by Kisatchie National Forest, Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Charles, and other such landmarks.

You'll drive past two exits during your journey, each making way for a detour towards New Orleans and Baton Rouge, two Louisiana cities worth exploring.

Our highlights: Along the route, you'll drive through New Orleans, which is the pinnacle of Southern culture in the US and is worth spending a night in, especially if you're visiting during Mardi Gras.

In the city, spots you must tick off your list are Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, Islands of Adventure & all the other theme parks.

Besides these top adventure parks that draw in most of the crowds, the art museums, and waterparks, mainly The Wheel at ICON Park, are also great places to see.

Among the locals, the top favorite places are the SoDo area (South Downtown) – home to several lakes, and forested regions, one of which is Loch Haven Park. Be sure to also make time for a night at The Abbey, home to live music, cabaret and dance shows, stand-up nights and more.

What else is there to see while you're in Florida: Besides Orlando, there are so many places to explore in Florida, located a short drive from the city.

Some top areas include — Wekiva Springs State Park, which is located less than half an hour away from the city with several water sports opportunities and hiking trails, Blue Spring State Park, home to beautiful springs, and manatees, making it a perfect getaway on a warm spring day.

St Augustine, known for being the oldest occupied European region in the US, is a charming city with cobblestoned streets, and locally owned and run businesses.

Our travel tips: You can make this trip during any season, although the warmer months are bound to guarantee a better experience. Remember that the peak summer months can get extremely hot and see massive crowds.

READ MORE - Road trip from Houston to Orlando

4. Texas to DC: Road trip from Houston to Washington DC

1,400 miles from Houston (20 hours 30 minutes)

What sets this one apart: One of the most extended road trips on the list, this is genuinely the perfect Southern hike up to the capital city from Houston !

With historical monuments and a plethora of national and state parks and forests, such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, this mega road trip truly has something for everyone to enjoy.

How to get there: Since it's such a long-haul drive, it'd be ideal to spread it across a week or two. The quickest and primarily very scenic route you can follow would begin by getting on I-10 East directly to Baton Rouge.

You'll switch to I-12 and follow it until Pearl River Wildlife Management Area. Then, you'll switch to I-59 North into Mississippi, passing by Bienville National Forest before you arrive in Alabama.

Here, you'll get to explore the national forests and other highlights like Little River Canyon National Preserve & De Soto State Park (and even a well-worth it detour to the famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park) as you witness the stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views as you'll get onto I-66 into Washington.

Our highlights: Washington DC has so much to see and do, starting with the Smithsonian Museums, encompassing nineteen free-access museums.

As the country's capital, Washington DC is also home to some iconic national monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, the US Capitol, and more. Here you'll also find spacious parks and trails, the most popular of which are the Capital Crescent Trail and Rock Creek Park Trail.

What else is there to see while you're in Washington DC: Other nearby places to explore are Georgetown (here you'll encounter the Old Stone House and a plethora of local boutiques and eateries) and Mount Vernon (the historic estate of George Washington).

Other spots worth making time for, particularly popular with the locals, are Legendary U Street, Dumbarton Oaks, the beautiful Key Bridge Boathouse, and the US National Arboretum.

Our travel tips: You can make the road trip during any part of the year, although some months may be more fun. The winters can get harsh in DC, making it not an ideal time to make the trip, especially since it's such a long drive.

The spring and fall months are a favorite amongst tourists- the fall brings autumnal leaves and a magical atmosphere, while the spring climate is perfect for exploring the best of the city!

READ MORE - Road trip from Houston to Washington DC

5. Texas to New York: Road trip from Dallas to New York City

1,550 miles from Dallas (24 hours)

What sets this one apart: This extensive road trip from Texas to New York is dotted with stunning sights and buzzing cities, as well as must-visit destinations such as Nashville, Knoxville and the Shenandoah National Park.

This iconic route takes you from Dallas to New York, which is genuinely bound to shift for the better because of the hustle, bustle, and color of the town, and that too through several natural reserves, forests, and parks making the ultimate getaway.

How to get there: To get to New York City from Dallas, you'll begin on Interstate 30 towards Mt. Pleasant, crossing Little Rock (in Arkansas), Ouachita National Forest, and Nashville as you merge with I-40, arriving at Knoxville.

Then, you'll exit onto I-81 North, get a chance to explore Shenandoah National Park, and ultimately get onto I-78 East to arrive in NYC.

Our highlights: There's so much to do along the way and in New York City that any list would always be missing something. But to encapsulate a bit of everything, some bucket list items for a first-time NYC tourist would be Central Park, MET, the Statue of Liberty, and The Morgan Library & Museum.

Other spots that you can't miss are the Grand Central Terminal, Brooklyn Bridge, Washington Square Park, and more.

Since New York City is a city held together by its people, the locals have a different list of places they'd recommend, including Chinatown, The Cloisters Museum & Gardens, the High Line and the New York Public Library.

What else is there to see while you're in New York: Contrary to popular belief, there are so many more things to do and places to explore in New York besides NYC.

After your tour around the city, make time to explore the Hamptons, the Finger Lakes – a set of wineries, trails, and valleys in Upstate New York, Roosevelt Island, Ellis Island, The Hudson River Valley, and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

If you'd like to learn more about other amazing things you can see in New York City, as well as where to stay, please check our detailed guide below:

READ MORE - Our Area-by-Area Guide to NYC

Our travel tips: The summer months are pretty warm and pretty popular with tourists – although you'll have to book the room well in advance, so it would be recommended to go during the spring or fall.

READ MORE - Road trip from Dallas to New York

6. Texas to New Mexico: Road trip from Austin to Santa Fe

700 miles from Austin (11 hours and 15 minutes)

What sets this one apart: This road trip will be unforgettable because you'll get to encounter various cultures – Spanish, Mexican, and the South, along with paying homage to the historic Native American culture via museums, galleries, and memorials.

This is a one-of-a-kind road route to follow because you'll get to explore the one-of-a-kind Marfa Lights in West Texas, which are these mysterious orb-like lights that appear in the sky in a variety of different colors.

How to get there: While you could follow a couple of routes to reach Santa Fe, the most straightforward path would be via US-84 West. You'll begin by taking Texas 1 Loop North onto US 183 N and driving through the heart of Texas before merging with I-20 W.

You'll enter New Mexico via US Route 285 North and ultimately via the unique Old Pecos Trail to get to Santa Fe.

Our highlights: There's so much to see and do in Santa Fe, starting with some must-do places like Santa Fe Plaza and Canyon Road, where you'll find endless art galleries, the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, and more.

Try and make some time to watch a show at the Santa Fe Opera and tour the Palace of the Governors. Meow World (an immersive art experience), Santa Fe Railyard Park, and the Santa Fe Farmers Market are popular among the locals.

It'd be a shame to go to Santa Fe and not enjoy the Hot Springs, especially at a luxurious resort like the Ojo Caliente Mineral Resorts & Spa for a night!

What else is there to see while you're in New Mexico: While you're in New Mexico, there are several other places to visit, like the Bandelier National Monument – a renowned historical monument home to several Native American dwellings and petroglyphs.

You can also visit Taos Pueblo (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Taos Ski Valley for a little adventure getaway. You can also take time to visit the Tent Rocks National Monument.

Our travel tips: Though possible to do year-round, the summer months might be too hot to explore the best of the wilderness along the route, and the hikes won't be as enjoyable when you're stopping to drink some water every five minutes.

In the winter, however, you may not be able to experience all parts of the national parks along the way, and some roads may also be subject to closure due to harsh weather conditions. The fall time is ideal, though you should make your travel bookings in advance!

READ MORE - Road trip from Austin to Santa Fe

7. Texas to Arizona: Road trip from Austin to Phoenix

1,310 miles from Austin (21 hours 30 minutes)

What sets this one apart: The road trip from Austin to Phoenix is bound to take you through some of the unique terrains the US offers – dry, golden deserts, rolling hills, lush green forests, snow-covered peaks, and even a white sand desert!

Phoenix is known for its immaculate weather, promising sunshine nearly all year round & offers several natural activities for you to immerse yourself in, so what better way to experience it than an exciting road trip leading you to it?

How to get there: While there are two routes you can follow to get to Phoenix, this route is the most convenient. You'll begin by calling on I-35 South towards San Antonio.

As you merge with US-90 West, you'll reach the Mexico-US border, where you can choose to detour to Big Bend National Park for a bit of an afternoon of sightseeing before you get on US-385.

Ultimately, you'll get back onto US-90 West and I-10 West, where you'll get to catch a glimpse of White Sands National Park before arriving at your destination.

Our highlights: Phoenix is full of excursions and activities to immerse yourself in. Some tourist favorites include Camelback Mountain, an excellent hiking spot, Taliesin West, Papago Park, Chase Field (especially for sports fans), and Old Town Scottsdale.

There are also a handful of funky museums to visit in Phoenix, namely The Heard Museum and The Musical Instrument Museum. Try and make time to tour the Desert Botanical Garden and spend a couple of hours among the galleries and boutiques at Roosevelt Row.

What else is there to see while you're in Arizona: Besides Phoenix, other cities you can explore during your time in Arizona are Prescott, Scottsdale, and Sedona, each located a short drive from the city.

If you're looking for a nature getaway, you can also spend time at the Organ Pipe Cactus National Park, Montezuma Castle National Monument, and Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.

While in Arizona, a visit to the Grand Canyon National Park is also a must.

Our travel tips: Much like most of these road trips, you can make this trip during any part of the year. However, spring is famous because the weather is pleasant, and most national park attractions open after a slow winter.

Additionally, the fall months bring a unique experience because the natural reserves and forests would be at their most colorful.

Do keep in mind that Phoenix is at its most popular during the end of February because of the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, so if that's something you're interested in, you know when's the best time to plan your road trip.

READ MORE - Road trip from Austin to Phoenix

8. Texas to Colorado: Road trip from Dallas to Denver

795 miles from Dallas (12 hours)

What sets this one apart: This half-day road trip is bound to be one of the most scenic drives you'll experience with the drive across Santa Fe Trail and the Million Dollar Highway while making your way to Dallas.

There are several national parks and outdoor activities along the way (Great Sand Dunes National Park, Mesa Verde National Park, Rocky Mountains National Park, etc.), which will be enjoyable to explore and adventure around while you drive along this 12-hour route.

How to get there: There are two routes between Dallas and Denver; one through New Mexico and the other through Oklahoma and Kansas. The first route takes you through the Texas plains in the northwest via Texas 121 TEXpress. Then you'll exit onto US-287 North while Sonic Drive-In.

You'll then merge onto US-87 North passing by Rita Blanca National Grasslands to enter New Mexico for over a hundred miles. Ultimately, you'll merge onto I-25 North to join Colorado, where you'll encounter Gunnison National Forest, San Isabel National Forests, and more.

Our highlights: Denver has much to do and see; you will always have something planned. You must visit the Denver Art Museum, Denver Botanic Gardens and Larimer Square.

You can also take out time to venture around the Molly Brown House Museum, take a Brewery Tour, and watch the sunset at the Red Rocks State Park and Amphitheatre. Locals recommend visiting the Cherry Creek Trail, Coors Field, Union Station, and Colorado State Capitol.

What else is there to see while you're in Colorado: While in Colorado, you can take time to visit Rocky Mountain National Park, believed to be one of the best national parks in the country, and it is home to over 500 miles of hiking trails.

You can also book a weekend at Vail, a world-renowned ski resort, and visit Estes Park, Colorado Springs, Breckenridge, and Mt. Evans.

Our travel tips: The best time to go on a road trip from Dallas to Denver is ideally the spring and fall months since the temperature is perfect & you'll also get to go to some music festivals, live music events & Oktoberfest too.

Denver has a lot to offer during the winter, especially if you're looking to ski or spend time on other snow-related activities.

READ MORE - Road trip from Dallas to Denver

9. Texas to Nevada: Road trip from San Antonio to Las Vegas

1,280 miles from San Antonio (19 hours)

What sets this one apart: This route from San Antonio to Las Vegas has several National (and state) Parks that are only a slight detour away (Grand Canyon National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Zion National Park), making it a great road trip for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers.

Las Vegas is truly one of the best entertainment cities to be in, so if you're looking for an adventurous trip that culminates in a relaxing but nightlife-filled destination – this is the trip to go on!

How to get there: You'll begin your journey via El Paso on I-10. After your visit to El Paso, where you'll have the chance to explore this one-of-a-kind melting-pot city. You'll head North towards Phoenix, getting an opportunity to explore Hoover Dam before arriving in Las Vegas.

Our highlights: A power-packed city, there's something to do at every corner in the city of sin! Bucket-list spots include the Strip, the four-mile-long road Vegas is known for, The High Roller (Ferris Wheel), Fremont Street Experience, and the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Locals love the Springs preserve, a vast oasis home to trails, gardens, exhibits, a Container Park, and wacky museums like the Mob Museum and Pinball Hall of Fame.

What else is there to see while you're in Nevada: While in Nevada, there are many other places you can see, such as Valley of Fire State Park, Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and Great Basin National Park.

You can also make time for Lake Tahoe for a short nature escape or visit Reno, known famously as “The Biggest Little City in the World.” Another exciting spot to visit during this road trip would be the Extraterrestrial Highway , a remote highway in Southern Nevada known for its countless UFO sightings.

Our travel tips: Las Vegas is not ideal to visit in the summer because it gets hot and is perpetually packed with tourists. Making this trip during the winter months could be a good experience as the city wouldn't be too packed, and the weather remains lovely.

Plus, the National Finals Rodeo takes place in December if you're into that sort of thing! The springtime months are also a good option, and the scenery would be lovely along the way.

READ MORE - Road trip from San Antonio to Las Vegas

10. Texas to California: Road trip from Austin to San Francisco

1,940 miles from Austin (31 hours)

What sets this one apart: This is the second longest road trip on the list taking well over a whole day of non-stop driving, which you should ideally spread across a week or two to make the most of this across-the-country journey.

Since this is a cross-country road trip , you'll get to visit top US attractions like the Hoover Dam, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Grand Canyon.

How to get there: Two routes can be followed between Austin and San Francisco, one that's primarily direct and the other that's bound to be more scenic but also adds six more hours on an already lengthy journey.

You'll begin by getting on US-290 and merge with I-10 West through Texas and, ultimately, New Mexico and into Arizona. You can explore the rugged terrains of Phoenix and stop over at the national and state parks if you're feeling adventurous and the weather permits.

You'll continue the same road to enter California and drive along the California mountains until exiting onto US-101 till Speckles, where you can detour onto Big Sur for a drive with a view and ultimately follow the west coast of the Bay to arrive in San Francisco.

Our highlights: When visiting San Francisco, places that you cannot miss out on are the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and San Francisco Cable Cars.

Some spots that locals swear by are Lands' End – known to have unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge, The Mission District, The Ferry Building Marketplace, and the tranquil Japanese Tea Garden.

You can also spend some time in Haigh-Ashbury, a historic neighborhood near the city center.

What else is there to see while you're in California: There's no dearth of places to wander around in California, but some top hits include the Napa Valley, perfect for a weekend of relaxation and wine-tasting, Point Reyes National Seashore, promising stunning Pacific Ocean views with a lighthouse, trails.

You can also try taking out time for Lake Tahoe, Muir Woods National Monument, Monterey, and a short getaway to Santa Cruz.

Our travel tips: San Francisco can be a little dicey regarding weather, though mostly pleasant. The summer months are lovely, perfect for hiking and beach activities, but not too hot so you can't enjoy your time outdoors.

The spring and fall months are also great for this road trip because they're a little more budget-friendly, and you'll get a chance to participate in events like the Chinese New Year parade (early spring), Outside Lands Music Festival, and more.

READ MORE - Road trip from Austin to San Francisco

11. Texas to Washington: Road trip from Austin to Seattle

2,145 miles from Austin (33 hours)

What sets this one apart: The most extended trip on this list , you're bound to feel like a mega adventurer after you complete this feat. Taking you through national parks, historical monuments, and diverse landscapes, this road trip is bucket-list worthy!

Along the route, you'll encounter a plethora of national parks in these diverse settings – the deserts of the Southwest, the Rocky Mountains, red rocks, coastal beaches, and flowering valleys; honestly, what else could you want from a cross-country road trip?

How to get there: While there are a handful of routes to get to Seattle from Austin, the shortest route will take you through the Utah Desert. You'll begin your trip by heading on Highway 71 and I-40 towards Albuquerque in New Mexico, after which you'll get on I-70 West towards Salt Lake City.

Ultimately, you'll get on Interstate 15 North in Spanish Fork, leading you through a handful of state and local routes into Seattle.

Our highlights: The places you cannot miss in Seattle include (but aren't limited to) Space Needle, Pike Place Market (a Seattle staple market, home to local artisans, vendors, etc.), Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum, and Museum of Pop Culture.

Some local gems you must take time for are Fremont Brewing, Discovery Park (promising views of Puget Sound and Beaches), Gas Works Park, and Elliot Bay Book Company.

What else is there to see while you're in Washington: Other places to explore around Seattle are Tacoma, a historically rich city with several museums, San Juan Islands and Mount Rainer National Park, home to a now-defunct volcano but with solid views nonetheless.

Our other favorite places to visit while in Washington are North Cascades National Park, and Snoqualmie Falls — a 270 feet tall waterfall with endless viewpoints and trails.

Our travel tips: Since the trip does involve taking the Pacific Coast Highway, making the trip in spring and fall would be ideal. The summer is a viable option, although the desert might be too hot to explore.

The Seattle International Film Festival happens in the summer, which might be worth visiting – especially if you're a film buff.

READ MORE - Road trip from Austin to Seattle

12. Texas to Illinois: Road trip from Dallas to Chicago

990 miles from Chicago (16 hours)

What sets this one apart: Though it's not the longest nor the most scenic drive, this route has many unique attractions along the way, like the Precious Moments Chapel and the World's Largest Catsup Bottle.

Along with these wacky attractions, you'll also get to experience some of the best food this part of the US has to offer, from scrumptious BBQ in Texas, specialty fried chicken in Missouri to deep-dish pizza in Chicago, making this road trip from Dallas to Chicago perfect for the foodie in you!

How to get there: There's a direct route through Memphis and a scenic route that'll add around two hours to your driving time. You'll begin your scenic drive on I-30 E, towards Arkansas, where you'll get to detour to state parks and the Hot Springs in the area.

You'll continue along I-30 until you arrive at Little Rock, taking US Route 167 and heading Northeast. Then, after passing by Pocahontas in Arkansas, you'll take US-115 and merge with US-21 towards St. Louis. Ultimately, you'll continue onto I-55 N heading straight to the windy city of Chicago.

Our highlights: Exploring Chicago is bound to be an enjoyable experience packed with vibrant culture and attractions around every corner.

Some popular tourist spots are The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Willis Tower (famous for being the tallest building in the Western hemisphere), and Millennium Park, the infamous Bean of Chicago site.

What else is there to see while you're in Illinois: Other places to visit during your visit to Chicago are Starved Rock State Park, Galena (A beautiful historic town known for its 19th-century architecture), and The Great River Road.

Our travel tips: Much like most of the other trips on this list, this road trip, though possible during any time of year because of the overall pleasant weather, is likely to be the most exciting in the spring or fall – when the weather isn't too extreme.

Since there are several outdoor attractions to see along the way, making the trip when the trees are turning red and orange, especially when you take the hikes in Rocky Mountains National Park, is bound to be lovely – so book it in the fall if you can!

READ MORE - Road trip from Dallas to Chicago

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From Border to Border: Unveiling Texas’ Most Epic Stretches

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The longest distance in Texas is a natural response to the saying, “Everything is bigger in Texas,” and we’re here to answer it!

The longest distance in Texas, a straight line from its northernmost part to its southernmost point, is 801 miles. This distance requires a drive of approximately 12 hours at a speed of 70 miles per hour without calculating any stops for rest or filling the gas tank.

Are you intrigued to learn more about Texas’s geographical features and how big everything here is? Read on for some interesting facts!

Table of Distances to Each Main City in Texas

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As previously pointed out, the longest distance in Texas in a north-to-south direction is 801 miles. More specifically, the journey begins in the Panhandle in the far northwest and ends below Brownsville on the southern tip of the state.

If you’re wondering about the largest distance in an east-to-west direction, that’s around 773 miles, which is also unbelievably huge!

In this case, you’ll want to go from the eastward bend of the Sabine River in Newton County to the absolute west of the state. That’s precisely above El Paso on the Rio Grande. The trip will likely take around 11 hours at 70 miles per hour nonstop.

Here is a simplified table that covers distances between some of the main cities in Texas. This table should give you a general idea of the distances involved when traveling within Texas.

• These distances are approximate and can vary depending on the specific route taken.
• Distances are in miles and represent the shortest path between city centers.
• For specific routes, it’s recommended to use a GPS or an online mapping service like Google Maps for the most accurate and current information.

This table includes some of the most traveled routes in Texas but is by no means exhaustive, given the state’s size and number of cities. Using a mapping service would be the best approach for more detailed information, including distances to other cities or specific locations within these cities.

Furthest Distances in Texas from North To South + East to West

Distances in Texas from north to south and east to west is quite helpful to understand the vastness of the state. Here is a concise breakdown:

• Approximate Distance : About 801 miles (1,289 kilometers).
• Approximate Distance : Around 860 miles (1,384 kilometers).

These distances provide a perspective on Texas’s geographical expanse. Remember, these are straight-line distances; actual travel distances may vary depending on the route taken.

Additionally, Texas’s diverse geography means that the experience of traveling through these distances can vary greatly, from the plains in the north to the coastal areas in the south, and from the forests in the east to the deserts in the west.

Of course, after looking at the vast distances from the state’s east to west and north to south, it’s safe to assume that the area of Texas is too large to comprehend. That’s true; Texas is a whopping 268,597 square miles!

This could’ve landed Texas a spot as the biggest state in the United States if it weren’t for Alaska, which extends over 570,380 square miles. Fun fact: Alaska can fit the following three largest states onto its land, namely Texas, California, and Montana!

Now, back to more mind-blowing geographical information about the Lone Star State. This time, we’ll take a closer look at the boundary lines of Texas and how they all add up to make up its circumference.

Here are the measurements of Texas’s boundaries if you count each bend in every river, even the small ones, the tidewater coastline, large river bends, and land borders.

Surely, you know by now that hitting the 801-mile road trip won’t be a piece of cake. Still, if you’re an adventurous soul with wanderlust, driving the length of Texas can be a challenge worth taking.

To answer your question, it’ll require 12 to 14 hours of driving from Texas’s northernmost part to its southernmost point. This duration varies depending on the number and lengths of stops you’ll take to grab some snacks, stretch your legs, fill the tank, or go to the bathroom.

However, you should expect to take even longer to drive 801 miles because you never know when you’ll face traffic. We’d say 15 to 16 hours should do the trick!

If going from Texas’s uppermost region to its lowermost point is on your bucket list, it’s time to make your dream come true. But, before you get behind the driving wheel, you’ll need to remember a few things first.

Here are some general guidelines to follow in preparation for your Texas-based adventure:

• Take a good look at the road map to plan your stops so that you don’t end up with an empty tank in the middle of nowhere
• Always head over to the nearest gas station when the tank is half full
• Get ready for higher speed limits on the road (ranging from 70 to 75 miles per hour)
• Ideally, try to time your crossing through major cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston so you don’t find yourself in the middle of rush hour.
• Stick to the fast lane as much as possible to save time

Long Distance Road Trips in Texas

With its vast expanse and diverse landscapes, Texas offers some of the most scenic and exciting road trips in the United States. Here are a few notable road trips in Texas, each highlighting key landmarks and attractions along the way:

• Total Distance : Approximately 600 miles.
• Houston Space Center
• San Antonio
• Fredericksburg
• Big Bend National Park
• Total Distance : Roughly 635 miles.
• Fort Worth Stockyards
• Midland-Odessa
• Total Distance : Around 230 miles.
• Corpus Christi
• Padre Island National Seashore
• Total Distance : Approximately 250 miles.
• Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
• Total Distance : Nearly 120 miles.
• Palo Duro Canyon State Park
• Cadillac Ranch
• Total Distance : About 200 miles.
• Sam Houston National Forest
• Nacogdoches

These distances and times are estimates and can vary based on the specific starting and ending points within the cities, traffic conditions, and stops. These routes offer a blend of scenic beauty, cultural experiences, and historical insight, making them perfect for exploring the diverse landscape of Texas.

Distance in Texas FAQ

El Paso and Texarkana are the two cities that mark the beginning and end of the longest driving distance in Texas.

El Paso is located on the lowermost side of the state toward the west. On the other hand, Texarkana lies in the uppermost part of Texas in the east.

Despite being a challenging trip, the road from El Paso to Texarkana lacks exciting landmarks and attractions to entertain you. You’ll come across everything from awe-inspiring natural landscapes to busy urban areas.

If you’re not in a hurry to finish your 14-hour drive and have more time to do some sightseeing, we have some suggestions for you.

The following list includes a few things you can do at the sites and places you’ll pass by on your journey. Consider trying each of them to add more fun to your trip!

– Explore the bustling city life of major cities such as Houston, Dallas, or Austin – Take a relaxing walk or have a picnic at Big Bend National Park – Go to the famous Magnolia Market in Waco and enjoy walking amidst all the various shops

Christian Linden

Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.

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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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A West Texas and New Mexico National Park Road Trip

Ready for an epic road trip adventure? We’re excited to share our West Texas and New Mexico National Park Road Trip with you. It is a fantastic week on the road through 4 National Parks. Without a doubt, you’ll want to pack your bags for this adventure.

This 7-day itinerary will take you through 4 stunningly beautiful National Parks. You’ll explore Guadalupe Mountains National Park and Big Bend National Park in West Texas. And just over the state line, you’ll visit both of New Mexico’s parks: White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Along the way, you’ll discover some of the most stunning landscapes in the Southwest! Each park has its unique charm and offers plenty of things to do and see.

This Desert Road Trip Itinerary

When planning your itinerary, it’s easiest to think of this desert road trip as a lasso (because you know we are in western Texas!). Guadalupe Mountains National Park, White Sands National Park and Carlsbad Caverns National Park create the loop, with Big Bend at the rope’s end.

You can start at either end of the lasso. Our decision to start with the loop was determined by when we could get campground reservations. I was late planning this trip, so I had to be creative in cobbling together available campgrounds. Camping in National Parks continues to be in extremely high demand, so you need to plan as far ahead as possible.

7 Day Itinerary

• Day 1 Guadalupe Mountains National Park
• Day 2 Guadalupe Mountains National Park AM, Travel PM
• Day 3 White Sands National Park AM, Travel PM, Carlsbad Caverns evening
• Day 4 Carlsbad Caverns AM, Travel PM
• Day 5 Big Bend National Park
• Day 6 Big Bend National Park
• Day 7 Big Bend National Park

Day 1 and 2: Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Our first glimpse was a stunning view of El Capitan as we headed towards Guadalupe Mountains National Park along Highway 62. (If you want to capture this fantastic shot, it’s from the roadside picnic area about 4 miles south of the Pine Springs Visitor Center.)

Guadalupe Peak is tucked right behind El Capitan. At 8,751 feet elevation, it’s the highest point in Texas. Many of our camping neighbors were in the park to climb Guadalupe Peak. Although we skipped that hike, reports were a strenuous hike due to the steep switchbacks covering the quick 3,000-foot elevation gain. But all unanimously reported that it was well worth the climb for the spectacular view.

Getting to Guadalupe Mountains NP

We traveled across Interstate 10 from Houston to start our road trip. Oh, my, it is a long way across Texas. We played plenty of road trip games to help pass the time, as you can imagine. After San Antonio, gas and snacks start getting pricey and hard to find. I’m glad we stocked up on our camping food before leaving Houston.

If you are hoping to avoid that long drive, you can fly to San Antonio or Albuquerque, where you can easily rent campers, Or right in the middle of the loop, you’ll find the El Paso airport, where you can grab a rental car.

Where to Stay at Guadalupe Mountains National Park

We spent 2 nights camping in the Pine Springs Campground next to the visitor center. Pine Springs is a small campground and feels a little cramped. The RV spots are just spaces on an asphalt parking lot with picnic areas around the perimeter. Luckily we were in the tent area, which gave individual tent sites a small personal place with brush and cactus breaking the space between other sites.

However, Pine Springs Campground is the perfect spot if you plan to hike Guadalupe Peak , as the trailhead starts at the end of the campground. We also found it convenient for the most popular day hikes. Keep in mind that this is desert camping so expect little shade, hot days and cool nights.

Dog Canyon Campground is another small campground in Guadalupe Mountains NP. It is in a very remote section with only 13 spots for tents or small campers. The higher elevation of Dog Canyon means it is cooler in the summer, making it a great place to tent camp for summer road trips. There are several excellent hikes in this area. However, the remote location makes it difficult to enjoy the most popular parts of the park.

There aren’t many other choices nearby for visitors to the Guadalupe Mountains. For other camping and lodging options, the best bet is to check out the town of Carlsbad. It’s only about an hour away and jam-packed with lodging and dining options. You can check hotel and rental availability in Carlsbad here .

Things to Do in the Guadalupe Mountains

We spent a day and a half in the park, which was about right for a visit that did not include one of the strenuous hikes.

Pine Springs Visitor Center

We first stopped at the Pine Springs Visitor Center. Although small, they did a great job with their educational displays to help visitors understand what is unique in this park.

Hike McKittrick Canyon Trail to Pratt Cabin

We then headed to McKittrick Canyon, about a 15-minute drive to the trailhead from the visitor center. This canyon is the perfect hike to start your visit. Most people, including us, complete the moderate 4.8-mile (round-trip) hike to Pratt Cabin. Some hikers go on to the Grotto, adding another 2 miles. And for a real strenuous push, you can hike into the backcountry, meeting up with multiple other trails.

The hike to Pratt Cabin starts with a tremendous educational kiosk, complete with a recording of Wallace Pratt’s voice about building the cabin. The trail itself is all in full sun so make sure you have plenty of water, a hat and sunscreen no matter what season. Hiking in the heat of the desert can be cruel. We wandered through the cactus and along the dry creek bed. We appreciated the random juniper that had grown tall enough to provide a bit of shade for short breaks.

The trail ends at a beautiful little oasis where the Pratt Cabin sits near the original creek bank. We enjoyed our hiking lunch on the big front porch. During peak seasons, volunteers give tours of the house, but we settled for looking through the windows. Most impressive was they had running water, toilets and electricity in this remote location. This cabin, far from anywhere, was quite luxurious.

Pinery Butterfield Stage Station Ruins

We toured the Pinery Butterfield Stage Station Ruins before going back to the campground. It’s a short interpretive hike documenting the life of the old stagecoach runs. Then we headed back to the campsite for a relaxing evening.

Explore Frijole Ranch and Smith Spring Trail

Since we only had 1/2 day on our second day in the park, we got moving early and headed to the Frijole Ranch History Museum, where we planned to take the Smith Spring Trail Day Hike.

Once again, we spent a lot of time looking through windows as the museum was closed. Outside signage helped explain how this ranch utilized the springs to thrive in the middle of the desert. Using irrigation from the springs, the family had a booming fruit and vegetable business from their little oasis.

The Smith Spring Trail is a 2.3-mile loop that swings by the Manzanita Spring. The family used the Manzanita Spring, near the ranch, to create a large pond where they enjoyed boating and swimming. Hiking on to the Smith Spring was another hot, full sun hike. Shade was hard to find, so we were pretty excited when we found the spring hiding in an oasis of beautiful maple shade trees.

More About the Guadalupe Mountains

This park is primarily a backpacker’s park. The itinerary I listed above is almost everything to do for a casual visitor. There are no roads to take you through or deep into the park. So for a visitor who wants to do some light hiking and explore well-presented informational displays, a day and a half is plenty of time.

If you want to go backpacking deeper into the park, there are a plethora of interesting trails. Just remember this is the desert, so come prepared!

Day 3: White Sands National Park

By early afternoon our road trip moved on to White Sands National Park. You have to see this park to believe it. You’ll find massive dunes of gypsum sand that have engulfed 275 square miles of desert. As the largest gypsum dunefield in the world, it’s hard to imagine the endless sea of white until you experience it yourself.

Getting to White Sands National Park

It was a 3-hour drive between White Sands and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. We popped over to El Paso and then headed into Southern New Mexico to find White Sands. The drive through the desert felt like it went on forever because the scenery never changed.

The massive amount of litter along the roads near El Paso surprised me. It turns out that this part of the desert is exceptionally windy in the spring, and it’s near impossible to capture a piece of paper once it’s airborne. I found out that the city spends almost $2 million a year trying to keep up with this mess. We stopped to top off the gas tank in El Paso because we heard reports that gas stations can be few and far between around all 4 of these National Parks.

Where to Stay Near White Sands

There is no camping in White Sands, although you’ll find plenty of RV camping and lodging choices nearby in Alamogordo. You can check lodging availability in Alamogordo here . Finding a good tent campsite is a little more challenging. Many tent campers head to the nearby Lincoln National Forest for a spot. However, we were thrilled with our tent site in Oliver Lee State Park .

As expected, it was shadeless arid desert camping. But we were surprised to discover that the campground sits up on a ridge with beautiful views of the sunset over the desert landscapes. The sites in this New Mexico State Park were generous, and the campground included showers.

Let me just take a moment to share that I feared rattlesnakes and scorpions sneaking into our tent this whole trip. So when I drove over a rattlesnake as I entered the campground, it did nothing to alleviate that fear.

Things to Do in White Sands National Park

We spent 1/2 day in White Sands National Park, which is plenty of time unless you plan to hike into the dunes. Established in 1933, White Sands National Monument became one of our National Parks in 2019.

The White Sands National Park Visitor Center

Stopping at the Visitor Center to watch the introductory movie about White Sands is a must. It’s almost impossible to comprehend the significance of this park without seeing that film. For example, did you know the sand is not really “sand” as we usually know it? Beach sand is from silica, while the sand in White Sands NP is gypsum. And gypsum doesn’t absorb heat like silica, so the sand here stays cool to your feet all summer.

Cruising Dunes Drive

The main attraction in White Sands is a cruise down the scenic drive: Dunes Drive. You’ll find an excellent narrated tour on the NPS app that gives information about each stop. I’m glad I thought to download the self-guided tour before we arrived at the park, as there was zero cell service beyond the visitor center. We spent about 3 hours on the drive, stopping along the way to embrace this incredible National Park.

Interdune Boardwalk

You’ll discover about a dozen places to stop and explore along Dunes Drive. Our favorite stop was the Interdune Boardwalk. Situated at the border where the desert and dunes meet, the information walk along the accessible boardwalk is an interesting way to start your foray into the dunes. We kept looking for animal prints with no success. However, you will find various desert plant life hanging on in the arid soil.

Sledding on the Dunes

We regretted skipping out on the sledding when we visited Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado, so we would not miss the opportunity here. You can buy a saucer sled in the gift shop next to the entrance. Warning, the sleds are pricey, but we decided it was our donation to the park that day.

You can sled down the white sand dunes anywhere in the park. We chose to try the steeper inclines near the end of Dunes Drive. It was silly fun, and we definitely got our exercise climbing back up the dunes.

Hiking in Great Sand Dunes

We chose only to follow the short nature trail and climb dunes while sledding. If you want to explore the gypsum sand dunes, make sure you have a clear sight of a landmark to return to. Once you get in the white sand, it all looks the same.

Keep in mind that there is no hiking path like a forest trail. The sand shifts all the time. For a marked hike, many visitors try the Alkali Flat Trail . It’s a strenuous 5-mile loop, going up and down the dunes. In the spring, when winds are high, this trail is extra tricky because of blowing sand that hides the route markers and cuts into your skin.

More About White Sands National Park

First, a word of caution when scheduling your trip to White Sands… the park is surrounded by military bases. When missile testing is going on, the park must close for safety, usually for a couple of hours. The schedule is clear on the White Sands National Park website so give it a check.

Although we didn’t stay to enjoy it, ranger-led sunset strolls and full moon nights are a fantastic way to experience White Sands. So if you happen to visit close to the park, check the schedule.

Day 4: Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Hidden deep under the Chihuahuan Desert is the Carlsbad Cavern, the next stop on our road trip. But that’s not all there is to this amazing National Park.

Getting to Carlsbad Caverns National Park

After grabbing a few groceries in nearby Alamogordo in the afternoon, we headed east, crossing through the Lincoln National Forest. After several days of desert, it was relaxing to drive through real shade trees and fresh green grass.

Along Highway 82, several quaint small towns have lodging and dining opportunities. If you had an extra day, it would be pleasant to spend a night in one of the Bed and Breakfasts or a Forest Service Campground and explore. We were surprised to find a ski slope in Cloudcroft, with the last remnants of snow melting on the mountainside.

Where to Stay When Visiting Carlsbad Caverns

We were surprised at how developed the city of Carlsbad was. It truly looks tiny on the map. However, we saw a large selection of restaurants and motels as we passed through. It is about 1/2 hour north of the park, so a good option for a home base when visiting Carlsbad Caverns. You can check Lodging availability for Carlsbad here .

We moved on to Whites City for the night, where we stayed at Whites City Cavern Inn. Yup, we decided a night with hot showers and comfy beds was in order! The motel room was recently remodeled, and our stay was perfect. Whites City is only a few minutes away from the park entrance. It’s a small town, with limited services, but oh so convenient. A cute restaurant next to the hotel serves breakfast and lunch. And an RV Park sits across the street near a small shopping center.

Things to Do at Carlsbad Caverns National Park

We pulled into the motel at about 6:15 in the evening. As I checked in, the gal at the counter said we should go straight to the park for the 6:30 Bat Flight Program. It had just started for the season the night before because bats had begun to return to the park. Even though we were exhausted, we didn’t think twice about taking her advice. We headed into the park without looking at our room or getting dinner.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park Bat Flight Program

An opportunity to see the evening Bat Flight out of Carlsbad Cavern was quite the surprise. Generally, the bats don’t start returning to the cave until later in May, so we hadn’t planned on this exciting event.

Our ranger shared that the bats we would see are not the regular Carlsbad population. These bats were just passing through on their migration to other locations and using the cave as a “hotel”. Based on the previous night’s activity, they only expected a few dozen bats to emerge from the cave entrance at dusk in search of their dinner. We were all in for a surprise when several thousand bats swarmed out of the cave! The scene was super cool. The population of bats that habitat Carlsbad Cavern is migratory bats, unlike most bats in the US that hibernate for the winter. They return in May, raise their babies and then leave again in the fall.

If we were impressed with 2,000 bats, imagine the experience mid-summer when 400,000 bats emerge at dusk in search of food. Yes, all those zeros are correct.

The Bat Flight Program takes place in a small outdoor theatre near the entrance to the cave. It’s free, and no reservations are required. Park Rangers will talk about the park’s history and share details of bat life in Carlsbad during the most active season. It’s something not to be missed.

Visiting Carlsbad Caverns

Walking through Carlsbad Caverns Big Room is breathtaking. The open cave is enormous. It is the largest single cave chamber in the United States accessible for public tours. As in any cave, you’ll find stalactites, stalagmites and other structures with names to capture your imagination. But what stood out most to me was how open and spacious the cave was. You probably won’t get claustrophobic here!

We choose to walk down into the cave through the Natural Entrance. It’s a 1.25-mile hike that is a pretty good workout. The park service says to plan an hour as you cover the distance of a 75-foot tall building. The good news is the path is paved with a sturdy handrail and includes many switchbacks to reduce your angle of descent. I suspect we took well over an hour because we often stopped to look at the intriguing features in the cave.

If that hike sounds too much for you, feel free to use the elevator that takes you straight to the big room. Part of the big room is wheelchair accessible, and you’ll find shortcuts if you don’t want to walk the whole trail. Currently, there are no ranger-guided tours, and other cavern sections are not open for visitors. Hopefully, those options will open up again soon! Gratefully, we found rangers to be available throughout our walk to answer questions. And you can purchase a self-guided audio tour in the gift shop that many visitors enjoy.

Hiking in Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Although we chose to skip hiking here, there are a dozen desert hiking trails into the Guadalupe Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert worth exploring if you have extra time in Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Some are short, like the paved trail to Walnut Canyon Overlook and others are long, like the Guadalupe Ridge Trail that spans 100 miles of backcountry.

How Long Should You Stay in Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

We’d suggest an overnight stay if the bats are back in town so you can experience the impressive Bat Flight. Visiting the cave is a full 1/2 day of adventure.

Days 5, 6 and 7: Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is like no other and was the last stop on our New Mexico and West Texas road trip. Discover everything you love about the desert; gorgeous blooming cactus, endless expanses of sand and a calm feeling of deep isolation. Then toss in amazing views of deep canyons cut by raging water and the tall, stark Chisos mountains in the background. And at the end of all roads, you meet the Rio Grande, which defines the park’s southern boundary for 118 miles.

Hundreds of migratory birds pass through the park each year, making it a nature lovers delight.

Getting to Big Bend National Park

From Carlsbad Caverns, it’s a 4-hour drive on a primarily 2-lane highway to Big Bend National Park. Although we probably shouldn’t have been, we were surprised by the many oil wells we passed. And most of the road traffic was oil company trucks.

Fort Stockton along Interstate 10 is your last chance to stock up on supplies. After this town, gas stations and grocery stores are pretty thin, although not impossible to find if you are willing to pay premium prices.

Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park

According to the Park Rangers, the best time to visit Big Bend is winter. Why? Because the desert sun is blistering here during the summer with daytime temperatures well over 100 degrees. There is very little shade in the park, especially on the hiking trails.

Even during our visit in early April, we struggled with the heat, and I overheated on one of our short hikes. The visitor centers in the southern points of the park, Rio Grand Village and Castolon, close in the summer due to the heat.

The Chisos Basin stays open as it is a tad cooler due to the higher elevation. But caution, that place was still hot in April. In contrast, friends who have visited in the winter months have found hiking much more comfortable.

Where to Stay in Big Bend National Park

Lodging options are limited because Big Bend National Park is so isolated. However, if you are up for trying new things, this is the place to be.

Big Bend Hotels

Within the park, Chisos Mountains Lodge is the only choice. You can find other lodging options about 45 minutes out of the park: to the north in Marathon and the west in Terlingua, Terlingua Ghost Town and Lajitas. The choices are a mix of unique lodges and rentals. You won’t find chain hotels here! Here are some options to check out in Terlingua which will put you close to the park.

Big Bend Camping

But as you know, tent camping is our thing! We explored the three campgrounds in the park, and for desert camping, they are perfect. The sites were chosen because they are a little oasis in the desert, providing shade in the day’s heat. Unfortunately, all were closed during our visit because of road resurfacing.

Primitive Road Campsites

So we tried something new! Primitive road campsites. Big Bend National Park is the only park we’ve encountered this option, so we were unsure what we would experience. However, we were driving our 4×4 truck on this road trip, so we decided to try it.

These campsites are on dirt or gravel roads that are rarely maintained. So the ruts are deep in many places. It took us over an hour to drive the 7 miles off the main road to our campsite on Old Ore Road. And the park service did not exaggerate the difficulty of navigating the terrain and the need for a high lift heavy-duty 4×4.

Our campsite (La Noria) was amazing! Unlike our night in Guadalupe National Park, where we could clearly hear the bedtime conversation of other campers, we were all alone. It was so peaceful. The sunset was beautiful. And I woke in the night to a sky with millions of stars filling our tent window.

We talked to another camper who spent a week in Big Bend, spending each night at a different Primitive Road Campsite. In hindsight, that would be the way to go if you have the vehicle for it so that you can taste each area of the park.

Camping Outside Big Bend

We spent our other 2 nights camping in a private tent-only campground near Terlingua, Rancho Topanga . The owners were super sweet, and it was convenient to the hiking on the west side of Big Bend.

Keep in mind that all camping will be desert camping with little to no shade. If you plan to be at your campsite during the day, bring along an awning, or you will cook! We tried to be out of camp by 10 am and not return until evening to avoid the hot sun.

A very popular camping option is Big Bend Ranch State Park near Terlingua. You’ll also find many other RV and tent camping options in the Terlingua and Lajitas areas.

Things to do in Big Bend National Park

Keeping in stride with the reputation of the Lone Star State, Big Bend is one huge National Park. The park covers over 800,000 acres which is about twice the size of the city of Houston. So we wanted to make sure we planned plenty of time to explore this park.

We found it easy to divide the park into three sections and spend one day exploring each area:

• The Rio Grande Village area
• Chisos Basin
• The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive to the Rio Grande

This park is big enough to easily write your own adventure plan ranging from 3 days to several weeks. It would be hard to see much in less than 3 days.

Rio Grande Village

Our day started with breakfast at our remote campsite. With the whole place to ourselves, it was hard to leave. But by 9:30 am, the sun was hot, and we found the truck’s air-conditioning calling our name. Since we were close to Rio Grande Village, we spent our first day exploring that area. We found plenty to do for a full day. Rio Grande Village is in the southeast corner of Big Bend. It might just be the hottest part of the park, and in the summer months, the visitor center is closed.

Even in the heat of summer, the campground is open. There is a well-stocked camp store that includes showers and a gas station. Of course, we grabbed a soda and an ice cream!

Daniels Ranch -Rio Grande Village Area

While in the village, wander over to Daniels Ranch. Here you can see an adobe house, part of the original ranch. But we found most interesting here is the irrigation system from the early 20th century that made this large farm possible Today, the irrigation from the river keeps the village area green, supplies water to the campground and helps shade trees survive.

Visiting Boquillas, Mexico – Rio Grande Village Area

Bring your passport, and you can cross the Mexico border to visit the village of Boquillas, Mexico. You can pay a small fee for a rowboat ride across the Rio Grande, or when waters are low, you can wade across. Once on the other side, Mexican vendors offer donkey and horse rides to the village, which sounds quite fun. However, since it’s only 1/2 mile, you can choose to walk. Merchants in the town sell their crafts and food.

We had looked forward to this side trip… however, we messed up on 2 levels. We forgot our passports, and we were there on a wrong day. The hours and days the Boquillas borde r Port of Entry is open are limited.

Boquillas Canyon – Rio Grande Village Area

With its craggy canyon walls and sandy beaches, Boquillas Canyon is a popular hike. The trail is a moderate 1.4-mile round trip walk. While the beginning is relatively steep, it levels out to an easy walk across a sandy beach along the river.

The challenge with this hike is the heat. The hike is full sun, and the canyon gets hot by early afternoon. However, most people jumped in the river to cool off! Brad joined them for a swim while I enjoyed a break in the little bit of shade we found.

We loved seeing wild horses along the river bank. Wild mules also enjoy the waters in Boquillas Canyon.

Hot Springs – Rio Grande Village Area

Our last stop in the Rio Grande Village area was the Hot Springs. Brad is a hot springs junkie, so we couldn’t miss an opportunity to soak in the warm waters!

In 1909 J.O. Langford opened a business on this site, offering healing baths in the 105-degree hot springs for 10 cents per day. Today, you’ll see the remains of some of the original buildings. We were surprised that the giant palm trees he planted to create a resort environment are still thriving. The spring itself is within the foundation walls of the original bathhouse.

It’s a short 1/2 mile walk to the Hot Springs from the nearby parking lot. Hot Springs trail takes you through sand, which makes it a little more work. Wear your bathing suit and enjoy the springs and the stunning view of the Rio Grande.

Chisos Basin Visitor Center

On our second day in Big Bend, we headed to the Chisos Basin. Everything we had read indicated it would be a little cooler here because of the higher elevation. Well… not so much. Maybe because we were there in April, quickly approaching the summer months, but it was still hot as blazes. You’ll find the Visitor Center, camp store, the Chisos Mountains Lodge, and Restaurant in a small village setting. Although it’s a worthwhile stop, there isn’t much to explore. While I waited for Brad to pack for our hike, I was entertained by a busy road runner. He had discovered that bugs on the grills of parked vehicles were an easy lunch!

Hiking Chisos Mountains – Chisos Basin Area

Some of the best hiking in the park takes off from the visitor center. The hikes range from the easy 0.3-mile Window View Trail to the extremely strenuous 14-mile South Rim, leading to stunning desert vistas. With over 3 dozen backcountry hike-in camping sites, it quickly becomes apparent why backpackers love winter hiking in Big Bend.

The Window Trail – Chisos Basin Area

We chose to hike the Window Trail, a 5.6 mile in and out that started at the Visitor Center parking lot. It was amazing! First, the hike was hot and in full sun for much of the trip, so we took our time stopping to cool down any time we found a little shade. But the destination is so worth the effort. You end in a slot canyon with just a split between the rocks looking out over the desert. Stunning!

The April heat drained our energy, so we relaxed for a bit and then headed back to camp for the evening.

Drive the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive

We got an early start on our last day because we needed to be on the road back to Houston by mid-afternoon. Our primary goal was to hike into the Santa Elena Canyon. To get there, we followed the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.

This scenic drive covers 30 miles, taking you to the Castolon Historic District and Santa Elena Canyon. We chose to drive to the end and then stop along the way back so we could better monitor our limited time. If you have more time, plan to spend a whole day exploring along this road. There is a beautiful scenic overlook and several interesting short historic sites within a short walk.

We stopped at The Sam Nail Ranch, once a working farm in this area. Portions of buildings still exist, and the windmill is turning. We only spent a few minutes in the Castolon Historic District. I wish we had more time to explore.

We also snuck in a quick drive through the Castolon Cottonwood, the tent-only campground, which was a lush green oasis hidden in the desert. If you can get a reservation here, it’s worth a night’s stay.

Santa Elana Canyon – Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive Area

Santa Elana Canyon is not to be missed on your road trip to Big Bend National Park. The Rio Grande River carved a 1,500-foot vertical chasm into the limestone. It is stunning! You can view the canyon from an overlook along the scenic drive. But if you can handle the 1.7-mile round trip hike, it is a highlight of the park. The beginning of the hike is a steep climb up a staircase of switchbacks and then down the other side. But once you get over the cliff, the rest of the hike is level sand.

Along with dozens of other hikers, we waded in the Rio Grande to cool down. As we walked through the deep canyon walls, we couldn’t help but be in awe of mother nature’s ability to create immense beauty! What a perfect way to end our Texas and New Mexico Road Trip!

And Just Like That…Our Road Trip through West Texas and New Mexico National Parks Ends

More Tips for Your Road Trip through New Mexico and West Texas

• Although you will be able to find food and gas on this trip, there is quite a distance between stores. So don’t let yourself run low on either.
• Bring lots of water! We brought gallon jugs of water so we could refill our water bottles in addition to having plenty of cooking water.
• Take it slow. It’s going to be hot. Even in the cooler winter months, it’s going to be hot. Be well prepared for hiking in extremely hot weather conditions.
• We don’t recommend taking your dog camping in Big Bend due to the heat. We were glad we left our pup in Houston with family. She would have struggled with the heat. However, we were surprised to find an air-conditioned kennel available free of charge in Carlsbad Caverns NP. I poked my head in and the dogs were very comfy.
• Hiking in heat takes longer and is more strenuous than hiking in good weather, so make sure you have packed your daypack with all the essentials.

This was a great road trip and we were able to see some amazing scenery in the four national parks we visited. If you’re looking for an adventure, I would definitely recommend taking a West Texas and New Mexico National Park Road Trip. You could easily spend more time in each park if you have the time, or add in some of the amazing state parks for more things to do. There’s something for everyone in West Texas and New Mexico!

For more of our National Park Road Trip Adventures, complete with itineraries and things for you to do check out these posts:

• Utah National Park Road Trip: 5 Parks in 5 Days
• Colorado National Park Road Trip: Explore 4 Parks in 1 Week!

And for extra tips for a successful road tip, here’s exactly what you need.

• Travel Games for Adults to keep you busy on the long road.
• Tips for a Successful Road Trip with Your Dog to keep your puppy happy!
• Best Novels Set in National Parks are a great read on the road.

The Authors: Hey, we are Ladona and Brad, avid campers and hikers. We are crazy about getting outdoors at every possible moment and have decades of experience exploring nature. Our current goal is to visit all 63 US National Parks and just completed #42. WooHoo! Our mission is to help you plan your own adventures and create memories beyond your imagination!

7 Undeniable Differences Between The Eastern And Western Parts Of Texas

Katie Lawrence

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015. Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).

More by this Author

Texas is so big, it could practically be divided into several states – and you’d almost think it already was, based on the immense differences from one region to the next. From the culture to the landscape and everything in between, going from El Paso to Beaumont will have you feeling like you’re on a whole new planet – much less the same country and the same state. The following are 7 of the biggest differences between East and West Texas.

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Despite our differences, we’re all united under the Texas flag and share the same amount of unashamed pride for the Lone Star State. If you don’t believe me, check out 12 Reasons Why Texas Is The BEST State.

How many of these differences can you relate to? Are there any others we left off? Let us know!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Texas pulls back some on reopening -- 4 things to know about travel in the Lone Star State

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Texas was one of the first states to take major steps toward reopening this spring. But now, it's also one of the first to have to pull back due to surging coronavirus cases.

While the state hasn't fully gone back to a prior opening phase, it has made the decision to close bars, reduce restaurant capacity back to 50% (down from 75%), limit outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people and shut down tubing and rafting retailers, which may sound strange, but we'll explain how that impacts travel.

Before we get into the details, know that the Lone Star State is massive at close to 800 miles across, meaning it would take you at least 12 to 13 hours to drive from El Paso in the west to the Louisana state line in the east. Tourism is also big business here, representing about $164 billion in revenue in 2018, which typically supports 1.2 million Texas jobs, according to Travel Texas .

And while those tourism numbers will undoubtedly be smaller for 2020 because of the coronavirus and subsequent pause in nonessential travel, Texas has around 29 million residents, some of whom started traveling again when the state's stay-at-home order expired nearly a month ago.

Here's what to know about travel in and across Texas.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Texas travel bans

As of May 1, 2020, Texas residents are no longer under a stay-at-home order and the state's borders are open, with some caveats. Until May 21, the state had a 14-day self-quarantine requirement for those entering Texas from places such as New York , New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Washington and a few select cities. That executive order, however, has ended and there are no restrictions on those entering Texas from other states by air. You can view up-to-date orders here .

That said, as case counts in Texas have increased in recent weeks, if you travel from Texas to a state such as New York, New Jersey or Connecticut, you will now face a 14-day quarantine in those locations .

Related: A state-by-state guide to coronavirus reopening

What's open in Texas

Until recently, Texas was pretty much reopened for life and travel. But now, restaurants must go back down to 50% capacity. Retail stores, movie theaters and malls, are still permitted to operate with capacity of up to 50%. You can still even get in a workout at the gym, and get your nails and hair done.

Many Texas state parks , such as Davis Mountains State Park, Garner State Park and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, are open for day use and camping, though advance reservations are strongly recommended due to limited capacity. Texas state parks require visitors to practice social distancing, and face coverings are strongly encouraged, though not required.

Related: The 7 best state parks to visit

For those ready for some sun and sand, public beaches in Texas remain reopened as well. (Update: Some Texas beaches, such as those in Galveston, are closing for the July 4th weekend, so check local ordinances before assuming the beach is open every single date.)

Several major resorts in Texas have also reopened their doors. For example, the Hyatt Regency Hill Country in San Antonio is now open (you can use 15,000 Hyatt points per night or a Category 1 to 4 award from the World of Hyatt Credit Card to book a stay). Great Wolf Lodge outside Dallas, and La Cantera Resort near San Antonio, have also both reopened.

Beginning June 19, Texas theme parks were able to reopen to 50% capacity. This includes parks such as Six Flags and SeaWorld San Antonio which are reopened, but do require you to reserve your park day online in advance.

What's not open in Texas

Not everything is open in Texas.

The iconic Alamo remains closed. Some hotels and resorts have yet to turn the lights back on. Some city pools and parks are either closed or are open on a very limited basis. If you have your heart set on a particular local hiking trail or pool in Texas, be sure to check if it's open and whether you need to make an advance reservation -- you probably do.

Bars are now again required to close, other than for to-go orders (yes, you can get your margarita to-go in Texas right now). Also, know that retailers that are involved with the tubing and rafting industry in Texas must also again shutdown. This sounds weird, but a popular summer activity in Texas is for large groups of people to link tubes while drinking and floating a river for hours at a time in close proximity. (If you want a taste of the river without the tubing restriction -- here's how we accomplished that socially distanced Texas getaway .)

When it comes to national parks in Texas, Big Bend in West Texas is open, but note that the lodge is closed and camping is available at a reduced capacity. Attractions like the McDonald Observatory also have not yet announced reopening dates.

Related: Event cancellations and postponements will continue into fall — here's a look at the latest

Where to go in Texas

In addition to some of the large resorts, Texas offers outstanding options when it comes to social distancing with a wide variety of outdoor activities, beaches and cabin rentals available.

If you're craving the beach, you can check out the sands around Galveston, South Padre, Corpus Christi or Rockport.

Related: How to choose the best Airbnb

If you're dreaming of a rustic cabin getaway, consider a trip to picturesque Wimberley, Fredericksburg and other destinations across Central Texas. While you are in the Texas Hill Country, you'll also be a stone's throw from rivers such as the Comal, Frio and Colorado. (Just keep in mind that some smaller swimming holes require reservations and tubing outlets are no longer open.)

Related: Our 7 favorite secret swimming holes to visit this summer

You can head far west to Marfa, Fort Davis and Big Bend, should wide-open spaces really be calling your name. My own family took a socially distanced nearcation in the Wimberley area and had a tremendous time playing in the cool river. We also spent a night in a tiny Getaway cabin in the woods of East Texas and managed to stay a safe distance away from others while enjoying nature.

Related: When will the national parks reopen? Everything we know right now

Bottom line

Texas is a vast state with plenty of space for visitors, but it's not 100% open or running at full capacity right now. So, do some research before planning a trip this summer.

What happens to the elevation of Texas if you travel from Southeast to west Texas?

West Texas starts with high elevation in the mountains and basins region and slowly degrades to flat rolling plains in the North Central Region of East Texas.

The more west you go the drier the place will be the more east you go the more rainfall you get.

- Hope this helps if not ask me more and i will see what I can do!

Southeast Texas is at sea level, along the Gulf Coast. As you travel north and west, you are increasing in elevation to an average of around 1200 feet MSL.

How much should I feed my dog

28Garcia Joseph ∙

Anonymous ∙

The precipitation decreases, the elevation increases.

east has lower elevation

The elevation increases .

Add your answer:

What is the rule of the thumb and where does it come from?

The Texas Rule of Thumb is: The further you travel Northwest, the higher the elevation and lower the precipitation, the further you travel Southeast, the lower the elevation, and higher the precipitation.

What is Texas' elevation?

the texas elevation in the great plains is? help answer unknown

In which direction would you have to travel in Texas to go from a low elevation to a high elevation?

Guadalupe Peak at 8749 ft. Gulf of Mexico 0 ft.

When was Southeast Texas Mavericks created?

Southeast Texas Mavericks was created in 2006.

Name the gulf that Texas borders to the southeast?

name the gulf that texas borders in the southeast

How low was the elevation in the Texas?

The lowest elevation in Texas is sea level along the Gulf Coast.

Was Bristol Texas highest elevation?

Bristol, Texas' elevation is 505 feet (154 meters).

What is the elevation of magnolia Texas?

what is the elevation of magnolia, texas

What is the web address of the Art Museum Of Southeast Texas in Beaumont Texas?

The web address of the Art Museum Of Southeast Texas is: www.amset.org

Does Florida or Texas have higher land elevation?

Where in texas did the comanche live.

Southeast of Texas

What has higher elevation Davenport Iowa or Midland Texas?

Midland, Texas has higher elevation than Davenport, Iowa. The elevation in Davenport, Iowa is 580 feet above sea level. The elevation in Midland, Texas is 2782 feet above sea level.

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Ways to Cross the United States Without Flying

Cross the country by train, car, bike or even on foot

Ken Paul / Getty Images

Overground travel is one of the best ways of seeing any country, and while it is possible to travel from the East Coast to the West Coast in a few hours by air, there really isn't a sense of the journey or the country that you are traveling through. There are plenty of different ways to make the journey, and whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, taking a bit more time about the trip can make it a lot more enjoyable. Domestic flights are quite competitively priced, but these options will often prove to be a cheaper way to travel too.

Crossing the Country By Train

Although Amtrak doesn't operate a network as extensive as the train network found in Europe, there are several ways to get across the country by train. Those traveling from east to west have the choice of a northern and southern route, and two central routes, with the northern three routes passing through Chicago, and the route through the south of the country passing through New Orleans and Houston. Traveling by train is a very pleasant way to see the country , and while it certainly isn't a high-speed journey it offers some large windows for those wanting to enjoy the views, and the option of a cabin so that you can sleep as you travel.

Driving is one of the most American methods of transport, as most people in the country own a car. Driving across the country is something that can be done in a couple of days if you are in a rush, but to get the full experience it is best to get off the highway and explore some of the more rural roads. The best road trip route for you will depend on where you want to start and end, but one of the classics is to drive to Chicago and then follow Route 66 all the way to California. Make sure you stay in mom and pop bed and breakfast places and break regularly to enjoy the area you are traveling through, as it will help you to have a truly memorable experience.

Cycling Across the USA

This is one of the most interesting ways to see the country, and while walking is a method that can take a long time, it is possible to cover this by cycle in as little as a few weeks. Depending on the route that you take and your cycling speed, this can vary significantly, especially as the most direct route across the country is not necessarily the most interesting or the most attractive route. One potential option is the Trans America Trail , which is over four thousand miles, running from the town of Astoria in Oregon to Yorktown in Virginia, and commonly takes around three months to complete.

Walking Across America

There are relatively few people who choose this option, as it is an awfully long way to walk, and it will almost always take a lot of time, from four months to a year to complete. Nonetheless, it is a wonderful challenge and it also offers the option of choosing some spectacular routes, with a crossing of the Rockies one of the options that will provide memories to last a lifetime.

With the scenery, roadside attractions, and historical landmarks, the United States is certainly a county worth exploring.

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4 dead as severe storms hit Houston area; hundreds of thousands lose power in Texas

Emergency crews in southeast Texas were clearing debris and assessing flooding on Friday after powerful storms tore through the state , killing at least four people and knocking out power to nearly 800,000 customers.

The winds — which reached 100 mph — were reminiscent of 2008's Hurricane Ike , one of the costliest natural disasters in American history, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a briefing Thursday. A widespread 3 to 6 inches of rain fell north of Houston, with one of the highest totals reaching around 6.9 inches in 24 hours near Romayor.

The storm also battered New Orleans overnight, with severe thunderstorms and flooding possible again through Saturday morning, according to the local branch of the National Weather Service .

In Texas, the destruction was evident even before sunrise, with high winds tearing out windows of high-rise buildings in downtown Houston and inundating the region with flooding. Streets were littered with glass, electrical lines and other detritus.

“I know that many people lived through, and are still living through, scary situations with the terrible strong winds that blew across our county tonight," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said in a statement Friday morning.

"Damage assessments are ongoing, and we cannot know how long it will take to clear debris without those assessments completed, but from initial reports the debris looks very significant," Hidalgo said.

Classes were canceled for the 400,000 students in the Houston Independent School District.

Officials urged all but essential employees to work from home if possible, and the Houston Police Department told residents to avoid traveling downtown.

Two of the four people who died in Texas were killed by falling trees, while a third died when a crane blew over, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña said at a news briefing. No information was given about the fourth. Whitmire said a possible fifth death is being investigated, but it’s not yet clear if it was related to the weather.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott thanked emergency personnel in a statement, saying work is ongoing to assist communities affected by the storms.

“Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives due to severe weather in Southeast Texas, and we remain in contact with local officials to do everything we can to protect Texans and help our communities recover,” Abbott said.

At one point, more than 900,000 customers were without power statewide; that remained true for around 670,000 as of 3 p.m. CT,  according to poweroutage.us . Nearly all of those were in Houston’s Harris County.

Heat and humidity in the city will ramp up into the weekend, which could lead to health concerns if power is not restored quickly. Temperatures could be as high as 91 degrees with a heat index of 97.

Across Houston, photos and videos on social media showed intense flooding and downed trees, as well as toppled electrical towers and power lines .

In a video posted to Facebook , rain was seen leaking into Minute Maid Park, where the Houston Astros play. Another video showed baseball fans leaving the stadium amid the bad weather.

Strong winds appeared to have blown off roof panels at a Hyatt Regency Hotel in Houston, a video posted to X showed. Other footage shared on the platform showed blown out windows in a building in the city's Wells Fargo Plaza.

Whitmire described downtown Houston as a “mess” and warned that “many roads are impassible due to downed power lines, debris, and fallen trees.” 

Firefighters were removing live wires from Route 290 and most city traffic lights were down, he added. 

In Louisiana, the severe weather knocked out electricity for some 215,000 customers, many in and around New Orleans. Around 115,000 remained without power as of Friday morning.

A swath of the southeast coast, stretching from Louisiana, through Mississippi, Alabama and into the Florida Panhandle, was under a flood watch early Friday.

The National Weather Service said in an afternoon update that unsettled weather, including the possibility of excessive rainfall and severe thunderstorms, will persist across the Southeast through Saturday.

Around 7 million people along the central Gulf Coast remain under flood watches.

“A few tornadoes, scattered damaging winds, and hail all appear possible over the central/eastern Gulf Coast area,” according to the National Weather Service.

The agency also noted a risk of severe thunderstorms in portions of the northern Plains through Friday evening.

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

Alexander Smith is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital based in London.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

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WEATHER ALERT

4 warnings in effect for 11 counties in the area

Txdot works to restore traffic signal outages across houston area, motorists urged to exercise caution amid traffic signal outages.

Holly Galvan Posey , Digital Content Producer

There have been numerous traffic signal outages in the Houston area since Thursday evening’s storm.

As a result of the derecho storm, TxDOT crews have been clearing storm debris and working to restore normal operations, focusing on traffic signals impacted by the storm. Approximately 125 signals out of 1,100 in Houston need to be repaired. In order to assist with the recovery process, crews from across the state have been mobilized.

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• Power restoration timeline: CenterPoint releases map with estimated dates for returning service

“Our crews are working diligently to restore our traffic signals and return to normal operations across the Houston District, including Harris, Montgomery, Fort Bend, and Waller counties,” said Eliza Paul, District Engineer for the TxDOT Houston District in a press release.

An emergency operations center has been established at Houston TranStar to support storm recovery efforts by TxDOT.

Traffic signals that are not functioning and storm debris pose a potential risk to motorists, so TxDOT urges them to avoid unnecessary travel. When traveling, drivers should slow down and give first responders room to work at intersections with non-functional traffic signals.

RELATED:  CenterPoint Energy aims to complete power restorations by Wednesday

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The northern lights danced across the US last night. It could happen again Saturday.

Amazing auroras sparked by a massive solar storm — the strongest in decades — set the world abuzz Friday night as colorful glowing light radiated into the skies as far south as Florida and the Bahamas, to the surprising delight of many who waited up and kept watch.

And good news for anyone who missed it: You may get another chance Saturday night or Sunday.

"Overnight, aurora were visible across much of the United States. Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight," the Space Weather Prediction Center said in a Saturday morning update . A later update suggests the possibility of widespread viewing in the U.S. on Sunday too.

(A word of caution, experts have previously told USA TODAY that forecasting space weather is difficult . Researchers must rely on observations of the 93-million-miles-away sun to make their predictions.)

Northern lights are only visible at night time, and experts say it's best to view them away from the hustle and bustle of city life to get the best show. Still, Americans in cities said they could see the lights overnight, including in metro Detroit .

Wisconsinites got to see the lights dance across the sky in green and purple hues. Even residents of downtown Milwaukee caught a glimpse despite the bright city lights obstructing the view.

See photos: Northern lights on full display across US, Europe on Friday

Will the aurora be visible this weekend?

It could be.

The Space Weather Prediction Center offers an experimental forecast map that showed on Saturday the aurora may be visible Saturday in a wide swath of the U.S., possibly in states including Oregon, Nebraska, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New York. But visibility will depend on shifting factors that include weather.

For Sunday, space weather forecasters said the aurora could become visible again over the northern half of the country, with sights extending as far south as Alabama and northern California. The effects of that storm are expected to arrive Sunday morning ET.

What is the cloud forecast Saturday night? Will clouds block the northern lights?

If you missed the aurora borealis Friday night, you might still catch a glimpse on Saturday or Sunday, depending on where you live. But not if clouds get in the way.

The cloud forecast for Saturday night is generally good for most of America, but some of the people who missed their chance last night due to clouds may have a similar problem Saturday, said AccuWeather senior meteorologist Tom Kines. Areas that are likely to be cloudy include New England and Mid-Atlantic regions, as well as parts of the Southern Plains, including Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado.

“Even just a few breaks in the clouds will allow the aurora to be visible,” Kines said. “There’s always hope.”

Peak visibility time Saturday night will be between 9 p.m. and midnight, with some chance until 2 a.m., Kines said. The best views will be in dark areas away from the light pollution of cities, he said, though some reported seeing the auroras Friday night from metro areas like Milwaukee and Detroit.

Sunday night, if there is any aurora to see, those in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic can rejoice, because Kines said the skies should be clearer.

What is causing the northern lights this weekend?

The spectacle is being caused by geomagnetic storm that erupted from a sunspot cluster on the sun.

The storm was unusually strong — classified as "extreme" (or a G5) storm, the highest level, the  Space Weather Prediction Center  said Friday evening. It's the first G5 storm to hit our planet since 2003.

The geomagnetic storm's effects (which aren't all as pretty as the northern lights) are likely to linger through the weekend. The  Space Weather Prediction Center  said the storm is likely to continue through Sunday.

"There have been reports of power grid irregularities and degradation to high-frequency communications and GPS," the Space Weather Prediction Center said in a Saturday morning update.

Where were the northern lights seen on Friday night?

Across much of the United States and Europe where skies were clear — as far south as Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and Arizona.

To the great disappointment of many in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, cloud cover dimmed or obstructed the stunning display altogether.

Although it's unusual, auroras have been seen in the far southern United States in the past. This happens when a particularly large coronal mass ejection arrives in the Earth's outer atmosphere, triggering a geomagnetic storm, NOAA reports.

On the night of Nov. 5-6, 2001 , aurora displays were seen in Texas and Arizona.

What causes the aurora?

NASA describes an aurora as an "intricate dance of particles and magnetism between the Sun and the Earth."

The Sun's activity creates strong electrical currents known as geomagnetic storms.

These eruptions are mostly happening at a large, complex sunspot cluster, NOAA'S Space Weather Prediction Center said. Sunspots, which increase and decrease on a 11-year cycle, are areas where the magnetic field is about 2,500 times stronger than Earth's.

The reason the auroras move is because of how the Sun's ionized gases interact with the Earth's magnetic field.

If you took a great photo, NASA wants to know

In a collaboration with the National Science Foundation and the New Mexico Consortium aurora sightings and photos are being collected at the Aurorasaurus web page.

Why was the aurora borealis so red on Friday?

Mike Theiss, an extreme nature photographer and hurricane storm chaser, who lives in Florida was shocked to see posts Friday night about how far south people were seeing the auroras. To his amazement, he was able to step out of his front door in Key Largo in the Florida Keys and see and photograph the aurora. Hours later he was still incredulous, and surprised at the colors in the aurora.

"I’ve documented the Northern Lights in Iceland, North Dakota, Arctic Circle in Canada but never this red color," Theiss said. "This is the first time I’ve seen red."

The multiple colors seen in auroras are related to the types of gas being bombarded at various levels above the Earth. Auroras occur within one of Earth's upper atmosphere layers, the thermosphere, according to the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.

Solar particles trapped there interact with various gas molecules, such as nitrogen and oxygen, according to the research corporation's website. Oxygen gives off green and red lights, while nitrogen glows blue and reddish purple. For example, nitrogen gas glows blue at 75 to 110 miles altitude.

The less common red auroras form from interacting with higher altitude oxygen molecules, the website explains.

'Two incredible spectacles of the universe': Northern lights come about a month after eclipse

Seeing the aurora amazed Antonella Fruscione, an astrophysicist at Harvard University. She sent photos of the sight as well as the April total solar eclipse to her friends in Italy.

"And I sent them the picture that I took at the solar eclipse and I said, 'Can you imagine how fortunate I was this year, one month apart, I see these two incredible spectacles of the universe,'" she recalled telling them.

The phenomena seen Friday and possibly Saturday night is unusual, she said.

"It's a very rare occurrence, especially because last night it was really visible," Fruscione said.

What was the Halloween storm in October 2003?

Over two decades ago in late October 2003, three massive sunspot groups appeared on the sun's surface with little warning, accompanied by 17 major solar flares, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.

Satellites, radio and GPS systems went on the fritz around the world, causing some major disruptions. But it also offered a stunning view of the auroras as far south as California and Florida. People in Australia and Mediterranean countries even caught a glimpse.

Contributing: Doyle Rice and Krystal Nurse , USA TODAY

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