5 Best Texas Road Trip Ideas

Best Texas Road Trip Ideas 

Texas is big. Spanning more than 268,000 square miles, it's the largest state in the lower 48 by a wide margin. There's no better way to explore the Lone Star State than by hopping in the car and hitting the highway on an epic Texas road trip. 

It's almost impossible to run out of new experiences in Texas. The road might take you to pristine beaches, wide-open plains, rugged mountains, or fields of wildflowers. You can eat your way through the barbecue belt or sip Syrah in one of America's fastest-growing wine regions. 

These are five places for a great road trip—from Texas' biggest cities to its widest open spaces.

So, What's a Good Road Trip to Take in Texas?

Texas Panhandle Road Trip

I-40 cuts straight across the Texas Panhandle, following the former Route 66. You can drive the whole way—from the New Mexico state line to the Oklahoma state line—in about 2.5 hours without stopping. Of course, the trip is a whole lot more fun if you plan a few stops. 

Cadillac Ranch, an outdoor art installation made up of 10 half-buried and spray-painted vintage cars, is an iconic roadside attraction west of Amarillo. Visitors are encouraged to add their own spray paint to the ever-changing scene. As you cruise through Amarillo, be sure to stop and explore the Historic Route 66 District.

Travel east of Amarillo to see Palo Duro Canyon, a place that deserves a visit on your Texas road trip itinerary. Over 120 miles long and 800 feet deep, Palo Duro is America's second-largest canyon. A 16-mile round-trip drive will take you along the rim, down into the canyon, and back. 

Texas Hill Country Road Trip

The Texas Hill Country is a region of rolling countryside in south-central Texas that offers some of the state's most beautiful scenery. The drive alone makes this an amazing Texas road trip, but there are also a lot of exciting things to do in the Hill Country. 

You can drive across the region from San Marcos to Junction in less than 3 hours but take your time. Stop in Fredericksburg, the unofficial center of the Hill Country, where the unique cuisine is influenced by the German immigrants who founded the city in 1846. The Hill Country is a noted wine region as well, with more than 100 vineyards. 

You'll also find a lot of great outdoor attractions in the Hill Country. Climb the immense granite dome at Enchanted Rock, swim the river at Pedernales Falls, or hike around 40 miles of trails at Hill Country State Natural Area. Try to visit in spring, when the meadows are carpeted in blooming bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush.

West Texas Road Trip

The heart of West Texas is Big Bend National Park, which has about 100 miles of paved scenic roads and hundreds more miles of off-the-beaten-path trails.

One of the best drives in Big Bend is Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, which stretches through 30 miles of spectacular West Texas scenery. Stop to take in the views at Sotol Vista and Mule Ears Overlook, and hike to a desert oasis at Sam Nail Ranch. Farther on, you can hike down to the Rio Grande, where the limestone cliffs of Santa Elena Canyon drop 1,500 feet to the river. 

Before you’re done exploring West Texas, drive out to Marfa, a tiny, isolated city 90 minutes from Big Bend. This funky hidden gem is a unique art hub out in the middle of the West Texas desert and is frequently ranked among the coolest small towns in America.

Austin & San Antonio Road Trip

Austin and San Antonio are two of Texas' most vibrant and energizing cities and the route between them is another fun road trip. Best of all, these cities are under a two hour drive from each other (assuming the traffic cooperates). 

There's a lot to see and do at either end of this journey. Austin is the unofficial cultural capital of Texas—as well as the actual state capital—and it's a great place to spend the night and experience Texas live music and nightlife at its finest. In San Antonio, be sure to tour the Alamo and take a stroll down the beautiful San Antonio River Walk, which is one of the most-visited attractions in Texas.

There are also a lot of amazing stops between Austin and San Antonio. Explore Natural Bridge Caverns and float down the Comal River in New Braunfels. Stop for lunch in Lockhart, which has a reputation for producing the best barbecue in Texas. 

Texas Gulf Coast Road Trip

The Texas Gulf Coast makes a great road trip. You can drive from Texas' southernmost tip near South Padre Island, all the way to the coastal city of Galveston in around 7 hours. The trip is best enjoyed slowly over several days because you'll want to take some detours. 

Start by swinging through Padre Island National Seashore, which preserves 66 miles of coastline. It's the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island on Earth, home to nesting sea turtles and more than 380 bird species that stop by as they migrate along the Central Flyway. 

Farther up the coast, spots like Mustang Island, Port Aransas, and Corpus Christi offer a more developed beach experience with more modern amenities. When you reach Galveston, ride the Ferris wheel at Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and enjoy some of the best seafood restaurants in Texas. 

Your Texas Road Trip Planner

One of the hardest parts of planning a road trip is knowing where to stay. Fortunately, no matter where you are in Texas, there's a Wyndham Hotels & Resorts location nearby. Download the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts app today to start planning your Texas road trip, including the best road trips from Texas to other states.