Road Trip Ideas for Exploring the Lone Star State
Introduction
Everything’s bigger in Texas, y’all! This vast state is like a treasure trove of million quirky possibilities just waiting to be discovered.
Picture this: you could be lounging on the sun-kissed beaches, embarking on an exhilarating desert escapade, or immersing yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Texas’ captivating cities. It’s like a giant playground for all kinds of adventurers!
Now, prepare to get your road trip on because we’re about to spill the beans on our favorite wacky and wonderful ways to explore the Lone Star State.
We’ve got you covered—from the enchanting Texas Hill Country to the jaw-dropping Big Bend, and all the way to the gorgeous Gulf Coast.
Whether you’re a rookie explorer or a seasoned maverick, this here article is your ticket to Texas road trip nirvana. So saddle up, partner, and let the Lone Star State charm your boots off!
1. The Texas Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country is a beautiful region of the state that’s known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming towns.
If you’re looking for a relaxing road trip, this is the perfect place to start.
Start your trip in Austin, the capital of Texas.
Here, you can visit the University of Texas, explore the Zilker Botanical Garden, and take a walk or bike ride on Town Lake.
From Austin, you can head west to Fredericksburg, a German-American town with a quaint downtown and plenty of wineries to visit.
Just be sure to try some of the local sausage and schnitzel while you’re in town.
Next, drive on down south to San Antonio, home to the Alamo and the Riverwalk.
The Alamo is a historic landmark—the site of a historic battle that took place during the Texas Revolution. The Riverwalk is also a popular tourist destination with shops, restaurants, and boat rides.
From San Antonio, you can head back to Austin via the Guadalupe River State Park.
This park is a great place to go swimming, hiking, camping, and more.
2. The Big Bend
The Big Bend is a remote region in the far part of west Texas that’s home to a mix of stunning desert landscapes, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous road trip, this is probably the best option for you.
Start your trip in El Paso, a border town with a rich history.
From El Paso, drive south to Big Bend National Park. This park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Texas, including the Chisos Mountains, the Chihuahuan Desert, and the Rio Grande River.
From Big Bend National Park, you can then drive east to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
This park is home to the Guadalupe Mountains, the highest point in Texas. The park is also home to a variety of different types of wildlife, including mountain lions, bears, and coyotes (so be careful).
From the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, drive back to El Paso via the Davis Mountains.
This mountain range is home to a number of scenic overlooks and hiking trails, and is an awesome stopping point on the road.
3. The Gulf Coast
The Gulf Coast is a popular tourist destination with beautiful beaches, charming towns, and plenty of activities to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, this is the perfect place for you.
Start your trip in Galveston, a historic city with a beautiful beach for swimming, walking, running, sunning, etc.
Here, you can visit the Galveston Historical Society Museum, take a walk on the Seawall, and enjoy a few of the many restaurants and shops in the downtown area.
From Galveston, you’ll want to drive south to Corpus Christi, a port city with a vibrant downtown and a number of rich cultural museums.
Be sure to visit the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and Industry, the Texas State Aquarium, and the USS Lexington Museum.
From Corpus Christi, drive east to South Padre Island—a barrier island with a long, beautiful sandy beach. Here, you can relax on the beach, swim, fish, or boat to your heart’s content.
(And just note that if you’re interested in partaking of some of that ‘natural green’ while you’re road-tripping through the Lone Star state, you can get connected to a medical marijuana doctor in Texas with a simple, free application process via Veriheal’s online medical cannabis tool.)
4. The Panhandle
The Panhandle is a region in the north part of Texas that’s known for its wide-open spaces, flat terrain, and small towns.
If you’re looking for a more rural road trip vibe, this is the perfect option for you.
Start your trip in Amarillo, a city known for its stockyards and big-sky views.
From Amarillo, you’ll want to drive west to Lubbock, a city with a rich history that also boasts a vibrant arts scene.
From Lubbock, you can drive south to Midland, a city with a growing art scene and a number of museums.
Just be sure to visit the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum (for all you engineering nerds) and the Griffith Observatory.
From Midland, you’ll want to drive east to Odessa, a city with a number of historical sites and museums.
Also, be sure to visit the Ector County Museum and the Museum of the Southwest.
Conclusion
These are just a few ideas for amazing road trips in Texas. There are many other great places to visit in this vast state though—so we hope that this will inspire you to get out and do a bit of exploring of your own!
Photo by Pete Alexopoulos on Unsplash