Explore a completely different Texas.
Our Lone Star State has so many truly wonderful places worth visiting within its considerable borders. To aid with your journey, we built out this guide to The Best Texas Road Trips. Just make sure you've gassed up, used the bathroom, and procured a cache of snacks before you embark.
By Rory Jones
photo credit: Palo duro canyon state park facebook
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Driving time: 7 hours, 32 minutes
Who needs the overcrowded Grand Canyon when we got a pretty great canyon at home? Located in that part of Texas you forget about ( South of Amarillo), Palo Duro Canyon is a breathtaking natural landmark of our state. The second (and some might say better) largest canyon in the country, rent a cabin on the ridge and hike through the bright red rocks. Bask in the cooler weather as you find your way to the lighthouse and take in the geological beauty, catching your breath from scaling the canyon.
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photo credit: Marian Kalka
Lake Caddo
Driving time: 5 hours, 35 minutes
Texas has nothing on New England when it comes to seasonal foliage, but that doesn't mean we don't have our own gems to seek out each year. While Lake Caddo looks like it came straight out of a southern gothic novel year round, this Spanish moss-covered lake comes alive for spring. All the towering Bald Cypress trees that loom largely over the lake turn their leaves into a rainbow of bright orange hues. Rent a kayak or canoe and float gracefully under the stretched-out arms of these ancient trees and feel like you're in a swampy gator-filled version of Vermont.
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photo credit: Olga Melhiser PHotography
PORT ARANSAS, TEXAS
Driving time: 3 hours, 45 min
For those seeking to savor the summer for a bit longer, make your way to the delightfully funky oceanside town known as Port Aransas. To set the scene a little bit, Port Aransas is a place where many folks use golf carts to boogie from place to place and get their kicks devouring truly stellar seafood, hanging out on the miles of open beach, devouring a steak, and watching Belt Sander races at the local bar. While you're there, make time to spend a few hours at Port Aransas Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture or doing some good old-fashioned fishing on the pier. One thing's for certain about Port Aransas, they definitely operate on Island Time™, and that's a damn good thing.
photo credit: www.Dentonmainstreet.org
DENTON, TEXAS
Driving time: 3 hours, 30 min
Located about forty minutes North of Dallas-Fort Worth, Denton is lowkey one of the most happening college towns in Texas, and arguably the nation. Blessed with still-cheap rent and an ever-blossoming music scene, Denton has also seen a surge in new bars, restaurants, shops and food trucks in and around its central town square in recent years. You can get an exceptionally well-made cocktail at the cozy, library-themed joint known as Paschall, party it up at Lucky Lou's (and other bars) on the famously buzzy Fry Street, stroll through the beautiful campus of the University of North Texas, or catch an intimate live show at local music mecca Dan's Silverleaf. If eating, drinking, shopping, and seeing music is your bag, Denton is a road trip destination that you need to get on the books.
photo credit: @ScottWanderinginthewilderness
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK, TEXAS
Driving time: 6 hours, 39 min
Bar none one of the most awe-inspiring stretches of landscape in the state, Big Bend National Park is something every Texan should see before they kick the bucket. It also happens to be the perfect distance from Austin to make for a fantastic road trip. The nearly seven-hour drive leads to a starkly gorgeous amalgam of limestone canyons, sprawling desert flora, cliffs, peaks, and surprisingly abundant wildlife. Not only that, the park features river trips, horseback riding, air tours, and even golf courses. When evening arrives, you'll be treated to an incomparable view of the galaxy in Big Bends brilliant night sky. In fact, Big Bend is internationally known as one of the best places in all of North America for star gazing - a fact due to it having the least amount of light pollution of any other National Park in the lower 48 states. Essentially, you couldn't take a bad photo in this park if you tried. The park is open only to family sizes of 8 or less, and entrance fees are collected.
photo credit: REddit user @BeatLaboratory
MARFA, TEXAS
Driving time: 6 hours, 28 min
You're probably at least somewhat familiar with Marfa's reputation for being an unusual slice of real estate, but trust us... If you've never been before, you've got no idea just how deep the weird runs out there. Beyond the obvious road trip allure of the infamous Marfa Lights (which, depending on your love of UFOs, may be worth the price of gas mileage alone), Marfa is positively replete with small-town bizarro attractions and artistic local characters to get lost in for a day or two. Take the El Cosmico for example, a self-described "Bohemian West Texas Nomadic Hotel" that offers TRULY back to basics lodging options in the form of Yurts, Tepees, and Safari Tents. If you're looking to get your art fix out in the desert, we'd point you to The Chinati Exhibition; a constantly evolving collection of weird and wonderful exhibits from a cadre of talented artists.
photo credit: @galvestonisland
GALVESTON, TEXAS
Driving time: 3 hours, 30 min
Galveston is much more fascinating than anyone seems to believe. Once one of the most bustling ports of entries in the entire nation, the island city was nearly decimated by a fearsome hurricane in 1900. The storm remains the deadliest natural disaster in United States' history, and Galveston never fully recovered to its halcyon days of former glory. Despite this, the city has quietly retained much of its intrigue by virtue of its beautiful centuries-old architecture such as The Grand 1894 Opera House or the intimidatingly opulent Hotel Galvez (which happens to be infamously haunted). On the newer end of things, Galveston is home to the fantastic Moody Gardens, where guests can experience aquariums, IMAX theaters, art exhibits, lectures, and more - all dedicated to environmental conservation. While you're there, don't forget to stop into the breathtaking Bryan Museum, which features one of the worlds biggest collections of historical artifacts relating to Texas and the American West. Stop on the way out of town at the historic candy store that makes homemade sweets and soda, La King's Confectionery.
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Photo via Facebook
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Driving time: 1 hour, 24 min
The memorable and historic San Antonio has definitely created a name for itself with its beautiful Tejano culture, colorful landmarks and historical attractions. There are so many cool indoor and outdoor sites to explore besides visiting the Riverwalk and the Alamo. San Antonio features a lot of unique art and culture for everyone to intake, from immersive art experiences to a Mediterranean mansion filled with modern art. Want to enjoy some interactive wildlife and environments? Walk through some really cool natural rock caverns or drive through a Texas-style African Safari! It is also crucial to stop by the well-known family friendly Hemisfair Park because not only does it house the Tower of the Americas, it also has cool art-style benches/fountains and a quirky park for kiddos.
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What's your favorite road trip destination?
Let us know!
