Scenic Texas Drives to Take With Your Family Over Thanksgiving Break
- Michael Stephens
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
There’s something about Thanksgiving in Texas that makes you want to slow down a little. The weather finally cools off, the air feels crisp in the mornings, and the roads start filling with color as the leaves turn shades of red, gold, and warm copper. It’s the perfect time to load the family into the car, grab some snacks, play your favorite playlist, and hit the road for a scenic Texas drive.
And the best part? You don’t have to travel far or plan a complicated trip. Texas has countless routes that feel peaceful, refreshing, and full of hidden beauty, especially in late November. These drives aren’t just about getting from point A to point B; they’re about reconnecting as a family, seeing places you’ve never seen before, and enjoying the simple joy of being on the road together.
Here are some of the most beautiful and family-friendly Texas drives to explore over Thanksgiving break.
The Willow City Loop: A Hill Country Drive You’ll Never Forget
Right outside Fredericksburg, the Willow City Loop is one of the most iconic scenic drives in Texas, and while it’s famously stunning in spring during bluebonnet season, it’s equally beautiful in late fall. The rugged Hill Country landscape, rolling hills, winding roads, and open views make it feel like you’re driving through a postcard.
Kids will love spotting longhorns, old ranches, and the occasional deer along the route. The drive is just long enough to feel like an adventure without being too long for restless little ones. You can stop in downtown Fredericksburg afterward for hot chocolate, bakeries, and holiday markets that pop up around Thanksgiving.
It’s calm, quiet, and incredibly scenic, the perfect “reset” kind of drive.
Palo Duro Canyon: A Panhandle Drive Into the “Grand Canyon of Texas”
If your family loves big views and open skies, Palo Duro Canyon is a must. The drive into the canyon is dramatic, one moment you’re surrounded by flat plains, and the next, the ground opens up into the second-largest canyon in the country.
Thanksgiving weather here is mild and comfortable, making it a great time to explore. Drive along the canyon rim, stop at overlooks, or take short kid-friendly hikes down to the red rock formations. The colors in late fall are warm and rich, with golden grasses, crisp air, and sunsets that turn the entire canyon pink.
It’s one of the most awe-inspiring drives in Texas and kids always remember the moment they see the canyon for the first time.
East Texas Forest Trails: A Cozy Drive Through Tall Pine Trees
If you want something peaceful and cozy, head into East Texas. The Texas Forest Trail, a scenic driving route through Nacogdoches, Lufkin, and the Davy Crockett National Forest, is perfect for families who want a relaxing, no-rush kind of adventure.
The towering pine trees, quiet highways, and charming small towns make this drive feel like a warm blanket wrapped around your weekend. In late November, the forests glow with shades of amber and orange, and the winding roads give you plenty of photo opportunities.
Stop in Nacogdoches to walk the red-brick downtown streets, visit the gardens, or grab a slice of pie from a local café. This drive is simple, beautiful, and full of small surprises along the way.
The Bluewater Highway: A Seaside Drive With Coastal Vibes
If your family prefers beach views, Thanksgiving is actually a great time to visit the Texas coast. The weather is cool but not cold, the crowds are gone, and the beaches feel peaceful and wide open.
The Bluewater Highway stretches from Surfside Beach to Galveston and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico the entire way. Roll down the windows, feel the ocean breeze, and stop at one of the many beach access points to let the kids run in the sand.
Once you reach Galveston, you can ride the ferry, visit Moody Gardens, tour the historic district, or grab a seasonal treat on the Strand. It’s a completely different kind of Thanksgiving drive : calm, fresh, and just a little bit magical.
The Highland Lakes Drive: Hill Country Views + Water Scenery
For families who love lakes and scenic overlooks, the Highland Lakes region is a perfect Thanksgiving drive. Start around Marble Falls or Kingsland and follow the roads along Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, and Lake Buchanan.
The views are open and wide, with shimmering water, rolling hills, and charming lake towns where you can grab lunch, go for a walk, or stop at a scenic overlook. Kids love the waterfalls at Inks Lake State Park, and adults love how peaceful the whole route feels.
If you want a longer adventure, continue to Burnet for small shops, holiday events, and cozy cafés.
Big Bend Scenic Drive: The Ultimate Long-Distance Adventure
If your family is up for a full road trip, nothing beats the scenic drives inside Big Bend National Park. The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive offers dramatic views of cliffs, mountains, and vast desert valleys. Even the drive into the park is beautiful: quiet, open roads where the kids can spot roadrunners, cactus fields, and mountain silhouettes in the distance.
The weather in late November is cool and perfect for exploring. You can plan short hikes, picnic stops, and lookouts without the summer heat. The sunsets here are unlike anywhere else.. huge skies painted in pink, gold, and purple.
It’s a Thanksgiving road trip your family will never forget.
Thanksgiving is one of the best times of the year to explore Texas by car. The weather is cooler, the roads feel more peaceful, and families are ready to connect, unwind, and make memories.
Whether you’re driving through the red rock canyons, the pine forests of East Texas, or the Hill Country’s winding roads, each of these scenic routes offers something special, something that reminds you why so many people fall in love with the Lone Star State.
A scenic drive doesn’t require plane tickets, complicated planning, or fancy gear. All you need is an open road, a free weekend, and the people you love most.
Thinking About Relocating to Texas?
If these drives are making you fall in love with Texas even more, Living Local Texas can help you find the perfect place to call home, whether you’re dreaming of the Hill Country, the DFW suburbs, or the piney woods of East Texas.
Comments