The Best Texas Road Trip: 10 Must-See Places

Texas is the second-largest state in the U.S., and its size alone makes it perfect for road trips. From beaches and forests to deserts, canyons, and historic cities, the state offers an incredible range of landscapes and experiences. Driving from one end of Texas to the other can take close to 14 hours, covering nearly 900 miles, which means no single trip can capture it all.

To truly experience Texas, it helps to explore it region by region. Whether you’re drawn to barbecue trails, scenic drives, historic towns, or iconic attractions, there are countless ways to build a memorable Texas road trip. This guide highlights ten must-see destinations that showcase the diversity, culture, and character of the Lone Star State.

Palo Duro Canyon (Amarillo)

Palo Duro Canyon is the second-largest canyon in the United States, yet it remains surprisingly under-visited. Located in the Texas Panhandle near Amarillo, this dramatic landscape features towering red and orange rock formations contrasted by pockets of greenery below.

Visitors can hike, camp, and take in sweeping canyon views that feel more like the American Southwest than traditional Texas. Wildlife sightings are common, and the scale of the canyon alone makes it one of the most impressive natural destinations in the state.

Nearby Amarillo offers several well-known roadside attractions that pair easily with a visit to Palo Duro Canyon.

Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo)

Cadillac Ranch is one of Texas’s most iconic roadside stops. A row of half-buried Cadillacs planted nose-down in an open field, it’s an ever-changing public art installation where visitors are encouraged to leave their mark with spray paint.

Located just off Interstate 40, the site can get muddy after rain, but it remains a popular and memorable stop for travelers passing through the Panhandle.

The Big Texan Steak Ranch (Amarillo)

Another Amarillo classic, The Big Texan Steak Ranch is known worldwide for its oversized steaks and legendary steak challenge. Guests who attempt to eat a massive steak and sides within a set time limit do so in full view of the restaurant.

Beyond the spectacle, the restaurant also offers a lively atmosphere, on-site brewery, and entertainment that make it a fun stop even for those not attempting the challenge.

McDonald Observatory and Marfa (West Texas)

West Texas is home to some of the darkest skies in the continental U.S., making it ideal for stargazing. The McDonald Observatory hosts regular public viewing events that draw visitors from around the country.

Nearby Marfa offers a completely different experience. Known for its minimalist art scene, desert landscapes, and mysterious Marfa Lights, the town has become a destination for artists, photographers, and curious travelers. Its remote location adds to its appeal, making it one of Texas’s most unique stops.

Big Bend National Park and Terlingua

Big Bend National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the contiguous United States due to its remote location, but those who make the journey are rewarded with expansive desert landscapes, dramatic mountain views, and abundant wildlife.

Close by, the former mining town of Terlingua has transformed into a quirky desert community known for its ghost town ruins, annual chili cook-off, and lively atmosphere. The town’s historic cemetery and iconic Starlight Theatre are must-see stops when visiting the area.

San Antonio

San Antonio is one of Texas’s most historic and culturally rich cities. Founded in the early 1700s, it blends Spanish colonial history with modern attractions, festivals, and cuisine.

While the Alamo is the city’s most famous landmark, San Antonio offers far more beyond that single site.

River Walk

The River Walk winds through the heart of downtown, lined with restaurants, hotels, and shops. During the holidays, the cypress trees along the river are decorated with lights, creating a festive atmosphere.

Historic Market Square

Market Square is a vibrant area filled with Tex-Mex food, local crafts, and live entertainment. It’s a popular spot for shopping, dining, and soaking in local culture.

Mission Trail

The San Antonio Missions, including the Alamo, form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the missions by car, bike, or walking trail, experiencing centuries of Texas history along the way.

Pearl District

Once a brewery complex, the Pearl has been redeveloped into a hub of restaurants, shops, offices, and a weekend farmers market. It’s one of the city’s most popular gathering spots.

McNay Art Museum

Housed in a former estate, the McNay Art Museum offers an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art in a serene setting. Nearby attractions include family-friendly museums and parks.

The Texas Hill Country

The Hill Country stretches across Central Texas and includes rolling hills, spring-fed rivers, and historic towns with strong German heritage.

Luckenbach

Once a trading post, Luckenbach is now a legendary music and gathering spot known for live country music and its welcoming atmosphere.

Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg is a popular destination for shopping, dining, wineries, and historic charm. The town is especially busy on weekends, so planning ahead is recommended.

Gruene and New Braunfels

Gruene, now part of New Braunfels, is home to the iconic Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest dance hall. Nearby rivers such as the Guadalupe and Comal make the area a summer favorite for tubing and outdoor recreation.

Austin

Austin is known for live music, outdoor activities, and a laid-back atmosphere. Popular experiences include exploring downtown, swimming at Barton Springs, walking around Zilker Park, and enjoying sunset views from Mount Bonnell or The Oasis.

Major events like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits draw visitors from around the world, but the city offers something to enjoy year-round.

Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston serves as the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. It offers exhibits, interactive displays, and behind-the-scenes insight into America’s space program, making it a popular destination for families and science enthusiasts.

Port Aransas

Located on Mustang Island near Corpus Christi, Port Aransas is a relaxed coastal town known for its beaches, fishing, and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, birdwatching, shell collecting, and fresh Gulf seafood.

It’s especially popular with families and nature lovers looking for a quieter alternative to more crowded beach destinations.

Piney Woods

The Piney Woods region in northeast Texas offers a completely different landscape, with towering pine and cypress trees, wetlands, and abundant wildlife. Caddo Lake State Park is a standout destination, featuring moss-draped trees, canoe trails, and excellent fishing.

State Fair of Texas (Dallas)

Held annually in Dallas, the State Fair of Texas is one of the largest and most iconic fairs in the country. Known for its massive Ferris wheel, creative fried foods, live music, livestock shows, and family-friendly attractions, it’s a quintessential Texas experience.

The fair is also home to major college football matchups and the famous Big Tex statue, making it a must-see event for visitors and locals alike.

Texas is vast, diverse, and endlessly interesting. Whether you’re drawn to natural wonders, historic cities, or unique roadside attractions, a Texas road trip offers something for every kind of traveler, and plenty of reasons to come back and explore more!

Post written by Michael Stephens from Living Local Texas