Is it time for you to explore the Lone Star State?
There’s nowhere quite like Texas. Big, bold and exciting, Texas is an incredible place to discover. With thousands of miles of highways to explore, cutting through vast landscapes that take in sprawling deserts to scenic hill country and pine forests, Texas road trips take your breath away.
With lively cities, Cowboy culture and a larger-than-life spirit, a Texas road trip promises adventure, hospitality and a taste of the extraordinary.
With affordable car hire from locations such as Dallas-Fort Worth Airport and Downtown Houston, Cheaper Than Cars makes it simple to find the right vehicle for your adventure.
Looking for Lone Star inspiration? Here are ten of the best-loved Texas road trips.
Escape To The Hill Country
The Texas Hill Country blends scenic landscapes, fascinating towns, and a vibrant culture. Beginning in the state capital, Austin, you can enjoy the thriving music scene and bohemian spirit before heading southwest to Fredericksburg. With its rolling hills, ranches and wildflowers, the Hill Country is a picturesque treat. Founded by German settlers, Fredericksburg’s architecture and cuisine reflect its origins.
70 miles south through rugged scenic countryside, accompanied by the winding Guadalupe River, is San Antonio. With a strong Mexican influence, the city blends historic roots with a contemporary buzz. Visit the Alamo, a symbol of Texas independence, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Market Square, filled with Mexican folk art and authentic cuisine.
The combination of lively cities, fascinating culture and beautiful landscapes, makes the Hill Country Escape one of the most iconic Texas road trips you can experience.
- Total Distance: 150 Miles (242km)
- Driving Time: 3 To 4 Hours
Gulf Coast Adventure
The Gulf Coast combines coastal beauty with a laid-back atmosphere that’s great to explore. Whether you have a passion for maritime nature, charming seaside towns, or amazing seafood, this leisurely Texas road trip by the sea has something to offer.
You quickly leave behind Houston, taking the 200-mile route to Corpus Christi through the coastal plains bordering the Gulf of Mexico. In Corpus Christi you can get up close to the Gulf Coast marine life at the Texas State Aquarium, and visit the USS Lexington, an aircraft carrier turned museum.
Heading 150 miles further south you reach the pristine Padre Island National Seashore. This unspoiled haven offers over 70 miles of untouched beaches, where you can relax, soak up the sun, and witness incredible bird migrations. The island is also a haven for sea turtles.
Taking in laid-back seaside towns, like Rockport and Port Aransas, the Gulf Coast Adventure is a Texas road trip to be taken at a leisurely pace.
- Total Distance: 350 Miles
- Driving Time: 5 to 6 Hours
Big Bend National Park Loop
The Big Bend National Park is one of the most remote and truly captivating landscapes in the United States. Starting your journey in the charming desert town of Terlingua, the landscape transforms dramatically, as you travel through the vast Chihuahan Desert and the Chisos Mountains.
The Ross Maxwell Scenic drive provides panoramic views of deep canyons and rugged mountains, before stopping at the Castolon Visitor Center, to learn about the rich Native American history of the area. The loop continues along the Rio Grande, providing plenty of opportunities for taking in the view.
The loop continues along the eastern side of the park, where you can explore the Saint Elena Canyon, which rises dramatically along the Rio Grande. Keen hikers can take to Window View Trail or Lost Mine Trail, to immerse themselves in the park’s diverse ecosystems. The loop takes you back to Terlingua, where you can take time to explore the old mining town.
The Big Bend National Park Loop is one of the most exciting, diverse and dramatic of Texas road trips, showcasing a fraction of the natural wonders the state has to offer.
- Total Distance: 200 Miles (322km)
- Driving Time: 4 to 6 Hours
Palo Duro Canyon Expedition
If you’re looking for a shorter Texas road trip that doesn’t compromise on the natural grandeur, then the Palo Duro Canyon Expedition is for you. Heading southeast from Amarillo, the landscape quickly transitions from the flat expanses of the Texas Panhandle to the dramatic red rock formation of Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
A brief stop at the Visitor Center will introduce you to the park before you continue your journey through this captivating landscape. There are iconic rock formations like The Lighthouse to discover and an extensive trail network that is perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Although this Texas road trip can be completed in a day, why not camp within the park to experience the tranquillity of the second-largest canyon in the US? As an international Dark Sky Park, it provides an unrivalled opportunity for star gazing beneath the vast West Texan skies.
Whether completed as a standalone expedition or as part of a longer exploration of the Lone Star State, the Palo Duro Canyon provides solitude and beauty in the heart of the Texas Panhandle.
- Total Distance: 120 Miles (193km)
- Driving Time: 2 to 3 Hours
The Bluebonnet Trail
Texas road trips in spring can be colourful affairs, no more so than on the famous Bluebonnet Trail. This takes you through a picturesque landscape adorned with vibrant bluebonnet wildflowers, one of the symbols of the state. Undertaken in spring, when the flowers are in full bloom, it meanders through the heart of Texas and provides a feast for the senses.
The trail starts in Dallas, heading south towards Ennis, the “Official Bluebonnet City of Texas”. During the peak blooming season, usually in April, the Ennis Convention and Visitors Bureau maps out driving routes that lead you through miles of scenic countryside blanketed in bluebonnets. The trails take you past meadows, fields, and country roads, providing ample opportunities to stop for photos. The trail continues to historic Fredericksburg, with its wineries, independent shops and great places to eat and drink.
The Bluebonnet Trail is not about the destination, but the journey itself. Celebrating springtime in Texas, it’s a visual spectacle that showcases the Lone Star State’s natural beauty.
- Total Distance: 300 Miles (483km)
- Driving Time: 5 to 6 Hours
The Texas BBQ Trail
If there’s any culinary tradition that sets Texas apart it’s barbecue. With a panoply of unique flavours, cooking techniques and traditions, Texans have turned BBQ into an art form. It’s one reason why Texan road trips are incomplete without at least one stop for barbecue, but why settle for one when you can have an entire trail?
Begin your barbecue adventure in Lockhart, often hailed as the “Barbecue Capital of Texas.” This small town is home to legendary barbecue joints like Black’s Barbecue, Kreuz Market, and Smitty’s Market. Continue your quest south to Luling, where the barbecue scene has its own distinctive flair. Here, you can indulge in the succulent meats at City Market, known for its iconic sausage links and friendly small-town atmosphere.
Conclude your Texas BBQ adventure in Austin, where barbecue blends with the city’s world-renowned music scene to perfect effect. Head over to Franklin Barbecue for a taste of their famous brisket, patiently slow-cooked to perfection. Along the way be sure to make BBQ pitstops, where pitmasters passionately showcase their craft.
- Total Distance: 200 Miles (322km)
- Total Driving Time: 3 to 4 Hours
Texas Wine Trail
It’s often overshadowed by its Californian neighbour, but Texas has a wine-making tradition of all of its own. The Texas Wine Trail takes you through the heart of the state’s flourishing wine country, showcasing a selection of vineyards that have gained acclaim for the quality of their products and scenic setting.
Beginning in Fredericksburg, the German influence is all around, with immigrants bringing with them the wine-making traditions of the Rhine and Mosel valleys. Heading westward into the Texas Hill Country, the wine trail meanders through rolling hills and picturesque landscapes dotted with wineries like Becker Vineyards, Grape Creek Vineyards, and William Chris Vineyard. There are guided tours, wine tastings and events for visitors to sample the terroir of the region.
The Wine Trail extends to Stonewall, Johnson City and Hye, each with its own unique character. History buffs may wish to make a detour to the LBJ Ranch, once the home of President Lyndon B. Johnson.
- Total Distance: 150 Miles
- Driving Time: 2 to 3 Hours
West Texas Frontier Trail
West Texas is the heart of Cowboy culture. This is a landscape where the West was made, lives were often tough, as settlers and ranchers pushed the frontier westward during the 19th century. Today, it’s a fascinating region, characterised by wide-open spaces, rugged landscapes, and historical sites. Beginning, in Lubbock, visit the National Ranching Heritage Center, before heading north to Amarillo, a city that embraces its cowboy culture with a modern twist. Check out the graffiti-covered cars at the Cadillac Ranch or immerse yourself in local history at the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum.
Just south of Amarillo, the West Texas Frontier Trail reaches the Palo Duro Canyon, the second-largest canyon in the United States. Take in the stunning rock formation and hike the trails, while uncovering some of the rich Native American history in the area.
The West Texas Frontier Trail offers a unique perspective on the frontier spirit that defines this part of the Lone Star State, making it a memorable journey for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and adventure.
- Total Distance: 300 Miles (483km)
- Driving Time: 5 to 6 Hours
East Texas Piney Woods Tour
The Piney Woods in the eastern part of Texas are known for their lush landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural and natural heritage. They’re great to explore, particularly if you enjoy escaping the bustle of contemporary life in a peaceful natural environment. While there’s tranquillity to be found, there are also interesting and lively towns to discover as well, making the East Texas Piney Woods Tour an off-the-beaten-track adventure for the bold at heart.
Beginning in Tyler, a city famed for its expertise in rose cultivation is a horticultural treat. Meandering northeast, you reach Jefferson, a historic town where you enjoy riverboat tours on Caddo Lake amidst Spanish moss-draped cypress trees. As well as the Jefferson Historical Museum, there are also antique shops to explore. Venturing southeast you reach the oldest town in Texas, where you can join the Lanana Creek Trail. In the heart of the Piney Woods is Lufkin, and heading southwest you Crockett, where you’ll find the Davy Crockett National Park.
- Total Distance: 400 Miles (644km)
- Driving Time: 6 to 8 Hours
Fort Worth, Dallas & Northeastern Texas Classic
This 600-mile adventure is a classic among Texas road trips. Blending cowboy culture, big city sophistication and stunning natural beauty, it has everything you need for a Lone Star State adventure.
Begin in Fort Worth, where the Old West lives on in the Stockyards National Historic District. Watch the spectacle of a cattle drive, drink in old-style saloons and visit the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Venturing east takes you to the dynamic city of Dallas, built on oil wealth, the city is a vibrant mixture of commerce and culture. Heading northeast you reach the picturesque rose-growing town of Tyler, and the charming historical settlement of Jefferson, with its brick streets and boat tours.
This Texas road trip allows plenty of scope for personalisation and the chance to follow your interests. Whether you want to enjoy the big city bustle, take time out in stunning natural landscapes, enjoy great food and drink, or immerse yourself in the history of the Old West, then this epic corner of Texas has something for you.
- Total Distance: 600 Miles
- Driving Time: 12 Hours
Time For Your Next Adventure?
A road trip through Texas is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking, with it’s stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cities, cowboy culture and relaxed coastal havens, Texas has a lot to shout about.
A serious state requires serious wheels, and Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find the right car for your Texas road trip whatever your budget.
