Texas Road Trip Stops
Texas is the second largest state in the US, and with that comes many visiting opportunities; you just need to know where to stop.
So, in this article, I wanted to introduce you to some of the best Texas road trip stops the state has to offer.
Let’s take a look at what Texas has to offer:
Where To Stop On A Road Trip To Texas
If you’re planning on traveling around The Lone Star State, there’s only one way to do it, and that’s taking a road trip.
Texas is home to some beautiful landscapes, from rolling hills to bustling cities and gorgeous waterfalls, which can make your road trip wonderfully scenic.
Here are some of the places we found:
Cadillac Ranch
The Cadillac Ranch is a public art installation found in Amarillo, Texas. It was started in 1974 by Chip Lord, Doug Michels, and Hudson Marquez.
It features 10 Cadillacs that are buried nose-deep in a cow pasture. But what makes it unique is that graffiti is encouraged, so make sure you pick up a paint can so you can leave your mark.
The Alamo
The full name is actually The Alamo Mission, and it’s found in San Antonio, Texas. And if you’re looking to get a rich taste of history, this is the place to go.
It’s a famous Spanish mission and fortress compound founded in the 18th century by Roman Catholic missionaries. Now, you’ll be able to soak up the history by visiting famous artifacts and mingling with re-enactors inside and outside the building.
Big Bend National Park
In the far southwest of Texas, you’ll find the Big Bend National Park, which includes the entire Chisos mountain ranges and a large part of the Chihuahuan Desert.
The National Park provides beautiful scenic drives through the desert to the Santa Elena Canyon with its enormous limestone cliffs. You even have the Langford Hot springs that sit near the Mexican border.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
You'll find the Palo Duro Canyon in the Texas Panhandle close to the city of Amarillo. The canyon is the second-largest in the US and part of the Caprock Escarpment.
While there, you’ll gaze at the beautiful rock formations that provide excellent photo opportunities.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
You might know this as Signal Peak, which is known for being the highest natural point in Texas. The Guadalupe Mountains National Park peak sits 8,751 feet above sea level and provides stunning views of New Mexico and West Texas.
If you fancy the chance to hike the stunning trail of the desert mountain range, this should be your go-to place.
Prada Marfa
Just off US Route 90, about 1.4 miles northwest of Valentine and 37 miles northwest of Marfa, you’ll find the Prada Marfa.
The Prada Marfa is a permanently installed sculpture by the creators Elmgreen and Dragset called a “pop architectural land art project.”
The structure cost $80,000 to install, and the plan is for it never to be repaired so you can watch it degrade back to the natural landscape.
VW Slug Bug Ranch
The VW Slug Bug Ranch is similar to the Cadillac Ranch, but as the name suggests, they use VWs instead.
It features five Volkswagen Beetles buried nose deep in the ground and was instead to be a tribute to the Cadillac Ranch.
The Big Texan Steak Ranch
One of the foods that stand out in Texas is steak, and there’s no better place to try some than the Big Texan Steak Ranch. It’s a saloon-style restaurant that serves its visitors a massive 72oz. Steak challenge, if you can eat in under 1 hour, it’s free.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, you can find it on I-40 East outside Amarillo.
Padre Island National Seashore
If you’re looking for a beach day on your road trip, you must look at Padre Island National Seashore.
The National Seashore provides 70 miles of protected coastline and is located off the southwest coast of Texas. The island includes a dune system, a coastal prairie, sea turtles nesting, 380 species of birds, and tidal flats that are teeming with life.
San Antonio River Walk
The San Antonio River Walk is a spectacular place to visit. It’s a public park open 365 days a year and features a network of waterways along the banks of the San Antonio River.
It’s lined with restaurants, shops, and bars and has become a top-rated tourist attraction in its own right.
Space Center Houston
The Space Center Houston is a science museum known as the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center.
It’s a truly magical place where people can experience space in all its glory. It will give you an insight into the dramatic history and what‘s coming up in the future.
Texas State Capitol Building
One of the most beautiful buildings you can visit in the state of Texas has to be the State Capitol Building. It’s the seat of government for the state and a stunning place to visit, thanks to the grandeur of the building.
The building is surrounded by gorgeous gardens and features the most intricate door hinges that leave you in awe.
Dealey Plaza National Historic Landmark District
If there’s one place that leaves a mark on people's memory of Texas, it’s the Dealey Plaza, where John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
When you visit the area, you’ll notice two Xs on the road, which marks the spot JFK was hit by the bullets fired by Lee Harvey Oswald.
Caverns Of Sonora RV Park
Located 8 miles from the small city of Sonora, you’ll find the Caverns of Sonora, a National Natural Landmark. They are recognized as the most beautiful cave systems in Texas and provide one of the most beautiful shows in the wild.
While you’re there, you’ll be able to gaze at the calcite crystal formations and helictites that litter the caves.
Tower Conoco Station & U-Drop Inn
It’s located on the infamous Route 66 highway down the road from Shamrock in Wheeler Country. The building was built in 1936 by J.C. Berry and was inspired by an image of a nail stuck in the soil.
Final Thoughts & Takeaways
As you can see, there are many beautiful places to stop on road trips to Texas. And I hope this article has helped point you in the right direction and introduced you to a few places to visit.
Texas is the second largest state in the US, and it offers some stunning locations for your road trip; it’s just about picking the right ones for you.
Road Trips > Cross Country Road Trip > Texas Road Trip Stops
About the Author
Jason Fox: Four years ago, I decided to quit my job as a chef to travel the world and see where life took me. The skills I learned while traveling led me to become a freelance writer so I could share my experiences with the world. Since then, I've been traveling the world working as a digital nomad. Find me on Instagram.
