Michael Satterfield
Texas is a state that is a testament to the diversity and beauty of America. From the rugged terrain of the Big Bend National Park to the rolling hills of the Fredericksburg, Texas has something to offer everyone. It is a state that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. There is no better way to explore all that Texas has to offer than by taking a scenic road trip.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, the Lone Star State is sure to surprise and delight you. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a list of 10 suggested itineraries for scenic road trips in Texas to help you get started on your next adventure.
#1 The Big Bend Scenic Loop
Duration: 3-4 days
Highlights: Big Bend National Park, Chisos Mountains, Santa Elena Canyon, Terlingua Ghost Town, Marfa Lights
Suggested route: Start in Alpine and take Highway 118 south to Big Bend National Park. Spend a day exploring the park, including the Chisos Mountains and Santa Elena Canyon. Then, head west on Highway 170 to Terlingua and spend a night in the historic ghost town. The next day, drive north on Highway 118 to the town of Marfa and check out the famous Marfa Lights before heading back to Alpine on Highway 90.
#2 The Hill Country River Region
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlights: Guadalupe River, Pedernales Falls State Park, Fredericksburg, Luckenbach
Suggested route: Start in San Antonio and head west on Highway 10 to Boerne. From there, take Highway 87 north to Fredericksburg. Spend a day exploring Fredericksburg and the surrounding area, including Luckenbach. The next day, drive east on Highway 290 to New Braunfels and spend the day tubing on the Guadalupe River.
#3 The Gulf Coast
Duration: 4-5 days
Highlights: Galveston Island, Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Padre Island National Seashore
Suggested route: Start in Houston and head south on Highway 45 to Galveston Island. Spend a day exploring the island before heading west on Highway 6 to the Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge. The next day, drive further west on Highway 35 to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge before heading south on Highway 77 to the Padre Island National Seashore.
#4 The Panhandle Plains
Duration: 3-4 days
Highlights: Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Caprock Canyons State Park, Cadillac Ranch, Route 66
Suggested route: Start in Amarillo and head southeast on Highway 27 to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Spend a day exploring the park before heading east on Highway 287 to Caprock Canyons State Park. The next day, drive north on Highway 287 to Cadillac Ranch before heading back to Amarillo along Route 66.
#5 The Texas Forts Trail
Duration: 7-8 days
Highlights: Fort Davis National Historic Site, Fort Concho, Fort Chadbourne, Fort Richardson State Park
Suggested route: Start in San Antonio and head west on Highway 90 to Fort Davis National Historic Site. Spend a day exploring the fort before heading east on Highway 10 to Fort Stockton. The next day, drive north on Highway 67 to Fort Concho and Fort Chadbourne before heading east on Highway 180 to Fort Richardson State Park. Spend a day exploring the park before heading back to San Antonio on Highway 281.
#6 The Piney Woods
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlights: Caddo Lake State Park, Jefferson, Tyler State Park, Davy Crockett National Forest
Suggested route: Start in Shreveport, Louisiana and head west on Highway 20 to Caddo Lake State Park. Spend a day exploring the park before heading north on Highway 43 to Jefferson. The next day, drive south on Highway 59 to Tyler State Park before heading east on Highway 21 to Davy Crockett National Forest.
#7 The South Texas Plains
Duration: 3-4 days
Highlights: King Ranch, Laredo, Falcon Lake State Park, Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
Suggested route: Start in San Antonio and head south on Highway 281 to King Ranch. Spend a day exploring the ranch before heading west on Highway 59 to Laredo. The next day, drive south on Highway 83 to Falcon Lake State Park before heading east on Highway 285 to the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.
#8 The Chisholm Trail
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlights: Fort Worth, Wichita Falls, Bowie, Nocona
Suggested route: Start in Fort Worth and head northwest on Highway 287 to Wichita Falls. Spend a day exploring the city before heading north on Highway 287 to Bowie and Nocona.
#9 The East Texas Forest Trail
Duration: 2-3 days
Highlights: Lake Livingston State Park, Nacogdoches, Stephen F. Austin State Park, Sam Houston National Forest
Suggested route: Start in Houston and head north on Highway 59 to Lake Livingston State Park. Spend a day exploring the park before heading east on Highway 190 to Nacogdoches. The next day, drive south on Highway 59 to Stephen F. Austin State Park before heading west on Highway 150 to the Sam Houston National Forest.
#10 The Rio Grande Valley
Duration: 3-4 days
Highlights: McAllen, South Padre Island, Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Falcon State Park
Suggested route: Start in McAllen and head east on Highway 83 to South Padre Island. Spend a day exploring the island before heading west on Highway 100 to Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park. The next day, drive north on Highway 83 to Falcon State Park before heading back to McAllen.
