Texas—the largest state in the continental 48—provides the destination locations for thousands of road tripping travelers every year.
The home of the Alamo is where everything is reported by its native sons and daughters to just be “bigger.”
With immense skylines and terrain that ranges from prairie lands to oceanfront property and cacti to caverns, there is something for everyone. Peruse the following recreational targets–rich in history and scenery–and share with like-minded friends.
The capital city of Texas, Austin is perhaps most renowned for being the “Live Music Capital of the World.” You can paddle board on Lady Bird Lake, attend the many music festivals or even the ballet, dine at the varied restaurants, and visit world-class museums.
One of the most unique experiences you can have is viewing the colony of bats that fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge nightly. From world-famous resorts and 5-star hotels, to cozy RV Parks, there is a wide range of overnight accommodations in Austin.
This cool, living cavern—located north of San Antonio—offers corridor after corridor of unique rock formations. The 45-minute guided tour is a great way to escape the Texas heat, since the average temperature within is 64-degrees.
Opened in 1932, Cascade Caverns has offered camping since its inception. The RV Park and campground has over 100 campsites of different levels of service. Along with the public restrooms and showers, there is a pavilion, nature trails, free W-Fi, picnic tables and grills, a convenience store, and a recreation building with pool tables and vending machines.
Beaches, islands, bays, and ports—there are many opportunities to engage in the variety of available water and wind sports. Arts, music, museums (such as the USS Lexington battle ship), and other cultural activities (like the Texas State Aquarium) make this Texas road trip enjoyable for those who desire a more relaxing time than their water-adventuring counterparts.
You can even camp directly on the beach in one of the several oceanfront campgrounds.
Just outside of Fort Worth, in the riverbed of the Paluxy River, dinosaur tracks are easily seen; merely follow the well-marked maps.
There are many other things to do there, as well. Camp at one of the regular or backpack campgrounds, picnic, hike, or mountain bike the more than 20 trails, fish and swim in the river, or go geocaching. You can bring your own horse to ride in the park. Visit the interpretive center and hear about the indigenous wildlife or learn a new skill, such as fishing or archery, from the knowledgeable rangers.
The humid, subtropical climate of East Texas, which is the eastern region of the state, features mile after mile of thick forests and soaring pine trees. In fact, the Piney Woods that covers the upper two-thirds of the area only thins out as it nears the Gulf of Mexico.
Along with the multiple quaint Cajun or southern eateries and bed and breakfasts, you can also camp to get the full experience. Watch Longview’s “Great Texas Balloon Race” or visit the “Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.” From the Gulf Coastal Plain to the Cajun country of nearby Louisiana, the terrain and culture is some of the most varied you will find.
The mammoth pink granite dome formed from molten magma is the primary draw for tourists. Found in Fredericksburg, there are several rock formations and there are many other attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Route maps and climbing rules are available for amateur and expert rock climbers to pick up at the park headquarters. For the less adventurous, there are opportunities for camping, backpacking, picnicking, hiking, bird watching stargazing, and geocaching. You can also explore the boutiques and family-owned orchards of the nearby town.
The fourth-largest city in the U.S., the city was built on terrain that originally consisted of prairies, forests, swamps, and marshes. It also has the fourth tallest skyline in the country.
Now, Houston is reputed as being the most diverse city in Texas. There are a wide variety of cuisines, as well as theaters, museums, art galleries, and the largest galleria in the country. It is home of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Houston Auto Show, and the Bayou City Art Festival. You can also visit the Grand Texas Theme Park or the water park Wet’n’Wild SplashTown.
Cruise 178 miles over historic Route 66 through the Texas Panhandle. This legendary highway takes you past the “World’s Largest Bottle of Ketchup,” infamous Cadillac Ranch, Wigwam Village, and many other unusual sites.
Many people enjoy traveling to the numerous ghost towns that dot the landscape. Some stop at the Bugg Ranch in Conway or the Devil’s Rope Museum. Others prefer the natural landmarks that they view along the way.
From the San Jose Mission to the Alamo, this city—technically known as The City of San Antonio—is known for its fabulous, historic architecture. With a mix of Spanish and U.S. cultures, the Mexican and Tex-Mex food is more authentic than found almost anywhere else in the country.
There is a lot to do in San Antonio from visiting sites like the Memorial to the Alamo defenders to touring the River Walk or Natural Bridge Caverns. You can also spend days enjoying family-fun destinations like SeaWorld and Six Flags or join a ghost and vampire tour. There is no lack of things to do in this city.
With unending panoramic views, this beautiful area is something that has to be experienced to be completely appreciated. You can tour the second most visited wine country in the U.S. or drive through Marble Falls.
Ride a tube down Comal, Guadalupe, and San Marcos Rivers or go fishing and floating in the many lakes. With nearly 100 RV Parks and campgrounds, there is room for everyone.
West Texas refers to the arid, western region of the state. Within that area, you will find several worthwhile sites during your Texas road trip including the Guadalupe and Franklin Mountains. Big Bend National Park, for example, provides ample opportunities for bird watching of more than 450 species in the many habitats. There are fossils for pterosaur and 50-foot crocodiles. Cacti line the 150-miles of hiking trails and three campgrounds.
Visit the community of Marfa, Texas for an unusual experience. Throughout the day, you can peruse the various shops and art galleries. In the evening, you can camp in one of three local RV Parks and campground where you will see a mystical spectacle—the famous Marfa lights. These lights, which defy any definite explanation dance across the evening sky, astounding those who observe them.
From historic architecture to modern amusement parks, from deluxe resorts to rustic campsites, there is a lifetime of activities to enjoy in the state of Texas. Whether you live there or just plan to visit, it is almost a certainty that you have not seen everything this state has to offer. If you feel inspired to plan a Texas road trip, share this with any friends or family members who also have a fondness for the largest of the 48 continental states. With so much to explore, you may never want to leave.
