There are all kinds of incredible attractions to be found in Texas: vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, impressive canyons, breathtaking deserts and quirky roadside sights.
Texas is of course a huge state, so seeing all these attractions in one trip often isn’t possible – unless you plan an epic road trip. This could allow you to explore a variety of sights and activities from across the state.
In this post, we’ll discuss exactly what you should consider before you undertake a Texas road trip in order to get the most out of your Lone Star state adventure.
When’s the best time for a Texas road trip?
The best times of year for arranging a Texas road trip are typically March to April and October or November. These times of year offer pleasant temperatures and seasonal changes can often make the national parks look beautiful (Spring offers wildflowers, while Fall offers autumnal foliage). Avoid summer – the heat can be extreme!
What routes should you consider?
There are a few different routes you could consider that can each offer different tastes of Texas.
The Texas Triangle
This is a triangle between Fort Worth/Dallas, Houston and San Antonio. Visit all the major cities and stop at Austin too between San Antonio and Dallas.
The Gulf Coast
For coastal attractions, consider starting from Houston and then head down along the coast to South Padre Island. This route could allow you to stop at Houston Space Station, while also stopping at seaside towns like Galveston.
The Big Bend Loop
The Big Bend Loop is a loop around Big Bend National Park that is great for those craving natural scenery. Start and end in El Paso – enjoy vast desert landscapes along the way and various unique attractions like McDonald Observatory and Marfa.
Route 66
Route 66 runs all the way through Texas from Glen Rio to Shamrock. Try out this iconic route in order to see roadside attractions like Cadillac Ranch, as well as taking a detour to Palo Duro Canyon.
Where should you stay?
There are all kinds of accommodation options to consider on your Texas road trip. A few places that could be worth staying include:
- Motels: You’ll find motels across many of the state’s highways.
- Hostels: This is a cheap option when visiting cities for road trippers on a budget.
- Ranch stays: Working ranches can provide cabins to stay in and may offer outdoor activities like horse riding. A taste of cowboy culture!
- Vacation rentals: Families looking for private and affordable places to stay may want to consider AirBnBs, which can be found in rural and city locations.
- Campgrounds/RV parks: Pitching up a tent is always an option. Alternatively, you can stay in an RV park if you’re in an RV.
📖 Recommended Reading: If you’re looking for more useful information, check out Top 10 Campgrounds in Austin
How long should you spare?
Many people know that Texas is big, but still underestimate just how big it is. If you’re crossing the entire state and stopping at many attractions along the way, you’ll ideally want spare 10 to 14 days so that you’re not rushing. You can look up routes online and get recommendations on how many days to spare. Aim to drive no more than 3 hours each day.
Last Updated on June 1, 2026
