The Open Road Travel

The Ultimate Texas Road Trip Route

The ultimate Texas road trip itinerary begins in the most western point in the state, in the city of El Paso. You’ll set off heading east on U.S. Route 62, the only east to west numbered route in the US that connects Mexico and Canada, and follow it to near the town of Pine Springs.

From here, go south on Texas State Highway 54, which you’ll follow to its end in Van Horn, before continuing south on U.S. Route 90. When you reach the town of Marathon, go south on U.S. Route 385, which will take you to Big Bend National Park.

When you’re done exploring the park, jump back on the 385, this time going north, and follow it to Fort Stockton. Join Texas State Highway 18 where it begins and keep going north until you meet the I-20, which you’ll take east.

Use Exit 154 near Stanton to join Texas State Highway 137 going north and follow it to Lamesa, where you’ll continue heading north on U.S. Route 87 all the way to Amarillo. Here you’ll start travelling east on U.S. Route 287, which will take you all the way to the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area.

When you’re done exploring that, you’ll need to pick up the I-35 and start heading south. This will take you all the way to San Antonio. At that point you will join the I-10 and follow it all the way to your final Destination of Houston.

Best Time For A Texas Road Trip

The best time to complete the ultimate Texas road trip itinerary is either between mid-April and early June or in September.

These periods should allow you to enjoy a warm climate throughout your journey, without running into the blistering highs or large crowds that are common during the summer months. Not only that, but during these periods you will find all of the attractions on the itinerary fully open and ready to enjoy.

Top Attractions On The Ultimate Texas Road Trip Itinerary

At 1,650 miles, it should come as no surprise that the ultimate Texas road trip itinerary features a huge number of places to see and things to do along the way. While it is impossible to cover everything that you will pass on your journey, in the following section we are going to cover the 10 best attractions that the route has to offer.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

The 19^th smallest national park in the contiguous United States and 22^nd smallest in the nation overall, Guadalupe Mountains National Park covers only 86,367.1 acres. However, given all that it packs into its relatively small area, it is still a more than worthwhile place to visit. From its collection of stunning canyons and mountains, which includes Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas, to a diverse array of wildlife, Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a perfect place to experience the natural side of Texas.



The lack of other visitors it receives due to its remote location means you won’t be mobbed by tourists while you explore either, as it is the 15^th least visited park in the nation, with just 243,000 annual visitors.

Marfa

Marfa is a small desert town in West Texas that is often overlooked, but it’s a great little pitstop for anyone interested in minimalist art. With attractions like the Chinati Foundation, Building 98, Marfa Lights, and Ballroom Marfa arts centre, as well as festivals like Marfa Myths, it contains far more to do and see than you may expect from a town of this size.

Fort Davis National Historic Site

The Fort Davis National Historic Site features an almost perfectly preserved frontier military post that was in operation between 1854 and 1891. Featuring 24 historic buildings and more than 100 ruins and foundations, it is a perfect stop on a Texas road trip for anyone who is interested in the early military history of Texas.

Big Bend National Park

Covering 801,163.21 acres, Big Bend National Park is the 7^th largest national park in the contiguous United States and 14^th largest park in the nation overall. At just 581,000 average visitors per year, it is the 26^th least visited national park in the entire country and 17^th least visited in the lower 48 states. However, this is exclusively due to its remote location, as it has a wealth of great things to do and see within its boundaries.

Established on the 12^th of June 1944 and opened a little under 3 weeks later, it is the 27^th oldest national park in the United States. It is well-known for its natural beauty, as well as being a “gold tier” International Dark-Sky Park that boasts the darkest skies in the contiguous U.S. and offers stunning views of the Milky Way, planets, and stars on a nightly basis.



Even if you aren’t the biggest nature fan, it is brimming with exciting locations to explore that link to its lengthy history with the mining, ranching, and pioneer eras. It even features archaeological sites from as much as 10,000 years ago, which boast relics, dinosaur bones, sea fossils, volcanic dikes, the remnants of historic buildings and more for you to marvel at, making it an ideal stop for history buffs too.

Fort Stockton

Founded as Camp Stockton on April 12^th, 1859, Fort Stockton is a town centred around the Historic Fort Stockton. Established by Comanche Springs, one of the largest spring water sources in Texas, it was a pivotal location in the American Civil war and remained an active military outpost for more than 27 years, until it was abandoned on the 27^th of June 1886.

With four of the original buildings having been masterfully restored and a museum being added, Fort Stockton is a fantastic destination for anyone who is interested in the history of the US Civil War or the American military in general. Even if you aren’t interested in military history, its history with the farming and oil industries still makes Fort Stockton a worthwhile destination for people who are interested in the history of Texas.

Odessa & Midland

Odessa and Midland are two neighbouring West Texas towns best known for their history with the oil industry, but which have begun to garner more attention from tourists since they became the setting for hit Taylor Sheridan TV show “Landman”.

Beyond the opportunity to visit some shooting locations from the show and get a feel for the industrial side of West Texas, the towns are also brimming with hidden treasures for visitors to find. Some of the top such gems include thirty-seven jackrabbit statues scattered throughout the streets, a replica of Stonehenge at the University of Texas campus, and about a mile west of Odessa the Odessa Meteor Crater, which is home to the second largest meteor crater in the United States and a museum dedicated to it where you can view actual fragments of the meteor.

Lubbock

Lubbock is one of the biggest cities in West Texas and a bustling college town, as much of its economy relies on Texas Tech University, the alma mater of many great American athletes, such as Patrick Mahomes. Its student population has helped it develop a particularly vibrant nightlife scene, and its countless bars and music venues make for a great way to spend an evening.

Beyond the nightlife and visiting the college, Lubbock also boasts an impressive collection of museums and galleries, as well as attractions related to perhaps the most famous person to come from Lubbock, legendary rock and roll musician Buddy Holly. With sites like a dedicated park, the Buddy Holly Centre, and his statue on the Lubbock Walk of Fame (where you will also find plaques dedicated to other notable local musicians), it is a can’t miss location on a Texas road trip for any of his fans.

Waco

Located roughly halfway between Austin and Dallas, the city of Waco is perhaps best known for the infamous Waco Siege, in which a 51-day standoff between Branch Davidians and ATF agents ended in tragedy. Many visitors still come to learn about the incident at the site where Mount Carmel once stood.

Even if that doesn’t interest you though, attractions like the Waco Mammoth National Monument, Texas Ranger Hall Of Fame, Lake Waco, and various zoos, museums, rivers and bridges still make it a worthwhile place to stop as you are passing through.

New Braunfels

New Braunfels is a laid-back town between Austin and San Antonio that makes for a great little pitstop to unwind after a long time travelling. Its premier attraction is Schlitterbahn, one of the most popular waterparks in the United States and a great place to have a fun-filled day with the family.

However, with other attractions including museums, monuments, nature trails, parks, historic districts, caverns, zoos, rivers, waterfalls, and even a ski ranch, there are offerings here to keep virtually everyone entertained.

San Antonio

The 2^nd most populous city in Texas and 7^th most in the U.S. overall, San Antonio was established as a Spanish mission in 1718, and to this day it is still best known for the infamous mission building that sits at its heart, The Alamo. A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Alamo was the site of the legendary Battle Of The Alamo, and it is visited by over 2.5 million people each year.



Even if you aren’t a big fan of history though, things like the iconic San Antonio Riverwalk, attractions including aquariums, urban islands, observation towers, and pro sports teams, and a fantastic selection of bars, restaurants, shops, and hotels make San Antonio a great place to visit and a vital entry on an ultimate Texas road trip itinerary for virtually everyone.

Best Places To Stop On A Texas Road Trip

With a minimum of 27 hours driving on our ultimate Texas road trip itinerary, it is a given that you are going to need to make some overnight stops. In the following section, we are going to cover the very best places to make a longer stop on your journey, to help you get the most bang for your buck.

El Paso

The most western city in the state of Texas, as well as its 6^th largest, El Paso sits on the Mexican border, with the two nations only separated by the Rio Grande river. As you might expect, this means it boasts more of a Hispanic feel than the rest of the state, and its array of shops, bars, and restaurants all have a distinctive flair that you are unlikely to experience anywhere else on this trip.

El Paso is also a particularly good place to stay for food lovers, as the city is well known to offer some of the finest Mexican cuisine you will find anywhere in the country, with numerous a-list celebrities known to frequent El Paso for the dining options it has on offer. Throw in the stunning scenery and great historical and cultural attractions that it has to offer, and the city is simply a must visit on any ultimate Texas road trip itinerary.

Best Hotel To Stay At In El Paso – The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park

The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park is a fantastic 4-star hotel in Downtown El Paso that boasts beautiful, spacious rooms, each of which is air conditioned, offers stunning views, and comes with a seating area, flat screen satellite TV, tea and coffee making facilities, safety deposit box, and private bathroom with plush bathrobes, slippers, and towels.

In the communal areas, the fabulous traditional style restaurant will let you enjoy the cuisine the city is known for without having to leave the hotel, while a bar, fitness centre, 24-hour front desk, ATM, and evening entertainment should keep everyone happy throughout their stay. There are also plenty of facilities available for disabled guests, and the entire property is pet friendly and offers high speed Wi-Fi access.

Amarillo

Amarillo is the largest, most populous city in northwest Texas and boasts more of the stereotypical style and culture of the state than you will find in any of its other large cities. Surrounded by rural areas, things like 10-gallon hats, great steaks, cowboy boots, and ranchers are all common sights here, making it an ideal stop for culture vultures.

Movie buffs will love visiting the shooting locations of the numerous westerns that have been shot here through the years, while a surplus of amazing bars and restaurants will keep even casual tourists satisfied.

Surrounding attractions like Caprock Canyons State Park And Trailway, the official Texan bison herd, Alibates Flint Quarry National Monument, and Palo Duro Canyon State Park ensure there is plenty to stop you from getting bored, and the city even sits right on the Historic Route 66. You put all of this together, and there is no way you can’t include Amarillo when planning the ultimate Texas road trip itinerary.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Amarillo – Route 66 Inn

Found on the outskirts of the Route 66 historic district, on the legendary road itself, the Route 66 Inn is an ideal place to stay in Amarillo to get a feel for the culture of the city, especially for fans of petrolania. An admittedly modest yet clean and comfortable property, its real selling point is its location, which features attractions like the Amarillo Museum of Art nearby.

With all rooms kitted out with amenities such as a microwave, refrigerator, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and free parking, it is an affordable way to tick off a great stop on your ultimate Texas road trip itinerary.

Dallas

The 3^rd most populous city in Texas and heart of the state’s largest and most populous metropolitan area, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Dallas is easily one of the top tourist destinations in the state. Brimming with museums, galleries, shopping and hospitality opportunities to suit all budgets, an equally varied and vibrant nightlife scene, and historic locations like the JFK assassination site, there is plenty to do and see for everyone.

Dallas is also one of the most diverse cities in the United States, and it is home to one of the biggest LGBTQ populations, making it a very welcoming place for anyone who identifies as such. The melting pot of cultures and communities that live within Dallas have helped it develop from a place of industry into a particularly vibrant town packed full of quirky, artsy neighbourhoods and a particularly wonderful and eclectic food scene.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Dallas – Omni Dallas Hotel

The Omni Dallas Hotel is a truly stunning, 4-star property in the Dallas Downtown Historic District. Equipped with amenities like a heated outdoor infinity pool, 10 restaurants, a bar, business and fitness centres, and meeting and dry cleaning services, it can cater to your needs no matter what it is you are looking for. It is also pet friendly and offers a good breakfast to set you up for the day each morning.

Then, in the rooms, you will find them decorated in a modern, elegant style, complete with comfortable furnishings, private bathrooms, flat screen TVs, and tea and coffee making facilities, as well as access to the high-speed Wi-Fi that is available throughout the property.

Austin

Austin is the capital of Texas, as well as the state’s 4^th most populous city. Perhaps best known for its vibrant music scene, it is particularly prominent in the blues genre and is often referred to as “the live music capital of the world”. Legendary performers like Stevie Ray Vaughan forged their legacies here, and the world-famous Austin City Limits tv show and festival are held in the south part of the city.

There may be no better place to experience this than on the legendary 6^th street, a place famed for its collection of live music bars and venues, where you can step out and see fantastic performances from both international and local artists on virtually any night of the week.

It isn’t just the music industry that is intertwined with Austin’s history, as it also has links to the movie industry as well. It has been used as a filming location for movies since the 1930s and has been a prominent destination for filmmakers since then, especially in the horror and western industries. The famed South By Southwest film festival is held here every March to this day, drawing film fans and critics from around the world.

When you then throw in other attractions like the Texas State Capitol Building, comedy clubs, historic buildings, great BBQ places, stunning natural locations, the largest urban bat colony in the world, and so much more, Austin may be the single most “can’t miss” city on your ultimate Texas road trip itinerary.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Austin – The Driskill

The Driskill is a stunning, 5-star hotel that is registered as a historic landmark building. Built in 1886, it combines traditional architecture with modern luxuries and amenities to perfectly demonstrate Texan style.

Its air conditioned, pet-friendly rooms feature fabulous décor, comfortable furnishings, and high-tech amenities, as well as access to the high speed Wi-Fi that is present throughout the hotel.



With the hotel also boasting a restaurant, café & bakery, bar with performances by live musicians every night, including Grammy winners, fitness centre, and concierge service, as well as a perfect location on 6^th Street, The Driskill is the ultimate place to stay in Austin during your visit.

Houston

The most populous city in the state of Texas and the 4^th most populous in the United States overall, Houston sits right on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico and is simply brimming with stunning natural locations, historic landmarks, and entertainment attractions for you to explore.

Its standout attraction is no doubt the headquarters of NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This provides space enthusiasts the opportunity to learn more about things like outer space, how rockets work, and what we have discovered in our galaxy, while exploring one of the most famous sites linked to space exploration on Earth.

With other attractions including a selection of the best beaches in the state, numerous fantastic restaurants and food trucks that serve traditional southern and Mexican cuisines, including The Houston Sauce Pit, which frequently ranks as the best vegan BBQ in Texas, and even bars and various other amenities, no ultimate Texas road trip itinerary is complete without a stop in Houston.

Best Hotel To Stay At In Houston – The Lancaster Hotel

The Lancaster Hotel is a beautiful 4-star hotel in Downtown Houston that is listed as both a Historic Hotel Of America and a Texas Historical Landmark. Its beautiful, spacious, rooms come complete with comfortable furniture, a seating area with a sofa, flat screen TV, work desk, ironing facilities, and air conditioning, while high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

Outside of the stunning rooms, the property boasts a fitness centre, bar, coffee shop, and a restaurant serving American cuisine. A choice of a complimentary breakfast buffet or a cooked-to-order breakfast is available each morning, while car and multilingual concierge services are available to help give you all you need to explore the city in style.



Conclusion

That concludes our guide to the ultimate Texas road trip itinerary. Hopefully, you should now know exactly what route to take and all of the stops you want to make along the way. All that’s left is to start getting everything booked, so you can head out onto the highway and start seeing it all for yourselves.