This Texas road trip is the real deal.
We’re talking open highways, weird roadside stops, massive sky views, and one seriously awesome finish line at a lake that feels like it’s straight out of a dream.
This route goes from the desert to the swamp, and every stretch of the drive is packed with surprises.
You’ll hit tiny towns with big personalities and stop at spots so random and cool, you’ll wonder why everyone isn’t doing this trip.
Ready to see a totally different side of Texas?
1. El Paso
El Paso sits at the western tip of Texas, straddling the borders of Mexico and New Mexico, with the Franklin Mountains cutting right through the city.
It’s famous for insanely good Tex-Mex food, the massive Fort Bliss military base, and gorgeous desert sunsets that light up the sky like a painting.
You can explore the 27,000-acre Franklin Mountains State Park, visit the historic Mission Trail, or cross into Ciudad Juárez for an international day trip.
2. Marfa
A 3-hour drive east of El Paso lies Marfa, a small desert town that has become a major hotspot in the art world.
It’s home to the famous Prada Marfa installation (yes, a fake Prada store in the middle of nowhere) and the massive Chinati Foundation art museum.
There are also the mysterious Marfa Lights, which people swear they see dancing at night.
With a population of just around 2,000, the town still boasts cool galleries, quirky shops, and some seriously good coffee.
3. Big Bend National Park
After Marfa, head south to Big Bend National Park, where you’ll find the raw beauty of Texas as the Chisos Mountains meet the Rio Grande.
You can hike the 4.8-mile Lost Mine Trail for stunning views, soak in the hot springs by the river, or paddle through Santa Elena Canyon’s towering cliffs.
The park spans over 800,000 acres, with cactus-filled deserts, lush mountain forests, and wildlife like roadrunners, javelinas, and black bears.
4. Caverns of Sonora
Leaving Big Bend behind, swing northeast to the Caverns of Sonora which are one of America’s most beautiful cave systems.
You’ll walk about 1.75 miles through twisting passages packed with crazy formations like soda straws, helictites, and even crystal-clear pools.
The cave temperature stays a steady 72°F year-round, so it’s the perfect underground adventure no matter how hot Texas gets.
5. Fredericksburg
Up next is Fredericksburg, located in Texas Hill Country and famous for its German roots and numerous wineries.
You can stroll down Main Street for bratwurst and schnitzel or sip local wine at spots like Grape Creek Vineyards.
For a scenic hike, visit Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and climb its towering pink granite dome.
Come spring, the fields around Fredericksburg are covered in bluebonnets, making it a favorite Texas destination for wildflower lovers.
6. Austin
From Fredericksburg, cruise over to Austin, the Texas capital that’s all about live music, food trucks, and keeping things weird.
You can catch a show on Sixth Street, swim in the 3-acre Barton Springs Pool, or snap a selfie at the “I love you so much” mural on South Congress.
Don’t leave without trying the mouthwatering brisket at Franklin Barbecue, where folks happily wait in line for hours just to get a taste.
7. Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum
Continue north to Waco and explore Texas history at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum.
Inside, you’ll find old badges, Wild West firearms, and stories about the legendary Texas Rangers who’ve been around since 1823.
The Hall of Fame honors real-life Rangers, while the cool exhibits highlight their role in shaping the Lone Star State.
8. Dallas
Leaving Waco, roll up to Dallas, a big city packed with shiny skyscrapers, pro sports, and tons of Texas pride.
You can visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza to learn about President John F. Kennedy or explore the massive Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
If you’re into sports, catch a Cowboys game at AT&T Stadium just outside the city.
For a shopping fix, swing by NorthPark Center or browse the unique boutiques of Deep Ellum, where live music and colorful street art fill the streets.
9. Tyler Rose Garden
As you head east from Dallas, you’ll reach Tyler, known as the Rose Capital of America and home to the sprawling Tyler Rose Garden.
With over 38,000 rose bushes and 600 varieties, it’s like walking through a giant, sweet-smelling rainbow!
If you visit in October, you can catch the Texas Rose Festival, with its fancy gowns, lively parades, and more roses than you ever imagined.
10. Caddo Lake State Park
Finish your trip at Caddo Lake State Park on the Texas-Louisiana border, where the scenery feels worlds apart from the rest of the state.
You can paddle through moss-draped cypress trees on over 50 miles of bayous and sloughs, spotting alligators, herons, and even the occasional river otter.
The lake covers around 25,400 acres, making it one of Texas’s largest naturally formed lakes, perfect for a relaxing kayak trip or a spooky swamp tour.
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