The ultimate Texas road trip

Embark on a unique adventure across the second largest state in the United States. From Dallas to Austin via Houston, this road trip immerses you in the western ambiance of ranches, the modernity of metropolises, and the richness of Texan cuisine.

Get ready to discover the soul of the Lone Star State during an unforgettable journey: the ultimate Texas road trip!

Map of the ultimate Texas road trip itinerary

Summary of the ultimate Texas road trip

• Day 1 : Dallas
• Day 2 : Galveston
• Day 3 : Galveston
• Day 4 : Houston
• Day 5 : San Antonio
• Day 6 : San Antonio
• Day 7 : Austin
• Day 8 : Austin
• Day 9 : Fort Worth
• Day 10 : Fort Worth
• Day 11 : Fort Worth

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 : Dallas

Welcome to Texas! Dallas airport, extremely well-connected, allows you to easily access the Lone Star State.

Start your stay by taking in the full scope of Dallas from the Reunion Tower. At 171 meters high, the GeO-Deck offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, perfect for getting oriented and capturing great photos.

Then head to the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, a place steeped in history that poignantly recounts the assassination of President Kennedy through multimedia exhibits, photographs, and documents of the era.

To end this day on a high note, head to the Bishop Arts District, where many shops and restaurants await you. This trendy district is the perfect place to dine in one of its many trendy restaurants, from Tex-Mex cuisine to contemporary bistros.

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• Road Trip
• 11 days

Days 2-3 : Galveston

Leaving Dallas to reach Galveston, you have two itineraries:

• The quickest one, to the east, will allow you to discover Huntsville State Park and local wildlife such as alligators, herons, and squirrels. Just before passing Houston, stop in the small town of Old Town Spring with its picturesque settings and have lunch in a diner-style or BBQ restaurant!
• If, however, you opt for the western route, you will pass through Waco and have the opportunity to visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum or the Dr Pepper Museum, both local curiosities. A little further, a stop in College Station will allow you to discover the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The exhibition will appeal to the curious by presenting the history of the Bush family and artifacts recreating the White House ambiance. If you take a detour through the charming town of Brenham, you can enjoy the ice cream specialties of the famous Blue Bell Creamery in a typical Texas setting.

And here you are on Galveston Island, on the Gulf of Mexico: an ideal getaway between ocean, history, and entertainment! Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this coastal town by exploring Seawall Boulevard from the first day. This seaside walk stretches over more than 16 kilometers and can offer superb sunsets. It's also where you'll find great seafood restaurants!

On the second day, explore the historic district The Strand and admire the beautiful facades of opulent houses dating back to the 19th century. The richness of this district testifies to the flourishing past of the port during the rise of maritime trade. Then stroll along Broadway Avenue and make a stop in front of League-Kempner House, Carl and Hilda Biehl House, and the famous Bishop's Palace with its sumptuous interiors.

In the afternoon, choose between relaxing on the beach, family fun at Moody Gardens Water Park, or exploring the coastline, wilder towards the west. Conclude your stay in Galveston with an evening on the Pleasure Pier, Galveston's iconic pier, with its attractions and festive treats.

Day 4 : Houston

The stages of Galveston and Houston being close (about an hour's drive), you can easily make a stop to visit the Space Center Houston, one of the most popular attractions in Texas.

Dive into the fascinating world of NASA! This educational site reveals the behind-the-scenes of manned missions and astronaut training. Among its curiosities, an impressive Saturn V rocket, a relic of the Apollo missions, as well as a life-size replica of the space shuttle Independence, mounted on the Boeing 747 that once transported these legendary craft. Visitors can also explore the mythical control room of Apollo missions, explore the challenges of the journey to Mars or test their skills with weightlessness simulators and space docking.

Spend the rest of your day in downtown Houston, a vast metropolis where modernity meets Texan identity. The Museum District is full of exciting and varied exhibitions on fine arts, science, and history. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, in particular, will captivate little and big fans of dinosaurs, minerals, and wildlife.

For your evening, we recommend strolling through the vast Hermann Park, enjoying the city’s beautiful green spaces with the skyscrapers of Houston as a backdrop. A particularly contrasting landscape at the golden hour!

Days 5-6 : San Antonio

First stop towards San Antonio, Hemi Hideout showcases an impressive collection of muscle cars and vintage signs in a quirky colorful hangar.

A little further, the small town of Columbus will welcome you for a coffee break or a lunch in a picturesque and historical setting, or even a picnic on the banks of the Colorado River if the weather permits.

Upon your arrival in San Antonio, be warned: you might fall under the spell of this city! Vast yet human-sized, charming and modern, at the crossroads of cultures... San Antonio enchants with its unique identity.

Start your exploration at La Villita Historic Arts Village! In this artists’ neighborhood, you will discover galleries and local craft boutiques. Located on the southern bank of the River Walk, La Villita ("little village" in Spanish) is a real cultural jewel where colonial architecture, contemporary art, and traditional Mexican crafts blend together.

Continue to the historic Market Square, a true little Mexico in the heart of the city. The colorful stalls, mariachi music, and smells of Tex-Mex cuisine create a unique festive atmosphere.

The site of The Alamo, a symbol of Texan independence, tells the story of the heroic 1836 battle and immerses visitors in Texas history. Around San Antonio, the Spanish missions of San José, Concepción, San Juan, and Espada form a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a fascinating glimpse into the colonial past. Connected by a scenic trail along the San Antonio River Walk, they showcase Spanish influence and the region’s cultural evolution.

In the evening, wander the River Walk, an exceptional promenade with immense charm between river, art galleries, shops, and restaurants. This lush urban oasis even offers boat cruises to admire the colonial architecture from another angle.

Stay on a ranch during your trip

Enhance your road trip with an immersion in the Texan spirit: a stay on a Texan ranch!

It is near the town of Bandera, often considered the "cowboy capital," that stands the Dixie Dude Ranch. Nestled in the heart of the hills of the Hill Country, this family ranch immerses you in an authentic atmosphere, between western traditions and warm hospitality. 

We recommend a stay of at least 2 or 3 days to soak up the unique rhythm of the ranch.

After a hearty Texan breakfast, set off to explore nature on horseback alongside passionate guides. Fishing, swimming, or discovering ranch duties punctuate the day, followed by a magical evening under the stars. Around the campfire, between country music and old tales, the cowboy spirit comes to life.

A stay on a Texan ranch is a unique experience in an authentic way of life, an adventure where freedom and wide-open spaces come together to offer a complete change of scenery.

Days 7-8 : Austin

Change of scenery! Head to Austin for the next two days.

Your road trip in Texas today allows you to discover a portion of the renowned Hill Country. The region is particularly lush, known for its vineyards and milder climate compared to the aridity of northern Texas.

Once in Austin, head to the unmissable Texas State Capitol, one of the city and Lone Star State symbols! Larger than the Capitol in Washington D.C., visitors can freely explore much of its interior, which houses the legislative chambers and exhibitions on the state's political history. Its gardens, adorned with statues and traversed by shaded paths, invite an enjoyable walk.

On the American music scene, Austin stands alongside New Orleans in Louisiana and Nashville in Tennessee. So your evening is all set: explore the area around Sixth Street and its live music clubs, famous throughout the country! The official city website offers the precise schedule of concerts and festivals during your trip.

On the second day, explore the vicinity of South Congress Avenue, dubbed SoCo by locals. Bordered by the peaceful Lady Bird Lake to the north, it's an ideal area for strolling between shops, artisan workshops, art galleries, and great lunch spots!

In the afternoon, treat yourself to a relaxing moment at Barton Springs Pool: a green haven in Zilker Park where the natural pool maintains a soothing temperature of 20°C year-round.

In the evening, don't miss the quirky local attraction: the bats of the Congress Avenue Bridge. A multitude of bats take off at each dusk, captivating travelers!

Days 9-11 : Fort Worth

Now leave Austin and the Hill Country to head north toward Fort Worth. The small town of Temple, with its historic charm, can welcome you for lunch on the way. And if you have some time, visit Dinosaur Valley State Park to discover genuine fossilized dinosaur tracks!

You have now arrived at the final stop of your Texas road trip: Fort Worth. During these two days, you will have the opportunity to attend the famous cattle drive where herds of cattle are led by real cowboys through the city. The Fort Worth Stockyards are a must-see tradition, and the iconic Texas Longhorns are an integral part of the scene.

The Kimbell Art Museum offers a delightful cultural moment where you can admire works by great masters such as Monet, Caravaggio, and Picasso. The Water Gardens provide a refreshing break around their water features at the end of a day full of exploration.

On the last evening, don't miss the atmosphere of Sundance Square, with its many lively restaurants.

Your road trip in Texas is coming to an end! The Dallas Fort Worth Airport, easily accessible, is located between the two eponymous cities. Your journey through the heart of the Lone Star State concludes after eleven days full of discoveries.

FAQ

Is Texas a good road trip destination?

For sure ! Texas offers authentic experiences and a change of scenery!

Live music lovers flock to Austin, recognized as the world capital of the genre. Adventurers will marvel at the wild landscapes, a paradise for hiking and stargazing. For a western immersion, visit a ranch or attend a rodeo. History buffs can relive traditional cattle drives at the Fort Worth Stockyards. The culinary scene is also worth exploring: savor traditional barbecue at San Antonio's Historic Market Square!

 

How to spend 2 weeks in Texas? And how many days does it take to drive around the state?

The distances between Texas's metropolises make visiting them perfectly manageable. A journey of up to 4 hours separates each city, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the surrounding rural landscapes while relishing the next destination upon arrival.

The diversity of urban atmospheres justifies these multiple stops: San Antonio charms with its Hispanic heritage, Austin vibrates with its music scene, while Houston fascinates with its modernity.

Our 11-day road trip includes the essentials of the destination in a well-balanced itinerary.
And if you've got a few extra days, Big Bend National Park in the south will be sure to convince you to take your discovery of Texas a step further!

 

Louisiana, Florida, New Mexico... The best road trip ideas for combining with Texas

A road trip in Texas is already a journey in itself, given the state's vastness and rich discoveries. However, if you're planning a long trip (more than twenty days), you can combine Texas with one of the neighboring states, for example:

• Louisiana (count about 3 hours drive between Houston and Lafayette): a completely different culture, equally immersive, colorful, and tasty, awaits you in Louisiana!
• both Louisiana and Florida (only if you have like 3 weeks to take your time !)
• New Mexico (count about 4 hours drive between Amarillo and Santa Fe): a road trip with a guaranteed western atmosphere with iconic landscapes, charming pueblos, and even a section of the Route 66!

 

How to immerse yourself in the spirit of the American Wild West?

In Texas, adventure enthusiasts can explore historic trails crossing canyons and rocky plateaus or stay at a ranch for two or three days to learn western riding and lasso handling. Evenings around the campfire, accompanied by country music and cowboy tales, make the experience unforgettable. Tex-Mex cuisine, with its tacos, fajitas, and enchiladas, reflects the blend of Texan and Mexican cultures, as does the craft of cowboy boots, a true symbol of local craftsmanship. Between equestrian traditions, spicy flavors, and ancestral crafts, Texas will turn you into a cowboy... at least for a few days!

From vibrant cities to authentic ranches, Texas offers unique experiences and unforgettable memories. Each step of this 11-day road trip immerses you in the unique atmosphere of the Lone Star State.

Dreaming of going to Texas? Tell us which part of this itinerary excites you the most!