Did you know there is a Texas highway that takes you from the U.S./Mexico border all the way up to the Oklahoma state line? U.S. Route 83 is the longest stretch of a single U.S. Highway within a single U.S. state, and it’s one of the best scenic drives in Texas. From the lush Hill Country greenery to the rugged Panhandle Plains, the longest highway in Texas showcases all the natural beauty the Lone Star State has to offer. Gas up the car and let’s cruise along Highway 83 in Texas for a fun scenic drive. 

The longest highway in Texas, U.S. Route 83 is a whopping 906.5 miles long, running from the US/Mexico border in Brownsville all the way up to the Oklahoma state line near Perryton.
Wikimedia Commons/25or6to4
While the route passes through several large cities, such as Abilene, it's a primarily rural drive.
Wikimedia Commons/Billy Hathorn
It isn't uncommon for drivers to go an hour or two without seeing another motorist...or any sign of civilization. The road is lined with abandoned buildings, their decrepit exteriors offering glimpses into a time far gone.
Wikimedia Commons/Billy Hathorn
Beautiful scenery abounds, from the rolling Central Texas hills covered in lush greenery to the rugged Panhandle bluffs that seem to stretch infinitely up into the clouds.
longest highway in texas
Wikimedia Commons/Billy Hathorn

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You will also encounter several bodies of water, including the North Fork Red River near Pampa. How eerie is this abandoned bridge to nowhere?
longest highway in texas
Wikimedia Commons/Leaflet
The northern section of the highway intersects with historic Route 66, which leads through the heart of the charming small town of Shamrock. Pixar drew inspiration for the film "Cars," from Shamrock, and it isn't hard to see why.
Wikimedia Commons/Clinton Steeds from Los Angeles, USA - Shamrock Chamber of Commerce
Historical markers are everywhere you look, including one for the Ozark Trail in Wellington. In the 1920s - before the federal highway system was created - the Ozark Trail was a network of roads and highways, maintained by local governments, that extended from Arkansas westward.
Wikimedia Commons/Billy Hathorn
If you have a passport, you can even cross into Mexico via U.S. Route 83! It overlaps with U.S. 77 on the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates over the Rio Grande.
Wikimedia Commons/Dan Davis

Want more scenic drives through Texas? If so, watch this YouTube video by Adapt Quest Invent.

Have you ever driven on Highway 83 in Texas? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments!

Are you searching for more adventures in the Lone Star State? Here are some things to do in Texas that we recommend.

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More to Explore

SCENIC DRIVES IN TEXAS & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | September 08, 2023

Besides Highway 83, what are some more scenic drives in Texas?
While Highway 83 is one of the best scenic drives in Texas, here are some more scenic byways that are worth cruising.


Read our article telling you more about some of these scenic drives in Texas.

What are the best attractions in Texas?
If you’re searching for the best attractions in Texas, then we’ve got your back. Here are some of the best attractions in the Lone Star State that are worth visiting.

  • Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City
  • Big Bend National Park, Southwest TX
  • The Comal River, New Braunfels
  • Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston
  • Lagoonfest Texas, La Marque
  • Mustang Island, Corpus Christi
  • Barton Springs Pool, Austin
  • Padre Island National Seashore, Padre Island
  • Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels
  • Aquatica San Antonio, San Antonio


Want more? Check out our article featuring some of the best attractions in Texas. 

What are the best day trips in Texas?
There are tons of great options for day trips in Texas, and here are a few that we recommend:

  • The San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio
  • Hamilton Pool, Dripping Springs
  • South Padre Island
  • Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale
  • Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio
  • The Alamo, San Antonio
  • Monahans Sandhills State Park, Monahans
  • Caverns of Sonora, Sonora
  • Moody Gardens, Galveston
  • Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, San Antonio


Discover more by reading our previous article about the best day trips in Texas.

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Featured Addresses
U.S. Highway 83, US-83, Rio Grande City, TX, USA