Next time you're deciding on a family trip, don't forget to look beneath the surface. Texas is full of incredible show caves, and this six-hour road trip will take you to the best and most famous of them all. From spelunking adventures to leisurely strolls through crystalline mineral formations, these caverns offer a little bit of everything.
Developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, this state park, located less than 90 minutes from Austin, features a vast cavern formed eons ago by an ancient river. On a guided walking tour, you'll descend 130 feet below the surface and marvel at countless geological wonders. This unique formation, known as the "Queen's Watchdog," was discovered by CCC workers! To this day, nobody is entirely certain of its origins. More information here.
One of the best-preserved show caves in Texas, Inner Space Caverns remained undiscovered for 10,000 years. A Texas Highway Department core drilling team came upon it in the summer of 1963, and public access was allowed three years later. Among the features include prehistoric animal bones, rock and mineral formations, expansive rooms, and so much more. The cave is a mild 72 degrees year-round and doesn't flood during rainfall. More information here.
3. Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park (San Marcos)
Welcoming visitors for over 100 years, the Balcones Fault Line Cave at Wonder World Park was the first show cave in Texas. Even more astounding, it's the only cave formed via earthquake in the nation! You'll see fossilized prehistoric life and gigantic boulders suspended in midair, all the while hearing captivating stories of past geological eras. More information here.
San Antonio's iconic Natural Bridge Caverns are the largest known commercial caverns in the state. They were discovered in 1960 by students of St. Mary's University and officially opened for business in 1964. Today, several different underground tours showcase different aspects of the cave and appeal to a variety of skill levels. More information here.
Open to the public since 1932 (and offering private tours since the 1870s), Cascade Caverns is a magical, otherworldly destination just south of Boerne. A guided, one-hour excursion leads through consecutive corridors of captivating cave formations. A separate Adventure Tour is offered during the summer, and nighttime flashlight tours are available to groups of ten or more. Just look at those moss-covered cave walls near the entrance! Simply beautiful. More information here.
Considered a National Natural Landmark, Cave Without a Name is a living cavern full of spectacular formations including stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, and more. With easily navigable walkways, plenty of lighting, and 66-degree temperatures this six-room underground oasis is definitely bucket list-worthy. More information here.
Eight miles west of the small town of Sonora, right where the Texas Hill Country meets the Chihuahuan Desert, limestone-rich landscape dominates. Beneath it lies the Caverns of Sonora, often ranked among the most beautiful show caves on the planet. Crystalline formations are everywhere you look, making for a truly unparalleled viewing experience. More information here.
Texas' natural beauty is pretty unforgettable. If you need a reminder, though, we have you covered with this Texas road trip. Within this three-hour road trip, you'll see some of the most beautiful places in Texas, including a collapsed grotto and a 140-foot-deep underwater cave. As far as Texas scenic drives go, this one might just have you falling in love with the state's beauty all over again.
Our first destination on this scenic road trip in Texas is Jacob's Well Natural Area, a popular swimming hole best known for this 140-foot-deep well that leads to a complex network of underwater caves. The artesian spring surrounding the well is cool and crisp - the perfect antidote to a hot Texas day. Learn more about this Texas road trip stop.
Located about 30 miles west of Austin in Dripping Springs, Hamilton Pool is a collapsed grotto that looks like something from a fairy tale. This ancient wonder consistently ranks among the most beautiful places in America, and between its pristine waters and mossy limestone overhang, it's easy to understand why. Learn more about this beautiful place in Texas before you go.
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3. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center (Round Mountain)
A 15-minute stroll is all it takes to enter a whole new world at Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center. A 76-acre wildlife conservation preserve, the center boasts a 40-foot waterfall that cascades down moss-covered canyons into a sapphire pool below. You'll truly feel like you're in the Amazonian rainforest when you experience this lush and colorful landscape firsthand. This is one of the most scenic places in Texas.
One of the most iconic natural wonders in Texas, Enchanted Rock is a granite monolith that extends over 400 feet into the Fredericksburg sky. There are 11 miles of trails that weave through the park, including one that takes you all the way up to the summit. The sunsets are incredible! Learn more on this Texas road trip stop.
Last - but certainly not least - our journey takes us to another Tarzan-esque spot: Gorman Falls. Located within Colorado Bend State Park, this 70-foot waterfall is accessible via a three-mile hike (round-trip.) Prepare to be totally awestruck by the all-encompassing sound of the falls' powerful roar! Make sure to enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the state right here. And a great way to end one of the most scenic drives in Texas!
Would you take this road trip to some of Texas's most scenic natural wonders? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Don't forget to check out our previous article for more places that showcase the beauty of Texas.
Which one of these Texas scenic drives and road trip options are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below! But before you go, check out our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide to ensure you have everything you need.
If you like to explore and sightsee by car, the best road trips in Texas should be added to your bucket list! The Lone Star State is huge and full of endless opportunities to encounter beautiful scenery, unique cultural experiences, incredible food, and even more unforgettable fun.
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What’s great about a road trip in Texas is the variety of places you can visit- there’s the quirky, must-see city of Austin, the rich cultural activities in Dallas, the array of unique and charming small towns, diverse natural wonders, etc. Not to mention, due to the state’s size, you can customize your adventure to be whatever length you’d like!
With so much to see and do in the Lone Star State, we’ve gathered 11 Texas road trip ideas to get you started.
This Texas hill country road trip can be completed in about three hours, which makes it perfect for an enjoyable day trip. The journey begins at sunrise in Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, located in Fredericksburg. You’ll have the opportunity to see breathtaking views once you’ve reached the 425-foot-tall landmark- it’s quite a climb, but the experience will certainly be unforgettable. You can also explore nearby wineries- Texas Hill Country is known as the state’s wine country. From there, you’ll head to Lake Buchanan, embark on the Vanishing Texas River Cruise, and see stunning scenery, such as waterfalls and waterfront cliffs. The next stop will be in Marble Falls to enjoy a slice of pie at the famous Blue Bonnet Cafe, followed by a stop in beautiful Spicewood for the fun zipline adventures of Cypress Valley Canopy Tours. You’ll then venture to the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge to take in some of the most beautiful grassland areas in the state, and finally, you’ll complete the journey in Austin’s Lake Travis. The Oasis is the largest restaurant in the state and offers incredible views, making it the ideal spot to enjoy the sunset as this one-day road trip comes to an end. This is one of the best quick road trips in Texas to take.
If you’re thinking of taking a road trip over a long weekend, this itinerary will take you to eight different locations that are known as the best places to see the iconic and pretty Texas bluebonnets. Beginning in Ennis, the official Bluebonnet city of Texas, you’ll enjoy opportunities for guided tours, live music, and food during the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival. Next, you’ll drive to the well-loved town of Brenham, which is a beautiful location for photos, followed by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in the state capitol. The Wildlife Center also features other flowers in bloom and can be counted on as a worthwhile garden visit year-round. After stopping here, you’ll travel on to Spicewood, then Burnet, then Marble Falls, then Fredricksburg- all beautiful locations that offer picture-perfect sights during Spring. Lastly, this 14-hour trip will conclude at Big Bend National Park, which, surprisingly, is one of the best places to see Texas wildflowers! This trip will also provide lots of opportunities for bird watching. This is one of the best weekend road trips in Texas.
Route: Crystal Beach>Magic Carpet Golf>The Spot>East Beach>The Strand> Gaido's>Galveston Island State Park>La King's Confectionary>Sugar Bean Coffee & Cream
Distance: 67.5 Miles
Trip Time: 2 Hours And 53 Minutes Driving Time
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When you think of Texas, you may not immediately think of beautiful beaches. And it’s true- Galveston is no tropical paradise, but it still has a lot of charm that can be enjoyed on a modest, seaside road trip. This itinerary will take you roughly three hours of drive-time along the gulf, and we promise it’ll be a lot of fun. You’ll begin at Crystal Beach, a popular stop in the area. It can be crowded later in the day, so we recommend beginning in the morning. Next up is a stop a Magic Carpet Golf, a fun activity for travelers of all ages, followed by lunchtime at the Spot. After enjoying a laidback meal and lovely views of the water, you’ll move on to East Beach- a less popular beach, but one that offers a bit of history, as well as fishing opportunities. Next up, you’ll visit the Strand, a famous shopping area that is reminiscent of New Orleans’s French Quarter, followed by Gaido's (a seafood restaurant over 100 years old), and then see the hidden gem of Galveston Island State Park. After exploring the gorgeous outdoor landscapes of the park, you’ll finish this beach town adventure with La King’s Confectionary and Sugar Bean Coffee & Cream. If you’d like to explore more, check out Padre Island of Corpus Christi, which can be worked into this trip if you’d like to make this a long journey along the coast. This is easily one of the best road trips in Texas.
Route: El Paso>Salt Flat>The Spot>Fort Davis>The Strand>Panther Junction
Distance: 361 Miles
Trip Time: 5 Hours And 47 Minutes Driving Time
Texas really is a place with such diverse geography and natural landscapes- if you’re looking to explore mountainous regions, this itinerary will show you some truly remarkable sights. You’ll begin in the West Texas town of El Paso, at Franklin Mountains State Park- an extraordinary desert setting that offers hiking and biking trails. Next up, you’ll journey about two hours East to visit the Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Salt Flat, which is home to the tallest point in Texas and spellbinding scenery. You’ll then make a stop in Davis Mountains State Park before finally ending the trip at Big Bend National Park. This final stop is world-famous for its incredible sights, hiking trails, and otherworldly night skies. The drive time for this trip is about six hours, so it is probably best experienced when broken up over a couple of days.
This itinerary is the ideal road trip for a springtime getaway, and what makes it unique is it’s designed to be enjoyed fully from the car! It’s a total of about eight hours, so depending on what you’re interested in, you may decide to actually stop and get out of the car to explore, or even stay the night somewhere along the way. You’ll begin in Marble Falls, then head to Fredricksburg, where you’ll see the Enchanted Rock and Willow City Loop. Then you’ll drive through (or stop in) Austin, where you can enjoy all the wildflowers of spring. Next up, you’ll drive to Ennis, of course, because a springtime Texas road trip simply would be incomplete without seeing the bluebonnets. And finally, this trip will come to an end in Brenham- the best place to see the vibrant Texas wildflowers from March through May.
Route: Aransas Pass>Port Lavaca>Port Arthur>Port Bolivar>Matagorda Island
Distance: 594 Miles
Trip Time: 10 Hours And 46 Minutes Driving Time
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The magic of a Texas summer is undeniable, and this road trip along the Gulf Coast is a great way to beat the heat and see historical sites. This itinerary will take about 11 hours, so we recommend breaking up the trip and spending time by the beach or exploring other seaside activities while you’re at each stop. You’ll begin the journey at the Lydia Ann Lighthouse, the only privately owned lighthouse on the Texas coastline. This lighthouse is open 24 hours a day, so you can begin at any time! You’ll next travel to the Half Moon Reef lighthouse in Port Lavaca, and then to the Sabine Bank Lighthouse of Port Arthur. Be sure to check out the Museum of the Gulf Coast if you’re interested in learning about the history of the area. You’ll then move on to the most famous lighthouse in the state, the Point Bolivar Lighthouse- rumored to be haunted, and known for its unique history. Finally, your trip will conclude at the Matagorda Island Lighthouse, whose origins date back to the Civil War. This trip is definitely one for history lovers, but it’s in a great region to break up and customize to your liking!
You don’t have to travel to New England to see beautiful foliage in autumn- Texas has plenty of places with beautiful, colorful trees during this time of year. This road trip itinerary is about 11 and a half hours of driving time, which means you can do it in one day, or break it up over a weekend. Either way, it’s an incredibly scenic drive that you won’t soon forget! You’ll begin in the Pineywoods Autumn Trail in Athens, which is sure to impress before you head on to Daingerfield State Park in East Texas. This is a great place to stay and camp overnight if you want to take some more time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. You’ll then move onto Lake Bob Sandlin State Park, a beautiful space of foliage and vibrant colors, and then travel to Cooper Lake State Park, where you can enjoy water activities if you so desire. Next, you’ll travel to Medina River before stopping at Lost Maples State Park- this is another good place to stay overnight before concluding the road trip in Garner State Park in Concan, the most popular state park in Texas. Texas can still be warm during the beginning of Fall, so keep in mind that this itinerary has many swimming holes and spring-fed water areas for visitors to enjoy.
Route: San Antonio>Fredericksburg>Johnson City>>Georgetown>Grapevine
Distance: 351 Miles
Trip Time: 5 Hours And 50 Minutes Driving Time
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A winter road trip can be a lot of fun, especially if you enjoy holiday lights! This festive road trip will take about six hours of driving time, and you’ll begin in the San Antonio area and conclude in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Starting off, you’ll talk a walk through the Riverwalk, one of the most-loved parts of the Alamo city, and you’ll see that it’s totally decked out in lights during the holiday season. You’ll then drive to Fredericksburg, which is a picture-perfect spot in December to stroll down brightly lit streets and browse charming boutiques. You’ll then travel to Johnson City to catch a glimpse of the seasonal light spectacular, and then to the suburb of Georgetown for more cozy, holiday vibes. Finally, you’ll end up in Grapevine’s historic district, which is known as the Christmas Capital of the state. There are plenty of activities for the whole family- we also recommend taking a detour to the Fort Worth Stockyards while you’re in North Texas.
This itinerary is all about family fun! The total drive time is only about an hour and a half, so this is a perfect trip to move at your own pace and really enjoy each stop along the way. The trip starts off with a bang at ShangriLlama: a castle where you can hang out with llamas! You’ll then head to Frisco, which is home to many fun daytime activities, such as Monster Mini Golf. Not too far from Frisco, you’ll take a short drive to the Colony, where the whole family can have fun racing at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games. Driving a little further South, you’ll then stop at the Magic Time Machine in Dallas, a themed restaurant that’s fun for guests of all ages. And finally, you’ll finish the trip at the Sugar Factory in Dallas for a sweet treat. It's one of the best road trips to take in Texas if you have kids.
With a drive time of about three hours, this itinerary features some of the most iconic spots in all of central Texas. Starting off at the state capitol of Austin, you’ll experience the capitol building, the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge, and the Hamilton Pool Preserve. This makes for a perfectly fun day in Austin with a good mix of history and outdoor beauty. Moving on down to south-central Texas, you’ll then experience the Natural Bridge Caverns, which is one of the coolest spots in the state and wasn’t discovered until the 1960s! After exploring the caves, you’ll visit the Alamo. Undoubtedly one of the defining symbols of Texas, you can walk through the location that played a pivotal part in the war between Texas and Mexico. And finally, after learning about some Texan and Mexican history, you’ll end this trip with a visit to the famous Riverwalk. This trip can be completed in one day, but we think it’s best planned as a weekend getaway.
The state of Texas has some really charming and historic small towns that are definitely worth exploring. This itinerary is about 13 hours of drive time, so we recommend taking your time and making stops along the way. You’ll start in the town of Jasper, which is a charming location in East Texas. Next, you’ll head to Hemphill, which is not only known for its quaint, old-fashioned vibes but also the fact that a piece of the Space Shuttle Columbia was found there! You can visit the Patricia Huffman Smith Museum NASA Museum Space Center to learn all about it. You’ll then drive on to Jefferson, a very historic small town, and then on to Strawn: a town with a population of only about 700. Next, you’ll journey to Fredericksburg, which has an adorable downtown area and shopping opportunities, followed by Luckenbach (yes, like the Willie Nelson song). Then you’ll move on to Wimberly in Hill Country, which features a cozy town square as well as beautiful nature. Next, you’ll drive to Gruene, which is a small part of New Braunfels that’s home to the oldest dance hall in the state. You’ll finish up with trying the bbq of Lockhart and concluding in Schulenburg. The last town is a great point to stop between Austin and Houston and is a unique German town. If you’re interested in the town of Marfa, which is a famous desert arts town, you can edit this itinerary and begin the journey in West Texas. It’ll be longer by about seven hours, but if you’re looking for a larger adventure (and extraordinary murals), this might be worth considering.
And there you have it: 11 of the best road trips in Texas, plus Itineraries! Have you been to any of these locations? What would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments! And if you were curious about a panhandle or Amarillo road trip, check out this itinerary for a Route 66 road trip through the Lone Star State!
