We've written about the best Christmas lights and towns to visit during the holiday season in the past. But then we thought a Texas Christmas lights road trip would be a great idea. From strolling down the River Walk and admiring the vibrant lights to driving through neighborhoods ablaze with the Christmas spirit, this is the perfect winter vacation for the whole family this holiday season in Texas.
The entire trip is 686 miles, but you'll want to spend the night in each separate city so you'll be there when the lights are on. As usual, the Google Map with all the trip itinerary is here to guide (or light) the way. Happy Holidays!
The first stop along this road trip to see Christmas lights in Texas is Downtown Dallas which comes alive during the holidays. The high rises are covered in sheets of white and blue lights, and trees are wrapped so tightly you can barely see the wood. It's the closest Texas will ever get to Christmas in New York and it's truly a spectacular sight.
Neighborhoods throughout the city aren't shy about expressing their Christmas spirit, either. This is 714 Newell St. in East Dallas, and many other homes on the street are decorated similarly. You may need sunglasses, but you definitely don't want to miss it.
Grapevine is the self-proclaimed "Christmas Capital of Texas," and its town square definitely reflects that. All the shops and restaurants are adorned from roof to ground in vibrant yet elegant lights. While you're here, be sure to check out some of the festivities like the North Pole Express, Lone Star Christmas, and Snowland. There may not be actual snow, but Grapevine is still a Winter Wonderland.
Prairie Lights proudly boasts the longest drive-thru holiday light tunnel in Texas -- it's an entire mile long! Drive through over four million lights in the form of dazzling displays, and stop at the Holiday Village halfway through to get souvenirs, sip some hot chocolate, and take pictures with Santa. Then get back in your car and finish off the night with a bang by driving the remaining mile through the tunnel with millions of lights engulfing you and creating almost a trance-like experience that you'll never forget.
Now we're headed into the Hill Country to Marble Fall's annual Walkway of Lights. Just in case this panoramic photo doesn't capture how amazing it is, there are over two million lights, 400 sculptures, sparkly garland strung up the whole way to guide you through the night, and Santa himself waiting at the end to hear all about what the little ones want for Christmas. The best part? It's totally free! Add it all up, and the Walkway of Lights is one of our favorite holiday light displays in Texas!
Families like this one deserve a lot more credit for their light displays. Just because they aren't as popular as well-known attractions like the River Walk or Moody Gardens doesn't mean they aren't amazing! At this house alone, you'll see half a million lights, a 25-foot tall tree, a synchronized light show, and a drive-through light tunnel. Plus, you get to enjoy all the sights from the comfort of your car - what more could you ask for?
Before you leave Johnson City, stopping by the courthouse is a must. With over 100,000 lights on the building and more covering the surrounding trees, it's easily one of the most eye-popping, breathtaking displays in Texas. Johnson City is the perfect place to explore during the winter in Texas.
Austin is known for its weirdness, and it makes no exceptions for the holiday season. 37th street is a mishmash of lights randomly strung up from tree to tree or house to house, and it's oddly fascinating despite not being the most elegant or aesthetically pleasing. It's such a phenomenon that it's even been featured on "Good Morning America!" West 37th Street in Austin might be the most festive spot in the state!
We may mention the River Walk on just about every Christmas post, but there's a reason. Nothing compares to the magic you'll feel as you stroll down the street underneath the multicolored lights hanging from the trees. So get ready for this holiday season to see some spectacular Christmas lights in Texas.
This neighborhood in Northwest Houston takes Christmas almost as seriously as Clark Griswold. Every house is decked out to the extreme as residents compete with each other for awards such as "Best Walkway," "Best Mailbox," and the elusive "People's Choice Award."
This house in the 1300 block of Briarbrook Drive in Houston is equally (if not more) festive. It's basically one giant light, from the house to the trees to the reindeer on the roof. If you're in the area, we highly recommend driving by and taking a look. This festive neighborhood celebration during the winter in Texas is called "Nites of Lights" and it's one you don't want to miss!
Also in Houston, River Oaks has one of the most enchanting light displays during the holiday season in Texas. Lights dangle elegantly from tree branches like streamers, stars twinkle high up in the leaves, and the gorgeous homes are decorated simply yet beautifully. One house even has Santa sitting outside to hand out hot chocolate to kids!
And finally, our last stop along this Christmas lights in Texas road trip. We close with Moody Gardens' Festival of Lights. This one is a tradition for many Texas families because it's just that amazing. You'll walk through 100 displays made up of over a million lights, skate on an outdoor ice rink, and sip hot chocolate by a fire. We can't think of a better way to revel in the holiday cheer, y'all!
Texas sure does know how to celebrate Christmas. Would you take this road trip to see Christmas lights in Texas? Are there any other amazing light displays you would add? Please tell us in the comments!
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.
advertisement
advertisement
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.
advertisement
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
advertisement
advertisement
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
advertisement
advertisement
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
advertisement
advertisement
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!
