Things to Do

What are the Makings of the Perfect Texas Road Trip?

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Tony Maples Photography

 

What makes a perfect Texas road trip? It’s not so much the destination as it is the journey, especially when the journey is shared with good company. Without a doubt, the great State of Texas can provide one heck of a journey with its abundance of places to see and explore. Regardless of where your trip begins or which direction you take, here are some ideas for an adventure you will never forget!

McKinney Avenue Transit Authority Trolleys, Dallas

Park your car at the West Village parking ramp and hop on one of the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority trolleys to take you around uptown where you can decide whether you want to eat, shop, stop at the Dallas Art Museum, the Dallas Aquarium, or all of the above.

The Stockyards, Fort Worth

Watch as the Fort Worth Longhorn Herd is driven through the streets of Cowtown, catch a rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum, then dust off those boots and enjoy some live music, dancing, and BBQ at Billy Bob’s.

LonghornsPhoto: Fort Worth Stockyards

Slovacek’s, West

Stop to stretch your legs in West at Slovacek’s. There you will find the best kolaches and summer sausage around.

Homestead Heritage, Waco

Homestead Heritage is a community that chooses to live a simpler way of life surrounded by good ol’ fashion Christian values. Stop by their Craft Village to sample their award-winning cheeses and purchase one-of-a-kind handmade goods. Be sure to stop by Cafe Homestead for some of the most amazing food around.

Blue Hole, Georgetown

Cool off those feet and wade into Blue Hole lagoon, a natural lagoon bordered by beautiful limestone bluffs.

BluebonnetsPhoto: HPPR

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin

Driving by a field of bluebonnets will take your breath away. It is a sure sign that spring is here in Texas and they are plentiful along roadsides and in fields. However, if you are wanting a safe place to pull your car over and indulge in this happy little flower, consider stopping at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center where you will see bluebonnets galore!

The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum and The Texas Ranger Museum, San Antonio

Browse the one-of-a-kind animal exhibits and take a walk through an old Texas saloon at The Buckhorn Saloon & Museum. Then, step into some Texas Ranger history and browse artifacts, guns, and badges of the infamous Texas Rangers.

Bending Branch Winery, Comfort

Sip on Bending Branch Winery’s award-winning, handcrafted wines unique to the Texas Hill Country.

SonoraCavernsPhoto: The Flash List

Caverns of Sonora, Sonora

The Caverns of Sonora are hands down the most beautiful caverns you will ever see. Here you not only have a chance to see these amazing caverns but you will be able to pan for gemstones and camp out for the night under big, bright Texas stars.

Odessa Meteor Crater, Odessa

Visit the second largest crater in the United States, measuring at about 550 feet in diameter.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Amarillo

Described as the “Grand Canyon of Texas”, Palo Duro Canyon is a rugged piece of heaven. While visiting the park, be sure to watch the outdoor musical “TEXAS”, take a tour on horseback with Old West Stables, and stay the night at one of the park’s campsites or cabins.

The Perfect Texas Road Trip

Photo: Greetings From Texas Hill Country – Shirt by Texas Hill Country

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LPFallsPhoto: Wichita County

Lucy Park, Wichita Falls

Visit River Bend Nature Center to stroll through the native trees of Texas, cross the Big Wichita River on the swinging bridge, and meander down to the Falls to soak in the tranquility of this beautiful city.

Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari, Jacksonville

While driving down through East Texas, be sure to turn off at the Cherokee Trace Drive-thru Safari where you will spot some unique critters such as zebras, kangaroos, and camels.

Gator Country, Beaumont

Take a swamp boat tour through Gator Country where you will see Texas’ largest gator in captivity and some of his distant and not so distant relatives.

GatorPhoto: ForTheWin

Space Center, Houston

Take a tram tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center, browse space exhibits, and have lunch with a NASA astronaut.

Historical Huntsville Ghost Tour, Huntsville

Take an exciting haunted tour of some historic locations in Huntsville in hopes of catching a glimpse of the unexplained.

Pioneer Village, Corsicana

Discover what pioneer life was like in the early days of Texas. View recreations of pioneer homes and businesses, as well as artifacts from the Civil War.

Rockett Ranch Cafe and Music Hall, Milford

Enjoy some of the best catfish and mouth-watering steaks in North Texas in this sleepy, little town at Rockett Ranch Cafe and Music Hall.

Waxahachie Downtown Farmer’s Market, Waxahachie

Get your hands on local handmade goods and fresh Texas produce at this fantastic farmer’s market.