The Best Texas Road Trip Itinerary: 1 Week in the Lone Star State
Are you ready to experience the best of Texas? Texas is not just the largest continental state in the US, it’s a place where everything is bigger and bolder. From the bustling cities to the serene countryside, Texas offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
You’ll start your adventure in Dallas, home to one of the largest airports in the US, the DFW Airport. This means getting here is a breeze, no matter where you’re coming from. Texas is a state of contrasts and diversity—picture vast open plains, rolling hills, vibrant cities, and charming small towns. As you travel, you’ll see everything from cowboy culture to space exploration, live music scenes to historical landmarks.
Our journey will take you from Dallas to Houston, one of the biggest cities in the southern US. You’ll explore Fort Worth’s western heritage, Waco’s famous silos, Austin’s live music scene, the German charm of Fredericksburg, San Antonio’s historic sites, and the coastal beauty of Corpus Christi. Each stop offers something unique and unforgettable.
So, put on your cowboy boots, grab your map, and let’s hit the road for the ultimate Texas road trip adventure!
Map of Texas Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Dallas and Fort Worth
Morning in Dallas
Start your road trip with a morning spent in Dallas! There is lots to see here, but I’d recommend checking out some of the incredible museums on offer. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza is dedicated to the life of President John F. Kennedy and the events surrounding his assassination. It’s a fascinating piece of history and really well done.
If you’re more in the mood for some nature and relaxation, spend the morning at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. The gardens are really something and the water features are like nowhere else.
The Dallas World Aquarium is another excellent choice where you can see exotic birds, fish, and even penguins! Dont miss the 3 story waterfall or the massive overhead shark tank!
Afternoon in Fort Worth
In the afternoon, drive the 40 minutes over to Fort Worth. Your first stop should be the Fort Worth Stockyards. This historic district is like stepping back in time to the Old West. It might sound really cheesy, but this was one of my favorites on this trip! You can watch a cattle drive at the Stockyards Visitors center around 4 pm, explore the western themed shops, and even see a rodeo at the Cowtown Coliseum if you’re lucky. The rodeos here are the real deal and even though I’ve seen many rodeos in Wisconsin, Texan Rodeos are known to be the best in the country, so don’t miss out!
Make sure to have dinner at the The Capital Grille if eating steak is your thing, or you could try Rise Soufflé, an interesting souffle bar which is really well priced and has the number one spot in town! Visit the Basement Bar after dinner for a really fun Honky Tonk atmosphere and great drinks to live music.
Stay in Downtown Fort Worth at the Hampton Inn & Suites for the best value with the best location. Breakfast is really incredible here, so worth checking out!
Day 2: Discovering Waco
Full day in Waco
Wake up early and drive the 1 hour and 20 minutes to Waco. Your first stop is the famous Magnolia Market and Silos, created by Chip and Joanna Gaines from the TV show “Fixer Upper”. It’s a great place to shop for home goods and enjoy some tasty food from the food trucks. Next, if you’re into archeology and history, visit the Waco Mammoth National Monument. Here, you can see the remains of mammoths that lived thousands of years ago. It’s actually really fascinating!
Have lunch at Jake’s Texas Tea House for fun local atmosphere and great food.
Next, head to the Dr Pepper Museum. Did you know Dr Pepper was invented in Waco? The museum is really well done and interactive, with lots of interesting exhibits.
If you’d prefer to visit Waco’s center, there is also a free trolley that’s perfect for getting around. Park near the Silos and hop on the trolley to visit Waco’s most popular shopping, dining and art district where you can shop till you drop!
For dinner go to Rudy’s for the amazing brisket and then drinks at J.S. Barnett’s Whiskey House. I loved the outdoor seating on a hot evening and the choice of whiskey was incredible!
We stayed the night at Home2 Suites by Hilton while in Waco. We got a great price and loved the full kitchen and comfy bed in the flat. Highly recommended!
Day 3: Austin Adventures
Morning and Afternoon in Austin
Leave early on day 3 for Austin, the live music capital of the world! The drive takes 1 hour and 40 minutes so you’ll want to stop at Buc-ee’s for the bathrooms and a mid-morning coffee on the way.
Downtown Austin is walkable and full of life. Start your day with a stroll down South Congress Avenue, commonly known as SoCo, for the best look at Austin’s local vibe. Have lunch at Magnolia Cafe for a great burger or excellent brunch!
Then drive down to Town Lake Metropolitan Park and check out the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail. It’s a scenic trail that’s perfect for walking or biking and the best way to get a great view of Austin while enjoying the urban park. I always love to add a bit of nature to my road trips since the Wisconsin parks have become a staple in our weekly excercise.
Alternatively you can visit the Texas State Capitol for a taste of local history. They offer free guided tours in the afternoon, which is a great way to learn about Texas history and government.
In the evening, make sure to catch a live music show on Sixth Street. Austin is known for its vibrant music scene on this iconic avenue, so make sure to pick a speakeasy or live music venue as you walk the strip. This year it is being renovated though, so some venues may be closed. Alternatively you could check out SoCo north of ladybird for a great evening out.
After an exciting day, rest up in Austin. The Fairmount is a great option and is really well located. It also has a parking lot, which was great for us! Tomorrow, you’ll head to the charming town of Fredericksburg.
Day 4: Fredericksburg Charm
All Day in Fredericksburg
Drive the 1 hour and a half to Fredericksburg, in the morning. Along the way you can check out Wildseed Farms, a local nursery and wildflower farm. You’ll want to do some wine tasting and visit the flower and butterfly fields. It is such a different experience that it’s definitely worth a stop on the way. Have a bite for lunch here in the food court and continue on your way.
Fredericksburg is known for its German heritage and delightful atmosphere. Spend the afternoon walking the main strip, where you’ll find unique shops, cafes, and bakeries. For dinner try Fredericksburg Brewing Company, right on the main drag.
It’s the oldest brewery in Texas and has an excellent German menu to pair with its craft beer. I loved the restored 1890s building and the beer garden! Not to be missed!
Try the Inn on Baron’s Creek for a comfy night in a great location. I really enjoyed having a glass of wine by the creek. They also have free parking which means you can park and walk to the main street and back. Rest up so you’re ready for the Hill Country Wine Trail tomorrow!
ay 5: Hill Country Wine Trail and San Antonio
Morning in Hill Country
Leave Fredericksburg early and drive the Hill Country Wine Trail. This scenic route is dotted with vineyards where you can enjoy wine tasting and learn about the local wine production. Drive down scenic old number 9 Highway to Comfort and make a stop at the Bending Branch winery for a wine tasting and a tour of the winery
Then keep going down to Medina lake and take the 1283 into San Antonio for a beautiful view of the lake and the surrounding rolling hills. I love lake scenery and the views here are comparable to Michigan’s most beautiful lakes.This drive takes a total of about 2.5 hours, but is definitely worth the detour if you’ve got the time.
Drive right into the center and stay at San Antonio River Walk. This area is full of restaurants, shops, and entertainment.Try the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk for something right on the river with a boutiquey feel which is well priced. You’ll love the location too!
Spend your evening strolling along the River Walk and enjoy a nice dinner by the water. We loved the iconic Boudreau’s Texas Bistro. Get a table right on the water and make sure to try the Prickly Pear Margaritas!
Day 6: San Antonio and Corpus Christi
Morning in San Antonio
Start your day with a visit to The Alamo, a historic site that played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution. It’s walking distance from the San Antonio River Walk so it’s easy to get to. If you prefer something different, you can explore the Natural Bridge Caverns, a stunning underground world full of impressive rock formations.
It’s about 30 minutes drive from the center but definitely worth your time if you’re in for a bit of adventure! There is a 180 foot descent into the caves, some climbing and navigating around some steep drops, so its not for anyone with reduced mobility. The tours take about an hour and a half though so plan accordingly.
Afternoon and Evening in Corpus Christi
After your morning in San Antonio, drive the 2 hours to Corpus Christi. Stop for lunch midway at Smolik’s Smokehouse right off the highway for the best barbecue in town. Next you’ll drive into town and head straight to the Packery Channel Park for some great kayaking, bird watching, or even fishing!
If you’d like to see the white sand beaches, make sure to drive across to South Padre Island and drive along the seashore. The dunes are beautiful and the Malaquite Beach visitor center is very informative. Park here and walk down to the beach to get a feel for the beauty of the area.
You could also check out the USS Lexington Museum, a historic aircraft carrier turned museum. It is such a cool place to visit, full of stair ladders, corridors and bulkheads. A really fun place to explore. You’ll enjoy it even if you’re not that much of a history buff, but skip it if you’ve got young children in tow.
Spend the night in Corpus Christi at Bluff’s Landing Marina & Lodge. It’s a very cute, unassuming place right on the water with a great price. Dinner takes us out to Padre Island to check out Doc’s Seafood and Steaks for great seafood with a view and live music. We also really enjoyed the Gold Fish cocktail bar for a drink under the lights on the outdoor patio.
Day 7: Houston and Back to Dallas
Morning and Afternoon in Houston
The drive to Houston is the longest stretch on our itinerary but the 4 hour drive can easily be done if you leave right after breakfast. Stop in Victoria for lunch at the Dockside Boiling Pot and have the crawfish. It’s spicy and delicious! Not to be missed!
On arriving in Houston, your first stop should be the Space Center. It’s an amazing place where you can learn about space exploration and even see a real spacecraft. If museums are more your style, visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science or the Museum of Fine Arts. Both are within walking distance of each other and promise a great afternoon of culture and learning.
I’d recommend you stay in Houston overnight and drive the 3.5 hours back to Dallas the next morning, but if you need to get back to Dallas that evening it’s possible to have an early dinner and hit the road right after.
If you can stay the night, have dinner at the Rainbow Lodge for excellent wild game. Stay at the Wanderstay Boutique Hotel for a young, hip feel which is really well priced.
Texas Road Trip Itinerary FAQ
How many days does it take to drive around Texas?
Texas is huge, and while this itinerary covers a lot in 7 days, driving around the entire state would take much longer. You could spend weeks exploring everything Texas has to offer!
What is the best road trip in the USA?
There are many amazing road trips in the USA, but this Texas road trip itinerary is definitely one of the best. It offers a mix of history, culture, nature, and fun activities.That being said, the Route 66 road trip is one of the most famous and is part of American culture and known internationally as a great way to explore the country East to West.
What is the best month to visit Texas?
The best time to visit Texas is in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). The weather is pleasant, and there are many festivals and events during these seasons.
Texas Road Trip Itinerary: The Wrap Up
And there you have it—the best Texas road trip itinerary for a week-long adventure. From the bustling city life in Dallas and Austin to the charming small towns and scenic wine trails, this journey offers a little bit of everything. So pack your bags, grab your map, and get ready for an unforgettable trip through the Lone Star State!
