Texas is the largest of the contiguous 48 states but its bold spirit and larger than life character almost overshadow its enormous size. Because there was so much ground to cover we decided to explore Texas on it’s own and in 9 days we still didn’t get to see all of it. I really would have like to explore places like Amarillo in the north and Padre Island to the far south but it just wasn’t possible to do it all on a spring break in April, which by the way is a fantastic time to go as the weather is downright pleasant. My kids and I loved particularly the Fort Worth stockyards where Longhorn cattle are driven through the streets and men wear cowboy boots and hats as everyday attire. It felt authentic and so different than the life we know at home. We sampled handmade tortillas at the HEB supermarket and some real Tex Mex cuisine at the San Antonio Riverwalk, tried freeze dried ice cream at the Johnson Space Center, and ate some delicious fresh caught fish off the coast of Corpus Christie. Texas is a wonderful place to discover, fiercely independent and full of pride.
State Texas
| Theme Legends and Longhorns | Duration 9 Days | Map |
Day 1
 | • Fly to San Antonio • The Riverwalk • Overnight in San Antonio |
Day 2
 | • The Alamo • Natural Bridge and Wildlife Ranch • Overnight in San Antonio |
Day 3
 | • Drive to Austin • Bullock Texas State History Museum • Segway Tour • State Capitol Building • Observe the Bats under the Congress Street Bridge • Overnight in Austin |
Day 4
 | • Drive to Fort Worth • Federal Bureau of Engraving • Tour Stockyards • Cowtown Cattlepen Maze • Billy Bob’s Texas • Overnight in Fort Worth |
Day 5
 | • Drive to Dallas • Sixth Floor Museum at Dealy Plaza • Adventure Landing • Overnight in Dallas |
Day 6
 | • Drive to Houston • The Health Museum • NASA/Johnson Space Center • Overnight in Houston |
Day 7
 | • Drive to Corpus Christie • USS Lexington Museum on the Bay • Texas State Aquarium • Overnight in Corpus Christie |
Day 8
 | • Drive to San Antonio • Sea World • Overnight in San Antonio |
Day 9
• Fly home
To me this road trip really misses Texas. If you don’t leave the interstates then it will be a trip that doesn’t really differ from other states. Forget the coast, California and Oregon do it better. Forget Houston and Dallas, they are just cities. If you must visit cities San Antonio and Austin are the only ones with distinct characters that set themselves apart from other cities. What I feel is worth focusing on is the Hill country. Go spend a few nights at the Mayan Dude ranch in Bandera, west of San Antonio. Drive north to Kerrville and drive through Real County to the west. Make sure to visit Garven’s store in Mountain Home and get some jerky. Now drive back east to Fredericksburg and shop, then go hike Enchanted Rock. From there drive to austin and make sure to drive through Bee Cave and Lake travis on the way. When you get to Austin go see the 360 bridge and spend time on Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake) ask any local and they’ll send you somewhere cool. Next I’d drive back west to fort davis way out in west Texas. Go see Monahans Sand Dunes while you’re out there. Theres a really beautiful drive you can take from Fort Davis down the Rio Grand on your way back to San Antonio. If you want to visit Texas and feel its spirit then these are the places it thrives. If you stay in the major cities to the north and east you will visit Texas without ever seeing it.
Thanks for your awesome tips. Since this was our first trip to Texas we wanted to hit all the major points and I am pretty happy with the itinerary we planned. On our return we’d love to check out more stuff off the beaten path and will look to your post to inspire us.
I’m from amarillo and were considered west Texas rather than north, but it’s all good. Our main attractions are the palo duro canyon which is great and an all day affair. We also have the big Texan restaurant where you can try to eat a 72 oz. steak within an hour it’s free. And also the Cadillac ranch you can bring your own spray cans and tag them if you want