Texas Road Trip Destinations within Easy Driving Reach

Most of us associate road trips with summertime, which can feel so far away in the middle of February. But as long as the weather doesn't create hazardous road conditions, there's really no bad time for some good ole' fashioned sightseeing by car.

Even if you can't manage to get time off of work or school at this time of year, there are many Texas day trips that are close by and convenient. There is just something freeing and undeniably Texan about hitting the open road with your friends or family. So shake the winter blues and pack up the car for a weekend of exploring the beauty in your own back yard.

North Texas Trips

North Texas has a little something for everyone - countryside for the city dwellers and city excitement for country folks. If you're traveling in North Texas, you can spend some time exploring Dallas, learn about history at the Eisenhower Birthplace State Historic Site, and get in touch with nature and wildlife while hiking through nearby parks.

South Texas Trips

South Texas typically enjoys a warmer climate and there are even some lakes for outdoor recreation. Residents of North Texas often flock here for the winter to take advantage of the sub-tropical climate. San Antonio is at the northern end of this region and definitely worth a visit to see the local missions, Alamo, and Riverwalk. This is also a great area for bird watching and museums.

Hill Country Trips

One of the best local road trips you can take in Texas runs through Hill Country. You can start or end your journey in Austin, but make sure to explore the areas outside the city limits as well. There are many vineyards, wineries, old general stores, BBQ restaurants, and quaint cowboy towns to visit in this region. It's also a wonderful place to tap into your outdoorsy and adventurous side and go for a hike or bike ride on trails that pass through rolling hills.

Big Bend Trips

Big Bend extends from the Rio Grande along the U.S./Mexico border in Southwest Texas. Road trips through this area are all about wide open spaces, and the scenery of mountains and plateaus are unforgettable. The Guadalupe, Davis, and Chisos Mountains run through the Big Bend area, and there are national and state parks that are perfect for camping, hiking, and driving. Big Bend National Park is the big draw here, but make sure to stop into some of the small local towns during your visit as well.

Panhandle Trips

Texas' Panhandle Plains are located in Northwest Texas, where rugged beauty is on display year-around. Prehistoric Paleo-Indians inhabited this region thousands of years ago, followed by Spanish explorers and cowboys. This is a great place to experience the power of nature and learn about local history at the same time. Some of the key stops on this road trip include Cadillac Ranch, Palo Duro Canyon, and the Big Texas Steak Ranch.