As the second largest state by both area and population, there are ample sites to see across Texas, which also happens to be one of the most affordable states to live in. The best way to explore those destinations? By hopping in the car and checking out some wonderful Texas road trips.

 

If you’ve only got a day or two to spare, these Texas day trips are the perfect length. They’re all close enough to their starting destination — between one and four hours — that they classify as mini road trip ideas. If you’re looking for longer vacations, these cities all provide oodles of entertainment.  

 

The next time you need to get away, here are five of the top Texas road trips to take.

 

Dallas to Tyler

 

Named after John Tyler, our 10th president, Tyler is known as the Rose Capital of America. Each October, the Texas Rose Festival welcomes thousands of visitors to the city, with the Rose Queen and her court presiding over the festival in elegant costumes. Peak rose season is in mid-April and mid-October, though there are gorgeous flowers anytime from the spring to the fall, making Tyler one of the most enchanting destinations you’ll find among road trip ideas in Texas.

 

For non-flower fans, Tyler still offers lots to do. The Caldwell Zoo is home to more than 200 species of animals, many of which are threatened or endangered in the wild. The Waterpark at the Villages features body and tube slides and wave pools all year round. And you don’t have to fly to the Big Apple to have fun — New York, Texas ZipLine Adventures delivers some of the highest elevations in all of East Texas.

 

Tyler has several parks around the city, as well. You’re never too far away from some beautiful scenery. 

 

Austin to Fredericksburg

 

German immigrants founded Federicksburg in 1846, and that heritage is still going strong nearly two centuries later. There’s never a shortage of brats and beers, and depending on when you visit, you might catch the city’s take on Oktoberfest; its celebration of culture, Sangerfest; or Schuetzenfest, a target shooting competition.  

 

The outdoor scene is strong, too. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area is stunning up close, giving visitors a mix of hiking and nature trails, rock climbing, caves, and wildlife. Speaking of wild things, Wildseed Farms is the largest working wildflower farm in the entire United States. 

 

Fredericksburg is also known for its abundance of wineries and vineyards, with more than 100 around the city. If you stay overnight, Fredericksburg provides an experience that’s hard to find elsewhere: sleeping inside of a wine barrel. With options like Cabernet and Chardonnay, you’re sure to find a varietal that’s both tasty and comfortable.

 

 

Houston to Galveston

 

If you’re looking for Texas road trips from Houston, Galveston is a nearby coastal city that gives off beach vibes year round. Moody Gardens presents education on nature and conservation efforts, including tropical gardens, wildlife exhibits, and a 1.5-million gallon aquarium. For history buffs, Bishop’s Palace, founded in 1892, is one of the most impressive historical homes in the entire state.   

 

Stroll down Kemah Boardwalk to get some beautiful views of the water. The boardwalk also features several places for food and drink, as well as classic carnival rides like a rollercoaster, swinging ship, and Ferris wheel.

 

To extend your trip, head to Port Aransas, where you can learn about island life at the Port Aransas Preservation and Historical Association or catch a show at the Port A community theater. Or visit Corpus Christi for a plethora of water-themed activities, such as the Texas State Aquarium, the USS Lexington Museum on a ship, paddleboard yoga, and horseback riding along a sandy beach.

 

 

Fort Worth to Dublin

 

Soda drinkers rejoice: Dublin is the home of Dublin Bottling Works. Snap a picture next to a giant soda bottle, and stop by the shop to learn about the company’s fascinating past — for decades, it bottled Dr Pepper — and of course, grab a soda or two (dozen) to take home with you.

 

Dublin is rich with museums for all different interests. The Dublin Historical Museum is like walking into a time capsule, featuring artifiacts and cool mementos from the city’s history. Take a swing at the Ben Hogan Museum, exploring the life and accomplishments of Dublin’s most famous golfer. At the Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum, you’ll see videos, saddles, and stirrups of rodeo riders throughout history. If you’re visiting with kids, there’s a miniature saddle they can test out. Be sure to speak with the volunteers, who have incredible stories about these Texas legends. 

 

Before departing from Dublin, take a quick trip out to Veldhuizen Cheese. You can tour the farm and discover more about their cave-aged, artisan cheese-making process, or simply visit the main shop and taste all the cheese you can handle.    

 

San Antonio to Seguin

 

At under an hour one-way, this route makes for one of the quickest Texas day trips. Seguin was founded in 1838 by Texas Rangers and is one of the oldest cities in the state. It’s a city experiencing fairly rapid growth, on track to move from about 30,000 to over 50,000 people by the end of the decade.

 

Seguin is home to the world’s largest pecan, and you might even capture a squirrel lounging atop it. The town also features several breweries, distilleries, and wineries. Windmill Farm Winery has colorful lounging chairs for relaxing with a glass of your favorite blend, BS Brewing is an oasis for catching up with friends over a pint, and Johnny Pickles Distillery converted an old firehouse into a family-friendly space for enjoying whiskey.  

 

Finally, don’t head out of Seguin without taking a stroll underneath the trees alongside the Guadalupe River, which is especially beautiful during the spring and fall.       

 

Great Texas road trips

 

Whether you’re just going for the day or making a full week out of it, there are so many fun Texas road trips around the state. These five are some of our favorites, but the Lone Star State offers all kinds of adventure.

 

Just be sure to enjoy the scenery around you along the way. The most memorable road trips are ones that aren’t rushed, giving you full time to take in a new environment. If you need a little audio boost, these home decor shows are some of the best podcasts for road trips.

 

Want to make one of these trips a reality? View our Texas homes to find the perfect place for you.