Explore Texas Road Trips by Route Type
The best Texas road trips often start with choosing the right route type. Whether you’re seeking scenic byways, a historic trail, or a loop that brings you full circle, Texas has a road for every kind of adventure. From the coastal curves along the Gulf to high-desert highways in West Texas, each route type offers a unique experience that shapes your journey.
This page helps you discover curated Texas road trips based on your preferred route style — including coastal drives, national park routes, historical trails, ghost town loops, and more. Whether you’re planning a short weekend loop or an epic one-way drive, these route types help you plan smarter, drive better, and enjoy the ride every mile of the way.
Coastal Drive
Ghost Town Route
Heritage Trails
Hill Country Loop
Historical Trail
Loop Route
National Park Route
One-Way Trip
River Road
Drive along scenic riversides
Scenic Byway
Breathtaking views at every turn
Austin
Austin
Why You Should Explore These Route Types?
Choosing the right route type makes a big difference in how you experience Texas. A loop route allows you to return where you started without repeating roads, while a one-way trip lets you go deeper without backtracking. A scenic byway focuses on visual beauty, while a ghost town route adds a mysterious, historical twist to your drive.
By planning your Texas road trip around route types, you can match your preferences with ideal stops, reduce travel stress, and make the most of your journey through changing landscapes, cultures, and climates.
By browsing these route types, you’ll get:
- Clear direction for route planning
- Diverse themes from coastal to desert
- Scenic and historical attractions en route
- Handpicked destinations that fit each road type
FAQs About Texas Road Trip Route Types
What is the most scenic road trip route in Texas?
The Texas Hill Country Loop is one of the most scenic, passing through rolling hills, wildflower fields, rivers, and wineries. Another breathtaking option is the River Road in Big Bend, which hugs the Rio Grande and offers canyon views, wildlife sightings, and stargazing. For coastal scenery, the Gulf Coast route between Galveston and South Padre is a favorite.
What is a loop route and why is it good for a road trip?
A loop route starts and ends at the same place but follows a circular or oval path — minimizing repeated roads. This is great for weekend trips or travelers who want to return to their starting point. Popular Texas loop routes include the Hill Country Wine Trail, Dallas–Waco–Austin loop, and El Paso–Marfa–Fort Davis loop.
Are there historical road trip routes in Texas?
Yes! Texas has several heritage and historical trails, including the Chisholm Trail, El Camino Real de los Tejas, and various Presidential Routes (like the LBJ Ranch trail). These routes include historic sites, museums, old forts, and small towns rich in Texas history — perfect for travelers who love stories and landmarks.
What’s a good coastal drive in Texas?
The Gulf Coast Route is perfect for beach lovers. Drive from Galveston to Port Aransas to South Padre Island, with stops at coastal towns, birding centers, lighthouses, and seafood shacks. Ideal in spring or summer, it’s a great mix of ocean views, warm breezes, and relaxing pit stops.
What are ghost town routes and where can I find them?
Ghost town routes take you through Texas’s abandoned or semi-abandoned settlements, once booming with mining or railroad activity. The best areas for this are West Texas and the Panhandle Plains. Popular stops include Terlingua, Lobo, and Glenrio. These routes offer photography spots, history, and a touch of mystery.
What’s a one-way Texas road trip and how do I plan it?
A one-way road trip means you start in one city and end in another, which allows you to cover more ground without circling back. For example, a route from Dallas to El Paso, or Houston to South Padre Island, can include diverse terrain, cities, and stopovers. If possible, arrange return travel by flight, bus, or rental drop-off.
Are there national park road trip routes in Texas?
Yes — and they’re incredible. The most popular National Park Route is through Big Bend National Park, often including Marfa, Fort Davis, and Davis Mountains State Park. You can also route through Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas. These trips are ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and stargazers.
