With how massive our state is, we have more open roads to explore than anywhere else (well, other than Alaska... but you get what I mean). Many of our highways run through untouched land with majestic mountains, towering trees, and flowing rivers rather than cities. Some of the very best scenic drives in Texas are tucked into the most unsuspecting landscapes. These nine drives are especially beautiful, and we highly recommend them for your summer road trips. Pack some road trip snacks, grab a map, and prepare some good tunes. This is one road trip you won't want to miss out on!
Every spring, thousands take this iconic, 13-mile drive to marvel at the abundance of vibrant wildflowers lining the roadway. To get to it from Fredericksburg, go north on State Route 16 until you reach Willow City, and then head east on Ranch Road 1323 before turning left on Willow City Loop.
The stretch of Highway 90 between Marathon and its intersection with Highway 285 is among the most gorgeous drives in Texas. You'll be heading towards Big Bend, so prepare to be awestruck by the foreboding, yet majestic Chisos Mountains drawing ever-closer with each passing mile.
It's easy to understand why the name "Lonesome Highway" was chosen for this remote West Texas drive. It's just you, the pavement, and the awe-inspiring Guadalupe Mountains - no big cities for hundreds of miles in any direction. To embark on this haunting journey yourself, head west on Highway 285 until it meets highway 180, then turn left.
The highest publically-accessible road in Texas, this 75-mile loop sits at an elevation of 6,700 feet. You'll see mountains, canyons, eye-popping flowers, and even native wildlife along the way. The drive starts on Texas 118 in Fort Davis - you can't miss it!
You may not feel quite like you're in Switzerland, but you sure won't think you're still in Texas on this drive. The mountains are almost entirely covered in greenery - a rare sight in Texas, especially in the summer. You'll see the famous 2400 foot high rock faces in Leakey and gaze in awe at the sheer majesty surrounding you. The drive starts in Bandera on highway 470, which eventually becomes highway 83 in Concan. Then, you'll get on 337 in Leakey and follow it to Medina.
This highway, also known as Texas 21, has quite the history. It was used by Spanish missionaries and Native Americans as early as the 1700s. You can start at Toledo Bend Reservoir near Milam and follow it all the way to San Antonio if your heart desires. And it will - I guarantee you won't be able to quit driving after you take one mere glance at this stunning view.
Not everyone knows this, but hiking isn't the only way to explore the Palo Duro Canyon. Highway 207 cuts right through the towering red bluffs, offering the same unparalleled views with none of the legwork.
This is one of the longest highways in Texas, branching off of 281 south of Wichita Falls and extending across much of the state. You'll see the famous rolling hills of Central Texas, gorgeous bodies of water, a variety of plants, and so much more.
So named because it runs alongside the Rio Grande, River Road is the best way to experience Big Bend from the comfort of your own vehicle. The road connects the remote areas of Rio Grande Village and Castolon, and you'll need to allot a full day to drive it from end-to-end.
Have you ever been on one of the best scenic drives in Texas? What other stretches of highway in Texas are particularly scenic? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments!
Craving more incomparable beauty? Our state is full of magnificent places that are worth visiting. If you need a bit of guidance, we recommend you start with a waterfall road trip to the most magical natural features in Texas. And don't forget to check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Texas’s Most Charming Small Towns
The towns I’ve chosen offer a nice mixture of urban and outdoor recreation, so you can enjoy a well-rounded vacation sure to leave you feeling refreshed.
Making a list of the best small towns in Texas is no easy feat, mostly because there are so many to choose from. The good news is there’s a perfect town for everyone, whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer passing the time with some window shopping. I’ve put together a trip that leads to five of my favorite small towns in Texas, most of which are located in or near the beautiful Hill Country region. The towns I’ve chosen offer a nice mixture of urban and outdoor recreation, so you can enjoy a well-rounded vacation sure to leave you feeling refreshed.
The entire trip will take you about 7.5 hours to complete, and I created a customizable Google Maps route for your convenience. Of course, you’ll want to spend some time exploring each destination, so I would recommend breaking it up into two days and staying the night somewhere along the way.
Brenham Texas. Downtown and white Gazebo
Our first stop is beautiful Brenham, best known for being the birthplace of Texas’s favorite ice cream brand, Blue Bell. Touring the creamery is the highlight of a trip to Brenham, but if it happens to be springtime when you visit, driving through the seemingly endless fields of wildflowers is a close second. There are also lots of cute shops and restaurants downtown.
Blue Hole Regional Park, Wimberley Texas at Sunset over the swimming hole.
Our next destination is Wimberley, which just might be my favorite small town in Texas. In addition to a quaint downtown area that looks like something from a Hallmark movie, Wimberley is a nature lover’s dream. You can swim at Blue Hole Regional Park, soar through the air with Wimberley Zipline Adventures, and visit the eponymous Jacob’s Well (when it’s open, which is, unfortunately, pretty rare these days).
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Now it’s time to head to Dripping Springs, a little town that harbors what is widely considered to be the most beautiful natural wonder in Texas: Hamilton Pool Preserve. The pool is often closed for swimming (even during summer) due to high levels of bacteria, but I think you’ll find that simply admiring this picture-perfect place, with its dramatic limestone overhang and 50-foot waterfall, is plenty of an adventure. Visit the Travis County Parks website to see if the preserve is currently open. Dripping Springs is also known for its breweries, like the celebrity-owned Family Business Beer Company if you’re into that kind of thing. This would be a good time to break for the night, and the Courtyard by Marriott Austin Dripping Springs has excellent reviews on Booking.com.
A long exposure shot of the Fredericksburg cityscape in fall in Texas, USA
Ennis is mostly talked about in the spring when it’s time for the annual Ennis Bluebonnet Trails Festival, so many people don’t realize just how much the town has to offer during the other three seasons. First of all, it’s one of those towns where everyone knows each other, and tourists are made to feel like locals. You can catch a race at the Texas Motorplex, visit a museum or a winery, and more.
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Would you take this road trip to some of the most charming small towns in Texas? Which town is your favorite? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Check out our Ultimate Packing List if you need ideas for what to bring with you on the trip.
