Did you know there is a Texas highway that takes you from the U.S./Mexico border all the way up to the Oklahoma state line? U.S. Route 83 is the longest stretch of a single U.S. Highway within a single U.S. state, and it’s one of the best scenic drives in Texas. From the lush Hill Country greenery to the rugged Panhandle Plains, the longest highway in Texas showcases all the natural beauty the Lone Star State has to offer. Gas up the car and let’s cruise along Highway 83 in Texas for a fun scenic drive.
The longest highway in Texas, U.S. Route 83 is a whopping 906.5 miles long, running from the US/Mexico border in Brownsville all the way up to the Oklahoma state line near Perryton.
While the route passes through several large cities, such as Abilene, it's a primarily rural drive.
It isn't uncommon for drivers to go an hour or two without seeing another motorist...or any sign of civilization. The road is lined with abandoned buildings, their decrepit exteriors offering glimpses into a time far gone.
Beautiful scenery abounds, from the rolling Central Texas hills covered in lush greenery to the rugged Panhandle bluffs that seem to stretch infinitely up into the clouds.
You will also encounter several bodies of water, including the North Fork Red River near Pampa. How eerie is this abandoned bridge to nowhere?
The northern section of the highway intersects with historic Route 66, which leads through the heart of the charming small town of Shamrock. Pixar drew inspiration for the film "Cars," from Shamrock, and it isn't hard to see why.
Historical markers are everywhere you look, including one for the Ozark Trail in Wellington. In the 1920s - before the federal highway system was created - the Ozark Trail was a network of roads and highways, maintained by local governments, that extended from Arkansas westward.
If you have a passport, you can even cross into Mexico via U.S. Route 83! It overlaps with U.S. 77 on the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates over the Rio Grande.
Want more scenic drives through Texas? If so, watch this YouTube video by Adapt Quest Invent.
https://youtu.be/zSqHkCAVUH0?si=NUAg6d-GWg1zDTrj
Have you ever driven on Highway 83 in Texas? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments!
Are you searching for more adventures in the Lone Star State? Here are some things to do in Texas that we recommend.
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