Texas doesn’t do anything halfway—and that includes travel. Which is precisely why you can drive for hours and hours, and still not be anywhere near your destination. Although… you might be just a little bit closer to the next Buc-ee’s.
Spanning well over 268,000 square miles, the Lone Star State is practically its own world waiting to be explored. One weekend can take you through rolling Hill Country roads, while the next finds you wandering desert landscapes or soaking up salty Gulf Coast air. Texas proves that adventure doesn’t always require a flight. (Unless, of course, you don’t want to be driving for those previously mentioned hours and hours.)
Part of the fun of traveling is discovering the landmarks that make each corner of the state feel entirely different. Some destinations are rooted in nature’s beauty, while others lean into creativity, history, or larger-than-life charm worthy of far too many photographs. The real joy is that no two road trips will look the same.
Here, we’re highlighting four spots that you should consider getting on your Texas travel bucket list!
Cadillac Ranch
Located in Amarillo
Roadside attractions don’t get much more interesting than Cadillac Ranch. Created in 1974 by the art group Ant Farm, this installation features ten vintage Cadillacs half-buried nose-down. The idea actually grew from a local millionaire named Stanley Marsh III’s desire for a baffling piece of public art. The man himself encouraged the cars’ deconstruction, and over the years, visitors have transformed them into ever-changing canvases. They layer spray paint messages and designs in a bold proclamation that “I was here.”
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Located near El Paso
If dramatic landscapes are calling your name, Guadalupe Mountains National Park delivers in a big way. Home to Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas at 8,751 feet above sea level, this striking national park has long since been preserved as an area possessing outstanding geological values. With its awe-inspiring mountaintop views and winding trails, you’ll feel worlds away from your life in the suburbs. This West Texas destination rewards every mile of the hiking journey.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Located in the Texas Panhandle
The second-largest canyon in the country is Palo Duro Canyon State Park, aka the “Grand Canyon of Texas.” For anyone who loves a good glamping experience, this could be right up your alley! This landscape features more than 30 miles of trails where you can go hiking, biking, or horseback riding. You can even attend a musical extravaganza performed at the park’s amphitheater. Its rich history and stunning landscapes deliver Texas beauty on a grand scale, indeed.
Prada Marfa
Located in Jeff Davis County
Out in the desert, Prada Marfa turns the ordinary into something unforgettable. Designed to resemble a luxury boutique planted in the middle of nowhere, Prada Marfa has become one of the state’s most photographed landmarks. Created by Scandinavian duo Elmgreen & Dragset in 2005, the structure was never meant to function as a real store but instead serves as a thought-provoking “pop architectural land art project.” It’s a tourist destination you shouldn’t simply drive by.