5 Best Road Trips in Texas

Texas is a state famous for its cowboys, hot climate, rousing country and western music and delicious BBQ food. More recently, it's well-known for its involvement in the space program. Everything seems bigger and better in Texas, so why not hit the road to experience some of the state’s top attractions?

Along the way, you can discover how Houston helped with the Apollo missions, get your kicks on Route 66 and take a tour through some of Texas's historic landmarks.

We’ve come up with five of the best road trips to help you explore Texas to the fullest. Cruise with Hertz and take in all that awaits in the Lone Star State. 

Texas to Texas: Totally Texas

1676 miles, 14 days, 12 stops

This road trip is dedicated to the typically, totally Texan – think Southern belles, Stetsons, cowboys and much more. Starting in Dallas, you’ll take a trip through Amarillo, San Antonio and Austin to see just how Texas does everything bolder than you’d believe.

Along the way, experience some truly amazing sights, from hikes through the national parks to space centers and incredible art. Everything on this trip is pure Texan, whether it’s the Southfork Ranch – home to the iconic Ewing family of Dallas fame – or the Buddy Holly Center and The Alamo.

Renting a car with Hertz means you can get the perfect vehicle for your Texan trip. So, why not pick from the American collection and drive in true Texan style with a Dodge Ram 1500? 

Enjoy a Totally Texas road trip with Hertz

Texas to Texas: Deep in the Heart of Texas

1031 miles, 10 days, 12 stops

Looking for a mini road trip in Texas? This circular route is the shortest of our five Texas road trips, offering a tour of some of the best historical landmarks in the Lone Star State. Starting and finishing in Dallas, this route also passes through Houston, San Antonio and Bandera.

Why not drive to the Davy Crockett National Forest and pick one of the many trails to hike through? There are plenty of picnic stops, camping grounds and recreation areas for you to rest in as well as wilderness areas. Visit the Space Center to look inside Mission Control for the Apollo missions and see the lunar vehicles – it’s a fascinating insight into how impactful Houston was during the Space Race.

Grab a Cadillac Escalade to get an authentic Texan experience while on this road trip and enjoy the sights in style. 

Explore the Heart of Texas

Texas to Florida: To Florida and Beyond

1734 miles, 10 days, 13 stops

Starting in Texas, head south to take in the southeast coast towards Florida, and experience some of the best sights this area offers.

In Texas, visit the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza in the Texas School Book Depository where Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed President Kennedy. Discover the Sam Houston National Forest, where you can tackle the Lone Star Trail and enjoy fishing, hunting, and horse-riding.

Don't miss the Space Centre either, with its various lunar vehicles, Mission Control, and many educational, scientific and entertaining exhibits.  

Discover Florida and Beyond

Washington DC to Texas: One Small Step

2636 miles, 14 days, 11 stops

Celebrate the Apollo 11 moon landing with this 11-stop Texas road trip that clocks in at around a tenth of the distance to the Moon. It starts in Washington DC and finishes in Houston, passing through Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana. Each stop links to the space race, from DC’s Smithsonian to the Space Center in Texas.

Classed as the home of NASA, the Texas Space Center is full of fascinating exhibits and entertaining artifacts. Check out some of the original lunar vehicles and venture inside the famous Mission Control. It’s an exciting experience and the perfect ending for this road trip. 

Take One Small Step from Washington to Texas

Illinois to California: Getting Your Kicks

2062 miles, 14 days, 14 stops

As the old song says, you should get your kicks on Route 66. Although this famous road is no longer an official highway, it remains popular for road trips and is an important part of American culture.

While passing through Texas on this ultimate road trip, you can stop at the Palo Duro Canyon – a popular resting spot along Route 66. With 30,000 acres of green space, this park offers the perfect opportunity to rent a horse and ride through fantastic vistas, go hiking or hop on a bike.

On your way out of Texas, you’ll head to Amarillo, an important location on Route 66. The Sixth Street Historic District is a fascinating part of the journey with museums, botanical gardens, antique shops, and some amazing Texan food. 

Follow Route 66 through Texas with Hertz

These road trips showcase the very best of Texas, with stunning scenery and historic hotspots to stop at along the way. Reserve your Texas rental car with Hertz to find the right car for you and start planning one of our amazing road trips.