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January 19, 2018 Slideshows » Arts

The 20 Best Texas Road Trips You Need to Take Before You Die

By San Antonio Current Staff

        
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Obviously there's plenty to see across the great state of Texas. No matter what direction you go in, you're bound to find something quirky or that takes your breath away. We picked 20 spots for you to check out before you die (though there's plenty more – you've got time). Heck, make this your bucket list for the year. Start planning your next adventure.

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Prada Marfa
US-90, Valentine
Sitting 1.4 miles northwest of Valentine (aww), this 2005 art installation brings a bit of couture to the West Texas desert. While you may not make to the catwalk, go strut your stuff at Prada Marfa.
Photo via Instagram / marcus__the__bear

Devil’s Sinkhole
101 N. Sweeten St., Rocksprings, (830) 563-2287, tpwd.texas.gov
This national natural landmark is home to one of the state’s largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats. Oh, and a cavern that is creepy AF. It’s vertical, and supposedly the largest single-chamber cavern in Texas. With a depth of 140 feet, you’ll see for yourself why it has the name that it does.
Photo via Instagram / texashighways

Stonehenge II and Easter Island Heads
120 Point Theatre Rd S, Ingram, (830) 367-5120, hcaf.com
Why travel across the world when you can just drive for a few hours to take in the wonder that is Stonehenge… II? Whether you believe in aliens or just like creative photo spots, this slightly smaller version of Stonehenge is a must-see. Oh, and the wacky minds behind this project also included some Easter Island heads for extra giggles.
Photo via Instagram / barbhie_

Palo Duro Canyon State Park
11450 State Hwy Park Rd 5, Canyon, (806) 488-2227, tpwd.texas.gov
Did you know that the second largest canyon in the country is right here in Texas? Well, now you do. Before you put the Grand Canyon on your bucket list, hit up Palo Duro for a smaller but just as grand experience. Here you’ll be able to camp, hike, go horseback riding (yikes!) and bird watch. Stop by in the summer for an outdoor theater performance of TEXAS (yes, really).
Photo via Instagram / nature_delicious

Fort Worth Water Gardens
1502 Commerce St, Fort Worth, (817) 392-7111
Sitting in downtown Fort Worth, this sculpture brings the rushing waters to you. A mixture of architecture and engineering, this spot is great for a boujie photoshoot or to just appreciate the marvel that it is.
Photo via Instagram / barbhie_

El Cosmico
802 S Highland Ave, Marfa, (432) 729-1950, elcosmico.com
This bohemian-inspired lodging spot in the middle of the desert offers the ultimate road trip experience. While the drive out to Marfa is pretty uneventful, the chance to unwind under the stars in a trailer, yurt, teepee, or safari tent is one to make sure happens sometime this year. Plan ahead so you can snag a spot for the Trans-Pecos Festival in the fall.
Photo via Instagram / rowdydugan

Cave Without A Name
325 Kreutzberg Rd, Boerne, (830) 537-4212, cavewithoutaname.com
Skip Natural Bridge Caverns and head over to Boerne to visit Cave Without A Name. The cave is 66 degrees year-round and offers a breathtaking natural experience that makes for great photos.
Photo via Instagram / lingeringmagic

Cadillac Ranch
13651 I-40 Frontage Rd, Amarillo
This public art installation is a famous one out in Amarillo. Dating back to 1974, artists Chip Lord, Hudson Marquez and Doug Michels took junk Cadillacs to show the evolution of the car line from 1949 to 1963. Now, the half-buried nose-first cars welcome visitors to add to the art with their own graffiti.
Photo via Instagram / mommaminser

Texas Eiffel Tower
2025 S Collegiate Dr, Paris
Where else would this be but Paris, TX? The locals must have a sense of humor. If only we could turn that cowboy hat blue…
Photo via Instagram / hectorial_geographic

Reimers Ranch
23610 Hamilton Pool Rd, Dripping Springs, (512) 264-1923, parks.traviscountytx.gov
Looking to get out of your comfort zone? Try rock climbing over at Reimers Ranch, where there’s spots for both newbies and experts alike. Once you’re finished (and undoubtedly on an adrenaline high), take a dip at Hamilton Pool.
Photo via Instagram / angelato_park

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Port Isabel Lighthouse
421 E. Queen Isabel Blvd. in Lighthouse Square, Port Isabel, South Padre Island, (956) 943-2262, tpwd.texas.gov
Take a break from binge drinking at South Padre and pay a quick visit to Port Isabel. Of the 16 lighthouses originally built on the Texas coast, Port Isabel is the one you can still visit today. Climb 50 feet above ground and snap some photos from the top of this charming lighthouse. PS – you can even exchange your wedding vows here.
Photo via Instagram / texashighways

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston
1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, mfah.org
Whether you need a new art scene to explore or just want a reason to spend some time in H-Town, here you go. This museum offers a number of installations and exhibitions that takes multiple cultures into consideration. Oh, and the aesthetic here is gorgeous. See for yourself.
Photo via Instagram / kurrently.kendall

Dinosaur Valley State Park
1629 Park Rd 59, Glen Rose, (254) 897-4588, tpwd.texas.gov
You’ll be able to do all the normal stuff a Texas state park offers, but also – wait for it – check out some very-real dinosaur tracks. While the tracks aren’t always visible (depedent on wet conditons, weather), the bed of the Paluxy River hold tracks left in the mud by dinosaurs (it was probably at the end of the ocean at the time).
Photo via Instagram / ellenlouisecox

Caddo Lake State Park
245 Park Rd 2, Karnack, (903) 679-3351, tpwd.texas.gov
Spend some time exploring the bayous, sloughs and ponds at Caddo Lake and make your way through the thick moss of cypress trees. Hike, paddle, fish, there’s plenty to do here. Just beware of alligators!
Photo via Instagram / ripaboo

Lubbock Lake Historic Landmark
2401 Landmark Dr, Lubbock, (806) 742-1116
Home to a pretty important archaelogical site, Lubbock Lake is preserved and protected by the state and federal agencies. Why? There’s evidence of ancient people and animals once living here – as far back as 12,000 years ago. Pretty cool! Monument your visit by snapping goofy pics with the giant elephant outside the museum.
Photo via Instagram / tom_athy

Hippie Hollow
7000 Comanche Trail, Austin, (512) 854-7275, traviscountytx.gov
Head up to Austin and let your hippie self let loose. Leave the kids at grandma’s house and hit up this nude beach, just don’t be cochino. At the advice of the hollow’s website, “Remember that nudity is acceptable, lewd behavior is not.”
Photo via Instagram / themusicinyourhead

Blaffer Art Museum
4173 Elgin St, Houston, (713) 743-9521, blafferartmuseum.org
Part of the University of Houston, Blaffer brings Texans contemporary art through exhibitions, publications and public programs that are all free and open to the public. Plus, the art here is phenomenal.
Photo via Instagram / joofie

Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge
17552 FM 14, Tyler, (903) 858-1008
Love cats? You’ll find some big ones here at the 150-acre refuge. Home to more than 40 rescued tigers and other wild cats that have been abused, neglected or displaced, Tiger Creek lets you learn more about these majestic animals up close – safely, of course.
Photo via Instagram / tiger_creek

Texas State Bison Herd
850 Caprock Canyon Park Road, Quitaque, (806) 455-1492, tpwd.texas.gov
Get in touch with the American West and visit the American buffalo, aka the bison. At Caprock Canyon State Park, you’ll find a herd of bison that roams free. Be sure to take plenty of pictures.
Photo via Instagram / jankaye

Big Thicket National Preserve
FM 420, Kountze, (409) 951-6800
We’ve all been to Garner, Lost Maples and Enchanted Rock since they’re so close to San Antonio, but treat you and the fam (or crew) out to Kountze to take in Big Thicket National Preserve. Here you’ll be able to hike and paddle, and there’s special activities just for the kids.
Photo via Instagram / hayley___lou

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