Everything’s bigger in Texas — including the road trips! With its wide-open highways, diverse landscapes, and endless quirky towns to explore, Texas is a dream destination for road warriors. Whether you’re hitting Hill Country, cruising along the Gulf Coast, or venturing into West Texas desert beauty, preparation is key. Here are some practical and fun tips to make your Texas road trip safe, smooth, and spectacular.
Plan for Long Distances (Really Long Distances)
Texas is huge. A drive from Dallas to El Paso? Nearly 10 hours. Houston to Big Bend National Park? Over 8 hours. When planning your daily itinerary, always factor in drive times (and gas station stops). Don’t underestimate how spread out attractions can be — what looks close on the map may be several hundred miles apart.
Prep for Changing Weather
Texas weather changes fast. You might start the day in sunny Austin and end it in a Hill Country thunderstorm. If you’re heading toward West Texas, expect desert heat by day and chilly temperatures at night. Pack layers, sunscreen, hats, and a rain jacket — no matter what season.
Mind the Speed Limits — and Speed Traps
Some Texas highways allow speeds of 75 or even 85 mph, but watch out for sudden drops near small towns (they’re notorious for speed traps). Stay alert when entering city limits or school zones — fines are steep, and local officers don’t play around.
Fill Up… Often
One rule of Texas road-tripping: never let your tank fall below half full. Especially if you’re traveling west of San Antonio or into Big Bend or the Panhandle, where gas stations can be 100+ miles apart. Trust us — it’s no fun to get stuck on an empty stretch of US 90 with no cell signal.
Embrace the Roadside Quirkiness
Don’t just aim for the big cities. Texas shines in its weird, wonderful roadside attractions: Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Prada Marfa in the desert, the World’s Largest Pecan in Seguin. Make space in your schedule for spontaneous detours — they’re often the highlight of the trip. Looking for something a little different? Download our Haunted Texas Road Trip Guide.
Download Offline Maps
Cell service can vanish in parts of Texas (looking at you, West Texas and some Gulf stretches). Download Google Maps offline or invest in a good old-fashioned paper map. It could save your trip — and your sanity.
Pack a Cooler with Texas Treats
Keep cold drinks, water, and snacks in a cooler. Bonus points for stocking it with Texas-made treats: Whataburger taquitos, Buc-ee’s jerky, Dr Pepper, and kolaches from Czech Stop. Hydration is critical in the Texas heat, even when you’re sitting in the car.
Enjoy the Lone Star Spirit
Strike up conversations at diners, small-town coffee shops, or scenic overlooks. Locals will happily point you to hidden gems — like a secret swimming hole or a beloved taco stand.
Final Thoughts
A Texas road trip isn’t just about the destination — it’s about the journey: wide skies, BBQ smoke drifting from roadside joints, live country music, and endless horizon lines. With a little preparation, your Texas road trip will be unforgettable.
So gas up, buckle in, and roll down those windows — the open road of Texas is calling.