With its sprawling deserts, lush hill country, piney woods, and miles of coastline, Texas offers no shortage of diverse and stunning scenery. Some of the best ways to experience the incredible vistas are by hitting the open road. Luckily, the Lone Star State is filled with scenic highways that show off the very best of Texas.
From winding roads through shaded forests to routes with panoramic mountain views, scenic drives in Texas deliver one breathtaking sight after another. Here are the 5 most unforgettably beautiful scenic highways in Texas perfect for your next road trip adventure.
Highway 83 South Through the Davis Mountains
Cutting right through the rugged Davis Mountains, Highway 83 South provides one of Texas’ most stunning drives. Running from Fort Davis down to Marfa, this route takes you through incredible mountain vistas, unique geological formations, and wide open spaces.
Be sure to stop at scenic pull-offs like the overlook at Fort Davis or the McDonald Observatory. Further south, the landscape transitions to the sweeping desert hills and flat plains surrounding Marfa. With its variety of elevations and environments, Highway 83 South showcases the best of West Texas’ natural beauty.
Ranch Road 336 from Leakey to Lost Maples State Natural Area
In autumn, there’s no beating the incredible fall foliage along Ranch Road 336. Stretching from Leakey to Lost Maples State Natural Area, this winding route follows the Sabinal River through unspoiled countryside.
The vibrant red and orange maple trees that give Lost Maples its name create a sea of color each fall. Stop at pull-offs along the road to fully take in the blazing autumn views. Keep your eyes peeled for unique Texas wildlife like black bears and golden-cheeked warblers among the stunning scenery as well.
Route 66 through the Texas Panhandle
A section of the iconic Route 66 passes through the wide open Texas Panhandle, offering vintage Americana along with gorgeous nature. From Shamrock to Adrian, the two-lane road takes you through charming small towns and vast empty plains.
Be sure to stop at Cadillac Ranch, where colorful spray-painted Cadillacs are buried nose down along the highway. You’ll also drive right by the Leaning Tower of Texas, a tilted water tower in Groom. With its retro attractions and big Texas landscapes, this stretch of Route 66 makes for quintessential scenic driving.
River Road National Scenic Byway
The River Road National Scenic Byway winds along the Rio Grande through canyons and desert. Part of Highway 170 from Presidio to Langtry, the route includes epic overlooks and plenty of places to stop for hikes.
You’ll traverse arid mountains, catch glimpses of ancient petroglyphs, and peer down at the Rio Grande far below. Late spring is an especially beautiful time to visit when desert wildflowers transform the landscape into a sea of color. For a scenic highway off the beaten path, River Road can’t be beat.
Highway 16 from Fredericksburg to Kerrville
Sometimes called the Texas Hill Country Trail, Highway 16 connects the charming towns of Fredericksburg and Kerrville while passing through gorgeous countryside. Spring is a picturesque time to visit when vibrant wildflowers blanket the roadside.
Be sure to stop at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area to see the enormous pink granite dome rising above the landscape. For classic Texas Hill Country scenery of rolling hills, farms, and blooming fields, Highway 16 delights the eye at every turn.
Planning Your Scenic Texas Road Trip
Now that you know the most stunning stretches of scenery, here are some tips for planning your road trip on Texas’ scenic byways:
- Allow plenty of time – Don’t rush these scenic routes! Schedule enough time to make frequent stops and soak in the views.
- Travel during optimal seasons – Research when wildflowers bloom or foliage changes to catch each byway at its scenic peak.
- Watch your fuel gauge – Some scenic roads have limited gas and services, so fill up before departing.
- Pack a picnic – Many scenic turnouts are perfect spots to spread out a blanket and enjoy a meal with a view.
- Bring your camera – You’ll want to document the incredible vistas, so have your camera fully charged and ready.
- Get an early start – Begin your scenic drive early to catch the best light and avoid afternoon heat in summer.
- Check for road closures – Parts of scenic byways may close due to weather. Check conditions before heading out.
- Book lodging in advance – Reserve rooms in towns along your route for convenient overnight stops.
Key Takeaways From Scenic Driving in Texas
A road trip along Texas’ most picturesque byways leaves you with amazing memories and new knowledge of the Lone Star State. Keep these takeaways in mind:
- Texas has incredibly diverse landscapes – From mountains and deserts to forests and tropical coastline, the scenery is stunning.
- The changing seasons showcase new beauty – Spring wildflowers and autumn colors create eye-catching vistas.
- Stop to appreciate the little things – Don’t just whiz by; pull over and admire the wildlife, wildflowers, and other details.
- Texas has inspiring open spaces – Let the enormous skies, plains, and desert panoramas instill a sense of wonder.
- Scenic drives reveal hidden gems – Byways lead you to charming towns, state parks, and other special spots.
- Road trips build lifelong memories – The sights, conversations, and moments of serendipity make scenic drives special.
Whether you seek towering mountain peaks, vibrant wildflower meadows, or windswept desert vistas, Texas has an abundance of scenic highways to satisfy your visual senses. Grab your sunglasses, cue up your favorite road trip playlist, and hit the open road to create memories of a lifetime. Just be sure to pull over now and then simply to take it all in. With its wealth of natural beauty, the Lone Star State promises a driving experience you’ll never forget.
