Extraordinary adventures await in West Texas and Hill Country

A road trip through Texas promises unforgettable memories. Between Austin and El Paso lies a tapestry of stunning landscapes beneath that iconic, vast sky. Begin your journey in the 'Live Music Capital of the World,' where you can enjoy wine tasting in Hill Country, horseback riding at dude ranches, and stargazing in the dark skies of West Texas.

Austin

Begin your ultimate Texas road trip in the heart of the state. Not too long ago, Austin was a relaxed college town celebrated for its bohemian cowboy music, easygoing vibe, and vibrant counterculture. Today, it has evolved into a bustling metropolis filled with tech startups, innovative restaurants, and luxurious hotels featuring swanky rooftop bars.

While Austin's culinary scene has broadened, barbecue still reigns supreme in Central Texas. Arrive early at Franklin Barbecue for what many consider the finest brisket in the state. For a different twist on classic Texas barbecue, check out Terry Black’s BBQ for their renowned beef ribs. Other restaurants are also reimagining barbecue; Loro blends Asian smokehouse flavors into its dishes, while KG BBQ introduces Egyptian spices like coriander, sumac, and thyme.

To truly soak in the essence of the city, leave the car behind and explore on foot. South Congress is a pedestrian's haven. Check into the Hotel San Jose, a tranquil garden retreat transformed from a 1930s motor court, before heading out. This area is perfect for discovering locally-owned treasures from Old Austin. Visit Allens Boots or Heritage Boot Co. for genuine Western attire, wander through Parts and Labour for locally made art, clothing, and jewelry, or find a vintage piece at Stag Provisions for Men, featuring a curated selection of Americana.

As the sun sets, swing by Guero's Taco Bar for mole enchiladas and a refreshing margarita before crossing the street to the Continental Club. This iconic indie rock and blues venue has been a cornerstone of Austin’s music scene for nearly fifty years. End your evening with some two-stepping at classic honky-tonks like Donn's Depot, Broken Spoke, or The White Horse.

For a peaceful getaway, take a 40-minute drive south of the city to float along the gentle currents of the Guadalupe River. This four to five-hour float trip winds through the stunning landscapes of the Texas Hill Country.

The drive: Head towards Fredericksburg by taking US-290 W. The 80-mile journey will take approximately an hour and a half.

Fredericksburg

Originally a quaint German-inspired town nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg has transformed into a haven for wine enthusiasts. Boasting over 60 wineries, it stands as the second most popular wine region in the U.S., following Napa Valley. The picturesque vineyards along US-290 provide a stunning drive right into the town's core.

If you have a designated driver, you can kick off your wine tasting adventure even before you reach Fredericksburg in the small town of Hye at William Chris Vineyards. As you continue towards Fredericksburg, be sure to stop at Becker Vineyards, Texas Heritage Vineyard, and Innovation Vineyards for a diverse range of wines. For a truly immersive experience, consider staying overnight in the cottages at Messina Hof winery.

Upon arriving in Fredericksburg, immerse yourself in its rich German heritage. Enjoy a freshly brewed German-style Kölsch at Alstad Brewery, savor a homemade German pancake at the Old German Bakery and Restaurant, and indulge in a schnitzel or two at Der Lindenbaum. For some outdoor fun to work off that hearty meal, hike the towering pink granite dome at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area or wander through the vibrant 200 acres of wildflowers at Wildseed Farms.

When exploring the Hill Country, be sure to take a detour to Luckenbach, immortalized in a song by Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. This quaint town, featuring just a post office, a bar, and one of the state's oldest dance halls, offers a glimpse into Texas's rich history. Known for spontaneous jam sessions, musicians gather to play country, blues, and folk music together.

The Drive: Start your journey on US-290 heading toward Kerrville. Follow this road briefly before making a slight right onto TX-16 S. Stay on TX-16 S until you reach Kerrville, then take TX-173 S. This scenic hour-long drive will take you through rolling hills, winding roads, and majestic Live Oak trees.

Bandera

As you near Bandera, famously dubbed the 'Cowboy Capital of the World,' you'll see the landscape peppered with horse ranches. Once the final stop for the legendary cattle drives of the 1800s, the town proudly celebrates its cowboy roots. Take a leisurely walk down Main Street to explore Western shops, saloons, and the historic Bandera County Courthouse. Don't miss the chance to savor a Chicken Fried Steak at the century-old Old Spanish Trails Restaurant, sample Texas-crafted spirits at Spirits of Texas, and delve into local history at the Frontier Times Museum.

For an authentic taste of the Old West, a stay at the Mayan Dude Ranch is highly recommended. Spend your afternoons riding horseback and your evenings roasting marshmallows by the campfire.

The Drive: Prepare your favorite Texas tunes for this leg of the journey. Head north on TX-16 to Kerrville, where it intersects with I-10. Continue west on the interstate for three and a half hours. Just beyond Fort Stockton, switch to US-67 south toward Alpine for 68 miles, then take TX-118 for the final 77 miles to reach Terlingua.

Terlingua

Terlingua, a historic mining town located near the eastern entrance of Big Bend National Park, has long been known for its proximity to the park. However, today, visitors find themselves equally captivated by the charm of this frontier outpost as they are by the natural wonders of the park.

The ghost town features a few rustic remnants of its storied past, including a quaint cemetery, the old Chisos Mining Company store, and a saloon. At sunset, the spacious porch of the Terlingua Trading Company becomes a local hotspot where you can enjoy a beer from the general store while taking in the sunset over the distant Santa Fe de Los Pinos range, all accompanied by the friendly banter of locals. After sunset, head to the Starlight Theatre for a meal or visit the Boathouse to catch some live music. It's the ideal way to unwind before returning to your room at the Big Bend Holiday Inn.

The Drive: Start by heading north on TX-118 toward Alpine. For the best tacos in the Big Bend region, make a stop at El Gordo’s Grill for a birria taco, located in the Wright Hardware parking lot near Study Butte. Continue north to Alpine, then take US-90 West straight to Marfa.

Big Bend National Park

The allure of Big Bend National Park lies in its diverse offerings. You can tailor your adventures to be as intense or as leisurely as you desire. For an extensive multi-day experience, tackle the Outer Mountain Loop, a 30-mile circuit that weaves through the Chisos Mountains and the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert.

For a relaxing drive with breathtaking views, take the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive. This thirty-mile route winds through the park, featuring convenient pull-offs that showcase the stunning landscape. Key highlights include the Sotol Vista Overlook, offering expansive views of the western half of the park, the Mule Ears Viewpoint, home to the iconic Mule Ears Peak, and the Santa Elena Canyon, which is arguably the park's most picturesque location.

If you prefer being on the water, consider booking a canoe trip down the Rio Grande. Local tour providers like Wild Adventure Outfitters and Far Flung Outdoor Center offer a range of options from half-day paddling excursions to immersive multi-day adventures.

Marfa

Nestled in the high desert of the Trans-Pecos region in far West Texas, Marfa has earned its place as one of America’s trendiest art destinations. The town is celebrated equally for its vibrant modern art scene and its stark desert landscape. Few places capture this duality as well as Ballroom Marfa, a contemporary cultural arts hub dedicated to visual, performing, and musical arts while also encouraging community involvement.

Consider dining at Jett’s Grill for a nostalgic taste of Old Marfa. Named after James Dean's character in Giant, this restaurant is housed in the historic Hotel Paisano, which gained fame in the 1950s when Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rock Hudson stayed there during the filming of the classic Western.

Marfa’s local newspaper also serves as a cafe, embodying the town’s quirky charm. The Sentinel is a popular spot for coffee and cocktails, featuring Marfa’s signature desert-minimalist design. Don’t leave without trying a homemade burrito from Marfa Burrito.

Spend a night at El Cosmico to fulfill your childhood fantasy of sleeping in a teepee. If mid-century modern motels with vintage typewriters for penning your travel memoirs appeal to you, reserve a room at Thunderbird Marfa.

The Drive: Fort Davis is just a quick 20-minute drive north of Marfa via TX-17.

Fort Davis

The Big Bend region is renowned for having some of the darkest skies in the continental United States. Its vast, open spaces and unpolluted sky draw stargazers from around the globe, eager to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way. The McDonald Observatory, perched on Mount Locke and Mount Fowlkes, is the perfect spot for this. The observatory hosts weekly two-hour star parties where visitors can use powerful telescopes to explore the stars, planets, and constellations that fill the night sky.

For your own star party, camp at Davis Mountains State Park, lay out a comfy blanket, and look up at the sky. If possible, plan your visit during a moonless night when the stars are at their most brilliant.

The Drive: The last stretch of your road trip will take roughly three hours. From Fort Davis, head north on TX-17 until you reach I-10. If you're in the mood for a refreshing dip in a natural spring-fed pool, detour to Balmorhea State Park at the I-10 and TX-17 junction. After that, continue on I-10 west for 190 miles until you arrive in El Paso.

El Paso

El Paso is a vibrant border city that beautifully merges the rugged allure of the Chihuahuan Desert with the vibrant culture of the American Southwest, enriched by influences from Mexico. Whether you're keen on traversing the 100 miles of trails at the Franklin Mountains, hunting for bespoke cowboy boots at Rocketbuster Boots, or visiting the three historic churches of the El Paso Mission Trail, this westernmost city in Texas has something for everyone.

Hueco Tanks State Park is a paradise for rock climbers. Its volcanic rock, marked with handholds or ‘huecos’, makes it the top bouldering spot in the U.S. For those not climbing, the park offers a chance to discover the history behind the ancient rock art created by the many cultures that found shelter in these formations over the years.

Recharge after a day of adventure with a robust T-bone steak at Cattleman’s Steakhouse or a generous serving of enchiladas at L&J Cafe. Conclude your evening at the Hotel Paso del Norte’s Dome Bar, where for over a century, El Paso's elite have enjoyed cocktails beneath the stunning 25-foot Tiffany stained-glass dome—perfect for toasting to another memorable journey with friends.