ROAD TRIP TEXAS LIKE AN AUSTINITE
Words by James Wong
Photo by Travel Texas
Whether it’s the first road trip or the umpteenth, Texas is a mighty beast to navigate. This is the second-largest state in America after Alaska—a ginormous 269,000 square miles of land equivalent to the size of France—so any jaunt across requires careful planning and copious bags of snacks.
As for where to begin the adventure, Austin is the no-brainer. It’s slap-bang in the middle of Texas, well-connected by both domestic and international airlines, and, of course, the LINE Austin provides the perfect bookend of the road trip.
If you’re renting a car (which you should, this is Texas!), and planning on hitting the wide open road from ATX, now’s the time to do it. We round up seven tried and tested destinations that are easy to reach from Bat City, stopping at both the big metropolises and under-the-radar towns, alongside some helpful nuggets of information so y’all can ride like a local pro. Here are the very best road trips to take from Austin, Texas.
San Antonio
The most popular day trip destination for Austinites, San Antonio is the closest big city at just a 1.5-hour drive. As for what’s to do, how long’s the heel rope? Prioritize The Alamo, an 18th-century Spanish mission marking the 1838 battle for Texan independence from Mexico, and explore the River Walk running beside it. This scenic 15-mile loop, which can also be explored by boat, is dotted with museums, stores, restaurants, and bars. Park at the Esquire Tavern, the oldest bar on the River Walk, to break up the sweat session.
Pro tip: While fine dining in ATX veers toward casual dress, folks in SATX like to make an effort. Pack a Sunday best and a pair of closed-toe shoes. The Pearl District is a go-to for the trendiest restaurants, including Brasserie Mon Chou Chou and Best Quality Daughter.
Waco
Soft drink addicts, this is fizzy heaven: Waco’s the birthplace of Dr Pepper. Its Dr Pepper Museum offers limited exhibits but plenty of ways to sip and sample, including a ‘Make-a-Soda’ experience. The other top attraction is Magnolia Market at the Silos, a homeware-dedicated shopping complex from Fixer Upper stars Joanna and Chip Gaines. When you’re sugared and swiped out, catch some rays on Brazos River banks within Cameron Park.
Pro tip: Waco is small and halfway between Dallas and Austin. You’ll do it in a few hours, so combine the trip with The Big D in tandem. Alternatively, if you’re an animal lover, do it with the brilliant Blue Hills Ranch instead.
Fredericksburg
This charming small town is 1.5 hours west of Austin, giving visitors a slice of Germany in the Lone Star state. Historic Main Street is where to indulge in European delights like currywurst and schnitzel from Otto’s German Bistro, or freshly baked pastries from Old German Bakery & Restaurant. If you’re wishing on Riesling to wash it down with, good news; Fredericksburg is home to 75 wineries and vineyards. Sign up for tastings at Barons Creek or Grape Creek. In town during April? Then stop to smell (and photograph) the bluebonnets on the way back to Austin, which will be in full bloom.
Pro Tip: Wine tourists should plan a stop at William Chris, 20 minutes before arrival in Fredericksburg. The acclaimed vineyard supplies bottles to Austin’s top restaurants, including Arlo Grey within the LINE Austin.
Greune
Strap on some cowboy boots and practice your two-step. Greune Hall is the oldest dance hall in Texas, where legends George Strait and Willie Nelson have played, and there’s still live music strumming every day of the year. Once a month (usually the third full weekend) there are also Gruene Market Days, bringing together 100 vendors of handmade crafts and packaged Texas goods. Browse them at leisure with a cup of Joe from Greune Coffee House in hand.
Pro tip: Spring and fall are the best times to come here for fly fishing. Pack or pick up some gear from Gruene Outfitters and head to the warm waters of the Guadalupe River to try your luck.
Dallas
Many tourists plan DTX trips around a big Dallas Cowboys game at the 100,000-capacity AT&T Stadium. However, culture vultures may prefer one of the museums or galleries of the Dallas Arts District, such as the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, or Crow Museum of Asian Art. Exploration always calls for a reward in the shape of brisket. Pecan Lodge fans it fall-off-the-bone tender, and it’s located in the Deep Ellum nightlife district so you’re poised for a wild night after. If not, at least swing by Stirr or Hide Bar for happy hour.
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling to get tickets to a Cowboys game, or not particularly invested in the NFL, then consider an easier-to-obtain seat in front of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks or NHL’s Dallas Stars. Both play at the American Airlines Center.
Houston
The NASA Space Center Houston gave Houston its “Space City” nickname. It contains over 400 space artifacts, including three flown spacecraft and a moon rock display. Other excellent exhibits are found at the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Fire Museum. After exploring, let your hair down at POST Houston. This former postal office headquarters was transformed into a hotspot hangout with an international food hall, live music space, shopping vendors, an art gallery, and a rooftop park soundtracked by DJ sounds.
Pro tip: Whilst the Texas dining scene is a melting pot nowadays, nowhere will you find better Asian food than in Houston. The city has the second-largest Indochinese population in the US after Los Angeles. Cajun Vietnamese is the specialty, and Crawfish and Noodles is just the place to sample spiced local catch alongside noodles and fried rice.
Big Bend National Park
As Texas’ biggest national park, expect miles and miles of dirt road leading to a very remote landscape. Then, at Big Bend, more meets the eye. You’ll reach scenic vistas, a diverse ecosystem comprising bobcats, coyotes, and scorpions, and sights synonymous with Texas; cacti. The LINE Austin in fact, harnesses the powers of the Sotol plant variety that’s indigenous to the park, serving them as delicious spirits in Cantero. Sip Texas Sotol with ATX’s best tacos, Veracruz, and trust us, you won’t be disappointed.
Pro tip: Facilities are extremely limited in such a remote area, so load up on supplies long before reaching the park gates. Buc-ee’s ain’t just a gas station. Brisket sandwiches, kolaches, jerky and banana pudding are some of the mouth-watering goodies it peddles for hungry road trippers.
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