The Ultimate Texas Road Trip

Our adventure kicked off in Dallas, a city full of vibrant culture, art, and history. We spent two days exploring the must-see spots of Dallas, mixing culture, food, and relaxation.

Things to Do in Dallas:

• Dallas Farmers Market: Start your journey with a visit to this market, which has evolved into a hub of food entrepreneurs, farmers, and ranchers. Open daily, it’s the perfect spot to sample local flavors and stock up on Texas-made goods. We had some delicious tacos there.
• Deep Ellum Murals: Get your camera ready! Head over to Deep Ellum to pose with colorful murals, including tributes to famous locals like Dirk Nowitzki and the vibrant Visit Dallas mural. It’s a great way to capture unique memories of the city.
• Dallas Arts District: Stroll through the Dallas Arts District, the largest urban arts district in the U.S., spanning 20 blocks. Here, you can admire award-winning museums, art galleries, and performance venues. The district also offers some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.
• Klyde Warren Park: Take a break at Klyde Warren Park, a beautiful green space linking Downtown and Uptown Dallas. Join an exercise class, grab food from a nearby food truck, or simply relax with a good book in the heart of the city.
• West End Historic District: Dive into Dallas’ history in the West End District, home to preserved warehouses and shops. Visit the Old Red Museum and JFK Memorial Plaza for a taste of Dallas’ historical significance.
• Reunion Tower GeO-Deck: At sunset, take in the panoramic views of the city from Reunion Tower, one of Dallas’ most recognizable structures. Don’t forget to interact with the Halo system to learn more about the city’s landmarks. The kids had a blast there and the views were amazing!
• Pioneer Plaza: A quick visit to Pioneer Plaza offers photo ops with the iconic longhorn sculptures, symbolizing the spirit of Texas ranching history.
• Main Street Garden Park: End your day at this park with its expansive lawn, play area, dog run, and seasonal movie screenings. It’s a relaxing way to close your time in Dallas.

Where to Eat in Dallas:

• Chop House Burger: Satisfy your cravings with a juicy burger and truffle fries in Downtown Dallas. Don’t miss the decadent shakes!

• Campisi’s: One of the city’s oldest pizza joints, offering authentic New York-style pizza. Its history is as rich as the food, and it’s conveniently located next to the Giant Eyeball sculpture.
• Wild Bill’s Western Store: For a taste of Texan flair, grab a bite and shop for cowboy boots and Western apparel.

After Dallas, drive 4 hours south to Austin, taking the scenic Highway 281 for picturesque views and unique roadside attractions. Along the way, we made a short stop in Lampasas to check out the Worlds largest spur. This 35-foot-tall, 10,000-pound metal structure sits on the side of Highway 281 and invites travelers to snap a photo.

Longhorn Cavern State Park, was another great stop. There we took a guided tour deep underground, exploring the wonders of Texas geology. Descend 130’ below the surface, following the path of an ancient underground riverbed through room after room of amazing geologic wonders. Along the way, experience the Texas-sized stories of the people who were shaped by—and helped shape—this national natural landmark.

After that spend rest of the day exploring Austin, the live music capital of the world, mixing nature, history, and great food.

Things to Do in Austin:

• Mount Bonnell: Start your day with a drive up to the highest point in Austin for a stunning view over the city and the Colorado River.
• Texas State Capitol: Next, explore the Texas State Capitol, a grand pink-granite structure taller than the U.S. Capitol. Take a free guided tour to learn about Texas’ political history, and don’t forget to visit the Capitol Gift Shop for souvenirs.
• Zilker Park: Spend the afternoon at Zilker Park, Austin’s “jewel.” Enjoy a swim in the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, paddleboard on the river, or explore the Botanical Garden and its dinosaur sculptures.
• South Congress Avenue: As the sun sets, head to South Congress for a funky vibe with boutique shops, nightclubs, and great restaurants.

Where to Eat in Austin:

• Hopdoddy Burger Bar: A must-stop for incredible burgers. The casual setting and delicious food make this an Austin favorite. Our favorite !!
• Torchy’s Tacos: Stop by Torchy’s for some of the best tacos in Texas. Affordable, flavorful, and perfect for grabbing on the go.
• Home Slice Pizza: Indulge in authentic NY-style pizza on South Congress Avenue.

From Austin, drive 1.5 hours to San Antonio and immerse yourself in the rich history of the city. With its blend of Spanish and Mexican culture, San Antonio offers history buffs and foodies plenty to enjoy.

Things to Do in San Antonio:

• The Alamo: No trip to San Antonio is complete without visiting The Alamo. This historic site tells the story of Texas’ fight for independence and is one of the most visited tourist spots in the state.
• San Fernando Cathedral: Admire the architecture of the San Fernando Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the U.S.
• Market Square: Visit Market Square, the largest Mexican market outside of Mexico. Shop for crafts, art, and sample delicious Mexican cuisine at Mi Tierra Café.
• The River Walk: Stroll the River Walk, a network of pathways along the San Antonio River, lined with restaurants and shops. Enjoy a boat ride or simply take in the beautiful surroundings
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Where to Eat in San Antonio:

• Boudro’s on the Riverwalk: Treat yourself to delicious Tex-Mex cuisine. Don’t leave without trying the famous guacamole! It is sooo good!
• Zocca Cuisine d’Italia: A quieter spot on the River Walk offering delightful Italian dishes with a serene ambiance.

After exploring the cities, it’s time to relax on the beach in Port Aransas, located on Mustang Island. This small beach town offers everything from wildlife spotting to beachfront bars, making it the perfect coastal retreat.

Things to Do in Port Aransas:

• Leonabelle Turnbull Birding Center: Start your day with a walk through this peaceful birding center, home to numerous bird species and even a few alligators.
• IB Magee Beach Park: Spend the day lounging on the sandy shores of IB Magee Beach Park. Bring a book or a picnic and soak up the sun.
• Roberts Point Park: Head to Roberts Point Park to catch some live music or simply relax by the water.
• The Wetlands Education Center: Explore the newly renovated Patton Center for Marine Science Education, where you can learn about local marine life through interactive displays.

Where to Eat in Port Aransas:

• Black Marlin Bar and Grill: Enjoy fresh seafood in a laid-back, beachfront setting.
• Irie’s Island Food: A casual spot known for its creative, delicious seafood dishes.
• Virginia’s on the Bay: Another fantastic option for fresh seafood with views of the marina.

Spend at least one day exploring Corpus Christi and Padre Island National Seashore.

Things to Do in Corpus Christi:

• USS Lexington Museum: Tour this historic aircraft carrier, which now serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into naval history. Plan to spend at least 4-5 hours as it is worth it, regardless if you are a history buff or not. e really enjoy it, and you may get to see some Top Guns !!!
• North Beach: Perfect for a beach day, with shallow waters ideal for swimming and stunning views of the bay.
• Padre Island National Seashore: End your trip at Padre Island National Seashore, where you can explore the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. Birdwatch, paddleboard, or simply relax on the beach.

Where to Eat in Corpus Christi:

Snoopy’s Pier is a casual eatery that serves up delicious seafood in a casual water view atmosphere. A visit to Snoopy’s Pier will allow you to sink your teeth into some incredible fish and chips, Texas shrimp, and crab cakes!

On your final day, make your way to Houston to explore Space Center Houston. Take a NASA Tram Tour to Rocket Park, see flown spacecraft in the Starship Gallery, and visit the historic Space Shuttle Independence. Houston’s space history is both fascinating and educational.

Later in the day, we enjoyed a peaceful evening at Market Square Park, discovering its unique sculptures and relaxing under the Edison lights before heading to Buffalo Bayou Park for a bike ride along the bayou at sunset.
If you plan a day at Buffalo Bayou Park, be sure to stay until sunset. At dusk, a massive colony of Mexican free-tailed bats (nearly 250,000 large) takes flight in droves from under the Waugh Bridge.