"Everything's bigger in Texas" isn't just a slogan; it's a fact. The state's large cultural footprint is informed by its vast, scenic landscape. Texas is full of incredible sights to see that are well worth orienting your next big vacation around, and you don't need to buy a plane ticket to see the best of Texas.  

Taking a road trip around Texas is a dream for many, but the sheer size of the Lone Star State makes it hard to know where to start. You can drive to major cities and other attractions in a single day if you live in Abilene. To help you plan your next big journey, here are some Texas road trip ideas that take you through each of the main regions in the state and experience some of the greatest attractions on offer.  

Abilene 

The main appeal of a road trip is to see things that are normally out of reach in your daily life, but it's important to acknowledge the cool things you can do close to home. Abilene is known as the Storybook Capital of America, so it only makes sense to head downtown and visit the two sculpture gardens (The Clear Fork Bank Storybook Garden and the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden) that feature art inspired by classic children's stories.  

You can also reconnect with your inner child at the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature to see works by iconic illustrators. Other things to see in Abilene include the Abilene Zoo or the Downtown Abilene Walking Tour, where a cowboy poet (yes, you read that right) teaches you about town history with some colorful poems for entertaining local flavor.  

High Plains/Lubbock 

As you leave Abilene, you can head up north to the High Plains area for some distinct locales. Classic music lovers can travel to Lubbock and see the Buddy Holly Center, a museum dedicated to the rock legend who grew up in the city and started his rise to stardom there.  

Anyone looking for more traditional Texas entertainment can head to the National Ranching Heritage Center, a free outdoor museum run by Texas Tech University to pay tribute to ranching with dozens of historic ranch structures. Wine aficionados can stroll and sip along the Texas High Plains Wine Trail, an interactive online pass that helps you savor different drinks from participating businesses.  

Dallas/Fort Worth 

After visiting Lubbock, road trippers can head east to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The Fort Worth Cultural District features three great museums - the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art - all within walking distance of each other. Visitors can also take in some serenity at the Fort Worth Water Gardens, which are completely free to visit and contain truly impressive water features.  

In Dallas, history buffs can delve into the city's legacy at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which chronicles the life of President John F. Kennedy and the aftermath of his death. For a more supernatural take on Dallas history, sign up for the Deadly Dallas Ghost Tour and learn about the most haunted locations in town.  

The Dallas Arts District clusters the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Crow Museum of Asian Art within a two-block radius. If you happen to be in the area on a Friday night, you can take part in a Late Night at the DMA event, where the museum stays open until midnight, and visitors get to enjoy food trucks, live music, and other special events. Interested in getting a new book to read in your downtime? Head down to the independent bookstore and bar The Wild Detectives or the flagship store of Half Price Books.  

Houston 

Going south from there brings you to Houston. Any discussion of Houston attractions has to start with the Space Center, the NASA-endorsed visitor center housing hundreds of artifacts and exhibits about America's history of space travel.  

The Menil Collection offers tens of thousands of art pieces, collapsing the space between ancient works and contemporary pieces. Admission is always free! There are also plenty of fun businesses, restaurants, and parks to explore in Houston.  Amid the big city energy lies Houston's Arboretum and Nature Center, a calming sanctuary within Memorial Park for you to commune with Mother Earth before moving on to the next stage of your road trip.  

Corpus Christi 

Further south lies the Gulf Coast capital, Corpus Christi. The area has nine beaches for you to take in some sun or hit the water. Speaking of water, Corpus Christi is the home of the Texas State Aquarium, where you can see aquatic creatures from around the world up close. It also has several unique museums that display Corpus Christi's unique culture, such as the USS Lexington Museum, the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures & Education, and the Selena Museum.  

Hill Country 

The Hill Country region of Texas includes San Antonio, Austin, and a number of small towns with their own character. For San Antonio, the River Walk is a famous landmark with restaurants, bars, and stores to enjoy. The Mission Trails guides you through several tourist attractions and historic sites with plenty of hiking and biking trails to choose your own path. The McNay Art Museum was the first modern art museum in Texas when it opened, and it remains worth seeing. 

Austin's idiosyncratic ethos has increased its profile over the past decade thanks to local attractions like the Hope Outdoor Gallery, a 6,000-square-foot art space detailed by 30 local street artists. If you want to see animals away from a traditional zoo environment, you can visit the rooftop butterfly garden at Austin's Central Library or watch the largest urban bat colony in the world spring into life at sunset from the Statesman Bat Observation Center.  

Getting away from the famous cities often leads you to the most interesting places, and that's still true for any Texas road trip. Just outside of Fredericksburg, you can witness one of the most awe-inspiring natural landmarks in Texas: the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. The park's main highlight is a massive pink granite dome that offers a panoramic view of the area from the summit as a reward for hiking to the top.  

Alpine 

The far western side of Texas doesn't have a big city as a destination, but there are still landmarks worth seeing before making your way back to Abilene. Specifically, Big Bend National Park in Brewster County protects thousands of plants, birds, and other species that create a one-of-a-kind desert experience that is sure to provide some lasting memories as you conclude your vacation.  

A Texas road trip itinerary enables you to enjoy your adventure to the fullest, but it's always nice to return to a home you love after a few days away. West Texas residents considering moving to a new apartment should look no further than The Residence at Heritage Park.   

Whether you opt for a 1, 2, or 3-bedroom apartment, our living spaces deliver a great combination of comfort and style that helps you relax and recover at the end of the day. Every apartment comes with a double-gallery kitchen layout, hardwood floors, and plush carpeting. Residents can also take advantage of our incredible community amenities such as a swimming pool, on-site laundry, and a private patio. Contact us today to schedule a tour.