Road trips from Houston

Road Trips from Houston

Explore the best road trips from Houston — from scenic Hill Country drives and Gulf Coast beaches to epic cross-country adventures through deserts, mountains, and national parks. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a 60-day expedition, discover routes filled with food, culture, and natural beauty.

110 Curated itineraries
11 Duration options
Updated November 11, 2025

Disclaimer: Details may change without notice. Please verify road conditions, entry requirements, and hours before traveling. RoadTrips is not liable for outdated or incorrect information.

Route map from Houston to Galveston Island
Day Trip Easy

Galveston Island

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Strand district, Seawall, pier views

Route

Houston Galveston Island

Driving stats

90 km 1.1 hrs

Trip profile

Direction SE Score 95

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

Beaches Historic Seafood
Route map from Houston to Brazos Bend State Park
Day Trip Easy

Brazos Bend State Park

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Elm Lake loop & wildlife viewing

Route

Houston Brazos Bend State Park

Driving stats

73 km 0.8 hrs

Trip profile

Direction SW Score 88

Best months

Oct Nov Mar Apr May

Themes

Alligators Birding Trails
Route map from Houston to Surfside Beach
Day Trip Easy

Surfside Beach

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Wide beaches & fishing jetty

Route

Houston Surfside Beach

Driving stats

104 km 1.1 hrs

Trip profile

Direction S Score 86

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct

Themes

Beaches Relax Sunset
Route map from Houston to Kemah Boardwalk
Day Trip Easy

Kemah Boardwalk

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Amusements & waterfront dining

Route

Houston Kemah Boardwalk

Driving stats

56 km 0.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction SE Score 84

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov Dec

Themes

Boardwalk Food Family
Route map from Houston to San Jacinto Battleground & Monument
Day Trip Easy

San Jacinto Battleground & Monument

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Texas independence site & views from monument

Route

Houston San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site

Driving stats

38 km 0.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 80

Best months

Oct Nov Mar Apr

Themes

History Monument Battleship
Route map from Houston to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
Day Trip Easy

Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Birthplace of Texas, living history farm

Route

Houston Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

Driving stats

130 km 1.3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 78

Best months

Oct Nov Mar Apr

Themes

History Museums Riverside
Route map from Houston to Lake Livingston State Park
Day Trip Easy

Lake Livingston State Park

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Lake views, trails, and paddling

Route

Houston Lake Livingston State Park

Driving stats

118 km 1.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction N Score 78

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

Lakes PineyWoods Family
Route map from Houston to Austin
Weekend Easy

Austin

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Live music, Barton Springs, South Congress

Route

Houston Bastrop Austin

Driving stats

267 km 2.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 94

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

Music Food City
Route map from Houston to Fredericksburg & Enchanted Rock
Weekend Moderate

Fredericksburg & Enchanted Rock

Texas
View on map

Highlights

German Main Street & Enchanted Rock summit

Route

Houston Johnson City Fredericksburg Enchanted Rock

Driving stats

383 km 3.9 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 93

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

Wineries HillCountry Hikes
Route map from Houston to San Antonio
Weekend Moderate

San Antonio

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Alamo, River Walk, Missions Trail

Route

Houston Luling San Antonio

Driving stats

317 km 3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction WSW Score 92

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

History RiverWalk Missions
Route map from Houston to Port Aransas & Mustang Island
Weekend Moderate

Port Aransas & Mustang Island

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Dunes, beach driving & ferry to Port A

Route

Houston Rockport Port Aransas Mustang Island

Driving stats

334 km 3.7 hrs

Trip profile

Direction S Score 91

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct

Themes

Beaches Birding Relax
Route map from Houston to Texas BBQ Trail
Weekend Easy

Texas BBQ Trail

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Lockhart, Luling & Taylor smokehouses

Route

Houston Lockhart Luling Taylor Houston

Driving stats

586 km 5.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 90

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

BBQ Food Culture
Route map from Houston to Corpus Christi
Weekend Moderate

Corpus Christi

Texas
View on map

Highlights

USS Lexington & North Beach

Route

Houston Victoria Corpus Christi

Driving stats

336 km 3.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction S Score 90

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct

Themes

Beaches Seafood Museums
Route map from Houston to New Orleans Jazz & Culture Loop
Weekend Easy

New Orleans Jazz & Culture Loop

Louisiana
View on map

Highlights

French Quarter jazz & beignets

Route

Houston Baton Rouge New Orleans Houston

Driving stats

556 km 5.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 89

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

Music City Food
Route map from Houston to Dallas–Fort Worth City Break
Weekend Easy

Dallas–Fort Worth City Break

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Arts District, Stockyards & BBQ

Route

Houston Dallas Fort Worth

Driving stats

385 km 3.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction N Score 88

Best months

Oct Nov Mar Apr

Themes

City Museums Food
Route map from Houston to Big Thicket National Preserve
Weekend Easy

Big Thicket National Preserve

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Pitcher plant bogs & cypress sloughs

Route

Houston Kountze Big Thicket National Preserve

Driving stats

158 km 1.7 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NE Score 86

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

Bayous Boardwalks Wildlife
Route map from Houston to East Texas Piney Woods Trail
Weekend Easy

East Texas Piney Woods Trail

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Tall pines & small historic towns

Route

Houston Lufkin Nacogdoches Jefferson Houston

Driving stats

393 km 4 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NE Score 84

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

Forests Lakes SmallTowns
Route map from Houston to Lafayette
Weekend Easy

Lafayette

Louisiana
View on map

Highlights

Cajun cuisine & live Zydeco

Route

Houston Lake Charles Lafayette

Driving stats

349 km 3.3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 82

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

CajunFood Music Swamps
Route map from Houston to Lake Charles & Creole Nature Trail
Weekend Easy

Lake Charles & Creole Nature Trail

Louisiana
View on map

Highlights

Alligator Alley & Gulf beaches byway

Route

Houston Lake Charles Creole Nature Trail

Driving stats

215 km 2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 80

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

Wildlife Coast Byway
Route map from Houston to Port Lavaca & Matagorda Bay
Weekend Easy

Port Lavaca & Matagorda Bay

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Bayfront boardwalks & lighthouse beaches

Route

Houston Bay City Port Lavaca

Driving stats

188 km 1.9 hrs

Trip profile

Direction SW Score 79

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

Coast Birding Seafood
Route map from Houston to New Orleans
3–4 Days Moderate

New Orleans

Louisiana
View on map

Highlights

French Quarter, live jazz, Garden District

Route

Houston Baton Rouge New Orleans

Driving stats

560 km 5.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 96

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

Music Food Culture
Route map from Houston to Padre Island National Seashore
3–4 Days Moderate

Padre Island National Seashore

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Long undeveloped Gulf coastline

Route

Houston Corpus Christi Padre Island National Seashore

Driving stats

375 km 4 hrs

Trip profile

Direction S Score 92

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct

Themes

Beaches Wildlife Camping
Route map from Houston to Garner State Park & Frio River
3–4 Days Moderate

Garner State Park & Frio River

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Frio tubing & Old Baldy views

Route

Houston Kerrville Leakey Garner State Park

Driving stats

586 km 5.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 90

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Rivers HillCountry Family
Route map from Houston to Hill Country Waterfalls Loop (Wimberley & Dripping Springs)
3–4 Days Moderate

Hill Country Waterfalls Loop (Wimberley & Dripping Springs)

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Hamilton Pool, Blue Hole & breweries

Route

Houston San Marcos Wimberley Dripping Springs

Driving stats

295 km 2.9 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 90

Best months

Apr May Oct

Themes

SwimmingHoles HillCountry Scenic
Route map from Houston to Texas Wine & Bluebonnet Loop
3–4 Days Easy

Texas Wine & Bluebonnet Loop

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Wildflower trails & vineyards

Route

Houston Brenham Fredericksburg Houston

Driving stats

865 km 8.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 88

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct

Themes

Wineries Flowers HillCountry
Route map from Houston to South Texas Heritage & Mission Trail
3–4 Days Easy

South Texas Heritage & Mission Trail

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Goliad Presidio & San Antonio Missions

Route

Houston Goliad San Antonio Mission Trail Houston

Driving stats

436 km 4.3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction S Score 87

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

History UNESCO Culture
Route map from Houston to Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Loop
3–4 Days Easy

Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Loop

Alabama
View on map

Highlights

Soft white beaches & dolphin cruises

Route

Houston Mobile Gulf Shores Orange Beach Houston

Driving stats

838 km 7.8 hrs

Trip profile

Direction ESE Score 87

Best months

Mar Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Beaches Relax Seafood
Route map from Houston to Galveston to Corpus Christi Coastal Run
3–4 Days Easy

Galveston to Corpus Christi Coastal Run

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Barrier islands & coastal towns

Route

Houston Galveston Port Arthur Corpus Christi

Driving stats

336 km 3.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction SW Score 86

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Beaches Coast Seafood
Route map from Houston to Rockport & Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
3–4 Days Moderate

Rockport & Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Whooping cranes & coastal towns

Route

Houston Refugio Rockport Aransas NWR

Driving stats

272 km 2.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction S Score 85

Best months

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Themes

Birding Coast Seafood
Route map from Houston to Ouachita Mountains Loop
3–4 Days Easy

Ouachita Mountains Loop

Arkansas
View on map

Highlights

Scenic drives through Ouachita forests

Route

Houston Texarkana Hot Springs Mena Houston

Driving stats

610 km 6.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction N Score 85

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Mountains Forests Rivers
Route map from Houston to Lost Maples State Natural Area
3–4 Days Moderate

Lost Maples State Natural Area

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Fall color on Maple Trail

Route

Houston Kerrville Vanderpool Lost Maples SNA

Driving stats

456 km 4.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 85

Best months

Oct Nov

Themes

Foliage Canyons Hikes
Route map from Houston to Bandera & Kerrville Cowboy Loop
3–4 Days Moderate

Bandera & Kerrville Cowboy Loop

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Dude ranches, river roads & breweries

Route

Houston Boerne Bandera Kerrville

Driving stats

419 km 3.9 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 84

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

Ranches HillCountry Scenic
Route map from Houston to South Texas Missions Trail
3–4 Days Moderate

South Texas Missions Trail

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Goliad Presidio & San Antonio Missions

Route

Houston Goliad San Antonio Missions Houston

Driving stats

318 km 2.9 hrs

Trip profile

Direction SW Score 83

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

History UNESCO Byway
Route map from Houston to Baton Rouge & Plantation Alley
3–4 Days Easy

Baton Rouge & Plantation Alley

Louisiana
View on map

Highlights

Antebellum homes along the Mississippi

Route

Houston Lake Charles Baton Rouge River Road Plantations

Driving stats

448 km 4.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 82

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

History Architecture River
Route map from Houston to South Llano River State Park
3–4 Days Moderate

South Llano River State Park

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Riparian trails & bird blinds

Route

Houston Fredericksburg Junction South Llano River SP

Driving stats

508 km 4.7 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 80

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Rivers Birding Hikes
Route map from Houston to Sabine National Forest & Toledo Bend
3–4 Days Moderate

Sabine National Forest & Toledo Bend

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Toledo Bend shoreline & forest roads

Route

Houston Lufkin Hemphill Sabine National Forest

Driving stats

288 km 2.9 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NE Score 80

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

Lakes PineyWoods Fishing
Route map from Houston to Big Bend National Park
5–7 Days LongHaul

Big Bend National Park

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Chisos Basin, Santa Elena Canyon & stargazing

Route

Houston Fort Stockton Marathon Big Bend National Park

Driving stats

968 km 9.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 98

Best months

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr

Themes

Desert Mountains River
Route map from Houston to Smoky Mountains via Blue Ridge Foothills
5–7 Days LongHaul

Smoky Mountains via Blue Ridge Foothills

North Carolina
View on map

Highlights

Cades Cove & waterfall hikes

Route

Houston Birmingham Knoxville Gatlinburg Great Smoky Mountains NP

Driving stats

1560 km 14.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NE Score 95

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Mountains Waterfalls Foliage
Route map from Houston to West Texas Art & Stars (Marfa, Alpine, Fort Davis)
5–7 Days LongHaul

West Texas Art & Stars (Marfa, Alpine, Fort Davis)

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Prada Marfa, Chinati, McDonald Observatory

Route

Houston Ozona Alpine Marfa Fort Davis

Driving stats

961 km 8.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 94

Best months

Oct Nov Mar Apr

Themes

Art Desert DarkSkies
Route map from Houston to Santa Fe & Taos High Desert
5–7 Days LongHaul

Santa Fe & Taos High Desert

New Mexico
View on map

Highlights

Canyon Road, Taos Pueblo & Enchanted Circle

Route

Houston Lubbock Santa Fe Taos

Driving stats

1466 km 13.9 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 94

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Art Cuisine Mountains
Route map from Houston to Austin–San Antonio–Hill Country Grand Loop
5–7 Days Moderate

Austin–San Antonio–Hill Country Grand Loop

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Austin, San Antonio, wineries & waterfalls

Route

Houston Austin Fredericksburg San Antonio Houston

Driving stats

313 km 3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 93

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

City History HillCountry
Route map from Houston to Guadalupe Mountains + Carlsbad Caverns
5–7 Days LongHaul

Guadalupe Mountains + Carlsbad Caverns

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Guadalupe Peak trail & Carlsbad Big Room

Route

Houston Midland Carlsbad Caverns NP Guadalupe Mountains NP

Driving stats

1047 km 9.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 93

Best months

Oct Nov Mar Apr

Themes

Peaks Caves Desert
Route map from Houston to Texas Cultural Triangle Loop
5–7 Days Easy

Texas Cultural Triangle Loop

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Austin, Waco, Dallas, Fort Worth highlights

Route

Houston Austin Waco Dallas Fort Worth Houston

Driving stats

865 km 8.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction N Score 92

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

City Culture Food
Route map from Houston to Ozark Mountains & Buffalo National River
5–7 Days Moderate

Ozark Mountains & Buffalo National River

Arkansas
View on map

Highlights

Boxley Valley elk & river bluffs

Route

Houston Texarkana Fayetteville Ponca Buffalo National River

Driving stats

858 km 8.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction N Score 92

Best months

Apr May Oct

Themes

Mountains Rivers Hikes
Route map from Houston to Palo Duro Canyon (Panhandle)
5–7 Days Moderate

Palo Duro Canyon (Panhandle)

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Lighthouse Trail & scenic loop

Route

Houston Wichita Falls Amarillo Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Driving stats

945 km 8.7 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 92

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

Canyons Hikes Scenic
Route map from Houston to Hot Springs National Park
5–7 Days Moderate

Hot Springs National Park

Arkansas
View on map

Highlights

Bathhouse Row, mountain tower & trails

Route

Houston Texarkana Hot Springs National Park

Driving stats

648 km 6.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction N Score 90

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

Thermal History Hikes
Route map from Houston to Nashville & Tennessee Music Trail
5–7 Days Moderate

Nashville & Tennessee Music Trail

Tennessee
View on map

Highlights

Honky-tonks, Ryman Auditorium

Route

Houston Shreveport Memphis Nashville

Driving stats

1255 km 11.8 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NE Score 90

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Music City History
Route map from Houston to West Texas Canyons & Springs (Balmorhea + Davis Mountains)
5–7 Days Moderate

West Texas Canyons & Springs (Balmorhea + Davis Mountains)

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Balmorhea spring fed pool & Davis Mtns

Route

Houston Fort Stockton Balmorhea Fort Davis Marfa Houston

Driving stats

901 km 8 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 90

Best months

Oct Nov Mar Apr

Themes

Desert Mountains Swim
Route map from Houston to Texas Gulf Coast Grand (Galveston → Rockport → Padre → Brownsville)
5–7 Days Moderate

Texas Gulf Coast Grand (Galveston → Rockport → Padre → Brownsville)

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Island hopping, coastal towns & wildlife refuges

Route

Houston Galveston Matagorda Rockport Padre Island Brownsville Houston

Driving stats

569 km 5.3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction S Score 90

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

Beaches Birding Seafood
Route map from Houston to Denver & Front Range Cities
5–7 Days Moderate

Denver & Front Range Cities

Colorado
View on map

Highlights

Denver, Boulder & Red Rocks

Route

Houston Pueblo Colorado Springs Denver Boulder

Driving stats

1660 km 15.3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 90

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

City Mountains Beer
Route map from Houston to Florida Panhandle Emerald Coast (Destin & 30A)
5–7 Days Moderate

Florida Panhandle Emerald Coast (Destin & 30A)

Florida
View on map

Highlights

Sugar-sand beaches along 30A

Route

Houston Baton Rouge Pensacola Destin Seaside (30A)

Driving stats

956 km 8.8 hrs

Trip profile

Direction ESE Score 90

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct

Themes

Beaches Family Seafood
Route map from Houston to Louisiana Bayou & Cajun Country Trail
5–7 Days Easy

Louisiana Bayou & Cajun Country Trail

Louisiana
View on map

Highlights

Lafayette, Houma & Cajun flavors

Route

Houston Lafayette Houma New Orleans Houston

Driving stats

387 km 3.8 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 90

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

Food Music Culture
Route map from Houston to Route 66 West (Houston to Albuquerque)
5–7 Days Moderate

Route 66 West (Houston to Albuquerque)

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Classic diners & neon motels

Route

Houston Wichita Falls Amarillo Tucumcari Albuquerque

Driving stats

1500 km 15.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 88

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Route66 Neon Roadside
Route map from Houston to Devils River State Natural Area
5–7 Days Challenging

Devils River State Natural Area

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Clear spring-fed river paddle & remote roads

Route

Houston San Antonio Del Rio Devils River SNA

Driving stats

659 km 6.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 88

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

Wilderness Kayak DarkSkies
Route map from Houston to Mustang Island & Padre Birding Loop
5–7 Days Moderate

Mustang Island & Padre Birding Loop

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Island hopping: Mustang → Padre → SPI

Route

Houston Port Aransas Mustang Island Padre Island National Seashore South Padre Island Houston

Driving stats

380 km 3.7 hrs

Trip profile

Direction S Score 88

Best months

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr

Themes

Beaches Birding Wildlife
Route map from Houston to Big Circle Hill Country Scenic Loop
5–7 Days Moderate

Big Circle Hill Country Scenic Loop

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Twisty ranch roads & river crossings

Route

Houston Bastrop Dripping Springs Fredericksburg Kerrville Bandera Boerne Houston

Driving stats

465 km 4.4 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 88

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

HillCountry Wineries Rivers
Route map from Houston to San Antonio Missions & Coast Loop
5–7 Days Easy

San Antonio Missions & Coast Loop

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Mission Trail & coastal stretch

Route

Houston San Antonio Corpus Christi Houston

Driving stats

337 km 3.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction SW Score 88

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct

Themes

UNESCO History Coast
Route map from Houston to Atlanta Music & Civil Rights Trail
5–7 Days Moderate

Atlanta Music & Civil Rights Trail

Georgia
View on map

Highlights

Civil Rights landmarks & live music

Route

Houston Jackson Birmingham Atlanta

Driving stats

1277 km 11.4 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 88

Best months

Mar Apr Sep Oct

Themes

Music History City
Route map from Houston to Padre to Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Week
5–7 Days Moderate

Padre to Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Week

Texas
View on map

Highlights

SPI, Laguna Atascosa NWR & coastal drives

Route

Houston Corpus Christi South Padre Island Laguna Atascosa NWR Houston

Driving stats

567 km 5.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction S Score 86

Best months

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Themes

Birding Wildlife Beaches
Route map from Houston to Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway
5–7 Days Moderate

Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway

Arkansas
View on map

Highlights

Ozark forests, bluffs & creeks

Route

Houston Little Rock Fayetteville Ozark Byway

Driving stats

881 km 8.1 hrs

Trip profile

Direction N Score 86

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Mountains Byway Rivers
Route map from Houston to Mississippi Gulf Coast (Biloxi & Gulfport)
5–7 Days Moderate

Mississippi Gulf Coast (Biloxi & Gulfport)

Mississippi
View on map

Highlights

White-sand beaches & coastal towns

Route

Houston Baton Rouge New Orleans Biloxi Gulfport

Driving stats

647 km 6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 84

Best months

Mar Apr May Oct Nov

Themes

Beaches Seafood History
Route map from Houston to Moab Adventure (Arches & Canyonlands)
10–15 Days LongHaul

Moab Adventure (Arches & Canyonlands)

Utah
View on map

Highlights

Delicate Arch & Island in the Sky

Route

Houston Santa Fe Moab (Arches/Canyonlands)

Driving stats

2001 km 18.7 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 96

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Desert Hikes NationalParks
Route map from Houston to Florida Keys (Key Largo to Key West)
10–15 Days LongHaul

Florida Keys (Key Largo to Key West)

Florida
View on map

Highlights

Overseas Highway & sunsets at Mallory

Route

Houston Tallahassee Miami Key Largo Islamorada Marathon Key West

Driving stats

2165 km 20.1 hrs

Trip profile

Direction ESE Score 96

Best months

Mar Apr Dec

Themes

Beaches Islands ScenicByway
Route map from Houston to Yellowstone National Park
10–15 Days LongHaul

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming
View on map

Highlights

Old Faithful, Lamar Valley, Grand Prismatic

Route

Houston Amarillo Denver Jackson Yellowstone National Park

Driving stats

2498 km 23.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 96

Best months

Jun Jul Aug Sep

Themes

Geysers Wildlife Scenic
Route map from Houston to West Texas Ghost Town & Starry Sky Loop
10–15 Days Moderate

West Texas Ghost Town & Starry Sky Loop

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Marfa lights & Terlingua ghost town

Route

Houston Fort Stockton Marfa Terlingua Fort Davis Houston

Driving stats

321 km 3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 95

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

Desert GhostTowns Stargazing
Route map from Houston to Rocky Mountain National Park
10–15 Days LongHaul

Rocky Mountain National Park

Colorado
View on map

Highlights

Trail Ridge Road & alpine lakes

Route

Houston Colorado Springs Estes Park Rocky Mountain National Park

Driving stats

1762 km 16.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 95

Best months

Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Alpine Mountains Wildlife
Route map from Houston to Colorado Rockies Sampler (RMNP + Colorado Springs)
10–15 Days LongHaul

Colorado Rockies Sampler (RMNP + Colorado Springs)

Colorado
View on map

Highlights

Trail Ridge Road & Garden of the Gods

Route

Houston Pueblo Colorado Springs Estes Park (RMNP)

Driving stats

1546 km 14.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 95

Best months

Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Mountains Alpine ScenicByway
Route map from Houston to Big Bend Desert Circuit
10–15 Days LongHaul

Big Bend Desert Circuit

Texas
View on map

Highlights

Chisos Basin, Rio Grande & Terlingua

Route

Houston Fort Stockton Marfa Big Bend NP Terlingua Houston

Driving stats

1051 km 9.4 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 95

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

Desert NationalPark Mountains
Route map from Houston to Santa Fe, Taos & White Sands Combo
10–15 Days LongHaul

Santa Fe, Taos & White Sands Combo

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Canyon Road, High Road to Taos, dunes

Route

Houston Santa Fe Taos Alamogordo White Sands National Park

Driving stats

1408 km 12.9 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 94

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Art Desert Mountains
Route map from Houston to Deep South Plantations & Blues Trail
10–15 Days LongHaul

Deep South Plantations & Blues Trail

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Plantations, Clarksdale & Delta Blues heritage

Route

Houston Natchez Clarksdale Memphis Vicksburg Houston

Driving stats

1110 km 10.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 94

Best months

Mar Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

History Music Culture
Route map from Houston to Grand Teton National Park
10–15 Days LongHaul

Grand Teton National Park

Wyoming
View on map

Highlights

Jenny Lake & Teton Park Road

Route

Houston Colorado Springs Rawlins Jackson Grand Teton National Park

Driving stats

2398 km 22.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 93

Best months

Jun Jul Aug Sep

Themes

Mountains Lakes Wildlife
Route map from Houston to Charleston–Savannah Coastal Heritage Route
10–15 Days LongHaul

Charleston–Savannah Coastal Heritage Route

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Antebellum homes & coastal charm

Route

Houston Montgomery Atlanta Savannah Charleston

Driving stats

1554 km 14.4 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 93

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Coast History Culture
Route map from Houston to Arizona Icons (Sedona, GC South Rim)
10–15 Days LongHaul

Arizona Icons (Sedona, GC South Rim)

Arizona
View on map

Highlights

Sedona red rocks & GC vistas

Route

Houston Tucson Phoenix Sedona Grand Canyon NP

Driving stats

1987 km 18.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 92

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

RedRocks NationalParks Hikes
Route map from Houston to Natchez Trace Parkway
10–15 Days Moderate

Natchez Trace Parkway

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Historic route from Natchez to Nashville

Route

Houston Jackson Tupelo Nashville

Driving stats

948 km 8.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NE Score 92

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

History Byway Scenic
Route map from Houston to New Mexico Hot Springs Loop
10–15 Days Moderate

New Mexico Hot Springs Loop

New Mexico
View on map

Highlights

Truth or Consequences, Jemez & Taos

Route

Houston Santa Fe Jemez Springs Taos Truth or Consequences Houston

Driving stats

1348 km 12.4 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 91

Best months

Mar Apr Oct Nov

Themes

Wellness Mountains Scenic
Route map from Houston to Everglades & Biscayne National Parks
10–15 Days Moderate

Everglades & Biscayne National Parks

Florida
View on map

Highlights

Airboats, anhingas & coral reefs

Route

Houston Tallahassee Miami Everglades NP Biscayne NP

Driving stats

1938 km 17.3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction ESE Score 91

Best months

Dec Jan Feb Mar

Themes

Wetlands Wildlife NationalParks
Route map from Houston to Highway 90 Gulf Sweep
10–15 Days Moderate

Highway 90 Gulf Sweep

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Houston to Tampa along old US-90

Route

Houston Baton Rouge Mobile Pensacola Tallahassee Tampa

Driving stats

242 km 2.3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 91

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Coast ScenicByway Cities
Route map from Houston to Historic US Highway 80
10–15 Days Moderate

Historic US Highway 80

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

The 'Dixie Overland Highway' legacy

Route

Houston Dallas Shreveport Montgomery Savannah

Driving stats

837 km 7.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 90

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

History Byway Culture
Route map from Houston to Great River Road South
10–15 Days Moderate

Great River Road South

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Mississippi River heritage & byway

Route

Houston Baton Rouge Natchez Vicksburg Memphis

Driving stats

1064 km 10 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 90

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Byway Mississippi River
Route map from Houston to Mesa Verde & Durango Narrow Gauge
10–15 Days Moderate

Mesa Verde & Durango Narrow Gauge

Colorado
View on map

Highlights

Cliff Palace & steam train

Route

Houston Santa Fe Durango Mesa Verde National Park

Driving stats

1762 km 16.3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 90

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Ruins Rail Scenic
Route map from Houston to Black Hills & Badlands
10–15 Days Moderate

Black Hills & Badlands

South Dakota
View on map

Highlights

Mt. Rushmore, Custer SP & Badlands loop

Route

Houston Oklahoma City Rapid City Badlands National Park Custer State Park

Driving stats

2128 km 19.9 hrs

Trip profile

Direction N Score 90

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Monuments Badlands Wildlife
Route map from Houston to Gulf Islands Scenic Byway
10–15 Days Moderate

Gulf Islands Scenic Byway

Mississippi
View on map

Highlights

Barrier islands & scenic drives

Route

Houston Biloxi Pensacola Destin

Driving stats

788 km 7.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction ESE Score 88

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Coast Byway Beaches
Route map from Houston to New Mexico Pueblos & High Road Loop
10–15 Days Moderate

New Mexico Pueblos & High Road Loop

New Mexico
View on map

Highlights

Taos Pueblo & Chimayó

Route

Houston Santa Fe Chimayó Taos Rio Grande Gorge Bridge

Driving stats

1348 km 12.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 88

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Culture Mountains Art
Route map from Houston to Yellowstone & Grand Teton Combo
15–20 Days LongHaul

Yellowstone & Grand Teton Combo

Wyoming
View on map

Highlights

Two-park loop with scenic byways

Route

Houston Santa Fe Jackson Grand Teton NP Yellowstone NP Cody Cheyenne Houston

Driving stats

2498 km 23.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 97

Best months

Jun Jul Aug Sep

Themes

NationalParks Wildlife Mountains
Route map from Houston to Southwest National Parks Core (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce)
15–20 Days LongHaul

Southwest National Parks Core (Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce)

Utah
View on map

Highlights

South Rim, Angels Landing, hoodoos

Route

Houston Tucson Phoenix Grand Canyon NP Page Zion NP Bryce Canyon NP

Driving stats

2289 km 21.4 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 97

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

NationalParks Desert Hikes
Route map from Houston to Colorado Plateau Scenic Circuit
15–20 Days LongHaul

Colorado Plateau Scenic Circuit

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Monument Valley & Canyonlands vistas

Route

Houston Flagstaff Monument Valley Canyonlands NP Moab Houston

Driving stats

1949 km 18.1 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 95

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Desert NationalParks ScenicByway
Route map from Houston to Southern Civil Rights Trail
15–20 Days LongHaul

Southern Civil Rights Trail

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Montgomery, Selma & Atlanta legacy

Route

Houston Jackson Birmingham Montgomery Atlanta Selma

Driving stats

2100 km 23 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 94

Best months

Mar Apr Sep Oct

Themes

History Culture Cities
Route map from Houston to Pacific Southwest Crown (Grand Canyon, Vegas, Death Valley, Joshua Tree)
15–20 Days LongHaul

Pacific Southwest Crown (Grand Canyon, Vegas, Death Valley, Joshua Tree)

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Rim views, neon nights & desert parks

Route

Houston Tucson Grand Canyon NP Las Vegas Death Valley NP Joshua Tree NP San Diego Houston

Driving stats

2366 km 21.3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 93

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Desert NationalParks Cities
Route map from Houston to Grand Canyon North Rim
15–20 Days LongHaul

Grand Canyon North Rim

Arizona
View on map

Highlights

Quiet rim vistas along AZ-67

Route

Houston El Paso Flagstaff Page Grand Canyon North Rim

Driving stats

2100 km 22.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 92

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Canyons ScenicByway Hikes
Route map from Houston to Appalachian Foothills Scenic Drive
15–20 Days LongHaul

Appalachian Foothills Scenic Drive

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Blue Ridge foothills & waterfalls

Route

Houston Birmingham Chattanooga Asheville Roanoke

Driving stats

2100 km 23 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NE Score 91

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Mountains Forests Scenic
Route map from Houston to Death Valley National Park
15–20 Days LongHaul

Death Valley National Park

California
View on map

Highlights

Badwater Basin & Artist’s Drive

Route

Houston Tucson Phoenix Las Vegas Death Valley National Park

Driving stats

2524 km 23 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 90

Best months

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Themes

Desert Extreme Photography
Route map from Houston to Arizona–Utah Mighty Five Grand Loop
20–30 Days LongHaul

Arizona–Utah Mighty Five Grand Loop

Utah
View on map

Highlights

Zion, Bryce, Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands

Route

Houston Tucson Page Zion NP Bryce Canyon NP Capitol Reef NP Arches NP Canyonlands NP Moab Houston

Driving stats

2377 km 22.4 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 97

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

NationalParks Desert Hikes
Route map from Houston to Glacier National Park
20–30 Days LongHaul

Glacier National Park

Montana
View on map

Highlights

Going-to-the-Sun Road

Route

Houston Denver Billings Kalispell Glacier National Park

Driving stats

3099 km 28.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 96

Best months

Jul Aug Sep

Themes

Glaciers Mountains Wildlife
Route map from Houston to California Sierra Circuit (Yosemite & Sequoia)
20–30 Days LongHaul

California Sierra Circuit (Yosemite & Sequoia)

California
View on map

Highlights

Yosemite granite & giant sequoias

Route

Houston Tucson Los Angeles Yosemite NP Sequoia NP Bakersfield Las Vegas

Driving stats

2987 km 27.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 96

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Mountains NationalParks GiantTrees
Route map from Houston to Great Smoky Mountains to Blue Ridge Parkway
20–30 Days LongHaul

Great Smoky Mountains to Blue Ridge Parkway

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Cades Cove & Blue Ridge vistas

Route

Houston Knoxville Gatlinburg Blue Ridge Parkway Roanoke

Driving stats

1826 km 16.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NE Score 96

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

NationalParks Mountains Foliage
Route map from Houston to Pacific Coast Highway (LA to SF)
20–30 Days LongHaul

Pacific Coast Highway (LA to SF)

California
View on map

Highlights

Big Sur cliffs & classic PCH towns

Route

Houston El Paso San Diego Los Angeles Santa Barbara Monterey San Francisco

Driving stats

2516 km 22.5 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 95

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Coast ScenicByway Cities
Route map from Houston to Music Road Trip (Blues → Country)
20–30 Days LongHaul

Music Road Trip (Blues → Country)

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Blues roots & Nashville country

Route

Houston Memphis Nashville Knoxville Atlanta New Orleans Houston

Driving stats

2600 km 27 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NE Score 95

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Music Culture Cities
Route map from Houston to California Big Icons (SF, Yosemite, Sequoia, LA)
20–30 Days LongHaul

California Big Icons (SF, Yosemite, Sequoia, LA)

California
View on map

Highlights

SF bay, Yosemite granite, giant sequoias

Route

Houston San Diego Los Angeles Sequoia NP Yosemite NP San Francisco

Driving stats

3102 km 28 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 95

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Cities Mountains GiantTrees
Route map from Houston to Route 66 Full (Texas to California)
20–30 Days LongHaul

Route 66 Full (Texas to California)

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Classic diners, motels & museums

Route

Houston Amarillo Albuquerque Flagstaff Barstow Santa Monica

Driving stats

943 km 8.6 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 94

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Route66 Neon History
Route map from Houston to Great Lakes Sampler (Chicago–Michigan Coast)
20–30 Days LongHaul

Great Lakes Sampler (Chicago–Michigan Coast)

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Lake Michigan lighthouses & dunes

Route

Houston Memphis St. Louis Chicago Saugatuck Traverse City Mackinac

Driving stats

1745 km 16.3 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NE Score 90

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Lakes Beaches SmallTowns
Route map from Houston to Deep South Grand Loop
30–45 Days LongHaul

Deep South Grand Loop

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Charleston, Savannah & southern heritage

Route

Houston New Orleans Mobile Atlanta Charleston Savannah Montgomery Houston

Driving stats

3300 km 35 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 97

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Culture History Scenic
Route map from Houston to Pacific Coast Highway End-to-End (San Diego → Seattle)
30–45 Days LongHaul

Pacific Coast Highway End-to-End (San Diego → Seattle)

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Entire PCH & US-101 coastline

Route

Houston San Diego Los Angeles Big Sur San Francisco Redwoods Oregon Coast Seattle

Driving stats

3743 km 34.2 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 96

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Coast ScenicByway Cities
Route map from Houston to Cascades & Volcanoes Loop
30–45 Days LongHaul

Cascades & Volcanoes Loop

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Crater Lake, Mt. Rainier & Mt. St. Helens

Route

Houston Albuquerque Salt Lake City Boise Crater Lake Bend Portland Mt. St. Helens Mt. Rainier Seattle Houston

Driving stats

6800 km 70 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 94

Best months

Jun Jul Aug Sep

Themes

Mountains Lakes Forests
Route map from Houston to Great Lakes Grand Circuit
30–45 Days LongHaul

Great Lakes Grand Circuit

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Michigan coast, Door County & Mackinac

Route

Houston Memphis Chicago Door County Mackinac Island Traverse City Cleveland Houston

Driving stats

5200 km 54 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NE Score 92

Best months

Jun Jul Aug Sep

Themes

Lakes Beaches SmallTowns
Route map from Houston to Atlantic to New England Epic
31–45 Days LongHaul

Atlantic to New England Epic

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

DC → NYC → Boston → Acadia

Route

Houston Great Smoky Mountains Washington D.C. New York City Boston Acadia National Park Houston

Driving stats

3165 km 29.7 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NE Score 91

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

Cities History Coast
Route map from Houston to National Parks of the West Epic
45–60 Days LongHaul

National Parks of the West Epic

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Grand Circle + Sierras + Moab + Mesa Verde

Route

Houston Santa Fe Grand Canyon Page Zion Bryce Capitol Reef Arches Canyonlands Yosemite Sequoia Death Valley Las Vegas Moab Mesa Verde Houston

Driving stats

7800 km 84 hrs

Trip profile

Direction W Score 98

Best months

May Jun Sep Oct

Themes

NationalParks Desert Mountains
Route map from Houston to Southern Heritage Epic
45–60 Days LongHaul

Southern Heritage Epic

Multiple
View on map

Highlights

Deep South cities & Appalachian culture

Route

Houston New Orleans Atlanta Nashville Charleston Savannah Asheville Houston

Driving stats

3900 km 42 hrs

Trip profile

Direction E Score 98

Best months

Apr May Sep Oct

Themes

Epic History Music
Route map from Houston to Pacific Northwest Grand Loop
45–60 Days LongHaul

Pacific Northwest Grand Loop

Multiple (US/Canada)
View on map

Highlights

Seattle, Oregon Coast, Crater Lake, Redwoods

Route

Houston Denver Yellowstone Glacier NP Seattle Portland Oregon Coast Crater Lake Redwoods Houston

Driving stats

9000 km 95 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 96

Best months

Jun Jul Aug Sep

Themes

Coasts Forests Mountains
Route map from Houston to Pan‑US Mega Loop (USA & Canada)
60+ Days LongHaul

Pan‑US Mega Loop (USA & Canada)

Multiple (US/Canada)
View on map

Highlights

East Coast → New England → Rockies → West → Gulf

Route

Houston Atlanta Washington D.C. New York City Boston Acadia NP Toronto Detroit Chicago Denver San Francisco Los Angeles Grand Canyon Las Vegas New Orleans Houston

Driving stats

13000 km 140 hrs

Trip profile

Direction Multi Score 99

Best months

May Jun Sep

Themes

Epic Cities NationalParks
Route map from Houston to Alaska Highway Expedition
60+ Days Extreme

Alaska Highway Expedition

Multiple (US/Canada)
View on map

Highlights

ALCAN via Dawson Creek → Yukon → Alaska

Route

Houston Denver Billings Edmonton Dawson Creek Whitehorse Fairbanks Anchorage Prince George Spokane Denver Houston

Driving stats

4725 km 45.8 hrs

Trip profile

Direction NW Score 99

Best months

Jun Jul Aug

Themes

Expedition Wildlife ScenicByway