The Lone Star State is one of the best experiences for a road trip because it’s full of great food, great sights, and great adventures. Experience a classic American road trip at these Texan stops!
Swim in the Hamilton Pool Reserve
The Gulf of Mexico isn’t the only body of water you can find in Texas! This natural spring has waterfalls, beautiful limestone, and serenity. But if you plan to stop by, come early or make a reservation. The line to the park can be upwards of 45 minutes, and reservations are required every day from January to October. You can easily make your reservations online to enjoy this breathtaking stop.
Eat in Austin
After stopping by Hamilton Pool in Austin, grab a bite to eat at one of Austin’s many cafes, restaurants, and bars. You should start at Jo’s, which is on South Congress Ave and has been a local establishment for almost 20 years. While technically a coffee shop, Jo’s also offers salads, sandwiches, brunch, and more. And if you’re lucky enough to stop by during the right time of the year, you might even catch the Pet Parade!
Some other great places to dine include Moonshine Grill, Salty Sow, and Franklin Barbeque.
See Some Uncommon Objects
Uncommon Objects started out as a “small antique collective,” but has now grown into America’s leading collection of transcendent junk. You never know what you’ll find in this quirky collection, but you may stumble upon vintage teacups, a pile of rusty horseshoes, old street signs, plenty of taxidermy, and much, much more. Uncommon Objects is born out of a passionate mission of “reflecting on the melting pot that is the American experience,” cherishing folk arts and parlor crafts from around the world, and honoring “beauty found in unexpected places.” You won’t find anything else like it, except in Texas!
Taste Some Wine in Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is home to a giant pink Enchanted Rock, Luckenbach, a renowned place to see country music, and plenty of wine tasting. Kuhlman Cellars is a boutique vineyard that has an intimate vibe, and Beckers is a nearly 50-acre vineyard with large tasting room and multiple tours. It’s easy to make your own adventure in Fredericksburg as you make your way along your Texas road trip.
Have it all in San Antonio
The next major city you have to hit on your Texas road trip is San Antonio. The city has almost everything to offer roadtrippers, including great food and great stops. Paramour is a rooftop bar located in the heart of San Antonio and is sophisticated, classy, and fun. Plus, you might even catch some San Antonio Spurs stars frequenting the spot!
Next up is breakfast! If you’re in the mood for some classics, such as french toast and pancakes, Pancake Joe’s is your spot. If you want to branch out a little more, Ocho is a really fun brunch spot in San Antonio with a cool vibe and even cooler menu choices. They offer Mexican and Cuban inspired dishes such as Cubano Con Huevo, Sweet Plantain Griddle Cakes, and Toasted Jo’s Banana Bread.
Lastly, you have to stop at the San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio. The cathedral is breathtaking in its beauty and every night, there is an artistic rendition of San Antonio’s history played on the wall of the cathedral with choreographed lights and music. Bask in the cathedral’s beauty and learn a little more about the city, all in one stop.
Road-tripping around Texas is the ultimate American adventure. There’s rooftop bars, natural springs, coffee shops, and barbeque to see along the way. Make sure to service your car beforehand to avoid any unwanted maintenance on the road, and as always – have fun!
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum.
