Road trips are captivating travelers, and Texas offers diverse scenic routes and unique experiences that GenZ, GenX, Millennials, and Boomers can all get excited about.

The Rise of Road Trips

Recent trends indicate a growing preference for road travel, driven by the desire for cost-effective vacations and the freedom of the open road. This shift is further fueled by economic factors such as inflation, prompting travelers to seek destinations closer to home. 

With over 79,000 miles of roads and highways, Texas is calling…

Texas is steeped in history, with over 16,000 historical markers scattered across its 254 counties. As Roadtrippers seek a “quiet life” with their sense of adventure, this is where travelers will find themselves in late 2024.

Brenham

Trending for #icecream and #arts, Brenham is home to Blue Bell Ice Cream. The historic downtown offers vibrant shops and an art scene. It is located between Austin and Houston and is the under-the-radar place to stay during Round Top. Art lovers and history buffs will enjoy the Ant Street Inn’s collection of 1900 antiques, stained glass, artwork, and furnishings.  

Where to Stay: Ant Street Inn | Main Street House 

Alvin

Trending with the #quietlife vibe, this easy-drive destination, 20 minutes from Houston, provides a rural escape to recharge and reset. Alvin boasts great casual restaurants and a farm stay where you can feed a mini-horse. Travelers love Froberg’s Farm to pick flowers and berries during the season and enjoy the festivals year-round. 

Where to Stay: HarBet Lodge 

Wimberley

Trending for #nature, Wimberley is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming holes like Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well or discover hiking, tubing, and fishing. The town is filled with the best quaint shops, restaurants, and year-round events, all without the crowds – quickly becoming the “where to go now” spot of Texas Hill Country. 

Where to Stay: Creekhaven Inn & Spa | Inn at Sunset Mill Ranch 

Jefferson 

Trending for #ghosts (perfect for Halloween), Jefferson is rich in history and legends. The quaint town has numerous historical markers and museums and offers ghost tours and a glimpse into Texas’s past – making it an intriguing stop for history buffs. White Oak Manor allows travelers to walk the town. For outdoor recreation, visit Caddo Lake and the Big Cypress Bayou.

Where to Stay: White Oak Manor Bed and Breakfast

Fort Worth

Trending for #fun and #foodie, travelers seek the city/cowboy allure of Fort Worth. See the world’s only daily cattle drive and visit the “Southside,” the “it” spot of family-owned restaurants, bars, and small shops. The Fairmount-Southside Historic District represents one of the nation’s richest collections of turn-of-the-century housing (stay in a local historic B&B), showcasing Fort Worth’s architectural heritage. 

Where to Stay: Rosen House Inn

Lubbock 

Trending for #football and #stargazing, this West Texas destination is often overlooked. Travelers seeking a burgeoning wine experience or a Texas Tech football game should stay at the B&B with the pool, where the innkeepers make their own wine! Try the BBQ, visit the Buddy Holly Center, and explore Mackenzie Park, home to Prairie Dog Town.

Where to Stay: Woodrow House  

Mineral Wells

Trending for #wellness, the area is a place to recharge and discover one of the best breakfasts in Texas at Magpie Inn.  Mineral Wells was once celebrated as “America’s Great Health Resort,” famous for its mineral waters, which visitors can sample at the Famous Mineral Water Company. Visit for shopping in the boutiques and art galleries and discover authentic Texas chicken fried steak. 

Where to Stay: Magpie Inn 

Sanford

Trending for #stargazing, you can truly visit Amarillo by morning. For those seeking a getaway from Dallas, take a scenic and rural drive and let the big Texas skies shine on you at night. Enjoy leisurely strolls and charming eateries. Take in the scenic beauty of Sanford. Stay on a 43-acre sanctuary with a private, stocked spring-fed pond nestled amongst wildflowers, rolling hills, and red rock canyons.

Where to Stay: Three Falls Cove

Visit the Texas Bed and Breakfast Association for your next road trip.

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Cover photo Jackson Baird.