There is no better way to explore the Lone Star State than with a road trip. Ready to plan a weekend getaway? We compiled a list of the top Texas road trip ideas — from wine tasting in Brenham to water sports in Austin — to help you discover your next destination. 

Austin 

The capital of Texas is known for its beautiful setting in the Hill Country, music festivals and self-proclaimed weirdness, making it one of the best cities in the Lone Star State to visit. Whether you come into town for an event or just a weekend getaway, there are plenty of attractions to help you make the most of your trip to Austin: 

• Stroll down South Congress Avenue and explore local boutiques and eateries. 

• Swim in one of four bubbling hot springs at Barton Springs Pool. 

• Rent a kayak and other water toys at Lady Bird Lake. 

• Seek out some of Austin’s famous street art. 

Additional Austin-area attractions you should add to your must-do list are: 

• McKinney Falls State Park, home to one of the best waterfalls in Texas. 

• Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, which features several works by 20th-century sculptor Charles Umlauf. 

• Mount Bonnell, one of the best hiking trails in Austin and the perfect spot to capture the city’s skyline. 

Fredericksburg 

As one of the best-known small towns in Texas, Fredericksburg is recognized for two things: its German heritage and its vineyards. In fact, there are more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms in and around the city. Once you have found the perfect glass of wine and enjoyed some shopping on Main Street, consider making the short drive to Enchanted Rock, a 425-foot pink granite batholith that is popular among locals. You should also plan to add these attractions to your itinerary: 

• Relax and meditate in the Japanese Garden of Peace. 

• Explore Lyndon B. Johnson National Historial Park. 

• Pick peaches at a local orchard and enjoy a scoop of delicious peach ice cream. 

• Strike a deal at Trade Days, which has over 400 vendors to choose from. 

Brenham 

Located halfway between Houston and Austin, the city of Brenham offers visitors authentic Texas history, shopping in a charming downtown and more. It is also one of the best places to go in the Lone Star State for one important reason: the original Blue Bell Creameries is located here. After you finish touring Blue Bell, there is plenty more to explore in Brenham: 

• Stroll through the beautiful rose garden at the Antique Rose Emporium, which has been in business for over 30 years. 

• Shop homegrown fresh foods and homemade products at the Brenham Farmer and Artisan Market. 

• Take the bluebonnet scenic drive, an 80-mile loop from Brenham to Burton, to see the wildflowers in bloom. 

• Enjoy a glass of wine made with Texas grapes at the Pleasant Hill Winery, the oldest winery in Washington County. 

Round Top 

The charming town of Round Top is synonymous in Texas with its annual antique fair, but it is one of the best places to visit in Texas year-round. In addition to several antique stores around town, a visit to Round Top should include: 

• A slice of pie from Royer’s. 

• A walk around Henkel Square Market and Rummel Square. 

• A quick visit to nearby St. Martin’s Catholic Church, the smallest active Catholic Church in the world. 

• A glass of wine at one of the many wineries in and around Round Top. 

Arlington 

Arlington is considered part of a larger collection of cities that includes Dallas and Fort Worth. The city is a predominant location for many of Dallas’ professional sports franchises. Arlington is also home to the AT&T Stadium, where the Dallas Cowboys play. Your trip to Arlington is not complete without:  

• Touring Globe Life Park, home to the Texas Rangers Major League Baseball Franchise. 

• Learning about the history of bowling at the Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame. 

• Catching a performance at the Theater Arlington, the city’s first professional theater venue. 

• Exploring River Legacy Park and its many trails for hiking or cycling. 

Dallas 

Our road trip guide would not be complete without mentioning Dallas. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, Dallas is one of the best cities to visit in Texas and has plenty to offer visitors, from artists to history buffs. 

• Explore the Sixth Floor Museum, which chronicles the life and assassination of John F. Kennedy from a social, historical and cultural perspective. 

• Take a ride on the McKinney Avenue Trolley. 

• Enjoy dozens of free daily activities, such as table tennis, concerts and yoga, in Klyde Warren Park. 

• Shop until you drop at Highland Park Village. 

• Find natural beauty at the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden, one of the top botanical gardens in the world. 

There are plenty of Texas road trip ideas to help you explore the Lone Star State — from wine tasting at local wineries to swimming in crystal-clear waters of a natural swimming lagoon. Ready to find your dream home close to some of the country’s best travel destinations?  Explore Britton Homes’ available properties to find a beautiful home suited to your unique lifestyle.