When you just need to get away from it all for a little while, nothing does the trick quite like a peaceful drive. Thankfully, Texas is full of plenty of coastal, mountainous, and country roads just waiting to be explored – and with how deep we are into the fall season, these routes will look even more picturesque than usual. Take these 8 roads in Texas for an unforgettable scenic drive.
- Highway 290 towards Sheffield
Flickr/matthigh On this drive, you’ll see hills transform into mesas and even small mountains right before your very eyes. The terrain starts to morph from the lush greenery of Central Texas to the dry, thorny brush of the Old West. You’ll know you’re entering into the frontier territory when you pass Fort Lancaster Historic Site, which used to boast over 25 buildings but has now been reduced to nothing but ruins.
- FM 674 from Brackettville
Flickr/matthigh Head west from Brackettville and get on the lonesome, remote FM 674, which eventually meets up with and runs parallel to the West Nueces River. You’ll follow the waterway, which alternates between areas of utter dryness and spots full of life, through the western Hill Country counties of Kinney and Edwards.
- FM 337 near Medina
Flickr/matthigh The FM 335/336/337 loop is know as the “Three Sisters,” or “Twisted Sisters” because of its sharp turns, steepness, and deep valleys. It’s a popular roadway among motorcycle enthusiasts considering this is the hilliest highway in the area. This particular stretch is located between Vanderpool and Medina, but the loop runs for nearly 100 miles.
- Highway 70 near Turkey
Flickr/kafkan Heading north from Turkey on Highway 70 will take you through far eastern parts of Palo Duro Canyon and through long stretches of hilly grasslands. You’ll feel like the last car on earth as you gaze out through your windshield at the desolate panoramic view surrounding you.
- FM 170 near Big Bend
Flickr/alex-s Driving through Big Bend gives you the best of both worlds - beautiful scenery and none of the agony that comes along with hiking in the blistering Texas heat. Seeing the majestic Chisos Mountains extending up on either side of you is a breathtaking sight you’ll never forget.
- Texas Highway 361 in Port Aransas
Flickr/mcalderon This is known as the “Lighthouse Drive,” because it ends at one of the most famous lighthouses in the state - Lydia Ann Lighthouse. It will be the only building on the horizon as you head down the highway, so timing your drive in such a way that you arrive at sunset makes for an even more unforgettable view.
- U.S. 59 near Beeville
Flickr/kenlund One place we’ve neglected to mention so far is East Texas, which actually has plenty of beautiful roads just waiting to be explored. This stretch of U.S. 59 near Beeville is lined on either side with Evergreen trees and undulates with every hill along the road.
- Highway 207 near Palo Duro Canyon
Flickr/sarowen Arguably one of the most beautiful drives in Texas, Highway 207 takes you straight through the Palo Duro Canyon. Red rocks will surround you as you wind around cliff-sides and climb canyons, and you’ll find yourself questioning whether you’re even in Texas anymore.
Have you traveled along any of these roads before? What’s your favorite road in Texas to travel for a scenic, leisurely drive? Let us know!
Flickr/matthigh
On this drive, you’ll see hills transform into mesas and even small mountains right before your very eyes. The terrain starts to morph from the lush greenery of Central Texas to the dry, thorny brush of the Old West. You’ll know you’re entering into the frontier territory when you pass Fort Lancaster Historic Site, which used to boast over 25 buildings but has now been reduced to nothing but ruins.
Head west from Brackettville and get on the lonesome, remote FM 674, which eventually meets up with and runs parallel to the West Nueces River. You’ll follow the waterway, which alternates between areas of utter dryness and spots full of life, through the western Hill Country counties of Kinney and Edwards.
The FM 335/336/337 loop is know as the “Three Sisters,” or “Twisted Sisters” because of its sharp turns, steepness, and deep valleys. It’s a popular roadway among motorcycle enthusiasts considering this is the hilliest highway in the area. This particular stretch is located between Vanderpool and Medina, but the loop runs for nearly 100 miles.
Flickr/kafkan
Heading north from Turkey on Highway 70 will take you through far eastern parts of Palo Duro Canyon and through long stretches of hilly grasslands. You’ll feel like the last car on earth as you gaze out through your windshield at the desolate panoramic view surrounding you.
Flickr/alex-s
Driving through Big Bend gives you the best of both worlds - beautiful scenery and none of the agony that comes along with hiking in the blistering Texas heat. Seeing the majestic Chisos Mountains extending up on either side of you is a breathtaking sight you’ll never forget.
Flickr/mcalderon
This is known as the “Lighthouse Drive,” because it ends at one of the most famous lighthouses in the state - Lydia Ann Lighthouse. It will be the only building on the horizon as you head down the highway, so timing your drive in such a way that you arrive at sunset makes for an even more unforgettable view.
Flickr/kenlund
One place we’ve neglected to mention so far is East Texas, which actually has plenty of beautiful roads just waiting to be explored. This stretch of U.S. 59 near Beeville is lined on either side with Evergreen trees and undulates with every hill along the road.
Flickr/sarowen
Arguably one of the most beautiful drives in Texas, Highway 207 takes you straight through the Palo Duro Canyon. Red rocks will surround you as you wind around cliff-sides and climb canyons, and you’ll find yourself questioning whether you’re even in Texas anymore.
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