Road Trip from Austin to Big Bend National Park

Live Music – is synonymous with Austin. While exploring the town, you’ll hear musicians playing in airports, grocery stores, clubs and nearly everywhere you go – that's why Austin is also known as “Live Music Capital of the World." The Continental Club is one of the oldest and most popular clubs in Austin.

Craft Beer & Food Scene – a top reason people visit Austin is food and drink. This foodie city is filled with eclectic restaurants featuring Tex-Mex, BBQ, vegan, and more. You will find delicious gourmet food trucks all around the city – a great way to sample local fare without spending too much. Additionally, Austin boasts tons of breweries, wineries, and distilleries.

Texas Capitol Building – take a tour of this National Historical Monument which is the largest Capitol building in the country. The Capitol is a wonderful example of Renaissance Revival architecture. The Texas Capitol Building lies in the 22-acre Capital Park, surrounded by Texas monuments. Learn about Texas' history by strolling on the Great Walk, which offers views of the Capitol Building and monuments.

Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum – is another top attraction in Austin. The museum contains historical documents and presidential papers from Lyndon B Johnson's decades in politics and government. The library also gives visitors insights into the important issues Johnson faced, like the Civil Rights Movement – and it features a replica of President Johnson’s Oval Office.

Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail – named after President Lyndon B. Johnson’s wife, Lady Bird, this park contains a lake and a ten-mile scenic trail along the Colorado River that is great for biking, hiking, and running. The 464-acre lake is good for non-motorized boating and paddling. Swimming is not allowed.

Barton Creek Greenbelt – this 809-acre park with trails, swimming holes, and rock climbing is a great way to spend time outdoors.

The University of Texas at Austin – tour the state’s premier public university. The main campus is 431-acres in the heart of the city. Check out the Tower, the Perry-Castaneda Library which houses over seven miles of book stacks, and the Blanton Museum of Art.

Zilker Metropolitan Park – this 351-acre urban park, considered Austin’s most-loved park, includes the Zilker Botanical Gardens, the Austin Nature & Science Center, and the Umlauf Sculpture Gardens + Museum.

Bullock Texas State History Museum – this museum tells the story of Texas' history through interactive exhibits and artifacts.

The Alamo – no visit to San Antonio would be complete without a stop at The Alamo – perhaps the most well-known attraction in the state! The Alamo is where 200 Texans fought for independence for the state during the Texas Revolution. It was here that the phrase "Remember the Alamo!" was coined. You can learn about the importance of this site and its history through exhibits, tours, and a Living History area with demonstrations. This is an excellent stop for families who want a fun, educational activity.

Market Square Plaza – offers insight into the Latin culture and heritage in San Antonio. This market square includes local shops which offer authentic Mexican artifacts and goods. Additionally, you can find Mexican restaurants which have been serving locals for years. In the center of the market is an outdoor stage which often features traditional Latin music and dances.

San Antonio River Walk – this 15-mile network of scenic paths and waterways winding through the city center is the most visited attraction in San Antonio. Walk or take a river barge tour for a more in-depth dive into San Antonio's history. Top city attractions are found on either side of this waterway.

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park – this UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of four Spanish Colonial missions from the 1700s.

Downtown San Antonio – is filled with historic sites and attractions that tell San Antonio’s story. You’ll find cathedral houses, museums, art schools, theatres, public artwork, local shops, and more. Stroll downtown San Antonio to take a break and stretch after driving.

SeaWorld San Antonio – for the young and young at heart, plan a visit to SeaWorld San Antonio to see fun aquatic life plus rides, shows, and other attractions.

San Antonio Zoo – see over 750 species of animals at this wonderful zoo. The giraffe feeding experience is memorable.

San Antonio Museum of Art – SAMA is a complex of museums with art and artifacts spanning 5,000 years. SAMA is “renowned for the most comprehensive ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian art collection in the southern United States.” It also has a wonderful collection of Latin American art.

McNay Museum of Art – this small but impressive museum has wonderful collections including Impressionism and modern art.

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive – is a great way to see some of the historical and geographical features that define Big Bend National Park. This 30-mile route takes you to the Castolon Historic District, Mule Ears Peak, and the Santa Elena Canyon areas. It's a top choice for those who are short on time or those wanting to view some of the park's highlights without hiking.

Chisos Basin Visitor Center – one of two visitor centers in the park (the other is the Panther Basin) offering information on the wildlife and plants in the Chisos Mountains. There is a bookstore, restrooms, and water faucet for filling water bottles. You can also purchase river and backcountry permits here. Entrance fees can be paid at this visitor center.

Hot Springs – are a great way to relax after a day spent hiking and exploring the park. You can find them in the Hot Springs Historic District alongside rock art. The springs are reachable via a 0.5-mile trail.

Rio Grande – the Rio Grande River runs through the park and is one of its top attractions. This river acts as a natural border between Texas and Mexico. It’s accessible via the Santa Elena Canyon Trail. Rafting and kayaking are popular. There are private guided boat tours. The park has information on its website for self-guided tours.

Stargazing – this dark sky park is a great place to enjoy star gazing since it has the lowest light pollution levels of any national park in the lower 48 states. You can view the stars on a self-guided tour or attend a night sky program.

Santa Elena Canyon Trail – one of the most popular hikes in the park, this easy 1.7-mile roundtrip hike leads to the Santa Elena Canyon and has wonderful views of the canyon. When the river water is low, you can wade into the canyon, but be prepared to emerge covered in mud!