Summer is the perfect time of year to take a road trip to various Texas locations. From museums to beaches, here is our team at Huffines Chrysler Jam Dodge Ram’s list of amazing Texas summer road trip ideas.
Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin
If you’d like to gain an in-depth knowledge of the culture and richness of Texas history, take a road trip down to Austin and make a stop at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. This diverse museum features a range of exhibitions that tell the story of Texas, including exhibits of bronze carvings found of canons from the famous La Belle shipwreck that carried settlers to the state’s southern frontier.
Wander through the galleries to view over 700 original artifacts from the near and far reaches of Texas. This museum has rotating exhibits, shows exciting films, and offers educational programs for the whole family. You can even enjoy a quick snack or lunch at the Bullock Texas State History Museum’s on-site cafe.
Location: 1800 Congress Ave. in Austin.
Distance from Lewisville: 219 miles.
Abilene’s Downtown Cultural District
Abilene sits on the western frontier of Texas and has a rich heritage of ranches, cowboys, and Western heritage. Experience the West Texas spirit and hospitality when you take a road trip to Abilene’s downtown Cultural District. In this part of Abilene, you can explore museums, unique shops, historic buildings, and dining establishments that will expose you to all West Texas has to offer.
The Cultural District is home to the Elks Art Center, the Historic Paramount Theatre, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, and more. You can also stop by Frontier Texas! Gallery, Calypso Fine Art Gallery, Cockerell Galleries and Studios, and the Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden. You won’t go hungry in downtown Abilene with restaurants offering foods ranging from good old-fashioned Texas barbecue to zesty Tex-Mex.
Before taking the trip to Abilene, bring your vehicle into our service department at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram so we can make sure it’s in top-notch condition before you take off on your adventure.
Location: Downtown Abilene.
Distance from Lewisville: 183 miles.
Galveston Island and Beaches
When the Lewisville/Dallas summer temperatures climb, pack your car with sunscreen, swimsuits, and a picnic, and head south to Galveston Island to cool off in the Gulf of Mexico’s water. Start your adventure with a visit to the Galveston Island Visitor Information Center to learn about the best beaches for swimming and sunbathing, where to pick up beach supplies, and the top-rated places to eat fresh seafood from the local waters. Beachgoers can enjoy abundant sunshine, wade and swim in the water, fish from shore, and watch for interesting shore birds.
You have 32 miles of shoreline to visit on Galveston Island, where you can surf, paddleboard, kayak, and take a guided horseback ride. After a day in the sun and water, find a restaurant serving anything from fresh seafood or Texas steaks to gluten-free pastries or handcrafted burgers. You’ll want to spend a few days in the Galveston area, and you can find accommodations ranging from charming seashore cottages to luxurious hotel rooms.
Location: Galveston Island Visitor Information Center: 2228 Mechanic St., Suite 101 in Galveston.
Distance from Lewisville: 315 miles.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park
When you’re looking for a rustic, outdoorsy adventure, take your summer road trip excursion to Palo Duro Canyon State Park. Some call this area in the Texas Panhandle the Grand Canyon of Texas, as it’s the second-largest canyon in the country. This stunning canyon is the perfect place to go hiking to get up close to the colorful canyon walls and fascinating rock formations.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park has over 30 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails that lead you into and around the canyon’s edge. During the summer months, the TEXAS Outdoor Musical runs Tuesdays through Sundays at the Pioneer Amphitheater. This musical shares stories and the struggles of early Texas settlers in an engaging way.
Stay for a few days at Palo Duro Canyon State Park camping in your own tent or one of the park’s glamping cabins equipped with air conditioning, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, comfortable beds, and an outdoor fire pit. The nearby bathhouses have flush toilets and hot showers.
Make your Palo Duro Canyon State Park visit extra special by driving a new vehicle from Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram. Our professional team can help you find the perfect car, truck, or SUV for your family vacations and road trips.
Location: Canyon, Texas.
Distance from Lewisville: 355 miles via U.S. 287 S.
Blue Hole Regional Park
Cool off in the clear waters of the spring-fed Blue Hole Regional Park in the heart of Texas Hill Country. The first thing you’ll notice when you drive up to this park is the iconic cypress trees that grow next to the swimming hole, giving the area a mysterious and distinctly southern look. The adventure-seekers in your family will get a thrill swinging on the rope swings hung from the cypress trees that let you splash into the crystal-clear water below.
Keep in mind you’ll need a reservation to swim in Blue Hole, but you can use the rest of the park’s amenities without reservations. You can buy day passes that range in rates depending on your age or resident status. If you plan on spending a significant amount of time at Blue Hole Regional Park, consider purchasing a season pass. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset from May through September.
Location: 333 Blue Hole Lane in Wimberley.
Distance from Lewisville: 275 miles via U.S. 281 N.
Are you excited to start packing and planning your Texas summer road trip after reading about these ideas our team at Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram put together for you? Which spot are you looking forward to exploring the most? If you have an idea for other road trip ideas, let us know, and we’ll share your recommendation with others interested in traveling throughout Texas.