Road Trips from Cactus, TX
Cactus, TX, offers a straightforward starting point for drives across the state. You've got options ranging from quick, ~4-hour trips on mostly flat terrain to longer, ~10-hour hauls with more varied landscapes. Several routes include nearby national parks or monuments, making it easy to add significant natural or historical stops. Consider Cactus if you're looking for accessible drives with built-in points of interest, whether you want a single-day excursion or a multi-day adventure.
Total Routes
8
Shortest
3.7h
With Parks Nearby
8
Full-day getaway
Weekend trip
Houston, TX
5h 33m320.8 mi one way
At 5.6 hours and 320.8 miles, this trip presents a mixed route of highway and surface roads. It scores a perfect 10 for drive score. Notably, this route offers access to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, adding a significant historical element to your drive.
Arlington, TX
7h 9m403.3 mi one way
This 7.2-hour drive spans 403.3 miles and primarily uses surface roads. It boasts a high drive score of 9 and includes access to Waco Mammoth National Monument and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The terrain is mostly flat, making it a consistent ride.
Dallas, TX
7h399.9 mi one way
At 399.9 miles and 7 hours, this drive uses mostly surface roads. It has a drive score of 9 but does not list any specific parks nearby. This option is a solid choice if you prioritize a direct route to the Dallas area without the inclusion of park stops.
Fort Worth, TX
6h 51m391 mi one way
Covering 391 miles and taking 6.9 hours, this route uses mostly surface roads with a drive score of 9. Similar to the Arlington pick, it provides access to Waco Mammoth National Monument and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The terrain remains mostly flat.
Plano, TX
7h 23m418.7 mi one way
This is the longest day trip at 7.4 hours and 418.7 miles, utilizing mostly surface roads. It maintains a strong drive score of 9 and offers proximity to Waco Mammoth National Monument and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The drive is on mostly flat terrain.
Long-haul ideas
El Paso, TX
10h 28m588.6 mi one way
This 10.5-hour, 588.6-mile journey is a true long-haul drive with a high drive score of 9. It's recommended for an overnight stay and features hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes. You'll have access to Amistad National Recreation Area and Chamizal National Memorial.
Lubbock, TX
8h 49m506.7 mi one way
This 8.8-hour, 506.7-mile drive is also a long-haul option with a drive score of 9. It requires an overnight stay and includes access to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and Lyndon B Johnson National Historical Park. The terrain consists of hilly areas with moderate elevation changes.
Browse by Mood
Houston, TX
5h 33m320.8 mi one way
Arlington, TX
7h 9m403.3 mi one way
Dallas, TX
7h399.9 mi one way
Fort Worth, TX
6h 51m391 mi one way
Houston, TX
5h 33m320.8 mi one way
Arlington, TX
7h 9m403.3 mi one way
Dallas, TX
7h399.9 mi one way
Fort Worth, TX
6h 51m391 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers mild temperatures for drives, potentially making the hilly terrain on longer routes more comfortable for exploring nearby parks like Amistad National Recreation Area.
Summer
Summer heat is a factor; consider routes with mixed highway and surface roads for better airflow, or plan longer drives for cooler morning or evening hours.
Fall
Fall's cooler weather is ideal for the longer drives, especially those with hilly terrain and park access like El Paso or Lubbock.
Winter
Winter drives can be pleasant, particularly for the shorter routes on flat terrain, though longer journeys might encounter colder conditions.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Cactus, TX city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.