Scenic Drives in Texas
Routes
58
Avg Distance
793 mi
Avg Drive
13h 30m
Destinations
52
Texas boasts 58 scenic drives, with an average length of 793 miles and a duration of about 13.5 hours. These routes showcase a range of landscapes, from mostly flat terrain to hilly stretches with moderate elevation changes up to 3,961 feet. While EV charging can be sparse on some routes, you'll find opportunities to explore parks along the way. The drives here offer a substantial experience, with many rated an 8 out of 10 for their scenic qualities.
Fuel snapshot for this state
Regular
$3.86/gal
Diesel: $5.35/gal
Typical trip cost
$108–$247
One-way, ~793 mi avg @ 25.4 MPG
CO₂ per trip
~277 kg
ICE vehicle, one-way average
Source: US Energy Information Administration • week of 2026-06-01
Climate through the year: Texas
Texas peaks at around 98°F in Aug and cools to 63°F / 42°F in Jan. Wettest month is May at ~5 in of rain.
| Month | High °F | Low °F | Rain in | Snow in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 63 | 42 | 2.6 | — |
| Feb | 67 | 46 | 1.9 | 0.2 |
| Mar | 73 | 52 | 2.9 | — |
| Apr | 80 | 59 | 2.4 | — |
| May | 87 | 67 | 5 | — |
| Jun | 93 | 73 | 3.7 | — |
| Jul | 97 | 75 | 2 | — |
| Aug | 98 | 75 | 2.7 | — |
| Sep | 91 | 70 | 3.5 | — |
| Oct | 83 | 61 | 3.9 | — |
| Nov | 72 | 51 | 2.9 | — |
| Dec | 64 | 43 | 2.7 | — |
Source: NOAA NCEI Monthly Climate Normals, 1991–2020 reference period. Sampled at the major-airport station for TX — microclimates along specific routes can vary significantly.
Planning Tips
- Scenic routes often have fewer gas stations and services. Top off your tank before heading into mountainous or rural stretches.
- Budget extra time for scenic drives — pulling over for views, photos, and short hikes is half the point.
- Check weather conditions for mountain passes and high-elevation stretches, especially in shoulder seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Top Scenic Routes
Editor's pick
Houston, TX → Los Angeles, CA
Through: Loop 1604 North
This long-haul drive earns a high 8 drive score and reaches an elevation of 4,658 feet through its high-altitude sections, offering notable climbs. It also features park access, making it a good choice for those seeking diverse scenery on a longer trip.
Editor's pick
Converse, TX → Indianapolis, IN
Through: Fort Worth → Texarkana → Convention Center +4 more
Covering 1,159.7 miles, this route provides a consistent, mostly flat terrain experience. It's recognized with an 8 drive score and includes access to parks, suitable for drivers looking for a straightforward, enjoyable journey.
Editor's pick
Hemphill, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 287 West: Tyler
This internal Texas route spans 862.2 miles and features hilly terrain with moderate elevation changes, reaching up to 3,961 feet. It's rated an 8 for its scenic qualities and provides access to parks throughout its length.
Buna, TX → El Paso, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
El Paso, TX → Orange, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Vidor, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Port Neches, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Laureles, TX
Through: Downtown → Brownsville
El Paso, TX → Los Fresnos, TX
Through: Downtown → Brownsville
El Paso, TX → Atlanta, TX
Through: Shreveport → Winona
El Paso, TX → Diboll, TX
Through: Shreveport
El Paso, TX → Heidelberg, TX
Through: Downtown
El Paso, TX → Maud, TX
El Paso, TX → Linden, TX
Through: Shreveport → Winona
El Paso, TX → Redland, TX
Through: Shreveport
El Paso, TX → Midway South, TX
Through: Downtown
El Paso, TX → Hidalgo, TX
Through: Downtown
El Paso, TX → Mission, TX
Through: Downtown
Port Isabel, TX → Amarillo, TX
Through: Alamodome → Menard → Lubbock
El Paso, TX → Olivarez, TX
Through: Downtown
El Paso, TX → West Sharyland, TX
Through: Downtown
El Paso, TX → Alamo, TX
Through: Downtown
El Paso, TX → San Leon, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
Brownsville, TX → Amarillo, TX
Through: Alamodome → Menard → Lubbock
El Paso, TX → Ore City, TX
Through: Shreveport → Winona
El Paso, TX → Woodbranch, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Dickinson, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Conroe, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Freeport, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco +1 more
Socorro, TX → Garland, TX
El Paso, TX → Alto, TX
Through: Shreveport
Garland, TX → Horizon City, TX
El Paso, TX → Crosby, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
El Paso, TX → Friendswood, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
Anthony, TX → Houston, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
Laredo, TX → Spearman, TX
Through: Loop 1604: Somerset → Menard → Lubbock
Houston, TX → Vinton, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
El Paso, TX → Channelview, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
Houston, TX → Canutillo, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
Spearman, TX → Corpus Christi, TX
Through: Loop 289 → Sh 70 South → Sh 70 Business: Sweetwater +2 more
Gruver, TX → Corpus Christi, TX
Through: Loop 289 → Sh 70 South → Sh 70 Business: Sweetwater +2 more
El Paso, TX → Trinity, TX
Through: 71 Toll East
El Paso, TX → Tomball, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco
Amarillo, TX → Alamo, TX
Through: Loop 289 → Sh 70 South → Sh 70 Business: Sweetwater +2 more
Amarillo, TX → Alton, TX
Through: Loop 289 → Sh 70 South → Sh 70 Business: Sweetwater +2 more
Amarillo, TX → Pharr, TX
Through: Loop 289 → Sh 70 South → Sh 70 Business: Sweetwater +2 more
Amarillo, TX → Raymondville, TX
Through: Loop 289 → Sh 70 South → Sh 70 Business: Sweetwater +3 more
El Paso, TX → Markham, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco +1 more
El Paso, TX → Boling, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco +1 more
Houston, TX → Horizon City, TX
Through: Loop 1604 North
El Paso, TX → Needville, TX
Through: Loop 1604 East → Austin → Waco +1 more
Rhode Island, TX → Westway, TX
Through: Fort Worth
Laredo, TX → Pampa, TX
Through: Loop 1604: Somerset → Menard → Lubbock +2 more
El Paso, TX → Fairfield, TX
Through: Shreveport → Waxahachie
Corpus Christi, TX → Vinton, TX
Through: Alamodome
El Paso, TX → Rockport, TX
Through: Downtown → Sinton
Borger, TX → Laredo, TX
Through: Lubbock → Dumas → Pampa +6 more
El Paso, TX → Aransas Pass, TX
Through: Downtown → Sinton → Rockport