10 Scenic Drives In Texas You Need To Experience In 2026
Planning a road trip based on scenery takes more intention than just throwing a few bags in the trunk-it requires mapping the perfect escape.
I learned this the hard way when a spontaneous drive across the plains ended in boredom and regret. So, let’s be intentional about 2026.
Texas is a world unto itself, a place where pine forests meet desert mountains and metropolitan skylines vanish into untouched prairies.
To truly grasp the state’s geographical contradictions requires a curated map. We’ve done the scouting and compiled the ultimate list: ten scenic drives, each offering a drastically different visual experience.
These are the routes that challenge the stereotype of the dusty plains and promise the perfect blend of freedom, discovery, and stunning photo ops for your future self.
1. Highway 16 (Hill Country, Kerrville To Medina)
Rolling through the heart of Texas Hill Country, Highway 16 connects Kerrville to Medina with scenery that feels straight out of a Western postcard.
Limestone cliffs rise on either side while the road dips and curves through valleys dotted with juniper and oak trees.
Ranch gates line the route, hinting at the sprawling properties hidden beyond.
Spring transforms this drive into a wildflower wonderland, with bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush creating colorful carpets along the roadside.
Deer often graze near the shoulder, so keep your eyes peeled and your speed reasonable.
Small towns like Bandera offer quick stops for local charm and homemade pie.
The entire stretch runs roughly 30 miles, making it perfect for a leisurely afternoon cruise.
Pack a camera and plenty of patience because you will want to pull over at every scenic overlook.
This route captures the essence of Texas Hill Country without the tourist crowds found on more famous roads.
2. Ranch To Market Road 337 (Twisted Sisters Loop)
Motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts consider Ranch to Market Road 337 the ultimate thrill ride in Texas.
Known affectionately as part of the Twisted Sisters, this route delivers over 100 curves in just 30 miles.
Sharp switchbacks and elevation changes keep drivers fully engaged, while the surrounding Hill Country provides a stunning backdrop.
Located between Leakey and Medina, FM 337 runs through Vanderpool, where a quick stop at the local general store is practically mandatory.
The road climbs and descends through canyons, offering glimpses of the Frio River below.
On a sunny Saturday last spring, I watched a parade of motorcycles tackle these curves with precision and joy.
Their engines echoed off the canyon walls like a mechanical symphony.
This drive demands respect and focus, especially on weekends when traffic increases.
But for those who love the art of driving, FM 337 delivers an experience that rivals any famous mountain pass in the country.
3. Willow City Loop (Near Fredericksburg)
Few drives in Texas can match the springtime spectacle of Willow City Loop.
This 13-mile route near Fredericksburg becomes a pilgrimage site every March and April when wildflowers blanket the hillsides.
Bluebonnets dominate the landscape, joined by Indian paintbrush, primrose, and phlox in a riot of color.
The narrow road winds through working ranches, so respect private property and stick to designated pullouts for photos.
Old barns and rustic fences add character to an already picture-perfect scene.
Traffic can get heavy during peak bloom, especially on weekends, so consider visiting on a weekday morning for a more peaceful experience.
The loop connects back to Highway 16, making it easy to combine with other Hill Country routes.
Even outside wildflower season, Willow City Loop offers quiet beauty and a glimpse into rural Texas life.
Bring snacks, water, and a full tank of gas since services are limited along this remote stretch of road.
4. Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive (Big Bend National Park)
Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive showcases Big Bend National Park at its most dramatic and otherworldly.
This 30-mile paved road runs from park headquarters to the Rio Grande, passing through ancient volcanic landscapes and desert vistas that look like something from another planet.
Towering rock formations change color throughout the day as sunlight shifts across their surfaces.
Multiple pullouts and short hiking trails allow visitors to explore unique geological features up close.
The Mule Ears Viewpoint offers one of the park’s most iconic photo opportunities, with twin rock spires jutting skyward from the desert floor.
The drive ends at Santa Elena Canyon, where limestone cliffs rise 1,500 feet above the river.
A short trail leads into the canyon itself, providing a cool respite from the desert heat.
Plan for at least half a day to properly experience this route.
Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure because cell service is nonexistent and the nearest town sits hours away.
5. FM 170 (River Road, Near Presidio)
Often called the most beautiful drive in Texas, FM 170 hugs the Rio Grande for 50 stunning miles.
Starting near Presidio and running toward Lajitas, this route threads between the river and towering canyon walls.
The Chihuahuan Desert landscape feels both harsh and beautiful, with rugged mountains rising in every direction.
Colorado Canyon provides one of the most dramatic sections, where the road twists through narrow passages with cliffs soaring overhead.
Pullouts offer chances to photograph the river below and Mexico on the opposite bank.
Small communities like Redford dot the route, offering glimpses into border life that few tourists ever see.
The road surface remains excellent despite the remote location, though services are extremely limited.
I once stopped at a roadside overlook here and sat in complete silence for twenty minutes, watching hawks circle above the canyon.
That kind of solitude is increasingly rare in our busy world.
This drive requires time and preparation, but rewards travelers with scenery found nowhere else in Texas.
6. Loop 360 (Austin, Pennybacker Bridge)
Loop 360 offers urban sophistication mixed with natural beauty on Austin’s western edge.
The highlight is undoubtedly Pennybacker Bridge, an architectural marvel that arches gracefully over Lake Austin.
The overlook above the bridge provides one of the most photographed views in the entire city.
Running along the edge of the Hill Country, this highway climbs through neighborhoods and parks while offering glimpses of downtown Austin in the distance.
Live oak trees frame the road, and limestone outcroppings peek through the greenery.
Traffic can be challenging during rush hours, so plan your drive for mid-morning or late afternoon.
The 360 Overlook Park sits just south of the bridge and features hiking trails with panoramic views.
Unlike remote drives in West Texas, Loop 360 provides easy access to restaurants, coffee shops, and amenities.
You can experience natural beauty without sacrificing modern conveniences.
Sunset drives along this route are particularly magical, with golden light washing over the hills and reflecting off the lake below.
7. Texas Swiss Alps Scenic Drive (Bandera To Concan)
Bandera to Concan via Lost Maples creates a loop that locals call the Texas Swiss Alps.
While the comparison to Switzerland might be generous, the rolling hills and winding roads do offer unexpected beauty.
This route combines several farm-to-market roads through some of the Hill Country’s most remote sections.
Lost Maples State Natural Area serves as the crown jewel, especially during fall when bigtooth maples turn brilliant shades of red and gold.
The park sits roughly halfway through the loop and makes an excellent stopping point for hiking and picnicking.
Small towns like Utopia and Vanderpool provide old-fashioned charm and local flavor. The roads themselves feature gentle curves and elevation changes that make driving a pleasure rather than a chore.
My family discovered this route by accident years ago while searching for a shortcut.
We ended up taking the long way home on purpose, stopping at every scenic overlook and enjoying the peaceful countryside.
Plan for a full day to complete the entire loop without rushing through its best sections.
8. Devil’s Backbone Scenic Loop (Near Wimberley)
Devil’s Backbone runs along a narrow ridge between Wimberley and Blanco, offering views that stretch for miles.
The road follows the spine of a geological formation, with valleys dropping away on both sides.
On clear days, you can see layer after layer of hills fading into the distance like waves on a blue-green ocean.
Ranch Road 32 and Ranch Road 12 form the main sections of this route, with several overlooks marked for easy stopping.
Spring wildflowers add color to the hillsides, while fall brings cooler temperatures perfect for top-down driving.
Wimberley itself deserves exploration, with local shops, galleries, and swimming holes along Cypress Creek.
The town maintains a relaxed, artistic vibe that contrasts nicely with the wide-open spaces along the Backbone.
Weekend traffic can slow things down, but the views remain spectacular regardless of how many other people are enjoying them.
This drive proves that you do not need to travel to remote corners of Texas to find stunning scenery.
9. Extended Twisted Sisters Loop (FM 337, FM 336, FM 335)
Combining three legendary Hill Country roads creates the ultimate driving challenge in Texas.
FM 337, FM 336, and FM 335 form a triangle of twisting pavement that motorcycle clubs and driving enthusiasts travel from across the country to experience.
Each road brings its own character and challenges, from tight switchbacks to sweeping curves.
The full loop covers roughly 100 miles and passes through tiny communities like Leakey, Medina, and Camp Wood.
Services remain limited, so fuel up before starting and carry water and snacks.
These roads demand full attention and respect for both the pavement and other drivers.
Scenic overlooks provide safe spots to pull over and admire the canyon views without blocking traffic.
Last summer, I watched a group of vintage sports cars tackle this loop with obvious joy.
Their drivers grinned like kids on Christmas morning at every stop, swapping stories about their favorite sections.
This extended loop represents the pinnacle of Texas driving experiences, combining technical challenge with natural beauty in equal measure.
10. Highway 35 To South Padre (Gulf Coast Route)
Highway 35 traces the Texas coastline from Houston to the Mexican border, with the final stretch to South Padre Island offering pure coastal magic.
Marshlands and bays flank the highway, teeming with birds and marine life. Herons, pelicans, and roseate spoonbills make regular appearances, turning the drive into an impromptu wildlife safari.
The Queen Isabella Causeway provides the grand finale, a soaring bridge that crosses Laguna Madre Bay to reach South Padre Island.
Views from the bridge span miles of sparkling water in every direction.
Small fishing villages like Port Isabel maintain their working waterfront character despite nearby tourist development.
Fresh seafood restaurants line the route, serving catches that were swimming just hours earlier.
Beach access points appear frequently along South Padre, allowing for spontaneous stops to dip your toes in the Gulf.
The flat, straight road makes for easy driving, letting you focus on the coastal scenery rather than challenging curves.
This drive captures a completely different side of Texas from the mountain routes, proving the state’s remarkable diversity.