The saying “everything is bigger in Texas” is certainly true. For people outside the U.S, this state is often underestimated in its size. It is bigger than the entire country of France and is absolutely full of everything from nature, history, and culture. Texas is what many people think of when they imagine American stereotypes, but the sheer size of this place as well as it’s location in the country makes it a great option for road tripping. No matter what direction you head to there is something amazing to see in this beautiful part of the United States. Check out some of these top road trips from Texas, USA.
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1. New Orleans, LA
New Orleans is one of the most iconic cities in the United States. Anyone who knows anything about New Orleans knows that it has a thriving nightlife and is definitely a party kind of town. Originally settled by the French in the 1700s, they brought their culture to the city and it can still be seen here to this day. This place is world-renowned for its music scene, food scene and, of course, Mardi Gras. It is one of the most visited places in the country so why not head here yourself and explore the French Quarter, eat delicious food, and maybe have a drink or two.
2. Oklahoma City, OK
Just north of Texas is the state of Oklahoma. The capital city of the state, Oklahoma City, is a great option for a road trip outside of Texas. The city was founded as part of the westward expansion in the U.S in the 1880s, with the concept of the “frontier” still being part of the culture. This is a great place for people who want to experience outdoor activities while still being close to urban life. Head to Oklahoma City Botanical Gardens or the walking trails around Lake Hefner just north of downtown - these areas offer some amazing sights while still feeling remote.
3. Baton Rouge, LA
Louisiana is much more than just New Orleans. Baton Rouge is one of the state’s biggest cities and like New Orleans, this place was founded by the French in 1696, when French explorers were traveling down the Mississippi and spotted a red stick marking native boundaries. Baton Rouge, means “red stick” in French, and thus the city got its name. This is a college town with great nightlife and a vibrant arts scene, and it also hosts its own Mardi Gras. There are tons of yearly festivals to check out, like the Blues Festival and Bayou Country Superfest.
4. Hot Springs, AR
Known as “America’s First Resort”, Hot Springs is not too far from Dallas and is a great place for those looking to relax a little. This is a resort city, and for centuries, people have believed in the natural healing properties of the hot springs here - there are even native myths and legends about them. This destination is also home to quite a few old buildings and places, including Prohibition-era speakeasies and historic hotels.
5. Roswell, NM
Located directly west of Texas is the state of New Mexico. Perhaps most famously known for the Rosewell UFO incident in the 1940s, the city of Roswell boasts this famous extraterrestrial event. Allegedly, a UFO crashed close to the city about 75 miles (121 km) outside Roswell and the debris recovery has been shrouded in secrecy ever since. This place is home to the International UFO Museum, but if you’re not interested in aliens, there are plenty of beautiful outdoor scenery and hiking opportunities, as well as some historic architecture to admire here.
6. Tulsa, OK
As the second-largest city in Oklahoma, Tulsa is located in a beautiful area of the country on the Arkansas River and on the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Tulsa is considered to be the cultural center of the state, with two museums, an opera, and a ballet. There are also many gorgeous Art Deco buildings that give the city personality. Performing arts and music is also big here, especially with country music. For the foodies out there, this is a great place with a wide variety of interesting cuisines - Lebanese barbecue and Coney Island dogs are staples here.
7. El Dorado, AR
El Dorado might be one of the newer cities in the state since it has only been around since the 1920s. The city was a part of the oil boom in the 1920s that made this place grow economically, hence being named after the fabled city of gold. Despite it being smaller, there are a lot of great live performing arts centers as well as art galleries here. This destination also hosts music festivals like MusicFest that has featured some big names like Joan Jett and Toby Keith.
8. Memphis, TN
Along the Mississippi River is one of America’s most vibrant cities: Memphis, Tennessee. The city is known for its amazing music scene, with the blues clubs on Beale Street being an iconic part of the city. This place played a major role during the civil rights movements, and the National Civil Rights Museum is an important part of the cultural makeup of the city. If you’re hungry, you’re in luck because Memphis barbecue is some of the best in the country, with barbecue competitions attracting over 100,000 people to the city every year.
9. Santa Fe, NM
The Santa Fe area has been inhabited for several thousand years by Native Americans before being founded by Spanish colonists in 1610. It is technically one of the oldest in the country, with plenty of structures still standing that are hundreds of years old. This place is full of amazing local and indigenous art, as well as several markets and galleries.
10. Kansas City, KS
Kansas City is an interesting destination, with many sites around the city being on the National Register of Historic Places. This place grew in the 1890s and during the turn of the century, but even before then, people were living here as early as the 1850s. It was inhabited mostly by missionaries and Native Americans back then. The city is filled with interesting landmarks that can easily take a whole day to discover, not to mention the museums and galleries that are also a great experience.
Visit these great places outside Texas
If there’s any state that makes a good start off point for road trips, it’s Texas. There are plenty of gorgeous and fascinating cities that are located just outside the boundaries of the state - all you have to do is pack up the car and check out them out for yourself!
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