Driving from Houston to Del Rio is a great way to see some of the most beautiful areas of Texas, as well as some of its most interesting attractions. The high point of the trip will surely be San Antonio because of all the wonderful sites and parks you can visit in the vicinity. However, there are some wonderful national historical parks, state parks, and tourist attractions along other parts of the route, too. If you are traveling by RV, there are great campgrounds to stop at overnight. Take your time on this road trip so you can enjoy all the fun along the way.
Two national historical parks are very close to the Houston to Del Rio road trip route, and there is a spectacular national park not too far from the end of the route. If you enjoy nature, you should not miss these beautiful national parks.
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
As you pass through San Antonio, consider stopping at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of four Spanish colonial missions, all built in the 1700s, that are located along the River Walk in San Antonio. You can either walk along the River Walk between the missions or drive from one to another. Mission Concepción is the oldest unrestored stone church in the United States. Mission San José, the largest of the missions, has a beautiful rose window that is not to be missed.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park is an hour and 20 minutes north of your route, but it is worth a visit. Within the park, you will see the birthplace, home, ranch, and final resting place of President Lyndon B. Johnson. You can also tour the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm, which has been restored to the way it was during the World War I era. Rangers in period clothing work on the farm and can answer any questions you may have about agriculture during that period.
Big Bend National Park
Once you reach Del Rio, consider extending your trip another 4.5 hours to visit Big Bend National Park. The extra drive will be worth it to see the spectacular and unusual landscape. You can hike in the desert or the mountains, take a scenic drive, explore the beautiful Santa Elena Canyon, and camp in the park. Wildlife includes many species of birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians, insects, and fish.
Texas has many beautiful state parks. Consider stopping at some of them on your Houston to Del Rio road trip.
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Stephen F. Austin State Park, on the banks of the Brazos River, is a great place to stop and to take a break along your drive. It is only 7 miles north of I-10, so visiting it won't take you far out of your way. Enjoy the trails along the river bank and through the swamp. Fish in the river, or play basketball or volleyball on the courts in the park.
Palmetto State Park
Palmetto State Park is only 5 miles from I-10, and it is worthwhile to take the time to see the park. Unlike the surrounding area, inside the park you'll feel like you are in the tropics. The park is named for the dwarf palmettos that grow there. There is a good chance of seeing some interesting wildlife, such as armadillos, raccoons, deer, and a variety of birds.
Lockhart State Park
Lockhart State Park is about 20 miles north of I-10 near Lockhart. If you love to golf, this park has a nine-hole golf course for you to enjoy. Or, you could spend the night in the campground to break up your Houston to Del Rio RV road trip. Relax and spend some time in nature by hiking, biking, swimming, or fishing in the park.
Painted Churches Tour
Schulenburg is just south of I-10, so take a break here and enjoy the Painted Churches Tour. This part of Texas was settled by Czech and German immigrants, and they built some very beautiful churches in the surrounding area. The outside of the churches may look nondescript, but inside they are gorgeous, featuring hand-painted murals and stained-glass windows. The churches are located in the nearby towns of Praha, High Hill, Dubina, and Ammannsville, and you can tour them any time except Sundays and church holidays.
The Alamo
Since you will be passing through San Antonio, be sure to visit the Alamo, an important spot for Texans and a lesson in history for everyone. The Alamo was the first Spanish mission in San Antonio, but today it is better known for the battle that happened there between Texas residents and Mexican troops during the Texas Revolution. You will be able to go on a battlefield outing, tour the church, visit the museum, or watch a live reenactment of the battle.
San Antonio River Walk
If you are already in San Antonio exploring other attractions, be sure to take a walk on the River Walk along the San Antonio River. Attractions along the walk include the Alamo, the San Antonio Missions, the San Antonio Museum of Art, and the King William Historic District. There are many shops and restaurants to visit as well. You can even take a guided tour on a river barge. A few blocks west of the River Walk, El Mercado, the largest Mexican market in the United States, is worth the short detour. The market plaza spans three blocks and includes 32 specialty shops and restaurants.
Aviation Museum
The Aviation Museum at Garner Field in Uvalde is a good place to stretch your legs and to learn a little bit about aviation history. The museum covers both military and civil aviation history. It has several restored and working examples of early aircraft on display.
Val Verde Winery
To celebrate the end of your road trip from Houston to Del Rio, visit the Val Verde Winery on the outskirts of town. It is the oldest continuously operating winery in Texas. It is open every day except Monday for complimentary tours and wine tastings.
Schulenburg, Texas
Schulenburg is known for its German culture. If you decide to stop here, you can visit the Texas Polka Music Museum, see the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum, or tour the interiors of some beautiful churches on the Painted Churches Tour. There are campgrounds and restaurants nearby, too, in case you want to spend the night in Schulenburg.
Seguin, Texas
If your kids need to blow off some steam, take them to ZDT's Amusement Park in Seguin. It features several rides, go-karts, a splash zone, a rock climbing wall, and a play area. Adults may want to visit Seguin Brewing Company or Blue Lotus Winery instead. There is also an interesting historic district downtown. It is a great place to walk and shop on a sunny day.
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is a good city to spend some time in because it has so many attractions to offer. Visit the San Antonio Missions, take a walk on the River Walk, see the Alamo, visit the zoo, or spend some time in Legoland. San Antonio is also a good place to camp overnight or to find a dump station.
Hondo, Texas
In Hondo, you can enjoy family fun at the Graff 7A Ranch. Attractions at the ranch include a 7-acre maze, a pumpkin patch, farm animals, hayrides, a barrel train, and a slide mountain. Afterward, stop to eat at one of Hondo's restaurants, such as a barbecue place or a steakhouse.
Uvalde, Texas
If you stop in Uvalde, you can catch a show at the historic Uvalde Grand Opera House, built in 1891. Musicals, comedies, and plays are performed there today. Visit the Briscoe-Garner Museum to learn about important people in Texas history, or see the Aviation Museum at Garner Field.
When you follow this road trip itinerary from Houston to Del Rio, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Houston or Del Rio.
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