Longest Highway In Texas: Highway 83 In Texas

Did you know there is a Texas highway that takes you from the U.S./Mexico border all the way up to the Oklahoma state line? U.S. Route 83 is the longest stretch of a single U.S. Highway within a single U.S. state, and it’s one of the best scenic drives in Texas. From the lush Hill Country greenery to the rugged Panhandle Plains, the longest highway in Texas showcases all the natural beauty the Lone Star State has to offer. Gas up the car and let’s cruise along Highway 83 in Texas for a fun scenic drive.

The longest highway in Texas, U.S. Route 83 is a whopping 906.5 miles long, running from the US/Mexico border in Brownsville all the way up to the Oklahoma state line near Perryton.

While the route passes through several large cities, such as Abilene, it's a primarily rural drive.

It isn't uncommon for drivers to go an hour or two without seeing another motorist...or any sign of civilization. The road is lined with abandoned buildings, their decrepit exteriors offering glimpses into a time far gone.

longest highway in texas — Beautiful scenery abounds, from the rolling Central Texas hills covered in lush greenery to the rugged Panhandle bluffs that seem to stretch infinitely up into the clouds.

The northern section of the highway intersects with historic Route 66, which leads through the heart of the charming small town of Shamrock. Pixar drew inspiration for the film "Cars," from Shamrock, and it isn't hard to see why.

Historical markers are everywhere you look, including one for the Ozark Trail in Wellington. In the 1920s - before the federal highway system was created - the Ozark Trail was a network of roads and highways, maintained by local governments, that extended from Arkansas westward.

If you have a passport, you can even cross into Mexico via U.S. Route 83! It overlaps with U.S. 77 on the Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates over the Rio Grande.

Want more scenic drives through Texas? If so, watch this YouTube video by Adapt Quest Invent.

Have you ever driven on Highway 83 in Texas? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments!

Are you searching for more adventures in the Lone Star State? Here are some things to do in Texas that we recommend.

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Scenic Drives In Texas

Melanie J. | September 08, 2023

Besides Highway 83, what are some more scenic drives in Texas?
While Highway 83 is one of the best scenic drives in Texas, here are some more scenic byways that are worth cruising.

Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive, Big Bend
Davis Mountains Scenic Loop, Davis Mountains
Rim Road, El Paso
El Camino del Rio Scenic Drive, Terlingua
Texas Swiss Alps Scenic Drive, Bandera
Willow City Loop, Fredericksburg
The Texas Twisted Sisters, Rocksprings
Devil's Backbone, San Marcos
Lonesome Highway, Pecos
Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Dell City

Read our article telling you more about some of these scenic drives in Texas.

What are the best attractions in Texas?
If you’re searching for the best attractions in Texas, then we’ve got your back. Here are some of the best attractions in the Lone Star State that are worth visiting.

Pedernales Falls State Park, Johnson City
Big Bend National Park, Southwest TX
The Comal River, New Braunfels
Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston
Lagoonfest Texas, La Marque
Mustang Island, Corpus Christi
Barton Springs Pool, Austin
Padre Island National Seashore, Padre Island
Schlitterbahn Waterpark, New Braunfels
Aquatica San Antonio, San Antonio

Want more? Check out our article featuring some of the best attractions in Texas.

What are the best day trips in Texas?
There are tons of great options for day trips in Texas, and here are a few that we recommend:

The San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio
Hamilton Pool, Dripping Springs
South Padre Island
Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale
Natural Bridge Caverns, San Antonio
The Alamo, San Antonio
Monahans Sandhills State Park, Monahans
Caverns of Sonora, Sonora
Moody Gardens, Galveston
Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, San Antonio

Discover more by reading our previous article about the best day trips in Texas.

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U.S. Highway 83, US-83, Rio Grande City, TX, USA

U.S. Route 83 Practically Runs Through All Of Texas And It's A Beautiful Drive

Katie Lawrence

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Scenic Drives In Texas

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