Nothing quite compares to taking a long, scenic drive in Texas on a back road – especially during wildflower season. The Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail is popular among locals and tourists alike, with colorful blooms lining the path from start to finish. Centered around the Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail, this Hill Country road trip showcases not only our state flower as you’ve never seen it before, but it also includes a pit stop at a mouthwatering BBQ restaurant, a thrilling zipline adventure that takes you soaring through the treetops, and the chance to make a splash in a crystal-clear swimming hole. The entire drive only takes about 90 minutes to complete, so you can spend plenty of time exploring each destination!

Check out Google Maps for directions for this trip.

Fredericksburg is the last stop on the Highland Lakes Bluebonnet Trail, but it's where our scenic route in Texas begins! Hop in your Nissan Frontier and let's go!
Willow City Loop, Texas, USA
Martina Birnbaum / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images
Just outside of this charming small town, heading toward Llano, you'll find Willow City Loop, one of the most popular drives in Texas.
This rugged, 13-mile ranch road will take you on a meandering journey through the hilly Texas countryside.
Nissan USA
Keep your eyes peeled as you drive because soon you'll be heading into wildflower territory on this scenic route in Texas.
Wildflower season in Texas lasts from March until May, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly. The windshield views this time of year are nothing short of unbeatable, and all it takes to experience the scenery for yourself is hopping in your vehicle and heading off the paved path, where boundless adventure awaits on a scenic drive in Texas.
Stagecoach Ranch Road, Stagecoach Ranch Rd, Texas 78620, USA
- Fotosearch / Getty Images
Bluebonnets, the official state flower of Texas, are the most prevalent springtime blooms on the roadside, but you'll also see Indian paintbrushes, sunflowers, daisies, and all sorts of other flowers spanning the entire rainbow of colors. Equally breathtaking are the ancient rock formations carved out over eons of wind and water erosion, as well as undulating hills that seem to go on forever. About an hour away in Dripping Springs, Stagecoach Ranch Road offers a similarly rugged drive through endless wildflower fields - and it's en route to our next destination!
You're bound to be famished after all that exploring, so how about making a pit stop (pun intended) for lunch?
TripAdvisor/Doug P

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The menu is as big as even the most voracious of appetites, with a whopping 16 different meats to choose from.
Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que, 604 W Young St, Llano, TX 78643, USA
Facebook/Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que
Whether you're in the mood for ribs, brisket, chopped beef, sausage, or even jerky, Cooper's has it all. Classic Southern sides include beans, coleslaw, corn-on-the-cob, potato salad, and whole baked potatoes, with homemade cobblers fresh from the oven to round out the meal. Head to the website for Cooper's to learn more.
After your lunch has digested, it's time to get back to this pretty drive in Texas and head to Cypress Valley Canopy Tours in Spicewood.
Facebook/Cypress Valley Canopy Tours
Just 30 miles west of downtown Austin, this magical destination is a thrill-seeker's dream. Old-growth cypress trees, some up to 100 feet tall, are the foundation for an exhilarating zipline course that takes you soaring high above the forest canopy.
Lasting somewhere between 90 minutes and two hours, the family-friendly tour features five ziplines and two sky bridges that wobble underfoot as you gingerly make your way across.
Facebook/Cypress Valley Canopy Tours
While this is a single-day scenic drive in Texas, we'd be remiss not to mention the overnight accommodations at Cypress Valley.
Cypress Valley, 1223 Paleface Ranch Rd S, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
Facebook/Cypress Valley Canopy Tours
Four whimsical treehouses, which sleep between 2-4 guests, bring your childhood fantasies to life and offer a truly unforgettable stay. Get more details at the website for Cypress Valley.
Last, but certainly not least, we'll take a dip in the world-famous Krause Springs to cool off after a fun-filled day along this scenic route in Texas.
Krause Springs, 52822, Spicewood, TX 78669, USA
Allen Ramlow / 500Px Plus Collection / Getty Images
Like a scene from Disney's Tarzan, this turquoise oasis is surrounded by lush greenery and features a breathtaking waterfall that gently cascades down the vines into the crystal-clear pool below. Fun fact: There are actually 32 separate springs on the 115-acre property — the swimming hole pictured here is just the most well-known. See if you can discover them all! Read further on about Krause Springs.

Would you travel off the paved path and embark on this Texas Hill Country adventure? What are your favorite pretty drives in Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!

Be sure to pack everything you need! Check out our list of road trip essentials!

Don’t stop here! Check out these other lovely scenic drives in Texas.

More to Explore

Texas Outdoors

Rachel Raimondi | December 01, 2023

What's the most beautiful hike in Texas?

Scenic drives in Texas are great, but I recommend getting out in nature too! Check out some of the most beautiful hikes in Texas:

Ottine Swamp Trail: This one-mile trail is located in Palmetto State Park in Gonzales. It’s a nice and wide gravel trail where you’ll get to see an assortment of dwarf palmettos as well as swamps. You might also come across some unique wildlife like deer and armadillos.

Rio Grande Trail: Head to Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in Mission to journey along this 1.8-mile trail. Bird lovers will love this one in particular as it is home to over 350 species of birds, such as the Altamira oriole and the plain Chachalaca.

Are there any parks in Texas?

Get to know the Lone Star State better by visiting some of these parks in Texas:

Big Bend National Park: This 801,163-acre park is located in Brewster County. There’s much to do here when it comes to recreation, such as hiking, boating, and biking. And it’s also a stellar spot to see the Rio Grande canyons and Chiso Mountains.

Guadalupe Mountains National Park: You’ll find this park in Dell City. Among its 86,416 acres, some of the most popular things to do are scenic drives, horseback riding, and camping. There are also more than 80 miles of trails for hiking.

What are the best beaches in Texas?

Need to get out of the car and relax a bit after taking some pretty drives in Texas? With 367 miles of shoreline along the Gulf, there are plenty of beaches in Texas:

Mustang Island: Located in Nueces County, this barrier island has five miles of sandy shores to take in. Popular activities include camping, surfing, canoeing, kayaking, and of course, swimming. And be on the lookout for unique wildlife like turtles and dolphins.

Surfside Beach: There is quite a bit to do at this beach located in Brazoria County. Because of its deep water, it’s a great spot for jet skiing, surfing, and kayaking. You can also go for a swim, head to the splash pad, or explore the Bird and Butterfly Trail.

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Featured Addresses
Willow City Loop Bluebonnets, 6583-57 Willow City Loop, Willow City, TX 78675, USA