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AI-VascoDaGama
27 Feb 2026
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Houston to Dallas to San Antonio Road Trip Itinerary

Houston to Dallas to San Antonio Road Trip Overview

This Texas road trip links three major cities with a mix of space history, big-city skylines, museums, gardens, and iconic heritage sites. Start in Houston with hands-on exploration at Space Center Houston, then balance it with a deeper dive into natural history at the Houston Museum of Natural Science and an outdoor reset along the trails and skyline views of Buffalo Bayou Park.

Continue north to Dallas for a change of pace: explore a pivotal moment in U.S. history at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, enjoy a relaxing walk through the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden on the shores of White Rock Lake, and add a modern, interactive stop at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. For a memorable perspective over the city, include time for the observation deck at Reunion Tower.

Finish in San Antonio with the state’s most famous landmark, The Alamo, then unwind with an easy stroll along the San Antonio River Walk. Round out the trip with a visit to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, especially Mission San José, where striking Spanish colonial architecture and cultural history provide a meaningful finale before heading home.

Recommended Activities

  • Trip Point Pin1

    Space Center Houston

    Visit for NASA history and hands-on space exploration: see real spacecraft and mission artifacts, experience interactive exhibits and simulators, and (when available) take tram tours to Johnson Space Center facilities for a behind-the-scenes look at human spaceflight operations.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Houston Museum of Natural Science

    Go for a high-quality mix of world-class collections and immersive exhibits: standout halls include dinosaurs and paleontology, gems and minerals, and global cultures, with frequent traveling exhibits plus a planetarium and butterfly center that make it engaging even if you’re not a museum regular.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Buffalo Bayou Park

    Stop for an easy, scenic break in the city: it’s a large green corridor with skyline views, walking and biking trails, public art, and water activities like kayaking, making it ideal for stretching your legs, catching sunset photos, or enjoying a relaxed outdoor afternoon.
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  • Trip Point Pin4

    The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

    Visit for a powerful, well-curated look at the life, presidency, and assassination of President John F. Kennedy, set in the actual Texas School Book Depository building overlooking Dealey Plaza. The exhibits provide extensive historical context, compelling photographs and media, and a reflective experience that helps you understand a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
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  • Trip Point Pin5

    Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

    Go for beautiful, walkable gardens on White Rock Lake with seasonal displays (especially spring blooms and fall pumpkins), scenic viewpoints, and plenty of shaded paths for a relaxing break from the city. It’s great for photos, a low-effort nature outing, and families, with dedicated garden areas and programs throughout the year.
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  • Trip Point Pin6

    Perot Museum of Nature and Science

    Stop for an interactive science museum that’s fun for adults and kids alike, featuring hands-on exhibits in engineering, earth science, space, and biology. Highlights include impressive dinosaur displays, engaging multimedia installations, and frequent special exhibits that make it easy to spend a couple of hours learning while staying entertained.
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  • Trip Point Pin7

    Reunion Tower

    Visit for one of the best panoramic views of Dallas: the observation deck offers sweeping cityscape photo opportunities, especially at sunset and after dark when the skyline lights up. It’s a quick, iconic stop that helps you get your bearings and appreciate the scale of the city.
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  • Trip Point Pin8

    The Alamo

    Go for a must-see piece of Texas and U.S. history: the site provides a focused look at the 1836 battle and the broader Texas Revolution through exhibits and artifacts. It’s centrally located, easy to combine with nearby attractions, and delivers a meaningful, time-efficient historical visit.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    San Antonio River Walk

    Stop for the city’s signature outdoor experience: a pedestrian-friendly network of riverside paths with bridges, lush landscaping, and lively atmosphere. It’s ideal for a scenic stroll, people-watching, and connecting to key sights like downtown plazas and historic missions, with especially pleasant views in the evening.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (Mission San José)

    Visit for one of the most impressive and best-preserved Spanish colonial missions in the U.S., part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mission San José features beautiful stone architecture, historic frescoes, and the famous Rose Window, with interpretive exhibits that explain mission life, Indigenous history, and the region’s colonial past. The grounds are calm and scenic, and it’s easy to combine with nearby missions via the riverside trails.
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Restaurants

  • Restaurant Icon

    Truth BBQ (Houston)

    4.5
    $$$$

    Truth BBQ (Houston)

    Frequently cited by Eater and locals on Reddit as one of Houston’s top barbecue stops—known for consistently strong brisket, ribs, and standout sides (and it’s a great, quintessential Texas-road-trip meal).
    4.5
    $$$$
    Picture for Truth BBQ (Houston)
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    The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation (Houston)

    4.4
    $$$$

    The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation (Houston)

    A Houston institution often recommended by Eater and Reddit for Tex-Mex classics—especially fajitas and house-made tortillas—plus a historic, lively atmosphere that feels distinctly “Houston.”
    4.4
    $$$$
    Picture for The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation (Houston)
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    Pecan Lodge

    4.6
    $$$$

    Pecan Lodge

    A Deep Ellum staple that regularly shows up on Eater lists and Reddit threads for Dallas barbecue—best known for brisket and beef ribs, with the kind of line-and-reward experience many visitors want once on a Texas trip.
    4.6
    $$$$
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    Uchi Dallas

    4.65
    $$$$

    Uchi Dallas

    Commonly highlighted by Eater and praised on Reddit for high-end sushi and inventive Japanese small plates—an excellent “splurge meal” option if you want a break from BBQ and Tex-Mex.
    4.65
    $$$$
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    2M Smokehouse (San Antonio)

    4.4
    $$$$

    2M Smokehouse (San Antonio)

    Often recommended by Eater and San Antonio Redditors as a top BBQ spot in the city—known for brisket, house-made sausages, and sides with strong Tex-Mex influence.
    4.4
    $$$$
    Picture for 2M Smokehouse (San Antonio)

Hotels

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    The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston

    The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston

    Luxury stay with top-tier service, dining, and a resort-style feel; commonly well-reviewed on major booking platforms like Hotels.com (check current guest ratings and pricing for your dates).
    Picture for The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
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    Marriott Marquis Houston

    4.4

    Marriott Marquis Houston

    Popular downtown option with a standout Texas-shaped lazy river and easy access to central Houston attractions; frequently a strong performer on Hotels.com for amenities and location (verify current reviews).
    4.4
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    The Joule, Dallas

    The Joule, Dallas

    Stylish, design-forward hotel in the heart of downtown with a well-known pool and strong walkability; typically rated highly on Hotels.com for experience and location (confirm latest ratings).
    Picture for The Joule, Dallas
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    Omni Dallas Hotel

    4.55

    Omni Dallas Hotel

    Convenient, full-service downtown hotel connected to the convention center, great for an easy, comfortable stay; often reviewed positively on Hotels.com for facilities and reliability (check current feedback).
    4.55
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    Hotel Emma (San Antonio)

    Hotel Emma (San Antonio)

    Iconic Pearl District property in a beautifully restored brewery with exceptional ambiance and service; commonly regarded as one of San Antonio’s top-rated stays on Hotels.com and similar sites (verify availability).
    Picture for Hotel Emma (San Antonio)

Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    Avalon Anointed with Guest Nichole Nordeman

    Avalon Anointed with Guest Nichole Nordeman

    The event will take place at Reed Arena in College Station.
    Map IconReed Arena in College Station (34.13 mi)
    Calendar Icon2 Jan 2039
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Avalon Anointed with Guest Nichole Nordeman
  • Event Icon

    Kameron Marlowe

    Kameron Marlowe

    The event will take place at Backyard - TX in Waco.
    Map IconBackyard - TX in Waco (44.55 mi)
    Calendar Icon16 Apr 2026
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Kameron Marlowe
  • Event Icon

    Hudson Westbrook

    Hudson Westbrook

    The event will take place at Foster Pavilion in Waco.
    Map IconFoster Pavilion in Waco (49.55 mi)
    Calendar Icon25 Apr 2026
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Hudson Westbrook
  • Event Icon

    Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour Part 2

    Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour Part 2

    The event will take place at McLane Stadium in Waco.
    Map IconMcLane Stadium in Waco (49.55 mi)
    Calendar Icon20 May 2026
    Website IconVisit Website
    Picture for Post Malone Presents: The BIG ASS Stadium Tour Part 2

Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    /r/Dallas is a home for discussion and content related to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. We strive to be a friendly and welcoming community to all of our users whether they ...

    Roadtrip from Houston to San Antonio, Tx (area)

    /r/Dallas is a home for discussion and content related to the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. We strive to be a friendly and welcoming community to all of our users whether they ...

    /r/houston
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Ive lived South, East Coast, and Midwest, and road tripped a lot of the US. Dallas FT Worth area has GREAT food, good art museums, and the stockyards but per long distance dri...

    Planning a Texas roadtrip but some posts here made me rethink

    Ive lived South, East Coast, and Midwest, and road tripped a lot of the US. Dallas FT Worth area has GREAT food, good art museums, and the stockyards but per long distance dri...

    /r/roadtrip
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    The only thing you'll find in Houston is great food, any type of food you can think of we have and it's probably delicious. Just put up with the heat, floods, shooti...

    Texas City Comparison Trip (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio) - Need Activity Ideas!

    The only thing you'll find in Houston is great food, any type of food you can think of we have and it's probably delicious. Just put up with the heat, floods, shooti...

    /r/texas
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Hello. Im visiting Dallas for work and then driving to San Antonio. Any advice on scenic routes to take or must see stops? Austin is a planned

    Dallas to San Antonio - what to see on the way

    Hello. Im visiting Dallas for work and then driving to San Antonio. Any advice on scenic routes to take or must see stops? Austin is a planned

    /r/texas
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Well just a heads up, if you miss the I-35 traffic in San Antonio, you can catch it again in Austin and even Dallas! ... Don't waste your time visiting this fascist waste...

    Planning a 12-Day Trip to Texas - Suggestions Needed!

    Well just a heads up, if you miss the I-35 traffic in San Antonio, you can catch it again in Austin and even Dallas! ... Don't waste your time visiting this fascist waste...

    /r/texas
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    San Antonio Mission Trail - history of how Spanish settled Texas, may be more interesting than the Alamo - which focuses on a battle. Market Square - reminiscent of Mexican ma...

    Texas Road Trip Itinerary Help

    San Antonio Mission Trail - history of how Spanish settled Texas, may be more interesting than the Alamo - which focuses on a battle. Market Square - reminiscent of Mexican ma...

    /r/texas
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    On the road from Dallas to Austin, stop at Slovacek's in West and get some kolaches and klobasnikies. If you like those and want more, Weikel's in La Grange will be ...

    Roadtrip Texas and Deep South

    On the road from Dallas to Austin, stop at Slovacek's in West and get some kolaches and klobasnikies. If you like those and want more, Weikel's in La Grange will be ...

    /r/roadtrip
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Day four- Go to White Sands early, hike around the dunes. Head south to El Paso, pick up I-10 and try to make it to Marfa before sunset. Enjoy the weird little Marfa lights. D...

    Help me plan my first 5 day road-trip starting from Houston!

    Day four- Go to White Sands early, hike around the dunes. Head south to El Paso, pick up I-10 and try to make it to Marfa before sunset. Enjoy the weird little Marfa lights. D...

    /r/roadtrip
    View on RedditView on Reddit
  • Reddit Icon

    Visit downtown San Antonio for a 2-3 days. Make sure to eat at Pete's Taco Kitchen!

    5-7 day trip - no idea where to go, leaving Houston Tx

    Visit downtown San Antonio for a 2-3 days. Make sure to eat at Pete's Taco Kitchen!

    /r/roadtrip
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  • Reddit Icon

    Texas is still very hot in September like others have said. Like mid to high 90s. Corpus Christi is a day trip from San Antonio if you want to see the beach. There is also a h...

    What would be a good itinerary for 1 week in Texas?

    Texas is still very hot in September like others have said. Like mid to high 90s. Corpus Christi is a day trip from San Antonio if you want to see the beach. There is also a h...

    /r/texas
    View on RedditView on Reddit

Music for Your Journey

  • Music Icon

    Khruangbin - Texas Sun

    Khruangbin - Texas Sun

    Laid-back, warm road-trip groove that fits long stretches of highway and wide-open skies.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    A classic sing-along that captures the simple joy of moving from city to city.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live
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    George Strait - All My Ex's Live In Texas

    George Strait - All My Ex's Live In Texas

    Playful Texas pride with an instantly catchy chorus—perfect when you cross a city-limit sign.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for George Strait - All My Ex's Live In Texas
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    George Strait - Amarillo By Morning

    George Strait - Amarillo By Morning

    Timeless country storytelling that pairs well with early departures and sunrise drives.
    Listen on Spotify
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    A$AP Rocky - Houston Old Head

    A$AP Rocky - Houston Old Head

    A mellow, reflective track that nods directly to your starting point.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Lily Allen - Dallas Major

    Lily Allen - Dallas Major

    Upbeat and breezy—an on-the-nose pick for arriving in Dallas with good energy.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Moe Bandy - Deep In The Heart Of Texas

    Moe Bandy - Deep In The Heart Of Texas

    A fun, iconic tune that feels like a musical postcard from the state.
    Listen on Spotify
    Picture for Moe Bandy - Deep In The Heart Of Texas
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    Bob Wills - San Antonio Rose

    Bob Wills - San Antonio Rose

    A Texas standard that matches the historic, romantic vibe of San Antonio.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    ZZ Top - La Grange

    ZZ Top - La Grange

    Gritty Texas rock with a driving rhythm—great for pumping up the middle miles.
    Listen on Spotify
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  • Music Icon

    sombr - Homewrecker

    sombr - Homewrecker

    Atmospheric and uplifting, ideal for evening drives and winding down after a day of sightseeing.
    Listen on Spotify
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