texas road trip

Cowtown Adventure

| Chris

It was the last day of my whirlwind Texas road trip and Fort Worth was the last stop. So the choice was obvious. The Stockyards. Walking through its brick-paved streets felt like stepping back in time. Once the hub of cattle drives and livestock trading in the late 1800s, the Stockyards became the beating heart of the Texas cattle industry. By the early 20th century, it was one of the largest livestock markets in the world, shaping Fort Worth’s identity as “Cowtown.”

Today, the history lingers in every detail: the longhorn cattle drive down Exchange Avenue, the old pens turned into shops and restaurants, and the aroma of barbecue drifting through the air. I wandered past saloons and rustic storefronts, imagining the bustle of cowhands and traders who once filled these streets.

Though my visit was brief, the Stockyards offered a vivid snapshot of Texas heritage—equal parts living museum and lively entertainment district. One day was enough to feel the grit, charm, and enduring spirit of Fort Worth.

Dallas in a Day

| Chris

I spent a day in Dallas exploring some of its most historic and thought‑provoking spots. My first stop was the Dallas County Courthouse, a striking red sandstone building known as the “Old Red.” Its castle‑like towers made it feel more like a landmark than just a courthouse, and it set the tone for the day.

From there, I walked over to the JFK Memorial Plaza, a simple yet powerful monument. The stark concrete walls created a quiet space for reflection, honoring President Kennedy’s legacy in a way that felt both solemn and timeless.

Nearby was Dealey Plaza, the site forever tied to history. Standing there, surrounded by the familiar landmarks, I couldn’t help but feel the weight of the events that unfolded in 1963. Just steps away, the Grassy Knoll offered another perspective—one of those places you’ve heard about countless times, but seeing it in person makes the story more real.

I did not go inside the Sixth Floor Museum as time didn’t permit. It is housed in the former Texas School Book Depository. It was deeply sobering and emotional even to just view it from the ground.

To balance the heaviness of the day, I headed to the Reunion Tower, one of Dallas’s most recognizable landmarks. From its observation deck, the city stretched out in every direction, a reminder of Dallas’s modern energy alongside its historic past.

I wrapped up the trip by hopping on a tour bus through downtown, a quick but fun way to take in the city’s highlights. Skyscrapers, bustling streets, and pockets of art and culture rolled by, giving me a snapshot of Dallas in motion.

It was a short trip, but each stop added a layer of understanding. Dallas offered not just sights, but stories, reminders of how places can hold memory and meaning long after the moment has passed.

Houston, we are fine

| Chris

With limited time in Houston, I knew I had to make every moment count. The sprawling Texas metropolis stretched out before me, and I needed a strategy to capture its essence in just a few hours.

I started my adventure aboard one of Houston’s iconic double-decker buses, climbing to the open-air upper level where the warm Texas breeze swept past as we rolled through downtown. From my elevated perch, I watched the city’s impressive skyline unfold—gleaming glass towers reflecting the afternoon sun, historic buildings nestled between modern skyscrapers, and the bustling streets below teeming with life. The narrated tour painted vivid pictures of Houston’s oil boom history, its diverse neighborhoods, and its transformation into America’s fourth-largest city.

After circling through the heart of downtown, I hopped off at the Downtown Aquarium, a surprising oasis in the urban landscape. Inside, I wandered through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks gliding overhead, watched playful sea otters tumble through their habitat, and marveled at the vibrant tropical fish darting through coral reefs. The aquarium offered a refreshing pause from the city’s energy—a moment of tranquility before my final destination.

The real highlight awaited me south of the city: NASA’s Space Center Houston. As I drove down, anticipation built with every mile. Walking through the complex, I stood beneath actual spacecraft that had journeyed beyond Earth’s atmosphere, touched a moon rock that had traveled 240,000 miles, and toured the historic Mission Control room where “Houston, we have a problem” became part of our cultural lexicon. The experience was humbling and inspiring—a reminder of human ingenuity and our endless curiosity about the cosmos.

Though my time in Houston was brief, the city left a lasting impression: a place where Southern hospitality meets space-age innovation, where you can explore ocean depths and cosmic heights all in just a couple of days.

First Stop, San Antonio

| Chris

A friend of mine and I went on a weeklong road trip to Texas and our first stop was San Antonio. Actually, it was Austin but unfortunately, we arrived late in the evening to be able to do any sightseeing. Maybe next time.

Early the next morning, we drove down to San Antonio. It was my first time. This gorgeous city proved to be an enchanting destination for a quick day trip. Since we only had a day to spend, we picked the three obvious iconic spots.

First Stop, the Alamo. Walking up to the hallowed grounds, I was initially surprised by its size. It’s actually smaller than I imagined! But what an incredible piece of history. Standing in front of that famous limestone facade gave me goosebumps. Inside, I was fascinated by the collection of artifacts from the Texas Revolution. It was moving to learn about the brave defenders like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie. And it was completely free to visit!

Next, we headed down to the Riverwalk, just a stone’s throw away from the Alamo. It felt like discovering a hidden world below the city streets. We strolled along the cypress-lined paths, and I loved watching the tour boats glide by. I loved it so much I had to hop on one myself! The atmosphere was absolutely magical, as was the scenery. It’s definitely the most charming part of San Antonio I’ve seen.

To cap off our day, we trekked down to the Tower of the Americas. This 750-foot observation tower provides spectacular panoramic views of the city. Located in Hemisfair Park, it’s not just about the view; the tower also features a revolving restaurant and a 4D theater ride that gives a unique perspective of Texas’ cultural heritage. It’s a fantastic way to wrap up our visit!

Even with just a few hours to spare, San Antonio’s top attractions provide a fulfilling and memorable experience, showcasing the best of historical and modern Texas.