worth every mile

Texas Hill Country route beckons as most scenic road trip in the U.S.

It doesn't get more scenic than the Texas Hill Country.

Courtesy of Condé Nast Traveler/Getty Images

A new comprehensive guide on the best road trips in America has unveiled two scenic routes through the Lone Star State that should be on everyone's must-see list.

The new guide from luxury lifestyle magazine Condé Nast Traveler spotlighted 17 ultra-scenic road trip routes across the U.S. that are "worth every single mile."

Hill Country Route
The first Texas road trip on the list is the Hill Country Route, a 300-mile trek starting in Lampasas, with stops in Marble Falls, Fredericksburg, Austin, and New Braunfels, and ending in Brenham. Travelers can spend as few as three days traversing the Hill Country Route, visiting "award-winning vineyards and boutique lavender and olive tree farms," or they can linger for a week or more by making additional detours in other small Texas towns.

Condé Nast Traveler recommends Hill Country staples like Blue Bonnet Café in Marble Falls and Truth BBQ in Brenham as the two can't-miss good eats that road trippers have to try for themselves. As for lodging, the magazine makes three recommendations: Tyson’s Corners Retreat Cottage, a 35-acre horse ranch in Lampasas, glamping resort Onera Fredericksburg, and the newly opened Faust Hotel in New Braunfels.

Onera Fredericksburg offers modern lodging like The Diamond. Photo by Jeff Jones

Typical attractions like Enchanted Rock outside Fredericksburg obviously made the list of stops to make along the way, but the report also digs into other niche destinations.

"History buffs can walk the sprawling grounds of the Lyndon B. Johnson Ranch, rich with mighty live oaks and environmentalist Lady Bird Johnson’s wildflowers; pair it with a trip to his Presidential Library, which offers a glimpse of how the former president wanted to be seen by history," the report's author wrote. "And if you're road-trippin' in the summer, don't miss a visit to Krause Springs. It’s a beautiful campsite and also a natural swimming spot, with a lot of gorgeous springs to dive right in."

Route 66: St. Louis to Amarillo
A second ultra-scenic road trip that includes Texas is the portion of Route 66 from St. Louis, Missouri to Amarillo. Some travelers don't have time for the full 2,448-mile stretch from Chicago to Los Angeles, so Condé Nast Traveler says the St. Louis-Amarillo route is the "most underrated stretch" that can be completed in just two days.

No trip through Amarillo is complete without a stop at Cadillac Ranch. Cadillac Ranch/ Facebook

The 756-mile route cruises through the Lake of the Ozarks and Oklahoma City before ending in the Yellow Rose of Texas, giving road trippers ample opportunities to see the sights, enjoy a "classic American meal" at a roadside diner, or try some St. Louis-style barbecue.

At the end of the trip, the report recommends Amarillo's The Barfield, Autograph Collection for a "quiet luxe" hotel stay, or this rustic converted Silo Barn on Airbnb.

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Toast to Texas

Texas Hill Country uncorks No. 3 ranking among best U.S. wine regions

Texas Hill Country Wineries

Texas Hill Country wine

The Lone Star State's booming Hill Country wine scene is about to get a lot busier, as it was just declared the No. 3 best wine region in the country for "a grape getaway."

The Hill Country was honored in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for the Best Wine Region in 2026. The 10Best awards program puts a spotlight on the best travel destinations, the best food and drink spots, local attractions, and must-visit shopping locations. A panel of experts and 10Best editors select their top picks to present to readers, who then vote to decide the winners.

The Texas Hill Country was ranked higher than some of the most well-known wine regions in the U.S., including California's esteemed Temecula Valley, Anderson Valley, and Paso Robles.

USA Today estimates there are over 60 wineries spread across scenic towns like Fredericksburg, Stonewall, Lampasas, and New Braunfels. National acclaim for the Hill Country has transformed its vineyards into can't-miss tourist destinations for locals and out-of-towners alike.

"This American Viticultural Area is one of the largest in the country, growing varietals like tempranillo, viognier, cabernet sauvignon, and an increasing acreage of warm-weather grapes," editors wrote.

The Hill Country previously ranked as the 9th best wine region in the nation in 2025, so its elevation to the top three this year is a testament to local wineries' dedication to providing top-notch wines and excellent service for patrons.

This summer is teeming with events and festivals in the area, such as grape-stomping shindigs and seasonal passes for discounts and deals at participating members of trade organization Texas Hill Country Wineries. Dallasites can take the scenic route to traverse the region's small towns, and there are plenty of hotels, cabins, campgrounds, and resorts for an overnight stay.

"Being named the No. 3 Wine Region in the country by USA Today readers is a huge honor for our entire Hill Country wine community," said THCW executive director January Wiese. "We've been proud to see this region recognized among the nation's best before, and this year's ranking is a testament to the incredible growers, winemakers, and hospitality teams who make Texas Hill Country a true wine destination. We can't wait to welcome visitors to experience it for themselves."

Grape Creek Vineyards has three locations in the Hill Country. Courtesy of Grape Creek Vineyards

One Fredericksburg winery also offers an immersive tour that rivals the most prestigious California wineries. Grape Creek Vineyards ranked No. 5 nationally in USA Today's separate list of the Best Winery Tours. The signature Taste & Tour features a tram ride through Grape Creek's estate, with stops inside production facilities where attendees can try tastings right out of the barrel.

Heath Family Brands CEO and owner Brian Heath, who owns Grape Creek, was honored by the award recognition and praised the brand's dedicated team members "who work every day to make sure every guest leaves with a story to tell."

"Fredericksburg is home to some of the best wine tourism in the country, and it means the world to be recognized alongside it," Heath told CultureMap.

Taste & Tour experiences are offered at Grape Creek Vineyards' Highway 290 location for $45 per person. Tours are limited to six guests per group, and must be booked in advance.

The top 10 best wine regions in the U.S. in 2026 are:

No. 1 – Rogue Valley, Oregon
No. 2 – West Elks, Colorado
No. 3 – Hill Country, Texas
No. 4 – Paso Robles, California
No. 5 – Augusta, Missouri
No. 6 – Anderson Valley, California
No. 7 – Loudoun, Virginia
No. 8 – Willamette Valley, Oregon
No. 9 – Yakima Valley, Washington
No. 10 – Temecula Valley, California

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