Texas has inspired some of the most iconic songs in American music — some of our favorites help you plot a perfect trip through the Lone Star State.
It’s impossible to discuss songs about Texas without thinking of one of the most famous of all — George Strait’s “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.” Whether or not you can relate to the title, this is the perfect song to kickstart your road trip itinerary — because as the chorus passionately proclaims, “Texas is a place I’d dearly love to be.” Well, you’re in luck, dear traveler, you’re here now. Let the song-filled road trip begin!
Gulf Coast
Strike out for Galveston first, that charming beach town immortalized by Glen Campbell’s 1969 hit of the same name. Campbell’s “Galveston” evokes the fear of a young man dreaming of his love back home “standing by the water” of Galveston. It’s never been a better time to visit Galveston. The historic 19th century island port is less than an hour from Houston, but its captivating Victorian architecture, newly renovated hotels, and delicious seafood make it feel like a tropical getaway back through time. Stay at the magnificently restored Grand Galvez for a resort experience or the Carr Mansion if bed and breakfast is more your speed.
This area is also known for numerous notable music icons such as Janis Joplin, Selena, Beyoncé, George Jones, and Flaco Jimenez. Check out the Mirador de la Flor memorial to Selena in Corpus Christi, or a replica of Janis Joplin’s colorful 1965 Porsche 356 Cabriolet in Port Arthur’s Museum of the Gulf Coast.
Central Texas / Hill Country
“Wait a second,” you say, “Dublin isn’t in Texas!” Well, there you’d be wrong. There is a Dublin, Texas, in Erath County. But you’d be right that Guy Clark’s “Dublin Blues” is set in Ireland, where Guy longingly wishes he “was in Austin/In a chili parlor bar.” He’s evoking the real Texas Chili Parlor where you can still enjoy a bowl of red, a Mad Dog margarita, and some tasty Texas-style enchiladas. The food options don’t stop there when you visit the Capital city. If you’re looking for barbecue, you’ll find fantastic BBQ spots in every direction in Austin. If you’re interested in tacos, Tex-Mex, or upscale interior-specific Mexican food, you’ll find it here as well. And since this is a musical itinerary, don’t forget that Austin is still the Live Music Capital of the World.
Now it’s time to turn on “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love).” Luckenbach enjoys a reputation much larger than its tiny footprint and population. This little “town” was a dancehall destination made famous by the Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson tune of the same name. Heading out of Central Texas into the Texas Hill Country, you’ll feel a change come over you as the living slows down a bit. Is this what Waylon and Willie and the boys were after, when they sang about “buy[ing] some boots and faded jeans and go[ing] away?” From Dripping Springs to Blanco to Fredericksburg, and Luckenbach, you’ll have plenty of chances to stop and check out the many boutiques and western wear spots here. Once you get to Luckenbach, you can enjoy live music almost every night of the week. There’s shopping, lodging, and places to eat, but Luckenbach is really all about the music — fitting for this road trip.
North Texas
As we make our way north in Texas, and “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind?” comes on the radio, let’s not forget about all the fun to be had in Fort Worth. Of course, there are the famous Fort Worth Stockyards, where they do a twice-daily cattle drive, and you can learn all about the historic livestock business that put this town on the map. Fort Worth has changed a lot since those Old West Days, though — check out Sundance Square, a lively 27-block entertainment district with shopping, restaurants, art galleries, entertainment, and more. Make sure to listen to Fort Worth native Leon Bridges and soak in the “Texas Sun” while you’re there as well.
West Texas
“Out in the West Texas town of El Paso,” sing along to Marty Robbins’ famous song while you immerse yourself in the history and culture of the city it was named for. “El Paso” is all about falling in love, and you will certainly fall in love with the awe-inspiring mountain ranges and diverse wildlife of the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. In Lubbock, catch a show at the Buddy Holly Hall, dedicated to the small-town West Texas kid turned rock and roll legend Buddy Holly. In the adjoining museum you will find a permanent exhibit displaying ephemerae from throughout the rocker’s life, including Buddy’s guitar picks, Converse shoes, and famed black rimmed glasses.
For our last stop on this musical road trip, “Amarillo by Morning” is all about the promise of travel. Long a famed stop on road trips owing to its location along U.S. Route 66, Amarillo has one of the most iconic art installations in the country, the famed Cadillac Ranch. This journey through time via 10 Cadillac fins was dreamt up by the Ant Farm art group way back in 1974 and still delights tourists to this day. There’s plenty of art to be enjoyed in Amarillo, partially owing to its annual Hoodoo Mural Festival, where the community gets together to beatify Amarillo’s downtown through large murals. Don’t miss the second largest canyon in the U.S., Palo Duro Canyon, known as the “Texas’ Grand Canyon.”
In a state as large as Texas, there’s always another city to visit and another iconic Texan tune to sing along the way. See you at the next town — we’ll be there by morning!
