There’s nothing like a Texas road trip and it’s not a Texas road trip if you don’t detour to take photos at some great Texas roadside attractions. Here is a list of some great Texas roadside photo opps, plus a My Maps for you to save for your next road trip!
Largest Working Fire Hydrant
This fire hydrant in Beaumont was originally built in 1999 and displayed in Disney Land for the premier of 101 Dalmations. Afterwards, it was sent to Beaumont. It stands 24 feet high and weights over 4500 pounds!
Giant Telephone
The giant telephone in Houston was designed by sculptor David Adickes, who also created the giant Sam Houston statue in Huntsville.
Paisano Pete
Paisano Pete is the giant roadrunner that greets you when you enter Fort Stockton. He gets dressed up for each holiday.
Gateway to Mars
If you drive out to Boca Chica Beach from Brownsville, you’ll find the SpaceX facility, complete with a sign that says, Gateway to Mars, and some giant rockets!
Giant Blue Crab
The original Giant Blue Crab in Rockport was damaged in hurricane Harvey. The new one is no longer blue, but retains its original name.
Giant Soup Can
This giant soup can in Eastland is painted on a 210-gallon oil field tank. Why? Who knows.
Statue of Liberty
This mini Statue of Liberty is supposed to be an advertisement, but I’m not sure what a good job they did because I don’t know what the advertisement is for.
Cartoon Saloon
This walk-in photo opp was built by cartoonist J.P. Rankin. No beer is sold here, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
Oil Derrick Rest Stop
This is hands-down the most Texan rest stop in all of Texas. Each picnic table is covered by an oil derrick, so the whole rest stop looks like an oil field.
Watermelon Water Tower
The town of Luling is known for watermelons. Every June they host their annual ‘Watermelon Thump’, complete with a watermelon seed spitting contest.
Stonehenge II
Stonehenge II in Luling was created as an art project by Al Shepperd and Doug Hill. It took nine months to build and is 90 percent the height and 60 percent the width of the original.
Alien Abduction Zone
Way outside Alpine, basically in the middle of nowhere, stands a small building with sign that reads, Greasewood Grocery. It claims to be a historic building that is now rented out as an Airbnb. Off to the side, someone created the ultimate alien abduction zone, complete with forgotten sneakers littering the ground.
Ms. Pearl the Giant Squirrel
Ms. Pearl stands just outside Berdoll’s Pecan & Candy Company, a must-visit for everything pecan in Cedar Creek.
World’s Largest Spur
The world’s largest spur stands about 35 feet tall and weighs about 10,000 pounds! It was created by artist Wayland Dobbs in Cherokee, and was erected in 2016 in Lampasas.
World’s Largest Shovel
The world’s largest shovel, located in Creedmor, was constructed out of recycled material – a utility pole and a dumpster. It stands 41 feet high and weighs 5,000 pounds. It was created by Texas Disposal Systems, a family-run company with a mission to take Austin’s trash and turn it into treasure.
Bar Stools
Just outside the Starlight Theatre in the ghost town of Terlingua in west Texas, you’ll find these quirky barstools that are always great for a laugh.
World’s Largest Cedar Rocker
While it is no longer the world’s largest rocking chair, this 26-foot tall chair outside Texas Hill Country Furniture in Lipan, TX, is now the world’s largest cedar rocker.
Giant Shark
As you drive through the beach towns of Port Aransas and South Padre Island, you’ll find plenty of beach-themed photo opps, including many giant whales and sharks. This was our favorite.
The Gas Station
Simply named, The Gas Station, this is the very gas station featured in Texas Chainsaw Massacre. If you go around back, you’ll find a replica of the van from the movie, and inside, there’s memorabilia from multiple popular horror films.
Did we miss any of your favorite photo opps? Let us know in the comments!