Destination 01
Dallas
Deep Ellum
Murals, music, and late bites
culture
Pecan Lodge
East Dallas smokehouse classic
food
Texas BBQ Trail
Smoke, spice & southern charm
Route preview
5 days through Dallas, Austin, San Antonio.
Texas BBQ Trail is a 5-day curated route with 3 destinations and 8 suggested stops. Preview stops and timing, then find it in TripsCircle Explore.
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12 stops
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23 stops
Destination 02
Austin
Franklin BBQ
Line early for the state’s most famous brisket
food
Sixth Street
Live music after the plates clear
culture
South Congress Avenue
Local shops, music, murals, and a view toward the Capitol
culture
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33 stops
Destination 03
San Antonio
The Alamo
Mission history in the city core
culture
River Walk
Strolls and Tex-Mex along the canals
food
Historic Market Square
A lively plaza for regional food, crafts, and music
food
Route highlights
The moments that shape this trip.
- 01Franklin BBQ
- 02River Walk
- 03The Alamo
- 04Sixth Street
Trip guide
Planning Texas BBQ Trail.
Come hungry. The trail begins in Austin, where live music, food trucks and smoky pits give you plenty to sample. It heads south to San Antonio for the Alamo, a lively river walk and a deep Tex-Mex tradition. The last stop is Dallas, with its sleek downtown, museums and another round of barbecue. Along the way, brisket, ribs and sausage tend to be the main story, with a cold drink on the side.
Good for Foodies who want a smoky, meat-focused road trip
When to go
October through April avoids the worst of the Texas heat, making it far easier to stand in a line for barbecue or walk around town. Spring brings wildflowers along some roads. Summers are very hot, so plan indoor stops and early outdoor activities if you travel then.
Getting around
Austin, San Antonio and Dallas are linked by major highways, and most groups drive between them in a rental or shared car. Buses and flights are alternatives for certain legs. Inside each city, ride shares and walking cover the downtown areas.
Tips for your crew
- Eat barbecue early. Many famous places run out of popular cuts as the day goes on, so lunch beats a late dinner.
- Pace yourself. Share plates among the group, mix in lighter meals, and save room for the best stops rather than finishing every plate.
- Plan the drives so nobody is stuck behind the wheel all day. Take turns and add a rest stop at a small-town bakery or roadside spot.
