14-Day New Mexico & Texas Road Trip — Outdoor, Gardens, History & Food (Albuquerque to Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth)

Albuquerque, NM · Monday, February 9, 2026

Arrival and New Mexico introduction — Albuquerque

Morning:

Ease into New Mexico with a relaxed late-morning stroll through the leafy paths and native-plant displays at ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden, then sample New Mexican breakfast flavors-green chile sopapillas or huevos rancheros-at the nearby Frontier Restaurant. Afterward, drive up the scenic tram access road for panoramic city-and-mesa views at Sandia Peak Tramway visitor areas (no tram if lines are long; the viewpoints and gift shop still offer a great introduction).

Afternoon:

Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering the adobe-lined streets of Old Town Albuquerque, popping into galleries and the peaceful San Felipe de Neri Church, then warm up with a bowl of green-chile stew at El Pinto or a nearby café. As the sun lowers, take a short drive to the east mesa for golden-hour photos at Petroglyph National Monument overlooks and finish with rooftop cocktails or craft beer at High Finance Rooftop Bar to watch the city lights come on.

Evening:

As night falls, wander the lively galleries and public art of the Nob Hill district and grab dinner at The Acre for modern Southwestern plates and local mezcal; afterwards, enjoy live music or a cozy drink at Effex Nightclub or the more intimate Anodyne Coffeehouse & Bar depending on your mood. Cap the evening with stargazing and a quiet walk along the Rio Grande Bosque trail near Tingley Beach-the riverfront lights and winter sky make for a peaceful first-night sendoff before tomorrow's drive to Santa Fe.

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Petroglyph National Monument / Sandia, NM · Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Outdoor adventure — Petroglyphs and Sandia foothills

Morning:

Start your morning with a leisurely walk through The Plaza, pausing to admire the traditional adobe architecture and pick up freshly baked pan dulce at Dolores Olguín Bakery before the crowds arrive. Continue uphill to the serene Loretto Chapel to see its famed spiral staircase, then browse contemporary and Native American art at Institute of American Indian Arts Museum for a vibrant introduction to the region's living cultures before a lunchtime stroll down Canyon Road's galleries.

Afternoon:

Wander the leafy courtyards and artisan stalls of the Santa Fe Railyard-browse makers at Railyard Artisan Market (if open) and sip a specialty pour-over at Iconik Coffee Roasters while people-watching. Then head to the contemplative Museum of Spanish Colonial Art and stroll the adjacent Sculpture Garden before catching golden-hour views from the peaceful plaza at Canyon Road Vista Point, followed by dinner at the cozy, locally focused The Shed for classic New Mexican flavors.

Evening:

As dusk settles, savor a refined farm-to-table dinner at Geronimo on Canyon Road, then take a short stroll to admire the illuminated adobe silhouette of Palace of the Governors from the plaza perimeter. Finish the night with a contemplative performance or film at the intimate Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Theater (check evening schedule) or a relaxed late-night drink and conversation at the cozy, low-lit La Boca tapas bar before returning to your lodging.

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Albuquerque, NM · Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Cultural sites and museums — Albuquerque museums and Old Town

Morning:

Leave Albuquerque early for a scenic drive north and stretch your legs with a sunrise riverside walk along Rio Grande Gorge Bridge before heading into town. In Taos, wander the living-history rooms and community plazas of Taos Pueblo to learn about centuries-old adobe life, then stop for a hearty New Mexican breakfast and conversation at The Coffee Station to fuel a morning of gallery browsing along Ledoux Street and a short climb to the peaceful overlook at Benedict Castle Ruins for sweeping canyon and valley views.

Afternoon:

After a morning in the pueblo, head into town for a relaxed afternoon wandering the artisan stalls and tasting rooms at Taos Plaza, then warm up with a chile-smothered lunch at La Cueva Café. In the later afternoon, drive the scenic Rio Grande Gorge rim to photograph the canyon from the quieter overlooks at Río Grande del Norte Visitor Center and finish with a glass of local wine at Taos Mesa Brewing as the light softens over the valley.

Evening:

As twilight deepens, wander the historic lanes around Taos Plaza to browse late-open galleries and pick up handcrafted jewelry at Woven Art Gallery before dinner; follow with a hearty Northern New Mexican meal at the beloved Doc Martin's for local trout or chile-glazed steaks. After dinner, drive a short way to Rio Grande Gorge Bridge Overlook for illuminated-bridge views and then pause at Orlando's New Mexican Café (counter-service evening pastries and coffee at quieter hours) or a nearby riverside pullout for a peaceful, star-filled end to your Taos day.

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Santa Fe, NM · Thursday, February 12, 2026

Explore historic Santa Fe and local culture

Morning:

Begin with a brisk morning hike on the quieter, basalt-lined trails of Bajadero Trail where scattered sculpted rocks and small cliff alcoves reveal ancient carvings without the crowds; pause at the scenic rim to watch light spill across the volcanic boulders. After the hike, drive up to the foothills and enjoy a guided nature walk from Ventana Canyon Trailhead, spotting winter raptors and learning about native plants, then refuel with breakfast burritos and locally roasted coffee at Sawmill Market Café before heading into the afternoon's sandstone adventures.

Afternoon:

Spend a lively afternoon exploring the quieter western trails at Boca Negra Canyon, tracing hundreds of ancient petroglyph panels while a park ranger points out Swabik'ʾei (ancestral) motifs and shares site history; bring a field guide and binoculars for distant birdwatching. Afterwards, drive up to the foothills for a late-afternoon guided geology walk at La Luz Trail Visitor Overlook and finish with a warming green-chile stew and local craft beer at Bistrô 315 as the sun slips behind the Sandia Crest.

Evening:

Wind down with a sunset drive to Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological Site for quieter interpretive trails and soft evening light on exposed masonry, then head to Four Hills Lookout for sweeping valley views as the sky deepens. Finish the night with a warming, locally inspired dinner at El Modelo (their historic recipes and tamales feel like home after a day outdoors) and a relaxed riverside stroll along Rio Grande Nature Center State Park to listen for owls and absorb the desert night.

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Taos / Taos Pueblo, NM · Friday, February 13, 2026

Pueblo sites and canyon scenery — Taos day trip

Morning:

Ease into the morning with a deep dive into New Mexico art and history at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science, where hands-on exhibits and a towering dinosaur hall make for a lively start, then stroll next door to the thoughtfully curated National Hispanic Cultural Center galleries and riverfront plaza to catch rotating exhibitions and a morning coffee at the on-site café. Finish the block with a guided tour of the nearby Indian Pueblo Cultural Center to learn Pueblo history through artifacts and living-culture demonstrations before heading toward Old Town for lunch.

Afternoon:

Spend a leisurely afternoon discovering contemporary and folk art at Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, then wander the nearby outdoor installations and catch a curator-led talk or temporary exhibit pop-up. Afterward, stroll through the adjacent plaza to sample regional cheeses and charcuterie at Señor Murphy's Market & Tasting Room before settling on a riverside bench at Tingley Arts Patio to watch local artists sketch and musicians busk as the light softens.

Evening:

As twilight falls, step into the intimate performance world of KiMo Theatre for a live show or chamber concert, then wander the lantern-lit courtyards and pop into late-night galleries at Old Town Plaza to browse folk art and handmade jewelry. Finish with a relaxed dinner and local craft cocktails at the historic adobe restaurant Church Street Café, followed by a moonlit walk along the nearby Albuquerque Trolley Trail to take in quiet riverfront views and the city's evening glow.

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White Sands National Park area, NM · Saturday, February 14, 2026

White Sands or desert landscapes and stargazing

Morning:

Drive early from your Albuquerque base for a peaceful sunrise walk across the gypsum dunes at White Sands National Park, sled a rented plastic saucer down the rolling white slopes, and photograph the light and shadow patterns while the park is still quiet. Afterward, stop at the nearby Oliver Lee Memorial State Park for a short guided nature walk through desert grasslands and a picnic breakfast beneath cottonwood trees, then head to Lake Lucero for a ranger-led talk about the geology and prehistoric artifacts found in the gypsum playa.

Afternoon:

After a luminous morning at the dunes, drive south to explore the historic desert oasis of Lea County Museum for local history and Cold War exhibits, then stroll the adobe-lined interpretive trails at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park's sister site Dog Canyon to see juniper woodlands and catch late-day light on rugged cliffs. Finish the afternoon with a guided sunset photography walk at Lake Lucero Overlook to capture the shifting tones of gypsum and sky before returning to camp for evening preparations.

Evening:

As dusk deepens, drive to Three Rivers Petroglyph Site for a short interpretive stroll among twilight rock art panels, then continue to Two Mile Campground Overlook for a picnic dinner while watching the dunes take on rosy hues. After nightfall, settle on a blanket at Holman Flats Pullout for an organized stargazing session-bring a red-headlamp and a star chart to spot the Milky Way and winter constellations, and listen for ranger-led night-sky talks when available.

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Eastern New Mexico (En route to TX) · Sunday, February 15, 2026

Final New Mexico day — drive toward Texas border

Morning:

Leave the high desert behind for a day of wide skies and frontier history with a sunrise coffee stop at Clovis' Norman Petty Recording Studio (tour the tiny control room where rockabilly legends recorded) before heading east. Continue through sweeping plains to stretch your legs at Ute Lake State Park-rent a kayak or walk the lakeshore for birdwatching-and pause at the roadside Torreon/Valley of Fires interpretive pullouts to photograph lava-formed terrain and old ranching homesteads as you make your way toward the Texas line.

Afternoon:

After a lakeside morning, steer toward the plains with a long, scenic stretch along Route 60, pausing to explore the interpretive trails and wind-sculpted dunes at Bluewater Lake State Park for a brisk walk and birdwatching before lunch. Continue east to the charming railroad town of Grady, NM to visit the small but evocative Grady Historical Museum and sip strong coffee at Main Street Café, then finish the afternoon with panoramic, big-sky photos from the roadside overlooks near Caprock Escarpment as you cross toward the Texas line.

Evening:

As late light softens the plains, pause for a riverside walk and photo stop at Conchas Lake State Park-watch the water reflect the sunset and, if open, grab a slice or coffee at the park store. Continue east to the historic ranching crossroads of Tucumcari to stroll vintage neon-lined Route 66 downtown, browse roadside curios at Tucumcari Historical Museum, then dine on hearty New Mexican comfort food and pie at the long-running Del's Restaurant before settling into a motel with easy morning access to the Texas border.

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En route to Austin (Amarillo/Lubbock area, TX) · Monday, February 16, 2026

Cross into Texas — Arrive in Amarillo/Lubbock en route to Austin

Morning:

Head east at first light across the wide Texas Panhandle and stretch your legs with a brisk walk through the sculptural plains at Cadillac Ranch, then visit the roadside museum vibe and vintage signage at Big Texan Steak Ranch for an iconic Texas breakfast and photos. After refueling, detour to the contemplative prairie exhibits at Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon to learn about regional ranching history and view rotating Western art before resuming the drive toward Lubbock and Austin.

Afternoon:

After your Panhandle morning, detour into Lubbock for a hands-on stroll through the interactive exhibits at Museum of Texas Tech (regional art, paleontology and ranching displays), then grab a late-afternoon plate of classic West Texas barbecue at Evie Mae's BBQ to refuel. Finish the afternoon with a peaceful walk among native grasses and public sculptures at Lubbock Memorial Arboretum, where wide skies and wind-sculpted oaks offer a gentle introduction to the landscapes you'll see farther east as you press toward Austin.

Evening:

After a long drive through the Panhandle, unwind with a classic Texas evening in Amarillo's Historic Route 66 District, sampling craft margaritas and smoked bites at The Garnet Steakhouse & Bar, then stroll neon-lit storefronts to soak up roadside Americana. For a quieter option, head to Thompson Park for a short riverside walk and sunset views, followed by comfort-food dinner at the local favorite Yellow City Street Food before settling in for an early night en route to Austin.

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Austin, TX · Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Austin — Parks, gardens, music-adjacent culture and food

Morning:

Wake to a gentle urban-nature morning with a waterside stroll and birdwatching along Lamar Beach at Lady Bird Lake, then rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to glide beneath the city skyline and Austin's bridges for lively people-watching from the water. Afterward, wander the fragrant paths and specialty plantings at Zilker Botanical Garden, pause at the Japanese garden for quiet photos, and refuel with breakfast tacos and coffee at the popular nearby The Rustic patio to keep the day moving toward live-music neighborhoods and local flavors.

Afternoon:

Spend a relaxed afternoon wandering the leafy trails and public art of Buffalo Bayou Park, rent a bike to cruise the Hike-and-Bike Trail and pause at the scenic Waller Creek Boathouse for skyline views. Follow with a late lunch at the iconic riverside patio of Joe T. Garcia's for classic Tex-Mex, then stroll the nearby South Congress storefronts to browse vintage shops, record stores and live-music venues as the neighborhood warms up for evening shows.

Evening:

As twilight settles, head to The Continental Club for a quintessential Austin live-music set-grab a seat near the stage or sip a cocktail on the patio to soak up vintage vibes-then wander a few blocks to Fareground at 111 Congress for a lively food-hall dinner sampling local chefs (tacos, Gulf seafood, and craft cocktails). Finish the night with a rooftop nightcap and skyline view at P6 at The LINE Austin or, for a more low-key close, join an evening bat-viewing stroll beneath Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the city lights and the famous Mexican free-tailed bats emerge.

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Austin, TX · Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Austin outdoors — Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, Botanical Garden

Morning:

Begin with a peaceful paddle from Rowing Dock onto the calmer east arm of Lady Bird Lake, gliding under bridges and past skyline-reflecting water while watching early birdlife; return to shore for a stroll through the sensory plantings at Zilker Botanical Conservancy where seasonal beds and native-plant demonstrations offer a close-up of Texas flora. Afterward, head to the nearby Barton Creek Greenbelt for a short shaded hike to refreshing creek pools and limestone ledges-perfect for cooling off-then refuel with breakfast tacos and strong coffee at the beloved local spot Shrimp 'N Stuff before the afternoon's city explorations.

Afternoon:

After a waterside morning, pedal or walk the scenic trails of Veloway and then cross into the leafy expanse of Zilker Metropolitan Park to picnic beneath live oaks and catch locals playing frisbee or kite-flying on the lawn; rent a tandem bike from a nearby shop for easy cruising. Later, head upriver to the peaceful native-plant displays and birding boardwalks at Velvet Grove Wetlands (a quieter neighborhood green space) before settling in for an early-evening sunset from the hilltop at Mount Bonnell Overlook, where sweeping city-and-river vistas reward a short climb.

Evening:

As the sun cools, wander the shaded sculpture gardens and native-plant walkways at Zilker Botanical Garden before heading to the nearby Barton Springs Pavilion to watch swimmers and enjoy a laid-back riverside picnic with local craft beer or margaritas. After dusk, stroll the lit paths of Barton Creek Greenbelt South to hear night birds and cicadas, then finish the night with casual live music and Texan comfort plates at the beloved patio of The Rustic, soaking up an easy Austin evening of food, song and warm air.

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San Antonio, TX · Thursday, February 19, 2026

Drive to San Antonio — River Walk history and early-evening dining

Morning:

Ease into your San Antonio arrival with a riverside history stroll along San Antonio River Walk Museum Reach, pausing to admire the public art and interpretive panels that trace the city's colonial and mission-era past. Continue to the neighboring La Villita Historic Arts Village to browse artisan studios and pick up a handcrafted souvenir, then fuel up with a mid-morning Tex-Mex brunch at the nearby and lively Café Ole before the afternoon's mission visits.

Afternoon:

After your morning stroll and La Villita visit, dive deeper into San Antonio's layered history with a guided tour of The Alamo compound and its museum to connect mission-era stories with the riverfront you explored earlier. Follow that with a leisurely walk through the shaded pathways and public gardens of Hemisfair Park, pause to climb the observation platform at Tobin Center for the Performing Arts for elevated river and downtown views, and then relax over a late-afternoon coffee or small plates at the river-adjacent patio of Boudro's on the Riverwalk before evening dining.

Evening:

As twilight deepens, wander the fragrant sculpture gardens and shady promenades of San Pedro Springs Park for a peaceful local respite, then head to La Cantera Hill Country for sunset views over the Texas Hill Country and a relaxed cocktail at one of the resort terraces. Finish with a convivial dinner of modern Tex-Mex and craft cocktails at Biga on the Banks followed by after-dinner sweets or coffee at the cozy Bakery Lorraine to cap a day of drives, history and riverside discovery.

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San Antonio, TX · Friday, February 20, 2026

San Antonio — The Alamo, missions (National Historical Park) and parks

Morning:

Begin with a peaceful early stroll through Mission San José grounds to admire restored stonework and hear rangers recount mission life, then cycle the Mission Reach trail to Mission Concepción, pausing to photograph its intact 18th-century frescoes and riverside cottonwoods. Finish your morning with a guided garden tour at King William Historic District where shaded promenades, Victorian mansions and neighborhood cafés offer a quiet contrast before lunch and the afternoon's deeper mission-park explorations.

Afternoon:

Stroll the shady, landscaped paths of Hemisfair Park, pause at the interactive playground and the Tower of the Americas plaza for sweeping downtown vistas, then cross to the nearby Institute of Texan Cultures for rotating exhibits on regional peoples and hands-on cultural displays. Follow with a relaxed riverside break at Museo Riverwalk Café (or a boat-launch stroll) before wandering the restored gardens and interpretive trails of Brackenridge Park, where the Japanese Tea Garden and quiet meadows offer a gentle, historic-park counterpoint to your morning mission visits.

Evening:

As evening falls, wander the restored promenades and native plantings at Confluence Park, where the meeting of three rivers is lit softly and public art anchors a tranquil riverside stroll; pause at the shaded seating by the water for sunset reflections. For dinner, head to the lively Pearl District to sample seasonal dishes and inventive small plates at Cured and finish with a nightcap on the riverfront terraces near Hotel Emma, listening to low-key live music and savoring the neighborhood's adaptive-reuse charm.

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Houston, TX · Saturday, February 21, 2026

Drive east to Houston — Museums, Hermann Park & Botanical Garden

Morning:

After your drive into Houston, stretch your legs with a calm stroll through McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park-admire the seasonal flower beds, the ornamental conservatory and the peaceful reflection pools. From there head to the nearby Houston Museum of Natural Science for an engaging morning among paleontology exhibits and interactive mineral displays, then grab a quick coffee and Texas-style kolache at the museum café before moving on to the day's museum circuit.

Afternoon:

After lunch, wander the leafy trails and public art of Buffalo Bayou Park, renting a bike or joining a guided kayak tour to see the city from the water and pause at the sculptural Cistern for a cool, contemplative visit; then stroll over to the nearby Contemporary Arts Museum Houston for rotating shows of regional and international artists. Finish the afternoon with a calming walk through the restored prairie beds and shade trees at Hermann Park's Miller Outdoor Theatre lawn-catch a late-afternoon free performance if available-or relax with coffee on the sunlit terrace at the Houston Museum District's garden cafés before your evening plans.

Evening:

As twilight settles, wander the leafy galleries and outdoor sculpture at Menil Collection-its quiet courtyard and late-afternoon lighting create a reflective mood-and then cross into nearby Rice University to stroll the picturesque, lamp-lit quadrangles and the public art along the academic mall. Finish with a relaxed dinner of Gulf-inspired small plates and coastal cocktails at Eddie V's Prime Seafood or a lively neighborhood meal at Hugo's in Montrose, followed by an evening walk through the aromatic, moonlit plantings of Buffalo Bayou's Sabine Promenade to hear the city soften into night.

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Houston, TX · Sunday, February 22, 2026

Houston — Space Center option or Bayou Greenways and early departure toward Dallas/Fort Worth or flight home

Morning:

Start the day with a peaceful waterfront walk along Buffalo Bayou Park's quieter eastern reaches, pausing at the sculptural Cattle Drive and the mangrove-like plantings near the restored wetlands for birdwatching; follow the trail to Eleanor Tinsley Park for skyline views framed by live oaks. After the walk, fuel up with a hearty coastal-inspired breakfast at The Rustic's daytime patio (seasonal small plates and local coffee) before a short drive to the nearby Houston Arboretum & Nature Center for a guided nature loop that contrasts city greenways with native prairie and provides a calm send-off before your drive or flight.

Afternoon:

Spend a restorative afternoon exploring the eastern stretches of Buffalo Bayou Park beyond the downtown loop-rent a kayak near the Allen's Landing area to paddle past public art and the restored wetlands, then pedal or stroll along the quieter trails to reach the sculptural Houston Police Officers' Memorial and waterside gardens. Afterward, head to the nearby Houston Arboretum & Nature Center for a guided nature walk through native prairie and pine-oak habitats, followed by a leisurely late-afternoon coffee and pastries at the arboretum's snug café before preparing for your evening drive or flight.

Evening:

As the day winds down, enjoy a riverside sunset stroll and craft cocktail at Terry Hershey Park's western trails, where quiet Graham Creek overlooks and long concrete paths offer a peaceful contrast to downtown greenways; linger on a bench to watch golden light filter through mature oaks. Afterwards, savor a final Houston meal of Gulf-inspired tapas and seasonal oysters at Xochi on the southern banks-then cap the night with a relaxed drink and skyline view from the rooftop bar at The Post Oak Hotel, a refined last-night treat before your early departure or evening flight.

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Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden$15
Frontier Restaurant (breakfast)$12
Sandia Peak Tramway (tram ticket)$30
Sandia Peak viewpoints / gift shopFree
Old Town Albuquerque (walking and galleries)Free
San Felipe de Neri ChurchFree
El Pinto (lunch/dinner)$20
Petroglyph National Monument (overlooks/visitor areas)Free
High Finance Rooftop Bar (drinks)$15
Nob Hill galleries and public art (self-guided)Free
The Acre (dinner)$35
Effex Nightclub (cover/drinks)$15
Anodyne Coffeehouse & Bar (drink/dessert)$8
Rio Grande Bosque / Tingley Beach (evening stroll)Free
The Plaza (Santa Fe)Free
Dolores Olguín Bakery (pan dulce)$4
Loretto Chapel (visit)$7
Institute of American Indian Arts Museum$10
Santa Fe Canyon Road galleries (self-guided)Free
Santa Fe Railyard / Railyard Artisan MarketFree
Iconik Coffee Roasters (coffee)$5
Museum of Spanish Colonial Art$12
Canyon Road Vista Point (views)Free
The Shed (dinner)$25
Geronimo (dinner)$60
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum Theater / Museum$18
La Boca (tapas/drinks)$30
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge (scenic stop)Free
Taos Pueblo (admission/donation)$16
The Coffee Station (breakfast)$10
Ledoux Street galleries and Benedict Castle Ruins (self-guided)Free
Taos Plaza (shopping/tasting)Free
La Cueva Café (lunch)$15
Río Grande del Norte Visitor Center (stop)Free
Taos Mesa Brewing (drink)$8
Woven Art Gallery (shopping)$20
Doc Martin's (dinner)$30
Orlando's New Mexican Café (coffee/pastry)$6
Bajadero Trail (hike)Free
Ventana Canyon Trailhead guided nature walk$10
Sawmill Market Café (breakfast)$12
Boca Negra Canyon (petroglyphs)Free
La Luz Trail Visitor Overlook (geology walk)Free
Bistrô 315 (dinner)$30
Tijeras Pueblo Archaeological SiteFree
Four Hills Lookout (view)Free
El Modelo (dinner)$15
Rio Grande Nature Center State Park (evening stroll)$5
New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science$11
National Hispanic Cultural Center (galleries)$8
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (tour/exhibits)$12
Museum of Contemporary Native Arts$10
Señor Murphy's Market & Tasting Room (tasting)$15
Tingley Arts Patio (riverfront seating)Free
KiMo Theatre (performance ticket)$30
Church Street Café (dinner)$25
Albuquerque Trolley Trail (walk)Free
White Sands National Park (entrance fee per vehicle / per person estimate)$6
saucer rental (White Sands)$6
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park (guided walk / day use)Free
Lake Lucero ranger talk / overlookFree
Lea County Museum$5
Dog Canyon / Oliver Lee trailsFree
Three Rivers Petroglyph SiteFree
Holman Flats Pullout (stargazing)Free
Norman Petty Recording Studio (tour)$10
Ute Lake State Park (kayak rental estimate)$20
Torreon / Valley of Fires interpretive pulloutsFree
Bluewater Lake State Park (entry/walk)Free
Grady Historical Museum$3
Caprock Escarpment overlooks (photo stops)Free
Conchas Lake State Park (visit)Free
Tucumcari Historical Museum$5
Del's Restaurant (dinner)$15
Cadillac Ranch (visit)Free
Big Texan Steak Ranch (breakfast)$18
Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum$10
Museum of Texas Tech$10
Evie Mae's BBQ (meal)$20
Lubbock Memorial Arboretum (visit)Free
Amarillo Historic Route 66 District (stroll)Free
The Garnet Steakhouse & Bar (dinner)$35
Thompson Park (walk)Free
Yellow City Street Food (dinner)$15
Lamar Beach at Lady Bird Lake (walk)Free
kayak / SUP rental at Lady Bird Lake (per person)$20
Zilker Botanical Garden$3
The Rustic (breakfast/lunch/dinner)$20
Buffalo Bayou Park (walking/bike)Free
Waller Creek Boathouse (views)Free
Joe T. Garcia's (lunch)$20
South Congress shopping / music venues (browsing)Free
The Continental Club (cover/drinks)$20
Fareground at 111 Congress (dinner / food hall)$20
P6 at The LINE Austin (rooftop drink)$15
Congress Avenue Bridge bat viewing (evening)Free
Rowing Dock paddle (repeat/activity)$20
Barton Creek Greenbelt (hike)Free
Shrimp 'N Stuff (breakfast tacos)$8
Veloway (bike rental / entry)$5
Zilker Metropolitan Park (picnic/visit)Free
Velvet Grove Wetlands (walk)Free
Mount Bonnell Overlook (visit)Free
Barton Springs (visit/view)Free
The Rustic (evening music/dinner repeat)$25
San Antonio River Walk Museum Reach (walk)Free
La Villita Historic Arts Village (visit)Free
Café Ole (brunch)$15
The Alamo (admission / donation)Free
Hemisfair Park (walk / Tower)$5
Tobin Center observation platform$5
Boudro's on the Riverwalk (late-afternoon coffee/small plates)$25
San Pedro Springs Park (evening stroll)Free
La Cantera Hill Country (sunset / terrace)Free
Biga on the Banks (dinner)$45
Bakery Lorraine (dessert/coffee)$8
Mission San José (ranger-led visit)Free
Mission Concepción (visit)Free
King William Historic District guided garden tour$10
Institute of Texan Cultures$12
Museo Riverwalk Café (break)$10
Brackenridge Park / Japanese Tea GardenFree
Confluence Park (evening stroll)Free
Cured (dinner)$40
Hotel Emma / Hotel terraces (drinks)$15
McGovern Centennial Gardens (Hermann Park)Free
Houston Museum of Natural Science$25
Buffalo Bayou Park (Houston) (walk/kayak)Free
The Cistern (visit)$10
Contemporary Arts Museum HoustonFree
Miller Outdoor Theatre (lawn/performance if free)Free
Menil Collection (visit)Free
Rice University quad walk (self-guided)Free
Eddie V's Prime Seafood (dinner)$50
Hugo's (dinner, Montrose)$35
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center (visit / guided walk)Free
Allen's Landing / kayak rental (Buffalo Bayou)$20
Terry Hershey Park (sunset stroll)Free
Xochi (dinner)$45
The Post Oak Hotel rooftop (drink)$25
Estimated Total (per person)$2262
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