Days 1 and 2 | El Paso

Situated on the Rio Grande across from Juárez, Mexico, El Paso mixes Spanish, Indian, Mexican, and U.S. cultures and different terrains, including desert, mountains, and river. Start your El Paso adventure with a tour of the city’s three old Spanish missions and a visit to the Tigua Indian Cultural Center to learn more.

The next day, explore El Paso’s museums, including the El Paso Museum of Art (more than 5,000 works); shop in downtown El Paso or take a trolley to Juárez for a taste of Mexico; and go out to the Hueco Tanks State Historic Site, where natural rock basins catch precious water.

Days 3 and 4 | Van Horn, Balmorhea

Pretend you’re in the cast of Lonesome Dove as you tour Red Rock Ranch, a historic site of petroglyphs in Van Horn that also has several sets from the famed television movie. Experience the “spirit of the West” with the Guadalupe Mountains, Sierra Blanca, Sierra Diablo, and even Carlsbad Caverns, just a short drive away. Browse through the Culberson County Historical Museum and then enjoy lunch at Chuy’s–where sportscaster John Madden makes his annual Super Bowl picks.

It’s just a short drive to Balmorhea, a city whose unique name is an amalgam of letters from the names of the land developers Balcome, Moore, and Rhea. At Balmorhea State Park, explore its many trails, then jump into the San Solomon Springs pool (open year-round) to cool off.

Days 5 and 6 | Sanderson, Langtry, Del Rio

Sanderson is known as the “Cactus Capital of Texas” because the prickly plants are everywhere. Try nopales–tender, succulent cactus pads–at the annual Prickly Pear Festival, or time your visit to coincide with the town’s extravagant Cinco de Mayo celebration. The World Championship Frijole Cookoff, held each August, also provides a lot of fun. Before moving on to Langtry, hike the trail that goes up the hill behind Sanderson, leading to the Sanderson Water Tower; you’ll have a great view of the town, the surrounding area, and the mountains from that spot.

Next stop is Langtry, which was named for English actress Lillie Langtry. This tiny (about 30 residents) town’s most famous–and feared–long-ago inhabitant, Judge Roy Bean (known as the “Law West of the Pecos”), was infatuated with Miss Langtry, and he named the town after her in tribute. Stop by the Judge Roy Bean Visitors Center to learn more; it includes the saloon, opera house, and courtroom where Judge Bean laid down the law.

In Del Rio, start with the Whitehead Memorial Museum, a collection of historical buildings that is open for tours. Lake Amistad and Amistad National Recreation Area are the perfect detour for a hike and a picnic lunch. Seminole Canyon and Fate Bell Shelter, where prehistoric cave dwellings await explorers, are nearby. Finally, enjoy a glass of the Texas RosŽ at Val Verde Winery, the oldest in Texas. Or head across the border to Ciudad Acu–a, Mexico, for shopping and some real Mexican food.

Days 7 and 8 | Uvalde, Castroville

Uvalde is known as a year-round hunting destination (white-tailed deer, dove, quail, turkey, javelina, and feral hog), but there’s much more to this small Texas town. The Cook’s Slough Sanctuary is a natural birding habitat, and Uvalde has been recognized by the National Audubon Society as one of the best birding locations in the country. The recently restored Grand Opera House is worth a visit, and there are plenty of antiques stores downtown for browsing. Have lunch at Garner State Park and then take a little time to explore its canyons, streams, mesas, carved limestone cliffs, and 10 acres of riverfront.

In Castroville, which was founded by immigrants from the Alsace region of France, visit Das Haus aus Elsass (the House from Alsace). Constructed in the 1600s in an Alsatian village, it was moved to Castroville. A picnic lunch on the Medina River at Castroville Regional Park will be a pleasant midday interlude.

Days 9 and 10 | San Antonio

San Antonio is packed with must-see attractions. Begin at the Alamo and then have lunch at one of the many restaurants on the River Walk, or Paseo del Rio. Satisfy your shopping urge at El Mercado (32 shops, plus 80 specialty shops in nearby Farmers Market Plaza) or the Shops at La Cantera, an open-air marketplace with dining, events, and shopping.

Later, enjoy family fun at SeaWorld San Antonio or Fiesta Texas, or take the trolley to Southtown and walk through gorgeous Victorian mansions like the Steves Homestead (open to the public) in the King William Historic District.

The next morning, sample the city’s extensive art and cultural scene at the Witte Museum, the McNay Art Museum, or the San Antonio Museum of Art (SAMA) before leaving town in the afternoon.

Days 11 and 12 | Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Rockport-Fulton

You’ll easily make it to Corpus Christi before the sun sets. At the Texas State Aquarium, check out the extensive array of sea life, which includes dolphins, turtles, Gulf fish, coral reefs, and much more. In the morning, tour the U.S.S. Lexington, then head for the beaches of Port Aransas.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss a chance for some R&R on Mustang Island. It’s well stocked with all the essentials: waves for surfing, tours for dolphin watching, expeditions for wildlife exploration, beaches for simply strolling and relaxing. Stop by the historic Tarpon Inn, where there’s a scale from a huge tarpon, signed by President Franklin Roosevelt.

Bring your fishing poles (or rent some there) to Rockport, one of the Gulf Coast’s most popular fishing destinations. Visit the Texas Maritime Museum for great views of the Gulf. In Fulton, you’ll want to snap souvenir photos of this beach town’s wind-sculpted live oak trees on Fulton Beach Road. Browse the art galleries and cafes on Austin Street, and then tour the circa 1877 Victorian Fulton Mansion.