10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Lubbock, Texas
If you live in Lubbock, Texas and you’re craving a quick change of scenery, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or so in almost every direction, you’ll find small towns, canyons, lakes, and old downtown squares that feel a world away from city life.
This guide focuses on
short road trips from Lubbock that take you into nearby counties: Crosby, Floyd, Garza, Hale, Hockley, Lamb, Lynn, and Terry. Each destination is outside Lubbock County, so you really are “getting away,” even if it’s just for the afternoon.
1. Crosbyton & Blanco Canyon (Crosby County)
Head east on US-82 for about 40 miles and you’ll roll into
Crosbyton, the tiny county seat of Crosby County. The town is quiet, but the landscape around it is the real star.
What to do:
- Blanco Canyon Views: As you drive down into the canyon, you’ll see red cliffs, green patches along the creek, and wide-open skies. It’s a great place to pull over (safely) and snap photos.
- Country Backroads Drive: Explore some of the farm roads around Crosbyton for classic West Texas views—grain elevators, cotton fields, and old windmills.
- Picnic Stop: Pack a cooler and find a shady spot near the canyon rim for a simple picnic with a view.
If you’ve ever thought, “There’s nothing to see around Lubbock,” this drive through Blanco Canyon will probably change your mind.
2. Ralls & Lorenzo Small-Town Stroll (Crosby County)
Just a bit closer than Crosbyton, the towns of
Ralls and
Lorenzo sit along US-82 in Crosby County. They’re perfect for a low-key, half-day road trip.
Ideas for your visit:
- Walk the main streets and check out old storefronts and faded signs.
- Stop into a local café or family-run restaurant if one’s open—small-town cafes often serve surprisingly great pie and chicken-fried steak.
- Bring your camera for photos of grain silos and cotton gins, especially around sunset.
This is a simple, no-rush road trip. Think of it as “Sunday drive” material any day of the week.
3. Floydada – The Pumpkin Capital (Floyd County)
Drive about an hour northeast and you’ll reach
Floydada in Floyd County—known around Texas as a pumpkin hotspot.
Why go:
- Fall Pumpkin Fun: In the fall, fields around Floydada fill with bright orange pumpkins. Some farms host seasonal events, photo spots, and family-friendly activities.
- Scenic Farm Country: Long, straight roads, barns, and wide skies make this a great spot for a simple countryside drive.
- Local Eats: Look for small diners or taco stands locals recommend. Ask a gas station clerk where they like to eat—you’ll usually find a good, home-style spot.
If you love fall or you’re into photography, a pumpkin-season drive to Floydada is hard to beat.
4. Lockney & the Quiet Side of Floyd County
On your way to or from Floydada, consider stopping in
Lockney, another small town in Floyd County.
What to do:
- Walk or drive around town to see classic West Texas neighborhood streets.
- Check out local churches and historic homes—many are simple but full of character.
- Use this stop as a stretch-break on a longer loop through Crosby and Floyd counties.
This is a good stop when you want a peaceful drive with almost no traffic and plenty of room to breathe.
5. Post & Caprock Canyons Country (Garza County)
Head about 40 minutes southeast on US-84 and you’ll reach
Post in Garza County. It sits near the edge of the Caprock, where the flat plains break into canyons and mesas.
Highlights:
- Scenic Highway Views: The drive in and out of Post offers rolling hills and red rock formations—much more interesting than flat highways.
- Small Downtown Squares: Explore local shops, grab a coffee or burger, and check out historic buildings.
- Sunset Drive: Time your trip so you’re driving back toward Lubbock at sunset. The sky can stretch from orange to purple, and the light on the mesas is beautiful.
Post is close enough for a quick lunch trip but interesting enough to fill your whole afternoon.
6. Plainview – A Bigger Small Town Escape (Hale County)
About 45 minutes north on I-27 lies
Plainview, the county seat of Hale County. It’s larger than many nearby towns, so there’s a bit more to do.
Things to check out:
- Walk the Downtown Area: Explore the older part of town with historic brick buildings and long sidewalks.
- City Parks: Find a local park, bring a blanket, and let the kids burn off energy on the playground.
- Local Restaurants: Plainview has more food options than most small towns around Lubbock—everything from BBQ to Tex-Mex.
Plainview is a nice pick if you want to get out of Lubbock County but still have plenty of modern conveniences around.
7. Levelland – Murals, Music, and the “Hub City’s” Neighbor (Hockley County)
Just a short drive west on TX-114,
Levelland in Hockley County makes a great half-day road trip from Lubbock.
Why Levelland works so well for a day trip:
- Public Art & Murals: Wander around the town square area and side streets—you’ll often spot colorful murals and creative storefronts.
- Laid-Back Shopping: Browse local shops for gifts, vintage items, and small-town finds.
- Coffee or Lunch Stop: Grab a drink or a meal, then stroll the square at a relaxed pace.
If you love photography, Levelland’s murals and old buildings can easily keep you busy for a few hours.
8. Littlefield & Sudan – Classic West Texas Drives (Lamb County)
Northwest of Lubbock you’ll find
Littlefield and
Sudan in Lamb County, both great stops on a scenic loop.
Make a loop out of it:
- Drive from Lubbock to Littlefield, then swing through Sudan and circle back a different way for new scenery.
- Look for cotton fields, cattle, and the occasional old farmhouse—perfect for a slow, windows-down drive.
- Stop in town for a drink or snack and chat with locals. People in these small towns are often happy to share a story or two.
If you enjoy “getting lost on purpose” (with GPS as backup), Lamb County is a fun place to roam.
9. Tahoka – Gateway to Farm and Ranch Country (Lynn County)
About 30 minutes south of Lubbock on US-87 is
Tahoka, the county seat of Lynn County. It makes a quick and easy break from city life.
What to see and do:
- Small-Town Stroll: Drive around neighborhoods and the main street for a glimpse of everyday life in rural Texas.
- Cotton & Cattle Country: The roads around Tahoka are lined with fields and ranch land—keep an eye out for interesting barns and cattle spreads.
- Simple Day-Trip Lunch: Grab a bite in town, then circle back to Lubbock by a different route for more scenery.
This is one of the easiest short road trips from Lubbock, perfect when you only have a few hours.
10. Brownfield – Vineyard Country and Wide-Open Highways (Terry County)
Head about 40 minutes southwest on US-62/82 and you’ll land in
Brownfield, in Terry County. This area has been growing its reputation for grapes and wide-open skies.
Why go to Brownfield:
- Vineyard Country: As you drive in, you may spot vineyards and farm operations along the highway and side roads.
- Downtown Explore: Park near the square and walk around to see old storefronts and local businesses.
- Sunset and Starry Skies: The wide, dark skies around Brownfield can offer great sunset and stargazing views if you stay past dusk.
If you like the idea of a “wine country” drive without leaving the South Plains, Brownfield is a great option.
Tips for Short Road Trips from Lubbock
To make the most of these easy getaways near Lubbock, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Fuel Up: Gas stations can be spread out in rural areas. Fill your tank in Lubbock before you go.
- Check Hours: Small-town restaurants and shops sometimes close early or shut down on Sundays.
- Bring Water & Snacks: The West Texas sun can be intense, and it’s always good to have drinks and snacks in the car.
- Watch the Weather: Wind, dust storms, and thunderstorms can roll in fast. Check the forecast before you head out.
These trips don’t require much planning, but a little preparation can make your day smoother and more fun.
Ready to Plan Your Next Lubbock Road Trip?
You don’t have to drive across the state to find new things to do near Lubbock. From canyon views in Crosby County to pumpkin fields in Floyd County, and from small-town squares in Garza and Hale counties to wide-open vineyard country in Terry County, there’s a whole circle of easy day trips just outside Lubbock County.
Which of these out-of-county road trips will you try first? The quiet streets of Tahoka, the murals of Levelland, or the scenic drive to Post?
If you found this guide helpful:
- Share it with friends and family who live in or near Lubbock and need fresh ideas for weekend drives.
- Comment below with your favorite small-town stop, secret photo spot, or local restaurant in these nearby counties.
Your tips and stories can help other travelers discover new places just beyond the Lubbock city limits.
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