From Marina Del Rey to Amarillo, George Strait loves singing about places. So we thought it would be fun to create a mega road trip based off places the King of Country Music mentions in his songs.
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With apologies to Honolulu, Seattle and New York City, we think it came out pretty well. If you've already tried our ultimate Texas country road trip and want a bigger challenge, look no further.
Now, we know Strait loves his Lone Star State -- and it's well represented here, with Amarillo, Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston making appearances (and that doesn't even cover the towns mentioned in "All My Ex's Live in Texas," which could inspire a road trip of its own). But Strait has traveled well beyond his home state in his music with songs about heartbreak in Colorado ("Baby Blue"), a quirky love song inspired by The Grand Canyon State ("Ocean Front Property in Arizona") and more.
Read on to start planning your itinerary (and playlist) for the ultimate George Strait road trip.
Colorado
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We'll start with an open-ended destination. King George mentions the beautiful state and its wide open skies in "Baby Blue." And excitingly enough, Colorado actually offers some excellent country music opportunities. If you're there in January, make it out to the Music Fest in Steamboat Springs. It's the premier event for Texas country, Red Dirt and upcoming Americana acts. Plus, skiing is great! If you're on a summer trip, hit up the Country Jam festival outside Grand Junction, Colo.
Las Vegas, Nevada
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In "She Let Herself Go," Strait sings the praises of a woman who finally enjoyed the life she wanted. Short of going on a single's cruise or booking a big ticket to Hawaii, you can do the same. Head to Las Vegas just like Strait's heroine. While there, catch a show from one of several country legends playing residencies. If you go at the right time, you'll catch George Strait himself.
Marina Del Rey, California
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Strait has an entire song about Marina Del Rey, so it's the perfect getaway for fans of the country legend. Enjoy some time on the beach just like in the song. Just don't get your heart broken. Head to Montana's in nearby San Dimas for some traditional country dancing (they even have lessons) and honky tonking, L.A.-style. On your way into Marina Del Rey, stop in Bakersfield (under two hours north) and check out the Kern County Museum or Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame to brush up on your Merle Haggard and Buck Owens knowledge — both influences of Strait's.
San Diego, California
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Strait mentions San Diego in "If You Can Do Anything Else." And truthfully, that song represents most of the distance in this road trip. But it's great for you, because San Diego is an excellent town with tons of history. But you don't have to abandon country music while you're there, either. Stop by local favorite InCahoots for a night of near-the-border honky tonk entertainment.
It's worth noting, too, that Indio, Calif. sits a little over two hours East/Northeast of San Diego. That's the home of Stagecoach every April, and totally worth the drive if you can snag tickets.
Arizona
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Obviously, there's no ocean front property in Arizona. That fact alone led to a huge hit for Strait with the sarcastically titled "Ocean Front Property." But you got your ocean fix a day ago in California, and there is some gorgeous scenery, and some great stopovers for country music fans. In fact, Arizona actually has strong country ties as the home state of artists like Jessi Colter and Dierks Bentley. You can also head south to Nogales, Ariz. to check out Paul Bond Boots, one of the premier boot makers in the entire world. Or, if you stay a bit north, Handlebar J in Scottsdale is known across the state as a go-to country drive. Same with Norton's Country Corner Southeast of Phoenix.
Amarillo
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Obviously you're going to Amarillo. But it's not just a matter of going to the famous locale of "Amarillo By Morning." You need to check out the event Strait so often sings praises of: the rodeo. Amarillo has several, including the World Championship Ranch Rodeo, Coors Cowboy Ranch Rodeo and the Tri-State Fair & Rodeo.
Dallas/Ft. Worth
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Now that you're in Texas (possibly again), there are tons of options. Strait sang about tons of places throughout the state, but the Dallas/Ft. Worth area packs an amazing amount of punch in the world of country music. ("Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind," anyone?) And hey, you'll drive through Abilene on the way, and then Temple on your next trip (both mentioned in "All My Exes Live In Texas"). From Billy Bob's Texas and the Ft. Worth Stockyards to Dallas' Poor David's listening room and Adair's, you have your hands full with country options. And hey, if you need a break from the country fun (blasphemy), Six Flags calls.
San Antonio
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This is George Strait ground zero, sung about in several tunes, including "Remember The Alamo." On the way down, stop by and pay your respects to Cheatham Street Warehouse in San Marcos, Texas. It's the birthplace of Strait's career and a legendary venue for all kinds of acts coming out of Texas.
Once in San Antonio, there's no shortage of great country history to soak in. We don't recommend trying to find Strait's home for legal reasons, but you may catch him watching a San Antonio Spurs basketball game. Or if country music history is more your thing, head to Gruene Hall or Luckenbach.
Houston/Galveston
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Similar to your DFW stop, this one is really up to you. If you haven't gotten enough of big cities, Houston offers all the flash and glamour of a big town with country roots. The Houston Rodeo is world famous. Firehouse Saloon is a must for any true country fan (both modern and traditional).
Meanwhile, Galveston, mentioned in "All My Ex's Live in Texas" ("Allison in Galveston somehow lost her sanity") gives you more of that ocean air and the opportunity to see a show in the amazing Grand 1894 Opera House. There's always some cool festival going on at Galveston Island too, so if you're looking for a change of pace, here's your place.
Pensacola, Florida
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If you haven't noticed on this George Strait tour, you've got plenty of options for sunshine and beaches. Another place mentioned in "If You Can Do Anything Else," Pensacola gives you nearly year-round sunshine and a chance to see just how much Floridians enjoy country music. There are also tons of cool museums in the area if history is your thing, including the Naval Aviation Museum. And if you're there around the right time, hit up the Gulf Coast Jam music festival on your way to your next stop (just under two hours East).
Editor's Note: This article previously ran in July of 2022.
