Texas’ sprawling plains are the perfect backdrop for a family road trip. You can suit your environment to your needs. You can lose yourself in the crowd and bustle of a major city, you can unwind in a small, rural town. Texas has a huge expanse of space for you to explore.
Driving across Texas could be an adventure. Summers can be rough because of the boiling heat while winters can be frigid. However, spring and fall can be gorgeous. And many people love Texas weather even when it’s extreme.
Instead of googling “best things to do near Fort Hood” or “where to eat in Austin,” once you’re already in the city, plan your road trip by deciding your stops in advance. There are so many things to see and do in Texas that it’s hard to know where to begin.
You can visit the Big Bend National Park, one of the most stunning national parks in the country. Your drive to the park will allow you to wind through multiple scenic little towns. West Texas has so many charms that you could devote your entire trip to the area and still feel that you haven’t seen enough.
Stock your car with snacks and entertainment before you head out. Wi-Fi and radio reception will be spotty in some areas, so download music, podcasts, audiobooks etc., in advance.
Ready to hit the road? Here’s how to plan an amazing trip.
Ignore the Quickest Route
If you want to really enjoy your trip, don’t choose the quickest path. There’s value in lingering on the road. Many of your best stops might be small, out of the way spaces.
You can plan your route in advance and stick to a fairly strict schedule. This is the best option for families that have a limited amount of time.
You can also take a free-wheeling approach and decide to go wherever the road takes you. If you can travel for a couple of weeks or months, this might be a good choice for you. There’s something appealing about waking up and having the freedom to do whatever you want.
Figure Out What’s Important
Find out what each family member HAS to see. Perhaps your partner is a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and you want to catch a game. Or maybe you’re itching to see Marfa, a tiny West Texas town known for its innovative art displays.
Focus your trip on your ideal locations.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Stay organized, even you don’t want to stick to a schedule. You should have a backup plan for accidents that may happen on the road, like car trouble or losing your wallet. Don’t assume that everything is going to be perfectly smooth.
Take your car to the mechanic before you start to drive. You want to perform any routine maintenance as well try to spot potential problems.
Houston
Need ideas about where to go? Try Houston. It’s the largest city in the state and is saturated with art and culture. It’s full of universities and museums. It also has a thriving nightlife scene.
Lockhart
Lockhart is the perfect place to stop if you want to escape the confines of a big city. It’s known across the country for its amazing barbeque. It has multiple famed restaurants.
Austin
After Lockhart, you can head straight to Austin. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and has a legendary collection of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. People of all ages flock to Austin because the city has so much to offer.
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi has attractions for history-buffs and outdoor lovers. The city has gorgeous beaches as wells as museums and a large aquarium. It’s a great spot to relax for a few days if you need a break from driving.
Big Bend
Big Bend National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the country. You can easily spend a few days or even longer exploring the area. You can plan a hike that suits your family’s abilities. If everyone in your is athletic, there are many challenging hikes to try. There are also much easier trails if you’re not looking for an intense physical experience.
Texas’ immense size and rich culture make it one of the best states in the country to drive across. A Texas road trip can be an amazing family vacation. You can plan lots of fun stops for the kids. When you’re driving on long, dusty stretches of road you can entertain the family with games and music.
