There are no two ways about it: coming up with vacation plans can be tricky.
This is especially true if you’re trying to plan a road trip with kids in tow.
Oftentimes, such planning becomes a balancing act between keeping a totally full itinerary without breaking the bank. Doing so means finding a road trip spot that’s both brimming with things to do that’s also different from your usual stomping grounds.
That’s why we highly recommend Texas as a go-to road trip spot for vacationing families. The massive state truly offers something for everyone. From outdoor enthusiasts and foods to history buffs and kiddos just looking to have a good time, the Lone Star state certainly doesn’t disappoint.
Already planning your San Antonio vacation? Want to see what Austin is all about? Thinking about Texas as a road trip destination but have no idea what to look forward to? Don’t worry! Our guide has you covered from A to Z as to why Texas deserves your family’s undivided attention.
Visitors Get the Best of “the South”
First thing’s first: Texas manages to pack in just about every aspect of the South weather-wise into a single state.
Plains and desert? Traditional southern swamps? It’s all there and then some!
This likewise makes for a diverse climate that, barring some rather extreme summers, makes the state a smart pick for anyone who enjoys the great outdoors.
Enjoy the State’s Epic State Park System
On a related note, Texas boasts some brilliant natural wonders and places to adventure. Families should really look into Texas’ top state parks, including the likes of…
- Big Bend: boasting endless hiking and one-of-a-kind wildlife, these canyon views capture the best of what the state has to offer for outdoorsy types
- Guadalupe Mountains: remote and desolate, this spot featuring one of the state’s highest peak (“El Capitan”) puts the beauty of Texas’ desert on display
- Palo Duro Canyon: perfect for horseback riding and primitive camping alike
The takeaway here is that Texas’ adventure scene is anything but typical. From long hikes to short strolls, the myriad of parks throughout the state deliver something for everyone in terms of enjoying the outdoors.
Cutting-Edge Cities
Beyond the state’s plains and canyons, bear in mind that Texas is home to cutting edge cities in terms of both technology and culture.
For example, Austin is a hipster mecca that’s likewise a hub to tech giants like 3M, Apple and Cisco. Meanwhile, Texas represents one of the most diverse cities in the country, represents a progressive foodie’s paradise and some of the top medical facilities in the country.
In other words, don’t let the “cowboy” stereotype of the state fool you. Any of the state’s major metro areas provide countless hours of entertainment for visiting families.
Rich History
To say that Texas has a “rich” history might actually be an understatement. Many of the fascinating historical sites in Texas stem from the country’s former conflicts at the border. That said, there’s nothing quite like seeing the Alamo or battleground sites in-person.
Fabulous Food
Burgers and classic American grub? Check.
Tangy Texas BBQ? Double-check.
Tex-Mex and traditional Mexican fare? Oh yeah, you can get that too.
The menus of the best restaurants in Texas speak for themselves, but the fact remains that you can awesome local food at chain spots and holes-in-the-wall alike.
And you’ve probably heard that everything is bigger in Texas, right? Well, that includes your portion sizes!
Southern Hospitality
Although the concept of Southern hospitality might seem like a cliche, Texas has it in spades.
In fact, San Antonio and Fort Worth are among the United States’ friendliest cities.
Out-of-towners are more than welcome as Texans so often want to show off what their great state is all about. Spend some time mingling with locals and you might be surprised at how the statewide pride quickly rubs off on you.
See the Best of the Open Road
Finally, one of the best parts about passing through Texas is that you can experience so much of the state’s natural beauty without even stepping out of the cat. Simply driving through allows you to pull off and snag some iPhone snapshots without a second thought. If you want to experience the open road right, Texas can help make it happen.
When it comes to road trips, Texas doesn’t disappoint. With seemingly endless things to do in one of the country’s most storied and unique states, start thinking about how you can squeeze the Lone Star State into your upcoming vacation plans ASAP.
