Before You Go to Texas, Here’s What You Should Know
If you’ve ever dreamed of a family trip that mixes wild beauty, epic food, and good ol’ roadside charm, Texas has your name written all over it. It’s a place where you can hike through canyons by day, eat BBQ in a gas station (yes, really), and catch a glowing sunset over the desert at night.
So before you pack your boots and snacks, here are four things you absolutely need to know before heading to the Lone Star State.
🌄 1. Big Bend National Park Is a Must-See
You can’t really understand Texas until you’ve seen Big Bend National Park. It’s one of those places that makes you stop mid-sentence and just breathe. The hiking trails wind through mountains and desert, the Rio Grande sparkles below, and at night, the stars practically put on a show just for you.
If you’re lucky, you’ll spot a few locals — not the human kind. Look out for colorful lizards, collared peccaries, and birds with names so fancy they sound made-up. (Verdin, anyone?)
🛻 2. Don’t Skip the Gas Station Food (Trust Me)
I know what you’re thinking: gas station food… seriously?
But in Texas, that’s practically a rite of passage.
If you see a Buc-ee’s, pull over. Inside you’ll find the famous Beaver Nuggets (sweet, crunchy puffed corn) and BBQ brisket sandwiches that could make you cry happy tears. They even have spotless bathrooms and aisles of road trip snacks that make kids feel like it’s Disneyland.
Other gas station gems? Warm boiled peanuts, pickled eggs, and flaky kolaches — a Czech pastry stuffed with fruit or sausage. You’ll never look at “gas station food” the same way again.
🚐 3. Texas Is Heaven for RV Lovers
If you’re an RVer or road-tripper, welcome to paradise.
Texas has it all — desert trails, pine forests, coastal beaches, and big, wide skies that make every sunrise feel cinematic. Don’t forget their amazing RV Parks.
Set up camp in a full-hookup RV park for the best comfort, or go off-grid if you’re feeling adventurous. East Texas gives you shady lakes and bayous; the west is all canyons and starry nights; and down south, you’ll find Gulf Coast beaches perfect for kids.
It’s not just about where you stay — it’s the ride itself. The open road is half the fun here.
🎢 4. There’s So Much to Do (and Eat, and Explore)
From theme parks to historic sites, Texas delivers on family fun.
Start at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington for wild rides like Aquaman: Power Wave or Bugs Bunny Cloud Bouncer. Then take a history detour to The Alamo in San Antonio — where kids can walk through a real mission and learn about bravery firsthand.
If you have extra days, squeeze in a few local favorites:
- Stroll the San Antonio River Walk (and grab a taco or two).
- Hunt for street art in Austin.
- Catch a cowboy show in Fort Worth.
🤠 Final Thoughts: Everything’s Bigger (and Better) in Texas
Texas isn’t just a place — it’s an experience.
From mountain trails to gas station brisket, every stop feels like its own little story. So pack your camera, bring your sense of adventure, and maybe an extra belt notch for all that BBQ.
Whether you’re camping, road-tripping, or just chasing sunsets, Texas is family travel at its finest — big, bold, and full of surprises.
💡 Tip: Before you go, bookmark this post and check out Best Car Ride Activities for Kids for more ideas!
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