If there’s one thing our family loves, it’s blending adventure with amazing food. Texas has more than enough of both — from sandy beaches and scenic rivers to historic towns and bustling boardwalks.
In this post we plan to share our favorite day trip locations with you! Every stop on our list is paired with a recipe from Backyard Texas Grill so you can taste the trip at home.
We LOVE our family time, road trips, and traveling with friends. We always pick places within a few hours of our home in the Houston area so it’s easy to pack up the kids (ages 8 to 18) and hit the road. We look for destinations that keep the kids entertained but still give the adults something to enjoy — and of course, we never forget to make food part of the adventure.
If you’re searching for fun family day trips in Texas, weekend getaways from Houston, or simply the best places to visit in Texas, this list is for you.
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is one of the most popular Texas Gulf Coast destinations, and for good reason. The salty breeze, sound of waves, and stretches of sandy shoreline instantly put us in vacation mode.
We usually start with time at the beach, (or a stay at our favorite condos on the far west end of the island) then head for the freshest seafood in town. We’re big fans of restaurants like Nick’s, Gaido’s, The Spot or Mosquito Cafe.
The ferry ride (and dolphin sightings) are a must, followed by rides at the pier. We always make our way to The Strand for old-fashioned sweets at La King’s Confectionery, then end the night at Rainforest Café for dinner and the kids’ favorite indoor river ride.
Whether it’s summer or winter, Galveston feels like a quick escape without the need for a long drive.
Love Galveston’s Seafood? You’ll Really Enjoy our Salmon on the Grill!
Why we chose this recipe: Fresh salmon captures the flavor of the Gulf and reminds us of Galveston’s amazing seafood scene.
Looking for BBQ in Galveston? Fair enough! Check out Koop’s for authentic Texas flavors!
Kemah, Texas
The Kemah Boardwalk is one of the best family attractions near Houston, packed with amusement park rides, waterfront dining, and endless sweets. Our crew jumps straight into the rides, then refuels at one of the waterfront restaurants.
But the real treat? Hitting the candy shops and ending the day with some homemade fudge.
Kemah is close enough for a quick evening out, but adventurous enough to make us feel like we’ve been on a mini-vacation.
Love Kemah’s Sweet Treats? You’ll flip over our Skillet Cookie!
Why we chose this recipe: Our skillet cookie is the perfect kid-friendly dessert, just like Kemah is the perfect kid-friendly getaway.
Looking for tasty BBQ in Kemah? Check out Lukas!
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is one of Texas’s most iconic cities, blending rich history with big attractions. We tour the Alamo, explore the ghost stories at the historic Menger Hotel, and let the kids go wild at Six Flags or SeaWorld.
The Riverwalk is our favorite spot for delicious, fiery food, and we never skip the boat ride through the heart of the city. Between the history, the attractions, and the bold flavors, San Antonio is a place we return to again and again with friends and family.
If you love spicy San Antonio, you’re going to really get a “kick” out of our Smoked Pig Shots!
Why we chose this recipe: Pig shots have a spicy kick that’s perfect for a city known for bold, Tex-Mex-inspired flavors.
Looking for BBQ in San Antonio? Check out Reese Bros!
New Braunfels / Gruene, Texas
If you’re looking for Hill Country getaways in Texas, New Braunfels and Gruene should be on your list. A perfect summer day here starts tubing down the river in New Braunfels, then heading to Gruene — a picture-perfect historic town with one of our favorite restaurants, The Gristmill.
The music, river views, and charm make it worth the trip in any season. At home, we recreate those relaxed, indulgent vibes with smoked cream cheese drizzled in honey — simple, rich, and unforgettable.
If you love that warm feeling you get in New Braunfels, you’re going to flip over our Smoked Cream Cheese with Honey Drizzle recipe!
Why we chose this recipe: The sweet-and-smoky combo in this delicious appetizer mirrors Gruene’s warm, inviting, and easy-going charm.
Looking for BBQ in Gruene? Check out New Braunfels Smokehouse!
Austin / Bastrop, Texas
Austin is one of the coolest cities in Texas, with food trucks, live music, and lazy afternoons by the water. The nearby Bastrop area offers small-town charm with big flavor, making it one of our favorite weekend escapes.
Between paddleboarding, exploring parks, and finding new coffee shops, we always make time for something indulgent — preferably a juicy butter burger.
If you love it bold and tasty, you’re going to love our delicious Butter Burger!
Why we chose this recipe: Butter burgers are just as rich and bold as Austin’s one-of-a-kind, full-flavored vibe.
Looking for BBQ in Austin? Check out Franklin, named the very best!
Fort Worth Stockyards
The Fort Worth Stockyards offer an authentic taste of Texas cowboy culture — cattle drives, cowboys, and live entertainment. The daily parade of longhorn cattle is unlike anything else, and the kids are always amazed to see it up close.
The BBQ here is legendary, but we’re pretty confident our smoked brisket can stand toe-to-toe with the best. It’s one of those trips where you leave with your stomach — and your camera roll — full.
If you love beef, you’re gonna flip over our Brisket!
Why we chose this recipe: Fort Worth is cattle country, so brisket is the ultimate nod to its cowboy heritage.
Looking for great BBQ in Ft. Worth? Check out Angelo’s BBQ!
Fredericksburg, Texas
If you love Texas wine country, Fredericksburg is a must-visit.
Known for its German heritage, boutique shops, wineries, and hearty Texas fare, this Hill Country town has something for everyone.
After exploring the charming downtown and sampling treats from the bakeries, we love capping the evening with a perfectly grilled steak and a glass of something local.
If you love great steaks, you’re really going to enjoy our Simple Reverse Seared Steaks.
Why we chose this recipe: A sizzling steak fits Fredericksburg’s rich, hearty dining tradition perfectly.
Looking for great BBQ in Fredericksburg? Check out Junebug’s!
South Padre Island
For a tropical Texas vacation, nothing beats South Padre Island, on the Mexico border. With soft white sand and warm, crystal-clear water, it’s the perfect getaway for families and friends alike. The sunsets here are unforgettable — especially with toes in the sand and a plate of something delicious in hand.
Fresh seafood is everywhere, but when we want something bold, we whip up our brisket queso for the perfect beach snack.
If you love the flair of all things Tex-Mex you’re going to love our Brisket Queso recipe!
Why we chose this recipe: The Tex-Mex flair of brisket queso reflects South Padre’s coastal-meets-border flavors.
Looking for great BBQ in S. Padre? Check out Porky’s Pit!
Houston, Texas
Our hometown of Houston is one of the most diverse cities in Texas, with parks, museums, and food from every corner of the globe.
Hermann Park, the zoo, and the downtown aquarium are weekend staples, but nothing tops the annual rodeo at NRG Stadium — except maybe our signature drunken chicken.
Living here means there’s always something to do and somewhere new to eat, making Houston as exciting for us as any road trip.
If you love Houston, you’ll be crazy about our Drunken Chicken!
Why we chose this recipe: Drunken chicken captures Houston’s bold, flavorful, and multicultural food scene in one dish.
Looking for great BBQ in Houston? Check out Truth!
Jefferson, Texas
Jefferson is a charming, historic town near Caddo Lake that feels like a step back in time. Antique stores, old hotels, and a laid-back pace make it a peaceful retreat.
There’s so much to see and do in this charming town! (You’ll love it if you enjoy antique shopping!)
Pair that with good friends and a walk through the quaint streets, and you’ve got the perfect small-town getaway.
If you love “charming” you’re really going to enjoy our Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken
Why we chose this recipe: Bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken brings that slow, home-cooked comfort that fits Jefferson’s old-town charm.
Looking for great BBQ in Jefferson? Check out Joseph’s Riverport BBQ.
Final Bite
Texas is big enough to explore for a lifetime, but we love finding the spots that make the journey feel just as special as the destination. From coastal boardwalks to Hill Country towns, every trip we take is about more than just the miles — it’s about time together, making memories, and sharing incredible food along the way.
Whether you’re chasing thrills, soaking in history, or just relaxing with a view, there’s a Texas destination for every family. And when you can bring a little taste of it home with a Backyard Texas Grill recipe, you’ve got the makings of a trip worth taking again and again.
Before you go, why not pin some photos?
