According to forum posts, major cities like San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas hold numerous attractions. San Antonio is famed for its River Walk, the Alamo, and historic missions. Austin is celebrated for its live music scenes and landmarks like the State Capitol and Zilker Park. Dallas offers the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, showcasing the JFK assassination history.

Travelers have called out the Fort Worth Stockyards for a taste of Texas cowboy culture, including rodeos and western-themed shopping. The Hill Country, especially around Fredericksburg, is known for its wineries and German heritage, making it a valuable addition for those interested in cultural and gastronomic experiences.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Big Bend National Park offers dramatic desert landscapes and is often highlighted for its remote beauty. The Guadalupe Mountains also offer hiking opportunities through rugged terrains. Several travelers suggested visiting Palo Duro Canyon State Park for its picturesque trails and outdoor activities.

Regarding coastal experiences, some users recommended visiting Corpus Christi for better beaches than Galveston, emphasizing the clearer waters and family-friendly activities like visiting the USS Lexington or the Texas State Aquarium.

For families, destinations like New Braunfels for water parks (notably Schlitterbahn) and river tubing activities are popular. The San Antonio area, with Sea World and Six Flags, also offers ample entertainment for children and adults alike.

According to forum posts, popular road trip routes in Texas often include major cities like Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and Houston. Travelers have highlighted the scenic route from Texarkana to San Antonio, avoiding Dallas and Austin via Tyler, Corsicana, Waco, and US 281 through the Texas Hill Country as particularly enjoyable.

Some travelers said that routes incorporating historical or natural attractions are preferred. For instance, a road trip from Natchitoches to Austin can be planned with stops at beauty spots, curious diners, and vintage stores depending on suggestions from fellow travelers. Additionally, the route from AL to Ft Worth and then to Waco, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi via US Hwy 281 was mentioned for its scenic appeal, including stops like the Koffee Kup in Hico and the Blue Bonnet Cafe in Marble Falls.

Travelers have called out the importance of planning around significant events like the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, suggesting routes that pass through areas of totality in the Texas Hill Country. Also, for those seeking to avoid interstate highways, routes like US 281 offer a more scenic and less trafficked alternative to I-35, enhancing the road trip experience with local eateries and attractions.

According to forum posts, Texas operates exclusively cashless toll systems, meaning traditional toll booths are absent. Visitors often find themselves needing a method to pay tolls when driving in the state, especially in areas around major cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas.

Some travelers mentioned that rental cars typically come equipped with toll payment options such as PlatePass, which is used by Hertz. However, these come with daily fees and additional toll charges. Users have shared that charges can be accrued even on days when toll roads are not used if the service is not actively turned off.

For those seeking alternatives, forum users have suggested purchasing a TxTag, which works on all Texas toll roads and can also be used in some other states. This tag allows users to pass through tolls without stopping, and the toll amounts are deducted from a pre-loaded account.

Travelers have also shared strategies for avoiding toll roads entirely by using GPS settings to exclude toll roads from their routes. This is mentioned as a practical way to circumvent the complexities and extra costs associated with toll road payments in Texas.

Many travelers recommend visiting dude ranches in Bandera, known as the Cowboy Capital of Texas, for a family-friendly vacation. Ranches like the Dixie Dude Ranch and Mayan Ranch offer horseback riding and other authentic cowboy experiences that are enjoyable for all ages.

For those interested in historical sights and beach activities, Galveston is a suggested destination. Although the beaches there aren't as pristine due to silt from the Mississippi River, travelers noted that there are dolphin watching tours and historical attractions that children may find enjoyable.

San Antonio is favored by families for its rich history and child-friendly attractions, including the famous Riverwalk, Alamo, and nearby theme parks. The city is also noted for its festive atmosphere during holiday seasons, making it a vibrant place to explore for both adults and children.

For families that enjoy outdoor activities, the Texas Hill Country offers hiking at Enchanted Rock State Park and visiting the LBJ State Park, which has bison and longhorn cattle. October is particularly recommended for visiting due to the pleasant weather and beautiful wildflowers.

According to forum posts, some of the best BBQ joints in Texas are located in Lockhart, such as Black's BBQ, Kreuz Market, and Smitty's. These places are highly recommended for their authentic Texas BBQ experience. Additionally, Franklin's BBQ in Austin is mentioned often, although some travelers suggest that the long lines may not be worth the wait when other quality options are available.

Travelers have called out Terry Black's BBQ in Austin for its quality, suggesting it as a top choice without the long lines typical of Franklin's. For those in the San Antonio area, Pinkerton's is noted for its brisket and sausage, with a pleasant outdoor seating area.

Some users highlighted that BBQ prices can be high, with brisket particularly expensive due to beef price increases. However, alternatives like pulled pork and ribs are mentioned as more affordable options while still providing a satisfying BBQ experience.

According to forum posts, popular rodeo events in Texas include the Fort Worth Stockyards Championship Rodeo held every Friday and Saturday, and the Mesquite Championship Rodeo near Dallas, which runs on Saturday nights in June, July, and August. The Tejas Rodeo in Bulverde, near San Antonio, also hosts rodeos every Saturday night most of the year.

Seasonal variations influence rodeo schedules. For instance, the XIT Rodeo occurs annually in the Panhandle during August. Additionally, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, one of the largest in the world, starts in February, offering a significant rodeo experience with extensive musical entertainment.

Some travelers highlighted unique aspects of certain rodeos, such as the Mesquite Championship Rodeo, known for its air-conditioned arena and the shark cage experience where guests can watch bulls charge around them from a safe enclosure.

Some travelers have discussed driving to Galveston as a viable option, mentioning a roughly 4.5-hour drive from Dallas with Enterprise Rent-A-Car as a recommended company due to its presence in Galveston for vehicle drop-off. Leaving Dallas by mid-morning is suggested to avoid Houston's rush-hour traffic.

Although not heavily detailed in posts, there is an indication of using Flix Bus from Dallas to Houston as part of the journey to Galveston. From Houston, further local transportation such as Uber or shuttles would be required to reach Galveston.

Flying into Houston's airports (Hobby or George Bush Intercontinental) and then transferring to Galveston is another mentioned route. Hobby Airport is closer to Galveston, making it a preferred choice for some. Travelers have used various transportation modes from these airports including taxis and Uber, with Uber availability being generally good.

Some travelers suggested stopping at Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana, known for its fruitcake, cookies, cakes, and pies. They also have a café serving soups, sandwiches, and salads. Another food option is Sam's in Fairfield, a home cooking restaurant offering buffet-style meals.

The Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville and the large Sam Houston Statue are notable attractions mentioned by forum users for those interested in historical sites. Additionally, Buc-ee's in Madisonville is popular for families, and Woody's Smokehouse in Centerville is recommended for its local fare.

For travelers seeking more recreational or unique stops, the posts recommended exploring the downtown area of small Texas towns like Corsicana for a glimpse of local life and architecture.