Spring break is almost here. Kids, college students and even parents are counting down the hours until vacation begins.
But where to go? Many gravitate toward the beach, but Texas – with its vast size and regional diversity – offers countless other unique destinations to explore.
To help you decide, we enlisted a true Texas expert, or Tex-pert, if you will. This man knows Texas better than anyone, since it’s his job to explore every nook and cranny of our beloved state. His name is Chet Garner – aka The Daytripper.
“We all know what’s coming this summer,” Chet says. “It’s going to be a giant blow dryer to the face. Enjoy the good weather while it’s here.”
We asked Chet to share his top Texas spring break recommendations. He gave us tips for a great week-long vacation, plus some smaller day trips around the Brazos Valley region – and even a few suggestions here in Bryan-College Station if you’d rather stay close to home.
For more of Chet’s adventures, tune in to “The Daytripper” every Wednesday at 1 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. on KAMU.
Take a Trip
Chet’s number one tip for spring break? Spend time outdoors.
“The weather couldn’t be better,” Chet says. “You’re going to be complaining in July and August that you can’t go outside. So what did you do when you could? Right now, spring break, it’s time – go outside.”
For Families
“Kids need to go outside,” Chet says. “We’re so hooked to our screens now but this is a wonderful chance to get them into the great outdoors.”
- Enchanted Rock. Chet says this should be at the top of anyone’s list. “It’s like God took a big ol’ granite basketball, chopped it in half and put it in the hill country,” Chet says. If you have small kids, give them a chance to hike and if it’s not working, a backpack carrier is a great option.
- Angelina National Forest. Visit the piney woods of East Texas for some great hikes. Chet recommends Boykin Springs: a great place to explore and hike, including a 2.75-mile trek to the abandoned Aldridge Sawmill historic site.
- Brazos Bend State Park. On a sunny day, head to this park south of Houston to see alligators. They can often be spotted sunning themselves near the trails.
For College Students
“This is prime road trip season,” Chet says. “Head west or north. Go do those things that take a little more time.”
- Big Bend National Park. “I had my first trip to Big Bend when I was in college,” Chet says. “It changed my world, it blew my mind.”
- Davis Mountains. “Yes, we have mountains in Texas,” Chet says. “If you’ve only ever seen College Station and Houston you don’t know that.” Plus, enjoy a star party at the McDonald Observatory and see some of the most beautiful night skies on Earth.
- Palo Duro Canyon. The second largest canyon in the United States is a long drive from College Station but worth it. “Load up your buddies, throw in a tent or find a little Airbnb – that’s the college kid experience,” Chet says.
- Caddo Lake State Park. Texas has just one natural lake. Why not go experience it? Located along the Louisiana border, it’s a swamp with cypress trees and winding kayak paths. “During the springtime, the swamp that’s been dormant all winter starts to bloom and it’s gorgeous,” Chet says. “You didn’t think you loved the swamp but I’m telling you, it is one of the most beautiful places in Texas.”
Skip the Beach…
Party beaches usually grab the spotlight for college spring break, but Chet says it’s just not the best time to head to the coast.
“I think it’s a terrible time to go to the beach,” Chet says. “It’s not quite warm enough to swim. You get the crowds but not the sun.”
…Don’t Rush…
Chet’s biggest advice: let the road take you where it will. “Don’t try to rush to get to the destination, enjoy the journey,” he says. “Stop and bobble around as you go along – that’s the joy of the trip.”
…And Load Up
Once you know your destination, get your starter pack ready to go.
- Food! “You can’t go on a road trip without snacks, right?” Chet says. “Go to the gas station and just load up on garbage. You shouldn’t eat it all the time, but it wouldn’t be a road trip without it.” Chet recommends gas station hot dogs, and once you get out west, an Allsup’s beef and bean burrito (editor’s note: this is an underrated recommendation).
- Plan for Camping. If you’re going to camp, you do need to plan a little bit. Yes, grab the tent and sleeping bag, but we’re talking about location. State parks fill up quick so go online and make a reservation in advance – it’s not really something you can play by ear during a busy week like spring break.
- Swimsuit. “It’s not the warmest time, but the water will probably feel good regardless,” Chet says.
- Camera. To take pictures of all the memories!
- Toothbrush? “Bring a toothbrush if you want, but you can really live on very little for a few days,” Chet says.
Take a Day Trip
If you don’t have the time for a full adventure, not to worry! There are plenty of fun day trips a few hours from the Brazos Valley.
“Bryan-College Station is in a great day trip zone,” Chet says. “Plus, for a day trip, you don’t have to find someone to feed your dog,” Chet says. “Throw the dog in the car, it can come.”
- Museum District in Houston. “The best museums in the country are right there in Houston,” Chet says. He recommends the Museum of Natural Science and The Museum of Fine Arts.
- Prison Museum in Huntsville. “Really weird, fun day trip,” Chet says. “But I guarantee you’re going to like it.” Find fascinating, strange and fun history just an hour from Aggieland.
- Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory in Brenham. A short but tasty day trip! Who doesn’t love ice cream?
- Leona General Store in Leona. Only open on weekends for dinner, it’s widely known for amazing steak. Get there early, though – it’s a little store in a small town along I-45 but people line up hours before opening. “One of the best steaks you’ll ever have in your life,” Chet says. They’re also open on Thursday evenings for catfish night.
- Paddle the Colorado River in La Grange. A wonderful way to spend a warm Texas day. Find a canoe rental place around La Grange and paddle to your heart’s content.
Stay and Explore
If you can’t travel or don’t want to travel for spring break, there’s still a lot to explore in Bryan-College Station. Chet may be a longhorn alum but he loves exploring this area and has some favorites to share.
- Mountain Biking at Lake Bryan. “It’s right under people’s noses,” Chet says. “When I was in school in Austin, I visited a buddy in College Station and he said ‘bring your mountain bike.’ I didn’t believe him but it was so much fun.”
- George H.W. Bush Presidential Library. You may have driven past the museum dozens of times but have you ever stopped in? “Don’t write it off as a lame, boring museum,” Chet says. “Every presidential library is an awesome experience.” Tip: bring your Texas A&M or Blinn student ID and you get in free!
- Downtown Bryan. If you haven’t strayed far from Northgate, spring break is a perfect time to visit Downtown Bryan. “Great coffee, great barbecue, great drinks,” Chet says. “I love the Dixie Chicken, don’t get me wrong, but maybe wander up the road a little bit.”
About The Daytripper
“The Daytripper” is now in its 15th season on KAMU.
“We all want to have adventures, we love experiences,” Chet says. “What we don’t realize is there are so many amazing things right under our noses that we’re just totally missing.”
Chet loves to travel and wants to inspire others to enjoy it, too. But the biggest misconception is that travel has to involve an exotic location.
“Then you have to take all this time off of work and find someone to water your plants,” he says. “No, no, no, just hop in your car and go – that’s really it.”
If you’re looking for a travel guide, you’ve come to the right place. Big cities, small towns, hidden gems – “The Daytripper” hits them all. But after 173 episodes, will he ever run out of places to go?
“People ask me that all the time and I’m like ‘do you live in the same state I live in?'” Chet says. “It’ll never happen.”
Opportunities to travel abroad in college and law school inspired Chet to start the show. When he would talk to people overseas, all of them wanted to come to Texas.
“It really spun my mind to realize we live in a place the rest of the world wants to come and see,” he says.
Bottom line: go out and experience the uniqueness of Texas. Enjoy it. Adventure awaits!
Watch “The Daytripper” on KAMU every Wednesday at 1 p.m. and Saturday at 6 p.m. Check our TV schedule for specific episode listings.
For more on “The Daytripper,” visit the show website or watch past episodes on the show’s YouTube channel.
