In Jesse Garcia’s latest role, he hits the road with a full tank and family in tow. Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip—a fresh take on the classic children’s story, now streaming on Disney+—follows a Mexican-American family as they travel across the border in an RV to reconnect with their roots and each other. Garcia, who stars as Frank Garcia, a vegan chef and the family’s dad, navigates everything from RV tech gone haywire to run-ins with skunks. Despite the chaos, one takeaway rings true: there’s good in the bad, especially when you’re road-tripping with those closest to you.
It’s not Garcia’s first rodeo with Eva Longoria, who directs the film. The two were previously together on Flamin’ Hot, where Garcia portrayed Richard Montañez, the real-life creator of the beloved spicy snack. Whether he’s playing a visionary snack inventor or a road-tripping dad, Garcia brings heart and humor to the screen—qualities that show up in his real-life adventures across Texas.
“I love nature, so being outdoors, checking out the different terrains—from wetlands to beaches and parks—is always high on the list,” Garcia says. Below, he shares his top five Texas road trip destinations from Austin, no matter if you’re hankering for antique shopping, spring wildflowers or a refreshing dip in a natural swimming hole.
Marfa
Marfa has come a long way from its roots as a water and freight hub. Today, it’s an internationally recognized arts destination (thanks, Donald Judd) with a budding culinary and creative scene. Garcia admits that he didn’t stay long, but managed to grab a matcha and browse a few shops. Should you decide to make the nearly seven-hour drive, stop by Raba Marfa for vintage clothing, The Marfa Store for locally made art and jewelry, The Sentinel for coffee and The Chinati Foundation for contemporary art. Don’t miss the mysterious Marfa Lights, glowing orbs in the sky rumored to have extraterrestrial origins.
South Padre Island and the Rio Grande Valley
South Padre Island is one of Garca’s go-to beach destinations, and the nearby Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is ideal for nature lovers and hikers alike. It gets “hot in the summer, so wear proper gear and bring water [lots of it],” Garcia shares. If you love nature, you’ll appreciate the region’s mix of wetlands and parks.
Dripping Springs
Just an hour outside Austin, Dripping Springs makes for an easy road trip destination. "It's close to Austin,” Garcia says, and has “quiet country roads.” Come spring, the area transforms into a sea of bluebonnets. Garcia recommends making a stop to take in the blooms, then grabbing tacos from a local truck before heading back home.
Blue Hole Regional Park
When you’re looking for a change of scenery from the usual Barton Springs crowd, Garcia recommends heading to Blue Hole in Wimberley. Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, this hidden gem offers cool, spring-fed swimming homes and plenty of shade, perfect for escaping the Texas heat. It’s a laid-back spot to swim, relax and enjoy the great outdoors.
Round Top Antique Fair
In a town with a population just shy of 90 people is one of Texas’ coolest events: Round Top Antique Fair. The week-long event takes over barns and tents, with every nook and cranny filled with vintage finds, textiles, art and handcrafted goods. “It’s a massive fair that spans for days,” says Garcia. “So many booths and vendors to check out. From antiques to food and drink, it has something for everyone.” Garcia, who loves antiques, says he can’t wait to go back.