When on a road trip in Texas, one simply must find the nearest Buc-ee’s, if only to experience the sheer madness and deliciousness of this overwhelming gas station. If you’re wondering what the best things to buy at Buc-ee’s are, here are my favorite Buc-ee’s souvenirs and the best Buc-ee’s food and snacks.
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What is Buc-ee’s?
That’s hard to describe. Essentially, it’s a giant convenience store and gas station with dozens of gas pumps and a Target-sized store full of delicious Buc-ee’s brand snacks and food made in-store and entire home decor sections. And somehow, inexplicably, multiple Buc-ee the Beaver children’s swimsuit options? My brain does not compute.
Honestly, I feel like once I walk inside, time ceases to exist and I leave with a bag of snacks and somehow forty-five minutes have gone by. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever experienced on a road trip.
How to Get to Buc-ee’s
The easiest way to get to a Buc-ee’s is to drive. If you don’t have a car and you’re already near one, you can use an Uber or Lyft. And the Buc-ee’s snacks might make it worth the effort. Otherwise, if you’re planning a Texas road trip and need a car, I have tips for renting a car below.
Where to Stay in Luling
Buc-ee’s Tips
Below I list my favorite Buc-ee’s finds, but here are some tips for surviving your experience (and I do mean surviving).
First, set a time limit (and maybe an alarm). Time just disappears, and if you’re on a time crunch to get somewhere on your road trip, you don’t want to walk out of the store with bags full of Buc-ee’s nug-ees only to find entire days have passed.
Second, it’s not just a Texas thing. While I have only been to Buc-ee’s in Texas, there are a handful of Buc-ee’s in Daytona Beach, Florida, as well as Alabama, and Georgia.
Third, there’s an entire small travel center inside with tons of maps and other local travel info.
Fourth, they are all over the central part of the state. While we went to the one in Temple, Texas, the majority of the locations are centered in Hill Country and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, with major locations in Houston, Katy (which has the world’s largest automated car wash!), Temple, New Braunfels, Baytown, Luling, and Forth Worth. Each one is different and sells items that are perfect for the Texas region its located in, so some items aren’t available at every location.
Finally, they really want their bathrooms to be the cleanest bathrooms you can find on a road trip. So much so that they installed tooshlights to help clean bathrooms at locations that were, err, lacking in this area.
What to Buy at Buc-ee’s: Souvenirs and Gifts
Sure, you can pick up a Texas magnet on Amazon, but I think it’s so much more fun to buy a souvenir during the trip. Here are a few of my favorite Buc-ee’s souvenirs and Buc-ee’s gifts to bring back to friends and family!
Magnet
Nothing says “I just got back from vacation” like adding a new destination magnet to the fridge. Our family buys magnets everywhere we go, and Texas is no exception! Bring home a cute Buc-ee’s magnet for your own Texas road trip memories.
Shot Glass
If you have a shot glass collection, you’ll be happy to know that Buc-ee’s Shot Glasses come in multiple color options, including bright (too bright?) hot pink.
Pressed Souvenir Penny
We have just recently started making pressed penny souvenirs on our trip to Shreveport, but if you love these, you’ll be happy to know there’s a machine inside of Buc-ee’s. This one makes Texas-themed pennies (so not Buc-ee specific).
What to Buy at Buc-ee’s: Snack Food
Famous for its food, Buc-ee’s is a world-class road trip destination for road trip snacks, though you should budget enough to buy some to bring home with you. You’ll be sad when the Buc-ee’s nug-ees run out and you’re hundreds of miles away from the nearest Buc-ee’s!
Beaver Nuggets
These carmel-yet-salty goodness are really just corn puffs, but I don’t think it would be bold to claim they’re the best corn puffs in the world. We only got one bag, and right now I am sitting in Oklahoma devastated that I didn’t bring back, say, five? While I can order some off Amazon (scratch that, just ordered some!), it’s cheaper and way more fun to buy it in the store!
Not a fan of sweet treats? Opt for the nug-ees instead which have flavors like cheese!
Fudge
Made in-house in a variety of flavors, Buc-ee’s fudge is a great way to indulge your sweet tooth! You’ll find tons of options from chocolate pecan to mint chocolate to chocolate pumpkin.
Flavored Popcorn
A close second to Beaver Nuggets, Bucee’s assortment of flavored popcorn is just spectacular. While I’m partial to the Butter Toffee Almond Crunch, don’t skip out on the Caramel Camo Popcorn and the Caramel Cashew Crunch.
Lemon Crisps
Okay this was my favorite. I’m an absolute sucker for lemon-flavored desserts, and these are like a lighter version of air-dried lemon bars. I could honestly eat a bucket a week.
Banana Pudding
I’m a sucker for great banana pudding, and Buc-ee’s banana pudding is famous.
Candy Corn
If you’re the kind of person who wishes candy corn was available year-round, then this place is for you! Buc-ee’s candy corn can be purchased any time – even on your summer vacation.
Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Buc-ee’s gives dentists nightmares because there truly is no end to their delicious, sugary snacks. If you are partial to chocolate treats, check out the chocolate-covered pretzels, which come in flavors from dark chocolate to salted caramel to cinnamon yogurt and peanut butter.
Hot Sauce
Whenever I’m in Texas, I like to take a peek at the hot sauce aisle. I may not have the esophagus for it (chronic heartburn, unfortunately), but I love to see just how spicy the spiciest gets. While I prefer a mild salsa verde, you’ll find tons of options that get way, way spicier.
Beef Jerky
Whether you prefer to order from the (fancy) jerky counter or pick some up in the jerky aisle, don’t skip out on the Buc-ee’s beef jerky! They have a huge range of flavors, from ghost pepper to the fan-favorite bohemian garlic.
Texas Cheesesteak Burrito
I don’t know if a Texan should put anything in a tortilla and use the label cheesesteak, it might be against the Ten Commandments, but that’s what Buc-ee’s has done and the results are way better than they have any right to be. To my knowledge, no caravans of Philadelphians have come down to set them straight, so they must be doing something right!
Beaver Buddies Animal Cookies
My toddler is obsessed with animal crackers, so these are the perfect road trip snack for our family.
Cinnamon Rolls
I’ve been on a quest to find the best cinnamon roll in Oklahoma, but I have to hand it to Buc-ee’s. Their cinnamon rolls are quite the contender. Now they just need to open a location in Oklahoma (like, ahem, on I-35 between OKC and DFW?).
Kolaches
I’m used to eating my Kolaches in Czech towns in Oklahoma like Prague, but parts of Texas has a great Czech heritage as well. Kolaches are the epitome of the perfect Czech dish brought over from the old country.
Candied Jalapeños
If you’re not trying to eat a various assortment of jalapenos, are you even in Texas?
Spicy Pickled Okra
Us Oklahomans are no stranger to pickled okra. I grew up with a jar of the stuff permanently in the fridge. In fact, okra is as much an Oklahoma food as a Texas one, but I never pass up the opportunity to try new varieties of pickled okra.
BBQ Brisket Sandwich
If you want more than Buc-ee’s snacks, look to their BBQ counter and the deli, where you can get some pretty good (even by Texas standards) BBQ brisket. A brisket sandwich is a great meal on the road, just make sure you get something good to drink to wash it down.
Pastrami Rueben
If you’re looking for a hearty meal but don’t want BBQ, check out the Pastrami Reuben. Ruebens always just hit better on the road, you know?
Candied Pecans and Walnuts
I’d be lying if I said my mouth wasn’t watering watching them candy the walnuts and the pecans. Essentially, if you’re in a Buc-ee’s, you’re basically within ten feet of candied nuts at all times.
Breakfast Tacos
If you show up looking for a Buc-ee’s breakfast, don’t skip the breakfast tacos! They get rave reviews from people you’d never expect to like convenience store breakfast tacos.
Icee
Coming in at under a dollar, you really can’t go wrong giving a Buc-ee’s Icee a chance. There are dozens of possible flavor combinations, from cherry to Dr. Pepper (because, duh, Texas).
Things to Buy at Buc-ee’s: Clothing
Catering to both road trippers and fans, Buc-ee’s clothing really does have something for everyone. If you ever find you’ve forgotten something crucial on your trip, there’s a better than 50/50 chance Buc-ee’s will have the item you need.
Hoodie
The go-to company swag for many, I love their lighter hoodies. And of course, Buc-ee’s face is featured prominently in the middle.
T-Shirt
It should not shock you that a deluxe convenience store with like two dozen beef jerky flavors has a wide selection of t-shirts to choose from. I’m partial to the 1982 heritage tees, but it’s by no means your only option.
Swimsuit
Now, I don’t know who feels they absolutely need a bathing suit with Buc-ee’s face on it, but the answer must be non-zero since they have multiple options to choose from.
Swim Trunks
Of course, no good swim line would skip over selling swim trunks as well.
Bikini
Go hard or go home, right? If you really want to swim but you need a two-piece but you want Buc-ee’s face on it, your dreams have come true.
Hawaiian Shirt
For a light and breezy vacation vibe, featuring a pattern of beaver faces, naturally.
Shorts
Coming in Texas flag as well as tied-dyed options, your shorts collection is not complete until you have at least one Bucee the Beaver in it.
Tank Top
This was the item I wanted to buy for myself. I decided not to, but I cannot promise I won’t pick one up on my next trip down to Texas.
Holiday Wear
Looking for a gas station Fourth of July t-shirt or something to mark the winter holidays? Well, Buc-ee’s is not going to let you down.
Things to Buy at Buc-ee’s: Gifts for Kids
Whether you’re shopping at Buc-ee’s with your kids or there’s a child in your life waiting for you, there are lots of kid-friendly Buc-ee’s gifts to choose from!
Stuffed Animal
There are Buc-ee’s branded stuffed animals as well as national brands. This is always what my son wants. We did not take home the neon llama, but I seriously almost caved. Luckily he dropped it and forgot about it. #toddlerlife
Hair Bow
I find these really cute, if slightly bizarre, and gladly would have donned a Buc-ee’s hair bow in elementary school.
Swimsuit
You thought the swim collection was just for adults? Think again!
Rubber Ducky
Perfect for pool time or bath time, and easy to slip into your luggage without taking up much space. Plus it won’t break the bank.
Mini Football
If your child, like mine, is obsessed with sports balls, this mini football is the perfect kid-friendly gift.
Things to Buy at Buc-ee’s: Home Decor
Now, I understand why I want Buc-ee’s snacks, souvenirs, and even clothing. What I’ve never wondered was if I could buy my home decor in a convenience store. Buc-ee’s has shown me a new path.
Bucee the Beaver Christmas Ornament
Is it even Christmas without a gas station mascot on your tree?
Bucee the Beaver Mug
I have no words.
Wine Glass
Kitschy and fun, I would totally keep a set of Buc-ee’s barware in my house.
All My Exes Smell Like Texas Soap
Okay, this one is an adorable gift or the perfect Texas souvenir. Inspired by the lyrics to one of my favorite songs about Texas, it’s both practical and fun at the same time.
Barn Dance Candle
Creeping a little bit into Schitt’s Creek territory, this “small batch” candle seems like it would be something that David would both love and hate and sell for a large margin.
El Arroyo Sign
If you love the El Arroyo memes, why not bring home a sign for your house! This would be really cute in an office or guest room.
El Arroyo Book and Mugs
If a sign isn’t your thing, they also carry mugs and books. These are easier and more practical if you’re looking for a Buc-ee’s gift.
Texas Coasters
If you want a Texas-themed room, these are perfect!
God Bless Texas Pillow
You knew God Blessed Texas, but did you know he did it so cozily?
Don’t Mess with Texas Sign
Another crucial Texas souvenir or the perfect Texas gift.
Y’all Come Back Sign
The unofficial slogan of this part of the world, now on a cute sign.
Decorative Pig Figurines
These caught my sons eye, and they’re pretty cute and colorful.
I Heart Texas Sign
If you’re into shiplap as a way of life, there’s a rack here with your name on it.
Things to Buy at Buc-ee’s: Road Trip Gear
Of course, some of the items they sell are just practical, though fun. If you need something major for your road trip, check out a Buc-ee’s.
Cooler
No explanation needed. Texas is hot, and drinks are better cold.
Portable Chair
This one is child-sized, and I do regret not getting it. Yes, the Buc-ee’s face kind of terrifies me.
Plush Throw Blanket
ABC. Always be cozy.
Texas Travel Resources
Coming soon!
What to Pack for Texas
Lonely Planet Texas so you have a guidebook with you on your trip. It’s not easy to find guidebooks once you’re on the ground, so I suggest picking one up ahead of time. They also have Kindle editions available.
A camera so you can take photos of the special moments from your trip. Whether you bring a point-and-shoot like my Sony ZV-1 or rely on your cell phone like my iPhone 12 Pro, make sure you have at least one camera (though I always travel with two)!
Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!
Before you leave for your trip make sure you have a valid Travel Insurance Policy because accidents happen on the road. I have used World Nomads when I travel since 2016, and I happily recommend them.
Getting coverage is important whenever you’re more than a hundred miles from home in case of an accident, sickness, theft, etc.
Get a travel insurance quote for your trip here.
Pin this Guide to the Best Buc-ee’s Snacks, Food, Souvenirs, and Gifts for Your Texas Travels!
Stephanie is a born-and-bred Oklahoma mom and travel expert who has been to over fifty countries. After living in Eastern Europe for four years, she has moved with her family back to Oklahoma to write about her favorite places growing up: Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, & Route 66!
