Whenever you are a resident of Houston, or just visiting by, you can be sure to enjoy some of the great and unforgettable road trip moments. Right from rivers, lakes, city breaks to nature parks, and many more road trip destinations, you are spoilt for choice. You’re also sure to have fun, as well as unwind through fantastic outdoor moments with either friends or family.
Read on to discover some of the 20 great road trips from Houston that you may as well live by.
1. Galveston, Texas and the Kemah Boardwalk
This one-hour drive destination from Houston is incredible for a road trip during summertime. It is one that you may wish to enjoy all day long: you never get enough of it. You get to catch the deep-sea breeze as you take pleasure in relaxation and entertainment. Galveston Island is one of the most popular Gulf Coast tour destinations in Houston. Also, along the Gulf freeway is the Kemah Boardwalk, a fabulous amusement park situated alongside the Trinity bay coastal areas. The place contains a serene atmosphere for you to unwind, and afterward enjoy the great rides.
2. Nasa Center
The 30-minute drive from Houston location is a museum found at the Johnson Space Center. You can visit at any time of the year apart from Christmas day. The destination is a focal point for USA’s space exploration-based programs. You can travel around the facility behind the scenes, where astronauts live and train from.
3. Texas City
Texas City is a perfect destination for road trips all year long, with awesome sunsets during fall. It is a 50-minute drive from Houston. Surrounded by water, the city makes your road trip worthwhile. It is an incredible picnic site, alongside taking long strolls, as you wait for the breathtaking moment of the sun setting over the water. There is also the Texas museum, which is well-equipped with exhibits, local history, and even model train sets collection.
4. Austin, Texas
Having been identified as the fastest developing city in the United States, the almost 3-hour drive from Houston to Austin is always worth it, especially in September and October. In essence, the weather is perfect, and you enjoy a lesser crowd. The city of Austin stands out from other significant towns in Texas. It offers a beautiful and serene atmosphere. Nature here offers you the Colorado River flowing through Austin’s downtown, plus parks aligned to the river banks. There are also extensive outdoor swimming pools whose water sources include the local springs.
5. San Antonio, Texas
It takes you around 3-hours to travel from Houston to San Antonio. Apart from having some of the best historic sites in the USA, the city also contains Riverwalk, one of the best scenic locations in Texas, including a calm atmosphere, plus varied striking places that offer you long-lasting memories. You can sit and gaze upon the surrounding beauty, as you sip on your favorite drink, or take your best meal.
6. Marshall, Texas
The almost 4-hours drive from Houston to Marshall offers you scenic views that you will live to cherish. The Pacific and Texas Railway museums contain rich cultural histories worth your visit.
7. College Station, Texas
College Station, a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Houston, is famous for its many beautiful sites to behold. Some major sights include the great George Bush Presidential Library and historical museum. With the excellent models of the situation room, as well as the Oval Office, you can get photo shootings while sitting behind the image. There are also beautiful parks for picnicking around the College Station.
8. Huntsville Texas and the Blue Lagoon
It takes about one hour and a half driving from Houston to Huntsville. While visiting Huntsville, some of the sites to look out for include the Sam Houston Memorial Museum that commemorates General Sam’s life. It positions directly in front of the house that he lived in. Also, the Steamboat House, where he died, is another prominent site. Some miles away from the museum, there’s also General Sam Houston’s colossal statue, which you can stare at for a while. There’s also the stunning blue lagoon, the two water pools formed in the old limestone quarry.
9. Brazos Bend State Park
The small state park sits on the West of the Brazos River. Elm Lake is at the center. As you make your way around the different paths connecting the lakes, you will see different types of beautiful birds that will catch your attention. However, you should stay keen on alligators around the lakes. Usually, it’s a one-hour drive from Houston to Brazos.
10. Twin Lakes
Twin Lakes is situated closely to Houston. It is beautiful scenery where you can visit and swim, paddle, fish, and scuba. There are also barbeque pits for grilling.
11. Seguin, TX
Seguin is a beautiful town surrounded by Guadalupe. There are plenty of cascading waters featuring around town. You’ll never miss a number of exciting activities while in Seguin. There are amazing festivals, live music, kayaking, and home to the world’s largest Pecan. Son’s Island located in the middle of Lake Placid, together with the sandy beach, blue water, and cabana rentals are all sights to behold.
12. Sea Center Texas
It is an aquatic and aquarium educational center situated close to Lake Jackson. There are several exhibits, as well as fish hatcheries. Your visit is also made complete by the three forest areas, the interactive museum, and the Center for Arts and Sciences.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nF4GQzo7eg
13. Fort Worth
There are tons of fun activities for you in Fort Worth, hence worthy consideration for a great road trip. You can visit the cultural district, Sundance Square, the trailhead, stockyards, and get to enjoy fantastic meals at their restaurants. They also have a permanent collection of Monet, which is a must-see for you to complete your visit.
14. Waco
Waco, the heart of Texas has so much for you. The Magnolia markets, flagship home, the great Waco Mammoth National Monument, the Cameron Park nationally-recognized trails, are all worth your whole day visit. A visit to the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame, and an evening trip to Buzzard Billy’s Swamp Shack, will wrap up your fabulous day.
15. Fredericksburg
You can take a road trip to this destination in Texas, not only for the fabulous shopping but also for its great attractions and natural beauty that will captivate you. Ensure you do not miss out on the Pioneer Museum or Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, and above all, the fascinating Rock State Natural Area- a vast dome-like limestone mountain, with trailblazers.
16. Barton Springs in Austin
The spring-fed municipal pool has lifeguards all-year-round. It is located right off Austin’s Colorado River and is a perfect road trip destination near Houston. You will also enjoy plenty of grass spots for sunbathing.
17. Wimberley
Famous for its swimming and tubing, Wimberley houses both Jacob’s Well and Blue Hole Regional Park. You will fancy both of these natural areas, which contain beautiful and clear water holes. You can also have a glimpse of the Corral Theatre, as well as the drive-in movie theater.
18. Rio Frio – Three Rivers, Texas
Located in Three Rivers, Texas, it is one of the best rivers around. As spring-fed rivers, the waters are crystal-clear. There are also rapids and waterfalls within. Nothing beats nature, and you can be sure to enjoy your trip to Rio Frio. The river is also close to Garner State Park, which is identified as the most attractive park in Texas. The place is also friendly to kids, as well as to the elderly. Ensure you confirm the water levels and the rates of flow before you visit.
19. Chisos Mountains
This is a perfect road trip destination from Houston. The mountain basin contains scenic drives, rivers, and many more for your exploration. It forms one of the most alluring parks in the state, with landscape varieties that include well-carved canyons, limestone cliffs, and desert scenes. The kids will love their trip to Colorado Canyon, as well as the Mariscal experienced rafters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lv5YsqOeyAw
20. Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Known as the ‘Grand Canyon of Texas,’ Palo Duro is like a world wonder. The sunset-colored cliffs and crimson mountains give you an ‘out of this world’ feeling. It is also a fantastic place for horse-riding. Visiting this destination, you’re sure to have a memorable road trip from Houston.
Final Word
With the day drives to the rivers, lakes, mountains, parks, Gulf beaches, museums, and drives through Texas desert, as well as the incredible city breaks, Houston surroundings form the perfect destination to enjoy breathtaking road trip moments.