Houston, with its vibrant cityscape and cultural richness, is an exciting place to live. However, sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need.
If you’re looking to explore beyond the city limits, here’s a comprehensive guide to 12 fantastic day trips from Houston.
Each destination offers a unique experience and plenty of activities to make your getaway memorable.
We love exploring Texas, and the Houston area is no different.
Having lived here our entire lives, we have visited all of these destinations and are here to tell you, they are worth a day trip, or a weekend getaway!
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Galveston Island
Distance from Houston: ~1 hour
Galveston Island is a perfect coastal escape, and an easy day trip from Houston, or a fun, romantic getaway.
Start your day with a relaxing walk on Galveston’s sandy beaches, then visit the historic Pleasure Pier for rides and games.
Explore the Moody Gardens, which features a rainforest pyramid, aquarium, and 3D theater before heading out to the Galveston Railroad Museum, showcasing historic trains and railway artifacts.
History lovers will love touring the historic homes on the island, like Bishop’s Palace or the Moody Mansion.
Of course, a visit to Galveston wouldn’t be complete without shopping and eating in the Galveston Strand area, one of our favorite places on the island!
San Antonio
Distance from Houston: ~3 hours
San Antonio, rich in history and culture, is an ideal destination for a day trip.
Begin with a visit to the Alamo, Texas’s most famous historic site before strolling along the picturesque River Walk, lined with restaurants, shops, and beautiful landscaping.
If you’re into history, you will want to explore the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For a bit of fun, head to the San Antonio Zoo or the nearby Six Flags Fiesta Texas amusem*nt park.
When you’re hungry, don’t miss the opportunity to visit The Pearl area of San Antonio. This is one of our favorite areas to grab a bite to eat and do some shopping.
Austin
Distance from Houston: ~2.5 hours
Austin, known for its vibrant cultural scene, offers plenty for visitors to do.
Visit the Texas State Capitol for a tour and to learn about state history before exploring the outdoor areas of Austin.
Some local favorites include the Barton Creek Greenbelt, where you can swim in Barton Springs Pool, and Lady Bird Lake where you can kayak or enjoy the walking and biking trails.
Of course, no trip to Austin is complete without checking out the live music scene on Sixth Street or exploring the eclectic shops on South Congress Avenue.
When you’re hungry, don’t forget to sample some of Austin’s renowned barbecue or food truck cuisine, especially the taco trucks!
Brenham
Distance from Houston: ~1.5 hours
Brenham, the heart of Texas Bluebonnet country, is a charming small town with plenty to offer.
Tour the Blue Bell Creameries to see how their famous ice cream is made, and enjoy a tasty treat before exploring the quaint downtown area with its antique shops and local boutiques.
If you want to learn about the town’s history, then the Brenham Heritage Museum should be on your list for sure.
If I were you, I would plan my visit in the spring when the fields of bluebonnets around Brenham are in full bloom. They are definitely a must-see.
Bellville
Distance from Houston: ~1.5 hours
Bellville, a charming town known for its agricultural roots, offers a peaceful escape from Houston.
Visit the Bellville Historical Society Museum to learn about local history and heritage before exploring the picturesque town square with its unique shops and local eateries.
When you’re ready to be outdoors, enjoy a stroll through the Bellville City Park or take a scenic drive through the rolling hills and farmland surrounding the town.
Lake Livingston
Distance from Houston: ~1.5 hours
Lake Livingston is a great destination for outdoor activities.
Like most Texas lakes, people love fishing, swimming, and boating here.
If you want something to do on dry land, check out Lake Livingston State Park which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.
For a more relaxed experience, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake’s shoreline or rent a cabin for a cozy day by the water.
The nearby town of Livingston has charming shops and eateries to explore as well.
Huntsville
Distance from Houston: ~1 hour
Huntsville combines history with natural beauty, and is great for a day trip from Houston.
Visit the Sam Houston Memorial Museum to learn about the life of the famous Texan leader before exploring the scenic trails and picnic areas at Huntsville State Park, perfect for hiking, bird-watching, and boating.
Don’t miss the historic Texas Prison Museum for a unique look into the state’s correctional history.
For a serene experience, wander through the beautiful grounds of the Stephen F. Austin Memorial Park.
Conroe
Distance from Houston: ~45 minutes
Conroe offers a mix of outdoor fun and cultural activities.
Spend time at Lake Conroe for water sports or fishing or visit the Conroe Art League Gallery to view local artworks before catching a show at the Crighton Theatre.
Of course, a visit wouldn’t be complete without exploring the charming historic downtown area with its unique shops and cafes.
For nature lovers, the nearby W. Goodrich Jones State Forest provides excellent trails for hiking and wildlife spotting.
The Woodlands
Distance from Houston: ~30 minutes
The Woodlands provides a blend of natural beauty and urban amenities and is a quick and easy escape from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Enjoy a leisurely walk or boat ride along The Woodlands Waterway before heading to The Woodlands Mall for shopping or exploring the nearby Market Street for boutique stores and dining.
When you’re ready for more outdoor activities, spend some time at the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, where you can hike scenic trails and enjoy nature.
Of course, the Woodlands also hosts a variety of annual events and festivals that make a great addition to any Texas road trip itinerary, and are a great reason to visit the area.
Round Top
Distance from Houston: ~1.5 hours
Round Top is known for its antique shops and small-town charm, and for good reason!
Visit during one of the famous Round Top Antiques Fairs for a treasure trove of unique finds. This annual event draws thousands of visitors from all over the United States, and is a really unique experience.
If you aren’t visiting during the Antiques Fair, you can explore local art galleries and boutiques, and enjoy a meal at one of the town’s cozy cafes before checking out the nearby wineries for a wine tasting.
Port Arthur
Distance from Houston: ~90 minutes
Port Arthur is a vibrant city with rich cultural and natural attractions.
Start with a visit to the Museum of the Gulf Coast to learn about maritime history and regional culture or tour the Port Arthur Historical Museum to explore the town’s local history.
You can enjoy a scenic walk or picnic at the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, ideal for bird-watching and nature photography
Navasota
Distance from Houston: ~1 hour
Navasota offers a blend of history and small-town charm and is well worth a day of exploration.
Start off at Blues Alley, where you can dive into the area’s musical heritage and local culture before visiting the local museums, such as the Navasota Heritage Museum, to learn more about the town’s history.
Shoppers will want to enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the antique shops and quaint cafes that call the city home.
While my outdoor lovers will enjoy taking a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside.
Conclusion
These day trips from Houston provide a wealth of experiences, from coastal relaxation and historical exploration to nature adventures and small-town charm.
Whether you’re interested in beaches, cultural landmarks, or scenic getaways, these destinations offer something for every type of traveler.
So pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy a refreshing break from the city with these exciting day trip options!
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About The Author
Michelle Snell is a travel writer, history buff, wine lover, and enthusiast of different cultures. Michelle enjoys bringing places to life through her informative writing style on her blogs, That Texas Couple and Totally Texas Travel. Her practical tips and suggestions help make travel dreams a reality while immersing her readers in the history, culture, and food of a region. She is happiest sipping wine in Italy or chilling on a beach with her husband, Marty.
