Are you feeling stuck in the city’s hustle and bustle and you badly need a quick escape? Are you seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation or just a chance to relax and unwind? Houston is surrounded by a wealth of weekend getaway options from sandy beaches to charming small towns.
These 15 best weekend getaways from Houston will provide a much-needed change of scenery and a chance to create lasting memories. So, grab your bags and get ready for an adventure as we take you through a list of the top weekend getaways from Houston that cater to all interests and preferences.
1. Galveston Island
Just an hour’s drive from Houston, Galveston Island is a popular spot for a beach getaway. With 32 miles of beaches, it’s the perfect place to catch some sun, swim in the Gulf of Mexico, or even surf. The island also has a variety of shops, restaurants, and historical sites to explore, including the Moody Mansion and Bishop’s Palace.
2. Austin
The state capital of Texas is just a two-hour drive from Houston, and offers a wealth of cultural, culinary, and outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the city’s vibrant live music scene, sample delicious food from a variety of local restaurants, and hike or bike in the nearby hills. The city also features popular attraction such as the State Capitol, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, and Zilker Metropolitan Park.
3. San Antonio
Another two-hour drive from Houston, San Antonio is home to the famous River Walk, the Alamo, and a variety of other historical sites. Visitors can take a scenic boat tour of the River Walk, or head to the top of the Tower of the Americas for a panoramic view of the city. San Antonio features popular attractions such as The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and the San Antonio Botanical Garden.
4. New Braunfels
This charming Texas town is just a two-hour drive from Houston, and is home to two popular water parks, Schlitterbahn and Aquatica. Visitors can also take a leisurely float down the Comal River, or explore the city’s historic downtown, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and art galleries.
5. Padre Island
This barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico is just a three-hour drive from Houston, and offers visitors miles of beautiful beaches, as well as the Padre Island National Seashore. Visitors can also take a guided sea turtle tour, or go bird watching in the nearby Laguna Madre.
6. Fredericksburg
This charming Hill Country town is just a three-hour drive from Houston, and is known for its German heritage, wineries, and beautiful wildflowers in the spring. Visitors can also explore the nearby Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and taste some of the local wines and beers.
7. Corpus Christi
This coastal city is just a three-hour drive from Houston, and offers visitors a variety of water activities, including swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors can also explore the Texas State Aquarium, or take a dolphin-watching tour. Corpus Christi also features other popular attraction such as the USS Lexington Museum, and the Padre Island National Seashore.
8. Lake Conroe
This man-made lake is just an hour’s drive from Houston in Conroe, Texas. It offers visitors a variety of water activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can also explore the nearby Goodrich Jones State Forest, which features hiking and camping opportunities.
9. Lake Livingston
This large lake is just a two-hour drive from Houston, and offers visitors a variety of water activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can also explore the nearby Sam Houston National Forest, which features hiking, camping and horseback riding opportunities.
10. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
This 155-acre nature preserve is located just minutes from Downtown Houston, and offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s natural beauty. Visitors can hike the nature trails, or take a guided bird-watching tour.
11. The Woodlands
This master-planned community is just a short drive from Houston, and offers visitors a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Visitors can explore the Market Street shopping center, take a stroll along the Waterway, or catch a show at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. The Woodlands is also home to the George Mitchell Nature Preserve, which offers hiking and biking trails, as well as a variety of educational programs.
12. Kemah Boardwalk
This popular waterfront destination is just a short drive from Houston, and offers visitors a variety of restaurants, amusement park rides, games, and attractions. Visitors can also take a ride on the Kemah Boardwalk Bullet, a roller coaster that offers a panoramic view of Galveston Bay.
13. La Grange
This charming small town is located just over an hour’s drive from Houston. It is known for its rich Czech heritage. Visitors can explore the local museums, such as the Fayette Heritage Museum, enjoy some delicious Czech cuisine at the local restaurants. Also, you take a stroll in the charming downtown area, which features a variety of shops and art galleries.
14. The Heights
This historic neighborhood in Houston is known for its charming bungalows, trendy restaurants, and unique boutiques. Visitors can also take a stroll along The Heights’ scenic hike and bike trail, or visit the nearby Buffalo Bayou Park, which offers a variety of recreational activities, including kayaking, paddle-boarding and bike rental.
15. Huntsville
This historic Texas town is located just over an hour’s drive from Houston. It is home to the Texas Prison Museum and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Visitors can also explore the nearby Huntsville State Park, which offers hiking, biking, and camping opportunities. Better yet, they can take a scenic drive along the “Texas Prison Rodeo Trail”, which highlights the history of the state’s prison system.
Conclusion
Houston is surrounded by a variety of exciting and diverse destinations that are perfect for a quick weekend getaway from the stunning beaches of Galveston to the charming small towns of La Grange and Huntsville.
You won’t regret it! Each of these destinations is guaranteed to provide a memorable experience for you and your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or to explore new sights and sounds, these destinations are sure to provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life in Houston. So why wait? Plan your next weekend getaway today and experience all that these amazing destinations have to offer!
