28 Amazing Day Trips from Houston You and Your Family Must Try

Houston, Texas, is the fourth biggest city in the United States, with a population of over 2 million people who enjoy the city’s rich culture, cuisine, and attractions. Houston appears on various “best of” travel lists, but it is also close to numerous other cities with interesting things to see and do. Explore one of the following day trips from Houston if you want to include some day-trip fun into your leisure time without traveling too far. They are all within 3 hour’s drive of Bayou City.

Galveston: Best Houston Day Trips

Distance from Houston: 50 minutes to 1 hour

Galveston has become one of the most favorite Houston day trips, which is not surprising given its stunning and, more importantly, easily accessible beach.

The most famous beaches include Galveston Beach, Porretto Beach, and East Beach, but once you have had your fill of the ocean, Galveston has plenty more to offer.

The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier features 16 rides, midway games, and other family-friendly attractions. When you’re done having fun, try one of the local favorites like Shrimp ‘n Stuff, Mosquito Cafe, Salsa’s Mexican Coffee shop, or Olympia Grill at Pier 21. Beerfoot Brewery, Devil and the Deep, Symposium Brew Pub, and more are among the breweries to visit.

Other must-see attractions in Galveston include Moody’s Mansion, the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, and The Strand District, which has the Galveston Island Railroad Museum as well as a variety of stores and businesses such as Hotel Galvez and Spa.

Dallas

Distance from Houston: 3 hours 25 min

Dallas, part of the thriving Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan region, is the state’s most significant urban center and a regional hub for the entire South. Dallas, like any big city, offers a stunning skyline and enough to do in terms of activities, food, and culture.

Art aficionados enjoy the city because it features the country’s largest continuous arts area, which includes the Nasher Sculpture Center, the AT&T Performing Arts Center, and the Deep Ellum neighborhood. Dallas is also known for its many green spaces as well as its special connection to John F. Kennedy. Continue reading for more Houston trips.

George Observatory

Distance from Houston: 50 minutes to 1 hour

The George Observatory is a must-see for both adults and children. Weather permitting, you may treat yourself to a star-studded adventure only an hour away from Houston’s downtown lights.

This cosmic journey includes a close-up look at Jupiter through the observatory’s genuine star, the 36-inch Gueymard Research Telescope, one of the biggest in the country.

While guiding your constellation laser tour, astronomy experts can answer all of your concerns. You can also view live camera feeds that have been captured.

The observatory is located at Brazos Bend State Park and is part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Show up early for a 1-hour tour at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. with advanced $10 tickets.

Sam Houston National Forest

Distance from Houston: 1 hour

The Sam Houston National Forest, one of 4 national forests in Texas, is located a little under an hour north of Houston. With 163,037 acres of land, this national forest has plenty for a day trip—and lots of campgrounds if you prefer to stay longer.

Begin your Sam Houston National Forest day excursion by selecting one of the hiking or mountain bike paths, depending on your mode of transportation. Take in the grandeur of the surrounding woods and woodland, keeping a watch out for local animals, including some amazing birds.

Continue your journey to the Cagle Recreation Area, which contains Lake Conroe. It’s ideal for boats and water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding. Launch your craft or relax on the beach and watch the world go by. Please remember that you cannot swim in Lake Conroe; keep this in mind when planning your hike.

Head to the Double Lake Recreation Area if you want to swim or hire canoes or paddle boats. Splash around in the refreshing water, spin in circles on the paddle boats, or relax on the coast and read a book. Are you getting hungry after all of this activity and excitement? Refuel at the Double Lake Recreation Area concession stand and stock up on supplies for your return trip to the car. Do you want to stay longer? Return to one of the many campgrounds scattered across the park.

Austin

Distance from Houston: 2 hours 25 minutes

Because of its strong cultural scene, Austin, Texas, makes for a fascinating day trip from Houston. Austin is noted for its museums, libraries, exhibits, ballet studios, dance and music events, and other cultural institutions. Football, roller derby, motor racing, and recreational activities such as riding, cycling, swimming, and camping are popular in the city.

Some of the facilities accessible include water parks, swimming holes, health clubs, water rentals, and cruises. There are city walking tours that take guests through the various eateries, historic landmarks, and recreational facilities. The numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, and breweries offer a wide range of delectable foods, while the tiny shops, luxury stores, and malls are ideal for shopping. SXSW, Urban Music Festival, and Rodeo Austin are also popular music festivals in Austin. This is exactly one of the best road trips from Houston.

San Antonio

Distance from Houston: 3 hours

Houston has a plethora of attractions as a big city, but San Antonio, one of somewhat smaller cities near Houston Texas, is the state’s genuine cultural center, bringing together amazing gastronomy, fascinating 18th-century Spanish missions, and the biggest Mexican market in the United States. Fortunately, it’s only a 3-hour journey from Houston, so an early morning departure will allow you plenty of time to see the highlights of San Antonio in one day.

Once there, head right to the River Walk (one of the most popular sites in Texas!) to enjoy plenty of shopping, dining, and drinking. You can also board a boat to explore the attraction from a fresh perspective and learn more about the area’s history. Furthermore, if you’re traveling with your significant other, the city makes a fantastic romantic getaway in Texas.

NASA Johnson Space Center

Distance from Houston: 30 minutes

Are you curious about space exploration? Maybe you’re a science buff or recall those hazy photographs of the first lunar landing? So, same places to visit in Houston? That is not an issue. At NASA Johnson Space Center, you may realize all of your childhood aspirations!

Despite being only a 30-minute drive from Houston, the NASA Johnson Space Center may easily fill an entire day on your Houston schedule. It’s a must-see whether you’re traveling with children or just want to live out your childhood astronaut fantasies.

Begin your exploration of the facility at Space Center Houston. This Smithsonian Affiliate museum is jam-packed with exhibitions, memorabilia, and interactive activities that illustrate the history and science of space exploration in the United States and around the world. Learn something new, be inspired, and develop a new appreciation for the wonderful individuals that work behind the scenes at NASA.

Take a tram tour around the 1,700-acre training complex for astronauts. See where mission control is placed and where the world’s best minds work. Stop for lunch at the site’s cafe before browsing the gift shop for one-of-a-kind gifts.

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Distance from Houston: 1 hour 20 min

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge is a one-of-a-kind wildlife conservation area that spans 34,000 acres of prairie and coastline marsh along Texas’s coast. The refuge, which was created in 1963, is mostly supported by volunteers who safeguard the area’s varied wildlife so that tourists can appreciate and enjoy it.

Visitors to Anahuac will see alligators, fulvous whistling ducks, seashore sparrows, and even bobcats, whose habitat is well maintained all year. Birdwatching, kayaking, hiking, and photography are popular activities here. Ranger-led tours, as well as environmental education programs and seminars, are provided.

Schulenburg: Best Road Trip from Houston

Distance from Houston: 90 minutes to 2 hours

Schulenburg – a little town full of European charm and religious architecture from the 1800s. It should be top of your list of day trips from Houston if you appreciate architecture and viewing old church buildings. You may get to the old-world German town of Schulenburg in as little as 90 minutes to see some of the greatest awe-inspiring painted churches.

In the 1800s, German and Czech immigrants migrated to the Texas Hill Country and erected over 20 beautiful churches as a legacy of their homelands. Unfortunately, just 15 exist, four of which are located near Schulenburg, including St. Mary’s of Praha.

Though it appears underwhelming  from the exterior, the church’s lavish interiors feature stunning stained glass windows, complex murals, and hand-painted pastel-colored walls and ceilings. Take a self-guided tour or arrange a tour through the Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce.

Lake Livingston State Park

Distance from Houston: 1 hour 15 minutes

This lake, which has a surface area of 130 sq miles and more than 450 miles of coastline, is well known for its exceptional white bass fishing. However, it brushes the eastern edge of Sam Houston National Forest, and among the woods that winsomely hem the lake are excellent hiking trails, particularly in Lake Livingston State Park in the southeast corner. The relics of Swartout’s ghost town can still be found at the park’s southern end. This rural retreat is about 114 hours north of Houston.

College Station

Driving Distance from Houston: 1 hour, 30 minutes.

George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is located on the Texas A&M University site in College Station, Texas. This presidential library honors the life and accomplishments of George Herbert Walker Bush, the 41st President of the United States.

It houses approximately 44 million pages of President Bush records, and its permanent museum artifacts reflect the story of his rise to the Oval Office and time in the White House. In addition, the museum offers a rotating lineup of temporary exhibits and supports lectures and special events aimed at teaching the audience about civics and the democratic process.

Blessington Farms

Distance from Houston: 40 miles (50 minutes away)

Blessington Farms, one of best day trips from Houston, is an excellent choice for a family vacation in Houston because it provides a variety of exciting activities. The farm offers games for young visitors such as Tug-O-War, unearthing various fossils and pebbles from a bag of “dirt,” hanging on a rope, navigating through a rope maze, jumping on an inflated trampoline, hiking a tire mountain, and more.

Visitors can feed and engage with the farm’s Quaker Parrots, as well as hens, goats, and donkeys, and go fishing. Furthermore, depending on the season of year, individuals can choose their own fruits such as strawberries, and blackberries, blueberries, or explore the pumpkin patch and choose from a wide range of options. A famous attraction in this area is the Farmer’s Market.

San Marcos

Distance from Houston: 3 hours

If you like a calmer pace and an entire weekend road trip from Houston, San Marcos is a wonderful choice. It’s three hours from downtown, close enough for a day trip but surrounded by plenty of natural beauty to keep you busy for longer.

Hike the trails of Purgatory Creek Natural Area, kayak and tube at Rio Vista Park, or cool down at Five Mile Dam Park’s beautiful swimming hole. Do you like your outdoor time with a dash of adrenaline? Water skiing and wakeboarding are popular activities at Texas Ski Ranch.

Sea Rim State Park

Distance from Houston: 30 minutes

While at Port Arthur, take the extra 30 minutes to visit the stunning Sea Rim State Park. Sea Rim State Park, one of best day trips from Houston, lying at the convergence of the Gulf of Mexico and the marshlands, offers a distinctive habitat for local fauna and flowers.

Sea Rim State Park has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Begin your journey by strolling down the coastal coastline and across the Sabine Pass Waterway. This peaceful route takes in the breathtaking Gulf of Mexico and is especially beautiful in the morning. Look out for birds, fish, and, of course, lots of alligators.

You can hire kayaks and paddle along the waterways if you want to spend your time on the water. There are numerous pathways to select from, ranging from an easy 1.79-mile trail to a much more complex 9.59-mile trail.

Hungry? Bring your fishing rod and bucket and give it a try at fishing or crabbing, which are both very popular here. Take your catch home to cook, or stay at the park’s camper or cabin to extend your experience.

Village Creek State Park 

Distance from Houston: 1 hour 30 min

Village Creek State Park, one of best day trips from Houston, is a quiet, family-friendly state park in Lumberton, Texas, about an hour and a half outside of Houston. The park is located alongside its namesake, Village Creek, and makes for a great location for a day in the sun. Swimming, hiking, geocaching, and canoeing are just a few of the recreational activities available on the creek.

Fishing equipment can be leased for free here, and no license is required to fish beside the creek. Wetlands, swamps, pinewood woods, and pine savannas are among the natural habitats found in the park. Because different species live in each of these zones, the park is also a best place to visit in Houston for birdwatching and animal observation.

Brenham: Interesting Day Trips from Houston

Distance from Houston: 70 minutes to 1.5 hours

Brenham, one of best day trips from Houston, is the place to go if you want to try as much iconic Blue Bell ice cream as you can. Most Texans would tell you that the only thing you should do in Brenham is visit the Blue Bell factory. While there, you’ll discover how Texas’ favorite ice cream is created and get plenty of free scoops at the Parlor.

This charming village, however, has more to offer during your Houston day trip. The Texas Declaration of Independence was signed at the historic Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, creating a time warp into Texas’ history. The Brenham Heritage Museum can teach you more about the town.

Then make your way to Truth BBQ for some true Texas barbeque. Finally, indulge your sweet taste with a hefty helping of Must Be Heaven’s coconut meringue pie. Customers who have tried it say it’s the “greatest pie ever!”

Stark Museum of Art

Distance from Houston: 2 hours

Orange City, one of best day trips from Houston, may be tiny, but the Stark Museum of Art is enormously significant on a national scale: it has one of the largest collections of art and artifacts related to the American Old West. A collection of paintings, sculpture, prints, and writings includes works by genre greats such as Frederic Remington and Charles Marion Russell. The majority of these pieces were acquired by William and Miriam Stark, who resided nearby in a now-restored 1890s Queen Anne-style timber house packed with more of their collection of distinctive ornamental things. The museum is about 134 hours east of Houston.

Beaumont

Distance from Houston: 1 hour 30 minutes

Visiting the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum, one of best day trips from Houston, is probably the most trendy activity to do in Beaumont. This is a living museum that reconstructs life in a boomtown around the turn of the twentieth century. Don’t miss the Lucas Gusher re-enactment, and keep an eye out for a (fake) old-fashioned gunfight!

The McFaddin-Ward House Museum, the Fire Museum of Texas, and the Clifton Steamboat Museum are among the other museums in Beaumont. Beaumont Botanical Gardens has paved pathways and numerous benches for visitors to relax on while admiring their modern and antique roses, various flower species, and native plants. The Warren Loose Conservatory is also located in the gardens.

Don’t miss the massive, dalmatian-speckled fire hydrant downtown—one of Texas’ most iconic roadside sights!

Armand Bayou Nature Center

Distance from Houston: 40 minutes

An ABNC Pontoon Cruise, one of best day trips from Houston, is the ideal way to discover Armand Bayou. For $35, the firm provides morning, sunset, and night tours. Morning cruises are only accessible on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., where you may see wildlife forage at the water’s edge.

The 90-minute sunset cruise is available on Saturday and Sunday evenings, when natural ecosystems are at their busiest. The night cruise, which costs $45 and runs only on Friday nights, allows you to hear the noises of the wild. Bayou nights attract bats and alligators. Note that the night tour requires children to be 10 or older.

Kemah

Distance from Houston: 40 minutes

Kemah, one of best day trips from Houston, located southeast of Houston and Galveston County, was formerly a fishing village that is today well-known for its Kemah Entertainment District. The Kemah Boardwalk is a major attraction in the city. It is well-known for its water views, amusement park attractions (such as the Ferris wheel, Boardwalk Bullet, and Wipeout Wheel), tiny shops selling a variety of goods, such as surfwear, arcades, music, and festivals. Landry’s Seafood and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. are two restaurants that serve excellent food.

The Boardwalk Beast allows you to take a tour of Galveston Bay and even get splashed, and the water is ideal for surfing, paddleboarding, dinner cruises, and historical tourism. In reality, boat trips through the scary lighthouse zone are available. Clear Creek Vineyard is a Tuscan winery that provides wine tours, tastings, and private blending sessions, while T-Bone Tom’s and the Aquarium Restaurant are two more popular eating locations.

Corpus Christi

Distance from Houston: 3 hour 30 minutes

Did you know that there are beautiful sandy beaches near Houston? Sandy beaches and beautiful skies, one of best day trips from Houston, are all you need to genuinely feel like you’ve left the city behind, so it’s no surprise that Corpus Christi is one of the most popular places to visit near Houston.

Among its most popular attractions are the USS Lexington, a WWII-era aircraft carrier converted into a floating museum, as well as the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center, which features rose, hummingbird, and succulent gardens. As for seashore spots, North Beach is the most popular place to set up an umbrella and enjoy the waves. A 1.5-mile-long Beachwalk is also available, as is a bird’s-eye view of the ocean from atop a bright Ferris wheel.

Pineywoods

Distance from Houston: 1 hour 20 minutes

The Pineywoods of Texas, one of best day trips from Houston, are located east of Houston. There are some lovely trees and lakes here. The easiest way to enjoy them is to camp or purchase a day pass and find a close rental. We recommend any of the state parks because they are all well maintained, provide kid-friendly activities, and are usually quite easy to reserve. In general, each park is within half an hour of a grocery store or Walmart for supplies and small-town cuisine.

Outdoors & Attractions

Lake Livingston State Park contains one of the state’s biggest lakes. It’s a terrific place to go fishing, boating, or hiking. They also have a wonderful nature center and fishing docks that are constantly filled with ice cream – perfect for those hot summer days!

For a more personal campground than Lake Livingston, Huntsville is another choice. Hiking is still possible, and self-service kayaks are accessible. Furthermore, it is relatively close to Houston, so if something unexpected occurs (because, kids! ), it is simple to pack up and return home in a decent period of time.

Similarly, Fort Boggy State Park provides more basic camping alternatives while also renting cabins. It contains a little no-wake lake where you may go fishing or boating (if you bring your own). For anyone interested in Texas history, Mission Tejas State Park is a must-see. In addition to the normal park activities, there are various historic sites.

Martin Dies Jr. State Park is ideal for a group outing. They also rent canoes and kayaks on-site. There are also several cabins. If you love fishing and paddling and need to live close to a big metropolis, Village Creek is the place to be. This one is located ten miles north of Beaumont. On-site, there is one cabin for rent.

Goose Island State Park – Peaceful Day trips from Houston

Distance from Houston: 2 hours 45 min

Goose Island State Park is a Texas state park on the state’s Gulf coast, encompassed by the St. Charles and Aransas Bays, day trips from Houston. Despite the fact that it is surrounded by water, the park’s management does not promote swimming here. There is still lots to do, such as camping, hiking, and fishing for speckled trout, flounder, and red drum, among other fish.

The Big Tree, a cherished Southern live oak, may be the most popular feature in Goose Island State Park. This tree, which has a circumference of 35 feet and a crown that spreads 90 feet outward, is thought to be over 1,000 years old.

Richmond

Distance from Houston: 40 minutes

Richmond, a little township 40 minutes south of Houston, provides Texas-sized enjoyment on the 20,000-acre George Ranch. The 100-year-old homestead provides a true frontier experience, with Western-clad guides leading guests on a half-mile lap on the George Ranch Heritage Trail. The tour also involves watching cowboys rope cattle and seeing old 1830s homesites.

Check out Braman Winery if you enjoy more city-slicker activities without the city throng. It’s a family-run establishment with a brewery. In addition to artisan brews, customers can sip reds, whites, and sparkling wines while listening to live music. Braman’s regularly hosts special events such as wine bingo, ladies’ nights, and open mic nights.

San Jacinto Battleground Historic Site

Distance from Houston: 30 minutes

The San Jacinto Monument and surrounding site, which spans 1100 acres, mark the location where Texas gained independence from Mexico in the pivotal battle of the Texas Revolution in 1836. The 567-foot monument is the world’s highest stone column and is topped with a Lone Star, Texas’ iconic symbol.

The observation deck boasts the best birds-eye views inside the region, which includes the Battleship USS Texas, a 27,000-tonne veteran vessel of both World Wars that was once considered the world’s most destructive weapon, and the Houston skyline beyond. A museum depicts the tale of Texas’ journey to freedom. The site should be in your list of places to go in Houston because it’s just about half an hour southeast of downtown.

The Alamo 

Distance from Houston: about 3 hours

The Alamo is a Spanish mission and fortification that was built somewhere in the 18th century by Roman Catholic missionaries. It also served as the site of the Battle of the Alamo (1836). It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and has since been transformed into a museum. There are guided tours of the grounds, and visitors can also explore on their own; some of the key attractions to see are the church, the battleground, the Shrine, the gardens, and the diorama, which recreates the compound from 1836.

The Long Barracks has a museum with paintings, weaponry, antiques, and other items from the Texas Revolution. At the same time, another complex building houses many types of antiques. Visitors would come across Phil Collins’ relic collection, which was bequeathed to the Alamo. On the site, there is also a gift shop.

LaPorte 

Distance from Houston: 30 minutes

LaPorte is home to Harris County’s lone beach. Sylvan Beach offers beautiful bay views and pure white sand. The nearby 31-acre park is ideal for a romantic or family picnic in the park. While you’re there, go fishing on the pier or take a boat trip.

The Governor Ross Sterling Mansion, a duplicate of the White House, is also located in LaPorte. The opulent residence, which is still occupied by a real family, was erected in 1924 by the Exxon oil founder turned governor.

Don’t end your road trips from Houston to LaPorte without paying a visit to The Battle of San Jacinto. The 161-foot-tall monument commemorates the 1836 Texas Revolution. The Battleship Texas, a now-retired battleship that stands along the Houston Ship Channel, is another tribute to the battle. This is always on the top list of places to visit near Houston.

Final Thoughts

Houston is home to a number of cultural institutions, parks, museums, and a space center. If you enjoy day trips from Houston, you can go hiking, fishing, shopping, picnicking, and exploring the top day trips from Houston listed above. Grab your significant other, family, or friends, and enjoy a weekend break to one of these locations.

Above are the day trips from Houston we suggest you should try when going travel from https://skyspace-la.com. Hope you are satisfied with this information.