
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Houston, Texas, United States
1. Galveston Island
Relax on beautiful beaches and explore historic buildings in this charming island city just an hour's drive from Houston.
- Beach Accessibility: Offers easy access to pristine beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports
- Historic Attraction: Includes the 1877 Bishop's Palace, a Victorian-era mansion with stunning architectural details
- Family Friendly: Features Moody Gardens, an educational and entertainment complex with aquarium, rainforest, and science museum
2. San Antonio
Step back in time at the Alamo and explore the River Walk in this historic city, a short 3-hour drive from Houston.
- Historical Attraction: Offers the famous Alamo Mission and the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
- Entertainment: Features the River Walk, a vibrant waterfront district with shops, restaurants, and live music
- Family Friendly: Home to SeaWorld San Antonio, a popular theme park with marine life exhibits and thrilling rides
3. Austin
Enjoy live music, outdoor activities, and unique dining experiences in the vibrant city of Austin, a 3-hour drive from Houston.
- Music Scene: Known as the 'Live Music Capital of the World' with countless venues and festivals throughout the year
- Outdoor Activities: Boasts Lady Bird Lake, Barton Springs Pool, and Zilker Park for swimming, hiking, and picnicking
- Food Scene: Offers a diverse culinary scene with renowned barbecue, tacos, and food trucks
4. New Braunfels
Experience natural beauty at Comal River and enjoy family-friendly attractions in New Braunfels, a quick 45-minute drive from San Antonio.
- Natural Attraction: Features the scenic Comal River, perfect for tubing, swimming, and picnicking
- Family Friendly: Includes Schlitterbahn Waterpark and resort, offering water slides, pools, and rides for all ages
- Historic Attraction: Home to Gruene Historic District, a charming village with shops, restaurants, and live music venues
5. College Station
Discover science and history at the Texas A&M University campus and Space Center Houston in College Station, a 2-hour drive from Houston.
- Educational Attraction: Features the Texas A&M University campus with various museums, tours, and events
- Space Exploration: Includes Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center
- Sports Attractions: Hosts Texas A&M Aggies sports games for football, basketball, and baseball fans
6. Bastrop State Park
Explore the great outdoors at Bastrop State Park, offering camping, hiking, and scenic views just an hour east of Austin.
- Natural Attraction: Features a beautiful forest landscape with hiking trails, campsites, and fishing spots
- Camping Opportunities: Offers numerous camping options for tents, RVs, and cabins
- Historic Attraction: Surrounded by historic towns like Bastrop and Elgin with antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants
7. Brazos Bend State Park
Observe wildlife at Brazos Bend State Park, home to diverse ecosystems and numerous animal species just south of Houston.
- Wildlife Viewing: Features alligators, armadillos, bobcats, and over 300 bird species
- Camping Opportunities: Offers campsites, cabins, and group facilities for overnight stays
- Natural Attraction: Boasts scenic lakes, wetlands, and forests for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife photography
8. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Hike, camp, and stargaze at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, offering unique rock formations and breathtaking views just northwest of Austin.
- Natural Attraction: Features a massive pink granite dome that offers panoramic views from its summit
- Stargazing Opportunities: Located in a designated dark sky viewing area, ideal for stargazing and astronomy enthusiasts
- Camping Opportunities: Provides campsites, cabins, and group facilities for overnight stays
9. Friedrich Wilderness Park
Experience the wilderness in San Antonio's Friedrich Wilderness Park, offering hiking trails, camping, and horseback riding opportunities.
- Natural Attraction: Features rolling hills, steep canyons, and diverse wildlife
- Camping Opportunities: Offers primitive campsites for a rustic outdoor experience
- Adventure Activities: Permits horseback riding, mountain biking, and hiking on its challenging terrain
10. Grapevine Vintage Railroad
Ride a vintage train through the Texas countryside with stops in Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards.
- Historic Attraction: Travels along historic rail lines, showcasing vintage train cars
- Unique Experience: Offers a variety of themed excursions, such as wine tastings and murder mystery dinner trains
- Family Friendly: Includes visits to the Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District for shopping, dining, and entertainment
11. Dallas Museum of Art
Explore world-class art collections at the Dallas Museum of Art, featuring works from ancient to contemporary periods.
- Art Appreciation: Houses over 24,000 pieces from various cultures and time periods
- Educational Attraction: Offers free general admission and guided tours for visitors
- Family Friendly: Features a museum store, cafe, and programs designed for families with children
12. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Learn about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the history of Dallas at The Sixth Floor Museum.
- Historical Attraction: Features exhibits, artifacts, and films related to JFK's life, death, and legacy
- Educational Attraction: Offers interactive displays, guided tours, and educational programs
- Family Friendly: Includes a museum store and café for visitors to enjoy
13. Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District
Experience the Old West at Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, featuring cowboy culture, historic buildings, and live entertainment.
- Historical Attraction: Includes the Last Stand of the Cowboys, a historic fort where cattle drives ended
- Cultural Experience: Features daily longhorn cattle drives, rodeos, and live music performances
- Shopping and Dining: Offers a variety of Western-themed shops, restaurants, and saloons for visitors to explore
14. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden
Stroll through beautiful gardens filled with colorful flowers, trees, and art installations at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
- Natural Attraction: Features over 66 acres of gardens, including a rose garden, Japanese garden, and Rory Meyers Children's Adventure Garden
- Educational Attraction: Offers classes, workshops, and guided tours on horticulture, gardening, and sustainability
- Family Friendly: Features a children's garden with interactive exhibits and activities for kids of all ages
15. Fort Worth Zoo
Explore over 700 animal species at the Fort Worth Zoo, featuring exhibits from around the world.
- Wildlife Viewing: Features a variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and giraffes
- Educational Attraction: Offers programs on wildlife conservation, education, and research
- Family Friendly: Includes a children's zoo, carousel, and train ride for young visitors to enjoy