If ever the pace of living in Houston is unceasing, a simple two-day getaway would be more than enough. But there are many places within a few hours’ drive from Houston where one can take a timeout from the bustled city to get fresh air. Below are the 15 top weekend getaways from Houston in 2024.
Best Weekend Getaways From Houston
1. Galveston
Coastal Charm
One can go on the beaches within an hour from Houston; a beautiful place called Galveston. Read about the main attractions which are seawater, sand, and the sun, and also other additional attractions.
Highlights:
- Moody Gardens: Visit as many attractions as possible including the aquarium, the rainforest pyramid as well as the 3D theatre.
- Pleasure Pier: It covers rides and games where one can experience some thrilling moments.
- Historic Strand District: This is an excellent place for shopping or having your meals as well as visiting various museums.
2. Waco
Historic and Cultural Attractions
It is essentially a historical city situated approximately a three-hour drive away from Houston and famous for several significant cultural points of interest.
Highlights:
- Magnolia Market: It is also suggested to go to the renowned market located at the Silos.
- Dr Pepper Museum: For the history of this famous soda.
- Cameron Park Zoo: Check out this rather large zoo and find many different animals.
3. San Marcos
River Adventures
About a 45-minute drive from Austin and two hours from Houston, San Marcos has a mix of outdoor attractions and a cute main street.
Highlights:
- San Marcos River: Try Tubing, kayaking, or paddle boarding.
- Aquarena Springs: Go to the glass bottom boat tours to see underwater springs.
- Downtown San Marcos: Visit local shops, restaurants, and other local attractions such as historic places.
4. South Padre Island
Beach Escape
South Padre Island is located about an hour’s drive from Houston and features wonderful beaches and lots of entertainment.
Highlights:
- Water Sports: You can try kiteboarding, and windsurfing, or you may go jet skiing.
- Sea Turtle Inc.: Go to this rescue center which is home exclusively to sea turtles.
- Dolphin Watch: Go out on a boat riding to watch the dolphins in the wild.
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Read Also: Romantic Getaways In Houston
5. Corpus Christi
Beach Paradise
Three hours of driving from Eagle Pass will take you to Corpus Christy, ideal for beach freaks.
Highlights:
- Padre Island National Seashore: Discover the 70 miles of undeveloped barrier island north of the coast of Melbourne, Florida.
- Texas State Aquarium: When moving through the museum, guests will be able to learn about dwellers of the ocean depths.
- USS Lexington: Visit this museum that used to be a real aircraft carrier of the United States Navy.
6. Brenham
Small Town Charm
A short one-and-a-half-hour drive is enough to take you to Brenham which offers a perfect weekend with a relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights:
- Blue Bell Creameries: Chill out a bit and have some ice cream.
- Washington on the Brazos: Go to this historical landmark to which Texas declared its independence.
- Antique Shopping: Go buy souvenirs in some small stores located in the downtown area.
7. New Braunfels
River Fun
About two and half hour’s drive from Houston, some of the activities include water activities as well as discovering German culture since Germans initially settled in New Braunfels.
Highlights:
- Schlitterbahn Waterpark: Have a park of fun in one of the most popular waterparks.
- Comal River: Sail through this beautiful river you want.
- Gruene Historic District: Go to the Dance Hall of History and the shops.
8. Port Aransas
Beach and Nature Retreat
About a three-and-a-quarter-hour drive from Houston, Port Aransas is a less crowded beach with numerous options for nature-centered things to do.
Highlights:
- Mustang Island State Park: Till sand and sun: Get to enjoy the beach and the outdoors.
- Dolphin Tours: Observe dolphins while on boats with a tour guide.
- Port Aransas Nature Preserve: Try the wildlife and the coastal regions of the park.
9. Jefferson
Historic Elegance
Head back about four hours to Jefferson for a time-warping experience of a lifetime.
Highlights:
- Historic Homes Tour: Find old homes that were built in the 19th century and have been well restored.
- Caddo Lake: Go for a boat ride amid this beautiful lake.
- Jefferson Railway: Take a car on a railroad that was built hundreds of years ago to admire views.
10. Kemah
Boardwalk Fun
With great activities for the whole family, Kemah is located a very short 45 minutes from Houston.
Highlights:
- Kemah Boardwalk: It has rides, games, and excellent restaurants and motels some situated right on the water’s edge.
- Sailing: Sail a rented boat around the bay.
- Aquarium: There is also an on-site aquarium you can visit for aquarium-style marine life displays.
11. Huntsville
Outdoor Adventures
Travelling an hour north from Houston, finds Huntsville, an ideal destination for everything outdoors.
Highlights:
- Sam Houston National Forest: To visit this forest you can go hiking, camping, or even fishing.
- Huntsville State Park: Do things Like hiking, bicycling, and swimming.
- Texas Prison Museum: Texas prisons are part of a prison system with a specific history.
12. College Station
College Town Vibes
It is approximately an hour and a half away and is Texas A&M University’s home with more than enough to keep you entertained.
Highlights:
- George H. W. Bush Presidential Library: Have fun exploring this fascinating museum.
- Messina Hof Winery: Have wine tasting and a vineyard tour.
- Kyle Field: See an Aggies football game.
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13. Lake Livingston
Relax by the Water
Located about an hour and a half’s drive from Houston is the Lake Livingston which is best for those seeking a quiet vacation by the lake.
Highlights:
- Fishing: You can go fishing to attempt to catch bass or catfish.
- Boating: You can also go renting a boat or Jet Sky for water entertainment.
- Camping: If you really must leave the comfort of your home, it is advised that you spend the night at one of the campsites by the lakeside.
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Read Also: Things To Do In Rockport TX
14. Beaumont
Cultural and Natural Attractions
Only an hour’s drive away are the facilities and exquisite nature in Beaumont.
Highlights:
- Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum: It is also important that you know as much as you can about Texas oil history.
- Big Thicket National Preserve: Have a nice walk through very many tracts of land with different terrains.
- Art Museum of Southeast Texas: Look at professionally painted artwork at galleries.
15. Lake Charles, Louisiana
A Taste of Louisiana
A two-hour car ride east is Lake Charles where you can engage in gambling, sample casual Creole food, and get your adrenalin fix.
Highlights:
- Casinos: Go for a gamble in one of the existing casinos.
- Creole Nature Trail: Those who like attractions related to wildlife should visit this byway with marvellous landscapes.
- Mardi Gras Museum: Get to know about the history and traditions of Mardi Gras.
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Conclusion
Houston is well-positioned to have multiple unique and interesting tourist attractions that make it easy to plan for a weekend getaway. These destinations consist of distinct towns and effective cities, gorgeous lakes, and heart-pounding activities. Well, get your friends and families and start packing for an amazing trip right from Houston.
