Escape the City: 8 Must-Try 8 Hour Road Trips from Houston
Houston is a bustling city with endless options for dining, entertainment, and culture. But sometimes, you need a break from the hustle and bustle. Luckily, with Houston being in such a central location in Texas, there are plenty of great road trip options that can be done in just a day.
Here are 8 must-try road trips from Houston that are perfect for a day-long adventure.
1. Galveston Island (1 hour)
Escape to the beach in just an hour! Galveston Island offers miles of sandy beaches, a historic downtown, and a plethora of seafood restaurants. Relax on the beach, rent bikes for a leisurely ride down the Seawall, or explore the historic Pleasure Pier amusement park for a fun-filled day.
2. Brenham and Round Top (1 hour and 45 minutes)
Head west on Highway 290 to discover the charming towns of Brenham and Round Top. Stop in Brenham for a tour of the Blue Bell Creamery or explore the quaint downtown area. Then, head to Round Top for a bit of antiquing and a slice of pie from Royer’s Cafe.
3. Austin (2 hours)
Venture north to the state capital for a day of food, music, and culture. Stroll down South Congress for unique shopping and dining opportunities, stop by the State Capitol for a tour, or visit one of Austin’s famous food trucks for a taste of local cuisine.
4. San Antonio (3 hours)
Take a trip down to the Alamo City for a dose of history and Tex-Mex cuisine. Explore the famous River Walk, visit the historic Alamo, and indulge in some legendary puffy tacos at Ray’s Drive Inn.
5. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (3 hours)
For a bit of nature, head northwest to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Hike to the top of the famous granite dome for breathtaking views, explore the numerous hiking trails, or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings.
6. Big Bend National Park (7.5 hours)
For the ultimate day trip destination, head all the way west to Big Bend National Park. While it’s a bit of a trek, it’s worth it for the jaw-dropping scenery. Hike to the Lost Mine Trail, float down the Rio Grande, or simply soak up the vast expanse of untouched wilderness.
7. Fredericksburg (1.5 hours)
Travel to the heart of the Texas Hill Country for a unique experience. Stop at one of the many wineries for a tasting, visit the National Museum of the Pacific War, or shop for unique antiques and gifts on Main Street.
8. Kemah Boardwalk (45 minutes)
For a bit of fun closer to home, take a short drive down to the Kemah Boardwalk. Enjoy thrilling rides and games, dine at one of the many restaurants overlooking Galveston Bay, or simply stroll along the boardwalk and enjoy the seaside atmosphere.
No matter what your interests are, there’s a road trip from Houston perfect for you. Pack your bags, fill up your gas tank, and escape the city for a day-long adventure you won’t soon forget.
