Far from a problematic place to visit, Houston city is filled with full of joy and Houston is an easily accessible and welcoming Texan city. It is not only one of the most crowded cities in texas but the fourth-most populous city in the U. S state of Texas.
The unique combination of wetland, Bayou, prairie and forest ecosystems in the area around the city of Houston in Texas has led to much-protected wildlife and natural refuge areas.
There are several major cities that lie close to Houston and an array of art, historical, and science museums in the area provide a host of destinations for culturally oriented trips as well.
When you begin researching the best day trips from Houston, you’ll quickly realize a huge amount of options all within a very reasonable radius. Waterfalls, caves, theme parks, space museums — they’re all doable in a day. So here are 12 best day trips from Houston, Texas.
12 Best Day Trips From Houston
- NASA Space Centre
- Galveston Island
- Kemah Boardwalk
- Stark Museum of Art
- Sam Houston National Forest
- USS Lexington
- Mustang Island State Park
- Austin
- San Antonio
1. NASA Space Centre
The NASA Space Center is one of the most exciting activities in the United States of America. Which offers a comprehensive science education program as well as a space museum.
In the Starship Gallery Artefact Museum, you can actually touch a moon rock. These exhibits are designed by NASA in association with Disney and it shows.
In this space center, you can experience being an astronaut and also ride in the lunar orbiter simulator.
This level of interactive learning is not found anywhere else making the NASA Space Centre a fascinating and enlightening day trips from Houston for everyone.
Hotel Near NASA Space Center
1. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Port Canaveral, FL
Address: 9009 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, United States
Phone: +1 321-784-8500
2. Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach
Address: 9000 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, United States
Phone: +1 321-868-1841
3. Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites
Address: 5600 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, United States
Phone: +1 321-783-7621
4. Radisson Resort at the Port
Address: 8701 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, United States
Phone: +1 321-784-0000
5. Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach
Address: 8959 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920, United States
Phone: +1 321-323-1100
2. Galveston Island
The most famous coastal vacation destination in Texas is Galveston Island. Located just 50-miles from downtown Houston, the Island has a rich and varied history and has not lost any of its abundant charms despite its age.
The island is popular for its many beach parks, which run along its shores and are open to the public. By reaching the bay you can do many activities like boating, fishing and water sports.
The main center of attraction for tourist activity on Galveston is, of course, Seawall Boulevard, where the beach meets long pedestrian-friendly sidewalks with hotels, restaurants, and other attractions.
The seawall is the site of a historic pleasure pier on Galveston Island, where an amusement park stretches across the bay on a large pier.
Hotel Near Galveston Island
1. Beachcomber Inn Galveston
Address: 2825 61st St, Galveston, TX 77551, United States
Phone: +1 409-744-7133
2. Hotel Galvez and Spa
Address: 2024 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Phone: +1 409-765-7721
3. Holiday Inn Resort Galveston-on the Beach
Address: 5002 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551, United States
Phone: +1 409-740-5300
4. Harbor House Hotel & Marina at Pier 21
Address: No 28 Pier 21, Galveston, TX 77550, United States
Phone: +1 409-763-3321
5. Hilton Galveston Island Resort
Address: 5400 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551, United States
Phone: +1 409-744-5000
3. Kemah Boardwalk
Kemah Boardwalk is a theme park spread over 60 acres, which is located along with the city of Kemah, Galveston Bay. and for this reason, it is most attractive to tourists.
It is Also known as “Gateway to the Bay”, The city has a complete recreation district with Bayside restaurants and attractions for tourists. Most notably, there is a large boardwalk right across the Bay of Kemah, with plenty of rides and other amusement parks.
As one might expect, the boardwalk features classic arcade games, restaurants, shopping, and thrill rides, many of which overlook the water.
Beyond the Kemah boardwalk, the city also offers car and boat rides and a spooky excursion through its haunted lighthouse district.
During the summer, there are typically free live music and free fireworks on Fridays at the Kemah Boardwalk.
Hotel Near Kemah Boardwalk
1. Boardwalk Inn
Address: Waterfront #8, Kemah, TX 77565, United States
Phone: +1 281-334-9880
2. Holiday Inn Kemah
Address: 805 Harris Ave, Kemah, TX 77565, United States
Phone: +1 281-334-0003
3. Scottish Inn & Suites – Kemah Boardwalk
Address: 601 Texas Ave, Kemah, TX 77565, United States
Phone: +1 281-334-4855
4. Palace Inn Blue Kemah
Address: 1411 TX-146, Kemah, TX 77565, United States
Phone: +1 281-538-0077
5. Days Inn by Wyndham Kemah
Address: 1413 TX-146, Kemah, TX 77565, United States
Phone: +1 281-336-0236
4. Stark Museum of Art
To learn about the specialties and merits of art and anthropology, you should visit the Stark Museum of Art in Houston.
It is the home to one of the world’s largest collections of Western American art there is a lifetime of knowledge stored within the grand museum walls.
The pieces housed inside this museum focus on dramatic landscapes, life-depictions of people and the rich and varied wildlife found in the Wild West.
It has a large collection of indigenous American Indian artwork, manuscripts, costumes, and books, in addition to the Stark Western American art. For art lovers, the spot will be the best day trips from Houston.
Entering the Stark Museum of Art is free for all.
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Hotel Near Stark Museum
1. Best Texan Inn & Suites
Address: 2710 Lutcher Dr, Orange, TX 77632, United States
Phone: +1 409-882-0888
2. Economy Inn Motel
Address: 2311 MacArthur Dr, Orange, TX 77630, United States
Phone: +1 409-883-0204
3. Hampton Inn Orange
Address: 2080 Interstate 10 West, Orange, TX 77632, United States
Phone: +1 409-883-2500
4. Value Inn
Address: 4407 27th St, Orange, TX 77632, United States
Phone: +1 409-330-4860
5. Executive Inn & Suites
Address: 4301 27th St, Orange, TX 77632, United States
Phone: +1 409-883-9981
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5. Sam Houston National Forest
One of the four national forests of Texas, Sam Houston National Forest is the most popular. which is located only 50 miles away from Houston city center.
It has many different species of flora and fauna, which are enjoyed by visitors and locals. And the forest is full of hiking trails and camping, boating, fishing, hunting, off-roading, and horse riding are also allowed here.
The forest also protects a number of important bird species, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, and provides winter habitat for the national bird of the United States, the bald eagle.
The management supports these activities with a number of shelters, pavilions, and other facilities.
Hotel Near Sam Houston National Park
1. Red Roof Inn Conroe North-Willis
Address: 12323 Interstate 45 N, Willis, TX 77318, United States
Phone: +1 936-856-1906
2. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Piney Shores Resort
Address: 8350 Piney Shores Dr, Conroe, TX 77304, United States
Phone: +1 936-856-4692
3. Best Western Huntsville Inn & Suites
Address: 201 W Hill Park Cir, Huntsville, TX 77320, United States
Phone: +1 936-295-9000
4. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Conroe
Address: 4006 Sprayberry Ln, Conroe, TX 77303, United States
Phone: +1 936-228-0790
5. Comfort Inn
Address: 1115 League Line Rd, Conroe, TX 77303, United States
Phone: +1 936-890-2811
6. USS Lexington
The USS Lexington ship CV-2, known as ‘Lady Lakes’. The ship played an important role in the US Navy from 1925 to 1942 when it sank in the Battle of the Coral Sea.
The USS Lexington combines the actual and informative voyages of US Navy ships, describing the impact the US Navy has on modern warfare.
The Museum of the “Blue Ghost”, known as Lexington, was established in 1992, shortly after the ship’s fall.
During your visit to Lexington’s 11 decks, guests can try flight simulators and virtual battle stations. And an exhibition dedicated to Pearl Harbor adds a dose of history to the museum.
Hotel Near USS Lexington
1. Hotel De Ville
Address: 3500 Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States
Phone: +1 361-882-3500
2. Quality Inn & Suites on the Beach
Address: 3202 East, Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States
Phone: +1 361-883-7456
3. Best Western Corpus Christi
Address: 300 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States
Phone: +1 361-883-5111
4. Sea Shell Inn Motel
Address: 202 Kleberg Pl, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States
Phone: +1 361-888-5391
5. Regency Inn
Address: 3101 Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States
Phone: +1 361-887-1010
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7. Mustang Island State Park
This Mustang island full of coastal air and natural beauty makes your Houston day trips very memorable. It is the state’s most beautiful park, located on the shores of the Gulf of Texas near the city of Port Arnas.
The long marches of sand and the waves of the bay form an ideal backdrop for beach fun. It includes many activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and picnic.
The park’s natural scenery includes interesting sand dunes, over 400 species of birds and Atlantic green sea turtles and 600 different types of fish that roam the waters of the bay.
The best view of this beautiful Mustang Island State Park can be found along the paddling trail, revealing 20 miles of shallow water.
Hotel Near Mustang Island Park
1. Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
Address: 900 N Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States
Phone: +1 361-887-1600
2. Emerald Beach Hotel
Address: 1102 S Shoreline Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, United States
Phone: +1 361-883-5731
3. Wingate by Wyndham Corpus Christi
Address: 7150 S Padre Island Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, United States
Phone: +1 361-360-5631
4. Radisson Hotel Corpus Christi Beach
Address: 3200 E, Surfside Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78402, United States
Phone: +1 361-883-9700
5. Motel 6 Corpus Christi Northwest
Address: 845 Lantana St, Corpus Christi, TX 78408, United States
Phone: +1 361-289-9397
8. Austin
Because Austin is the state capital of Texas, it is connected to the major cities of this state.
It is an easy 2-hour drive from Houston to Austin, which has a lot on offer. Popular for its quirky and exotic music scene there are countless live music venues to explore in Austin.
This place is also very famous for its parks and lakes. There many different things to do such as hiking, biking, swimming, and boating.
The city also hosted one of the most famous Formula One’s Circuit of the American Raceway.
If no special events are held, there are still many permanent attractions to see in Austin, such as Bullock Texas State History Museum, Umlauf Sculpture Gardens, and the Mexican-Art Museum.
Where to Stay In Austin
1. Aiden by Best Western@Austin City Hotel
Address: 2200 S I H, 35, Austin, TX 78704, United States
Phone: +1 512-444-0561
2. Archer Hotel Austin
Address: 3121 Palm Way, Austin, TX 78758, United States
Phone: +1 512-836-5700
3. Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin North/Parmer Lane
Address: 12536 North, I-35, Austin, TX 78753, United States
Phone: +1 512-821-0376
4. Hyatt Place Austin/Arboretum
Address: 3612 Tudor Blvd, Austin, TX 78759, United States
Phone: +1 512-231-8491
5. Sleep Inn & Suites Austin North – I-35
Address: 14004 Owen-Tech Blvd, Austin, TX 78728, United States
Phone: +1 512-670-9188
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9. San Antonio
San Antonio is one of the most developed cities in Texas with its strong colonial history and culture.
Home to the Alamo, these 18th-century Spanish mission buildings have been preserved as a museum for all to enjoy and explore. The Alamo stands for the Bloody Battle of 1836 where Texas fought for independence from Mexico.
In this city, In this city, Stroll the River Walk, travel to the Alamo and explore the San Antonio Museum of Art. Or you can spend the day at Six Flags Fiesta Texas Amusement Park.
You can also see the largest natural bridge caves here. From Texas historical sites to great Tex-Mex eateries, San Antonio offers a number of attractions for daytrippers.
Hotel Near San Antonio
1. Comfort Suites Alamo/Riverwalk
Address: 505 Live Oak St, San Antonio, TX 78202, United States
Phone: +1 210-227-5200
2. The Crockett Hotel
Address: 320 Bonham, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Phone: +1 800-292-1050
3. Hotel Contessa
Address: 306 W Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Phone: +1 210-229-9222
4. Hotel Valencia Riverwalk
Address: 150 E Houston St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Phone: +1 210-227-9700
5. Riverwalk Plaza Hotel
Address: 100 Villita St, San Antonio, TX 78205, United States
Phone: +1 210-225-1234
10. Dallas
Dallas is the most populous city in Texas, making it a vibrant and bustling city for people. the place is the state’s most important urban center and a regional hub for the South.
Art lovers are particularly fond of the city, as it has the country’s largest contiguous art district, which includes attractions such as the Nashor Sculpture Center, AT&T Performing Arts Center, and the neighborhood of Deep Elm.
Other notable aspects of Dallas include the lush green spaces of the city, and the sixth-floor museum at Daley Plaza gives a thorough display of the presidency of the late John F. Kennedy and is involved in his untimely murder.
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Hotel Near Dallas
1. The Westin Dallas Park Central
Address: 12720 Merit Dr, Dallas, TX 75251, United States
Phone: +1 972-385-3000
2. Omni Dallas Hotel
Address: 555 S Lamar St, Dallas, TX 75202, United States
Phone: +1 214-744-6664
3. Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown
Address: 1700 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
Phone: +1 214-290-9090
4. Hotel Fairmont Dallas
Address: 1717 N Akard St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
Phone: +1 214-720-2020
5. Magnolia Hotel Dallas Downtown
Address: 1401 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75201, United States
Phone: +1 214-915-6500
11. SeaWorld San Antonio
Spread over 250 acres, Seaworld is the world’s largest maritime theme park located to the west of the city. And now it is one of the largest parks in the San Antonio and Seaworld chain.
In addition to the world-famous orcas, dolphins, and sea lion shows of the Sword, San Antonio has many amusement park-style rides as well as many aquaria and zoo environments.
This SeaWorld has include masters of kid-friendly creatures such as flamingos and penguins, and others more deeply, such as sharks and crocodiles.
For family and kids, Seaworld has a Sesame Street-themed Bay of Play, where children can have fun in the water with their friends by the small screen.
Hotel Near SeaWorld
1. TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Antonio Westover Hills
Address: 10015 Westover Hills Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States
Phone: +1 210-520-0441
2. Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort
Address: 9800 Hyatt Resort Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States
Phone: +1 210-647-1234
3. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Antonio SeaWorld / Westover Hills
Address: 4026 Wiseman Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States
Phone: +1 210-682-6800
4. Staybridge Suites San Antonio Sea World
Address: 10919 Town Center Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States
Phone: +1 210-767-1100
5. Hilton San Antonio Hill Country
Address: 9800 Westover Hills Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78251, United States
Phone: +1 210-509-9800
12. Creole Nature Trail
One of only 43 so-called designated scenic routes in the United States, the Creole Nature Trail is a 180-mile All-American road trip.
The place has over 400 species of birds, marshy land, 26 miles of natural Gulf of Mexico beaches, fishing, crabs, Cajun culture and many more to see.
This route is known for its great natural scenery and crosses many nature reserves. And it also is known as Louisiana’s Outback.
This center has mainly interactive displays, making it both interesting for the kids and an informative start to an adventure through Louisiana. And Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point is a good place to begin a road trip on this route.
Hotel Near Creole Nature Trail
1. Tru by Hilton Lake Charles
Address: 1220 W Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70601, United States
Phone: +1 337-564-6878
2. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lake Charles South Casino Area
Address: 1150 W Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70601, United States
Phone: +1 337-564-6877
3. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Lake Charles
Address: 2985 L’Auberge Boulevard, Lake Charles, LA 70601, United States
Phone: +1 337-477-5824
4. Home2 Suites by Hilton Lake Charles
Address: 1200 W Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70601, United States
Phone: +1 337-990-5330
5. Staybridge Suites – Lake Charles
Address: 1100 W Prien Lake Rd, Lake Charles, LA 70601, United States
Phone: +1 337-477-7474
Final Words
That was our wrap up of the 12 best day trips to Houston. Hoped you guys liked it. The destinations mentioned above are best for day trips with family, friends or even your with your soulmate. The city has a lot more adventure for its visitors. So what are you waiting for?
Just pack your bags and go out on incredible day trips from Houston. Go explore Houston: Bayou City on your own to traverse some new day trips destinations and share with us right here in the comment section below.
