If you’re looking to hop in the car and take off somewhere–for the day or the weekend–then we’ve got some must-travel-to places to consider. There are plenty of fascinating, historic and interesting places to visit in and around the Houston area, and even as far away as Austin and San Antonio. One of the advantages of living in the Houston area is the ease of access to so many different cities, cultures and interesting locations.
San Antonio: Sea World, Fiesta Texas
San Antonio, Texas was the launchpad for the Tejano music movement, and the Latin music movement and influence is clearly evident in so much around San Antonio, from the Tex-Med cuisine to the Tejano car shows. Two other attractions are big in San Antonio: Seaworld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas.
By car, San Antonio is only a little under three hours from Houston proper, and makes for a great weekend getaway, whether it’s to visit one of the tourist areas or just to sneak off to a bed and breakfast for a quick getaway, far enough from home to feel like a vacation but close enough not to take up too much travel time.
While heading that direction, if San Antonio isn’t your cup of Tejano Tea, then consider visiting the burbs or surrounding towns, such as the small town of Ingram, Texas, or Kerrville for some rustic living and hunting, or Fredricksburg for that German flare and food.
Austin, Texas: State Capitol, Parks, Music, Arts and Nightlife
Ah, Austin! My heart has always been in Austin, even when my body stays in Houston. There is something about Austin that appeals to me. I love the fact there’s a park on nearly every corner. Near the University of Texas, you’ll find all sorts of eateries, cafes with outdoor patios, and it’s the perfect haven for the ‘people watcher’ in me.
Beyond the main city, you can visit the lakes, with Lake Travis being one of my favorite places to be. At the lake, there are several parks, and some of them do charge an admission price. Hippie Hollow is your ‘clothing optional’ park, and there are others with their own themes, such as parks to watch birds, fishing parks and more.
On the weekends, after dark, downtown Sixth Street is blocked off to traffic and ready to rock. Or if rock isn’t your speed, there’s plenty of jazz and and local bands too. Drinks, comedy clubs, magic shows and more. So maybe this won’t be so much a day trip, but more a night trip or a weekend getaway, but with Austin only being about three hours’ drive from Houston, there’s plenty to see and do if you leave early enough and can still come back the same day.
Bolivar Peninsula (Bolivar Island) Day Trip From Houston
If three hours to San Antonio or Austin is too long for a day trip for you, Bolivar is going to be right up your alley. Most residents of Houston likely never venture out to the ferry boats that The Texas department of Transportation runs, free of charge, 24-hours per day between Houston/Galveston and Bolivar. For me, when I moved here as a new resident, having never been on a drive-on ferry, it was one of the first things I wanted to do. The twenty or so minute ferry ride was fun, and it’s perfect for packing a picnic to eat on the island; just be sure to pack a loaf of bread or crackers to feed to the seagulls off the back of the boat.
Once on Bolivar, it’s a short drive to the Inter-coastal Waterways for Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, where you can rent fishing equipment (or bring your own), visit my favorite seafood restaurant, Stingaree’s, or find a place off the shore of Crystal Beach and simply kick back and enjoy your picnic basket. Bolivar was hit hard by Hurricane Ike in 2008, but it’s making a comeback and the more people who visit and help make it active and thriving again, the better. Stop by the local shops for your picnic supplies, and enjoy your picnic off the ocean.
Bolivar Ferry Information
More About Bolivar Peninsula
Galveston Island Day Trip From Houston
Galveston has the ocean, and along with it, miles of beaches, hotels, restaurants with upstairs patios overlooking the ocean, surfing, fishing and sunbathing. Just about a half hour to an hour’s drive from just about anywhere in Houston, packing up the car and heading to the beach can be a lot of fun and help you stay cool for cheap this summer. The beaches are free (though there is a pay beach with special features), and you can dig for clams and fish and even cook right on the beach.
While in Galveston, or even if you want to make a special trip, I highly recommend spending a day or two (they offer two-day and three-day passes) visiting Moody Gardens. The Pyramids at Moody Gardens are amazing and you’ll have plenty to do to fill up a weekend visiting Galveston is this is one of your stops.
The best part about taking a day trip to Galveston is that it is the third most haunted city in the United States. You can read this article about ghost touring in Galveston, and visit all the haunted locations, houses and hotels, as well as the haunted strip in the old historic part of Galveston called The Strand.
You’ll want to visit the little shops and the courtyards during the day and the clubs at night. There’s even a great ice cream shop with an old fashioned soda fountain and real hand made chocolates and candies right on The Strand. The old churches and architecture is amazing.
Suburbia in Houston
Finally, hop in your car and simply start driving around the loops or highways in Houston and head toward any of the small suburbs around the city: League City, Texas City, Alvin, Friendswood, Spring, Clear Lake and so many more. Each has their own unique flares and flavors, and for the day trip traveler, they all offer a wealth of new adventures and restaurants and shopping that can be explored, usually within an hour’s drive from any location inside Houston.
Be adventurous and point your finger at the map and go wherever it lands, pack a picnic and enjoy.
