Day Trips from Houston, Texas

Location:

Brenham, TX

Highlights:

Need a breather from Houston? Brenham’s your easy, breezy escape—picture-perfect fields, charming small-town vibes, and the sweet smell of Blue Bell in the air. It’s a place where time slows down and relaxation comes naturally.

We Recommend This For:

Couples, families, history lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone craving nature and nostalgia rolled into one peaceful day trip.

What we Love:

The springtime bluebonnets, rich Texas heritage, local wineries, laid-back parks, and that dreamy Blue Bell creamery experience.

• Tour museums and heritage sites that dive deep into the story of early Texas settlers and the region’s cultural roots.
• Wander along the Texas Wine Trail for tastings and scenic views across lush vineyards.
• Unwind at one of several day spas or enjoy peaceful time in the town’s local parks and gardens.
• Visit the iconic Blue Bell Creamery to see how Texas’s favorite ice cream is made—and sample the freshest scoop possible.

Distance from Houston:

About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.

How to Get to Brenham:

Drive northwest from Houston on US-290 W. Stay on it through Chappell Hill and you’ll arrive right in the heart of Brenham.

Location:

Texas City, TX

Highlights:

Looking for an easy escape from Houston that still gives you that refreshing Gulf breeze? Texas City is low-key, close by, and full of hidden gems—perfect for a relaxed coastal outing without the crowds.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, casual fishers, Gulf Coast explorers, and families looking for a peaceful shoreline alternative to Galveston.

What we Love:

The iconic Texas City Dike, fascinating local history museums, and the feel of a sleepy seaside town that’s rich in character.

• Walk or fish along the Texas City Dike, the world’s longest man-made pier stretching over five miles into Galveston Bay—ideal for fishing, sunsets, and waterfront picnics.
• Visit the Texas City Museum to uncover stories from the region’s industrial and maritime past.
• Explore preserved historic homes like the Davison Home and Engineer’s Cottage for a glimpse into early Anglo-American settlements.

Distance from Houston:

About 45 minutes by car.

How to Get to Texas City:

Take I-45 S from Houston, then exit on FM 1764 E toward Texas City. It’s a straight shot with plenty of signage to guide you.

Location:

Port Arthur, TX

Highlights:

Want to swap traffic noise for the sounds of coastal birds and gentle waves? Port Arthur’s a laid-back blend of Gulf beaches, cultural gems, and untamed natural beauty—just a couple hours southeast of Houston.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, birdwatchers, spiritual seekers, and anyone craving a slower coastal pace with hidden history and local charm.

What we Love:

Uncrowded beaches, lush wildlife, soul-stirring cultural landmarks, and the rare chance to experience both swamp tours and spiritual trails in one destination.

• Relax on quiet Gulf coast beaches where birdwatching and dolphin-spotting come naturally.
• Explore the area’s hiking and cycling paths or head out on a swamp or boat tour to get closer to gators and the vibrant ecosystem.
• Visit the Museum of the Gulf Coast for a deep dive into regional history, music legends, and maritime culture.
• Walk the Faith Trail, a peaceful spiritual journey featuring monuments to various religions including Buddhist, Hindu, and Catholic sites.

Distance from Houston:

About 1 hour and 45 minutes by car.

How to Get to Port Arthur:

From Houston, take I-10 E toward Beaumont, then merge onto TX-73 E toward Port Arthur. It's an easy coastal drive with scenic marshland views along the way.

Romantic Day Trips from Houston:

Location:

Anahuac, TX

Highlights:

Feel like trading your city shoes for boots and binoculars? Just over an hour from Houston, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect wild escape—where the soundtrack is birdsong and the company includes bobcats and gators.

We Recommend This For:

Birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, nature-loving families, hikers, and anyone seeking peaceful time in Texas wetlands.

What we Love:

Expansive marshland teeming with life, year-round birdwatching, ranger-led experiences, and the peacefulness of a protected habitat just beyond the city’s edge.

• Spot species like alligators, bobcats, fulvous whistling ducks, and seaside sparrows in their natural habitat.
• Birdwatch during spring and fall migrations, when the refuge becomes a hotspot for thousands of waterfowl and songbirds.
• Explore on foot, by kayak, or with your camera—paddling, hiking, and photography are all popular activities.
• Join a ranger-led tour or environmental seminar for a deeper dive into Gulf Coast ecology and conservation.

Distance from Houston:

Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.

How to Get to Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge:

Take I-10 E from Houston, then exit onto FM 563 S toward Anahuac. Turn left on FM 1985 and follow signs for the refuge—address is 4318 FM 1985, Anahuac, TX 77514.

Location:

Lumberton, TX

Highlights:

Need some fresh air and splashy fun the whole family can enjoy? Just 90 minutes from Houston, Village Creek State Park is a serene blend of water, woods, and wildlife—perfect for unplugged adventures and easy outdoor bonding.

We Recommend This For:

Families, casual hikers, paddlers, birdwatchers, and anyone looking for an easy day trip full of nature and play.

What we Love:

Free fishing gear, no-license creek fishing, mixed ecosystems with tons of wildlife, and a kid-friendly creek perfect for canoeing and cooling off.

• Swim or paddle in Village Creek, which winds gently through the park and offers calm waters ideal for families and beginners.
• Hike scenic trails that weave through pine forests, swamps, wetlands, and savannahs—each filled with its own unique plant and animal life.
• Fish along the creek’s banks without needing a license, and borrow free equipment from the park office.
• Try geocaching, spot birds, or just relax with a picnic in this peaceful corner of Southeast Texas.

Distance from Houston:

About 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.

How to Get to Village Creek State Park:

From Houston, take I-10 E to US-69 N toward Lumberton. Exit onto TX-421 N, then turn right onto Park Road 74. The park address is 8854 Park Rd 74, Lumberton, TX 77657.

Family Day Trips from Houston:

Location:

Rockport, TX

Highlights:

Looking for a coastal adventure with centuries-old charm? Goose Island State Park is a waterside haven where you can cast a line, camp under the stars, and stand in awe beneath a thousand-year-old oak—just a few hours’ drive from Houston.

We Recommend This For:

Anglers, campers, tree lovers, birdwatchers, and anyone who enjoys nature’s quieter, more awe-inspiring side.

What we Love:

Iconic coastal fishing, serene campsites, and “The Big Tree”—an ancient Southern live oak that’s stood watch for over a millennium.

• Fish from the shore or pier for red drum, speckled trout, flounder, and more—Goose Island is a fishing paradise.
• Camp near the water with peaceful bay breezes and sites suited for tents or RVs.
• Explore scenic trails and enjoy birdwatching in a park known for attracting both coastal and woodland species.
• Visit the legendary Big Tree, one of the largest and oldest live oaks in the U.S., estimated to be over 1,000 years old.

Distance from Houston:

Approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes by car.

How to Get to Goose Island State Park:

From Houston, take US-59 S to Victoria, then head southeast on TX-35 to Rockport. Follow signs to 202 S. Palmetto St., Rockport, TX 78382.

Location:

Corpus Christi, TX

Highlights:

Got a history buff in the family—or just love exploring epic, hands-on museums? The USS Lexington is a jaw-dropping, 11-deck aircraft carrier museum on the Gulf Coast that brings World War II naval history to life with immersive exhibits and unforgettable views.

We Recommend This For:

Military history enthusiasts, families, aviation fans, and anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind, educational day trip or weekend adventure.

What we Love:

Walking the massive decks of a real aircraft carrier, interactive simulators, and the deeply moving Pearl Harbor exhibit that connects past to present.

• Tour the massive USS Lexington (CV-16), affectionately called the “Blue Ghost,” and explore eleven decks packed with naval aviation history.
• Experience flight simulators, virtual battle stations, and hands-on exhibits that engage visitors of all ages.
• Learn about World War II history, naval missions, and the legacy of the ship’s service, including a powerful Pearl Harbor exhibit.

Distance from Houston:

Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes by car.

How to Get to the USS Lexington:

Take US-59 S from Houston to Victoria, then continue south on US-77 to Corpus Christi. The museum is located at 2914 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78403.

Location:

Corpus Christi, TX

Highlights:

If you're looking for a splashy, educational adventure the whole family will love, the Texas State Aquarium is worth the drive from Houston. With marine life, wildlife, and kid-friendly attractions all in one spot, it’s a full day of wonder by the Gulf.

We Recommend This For:

Families, marine wildlife lovers, curious kids, and anyone who wants to dive deep into Gulf and Caribbean ecosystems—without getting wet.

What we Love:

Up-close marine life encounters, playful otters, daily interactive shows, and extras like the splash park and kid’s dig site that make it more than just an aquarium.

• See an incredible range of sea life including dolphins, stingrays, jellyfish, and hundreds of Gulf and Caribbean fish species.
• Meet land-based residents like otters, birds, turtles, and even alligators in immersive habitat exhibits.
• Join daily presentations and interactive programs to learn more and engage with animals and experts.
• Play in the on-site water park or explore the mock archaeological dig for a fun educational twist geared toward younger visitors.

Distance from Houston:

Around 3 hours and 30 minutes by car.

How to Get to the Texas State Aquarium:

From Houston, drive south on US-59 to Victoria, then take US-77 to Corpus Christi. The aquarium is located at 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd., just down the road from the USS Lexington.