Houston, the USA’s fourth-largest metropolis, can seem so expansive that thoughts of the myriad sights and landscapes just beyond its edges often fade from one’s mind. However, if you are in Houston for a few days, a day trip to some exceptional cities, museums, beaches, lakes, and wilderness areas will make your time here truly memorable.
The thirteen best day trips offer a clockwise journey from north to west, ensuring something enthralling for everyone, whether it’s family day trips or romantic escapes—enjoy beaches, barbecue joints, wetlands, wild islands, famous battlegrounds, beautiful bayous, and striking art museums.
Sam Houston National Forest
The arboreal adventure playground of Sam Houston National Forest is the biggest of Texas’ four main national forests, spreading over 255 emerald-green square miles. A top choice among outdoor activities is the 128-mile Lone Star Trail, the state’s longest wilderness hike, linking the three distinct areas of the forest. Numerous hiking and biking trails exist, and at the three key recreation areas are places for picnicking, lake swimming, and various watersports. The sense of remoteness is remarkable considering you are only a one-hour drive north of Houston.
Lake Livingston State Park
This is one of Texas’ largest lakes, covering 130 square miles of surface area and more than 450 miles of shoreline. It is primarily famous for excellent white bass fishing. However, it brushes the eastern edge of Sam Houston National Forest, and among the surrounding woods are great hiking paths, especially throughout lovely Lake Livingston State Park located in the southeast corner. At the park’s southern end, visitors can still explore the remains of the ghost town of Swartout. This scenic escape is located just 1¼ hours north from Houston.
Anahuac Wildlife Refuge
The Anahuac Wildlife Refuge is one of Texas mainland coast’s most wondrous wildlife sanctuaries, a 37,000-acre area of prairies and bayou-riven coastal marshes. The fauna here includes alligators, coyotes, bobcats, river otters, feral hogs, swamp rabbits, mottled ducks, and snow geese. During winter, tens of thousands of snow geese descend here, creating a mesmerizing sight. Trails fan out around the main refuge entrance near Shoveler Pond, and the visitor center on Lake Anahuac is located just 45 minutes east of Houston.
Stark Museum of Art
The small city of Orange hosts the Stark Museum of Art, significant on a national scale as it houses one of the largest collections of art and artifacts related to the American Old West. The collection includes paintings, sculpture, prints, and texts from genre legends like Frederic Remington and Charles Marion Russell. The couple who collected these works, William and Miriam Stark, lived nearby in a now-restored 1890s Queen Anne-style home filled with unique decorative objects. The museum is located 1¾ hours east of Houston.
Sea Rim State Park
Located adjacent to the Louisiana border, this 4000-acre wetland wildlife haven protects a plethora of fauna, including American alligators, river otters, coyotes, and ghost crabs. However, it is most renowned for its spectacular birdlife, serving as a major migratory route. Avian highlights include roseate spoonbills, snowy and cattle egrets, and many heron varieties. The Gambusia Nature Trail boardwalk allows for close encounters with incredible wildlife, while kayakers can paddle through the area’s pristine waterways. This paradise is just 1¾ hours east of Houston.
San Jacinto Battleground Historic Site
The location where Texas won independence from Mexico, marked dramatically by the San Jacinto Monument and surrounding historic site, spans 1100 acres. The 567-foot monument is the world’s tallest stone column, topped with a Lone Star—a symbol of Texas. At 500 feet up, the observation deck offers the region’s best birds-eye views, including that of the Battleship USS Texas, a veteran vessel of both World Wars, and of Houston’s skyline beyond. A museum recounts Texas’ fight for freedom. The site is located only 30 minutes southeast of Downtown.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston, connected to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, offers visitors a glimpse into space exploration—an experience akin to a moon landing. The interactive museum explores the history and future of space missions, even though the Apollo and Shuttle programs launched from other locations. The highlights include a visit to Mission Control and the Astronaut Training Facility, with the opportunity to view the control room monitoring the International Space Station. Allocate several hours for your visit; unsurprisingly, it stands as the most popular attraction for international visitors in the wider Houston area, situated just 30 minutes southeast of Downtown.
Galveston Island
A visit to this part of Texas would be incomplete without an exploration of the fascinating attractions at Galveston. Positioned on a barrier island adorned with long sandy beaches, it serves as the local seaside resort of choice and a superb family day trip from Houston. Moreover, the city is rich in history, with beautiful Victorian-era buildings, interesting museums, and delicious seafood eateries. For sunbathing and relaxation, the San Luis Pass Pocket Park Beaches are particularly scenic, while East Beach is the place for partying. To immerse yourself in the 19th-century glory days, visit the city’s Strand Historic District. You can enjoy the beaches and soak up some historic charm in a single day trip, as Galveston is just one hour southeast of Houston.
Surfside Beach
For a relaxing day at the beach without the crowds of Galveston, Surfside Beach offers a pristine coastline along the Gulf of Mexico coast. The surf is consistently one of the best in Texas, and there are a few dining options nearby. As you walk northeast along the shore, you will encounter wilder, undeveloped stretches, however, the area remains tranquil and low-key. Surfside Beach is located just one hour south of Houston.
Matagorda Island
If you seek an escape from Houston, Matagorda Island is the perfect destination. Only accessible by chartered boat—or your own vessel—from Port O’Connor, when you arrive, you will find uninterrupted wilderness with delightful sandy beaches extending the entire 38-mile length of the island. A solitary lighthouse is the sole testament to civilization here; otherwise, it’s just you and a splendid array of wildlife, including bald eagles, alligators, coyotes, and much more. Be sure to bring all necessary supplies for your journey, including drinking water. The island is three hours southwest of Houston, accounting for both road and boating time.
Gonzales
At the Alamo, a Texas army courageously faced overwhelming odds against Mexican troops, a courageous stand that would fuel Texans’ resolve towards independence. Among the heroes were 32 fighters from Gonzales Memorial Museum, which commemorates them with a rich collection of revolutionary artifacts. Consequently, this city is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Additionally, Gonzales serves as an excellent base for excursions into the nearby prairie, characterized by rolling hills, oak and pecan forests, and meandering rivers offering superb kayaking opportunities. Gonzales is approximately two hours west of Houston.
Lockhart
Texas is known for its exceptional barbecue, and Lockhart is celebrated as the Holy Grail of grilled meats. There are three prominent pit stops for barbecue aficionados: Kreuz Market, Smitty’s Market—both from siblings who’ve taken different culinary paths after a family dispute—and Black’s Barbecue, the state’s oldest family-run barbecue restaurant serving sensational brisket since 1932. Remember to arrive hungry, as the drive from Houston takes about 2¾ hours.
Brenham
Brenham is known as Texas’ bluebonnet capital, with fields of these enchanting flowers abound. The wildflower trail around the region showcases the best blooms. However, don’t miss the charming downtown area, filled with independent boutiques and antique shops. Also, the delightful Bluebell Creameries, famed for producing the unofficial state ice cream, offers a visitor center, shop, café, and over 50 delectable flavors to indulge in. With beautiful flowers and ice cream, it’s an ideal romantic day trip from Houston, just 1¼ hours southeast.
