Summary
When the name ‘Houston’ comes to mind, do you immediately associate it with ‘we have a problem’? In stark contrast, Houston is a welcoming and easily accessible Texan city.
This city houses the innovative NASA Space Centre, the Houston Grand Opera, and the beloved theater district, offering a wealth of exploration opportunities.
Beyond the lively urban environment lies an array of attractions, from breweries to museums, shopping centers, and National Forests; Houston serves as an excellent base for enthusiastic day travelers.
Let us examine a curated list of the 15 premier day trips from Houston.
1. Galveston Island
Serving as Texas’ most renowned coastal vacation destination, Galveston Island lies just 50 miles from downtown Houston.
With a rich and diverse history, this island retains its abundant charm despite the passage of time.
Featuring 32 miles of beaches, numerous historical treasures, and many antique shops, a visit to Galveston Island is akin to stepping back into an era where life was simpler and more leisurely.
From Galveston Island, visitors can embark on a boat cruise into the Gulf of Mexico to observe dolphins in their natural habitat.
2. Tanger Outlets
Tanger Outlets stands out as one of the premier shopping destinations in Texas.
Providing substantial discounts on high-end luxury brands, it is the ideal location for those seeking to refresh their wardrobes.
Visitors can enjoy remarkable savings, a delightful selection of dining options, and a relaxed atmosphere, making Tanger Outlets an excellent destination for a day trip from Houston.
Take advantage of the experience by leisurely walking from store to store, relishing the incredible value and contemplating potential purchases.
With options available for men, women, and children, the entire family can appreciate Tanger Outlets.
3. NASA Space Centre
The NASA Space Centre stands as one of the most thrilling attractions throughout the United States.
Within the Starship Gallery Artefact Museum, visitors have the unique opportunity to touch a moon rock.
For the more adventurous, a ride in the lunar orbiter simulator provides a glimpse into the astronaut experience.
The exhibits are collaboratively created by NASA and Disney, showcasing a high degree of interactive learning that is unparalleled, making the NASA Space Centre an intriguing and enlightening excursion for all, not solely aspiring astronauts.
4. Blessington Farms
Regardless of the weather or season, Blessington Farms offers a delightful day trip from Houston.
This unique farm provides visitors with the opportunity to pick their own fruits and vegetables, gain insights into farming, and connect with the land itself, making it a true hidden gem.
In the fall, guests can choose their own pumpkins from an overwhelming selection, while the summer months provide ample opportunity to gather punnets of strawberries to take home.
Ideal for young families or those traveling with children, Blessington Farms ensures an enjoyable and traditional family outing.
5. Southern Star Brewery
Having pioneered craft beer in Texas since 2007, Southern Star Brewery is widely beloved throughout the state.
A response to the growing demand for locally crafted beers led Southern Star Brewery to relocate in 2016 to a more expansive venue featuring a 13-acre backyard and a custom-built taproom.
A visit to Southern Star Brewery presents the opportunity to learn about the brewing process and the distinct flavors of Southern Star beers.
Tours are available from Thursday to Sunday at 2 PM and 4 PM.
6. Railean Rum Distillery
Texas is renowned for its moonshine production during prohibition; however, those days are long past, yet the Texan fascination with home brews remains.
Railean Rum Distillery embodies this passion, located in San Leon, playfully described as a ‘small drinking community with a large fishing problem’.
Producing a wide variety of rum, vodka, whiskey, and agave spirits, visitors may find themselves slightly inebriated while tasting at Railean Distillery.
During the tour, guests will learn about the distillation, aging, and bottling processes.
7. Sam Houston National Forest
As one of four national forests in Texas, the Sam Houston National Forest is notably the most frequented, situated just 50 miles from downtown Houston.
Hiking and mountain biking are prevalent activities within the forest.
The Lone Star Hiking Trail is accessible throughout the year and generally remains uncrowded.
The trail guides visitors through creeks, rivers, and streams, winding through diverse vegetation and ecosystems, each playing a critical role in the forest’s life.
8. Austin
As the capital of Texas, Austin boasts excellent connectivity to the state’s other major cities.
Just a short two-hour drive from Houston, Austin has a diverse range of offerings.
Renowned for its eclectic music scene, Austin features numerous live music venues to explore.
With a rich musical legacy, Austin has served as a launchpad for many of the world’s most celebrated blues, rock, and country artists.
For those seeking a more leisurely experience, consider renting a boat to paddle around Lady Bird Lake in Zilker Park or enjoying a swim in Barton Springs Pool.
9. San Antonio
San Antonio, with its rich colonial history, is one of Texas’ most rapidly developing cities.
Home to The Alamo, this 18th-century Spanish mission has been preserved for public enjoyment and education through its museum.
The Alamo serves as a significant historical marker for the bloody battle of 1836 when Texas fought for independence from Mexico.
Beyond its historical significance, San Antonio also offers a vibrant modern culture and natural beauty to appreciate.
The San Antonio Riverwalk, Natural Bridge Caverns, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas ensure that there is something for all visitors in San Antonio.
10. Dallas
As Texas’ most populous city, Dallas is a vibrant and dynamic metropolis home to approximately 1.3 million residents.
This contemporary city boasts a plethora of historical and cultural sites for visitors to discover.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza provides a comprehensive exhibit detailing the presidency of the late John F. Kennedy and insights into his tragic assassination.
The Dallas Museum of Art features an extensive collection of artistic works from both historical and modern times, remaining open late into the evenings.
With collections spanning 5,000 years, the Dallas Museum of Art hosts one of the most impressive assemblages in the southern United States.
11. USS Lexington
Affectionately known as ‘Lady Lex’, the USS Lexington CV-2 played a pivotal role in the U.S. Navy from 1925 until its sinking during the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942.
The USS Lexington offers tours of an authentic U.S. Navy ship along with informative exhibits about the Navy’s influence on modern warfare.
Touring the USS Lexington allows visitors to explore over 11 ship decks.
Your visit includes the opportunity to experience a flight simulator, allowing you to land on this remarkable aircraft carrier or operate a virtual battle station.
12. Mustang Island
For those who cherish the coastal breeze, a visit to Mustang Island offers an invigorating and memorable day trip from Houston.
Stretching across five miles of the Gulf of Mexico coastline, Mustang Island is home to over 400 species of birds and endangered Atlantic green sea turtles.
An active nesting site for sea turtles, park officials encourage visitors to be mindful while exploring the beaches.
Bird watching, coastal hikes, and swimming in the sea are popular activities on Mustang Island.
13. Stark Museum of Art
For art and anthropology enthusiasts, the Stark Museum of Art is an essential destination while in Houston.
This museum features one of the world’s largest collections of Western American art, housing a lifetime of knowledge within its impressive walls.
The collection highlights spectacular landscapes, lifelike representations of people, and the rich wildlife found in the American West.
In addition to Western American art, the Stark Museum also contains a vast collection of Indigenous American Indian artwork, manuscripts, costumes, and books.
Admission to the Stark Museum of Art is complimentary for all visitors.
14. New Orleans
Nestled along the Mississippi River in Louisiana, the iconic city of New Orleans is famous.
Often referred to as the ‘Big Easy’, New Orleans is recognized as the musical capital of the United States. Its vibrant blues and country music scene creates an enchanting and lively atmosphere.
Everywhere you explore, you will encounter renowned live music venues, bars, and more.
This cultural melting pot is home to a significant French community, along with thriving African communities.
New Orleans is a welcoming, open-minded, and enjoyable city that merits experiencing at least once in a lifetime.
15. Sabine National Forest
Situated on the Texas-Louisiana border, the Sabine National Forest is largely composed of pines and features several picturesque hiking trails ideal for a day trip from Houston.
Spending a leisurely afternoon boating on the Toledo Bend Reservoir can be both relaxing and enchanting.
If you find yourself reluctant to leave Sabine National Forest, camping in the park is permitted for a nominal fee.
During your day in Sabine National Forest, consider visiting Red Hills Lake to enjoy a picnic at the Boles Field shelters before your return to Houston for dinner.
