Weekend Getaways from Houston
Stroll the San Antonio Riverwalk
San Antonio, TX 78205, USA
Houston might be the Bayou City, but its waterways cannot compete with San Antonio’s Riverwalk when it comes to aesthetics. Located one story beneath the city’s streets, the Riverwalk is lined with lively restaurants, lush vegetation, and scenic stone bridges.
Stay at one of the myriad hotels along the water’s edge for a relaxing weekend, complete with moonlight strolls, dining under the stars, and window shopping. La Villita Historic Arts Village, nestled along the river, is one of San Antonio’s oldest neighborhoods and features a collection of art galleries and boutiques where visitors can purchase art, crafts, and clothing from local artisans.
Tip: Boat tours are available throughout the year. For a special treat, visit at night between Thanksgiving and New Year’s to see the river decorated with roughly 100,000 holiday lights.
Go Wine Tasting in Fredericksburg
10587 US-290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624, USA
Phone +1 830-644-2710
Texas Wine Country rests along a small stretch of Highway 290 about 80 miles west of Austin. Fredericksburg—home to about 12,000 residents—serves as its cultural hub. Spend a weekend indulging by staying in a charming bed and breakfast and touring some of the country’s best wineries and vineyards.
Tip: For those who want the wine tasting without the trek, consider visiting some of the excellent wineries and vineyards within an hour’s drive of Houston.
Tube Down the Comal River
Tubing is a rite of passage for many Houstonians. As temperatures rise, families flock to nearby rivers to unwind on inflated tubes. While several excellent spots exist near the city, you can find clearer, cleaner waters just a few hours’ drive from Houston between San Antonio and Austin.
The Comal River, located just north of San Antonio in New Braunfels, is among the shortest navigable rivers in the United States at just 2.5 miles long. Floating the river can take several hours. Be sure to pack enough water, sunscreen, and water shoes to protect your feet from the rocky riverbed.
While you can bring your own gear, tubes are available for rent from local river outfitters, with air-conditioned shuttles ready to take you back to your starting point.
Lounge on the Beach on Bolivar Peninsula
Bolivar Peninsula is a 27-mile strip of land separating Galveston Bay from the Gulf of Mexico and consists of five towns along a single stretch of highway—Port Bolivar, Caplen, Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, and High Island—with beaches on both sides.
While some sections, like Crystal Beach, are lively with beachgoers, other areas—especially near Anahuac Wildlife Refuge—offer peace and tranquility, allowing for various getaway experiences. A variety of luxury and budget beach homes are available to rent on Airbnb or Home Away. After soaking in the sun or building sandcastles, savor fresh-caught seafood at Stingaree Restaurant with beautiful water views.
You can reach the peninsula via a short ferry ride from Galveston, often spotting dolphins along the way.
Explore the Inner Space Cavern
810 S Austin Ave, Georgetown, TX 78626, USA
Phone +1 512-869-7469
Inner Space Cavern, discovered in 1963, is considered one of the best-preserved caves in Texas. Formed approximately 25 million years ago, it features large cathedral-size chambers, beautiful rock formations, and narrow crawl spaces.
Depending on the ages and comfort levels of those in your group, you can opt for a family-friendly adventure, which involves a leisurely walk through well-lit areas. For adventure seekers, more physically demanding tours are also available. Besides the cave exploration, you can see fossils discovered on-site and enjoy activities like a playground and a gift shop.
The nearby town of Georgetown offers various accommodations, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campsites. Engage in family-friendly or romantic activities, such as live shows at the Georgetown Palace Theatre, splashing at the scenic Blue Hole, or stargazing at the Fountainwood Observatory.
Go Camping in Brazos Bend State Park
21901 Farm to Market Rd 762, Needville, TX 77461, USA
Phone +1 979-553-5101
Brazos Bend State Park, located less than an hour’s drive from Houston near Needville, is a favorite weekend camping spot among locals. In addition to hiking and biking trails, fishing holes, and breathtaking views, it houses a healthy population of alligators.
With estimates of over 200 alligators residing in the park, keep in mind basic safety practices while enjoying your visit. Campsites range from primitive to premium options, ensuring a fit for everyone’s preferences. For those seeking more shelter from nature, screened shelters and limited-service cabins are also available.
Entrance fees are only $7 per person for ages 13 and older, and campsite prices range from $12 to $65 per night, making this a budget-friendly option for weekend adventures. Check the park’s website for alerts, as it may close due to flooding or other concerns.
Visit SeaWorld San Antonio
10500 SeaWorld Dr, San Antonio, TX 78251, USA
Phone +1 210-520-4732
Many families from Houston enjoy spending a weekend at SeaWorld San Antonio, located about a three-hour drive from the city. With thrilling roller coasters, thrilling water rides, and exceptional animal shows, this amusement park combines adventure with education, providing entertainment for all ages.
Additionally, visitors can pay extra to swim with dolphins or dine with orcas, creating memorable experiences typically reserved for trainers. For convenience, quick queue passes and all-day dining deals are available for purchase. Furthermore, two-park passes grant entry to both SeaWorld and its water park Aquatica.
Tip: Look for hotel vacation packages offering perks like complimentary stays for kids, making it easy to enjoy a weekend getaway with added benefits.
