Looking for awesome, fun, and interesting road trips from Houston?
Some of the most popular options are coastal drives along the Gulf of Mexico, scenic roadways through the Hill Country, and trips through desert landscapes in West Texas.
These routes offer unique scenery and plenty of opportunities to stop and explore local attractions such as beaches, wineries, and state parks.
Also Read: 50 Best Day Trips from Houston, Texas
Best Road trips from Houston within Texas
There are many great road trips that you can take from Houston without even leaving Texas.
One popular route is through the Texas Hill Country, passing through small towns and beautiful natural scenery along the way.
Or head to the Gulf beaches for some fun in the sun.
For a taste of West Texas, take a drive through Big Bend National Park or hike to the top of Guadalupe Peak.
Also Read: 18 Best weekend Getaways from Houston, Texas
San Antonio
San Antonio is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture.
Located in the heart of Texas, San Antonio is home to the Alamo, the River Walk, and several other attractions.
The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is also a great place to visit.
It preserves the missions: Mission San Jose, Mission Concepcion, Mission San Juan Capistrano, and Mission Espada.
The Alamo with the other missions is a UNESCO world heritage site.
There are also a variety of activities and attractions to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking.
The drive from Houston to San Antonio is about 3 hours.
San Antonio is, undoubtedly, one of the best weekend getaways from Houston.
Austin
Austin, located on the banks of the Colorado River, is one of the best weekend trips in Texas for music lovers.
It is known as the live music capital of the world.
This vibrant city is home to countless venues where you can enjoy all types of music, from rock and blues to hip hop and country.
In addition, the city’s many restaurants, bars, and shops make it a great place for foodies and shopaholics alike.
Austin is also close to many outdoor attractions, such as the Barton Creek Greenbelt and the McKinney Falls State Park.
The drive from Houston to Austin is also about 3 hours.
Dallas Fort Worth
The Dallas/Fort Worth area is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a weekend of fun and excitement.
Dallas is home to several famous museums including the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which chronicles the life and death of President John F. Kennedy.
Fort Worth is home to the Fort Worth Zoo, the Kimbell Art Museum, the National Cowgirl Museum and the Hall of Fame.
A major attraction is the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, which offers a taste of the old west.
The drive from Houston to Dallas is about 4 hours.
Sam Houston National Forest
If you’re looking for a road trip that takes you away from the hustle and bustle of city life, then the Sam Houston National Forest is the perfect destination.
This nature reserve offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, and bird watching.
The forest also has several campsites where you can set up your tent or RV for a night or two.
The popular Lone Star Hiking Trail runs through the forest and the section is perfect for a day hike.
Arlington
Plan a road trip to Arlington to enjoy the thrill rides at Six Flags amusement park!
Here you will find some of the best roller coasters in the country, including the world’s tallest coaster, the Titan.
There are also many other attractions in the area, such as the Arlington Museum of Art, the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame, and the AT&T Stadium.
Arlington also has beautiful street art, bbq, and great hiking trails nearby.
Galveston
Galveston is a beautiful island city located on the Gulf of Mexico.
The city offers many different activities such as sunbathing on the beaches, fishing, sailing and exploring the Historic Downtown Strand District.
There are also many museums to visit, such as the Texas Seaport Museum and the Galveston Railroad Museum.
You can also explore nearby areas such as Texas City and Bolivar peninsula on this road trip.
Popular things to do in Texas City include Texas City Museum, which has exhibits on the city’s history, and the Nessler Park, which is a great place for picnics.
On Bolivar Peninsula, you can visit Crystal Beach and Port Bolivar Lighthouse.
The drive from Houston to Galveston is about 1 hour and 30 mins.
Beaumont
Beaumont is another great road trip destination from Houston.
This city offers a variety of activities, such as golfing, fishing, and visiting the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can go hiking or biking in the Big Thicket National Preserve.
Beaumont is also home to many great restaurants and bars, so you can enjoy some delicious food and drinks while you’re in town.
Washington County
Looking for something that combines history, bbq, and bluebonnets?
Washington County is just an hour’s drive away from Houston and makes an excellent road trip in the Lone Star State.
This county is home to many different attractions, such as the Brenham Heritage Museum, Washington on the Brazos State Historic Site, the Antique Rose Emporium, and the Blue Bell Creameries.
You can also take a scenic drive down the Chappell Hill Bluebonnet Trail.
If you’re looking for a place to stay overnight, there are several bed and breakfasts in the area.
College Station
College Station is a great road trip destination for Aggie fans or anyone who loves Texas A&M University.
This city is home to the main campus of the university, as well as many other attractions such as the George Bush Presidential Library, Messina Hof Winery, and Historic Bryan.
There are also many different restaurants and bars in the area, so you can enjoy some delicious food and drinks while you’re in town.
The drive from Houston to College Station is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Rockport
Rockport is one of our favorite beach towns on the Texas Gulf Coast.
This town is known for its beautiful beaches, fishing, and bird watching.
The beach here is the cleanest in Texas!
Walk along the charming downtown, step into the boutiques for seashells and souvenirs, or stop at the Winery by the Bay!
While you’re in town, make sure to visit the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site and the Texas Maritime Museum.
The drive from Houston to Rockport is about 3 hours and 30 minutes.
South Padre Island
Looking for a beach weekend getaway?
South Padre Island is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
This island paradise is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and fun activities such as parasailing, horseback riding, windsurfing, and kiteboarding.
South Padre Island is also known as the spring break capital of Texas and is extremely crowded during March.
Read: Houston to South Padre Island Road Trip Planner
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a beautiful coastal city located on the coast in South Texas.
This city is known for its beautiful beaches, great fishing, and exciting nightlife.
Corpus Christi also has a thriving arts and culture scene, with many museums, art galleries, and live music venues.
Some of the most popular things to do in Corpus Christi include visiting the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay, going on a dolphin-watching tour, and exploring the Texas State Aquarium.
The drive from Houston to Corpus Christi is about 3 hours 30 minutes.
Port Aransas
Port Aransas is a small beach town located on Mustang Island off the coast of Texas.
This town is known as the fishing capital of Texas.
It is popular for its family-friendly vibes, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere.
Just a short drive away from Port A, you will find nature parks such as Mustang Island State Park and Padre Island National Seashore.
The drive from Houston to Port Aransas is about 4 hours.
Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is a great place to go for a swim, hike, fish, or bird watch.
This state park is located on Mustang Island, which is a barrier island off the coast of Texas.
The park has over five miles of beachfront, making it a great place to enjoy the sun and the surf.
There are also many different hiking and biking trails, as well as opportunities for fishing and bird watching.
Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is a national park located on Padre Island, which is a barrier island off the coast of Texas.
The national seashore has over 70 miles of beaches, making it the longest stretch of undeveloped beaches in the United States.
This is a great place to go for a swim, sunbathe, fish, hike, or photograph the interesting sand dunes.
There are also many different bird-watching opportunities.
The national park is also home to 5 species of Atlantic green sea turtles including the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg, located in the Texas Hill Country, is one of our favorite road trips from Houston.
This city is known for its German heritage, beautiful parks and gardens, great shopping, and delicious food.
Some of the most popular attractions in Fredericksburg include the National Museum of the Pacific War, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and the Main Street.
The National Museum of the Pacific War is one of the best military museums in America.
Here you can see a variety of exhibits on the Pacific Theater of World War II, as well as a variety of historic artifacts.
While you’re visiting Fredericksburg, spend some time exploring the rolling hills of Texas wine country on Highway 290.
Texas Hill Country Bluebonnets
In spring, this is one of our favorite road trips from Houston, Texas.
The wildflowers are blooming and the scenery is beautiful!
Some of our favorite places to see bluebonnets in the Texas Hill Country include Muleshoe Bend, Marble Falls, and Burnet.
Houston to Texas Hill Country distance is about 3 hours and 30 minutes, depending on where you go.
Waco
Waco is a city located in Central Texas and one of our favorite road trips from Houston for kids.
This city is known for being the home of Baylor University, as well as Magnolia Market at the Silos from the TV show Fixer Upper.
Other popular attractions in Waco include the Dr. Pepper Museum, the Waco Mammoth National Monument, and the Suspension Bridge.
Big Bend National Park
Big Bend National Park is one of the most popular national parks in Texas.
The park is home to a variety of different landscapes including deserts, mountains, and canyons.
There are also many different hiking trails, making it a great place to explore.
The drive from Houston to Big Bend National Park is about 9 hours 30 mins while the distance from Houston to Big Bend is 605 miles.
East Texas
One great option for a road trip from Houston is to East Texas.
This beautiful region nestled in the piney woods offers numerous opportunities for hiking and camping.
Enjoy hiking in the sprawling East Texas state parks like Caddo Lake State Park and Tyler State Park.
Check out the historic buildings in charming small towns like Jefferson and Nacogdoches.
From hot air balloon festivals to interesting museums, there is an endless array of attractions in this magical corner of Texas.
Amarillo and the Texas Panhandle
Embark on an epic journey down historic Route 66 in the Texas Panhandle!
While in Amarillo, be sure to visit the Cadillac Ranch and the Big Texan Steakhouse.
The Historic Route 66 district downtown is also a must-see attraction.
Visit the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the second-largest canyon in America.
Stop in small towns like Shamrock and Conway to see some interesting Route 66 attractions.
Best Road trips from Houston outside Texas
Planning a week-long vacation from Houston?
Why not see the famous Grand Canyon or enjoy the nightlife and gambling in Vegas?
Another great option is to head east toward Louisiana, stopping in New Orleans and other historic southern cities along the way.
Of course, for those who love music and history, a trip to Nashville or Memphis, both located just a few hours from Houston, is sure to be unforgettable.
Here are our favorite long road trip ideas from Houston.
Houston Las Vegas Road Trip
Vegas is a popular destination for Houstonians looking to get away in the holidays.
The drive from Houston to Vegas is about 23 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Interesting stops along the way include Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Flagstaff, Arizona.
Of course, the main attraction in Vegas is the gambling and nightlife.
Be sure to visit some of the famous casinos like Caesar’s Palace and the Venetian.
If you’re looking for a more low-key vacation, there are also plenty of great shows and kid-friendly museums to enjoy in Las Vegas.
Plan this trip now: Houston to Las Vegas Road Trip
Grand Canyon National Park Road Trip from H-Town
The Grand Canyon is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.
This massive canyon, carved out by the Colorado River, is truly a sight to behold.
There are many different ways to explore the Grand Canyon, including hiking, rafting, and taking a scenic drive.
The drive from Houston to the Grand Canyon is about 20 hours, without breaks.
Of course, there are many different attractions to see along the way, including the Petrified Forest National Park and Monument Valley.
Houston California Road Trip
California is the perfect destination for a long road trip.
This massive state has so much to offer, from the beaches of San Diego to the mountains of Lake Tahoe.
Of course, no trip to California would be complete without a visit to Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood.
The drive from Houston to California is about 26 hours, depending on where you go.
Houston Colorado Drive
Colorado is a great destination for a road trip, especially if you’re looking to do some hiking and camping.
There are many different scenic routes to take for the Texas to Colorado trip, depending on your interests.
The drive from Houston to Denver, Colorado is about 16 hours.
If you’re looking to add some adventure to your trip, consider driving through the Rocky Mountains.
Road Trip from Houston to New Orleans
New Orleans is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the South.
This historic city is known for its French Quarter, music scene, and delicious food.
The drive from Houston to New Orleans is about five and a half hours.
Of course, there are many different things to see and do along the way.
Houston to Atlanta Road Trip
Atlanta is a popular destination for Houstonians looking to getaway.
The drive from Houston to Atlanta is about 13 hours, without stopping.
Of course, there are many different things to see and do along the way, including visiting the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola.
For those who love history, a visit to the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is a must-do.
Houston to Tennesse Road trip
Tennessee is a great destination for a road trip, especially if you’re a fan of country music.
The drive from Houston to Nashville, Tennessee is about 13 hours.
Of course, there are many different things to see and do along the way, including Memphis and Jackson.
Memphis is home to many different museums and historical sites including Graceland and Beale Street.
You can also visit the famous Smoky mountains on your road trip.
Houston is a great city for taking road trips because of the proximity to beautiful natural landscapes, charming small towns, and bustling cities.
Whether you’re looking for pristine beaches, rugged mountain views, or street art and museums, there’s a perfect road trip from Houston to explore this summer.
No matter where you decide to go on your road trip from Houston, you’re sure to have a great time.
Let us know your favorite road trips from Houston!