Are you looking for amazing weekend getaways from Houston, Texas? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will be sharing some of the best places where you can take short trips from Houston.
Houston is a popular place to visit in Texas with loads of fun attractions and activities. But after a while, you might get bored of visiting the same places. Thankfully, there are many good spots to enjoy quick road trips from Houston.
Whether you are looking for cheap weekend getaways from Houston with friends or a romantic short trip in Texas, there is no shortage of places to explore near Houston.
From fun beaches to quiet cities, to rustic treehouses, you will find all kings of destinations for a quick getaway.
So, if you are also looking for quick getaways from Houston, then look no more. Check out our list of the 15 best weekend getaways from Houston and make the most of your vacation!
15 Best Weekend Getaways From Houston
New Orleans
Although it is a 5-hour drive from Houston, New Orleans is one of the top Houston getaways for music and culture lovers.
New Orleans has not only the best culture in the country but also amazing food and is quite well-known for its music. For music lovers and party goers, one of the top places to visit in New Orleans is the Bourbon Street where the party never ends.
There are many other fun things to do in this Louisiana city as well such as visiting a steamboat cruise, going on a ghost tour, exploring the bayou, and so much more.
If you love music and outdoors, then New Orleans is definitely a top destination to visit from Houston.
Galveston
Home to the prettiest beaches in Texas, Galveston is one of the top places to visit from Houston as it is only a short drive away.
With 32 miles of coast, there is lots of space for visitors to enjoy the beaches and the pleasant weather makes it a perfect year-round destination. Whether you want an adventurous or a relaxing getaway, Galveston offers many options to visitors.
From kayaking to surfing, to camping, there are lots of things to do here. Plus, you cannot miss out on the Pleasure Pier, an amusement park that makes this place one of the best weekend family getaways near Houston.
This beach town in Texas might not be one of the top cheap weekend getaways from Houston but it is certainly worth it.
Fredericksburg
Are you looking for fun road trips from Houston? Then you should plan a trip to Fredericksburg in Texas which is a 3 hour 45 minutes drive from Houston.
Due to the German influence, there are many restaurants in Fredericksburg that serve traditional German cuisine. Also, this town is known for its amazing bakeries and breweries and is a paradise for food lovers.
The city features many popular spots including the Magic Mile where you will find several art galleries, stores, festivals, etc. to explore. There are many historic and cultural things to do in Fredericksburg as well such as Vereins Kirche Museum, Admiral Nimitz Museum, and more.
For outdoor lovers, there are plenty of bluebonnet fields to explore nearby. For hiking and rock climbing, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area near Fredericksburg is perfect as well.
In short, there are a lot of fun things to do both in and near this city which makes it a great spot for a weekend getaway from Houston.
Conroe
If you are looking for quick getaways from Houston, then Conroe, located 40 miles from the city, is a great choice.
The city is rich in history and culture and perfect for those who want to enjoy a relaxing weekend away from Houston. Learn about the history of the Lone Star Flag, watch a country street performer, or pick blueberries, there are a lot of fun and interesting things to do in Conroe.
There are two forests also in the city where you can hike and enjoy a picnic. Also, you can look up seasonal activities to enjoy here such as hiking to a Texas bluebonnet field, visiting the local county fair, and more.
So, whether you are looking for a relaxing trip or an adventurous one, Conroe offers it all.
San Antonio
Another great place for road trips from Houston is the famed San Antonio which is a 3-hour drive from Houston.
The main attraction in San Antonio is the Riverwalk where there is a lot to do, which makes San Antonio a top getaway destination. From taking the boat tour to visiting the waterfront restaurants here to attending fun events, San Antonio Riverwalk is the perfect place to visit.
Apart from the Riverwalk, there are lots of other things to do in San Antonio as well such as visiting missions, exploring the museums, hiking and biking trails, and so on.
If you love art and history, then San Antonio is one of the best weekend getaways from Houston.
Wimberly
Featuring lots of beautiful galleries, swimming holes, and boutiques, Wimberly is one of the best weekend family getaways near Houston.
This small town in Texas Hill Country is known for its natural beauty and is quite famous for its two swimming holes – the Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well. However, you need to reserve your spot weeks in advance due to their popularity but trust me, it’s completely worth it.
Wimberly is a 3-hour drive from Houston and has lots of fun activities for visitors to explore. You can climb the Prayer Mountain, hunt the painted boot statues around Wimberly, enjoy some tasting, and more.
This is why Wimberly is one of the top weekend getaways from Houston for families and friends.
The Extraordinary Treehouse, Dallas
Are you looking for a luxury cabin to pamper your partner? If yes, then The Extraordinary Treehouse in Dallas is one of the best weekend getaways from Houston.
This luxury cabin in Texas is surrounded by Japanese Maples and even features a small brook, making it extremely magical for the guests Located at a 3.5-hour drive, this is one of the quick getaways from Houston that you can visit with family or friends.
The treehouse has two bedrooms, and two bathrooms and the master bedroom features a jetted tub with windows. The views and the natural lighting in the treehouse make it one of the top romantic getaways near Houston.
The floor-to-ceiling windows, greenery, spiral staircase, etc. make it a dream stay in Texas. Moreover, it is close to Dallas so you can plan a short visit to the city on your weekend vacation.
Matagorda
Located in the upper Gulf Coast of Texas, Matagorda is a popular beach town that is one of the best short trips from Houston as it is only a 1.5-hour drive from Houston.
This coastal town is filled with historical attractions and also features 23 miles of beaches, making it the ideal destination for families. You can enjoy several fun water activities at the beaches here such as snorkeling, kayaking, boating, and more.
That’s not all, some of the beaches here are perfect for camping as well. So, if you have an RV or a tent, you can easily spend the night chilling on the beach here.
Overall, Matagorda is one of the coolest weekend getaways from Houston that you must visit.
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs makes for one of the top weekend trips from Houston and is only a 2.5-hour drive from the city.
This unique destination features scenic views and the music vibes from Austin, making it one of the top places to visit in Texas.
From here, you can even plan a short visit to the Hamilton Pool Preserve which is a waterfall falling from the edge of a cave into a beautiful water pool. This pool also acts as a swimming hole in Texas and is a perfect place to chill down during the summer season.
The best part is that you need to hike down to reach the hole and there is advance reservation needed, to avoid overcrowding at this beautiful waterfall.
For entertainment, visit Mercer Street, one of the 24 live music venues in the city. With so many unique things to do in Dripping Springs, it is one of the perfect weekend getaways from Houston that can be enjoyed with friends and family.
Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake State Park is a 3.5-hour drive from Houston and is one of the top inexpensive weekend getaways near Houston to consider.
This is one of the best places for camping in Texas and offers lots of fun activities to visitors such as hiking, fishing, paddle boarding, and so on.
The best part about this state park in Texas is that it features a beautiful lake that is surrounded by tall Cypress trees. Also, if you are lucky, you might even spot an alligator here.
There are around 46 campsites where you can park your RV or set up a tent to enjoy the weekend in this park.
So, if you are looking for cheap weekend getaways from Houston, then Caddo Lake State Park is perfect for you!
The Horse Thief Inn
Are you looking for romantic getaways near Houston? If yes, then check out The Horse Thief Inn in Texas Hill Country.
This cute, rustic cabin is close to nature and downtown and offers privacy, making it one of the best romantic getaways in Texas.
You can use the indoor hot tub to relax or take the outdoor shower for a more nature-immersive experience.
Trust me, if you want a relaxing weekend with your partner, then this Texas cabin is one of the top weekend getaways from Houston.
Lady Bird Glass Treehouse
For outdoor enthusiasts, one of the best weekend getaways from Houston is Lady Bird Tree House in Austin.
This is modern-style cabin in Texas is located close to Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Park, so there are lots of hiking and kayaking opportunities for adventurous visitors.
That’s not all, the cabin is also a 10-minute drive from Austin and is close to several restaurants and bars that the guests can explore.
The cabin is made using natural wood and geometric designs and looks absolutely gorgeous. Plus, it can easily fit 9 guests at a time, making it perfect for families or a group of friends.
So, if you are looking for a fun place to hang out with family and friends over the weekend, then Lady Bird Glass Treehouse is a perfect choice.
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
Are you looking for romantic weekend trips from Houston? If yes, then you should plan a trip to Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa, a 2.5-hour drive from the city.
This luxury resort in Texas features both modern facilities and natural scenery to present the guests with a unique and interesting experience.
Moreover, since it is located in Texas Hill Country, there are lots of fun things to do nearby such as swimming in Jacob’s Well, hiking in Enchanted Rock Natural Area, and more.
The rooms at this resort are also luxurious and comfortable and great for relaxing with your partner. Head to the terrace for the stunning views or enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool, this resort is perfect for a weekend getaway for couples!
Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine
Another great Houston weekend getaway destination that is perfect for families is Great Wolf Lodge Grapevine in Dallas.
This is an all-inclusive resort in Texas that is approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Houston. This resort features a lot of fun activities and attractions for both kids and adults, making it one of the top Houston getaways for visitors with kids.
There is a themed water park, arcade, on-site restaurants, and more facilities that will remove the need for the guests to venture out of the resort. If you do wish to explore nearby areas, there are many amazing attractions to visit such as Torian Log Cabin, Glockenspiel Clock Tower, and so on.
So, if you are looking for a luxury weekend getaway from Houston, then this resort in Dallas is perfect for you!
Brazos Bend State Park
Located at a distance of 45 miles from Houston, Brazos Bend State Park is also one of the top weekend getaways from Houston.
With 37 miles of 8 hiking trails, this state park is one of the best places for hiking in Houston and is one of the most inexpensive weekend getaways near Houston.
Elm Lake Loop trail, a 2-mile hike can be completed in an hour and showcases the wildlife of this park. If you are looking for a more adventurous weekend activity, then you can go on the 40-acre Lake Trail that will take you to the American Alligators. Be careful though and read the park’s Guide to stay safe around them.
There are many other hiking trails that you can explore here too and visitors can also do fishing from the lake shore or a fishing pier.
You can make it a proper weekend getaway by renting a cabin or camping at the designated campsites and screened shelters and spending 2 days exploring the trails here.
So, if you have always wanted to observe Alligators and want to go on exciting hikes over the weekend, then Brazos Bend State Park is the perfect destination to visit.
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