Best Road Trips From Houston

🚗 160 miles ⏱️ 2 hours, 30 minutes

Austin stands out from the other major cities in Texas with its young vibe and big city living with the relaxed feel of outdoors everywhere you look. The capital of Texas is an amazing destination for a weekend away from Houston.

The drive from one big city to another is dotted with beautiful landscapes of Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge and Bastrop State Park.

🚗 370 miles ⏱️ 6 hours, 10 minutes

If you like history, San Antonio is an amazing destination with the Alamo and Mission San Jose, some of the best-known historic sites in the country. Make sure you try one of the signature Tex-Mex breakfasts when visiting this city!

Instead of driving directly to San Antonio, we suggest making a fun detour to Waco and Austin, and stopping at New Braunfels to make the most of your road trip.

🚗 240 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 30 minutes

From numerous art museums to riding the McKinney Avenue Trolley, Dallas is full of culture, history and fantastic food. If you have enough time, make sure you visit Fort Worth and Grapevine as well.

Take your time on this drive and extend your journey to visit Conroe, Huntsville, Peace Museum in Corsicana en route to Dallas.

🚗 600 miles ⏱️ 10 hours

The picturesque mountains, desert landscapes and dramatic canyons in Big Bend National Park offer some of the most scenic hiking trails in the USA. Here, you can hike, camp, and stargaze in one of the least light-polluted areas in the US.

There is plenty to see on this drive from beautiful small towns to buzzing cityscapes. We recommend stopping at The Heritage Museum in Seguin and putting aside some time to have lunch in San Antonio.

🚗 290 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 20 minutes

Texas Hill Country is known for many things, and its wineries, small towns, and cowboy lifestyle top the list. The wineries spread throughout the area are a Texas hidden secret.

This road trip will take you to the heart of Texas Hill Country past Kerrville, and you can visit beautiful towns and cities en route, such as Schulenburg, San Antonio and Comfort.

🚗 375 miles ⏱️ 5 hours, 45 minutes

South Padre Island is a long, thin stretch of land sitting just off the coast of the mainland in the Gulf. There's a whole lot of nature to see in this tropical oasis known for its beautiful beaches and water sports.

The most direct route to South Padre Island will take you through the Museum of the Coastal Bend in Victoria, and allow you to make a coastal detour to Corpus Christi en route.

🚗 420 miles ⏱️ 7 hours, 15 minutes

New Orleans needs little introduction. One of the best cities in the region for listening to live music, you will find a plethora of jazz and blues sounds coming out of the doors along Bourbon Street and the rest of the French Quarter.

On your way to New Orleans, take some extra time to visit the McFaddin-Ward House Museum in Beaumont, pretty Lake Charles and historic Baton Rouge.

🚗 380 miles ⏱️ 6 hours

A charming city to visit, Waco features the best of the Texan countryside. You can check out the Magnolia Market at the Silos, enjoy the Cameron Park Zoo, and explore the Dr Pepper Museum here.

As you make your way to Waco, we recommend putting aside some time to visit Austin, Georgetown and Temple en route.

🚗 790 miles ⏱️ 14 hours

For an urban adventure, visit Atlanta, a hub of history and culture. You will have plenty to see, including the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site, and can enjoy award-winning dining options, and experience a buzzing arts scene.

This drive combines the best of historic cities and coastal sights en route to Atlanta. We recommend taking some time to discover Baton Rouge, making a detour to Mobile and visiting Montgomery.

🚗 1,235 miles ⏱️ 18 hours, 40 minutes

For the ultimate beach holiday, it is hard to beat Miami and the Florida coastline. But there is much more to this sunny city with its beautiful Art Deco architecture and sizzling nightlife. Enjoy cultural festivals, world-class arts, and scenic ocean views.

On this sizeable road trip around the Gulf of Mexico, you will get to visit Baton Rouge and then hug to coast to spend some time in Biloxi and Mobile before heading inland.

🚗 960 miles ⏱️ 13 hours

Enjoy some time under the sun and have a blast at the theme parks in Orlando, with attractions like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios offering endless fun for families and adventure seekers alike.

To make the best of your road trip, you can also visit New Orleans, Mobile and make a detour to Tallahassee to visit the Florida Historic Capitol Museum.

🚗 610 miles ⏱️ 10 hours

For a different time of getaway, you can learn about Oklahoma City's rich Western heritage with visits to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and vibrant Bricktown district.

Some of the great places you will get to discover on this drive include Nacogdoches, Shreveport, Texarkana and Paris, Texas.

🚗 810 miles ⏱️ 13 hours, 20 minutes

El Paso is a city with a unique blend of American and Mexican cultures. This is one of the best places in Texas to discover historic missions, walk the scenic Franklin Mountains, and enjoy authentic and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine.

On your way to El Paso, you will get the perfect mix of urban fun and natural wonder by visiting Austin, San Angelo, the amazing Carlsbad Cavern National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

🚗 980 miles ⏱️ 15 hours, 30 minutes

Santa Fe is a unique city to visit that is the perfect blend of Native American and Spanish cultures. With such a colorful soul, you can explore art galleries, busy markets historic sites, and delicious food in this Southwestern city.

As you drive from Houston to Santa Fe, you can also make a detour to Dallas and visit Forth Worth, Wichita Falls and Amarillo.

🚗 570 miles ⏱️ 8 hours, 50 minutes

If you are thinking of amazing southern food, proper local blues bars and amazing sights of the Mississippi River, then Memphis is calling your name. Visiting Graceland and the historic Sun Studio is simply a must.

There are plenty of interesting places you can also visit en route to Memphis, including Shreveport, Texarkana and Little Rock.

🚗 70 miles ⏱️ 1 hour

Huntsville is best known as the place where General Sam Houston, dubbed the most famous Texan ever, spent the majority of his life. The city is also a great gateway to the beautiful Blue Lagoon, two pools of water that have formed in an old limestone quarry.

This is a short road trip, but you will have plenty of places to visit like charming small town of Conroe and beautiful Sam Houston National Forest, so plan your time accordingly.

🚗 50 miles ⏱️ 55 minutes

Galveston Island is the most popular Gulf Coast destination. Everything here is designed for entertainment and relaxation. Pleasure Pier is the most famous of the sights - the pier has a number of rides, shops and spots to grab some food.

As you leave the city, you can make a stop at the world-famous Space Center Houston, a must for any history buff, and visit Challenger Seven Memorial Park.

🚗 250 miles ⏱️ 4 hours, 15 minutes

Caddo Lake might just be one of the prettiest wetlands in the world. Its still waters are covered in water lilies with majestic cypress trees growing right in the lake.

On your way to this pretty lake and bayou, you can also visit the scenic Lake Livingston State Park, and charming towns of Lufkin and Nacogdoches.

🚗 645 miles ⏱️ 9 hours, 40 minutes

The Carlsbad Caverns National Park is home to a set of jaw-dropping cave systems that are well worth the long drive across the entire width of Texas from Houston. Make sure to book well ahead of your travel for a guaranteed visiting spot.

The Guadalupe Mountains National Park is just across the border, back in Texas and only a short drive.

🚗 1,300 miles ⏱️ 19 hours, 50 minutes

One of the most famous landscapes of the world, Grand Canyon National Park is the best place to witness one of the world's natural wonders. Expect to enjoy breathtaking vistas, hiking trails, and the stunning Colorado River.

This adventure to the Grand Canyon is dotted with new experiences, such as a detour to Dallas and visits to Albuquerque, Petrified Forest National Park, and Flagstaff.

🚗 1,030 miles ⏱️ 15 hours, 20 minutes

Denver, famously known as the Mile High City, known for its stunning mountain views, up and coming arts scene, and outdoor activities. Explore museums, parks, and local breweries.

This epic drive to Colorado includes visit to Dallas and Fort Worth, quirky Amarillo, beautiful Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and the nearby Garden of the Gods.

🚗 1,080 miles ⏱️ 16 hours

Chicago is famous for its architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant food scene. Enjoy scenic walks along Lake Michigan and see the famous Bean, or more commonly known as Cloud Gate, created by Anish Kapoor.

Take your pick of amazing places you can visit on this drive to the shores of Lake Michigan; from Shreveport and Hot Springs to Little Rock and diverting to Memphis, you will be spoilt for choice.

🚗 850 miles ⏱️ 12 hours, 50 minutes

If you are looking for some of the best BBQ in the nation and a spot to listen to great jazz, Kansas City is the place to visit. Discover the historic jazz district and enjoy numerous museums and cultural attractions.

The drive to Kansas City will take you through some cute towns like Waco and Wichita and buzzing metropolises such as Dallas and Oklahoma City.

🚗 570 miles ⏱️ 9 hours

Sitting on the beautiful Gulf Coast, it doesn't come as a surprise that Destin is famed for its pristine beaches, emerald waters, and excellent fishing. You will enjoy waterfront dining and family-friendly attractions here.

En route, we recommend visiting Baton Rouge, spending some time at the French Quarter in New Orleans, as well as sightseeing inMobile and Pensacola.

🚗 590 miles ⏱️ 9 hours, 20 minutes

Experience the quirky charm of Marfa, a small desert city in West Texas known for its modern art installations and minimalist aesthetics. One of the must-visit places here is the famous Prada Marfa.

Take your time en route to visit amazing places like Austin, cute town of Fredericksburg, Caverns of Sonora and historic Fort Stockton.

🚗 270 miles ⏱️ 5 hours

Corpus Christi is a great destination for a fun beach experience with a blend of culture and outdoor activities. Explore the USS Lexington, the Texas State Aquarium, and the bustling waterfront.

This road trip will take you past some of the most beautiful towns and cities on the Gulf Coast, such as Galveston Island, Lake Jackson, Port Lavaca and Rockport.

🚗 310 miles ⏱️ 6 hours

Willkommen! Fredericksburg is ready to welcome you with its German heritage, Texan hospitality, fantastic wineries and historic places to visit. Here, you can enjoy shopping on Main Street and taste the delicious local cuisine.

As you make your way to Fredericksburg, you can see the famous bluebonnets of Brenham and go on an urban adventure in Austin.

🚗 95 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 30 minutes

College Station is a University city in Brazos County, northwest of Houston. Famous for its many sights around the university, the main sight in College Station is the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

This drive makes for the perfect day trip from Houston, and you will get to visit Zube Park and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site en route.

🚗 45 miles ⏱️ 50 minutes

Brazos Bend is a small state park sitting on the west side of the Brazos River with Elm Lake in the center. The different lakes are all connected by paths that are great for a day of walking and other outdoor activities.

As you leave Houston on this short drive, you can stop by Thurmond Lake, a great spot for fishing or a scenic picnic.

🚗 50 miles ⏱️ 50 minutes

Sat on the western edge of Galveston Bay, Texas City is great if you want somewhere off the beaten track. With a lot fewer tourists than Galveston, Texas City boasts the longest man-made pier in the world.

You might feel like you haven't really left the city on this short drive, but there are plenty of places to visit en route such as Lone Star Flight Museum and Space Center Houston.

🚗 75 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 10 minutes

Ask a Texan what the perfect rural destination in Texas is and they will likely mention Brenham. There are two things that Brenham is particularly known for: ice cream and bluebonnets.

You will drive past many amazing BBQ joints on this road trip, so make sure to set off hungry! You can also spend some time at Zube Park, especially if traveling with family.

🚗 220 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 40 minutes

Marshall was one of the most important trade cities in Texas for two centuries. Sitting on the trading route between Dallas and Jackson, the town grew in stature and is sometimes known as the Gateway of Texas.

There are plenty of great places to visit en route to Marshall on this road trip, including Lake Livingston, Lufkin and Nacogdoches.

🚗 230 miles ⏱️ 3 hours, 40 minutes

Mustang Island is a long stretch of land just off the coast of Texas, along the Coastal Bend from Aransas to Corpus Christi. Unlike all other islands south of Galveston, you can drive all the way down the island and through the Mustang Island State Park itself.

This road trip is a great adventure yar-round with great places to spend some time at such as the Museum of the Coastal Bend in Victoria and Port Aransas Beach.

🚗 35 miles ⏱️ 35 minutes

Enjoy a day at Kemah Boardwalk, where fun rides, games, and waterfront dining offer a perfect family getaway. We highly recommend checking out the boat rides and seasonal events.

This drive to Trinity Bay will take you past several great beaches where you can work on your tan including Sylvan Beach Park and El Jardin Beach.

🚗 40 miles ⏱️ 40 minutes

Conroe is perhaps most well-known for its vicinity to the scenic Lake Conroe, ideal for boating and fishing. Not only that, but you can also visit local breweries and parks in this rapidly growing community north of Houston.

As Conroe is really close to Houston, this would make a great day trip and we recommend combining it with a visit to the beautiful WG Jones State Forest.

🚗 95 miles ⏱️ 1 hour, 25 minutes

A short but much-recommended day visit to Schulenburg will allow you to discover Texas' rich heritage of painted churches, showcasing beautiful architecture and European influences.

Make sure to add the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site and Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge to your itinerary en route to Schulenburg.