Got that Houston itch to escape for a bit? We feel you!
After more than 50,000 happy stays with BeachBox, we’ve learned how to make getting away easy and fun.
In this blog, we’re sharing our top trip ideas, from quick day trips to long weekends and relaxing getaways. Choose what works best for you and leave Houston feeling refreshed!
Table of Contents
Day Trips from Houston Under 3 Hours
These are for the days you want to leave after breakfast and still sleep in your own bed at night, unless you decide to stay because you are having too good a time.
Galveston, TX
Best for: beach time, classic coastal vibes, families, easy wins
Drive time: about 1 hour from Houston
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Top things to do
Walk or bike the Seawall -
Hit Pleasure Pier for rides and views
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Explore The Strand for shopping, snacks, and historic charm
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Keep Moody Gardens in your pocket if the weather changes
Our Review: Galveston is the quickest way to feel like you went on a real trip, even though it’s 51 miles, just 55–60 minutes away from Houston.
The best Galveston days are simple: get there early, pick a beach plan, then layer in fun as your energy allows. If you try to do everything, it can feel busy. If you pick one or two highlights and let the rest wander, it feels like a vacation.
Helpful Tip: If you want to visit Pleasure Pier, go later in the day. The lights at sunset make it feel way more special, and the temps are usually more comfortable.
Check out BeachBox properties in Galveston and let us be part of your trip!
Kemah Area, TX
Best for: waterfront strolling, casual fun, seafood, low-effort days
Drive time: about 45 to 60 minutes
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Top things to do
Kemah Boardwalk rides and games -
Marina walk for sunset and photos
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Seafood dinner on the water
Our Review: Kemah is the “I want to do something fun but not exhausting” choice.
It is great for families and date days because it naturally creates an easy flow. You stroll, you snack, you ride something if you feel like it, and you end the day by the water. It feels like a mini vacation, even if you did not plan much.
Helpful tip: Arrive earlier than you think on weekends. Parking and wait times can change the whole vibe. If you start relaxed, the entire day stays relaxed.
Make sure to browse BeachBox properties in Kemah to take your trip to the next level.
Surfside Beach, TX
Best for: quieter beach days, couples, slow mornings, unwind mode
Drive time: about 1 to 1.5 hours
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Top things to do
Set up a simple beach day and actually stay put -
Long beach walk and shell hunting
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Sunset stroll that resets your whole mood
Our Review: Surfside is for people who want the beach to feel peaceful. It’s less about attractions and more about that calming rhythm: arrive, set up, breathe, snack, nap, walk, repeat. Our guests who love Surfside usually love it because it makes relaxing feel easy.
Helpful tip: Bring shade and more water than you think you need. Surfside days have a way of stretching longer than planned.
When visiting Surfside stay at BeachBox and keep making the best out of this road trip!
Crystal Beach, TX
Best for: big beach energy, groups, families, spreading out
Drive time: about 1.5 to 2 hours, route dependent
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Top things to do
Big beach day with room to spread out -
Explore the Bolivar Peninsula at a slow pace
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If you are returning via Galveston, treat the ferry as part of the adventure
Our Review: Crystal Beach shines when you want space and a beach house weekend feel, even if you are only there for the day.
It is great for groups because everyone can do their own thing without feeling disconnected. Someone is building a sandcastle, someone is reading, someone is cooking snacks, and it all just works.
Helpful tip: If you might take the ferry, build in buffer time. If you are rushed, it feels like a chore. If you treat it like a scenic break, it becomes one of the best parts of the day.
Check out what BeachBox has for you in the Crystal Beach area!
Lake Livingston, TX
Best for: lake days, family time, calm water vibes, slower weekends without the coast
Drive time: about 1 to 1.5 hours
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Top things to do
Swim, paddle, or just hang by the water -
Grill and picnic energy
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Sunset by the shore or dock
Our Review: Lake Livingston is the trip you take when you want time together. It is peaceful and simple in the best way. The highlight is not a checklist; it is the feeling: coffee in the morning, water in the afternoon, and everyone actually talking again.
Helpful tip: Plan one anchor activity, like swimming, fishing, or paddling, and leave the rest open. The lake is best when it is not over-scheduled.
Learn more about Lake Livingston and how BeachBox can give you the best experience in the area.
Make It a BeachBox Stay!
If any of these spots are on your list, BeachBox has vacation rentals in these places, and we have something just right for you. Take a little time to look at our properties!
Space Center Houston
Best for: families, visitors, learning something cool, a high-reward local day
Drive time: about 30 to 45 minutes
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Top things to do
NASA tram tour, if available -
Hands-on exhibits
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See iconic artifacts and displays
Our Review: This is one of those places that over-delivers. People walk in thinking it will be a quick museum stop and walk out feeling genuinely impressed. It is a great option when the weather is not cooperating, or when you want a day trip that is not centered around food and shopping.
Helpful tip: Build your day around the tram tour time if you plan to do it. It is the one thing that can make or break your schedule.
Sam Houston National Forest
Best for: hiking, nature reset, quiet time, simple outdoor day
Drive time: about 1 hour
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Top things to do
Short hikes or sections of the Lone Star Hiking Trail -
Picnic and chill in the pines
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Cooler months are especially great
Our Review: When Houston feels loud, this is the fastest way to exhale. Even a short walk in the trees can change your whole day. It is not flashy, but it is deeply restorative.
Helpful tip: If you are not a frequent hiker, pick a short out-and-back route and keep it easy. You will enjoy it more.
Weekend Road Trips from Houston for 2 to 3 Days
These are perfect when you want a real change of pace, but you still want travel to feel doable.
Austin, TX
Best for: food, live music, outdoors, friend trips, couples
Drive time: about 2.5 to 3 hours
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Top things to do
Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake trail -
Food trucks and BBQ
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Live music at night
Our Review: Austin weekends are all about rhythm. One outdoor moment, one food moment, one music moment, and suddenly you feel like you lived a full week in a couple of days. If you pack it too tightly, it gets chaotic. If you let the city guide you, it gets magical.
Helpful tip: Pick a neighborhood or zone to focus on each day. Austin gets easier when you are not constantly driving across town.
San Antonio, TX
Best for: history, family travel, culture, walking-friendly weekends
Drive time: about 2 hours and 45 minutes
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Top things to do
River Walk stroll and boat ride -
The Alamo and nearby historic sites
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Tex-Mex meals, multiple
Our Review: San Antonio is one of the easiest weekend trips for mixed groups because everyone finds something they enjoy. It is walkable, it is beautiful, and it feels like a true destination without being stressful.
Helpful tip: Do the River Walk early morning or later evening. The calmer hours feel more intimate and way more enjoyable.
Dallas, TX
Best for: museums, neighborhoods, dining, nightlife
Drive time: about 3.5 to 4 hours
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Top things to do
Dallas Museum of Art and Arts District -
Deep Ellum for music, murals, and late-night bites
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A skyline night view moment
Our Review: Dallas works best when you build the weekend around one anchor plan and leave the rest flexible. It is a great city for wandering into places you did not plan, then feeling like you discovered something.
Helpful tip: Check hours and events for the museums before you go. One small timing detail can save you a lot of backtracking.
Texas Hill Country
Best for: wineries, scenic drives, small towns, romantic weekends, groups
Drive time: about 4 to 5 hours, varies
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Top things to do
Fredericksburg shops and wineries -
Scenic loops and wildflower drives in spring
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Slow dinners and porch-sitting energy
Our Review: Hill Country is slow and pretty. It rewards you for doing less. The best weekends are not about cramming in tastings; they are about choosing a few great stops and enjoying the in-between moments like drives, sunsets, and small-town wandering.
Helpful tip: Make reservations for any winery or restaurant you are excited about. It keeps the weekend smooth.
Long Road Trips from Houston
These are the big ones. The drives are longer, but the memories are louder.
South Padre Island
Best for: long beach days, water activities, full escape energy
Drive time: about 6 hours
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Top things to do
Beach days that actually feel tropical -
Water activities depending on your vibe
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Seafood and sunset time
Our Review: South Padre feels like Texas doing its best island impression, and honestly, it does a great job. If you want the kind of trip where the beach is the main event for multiple days, this is a strong pick.
New Orleans, LA
Best for: food, music, culture, feeling transported
Drive time: about 5 to 6 hours
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Top things to do
Pick a neighborhood and explore deeply -
Live music night
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A short list of must-eat meals
Our Review: New Orleans is sensory in the best way. It is not a place to over-schedule. Go with a short plan and let the city surprise you.
Pick Your Escape by Mood
Not sure where to start? Choose the vibe you’re craving right now, and let that guide the destination. This quick picker makes it easy to match your energy to the perfect day trip, weekend, or longer getaway.
Road Trip Tips That Make Everything Better
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Start with the time you actually have. Day trip, long weekend, or a few days changes everything, so pick that first and the destination gets way easier.
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Choose one “anchor” plan. A beach morning, a museum, a sunset dinner. Build around that, then keep the rest optional so the day stays fun.
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Pack for Texas mood swings. Sunshine to wind to surprise rain can happen fast, especially when you’re crossing regions.
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If it’s the coast, consider staying the night. One extra sleep turns “we did a lot” into “we actually relaxed.”
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Bring a small “reset kit” for the drive. Water, snacks, a playlist, chargers, and something warm make the trip feel smoother from the first mile.
Where the “We Should Get Away” Plans Finally Happen
Whether you’ve got one free day or a full long weekend, the best trips have the same recipe: pick the time you actually have, choose one anchor plan, and leave room for the good parts you can’t schedule. A little change of scenery goes a long way when you’re not rushing through it.
Ready to make it real? Explore BeachBox and find a cozy home base for your next reset, from Galveston to Surfside, Crystal Beach, the Kemah area, and Lake Livingston. Choose your dates, pick your vibe, and let the countdown start!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pick the right trip when I’m short on time?
Start with your real window. If you only have one day, choose something that won’t leave you tired on the drive home. If you have two nights, pick a place where you can slow down and still feel like you did something fun.
What’s the best time to leave Houston for a road trip?
Early morning is usually the time. You’ll avoid the worst traffic, arrive in a better mood, and get more of the day once you’re there.
What should I pack for a Texas road trip?
Think “weather whiplash.” Bring layers, sunscreen, a light rain option, comfortable shoes, and a small car kit with water, snacks, chargers, and a playlist you actually want to hear twice.
What’s the easiest day trip from Houston?
Galveston is one of the quickest “feels like a real trip” options, with beach time, The Strand, and plenty of food spots.
How do I keep a trip from feeling overplanned?
Choose one anchor plan, then leave the rest optional. That little bit of breathing room is what keeps a getaway feeling fun instead of scheduled.
