10 Perfect Day Trips from Houston to Liven Up Any Weekend

February 6, 2023
| 12:11 PM

Looking for Somewhere to Travel This Weekend? We've got you Covered With These Day Trips From Houston!

Here at UNATION, we love getting out and trying new things in Houston. Sometimes though, it’s nice to get out of the city and experience the other amazing things that Texas has to offer. If you’re like us, we have got you covered.

On this list, you will find 10 of the most amazing day trips from Houston you, your friends, and fam can take this weekend. We have taken special care to find some places that don’t immediately come to mind when you think of nearby places to visit. Make sure to jot these down so you can head out to these places whenever you have a free day, you are sure to have loads of fun at these weekend getaways from Houston.

1. Enjoy Some European Architecture at the Small Texas Town, Schulenburg!

📸 Schulenburg

First on the list of nearby places to visit is Schulenburg. Now, I know you might be thinking, where? Yes! Schulenburg! With the slogan “halfway to everywhere,” Schulenburg is a quaint little town just 90 minutes outside of Houston. The jewel of the area are the painted churches, which, regardless of whether or not you are religious, are a beautiful sight you won’t want to miss. You can also enjoy some perfectly cooked sausages if you visit during their Schulenburg Sausagefest. Though this town may be quaint, there is lots of character. And you are sure to find something amazing to do with your fam or friends.

Schulenburg Information

2. Bring Your Outdoor Lovers to Brazos Bend State Park!

📸 Brazos Bend State Park

Another of our nearby places to visit is Brazos Bend State Park. If you are someone who loves to hike, bike, birdwatch, fish, or even horseback ride, this is a great place to plan a weekend trip! Clocking in at just 50 minutes away, this is the perfect place to escape all of the city noise and spend some time in nature. You can fish from the shores or piers with no license here, so it provides little preparation. There is no reason why you can’t just pack up the car this weekend and enjoy the great outdoors!

Brazos Bend State Park Information

3. Go Antiquing in Navasota

📸 Navasota Texas Highways

Navasota is a great place for a day trip from Houston if you are interested in antiquing. There are some amazing spots to find some one-of-a-kind vintage items, but that is not all they offer here! This is a good nearby place to visit if you are someone interested in Texas history! You won’t want to miss out on checking out Stonecroft Marketplace and Champagne Antiques when you are on the hunt for those amazing vintage collectibles. This quaint little town is only one hour away from Houston.

Navasota Information

4. Chill out on the Water at Port Arthur

📸 Port Arthur

Itching to set foot on a beach but don’t want Galveston waters? Try Port Arthur for your next day trip from Houston. There are several Gulf coast beaches, all of which provide ample fishing opportunities if that’s what you are into. If not, there are also plenty of spots for hiking, boat tours, and watersports. There’s also Texas History museums you can enjoy to learn more about our beautiful state. Port Arthur is only about 1 hour 30 minutes away from Houston, the perfect distance for a weekend getaway.

Port Arthur Information

5. Shop till you Drop in San Antonio

📸 San Antonio Riverwalk

Tired of all this outdoor talk? Don’t worry, this next nearby place to visit offers ample air conditioning if you are looking for that. San Antonio is the perfect place to visit whether you want to spend time outdoors, time eating good food, shopping, or learning about Texas history. It offers the best of all worlds! You can shop at the mall, walk down the riverwalk and grab some good food, ride a boat on the water, and see the Alamo. If you are thrill seeker, you can even check out Six Flags! This is a little bit of a longer drive at almost 3 hours, but we personally have a great time every time we spend a weekend in San Antonio!

San Antonio Information

6. Stop and Smell the Roses at Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

📸 Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Coming up at 3 hours and some change, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens makes a great day trip from Houston. The gardens span over 60 acres, and lie on the shore of White Rock Lake. Here, you can see some beautiful greenery, and get a wonderful view of the city skyline. There are sculptures throughout the gardens and all different kinds of plants. This is great if you are looking for a relaxing day trip where you can just take in the world around you!

Dallas Arboretum Information

7. Learn Something New at Space Center Houston

📸 Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston is a great place for a day trip from Houston because it’s only about 30 minutes out from Houston. This is a great year-round spot if you’re looking to get out of the city. You can tour the center and see what life is like at NASA, see real-life spacecrafts, and enjoy live shows from scientists. NASA is perfect for visitors of all ages, but no doubt children will enjoy this one of a kind look into space science.

Space Center Houston Information

8. Enjoy the Spring Weather at Barton Springs Pool!

📸 Barton Springs

Located in Austin’s Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool is a Spring fed pool that is 1,000 feet long (3 acres)! Since it’s a natural spring water, it stays cool year-round. It’s home to an endangered species of Salamander, so you might get to see some cool wildlife, too! You definitely want to check out the beautiful water this spring or summer, and it’s the perfect distance to check out on the weekend! Right now they have free admission, so get your tan on, or swim some long laps! 🏊‍♂️

Barton Springs Information

9. Stargaze at the SHSU Observatory

📸 SHSU Observatory

The SHSU Observatory is one of the best places to go stargazing outside of Texas, and lucky for us it’s a short enough drive to make it a day trip. Located in Huntsville, the Sam Houston State University Observatory is a great place to check out the stars. Here in Houston, we have so much light pollution, and this is a great nearby place to visit to take yourself out of the city and really appreciate the world around you. Make sure if you are planning to visit you check their website (linked below) because some days are reserved for students who are taking a class using the observatory!

SHSU Observatory Schedule

10. Get your Thrill on at Kemah Boardwalk!

📸 Kemah Boardwalk

Kemah Boardwalk is a great place to go if you are looking to have a quick and exciting day trip from Houston. Only 20 miles from Downtown Houston, Kemah Boardwalk offers waterfront dining, shopping, special events, and an amusement park! There is also an aquarium on the boardwalk! You are sure to find fun for everyone in the family, and all it takes is a little over half an hour to check it out!

Kemah Boardwalk Information

Get out there and try out these nearby places to visit!

Don’t forget to save or bookmark this guide! Reference back when you’re ready for the fun festivities to begin!

If you’re looking for more events and things to do in Houston check out the UNATION website or the app for both iPhone and Android users. There is something there for everyone! If you want to follow the Stuff to Do in Houston team explore the city, be sure to follow the ladies on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook!

Curated by

Katherine Galland | Visit Profile >

I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Houston where I study History with a minor in Creative Writing. In my free ti...

10 Perfect Day Trips from Houston to Liven Up Any Weekend

Looking for Somewhere to Travel This Weekend? We've got you Covered With These Day Trips From Houston!