Even though Texas is big, there are some great weekend destinations not too terribly far from Houston. We all need to get away occasionally, so here are the best places to go for a weekend away from Htown:
1. Austin (2.5 Hrs Away)
Whether you're wanting to go hiking, learn some Texas history, or eat some good food, Austin is the place to be! It's a very short drive from Houston and offers plenty of outdoor activities, like SUPing, kayaking, and hiking. Go for a morning walk on the Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake and head to Zilker Park for a picnic with a view of downtown at the end of the day, watch the sunset at Mount Bonnell! Don't forget to check out South Congress & the capitol building before you leave!
Hotel Recommendation: Sheraton Austin Hotel at the Capitol
2. San Antonio (3 Hrs Away)
History. Culture. River Walk. Need I say more? Stroll down the River Walk, 15 miles of pathway lined by shops, hotels, restaurants, and the San Antonio River, and stop by the Alamo, the first mission in San Antonio! Don't forget to check out other missions around town and stop my Mi Tierra at Market Square to chow down on some delicious Mexican food!
3. Dallas/Fort Worth (3.5 to 4 Hrs Away)
Dallas is a lively city with plenty to do! You can learn all about the assassination of John F. Kennedy and see exactly where it happened at The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza. Explore the beautiful plants at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens before eating some good Texas BBQ. If you're looking for somewhere that's a bit more country, escape to Fort Worth. Visit the Fort Worth Stock Yards and Billy Bob's for some authentic Texas experiences. Before heading out, stop by the Water Gardens in downtown!
Hotel Recommendations: Omni Dallas Hotel, Omni Fort Worth Hotel
4. New Orleans (5 Hrs Away)
New Orleans has French charm, delicious seafood and cajun food, and beautiful architecture! Look at beautiful houses in Garden district and buildings in French Quarter, then head to one of NOLA's historical (and possibly haunted) cemeteries. Stop by Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, an 18th-century cathedral-basilica, before heading to the National World War II Museum. Before heading back to Houston, try some delicious delicious cajun and creole food (and some Cafe du Monde beignets)!
5. Port Aransas/Corpus Christi (3 to 3.5 Hrs Away)
Want to relax on the beach? Port Aransas and Corpus Christi are both on the Gulf of Mexico and they are some of the best places to go to the beach in Texas. Both have plenty of beach and water activities. Corpus Christi is also home to the Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington! You also can't miss the Selena statue and original (two-story) Whataburger while in Corpus!!
Hotel Recommendation: Omni Corpus Christi Hotel
6. Texas Hill Country (3 to 4 Hrs Away)
There are so many great places to visit in Texas Hill Country, from Fredericksburg to Wimberley and everywhere in between. There's always something going on in the hill country. Summer means peach season (& Peach Jamboree), horse races, and swimming holes. Towns are decorated with Christmas trees and lights for the holiday season. Wildflowers (bluebonnets!!) line the highways and backroads in the Spring (which boasts beautiful weather). There are also so many festivals, like Oktoberfest, that are held every year. There's no bad time to visit Texas Hill Country! One of my favorite things to do in the hill country is drive down the backroads through the hills and take in all of the beauty!
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