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Day Trips from Houston

Sarah Bass
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Marie Atmar

Kinkaid senior Marie Atmar sitting outside of True Blue Home in Chappell Hill after a long day of shopping.  

Sarah Bass, summer intern at The Buzz, is an incoming senior at The Kinkaid School. 

If you’re looking for an adventure this summer, but don’t have the time or money to book a flight or plan a long road trip, consider a short day trip from Houston. Here are five places you can get to in under three hours.

30-45 minutes
Brazos Bend State Park

Located only 45 miles from Houston, Brazos Bend State Park is a wonderful place to spend a day at one with nature. With a $7 admission fee for adults and free admission for children 12 and under, this trip is an inexpensive way to explore the outdoors. There is plenty to see with the 37 miles of trails open to hiking, biking and wandering. Spend the day observing the multitude of birds, alligators, fish and, if weather allows, spend the evening at the George Observatory gazing at the night sky. Brazos Bend State park offers a fun way to escape the Houston smog and enjoy nature.  

1 hour
Galveston

If you're interested in a beach day, Galveston is the perfect choice. Spend the afternoon at Moody Gardens with its interesting exhibits and exciting water rides, open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. With multiple beaches to relax on and fun museums and restaurants to explore, Galveston Island is a unique place to spend the day without committing to a long car ride. Caroline Reid, Memorial resident and a rising senior at Kinkaid, recently spent Memorial Day Weekend there and said, “Galveston in the summer is the best because it is so close to Houston but seems so different.” (See The Buzz Guide to Galveston.) 

1 hour and 20 minutes
Lake Conroe

Take a longer drive heading north from Houston and you will arrive in Montgomery County. With glistening Lake Conroe as the backdrop for your afternoon activities, this is a relaxing way to enjoy some time on the water. Ella Morgan, a rising senior at Kinkaid and West University resident, has had a house on Lake Conroe for 12 years. “One of my favorite things to do is drive up there with my friends and just relax on the boat or take the jet skis out. It's a great break from reality while still being close to home,” Morgan says. She also recommends the town because, “the community is like a big family and everyone there is so nice.” With a friendly town and a fun lake, this is an ideal place to spend the day.

Mural

One of multiple murals in downtown Brenham. (Photo: Marie Atmar)  

1 hour and 45 minutes
Brenham and Chappell Hill

A scenic drive Northwest of Houston, Brenham and Chappell Hill are fun towns with lots of activities to offer for a day trip. Brenham is home to the Blue Bell Creamery where you can taste and explore the facility that creates Texas’ favorite ice cream. Explore the town’s many antique stores including Leftovers and enjoy sweet treats and amazing pizza at Yumm. Another great place to eat is the new downtown hotspot, 96 West. (96 West is also included in Russell Weil’s recent Road Trip Treasures story, which features hidden culinary gems along the road.) River Oaks resident and rising senior at Kinkaid, Marie Atmar, visits Brenham and nearby town Chappell Hill often and appreciates that “the people here are so friendly and genuine. They love sharing their town with you and they'll talk to you as if they've known you forever, it's so refreshing.” Chappell Hill is only a 15-minute drive from Brenham so between the two towns, there is plenty to do for a day away.

2 hours and 30 minutes
Austin

The trip is definitely worth the drive. With delicious food and tons of things to do, Austin is the perfect destination for summertime activities. Spend the day cooling off in the freezing cold Barton Springs, a naturally spring fed pool, open from 9 a.m.-10 p.m.. Or, spend the afternoon walking along South Congress Avenue and exploring all of the unique shops and food trucks. Austin is also home to great museums like the Blanton Museum of Art and the Bullock Texas State History Museum displaying extraordinary art and interesting exhibits. End your day on the Congress Avenue Bridge and watch as the famous bat colony takes flight.

What are your favorite day trips from Houston? Let us know in the comment section below.

  • Downtown Brenham

    Beautiful downtown Brenham. (Photo: Marie Atmar)  

  • Chappell Hill

    Chappell Hill, Texas is a beautiful town 15 minutes from Brenham. (Photo: Marie Atmar)  

  • True Blue Home

    True Blue Home is a fun store in Chappell Hill with home furnishing. (Photo: Marie Atmar)  

  • 96 West

    96 West is a delicious new restaurant in downtown Brenham. (Photo: Marie Atmar)  

  • Yumm

    Inside Yumm, a restaurant in Brenham with nice sweets and amazing pizza. (Photo: Marie Atmar)  

  • Downtown Brenham
  • Chappell Hill
  • True Blue Home
  • 96 West
  • Yumm

Downtown Brenham

Beautiful downtown Brenham. (Photo: Marie Atmar)  

Chappell Hill

Chappell Hill, Texas is a beautiful town 15 minutes from Brenham. (Photo: Marie Atmar)  

True Blue Home

True Blue Home is a fun store in Chappell Hill with home furnishing. (Photo: Marie Atmar)  

96 West

96 West is a delicious new restaurant in downtown Brenham. (Photo: Marie Atmar)  

Yumm

Inside Yumm, a restaurant in Brenham with nice sweets and amazing pizza. (Photo: Marie Atmar)  

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