Are you ready for the ultimate all-American adventure?
Houston, otherwise known as Space City is a larger-than-life bustling Texas metropolis and a great place to base yourself for an adventure around Texas and the surrounding states.
With its strategic position at the southeast of the Lone Star State, Houston is well-placed to explore all that this corner of the U.S. has to offer. From stunning, out-of-this-world landscapes, to vibrant cultural melting-pot cities, and authentic Southern Charm, road trips from Houston are your gateway to the ultimate all-American adventure.
With affordable car hire from Downtown Houston and Houston George Bush Intc Airport, Cheaper Than Cars makes it simple to find the right vehicle for your journey.
Time to leave Houston and hit the road? Here are ten of best road road trips from inspiration to spark your inspiration!
Galveston Island, Texas
Galveston Island is a favourite coastal retreat for Texans. Just a short 50-mile drive out of Houston, it combines history, natural beauty and entertainment. Miles of sandy beaches are the perfect escape from the city. Family-friendly Stewart Beach has a pristine shoreline and a range of leisure and sporting amenities. East Beach hosts live music events and festivals throughout the season. The Pleasure Pier is a classic American seaside amusement park, packed with thrilling rides and family activities. With hotels, villas and apartments available, there is a wide range of accommodation available for a beach holiday.
Away from the beaches, Galveston Island State Park is a 2,000-acre haven of tidal marshes, fascinating birdlife and hiking trails. It’s a chance to get up close to the diversity of nature that thrives along the Gulf Coast. The Strand historic district is lined with Victorian architecture and is a great place to shop, eat and explore. Moody Gardens, is home to an aquarium and rainforest.
If you’re looking for a fun-family getaway in beautiful then Galveston Island is an accessible destination.
- Total Distance: 50 miles (80km)
- Driving Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
San Antonio, Texas
San Antonio played a pivotal role in Texan history, and today it combines a rich heritage with a vibrant, contemporary atmosphere. As the location of the Alamo, a historic mission and fortress, it was the site of a key moment in the Texan fight for independence from Mexico. The well-preserved Alamo complex tells the story of the Texas Revolution, and the adjacent River Walk is lined with shops, bars and restaurants, making it a lively place for strolls or boat rides.
The city has a strong Mexican culture, El Mercado (Market Square) has colourful shops, authentic cuisine, and a year-round lively atmosphere. The San Antonio Museum of Art, features a broad collection ranging from ancient Mediterranean artefacts to contemporary works. Once the site of a brewery, the Pearl District has been transformed into a fashionable district, home to independent shops, restaurants and The Culinary Institute of America. San Antoni Botanical Garden is a serene escape in the heart of the city.
- Total Distance: 200 Miles (322km)
- Driving Time: 3 to 4 Hours
Austin, Texas
Austin is the lively, cool and cosmopolitan capital of Texas. Home to the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, it’s a city packed with legendary venues, such as the Continental Club and Mohawk Austin. The city thrums with music from a diverse range of genres, from country and blues to indie and rock. Beyond its music scene, Austin is the home of Texan BBQ, and food trucks, barbecue joints, and innovative restaurants make the city a foodie haven.
The city’s laid-back bohemian atmosphere is on display in eclectic neighbourhoods like South Congress and East Austin. Lady Bird Lake in the heart of the city, provides a scenic backdrop for kayaking, paddleboarding, or a leisurely stroll along the Hike-and-Bike Trail. For a panoramic view of the city, visitors can climb to the summit of Mount Bonnell or explore the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
As a gateway to the Texas Hill Country, Austin is a favourite destination on road trips for Houston and a jumping-off point for more adventures.
- Total Distance: 165 Miles (265km)
- Driving Time: 2.5 to 3.5 Hours
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans exudes a special kind of American magic. A cultural melting pot, it’s a year-round party town, filled with music, great food, and iconic architecture. The heart of New Orleans is the historic French Quarter, characterised by its narrow streets, wrought-iron balconies, and vibrant colours. Bourbon Street comes alive at night with live music and street performers. During the day, explore Jackson Square, where artists display their work, and visit the St. Louis Cathedral.
The Preservation Hall Jazz Band and venues like the Spotted Cat Music Club are iconic destinations for jazz enthusiasts. The city’s culinary scene is a fusion of French, African, Spanish, and Creole influences. The French Market and renowned restaurants such as Commander’s Palace and Café du Monde showcase this culinary diversity. During Mardi Gras. the city hosts parades, masquerade balls, and lively celebrations. The swamps and bayous provide the perfect escape from the buzz of the city.
- Total Distance: 348 Miles (560km)
- Driving Time: 5 to 6 Hours
Big Bend National Park, Texas
The landscape of southwestern Texas is grand, remote and diverse, and there’s no better way to experience it than by visiting Big Bend National Park. Encompassing over 800,000 acres, this stunning wilderness ranges from the majestic Chisos Mountains to the vast and arid Chihuahuan Desert. Taking its name from the prominent bend in the Rio Grande on the border between the United States and Mexico, Big Bend is a playground for lovers of the great outdoors.
Whether you’re looking for a short hike through rugged canyons or multi-day day treks along mountain ridges, Big Bend is great to explore on foot. The Rio Grande provides opportunities for kayaking, and the park’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park ensures that stargazers are treated to breathtaking celestial displays in the clear, unpolluted night skies.
Big Bend National Park allows you to experience the raw, untamed natural beauty of this corner of the Lone Star State.
- Total Distance: 600 Miles (965km)
- Driving Time: 10 to 12 Hours
Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi on the Gulf Coast of Texas, is a coastal escape offering sun-soaked beaches and a laidback coast atmosphere, and is a popular destination on road trips from Houston. Due to its enviable location on the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a haven for water enthusiasts and sun seekers. From windsurfing and kiteboarding, to fishing and dolphin watching, there’s no shortage of activities in Corpus Christi.
The Texas State Aquarium and the USS Lexington Museum are fascinating places to explore, while the city’s downtown boasts a lively arts and culinary scene. Stroll along the scenic Corpus Christi Bayfront, where the picturesque Marina Arts District combines public art installations, boutique shopping, and waterfront dining. The Padre Island National Seashore near Corpus Christi offers 70 miles of unspoiled coastline and a wildlife sanctuary.
- Total Distance: 210 Miles (338km)
- Driving Time: 3.5 to 4.5 Hours
Caddo Lake State Park, Texas
Caddo Lake State Park, situated in the lush piney woods of East Texas, has a unique combination of cypress swamps, bayous, and expansive wetlands. Encompassing over 8,000 acres, the park is centred around the largest natural freshwater lake in the southern United States. With its majestic cypress trees draped with Spanish moss, swamps, and meandering bayous, the park provides an enchanting retreat from the city. Take a kayak or canoe to get up close to the diverse wildlife, including herons, bald eagles, and alligators. Scenic hiking trails explore the verdant surroundings.
Campsites with modern amenities and stunning lake views offer a tranquil setting for nature enthusiasts looking for an overnight escape. Once the home of the Caddo Native American tribe, visitors can learn about their history and presence in this region.
- Total Distance: 265 Miles (483km)
- Driving Time: 4 to 5 Hours
Nacogdoches and the Piney Woods, Texas
Nacogdoches in the heart of the Piney Woods of East Texas, is a city steeped in history and natural beauty. As the oldest town in Texas, the city blends history with a vibrant contemporary culture, amid the lush landscapes of the region. With its brick-paved streets and well-preserved architecture, Nacogdoches invites leisurely exploration. Highlights include the Old University Building, Sterne-Hoya House Museum, and Millard’s Crossing Historic Village, providing glimpses into the state’s colourful past.
Surrounded by the Piney Woods, Nacogdoches is a great place to base yourself for exploring. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Davy Crockett National Forest and the Angelina National Forest, where a range of hiking trails take you through diverse landscapes. There’s also a chance to take a boat or try fishing in tranquil Lake Nacogdoches.
With its combination of historical charm and access to the picturesque Piney Woods, Nacogdoches is a favourite among road trips from Houston.
- Total Distance: 180 Miles (322km)
- Driving Time: 3 to 4 Hours
Hill Country Wine Trail, Texas
The Hill Country of Texas is a wine-lover paradise. Encompassing of mosaic of vineyards and wineries, the Hill Country Wine Trail is an enchanting expedition through the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of the heart of Texas. From the rustic charm of Becker Vineyards to the scenic vistas at Grape Creek Vineyards, the trail provides opportunities for tastings and vineyard tours. You can also learn of the history of wine-making in this area and its strong German roots.
Beyond the vineyards, the Hill Country Wine Trail weaves through towns like Fredericksburg and Kerrville, where the ambience is as inviting as the wines themselves. With their charming streets, independent shops, galleries and restaurants, they’re relaxed places to stay. Annual events, such as the Texas Hill Country Wine & Food Festival, allow you to meet wine producers and soak up the atmosphere.
- Total Distance: 250 Miles (402km)
- Driving Time: 3.5 to 4.5 Hours
Space Center Houston and Kemah Boardwalk, Texas
Space Center Houston, situated in Clear Lake, is a short drive from Houston, and a fascinating insight into humanity’s exploration of outer space. This educational and interactive NASA space museum provides a thrilling journey through the history of space exploration. Visitors can get up close to iconic spacecraft, including the historic Apollo 17 command module and the space shuttle Independence. The Space Center also hosts astronaut meet-and-greets and live demonstrations. With its stellar collection, Space Center Houston provides an inspiring look into the wonders of space.
A short drive from Space Center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, is a vibrant waterfront destination along Galveston Bay. With its blend of amusement, dining and picturesque views of the bay, the boardwalk’s charming atmosphere is a popular destination for anyone looking for a lively escape by the Gulf Coast.
- Total Distance: 30 Miles (48km)
- Driving Time: 2 Hours
Time For Your Next Adventure?
Houston is superbly situated for an exploration of the culture, history and natural beauty of this corner of the Lone Star State and beyond. Whether you’re passionate about music, wine, history or beautiful beaches, road trips from Houston give you plenty of opportunities for adventure.
Cheaper Than Cars makes it easy to find the right car for your road trip from Houston whatever your budget.
