The fourth-largest city in the United States of America and the home of the eminent Space Center Houston, Houston is a wonderful city known for its remarkable green spaces, award-winning chefs, interesting museums, and a bunch of other attractions and activities. With direct connectivity from all over the country, it is a popular holiday destination for travelers of all kinds and age groups.

List of the Top 10 Weekend Destinations from Houston

We have compiled a list of the top 10 weekend destinations from Houston that you can visit during your time here.

Austin, Texas

An important center for culture, education, and administration, Austin is home to several fascinating museums such as the Bullock Texas State History Museum and Lyndon B. Johnson Library and Museum. Though it is one of the fastest developing cities in the US, Austin offers you ample opportunities to connect with nature at places such as Lady Bird Lake, the legendary Congress Avenue bridge, and Barton Springs Pool. Find the Top weekend getaways from Austin.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Austin is between March to May and September to November.

How to Reach: The most recommended means of transport between Austin and Houston is by bus. The travel time is slightly over 3 hours and costs between $13 to $100.

Garner State Park, Texas

A bucket-list place for many visitors from the country and the world, Garner State Park is not only the perfect summer camping getaway but is also synonymous with tubing. When here, you cannot miss a chance to rent a tube within the park and float the Frio River. You can also try kayaking and paddle boarding. For something more physical, enjoy a hike up the Old Baldy or get on the back of a horse at the Elm Creek Stables.

Best Time to Visit: The State Park can be visited throughout the year; however, spring and summer months draw the majority of tourists.

How to Reach: The easiest way to get here from Houston is by driving. It is also the fastest as it takes under five hours as compared to other means of transport.

San Marcos

Adventure lovers would enjoy kayaking, tubing snorkeling, and stand-up paddle boarding on the crystal-clear waters of the San Marcos River. If you a music fanatic, enjoy an evening filled with progressive country music and a lot more at the Cheatham Street Warehouse. And, if you are an art lover, you absolutely cannot miss seeing artisans creating magic with glasses at Wimberley Glassworks.

Best Time to Visit: The summer months are the most popular months to visit San Marcos, but people also like to come here during the off-season.

How to Reach: One of the most convenient and budget-friendly ways to travel between the two cities is by taking a train from Houston to San Antonio and change over to get to San Marcos.

Fredericksburg, Texas

A stone’s throw away from Austin and San Antonio, Fredericksburg is one of the most popular weekend destinations for a quick break from Houston. With its intriguing German heritage, bustling wineries, remarkable museums, and plenty of shopping avenues, the town have something to offer everyone. Over the last decade, Fredericksburg has gained quite the popularity and fame for being home to over 40 award-winning wineries and tasting rooms. Other attractions here include the National Museum of the Pacific War, the Japanese Garden of Peace, and Old Tunnel State Park.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to enjoy the gorgeous wildflowers here in Fredericksburg is during the spring season.

How to Reach: The most recommended way to travel from Houston to here is by taking a bus to San Antonio then another Fredericksburg.

Galveston Island, Texas

Less than an hour from Houston, the historic downtown of Galveston, along with its stunning beaches, is one of the most favorable weekend destinations for visitors. The town is home to astonishing beaches known for their turquoise waters such as Stewart Beach. If you prefer spending time amidst nature, enjoy kayaking through the bayou and birdwatching at Galveston Island State Park. History lovers should miss the opportunity to stroll along the Strand Historic District which is dotted with Victorian-era buildings, most of which survived the Great Storm of 1900.

Best Time to Visit: The most favorable time to visit Galveston Island is either between October to November or March to May.

How to Reach: The fastest and the easiest way to travel between the two locations is by hopping on a bus from Houston Amtrak Station to Galveston Amtrak Bus Stop. The journey takes around an hour and a half.

Lockhart, Texas

Famed as the ‘Barbecue Capital of Texas’, Lockhart is where the foodies go for a heartwarming vacation. Once a cowboy town, the city is a total hit among visitors. The birthplace of smoky meat, Lockhart has been the backdrop of several Hollywood movies and TV shows including What’s Eating Gilbert Grape? Apart from its crazy barbeque scene, the town is also home to wonderful attractions such as Dr. Eugene Clark Library, Gaslight-Baker Theatre, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and Manny Gammage’s Texas Hatters.

Best Time to Visit: You could visit the city throughout the year, but October and November are known to have the best weather conditions.

How to Reach: Depending on your budget and time limit, you could either take a flight or a bus to Austin and then a taxi to Lockhart.

San Antonio, Texas

One of the most amazing cities in Texas, San Antonio is popular as the home of some of the most iconic sites in the state. One of the most popular places, San Antonio River Walk is perfect for taking a nice stroll, enjoying dinner at one of the outdoor patios, or go on a dinner cruise. And, you absolutely cannot miss touring the Alamo, one of the most significant historic sites in the USA which commemorates the legendary Battle of Alamo of 1836. San Antonio popular weekend getaways.

Best Time to Visit: November to April are the best months to come to the city as the weather is pleasant and things are more affordable.

How to Reach: Direct buses and trains ply between the two cities. While buses take around four and a half hours and $16 to $40, the train takes slightly over five hours and costs between $35 to $55.

Fort Worth, Texas

The ultimate symbol of Texas’ cowboys, Fort Worth has all the essential elements of everything cowboy-related, be it outlaws, cattlemen, or even cowboys themselves. Kimbell Art Museum and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art are two of the most important museums to visit here. Founded in 1909, the Fort Worth Zoo is another remarkable attraction that cannot be missed. Trinity Park and Sundance Square are also notable places to visit.

Best Time to Visit: The most preferred time to visit Fort Worth is between September and November as the tourists have already left by then, the weather is cooler, and the Texas State Fair is at its peak.

How to Reach: The two most recommended ways to travel between Fort Worth and Houston are either via car that takes around four and a half hours or via a bus that takes slightly under five hours.

New Braunfels, Texas

Home to not just one but two rivers floating through the heart of the town, New Braunfels is regarded as one of the best summer getaways in the country. Floating through the rivers, exploring the boutique at the historic downtown, waking your inner child at Schlitterbahn, and enjoying water activities at Landa Park are some of the popular activities here. Don’t skip strolling over the Faust Bridge – built in 1887, it is one of the last ones remaining in Texas.

Best Time to Visit: early spring is the most favorable time of the year to visit here.

How to Reach: To get to New Braunfels, you have to take a bus from Houston to Seguin and then take a taxi for the last 20 km of the journey.

South Padre Island

While most people associate South Padre with boisterous spring break parties comprising booze cruises and beach beers, the island is much more than what meets the eye. Rent a paddleboard and explore the Laguna Madre and South Padre Canals, or you could also opt for kayaks and jet skis, enjoy horseback riding at the beach, get on a scoot coupe and explore the town in a fun way, and go birdwatching at the 1500-foot boardwalk near Laguna Madre.

Best Time to Visit: Unless you plan on being a part of the rowdy spring break fun, come here between September to February.

How to Reach: The best way to get to South Padre Island from Houston is to fly to Harlingen and then take a taxi to the destination. This may cost between $221 to $323 but it is the most convenient and fastest option.