Texas Summer Road Trip Destinations from Houston
Buckle up!! Summer is Texas-size road trip season, and if you’re from Houston, getting out of the city is definitely in your list! With 4th of July coming, we are renting an RV, take some time off, and have a Texas road trip fun. A quick break from the bayou to see hills, have some country wine and dine, or hit the beach is good for your sanity, no kidding! Here’s some ideas on where go to, what to do, where to eat, and why it’s worth the detour. Ready, set, drive!
1. 🌊 Galveston Island – Beach, Bites & Boardwalk Fun
Distance: ~1 hour | Vibe: Laid‑back coastal getaway. I know Galveston isn’t the first pick for some of y’all but hey, Galveston isn’t that bad. Also depending on when you go, you might see clearer water and sand. And it isn’t just the beach though, there’s more to do and yummy seafood to eat.
Must‑Dos:
Pleasure Pier: Amusement rides over the Gulf with epic sunset views that’s fun for all ages.
Moody Gardens: Aquarium, rainforest pyramid, 3D theaters. Great way to beat the heat.
The Strand Historic District: Victorian charm with boutiques and cafes—perfect for wandering.
Where to Eat:
Shrimp N Stuff: Local favorite since 1976. They serve crispy shrimp baskets & Cajun-style dishes .
La King’s Confectionery: Vintage candy shop and live taffy-pulling—ideal for sweet moments .
Ophelia’s: OMG the best soul food in the island. Their oxtail and porkchops? Deadly. They also offer happy hour prices on some of their meals like oxtail with rice + 2 sides for $18! The serving is huge too that lasted us for days. It’s definitely on of the hidden gems in Galveston.
2. Brazos Bend State Park – Alligators & Stargazing
Distance: ~1 hour | Vibe: Nature-inspired wilderness escape. If you want to see the gators up close and saying hello on the trails, this is where you’ll go. Don’t worry, they are kind of used to people now. Don’t panic and you’re fine, and the hike is worth it!
Must‑Dos:
Hike the 40‑Acre Lake Trail—bring binoculars for bird and wildlife spotting.
Watch alligators grazing along the water—on nearly every lake at the right time.
George Observatory: Public stargazing on Saturdays—use telescopes to spot planets, constellations, even meteorites
Where to Eat:
🧺 Picnic essentials from Froberg’s Farm: Just down the road, pick up fresh produce (and seasonal strawberries!) for a parkside feast.
For more information, visit Brazos Bend State Park Info
3. 🌲 Sam Houston National Forest – Peaceful Pines & Lakes
Distance: ~1.5 hours | Vibe: Serene woodlands weekend escape. I posted a TikTok that I want to hike but I live in Houston and oh boy, I got tons of replies about people driving up to Sam Houston just for some views. If you want some sweat yet less heat, Sam Houston’s shaded trail is perfect for you.
Must‑Dos:
Hike a portion of the Lone Star Hiking Trail—over 100 miles through shaded forests.
Kayak Lake Conroe—calm waters surrounded by pine canopies.
Stay overnight in park camps or rent a cozy lakeside cabin.
Where to Eat & Gear:
Vernon’s Kuntry Katfish: Famous for catfish dinners & family-style hospitality
North Lake Conroe Paddling Co.: Convenient rentals to enjoy the lake in comfort.
For more information, visit Forest Info
4. Fredericksburg & Texas Wine Country – Wine, Wildflowers & German Charm
Distance: ~4 hours | Vibe: Romantic, scenic, boutique road trip. Country wine and dine is absolutely relaxing. You don’t need to go to Napa for that vineyard experience because Texas has its own local charm. Grape Creek Vineyard offers wine tasting, tour, private cellar tour and tasting too. If you’re a couple or visiting with a group, this is a perfect activity for the day.
Must‑Dos:
Wine tasting on Highway 290 Trail—sample 90+‑point reds among hill‑country views.
Climb Enchanted Rock—granite summit with stellar summit views.
Visit in peach season (June–August) for orchard-fresh picks.
Where to Stay:
🍷 Grape Creek Vineyards: Tuscan-style tasting room & estate vineyards
🍑 Vogel Orchards: Fresh-picked peaches, homemade cobbler, and farm charm.
🛏️ Hoffman Haus B&B: Boutique stay in German‑themed Fredericksburg.
Plan Your Trip and visit here for more information.
5. New Braunfels & San Marcos – River Floats & Retro Vibes
Distance: ~3 hours | Vibe: Water-centered & nostalgically fun. If you love water parks in Houston during summer, you’ll love visiting here too. Crystal-clear Comal or Guadalupe rivers beats the heat, and then explore the charming town of Gruene.
Must‑Dos:
Float the Comal or Guadalupe Rivers on inner tubes.
Catch live music at Gruene Hall, Texas’ oldest dance hall (est. 1878)
Browse vintage shops along San Marcos’ River Walk.
Where to Eat & Explore:
Gruene General Store: Grab old-fashioned candy and sodas in this restored 1878 mercantile
Herbert’s Taco Hut (San Marcos): A local Tex-Mex gem.
Rockin’ R River Rides: Tube rentals & shuttle service to hit the rivers effortlessly.
6. Boerne, TX – Charming Trails & Hill Country Vibes
Distance: ~3.5 hours | Vibe: Artsy, tranquil small-town retreat. Want to see limestone caverns, Boerne is known for its scenic trails, limestone caverns, and artsy vibes. Besides nature, their Main street is filled with local boutiques and galleries.
Must‑Dos:
Hike Cibolo Nature Center trails—birdwatching in live oak habitat. If you want t o take photos, you would need a photo permit for $25.
Explore Cascade Caverns—aboveground limestone cave tour.
Stroll Main Street's artisan shops, galleries & coffee stops.
Where to Sip & Shop:
Bear Moon Bakery & Café: Breakfast buffet is chef’s kiss. They are also known for inventive pies, scones, and kolaches.
Daisy Pearl Boutique: Handcrafted gifts from local artisans.
Sister Creek Vineyards in neighboring Comfort: Bluff‑side hill country wines. It’s a small family-owned winery but it’s packed with knowledge and history. Look for Jessica and Doug, they are friendly and accommodating, and will tell you everything you need to know about their wines!
Visit Boerne for more information.
7. Big Bend National Park – Desert Beauty & Stargazing
Distance: ~9 hours | Vibe: Epic, remote. The trek can be challenging especially the uphill trek but the views are phenomenal. Big Bend is everything you want in nature. Mountains, river, desert.
Must‑Dos:
Soak in Hot Springs along the Rio Grande.
Hike into Santa Elena Canyon—5‑mile river-walled beauty.
Marvel at some of America’s darkest skies—with spectacular night views.
Where to Eat & Stay:
DB’s Rustic Iron BBQ (Terlingua): Ranch-style smoked meats in ghost-town setting.
Basecamp Terlingua: Unique bubble‑style glamping under starry skies.
Far Flung Adventures: Guided desert horseback and Jeep tours.
Check their website for alerts and to plan your trip better.
8. Palo Duro Canyon – The Grand Canyon of Texas
Distance: ~9 hours | Vibe: Rugged, adventurous, outdoorsy. This is Texas’ second-largest canyon that has amazing views and vibrant rock formations. And if you visit from June - August, you can catch the musical every Tuesday to Sunday.
Must‑Dos:
Hike the iconic Lighthouse Trail and witness 360‑degree canyon vistas.
🎭 Catch the summer outdoor “TEXAS” Musical, a canyon-set production.
🌟 Camp under one of the clearest night skies in the South Plains.
Where to eat and sleep:
🍔 Coyote Bluff Café (Amarillo): Quirky roadside diner with big flavors.
🛏️ Palo Duro Glamping: Yurt and cabin-style camping with elevated views.
Visit State Park Info to know more.
Where are you driving to this summer?
Texas is huuuuge and you can drive anywhere with so much to do. The state of Texas is a big adventure and road trip destination offering waterfalls, beach, rivers, hills, wine and more. If you want to take a break from Houston, Galveston is an hour away but even in the city, there are pockets of fun things to do this summer. It’s time to start mapping your getaways! Pack your snacks and drive safe!
Let’s BEE Connected
For more travel tips and local picks, follow me at Buzzbybee.com. My goal is to promote Houston (and Texas!) destinations, and making small businesses shine to locals and tourists wanting to visit the city. Le't’s connect!
*photo credits to the respective state websites