Houston, the fourth-largest city in the US, is a dream destination. From a vibrant food scene to chic boutiques and museums, Houston has something for everyone. However, if you feel adventurous, you can extend your exploration outside of the Bayou City. Houston is a fantastic starting point for road trips, whether you’re looking for a short day trip or something longer. When you’re ready to hit the road, we have 10 of the best road trips you can take from Houston.
- Galveston Island State Park
- Austin, TX
- Fort Worth, TX
- Seguin, TX
- Waco, TX
- Big Bend National Park
- Dallas, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Pedernales Falls State Park
- Shreveport, LA
- Other road trips from Houston
1. Galveston Island State Park
Take a short drive south of Houston along I-45 to Galveston Island State Park. Sitting on the Gulf of Mexico, the state park is a 30-mile stretch of spectacular bliss, with beaches, amusement parks and historic piers. You can also enjoy outdoor activities here, including hiking, swimming, picnicking, birdwatching and boating.
SIXT Pro Tip:
If you want to get out on the water in Galveston Island State Park, bring your own equipment as there are no kayak or canoe rental services.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 52 miles; a 1-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
2. Austin, TX
As one of the fastest-growing cities in the US, Austin is worth the drive. Head west from Houston along I-10 and State Highway 71 to the Texas capital, a hotspot for live music and entertainment. Austin boasts a diverse food and craft beer scene, a unique creative art scene, outdoor adventure and eclectic museums.
SIXT Pro Tip:
To witness North America’s largest bat colony, head to the Congress Avenue Bridge before sunset. Following a refurbishment in 1980, the bridge was transformed into a perfect bat cave, hosting a colony of bats. Visitors begin to line up just before dusk to get a view of the bats, which usually emerge after 7:30 pm.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 162 miles, a 2.5-hour drive
TOLLS: When you exit I-10 to State Hwy 71, you will use the Highway 71 Toll Lane and be charged a small toll.
3. Fort Worth, TX
If you want to experience a typical Texas city, head north along I-45 to Fort Worth. The city is home to classic-Western-themed entertainment venues and shopping outlets, a rich history, the Fort Worth Stockyards, rodeos and real-life cowboys.
SIXT Pro Tip:
For a tranquil escape from the urban landscape, visit the Fort Worth Water Gardens. The gardens are designed to enable visitors to unwind and refresh in the running water. Also, the water garden boasts three pools set in a picturesque park, ideal for creating a memorable experience.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 263 miles; a 4-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
4. Seguin, TX
Drive west on I-10 to enjoy fun-filled outdoors at Seguin, a lovely town along the Guadalupe River. There is always something intriguing to do, like spectacular festivals, kayaking, amusement parks and a spooky ghost tour.
SIXT Pro Tip:
For a refreshing treat, visit the Seguin Brewing company. Nothing beats a cold craft beer on a scorching afternoon at Seguin. The brewing company features various beers inspired by the town’s rich heritage. Alternatively, saunter to the brewery’s taproom conveniently located at the heart of downtown Seguin.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 162 miles; a 2.5-hour drive.
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
5. Waco, TX
For a new experience, head north along Highway 6 to Waco. Besides Baylor University, Waco offers much more to meet each itinerary need, from craft beer to fun museums, fun shops, a dynamic culinary scene and incredible outdoors.
SIXT Pro Tip:
To enjoy watersport activities during your visit, rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak and Pura Vida Paddle and tour the Brazos and Bosque rivers for panoramic sceneries of lush parks and historic bridges in the city.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 185 miles; a 3-hour drive.
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
6. Big Bend National Park
Shuffle through your playlists for a long drive on I-10 W and US-90 to Big Bend National Park, with spectacular sceneries and various metropolises along the way. The park offers you a spectacular escape from bustling Houston to nature at its very best. Big Bend National Park is famous for its array of outdoor activities, from kayaking and canoeing to hiking, camping and animal watching.
SIXT Pro Tip:
For a thrilling exploration of the park, join a rafting trip on the Rio Grande River. The river stretches 118 miles along the southern horizon of Big Bend National Park, offering you scenic views. However, you will need to bring your gear for the float trip as the park doesn’t offer equipment rental services. If you don’t have your own gear, outfitters abound in adjacent towns of Terlingua and Study Butte.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 600 miles; a 10-hour drive.
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
7. Dallas, TX
It is impossible to overlook Dallas when planning your road trip adventure from Houston. Head north on I-45 to the Big D, a city with a vibrant charm and stunning architecture. Pop culture, showstopping sports teams, nightlife, art and culture blend in this city. Also, Dallas is not short of outdoor thrills, featuring zoos, hiking and biking trails, golf courses, amusement parks and watersport activities.
SIXT Pro Tip:
For a spectacular aerial view of Dallas, check out the Reunion Tower. Standing 561 feet tall, the tower is a landmark of the Dallas skyline. Get a bird’s eye view of the city from Five Sixty, located on the revolving top level of the tower.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 240 miles; a 3.5-hour drive
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
8. San Antonio, TX
For Texas frontier history, head west along I-10 to San Antonio. The city offers you a snippet of the state’s past as it is packed with museums and heritage sites. Besides its rich history, Texas’s second-largest city boasts a vibrant, diverse dining scene, eclectic culture, amusement parks and festivals to enjoy during your visit.
SIXT Pro Tip:
Join the San Antonio Ghost Tour, which takes you through the city’s historic and most haunted sites. As you wander through the alleyways of Old San Antonio, guides decked out in historical costumes tell exciting stories about the city’s past. Remember to wear comfortable footwear as the tour extends for about 1.5 miles.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 197 miles; a 3-hour drive.
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
9. Pedernales Falls State Park
In less than three hours, you will be at one of the gems of the Texas Hill Country. Take I-10 W to Pedernales Falls State Park. The park features spectacular views, hiking trails, sandy shores and campsites, guaranteeing a thrilling vacation. You can also enjoy swimming, bird watching, horseback riding, paddling and biking.
SIXT Pro Tip:
If you travel with your family, try out the Warfle’s Trail, a short roundabout trail that stretches less than a mile, making it great for hiking with kids. However, be aware of the weather conditions as this trail can rapidly flood after rain.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 213 miles; a 2.5-hour drive.
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
10. Shreveport, LA
Hit the road and cross into Louisiana via US-59 N to Shreveport. The city is underrated, featuring various attractions to satisfy your spirit of adventure. Shreveport has something for everyone, from a rich history to stunning scenery, music culture and delicious local food.
SIXT Pro Tip:
If you have kids along, visit Gators & Friends, a zoo and amusement park in Shreveport. For extra thrills, try out the massive zip line soaring above live alligators and offering scenic aerial views of the park.
SIXT Travel Facts:
DISTANCE FROM HOUSTON: 238 miles; a 4-hour drive.
TOLLS: There are no tolls along this route.
11. Other road trips from Houston
