10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Houston, TX (That Are Totally Worth the Drive)
If you live in Houston (or you’re here for a visit), it’s easy to get stuck inside the loop. But some of the best adventures are just an hour or so away—outside Harris County—in the small towns, beaches, and parks that surround the city.
Today, let’s look at
10 short road trips from Houston that take you into nearby counties like Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery, and Waller. Each one is perfect for a day trip or a relaxed weekend escape.
1. Brazos Bend State Park – Alligators, Lakes, and Big Texas Skies
County: Fort Bend County
Approx. drive from Houston: About 45–60 minutes, southwest
If you want a classic Texas nature day,
Brazos Bend State Park is hard to beat. It’s one of the top outdoor day trips from Houston and feels a world away from the traffic and noise.
- Walk or bike miles of easy, flat trails.
- Spot alligators sunning themselves near the water (keep your distance!).
- Pack a cooler and enjoy shaded picnic areas.
- Climb the observation tower for wide-open views.
On my last trip, I saw more alligators in one afternoon than I have in my entire life. It’s a little wild, but also calm and peaceful at the same time.
If you go, bring:
- Bug spray (the mosquitos do not play around).
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- A camera or binoculars for birdwatching.
2. Historic Richmond & Rosenberg – Small-Town Charm Just Outside the City
County: Fort Bend County
Approx. drive from Houston: 30–45 minutes, southwest
If you want something low-key and close, head to
Richmond and
Rosenberg. These two neighboring towns offer a nice mix of history, food, and antique hunting.
Things to do:
- Stroll historic downtown Rosenberg’s streets with old brick buildings and local shops.
- Browse antique stores and thrift shops for hidden treasures.
- Grab lunch at a local café or BBQ joint.
It’s a great choice when you don’t want to drive far but still want that “I got out of Houston” feeling.
3. Alvin & the Bayou Wildlife Zoo – A Family-Friendly Animal Adventure
County: Brazoria County
Approx. drive from Houston: 40–60 minutes, south
Looking for something fun to do near Houston with kids? The
Bayou Wildlife Zoo near Alvin is a solid pick.
Here you can:
- Ride a tram through open areas where animals roam.
- Get up close to animals like zebras, camels, and more.
- Let kids burn energy in open spaces and picnic spots.
The whole place has a simple, old-school feel—nothing too flashy, just animals, fresh air, and a good time.
While you’re in Alvin, you can also:
- Wander through local shops in town.
- Stop for a casual burger or some Tex-Mex.
4. Surfside Beach – A Quieter Beach Escape
County: Brazoria County
Approx. drive from Houston: About 1.5 hours, south
If you want a
laid-back beach near Houston but prefer something quieter than the big tourist spots, try
Surfside Beach.
Why people love it:
- Drive right onto some sections of the beach with your car (check local rules before you go).
- Fish from the jetty or at nearby spots.
- Walk for miles along the shore with fewer crowds.
- Rent a beach house for a peaceful weekend.
I like Surfside when I want salt air, sand between my toes, and not much else. It’s a place to slow down, read a book, and listen to the waves.
5. Galveston Island – Classic Texas Beach Getaway
County: Galveston County
Approx. drive from Houston: About 1–1.5 hours, southeast
You can’t talk about
road trips from Houston without mentioning
Galveston
Walk the Seawall and grab ice cream or seafood.
Visit the Pleasure Pier for rides and games.
Stroll through the charming Historic Strand District.
Relax on the beach and watch the ships roll by.
You can make it a day trip, but it’s also nice for a one- or two-night stay if you want a mini vacation without flying anywhere.
6. Kemah Boardwalk & Seabrook Waterfront – Rides, Food, and Bay Breezes
County: Galveston County
Approx. drive from Houston: 35–50 minutes, southeast
If you like fun, food, and water views, the
Kemah Boardwalk area is a quick and easy outing.
On the Kemah side:
- Ride small roller coasters and family-friendly attractions.
- Enjoy seafood restaurants with views of the bay.
- Watch boats come and go from the marina.
On the nearby Seabrook side:
- Walk waterfront trails and parks.
- Look for birds and other wildlife along the water.
It’s an especially nice evening trip—arrive late afternoon, ride a few rides, eat dinner on the water, and watch the sunset.
7. Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge – Quiet Gulf Coast Nature
County: Chambers County
Approx. drive from Houston: About 1–1.5 hours, east-southeast
If you’re craving peace and open space, head to the
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Chambers County. It’s not flashy, but it is beautiful in a slow, gentle way.
You can:
- Drive and walk through wetlands and prairies.
- Watch for birds, alligators, and other wildlife.
- Bring a camera or binoculars for close-up views.
This is one of those places where you roll down the windows, turn off the radio, and just listen to the wind and birds. It’s a great reset after a busy week in the city.
8. Liberty & the Trinity River – A Slice of Small-Town East Texas
County: Liberty County
Approx. drive from Houston: About 45–60 minutes, northeast
Head up to
Liberty when you want to see a different side of the Houston area—more trees, more river views, and a slower pace.
Ideas for your visit:
- Walk around town and check out historic buildings.
- Enjoy local diners and mom-and-pop restaurants.
- Explore nearby parks and river access areas.
The drive itself feels different once you leave the main highways—more green, more open land, and that small-town Texas look that’s easy to forget when you live inside the loop.
9. Lake Conroe – Boating, Fishing, and Lakeside Dining
County: Montgomery County
Approx. drive from Houston: About 1–1.25 hours, north
If you’re asking, “Where can I find water near Houston that isn’t the beach?” the answer is often
Lake Conroe.
Popular things to do:
- Rent a boat, jet ski, or kayak.
- Fish for bass and catfish.
- Eat at lakeside restaurants with outdoor seating.
- Stay at a lakeside resort or rent a cabin.
On a sunny weekend, it feels like a vacation spot without the long drive. You can spend the morning on the water and be back in your own bed that night.
10. Waller & the Prairie Back Roads – Country Drives and Farm Fun
County: Waller County
Approx. drive from Houston: 45–60 minutes, northwest
If you want a classic Texas country drive close to Houston, point your car toward
Waller County.
Here’s what you can enjoy:
- Rolling fields, wide skies, and quiet country roads.
- Seasonal farm events and markets (think pumpkins, sunflowers, and more).
- Local BBQ spots and small-town cafés.
It’s an easy, low-pressure day trip: fill up your gas tank, put on a good playlist, and see where the road takes you. Sometimes the best part really is the drive itself.
Tips for Planning Your Houston-Area Road Trips
To make the most of these short getaways from Houston, keep a few simple things in mind:
- Check the weather: Gulf Coast weather can change fast, especially near the water.
- Bring cash: Some small-town spots and park entrances may not take cards.
- Start early: Beat the traffic leaving the city and enjoy cooler morning temps.
- Pack smart: Water, snacks, sunscreen, hats, and a small first-aid kit go a long way.
Which Road Trip from Houston Will You Try First?
You don’t have to go far—or hop on a plane—to find
new things to do near Houston. Within about an hour or so, you can:
- Watch alligators at Brazos Bend.
- Relax on the sand at Surfside or Galveston.
- Ride roller coasters at Kemah.
- Fish and boat on Lake Conroe.
- Wander quiet small towns in Liberty, Waller, and Fort Bend counties.
Now I’m curious:
Which of these out-of-county road trips sounds best to you? Are you more of a beach person, a lake person, or a “give me trees and trails” person?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell me:
- Where you’ve already been from this list.
- Your favorite hidden spots near Houston.
- Any must-try restaurants or parks I should include next time.
If you found this guide helpful,
please share it with a friend or family member who’s always saying, “We should get out of Houston more.”
You might just inspire their next weekend adventure.
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