Explore a New Side of Texas

You might know Houston by way of its booming sports scene, incredible museums and cosmopolitan vibes, but you may be surprised by the adventures you can have just outside the city limits. Take a day trip from the city and get ready to see what’s waiting for you Around Houston.

Fun for all ages

Make memories at family-friendly museums, attractions and beaches.

Unique cities & towns

Explore an array of cultures, cuisine and distinct local vibes.

Natural discoveries

Find the great outdoors just outside the big city.

Hidden Gems of the Texas Heartland

North of Houston

  • Tour the Texas Prison Museum, hike and paddle through Huntsville State Park, and unwind in a classic outdoorsy Texas setting.

  • Enjoy easy access to top hotels, award-winning dining, shopping and indoor family entertainment.

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  • Luxury meets nature in a place where public art and verdant parks are as easy to find as boutiques.

  • Discover railroad history, small-town vibes and family-friendly parties celebrating everything from German culture to crawfish.

Coastal Houston

  • Play on public beaches and spot native animals at Brazoria and San Bernard National Wildlife Refuges in this Gulf Coast playground.

  • Kilometers of shoreline, exciting festivals and plenty of waterfront dining add to the island’s museums and family attractions.

  • Catch live music, savor food-truck favorites and splash and play at 6th Street Community Plaza; then fish from the world’s largest man-made fishing pier.

  • A coastal oasis, birdwatcher’s paradise and golf haven, Baytown boasts an array of parks, a winery and artsy downtown scenes.

  • Celebrate heritage at museums, restaurants and zydeco clubs along the Authentic Cajun Trail. Get outdoors at Sabine Lake or Sea Rim State Park.

  • Enjoy live music in Clear Lake Shores, visit Space Center Houston in Nassau Bay and set sail from impressive marinas in League City and Seabrook.

History & Culture South of Houston

  • Around this Official Houston World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter, enjoy global cuisine, stroll green spaces, hear live music and tour museums.

  • Sample authentic Texas barbecue, browse popular shopping districts, tee off at scenic golf courses and enjoy community events just minutes south of Houston.

  • Explore the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum, historic and artsy downtown streets, and visit Gator Country Adventure Park for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Star Attractions

Viewing exhibits at Space Center Houston in Texas

Space Center Houston

Get a behind-the-scenes look at space exploration, board a replica space shuttle and explore space artifacts at this Bay Area icon.

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Artwork on the Baytown Sculpture Trail in Baytown, Texas

Baytown Sculpture Trail

Wander the charming Downtown Arts District and spot dozens of sculptures installed among the sights.

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Posing in front of the replica oil rig at Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum in Beaumont, Texas

Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum

Tour Beaumont’s recreation of a 1901 oil boomtown complete with a replica rig that blows water into the air.

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Kids viewing the Gulf aquarium at Sea Center Texas

Sea Center Texas

Kids and nature lovers will love the floor-to-ceiling fish tanks, interactive tidepools and tours at this Brazosport aquarium and hatchery.

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A Mardi Gras parade in downtown Galveston, Texas

Galveston Island Mardi Gras

Historic Downtown Galveston hosts the USA’s third-largest Mardi Gras celebration featuring parades and live music.

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The “Big Sam” statue in Huntsville, Texas

Sam Houston’s Legacy

Snap a photo with the “Big Sam” statue at the Sam Houston Visitor Center, and tour the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, both in Huntsville.

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Exterior of the Delores Fenwick Nature Center in Pearland, Texas

Delores Fenwick Nature Center

In Pearland, view alligators, turtles, snakes and frogs and take a guided wildlife-watching hike on select days.

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Janis Joplin exhibit at the Museum of the Gulf Coast in Port Arthur, Texas

Museum of the Gulf Coast

Learn about Janis Joplin and other famous Port Arthur natives in the Music, Sports and Notable People Halls of Fame.

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Aerial view of Metropark Square in Shenandoah, Texas

Metropark Square

Shenandoah’s Metropark Square and the adjacent Sam Moon Center make great foodie stops.

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Tackling a ropes course at Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park in Sugar Land, Texas

Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park

Pedal cycling tracks, meander walking trails, test your disc golf skills and find aerial thrills in Sugar Land’s Brazos River Park.

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Fishing from a pier in Texas City, Texas

Texas City Dike

Throw out your line on the world’s longest man-made fishing pier, just steps from downtown.

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Swan boats on the Woodlands Waterway in Texas

Woodlands Waterway

Explore the picturesque city center by kayak, swan boat or paddleboard.

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Signage and decor at Tomball Historic Depot Plaza in Tomball, Texas

Tomball Historic Depot Plaza

View train memorabilia, local artwork and two intricately detailed model railroads at this one-of-a-kind railroad museum.

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Trip Ideas & Itineraries

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Family enjoying a bonfire at Sea Rim State Park in Port Arthur, Texas

Around Houston

Visit website Wander Around Houston
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