5 Affordable Weekend Getaways Near Houston

Exchange your boring Saturday and Sunday routine for an affordable fun-packed weekend getaway in Houston. You can head south of downtown for a romantic beachfront outing or kick back and relax surrounded by the rich tapestry of nature found in the pineywoods due north o town. Some of the best places to escape city life for a few hours on the weekend are only a few minutes drive outside the city limits.

Instead of fighting your way through miles of bumper to bumper city traffic to get the next big event, take a respite in one of these enchanting waterfront communities.

• Freeport
• Galveston
• Kemah
• Lake Conroe
• Lake Livingston

It takes less than an hour to traverse most of these cities. We’ll take you on a quick tour of them. Then you can choose from incredibly intimate Freeport to wild and crazy water sporting adventures on Lake Conroe.

Freeport

Freeport sits 70 minutes from Houston and in less time than that you can be in the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. It’s home to some of the best kept secrets in Texas.

They hold fishing tournaments for anglers of every age.
The area has almost three miles of fun filled natural beach that’s accessible to the public.
The local community of Surfside was cited in a poll in Gulfscapes magazine as “ the Best Gulf Coast beach town”.


This Gulf Coast hamlet is the ideal place when you want to get away for the weekend and bring along your RV, a boat or camp on the Texas beach. You can have a great time without having to drive for hours and an Gulf front view for free!

Kemah

The entire city may only be 1.8 square miles, but it is home to the best little boardwalk in Texas. The waterfront community is mostly marinas, boatdocks and acres of fun-filled waterfront attractions. Visitors don’t have to ever worry about fighting boredom on the boardwalk with hours upon hours of fabulous fun just a few steps away.

Here’s a short list of the many exciting attractions in Houston you can visit along the Kemah Boardwalk.

• Wooden Rollercoaster-Boardwalk Bullet
• 65 foot Century ferris wheel
• Aquarium restaurant
• Boardwalk observation tower
• Drop Zone-140 ft free fall ride

If you’re not into fishing, but love seafood, Kemah has something for you too. People come from all over the state to their seafood markets to get the best prices and fresh off the boat, fish, crabs and oysters by the sack full.

Galveston, Texas

Galveston Island is one of the best known cities on the Gulf Coast. It's reputation for fun began back in the 1800’s when Jean Lafitte the pirate had his headquarters on the island. Today, the city is way more than just a pirates paradise. Current attractions include:

• Moody Gardens
• Schlitterbahn
• Galveston Pier
• 4 to 7 day Caribbean Cruises
• Bay, Beach and Deep Water Fishing charters

It is also where you can find a beach bungalow for the weekend or a 5 star hotel. The island is 27 miles (43.5 km) long and no more than 3 miles (4.8 km) wide at its widest point. If you want to get away and have loads of fun on the weekend, travel the short drive to the island.

Lake Livingston

The backdrop of this small Texas town are the towering trees in the piney forest of East Texas. It’s located a little more than an hours drive north of Houston and makes a great place for a weekend trip or a vacation year around.

Lake Livingston lays claim to the bragging rights that the 39 mile lake is the 2nd largest in Texas. The area is ideal for Houston nature lovers getaways. It's full of wildlife. Every kind of two and four legged creature, known to exist in the state roams around the area.

• Big Foot
• Red Fox
• White-tailed Deer
• Coyote
• Bobcat
• Nine-banded Armadillo

The areas’ attractions include some of the best parks in the state, Livingston State Park, Big Thicket National Preserve near Woodville, and the Sam Houston National Forest.

Lake Conroe

Next time you and your sweetie want to do something different for a change, try a weekend getaway that’s only a short drive down I-45 from Houston. If you make Lake Conroe your destination you can experience some of the finest food and fun north of the city. The communities in and around Lake Conroe have superior golf and tennis courses as well as top notch water amenities like:

• Marinas
• Boat launches
• Kayak and canoe rentals

Not too keen on the outdoor life? Don’t let the small town look fool you. Conroe has shopping galore, plenty of entertainment venues plus well maintained cabin and condo rentals that will make your getaway feel like you're at home.

These action-packed weekend getaways in Houston are for couples, families or groups. You can have a no-frills trip or make it a 5 star weekend. The choice is yours.

Get more details about vacation spots, festivals and upcoming Houston events in your neighborhood by going to the right sidebar and joining the I heart Midtownlive crew.

References:

• Freeport.tx.us
• Galveston.com
• Kemahboardwalk.com
• Conroevisistorandconventionsbuerau.net
• Lake Livingston.com
• https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hef03

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Weekend Getaways For Houston Couples - Texas Beaches

Lots of  Houston couples are enjoying romantic getaways close to home,  by flocking to the beach resorts, hotels and vacation rentals along the Texas Gulf Coast. During the off-season from September to February more people are skipping-out on the expensive cruises to balmy tropical destinations in favor of Texas beaches. They are ideal places to have a fast and frugal escape away from city life.

It’s a pleasant surprise to some newcomers to discover that year around Texas beaches have a reasonable mix of sunny days, sandy beaches and the sound of the surf.

Even on the coldest days ( 49.7 F/9.8 C) the weather is temperate and nights slightly cooler which can translate into smaller crowds and cost savings for lovers taking a break from the big city for a weekend or all week long.

What’s To Do On Texas Beaches

There is so much to do along the 370-plus miles of Texas beach front that determining where to start is the biggest challenge you will face on weekend getaways. Galveston Island, Kemah and Clear Lake are the beaches closest to Houston. They offer a wide range of diversions that are affordable and fun things to do including:

Lone Star Flight Museum
Kemah Boardwalk
Seaport Museum
Galveston Historic District
Clear Lake Marina
Yacht cruises

                                            Family-friendly Houston Attractions

If your plan includes bringing the whole darn family along, have non fear,  there are enough family-friendly attractions in Texas to fill every moment of your Galveston Island weekend getaway with jubilant activities.
 
 Moody Gardens
Schlitterbahn water park
 Boat tours of Galveston's  harbor

Why not plan your trip to the island during the off-season. That's when the local attractions aren't nearly as busy and the city is decked out in a variety of other themes. Mardi Gras and Dickens on The Strand are two must-visit events on the historic island.

Daytrips: The Gulf Coast's  Top 5  Recreational Activities

Some husbands prefer to take their wives and family for a drive a little further down the Texas coast,  to South Padre, Corpus Christi and Freeport. They are the perfect places for couples to just hang out near the water or delve into the Gulf Coast's  top 5  recreational activities:

Deep sea fishing
Scuba diving
Birding
Shelling

There are plenty of local companies waiting to assist visitors in having a good time in the sun. Even those without sea leggs who want to take advantage of the excellent sport fishing from the piers, jetties and beach fronts.

Members of glam and haute crowd can find plenty of shops where they can browse, barter and buy anything their heart desires.

                               What To Pack For Texas Getaways

Houston couples can expect some of the same kind of weather they have at home. Days filled with lots of time to get in a little sunning and cuddling weather after dark. Visitors not familiar with the temperatures should include their favorite beach gear and for good measures a few of the items below.

Lightweight  jacket
Sweater
Rain gear

On the rare occasions when Gulf Coast is threatened by tropical storms, thunder storms or hurricanes you may want to avoid them. Otherwise be prepared to romp on some of the best water front real estate in the world.

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Must Visit Places For Houston Couples

   

 Some Houston couples whether, newlyweds, on dates or celebrating anniversaries find themselves traveling less these days out of necessity. Many of them have demanding work schedules that leave them with a short amount of time to spend together and often a smaller budget to do it with.

Fortunatly, lovers seeking to find solace, regroup or spend some intimate time together don’t have to travel light years away from home to find new and interesting places to hang out. Some of the best places to visit in the state, country and nation are a lot closer than they had imagined.

The climbing gas prices are another culprit that’s keeping lots of couples looking for quality entertainment, adventures and attraction in and around Houston. As a result they don't want to drive very far in their cars.

Within a hour or two drive of the Bayou City you can find all kinds of exciting things to do.

Historical Attractions In Texas

Heritage Village Museum
Woodville Tx
Highway 190 West

When you visit the piney woods of East Texas it's almost like stepping into a time warp. The character of the rural communities and the people in that area reflect a kinder, gentler, friendlier time period. However, their couple-friendly entertainment venues have kept the pace with city life.

Heritage Village Museum Historical attractions and demonstrations of pioneer life in Texas and a Main Street that looks right out of the late 1800’s or early 1900’s.

Conroe, Huntsville,and even smaller towns like Woodville have fantastic museums that document the rich heritage of East Texas.
The Heritage Village Museum in Woodville is one of the must visit treasures that Houston couples will really enjoy. Each year the museum plays host to one of the largest Folk Life Festivals in East Texas.

Romantic Getaways

Lake Conroe
Interstate-45
40 miles north of Houston


A cool way couples can save time and money on their next romantic getaway is by traveling to one of Houston's northern neighbor, Lake Conroe. This once sleepy hamlet has become the ideal destination where families and couples can relax, get refreshed and rejuvenate from life in the concrete jungle.

Lake Conroe The Lake Conroe area has affordable accommodations at lake front properties, RV parks and resorts. If you need more upscale digs, there are a several hotels there too!

The communities in the area include the Woodlands, Spring and Conroe all which have ample water front properties, RV parks and resorts where Houston couples can enjoy golfing, boating, hiking, biking and more. There is also more than enough places to satisfy cravings to shop and dine.

A Scenic Weekend Daytrip

Huntsville State Park
Interstate 45 on Park Road 40
6 miles southwest of Huntsville


A scenic daytrip that many couples enjoy experiencing on weekends takes them pass the giant 67-foot statue of Sam Houston. The huge figure seems to beckon travelers on Interstate-45 to visit Huntsville Texas. The East Texas town is home to a top notch university, Sam Houston State and several museums including a one chronicling the infamous past of the Texas prison.

Sam Houston State Park The official entrance to Huntsville State Park is located on Interstate 45 about 6 miles southwest of Huntsville on Park road 40.

When you drive through this part of East Texas the rolling hills, swatches of prairie and large patches of deciduous forest provide a panoramic view for travelers. Be on the lookout for deer, rabbits and other wildlife that live in the area. They frequently come right up to the roadside as if they are watching the cars pass by.

The large ribbon of highway occasionally passes by a cattle ranch or a farm enhancing the beautiful setting of this rural segment of the I- 45 road trip.

Houston Couples

A lot of Houston couples are new to the area, since more than 100,000 people move to the city each year. As a result many of them aren’t aware that some of the best places to visit on weekends and during downtime are a just a hour or two drive outside of the city limits.

Any couple, on a date or celebrating a special occassion can save valuable time and money by checking out these must visit places. You never have to go very far in any direction around Houston to find a ton of fun things to do.

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7 Nature Attractions For Couples In Houston

Within an hours drive there are plenty of nature attractions for couples in Houston to visit together or with friends and family. You can enjoy a vast range of adventures, romantic paddle boat rides on lakes and rivers, the beauty of the majestic rolling hills and mysterious swamps filled with trees, and aquatic plants and animals.

Each of these attractions are wonderful places to spend an afternoon enjoying pleasant activities such as birding, fishing, brisk hikes on walking and bike paths and the tranquility of paddling a water trail.

Outdoors Attractions Near Houston

The best accommodations are located close to historic attractions and major Texas cities. It won't be hard finding a regal hotel, well maintained outdoor recreational areas, that welcome RVs and campers or an intimate bed and breakfast.


There are several parks near Houston that harbor hundreds of acres of some the country’s last untouched natural habitat. Texas State parks are ideal places for couples to visit on a romantic getaway. They preserve some of the few places still remaining where you can experience swatches of nature's raw beauty and view romantic sunsets unspoiled by the glare of city lights.

Local Attractions

Padre Island National Seashore
Katy Prairie Conservancy
Armand Bayou Nature Center
Waugh Bridge Bat Colony
Brazos Bend Park
Lake Livingston
Big Thicket National Preserve

These natural attractions that are fairly close to Houston have untamed wilderness, but are not too rugged for urban dwellers.

Texas State Parks In And Around Houston

Some of the state parks within an hours drive of Houston are listed below.Also remember these handy travelers tips when you visit Texas state parks:

Get there early to find good parking or camping areas.

Bring a good still or video camera to capture the beauty witing to be discovered as you explore the expansive Texas outdoors.

Dress for the weather. It can go from hot and humid on sunny days to a major downpour in minutes, so don’t forget to grab some rain gear just in case.

Sheldon Lake State Park
Galveston Island State Park
Brazos Bend State Park
Livingston Dam and Park
Washington On The Brazos
Huntsville State Park
Stephen F Austin State Park
Sea Center Texas


Any of the major interstates that dissect the city can lead couples to these must visit nature attractions near Houston.

The Scenic Gulf Coast

Houston's metro area is situated on the Gulf Coast, a crossroad where the landscape dominated by coastal prairies ambles into eastern hardwood swamps that when dried up become coniferous forest which slowly melt into the southwestern desert.

The amount of ecological diversity in Texas is amazing. You can find everything from deserts to beaches and hills that graduate into mountain peaks that climb to over 8,000 feet. Couples can only see a small part of the state’s natural beauty during a daytrip. To see more of it indulge yourself with a Texas getaway for overnight or longer.

See more about:
Attractions in Houston
Things to do for couples in Houston
Romantic date Ideas for couples
Places to visit with a group
what's happening this weekend in Houston

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10 Summer Getaway Ideas For Houston Tx

Two Wheel Tour – The beauty of the nature is best when viewed up close and personal. Sharing the seat of a motorcycle or peddling till you sweat on a road trip can be an exhilarating part of a romantic weekend for couples. It can be fun for friends and family too. Be sure to save time for hiking, boat tours and other outdoor fun that allows you to commune with the beautiful Texas outdoors.

Bike Tours (http://www.bicycletexas.com)
Motorcycle Tours (http://www.eaglerider.com)

Fruit/Vegetable Picking – At an orchard near you your family can enjoy an apple, watermelon or vegetable picking excursion as a day trip or part of a weekend getaway. It can be a great occasion to share with your sweetheart or your family. You may even be able to find an old fashion hayride in one of the rural communities for your kids to experience during the trip!


Local pick your own farms (http://www.pickyourown.org/TXhouston.htm)

Wildlife Conservation – Join the Houston Zoo, Audubon Society and other Texas organizations in preserving wildlife and the conservation of their habitat. You can tag along with local wildlife experts and zoo officials on adventure tours to Botswana's Okavanaga Delta and exciting destinations around the globe.

It’s a once in a lifetime chance to see animals in the wild in some of the worlds most unspoiled and diverse habitats. There are also local opportunities to take part in preserving Ridley turtles, Galveston beach and more,



Elderhostle (http://www.roadscholar.org/programs/search_res.asp?Type=A&StateCode=TX)
Houston Zoo Safaris (http://www.houstonzoo.org/safari/)
Audubon Society (http://www.houstonaudubon.org/default.aspx/MenuItemID/899/MenuGroup)/Sanctuaries.htm

Archaeological Adventures – You can find countless archaeological sites in and around Texas. Local museums and universities offer residents a chance to participate in uncovering traces of the states historical past.

Lubbock Lake Landmark (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/museumttu/lll/fieldresearch.html)
Texas Archaeological Society (http://www.texasaaa.com/id4.htm)
Lake Jackson Plantation (http://www.lakejacksonmuseum.org/index.php?page=plantation-site)

Northern Getaways – If it’s gets a bit too hot in the summer travel north to the Texas panhandle where it’s cooler for a fun laid back getaway. There are lots of attractions, parks and museums that are open to visitors on weekends. It’s the place to find plenty of wide open spaces, dude ranches and canyons. Favored activities in the area area or horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.

Fort Davis National Historic Site (http://www.lasr.net/travel/recreation.php?Fort+Davis+National+Historic+Site&ID=2688)
Addicks Dam (http://www.lasr.net/travel/recreation.php?Addicks+Dam&ID=517)
Frontier Texas (Abilene) (http://www.frontiertexas.com/)

Texas History Excursion – What better place to go for a historical tour than Texas? There’s plenty of Texas history that a family, a couple or group can discover in a weekend. Allow enough time for sampling the local cuisine, shopping, and other attractions to make this an enjoyable and enriching excursion.

State Historical Sites(http://www.texaslakestrail.com/index)
Texas Driving Tours (http://www.texaslakestrail.com/index.aspx?page=1566)



Lake Cruises – A refreshing lake cruise on a humid, hot weekend is a great getaway for couples. It’s a wonderful opportunity to use that new camera to take lots of pictures, enjoy fabulous food, and relax to the sounds of waves slapping against the side of the ship. There are several vendors offering short 3 hour party cruises in Houston.

Clear Lake Cruise (http://www.starfleetyachts.com)
Galveston Bay Cruise (http://www.thebigwhiteboat.com)
Paddlewheel Boat Cruise (http://www.moodygardens.com/attractions/colonel_paddlewheel_boat)

Texas Beach Getaway – A beach getaway is ideal for a spouse or family that enjoys the sound of the surf outside of their door. These are a few of the best places to find vacation condos and cabins for rent during the summer.

Port Aransas (http://www.themayanprincess.com)
Moody Gardens Resort (http://www.moodygardenshotel.com)
Corpus Christi (http://traveltips.usatoday.com/hotels-beach-near-corpus-christi-27203.html)

The rates for multiple days are very reasonable June through September. For a getaway that won’t break your budget, look for privately owned beach rentals on Craig’s List. You should be able to save a few bucks off of the cost of staying at a resort.
Summer Festivals – Summertime is prime time for a bunch of festivals. There are festivals happening just about every weekend. Here’s a short list of some of the themes festivities in the South Texas area.

Annual Tomato Fest
Annual Texas Blueberry Festival
Kerrville Folk Festival

For more info on the dates and times of Texas fairs and festivals visit http://www.fairsandfun.com,


If traveling with a significant other or adult friends, check out the list of food and wine festivals happening in Texas.

Camping / Hiking Getaway – For a low key summer getaway for family, couples, or groups, consider a simple weekend camping or hiking trip. If you don’t want to travel too far from home, there are plenty of camping facilities in the Harris county parks. You and your partner or group will get to see the expansive Texas outdoors and enjoy our local habitats at the same time.

State Parks (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest)
Harris County Parks (http://www.hcp4.net/parks/reservations/index.htm)


More things for Houston couples

Houston couple activities
Romantic things to do in Houston
Stuff to do in Houston

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