When you are looking for a beachside excursion here in the Southwest, you simply cannot beat Galveston. Our Texas coastal home is a wonderful destination for those who wish to enjoy our sandy beaches and Victorian charm. Galveston has a rich history and makes for an enjoyable visit no matter what your age. Galveston is also a great spot where you can hit the road and enjoy a day trip to one of our neighboring communities. Here are the best day trips from Galveston:
Houston
Let’s start with the big one, and by that we mean Texas’s largest city, Houston. When you are staying in Galveston, you will find that Houston is just a short one-hour drive away, making it easy to get to for a day trip. This is a sprawling metropolis that can satisfy every curiosity during your quick visit. Houston has a huge historical presence that you can see in its several museums.
The Museum District is where you can find most of the city’s museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and Contemporary Arts Museum. Keep an eye out for free entry days and special events to make your museum visit even more memorable. Of course, Houston is also home to the Space Center, the highlight of the NASA Johnson Space Center. This visitor center provides you with an educational yet fascinating look into the work that NASA does. You will be able to learn more about astronaut training, space explorations, and even get to see a real spacecraft. Additional attractions in the city also include the Houston Zoo that is a sprawling space with exotic animals and interactive exhibits. Hermann Park has a spot that is perfect to paddle board for a relaxing experience.
Make sure you do not forget to grab a bite to eat when visiting Houston. The food scene is one of the most diverse in the whole country where you can find award-winning restaurants. Popular cuisine choices include the best BBQ in the state, Tex-Mex, and even Vietnamese and pho. Upscale dining restaurants are just blocks away from each other letting you pick out what you want to eat with ease.
Kemah Boardwalk
Another great day trip location is found over at Kemah Boardwalk. This destination is a bit closer to Galveston, being only a 40-minute drive away from most of our vacation rentals. Kemah Boardwalk is a family friendly destination that the whole family will love. The boardwalk is known for having tons of live entertainment including carnival rides and waterfront dining to name a few. It is set along the Galveston Bay so you can expect tons of fresh seafood on the many at the local restaurants. Kemah Boardwalk is a popular spot for events to be held all year long especially during the summer season. Concerts and fireworks over the water are frequent. Additional attractions include the arcade with tons of games and the stingray touch tank. Your family will love a trip to Kemah Boardwalk.
Bayou Wildlife Zoo
Texas is also surprisingly a great place to find wildlife zoos where you can find a Sahara style attraction with exotic animals. Just 45 minutes away from Galveston is Bayou Wildlife Zoo in Alvin. This is an interactive experience for the whole family as the zoo is a drive through zoo home to over 500 different animals. You will find exotic animals including zebras, bison, giraffes, and camels to name a few. Many of these animals are also featured in feeding areas where you can feed the animals up close. You will find picnic areas to set up your own meal. A trip to Bayou Wildlife Zoo is always fun and educational for the whole family.
Surfside Beach
If you really enjoy life by the beach, you will want to make the hour drive over to Surfside Beach. This community is found down the coast where you can find a quiet and laid back atmosphere in the community. Surfside Beach has fewer crowds so you can easily find room at the beach. Pack your vehicle with all the necessities such as beach chairs, a cooler, and drinks so you can unwind at the beach. Stop by Kitty’s Purple Cow for a popular beachside restaurant. The town is known for fishing, surfing, and more perfect for a quick day trip.
More Fun in Galveston
The fun never ends when you make the trek out to Galveston any time of the year. Our vacation rentals offer luxury amenities to keep you comfortable al stay long. Best of all, our properties are easy to get to and from for a day trip here in the surrounding areas. Come see Galveston for yourself.
