If the stresses of the city are doing you in, a quick day trip out of Houston could calm you down. Here are a few relaxing destinations less than an hour away from the city.
- Conroe
This water lover’s paradise is just 45 miles north of Houston. Its 21-acre lake begs a swim or jet skiing. A floating restaurant makes sure you’re still on the water when hunger strikes. Elsewhere, the cozy Red Brick Tavern is known for good service and great food. Check, too, the current performances at Crighton Theater.
- Kemah
This gateway to the bay is famous for its boardwalk attractions. Take a 25-minute thrill ride on The Beast. Whizz through looped tracks on a wooden coaster known as the Boardwalk Bullet. Feed stingrays, dine in waterfront restaurants, go shopping in boutiques, and sail on chartered boats. Get a CityPass to save on admission fees to Kemah Boardwalk.
- Spring
This charming community 20 miles north of Houston is home to Splashtown Water Park, a 53-acre hub of fun with a lazy river and great water rides. Spring is also a shopping district where you can check out more than 150 antique stores, shops, and boutiques.
- La Porte
This seaside community more than 25 miles from Houston is respite from the bustle of the city. Restaurants serve the best Southern comfort food. Historic Main Street has charming boutiques and special events like the Mardi Gras, Art Walk, and Farmers’ Market. You can also soak in the sun at Sylvan Beach and enjoy tee time at La Porte Bay Forest Golf Course, where bayou-fed waterways and leafy trees inspire you to play at your best.
- Galveston
This island city teems with leisure options: 32 miles of soothing beaches, superb museums, excellent dining options, beautiful resort hotels, antique stores, amusement parks, and art galleries. Visit the historic Bishop’s Palace, go silly at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, or catch a show at the gorgeous Grand 1894 Opera House. For more options, visit the Galveston website.
- Brazos Bend State Park
Enjoy the great outdoors in this beautiful landmark with six lakes accessible to fishermen. The park’s many trails are perfect for biking, horseback riding, and hiking. There are also camping and picnic areas. Peering through the George Observatory telescope brings unexpected surprises like seeing a fault line on the moon or getting a glimpse of the spiral Andromeda Galaxy.