Road Trips from Houston, TX
Houston, you've got options. This list lets you escape the city for a few hours or a whole day. Most routes stick to the highway, making for quick drives, but there's a mix of flat and gently rolling terrain. You can find destinations with nearby parks, including one that offers access to the Waco Mammoth National Monument, or opt for shorter, park-free jaunts. It's all about balancing drive time with what you want to see when you get there.
Total Routes
176
Shortest
0.8h
With Parks Nearby
105
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
16 total in this range
Troy, TX
3h 32m179.1 mi one way
This 3.5-hour drive gets you to a spot with a significant park nearby: Waco Mammoth National Monument. The terrain is mostly flat, and it offers a higher drive score than some closer options, making it a good choice for a day trip with a specific natural attraction.
Wilmer, TX
3h 56m223.1 mi one way
Valley Mills, TX
3h 50m203.2 mi one way
At 3.8 hours, this drive is similar in length to Troy but offers access to the Waco Mammoth National Monument. The terrain is mostly flat, and it provides a high drive score for those seeking a longer excursion with a park destination.
Von Ormy, TX
3h 41m208.4 mi one way
Lytle, TX
3h 52m218.2 mi one way
Weekend trip
121 total in this range
Laredo, TX
6h 4m350.2 mi one way
Stephenville, TX
5h 5m267.9 mi one way
Joshua, TX
4h 37m249.4 mi one way
Kempner, TX
4h 12m215.8 mi one way
At 4.2 hours, this drive is a good mid-range option. It features mostly flat terrain and a high drive score, making it a straightforward choice for a day trip if parks aren't a priority.
Cresson, TX
5h 1m265.1 mi one way
At 5 hours, this is one of the longer drives, but it's rewarded with proximity to the Waco Mammoth National Monument. The gently rolling terrain adds variety to the drive, and it boasts a high drive score.
Long-haul ideas
38 total in this range
Los Angeles, CA
26h 23m1545.8 mi one way
McCamey, TX
8h 16m479 mi one way
Crane, TX
8h 40m499.9 mi one way
Fort Davis, TX
10h 3m593 mi one way
El Paso, TX
12h 19m743.7 mi one way
Browse by Mood
Laredo, TX
6h 4m350.2 mi one way
Stephenville, TX
5h 5m267.9 mi one way
Joshua, TX
4h 37m249.4 mi one way
Troy, TX
3h 32m179.1 mi one way
Laredo, TX
6h 4m350.2 mi one way
Stephenville, TX
5h 5m267.9 mi one way
Los Angeles, CA
26h 23m1545.8 mi one way
Plano, TX
4h 33m256.1 mi one way
Laredo, TX
6h 4m350.2 mi one way
Stephenville, TX
5h 5m267.9 mi one way
Joshua, TX
4h 37m249.4 mi one way
Troy, TX
3h 32m179.1 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
With mostly flat and gently rolling terrain, spring drives offer pleasant conditions for exploring areas near parks like the Waco Mammoth National Monument.
Summer
The primarily highway routes are efficient for summer travel, though park destinations might be best enjoyed during cooler parts of the day.
Fall
Fall weather is ideal for the longer drives, especially those with gently rolling terrain and park access like the Waco Mammoth National Monument.
Winter
Winter drives are feasible on these mostly highway routes, with shorter options being particularly suitable for quick escapes.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Houston, TX city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.