When the weather gets warmer, the wanderlust gets stronger. The summer months beg for a road trip. If you balk at the thought of hours in the car, you're in luck, because there are plenty of incredible weekend getaway destinations just a short drive from Conroe.
We offer a few of our favorites as Texas Wanderers.
Galveston is a beautiful island city located a short drive from Houston. With its sandy beaches, historic buildings, and exciting attractions, Galveston is a great option for a weekend getaway.
Stay at a beachfront Airbnb or one of the many historic hotels like the Grand Galvez or the Tremont House. Visit the historic Strand district for shopping, dining, and the Pleasure Pier, the island's amusement park. There are several historic homes to tour, including Moody Mansion, The Bishop's Palace, and the Menard House.
Moody Gardens has a water park, rainforest pyramid, aquarium, 3D theater, and zip-line.
Galveston is home to a number of museums as well, including the Galveston Railroad Museum, the Texas Seaport Museum, and the Galveston Naval Museum, where you can climb aboard a real submarine.
Don't miss the beaches. We love East Beach, Stewart Beach, and the beach at Galveston Island State Park.
Another easy weekend getaway is Splashway Campgrounds & Waterpark in Sheridan. Book a cabin or bring your RV while enjoying fun-filled days splashing in the water park, playing outdoor laser tag or mini golf, fishing in the beautiful lake, and enjoying outdoor movies in the evening.
For an off-the-beaten-path vacation, head over to Gonzales. Cool off in the San Marcos River at Palmetto State Park. Visit the Gonzales Memorial Museum to see the cannon that sparked the Texas Revolution, or head over to the Gonzales Jail Museum to see a historic jail, complete with a giant noose.
The Pioneer Village Living History Center offers a glimpse of life in the 1800s, with historic cabins and stores decorated with period furnishings.
If you're up for venturing further out, drive out to Wimberley for incredible shopping and dining on the banks of Cypress Creek.
Stay at the Lodge at Cypress Falls, an adorable little hotel dating back to 1949 that boasts a pool, bikes, a tavern, and its very own swimming hole. Spend the day paddle boarding and swimming, or relaxing at the water's edge with a drink from the creek-side bar.
When you've had your fill of swimming in this section of Cypress Creek, check out Blue Hole Regional Park for more swimming in Cypress Creek. Make reservations in advance, as Blue Hole fills up quickly. Here you'll find some of the clearest and coldest water in Texas. Rope swings line the creek at various heights so that you can partake in the fun, no matter your comfort level.
Go back in time at Pioneer Town at 7A Ranch, where you can explore a replica of an old west town. After grabbing some treats at the ice cream parlor, mosey over to the general store, where you'll be whisked right back to the present day with a selection of arcade games.
For one last vacation option that you probably wouldn't have thought of, head north to Palestine. Stay at Dead Cat Ranch, which, despite the name, is a welcoming family-owned ranch with an array of lodging options accommodating everyone with a resort-style pool, beautiful lake, and a variety of on-site activities, like ax throwing, archery, horseback riding, and a shooting range.
In town, climb aboard a vintage steam engine for a ride through the countryside. Tour the historic Redlands Hotel and the Anderson Courthouse, or take the driving tour to see some incredible landmark homes. Then, catch a play at the historic Texas Theater.
Cool off at Lake Palestine or Lake Tyler for boating or swimming, and then take a short detour to Grapeland Safari for a fun wildlife experience on your way home.
Whether your ideal vacation includes leisurely shopping or heart-stopping thrills, there’s a Texas vacation waiting for you. So pick somewhere you’ve yet to discover and head out for an adventure!