It’s no surprise that summertime is one of the most popular times for people to go on vacation. However, with high travel costs and taking time off from work, many people may find it challenging to ever take a vacation. If you find yourself in the same situation, here are some ideas for summer day trips and vacation destinations in the Houston area to help you get started. You still get the mental break you deserve without interfering with work or your budget. Freeport – Calling all fishermen and fisherwomen! Freeport is known as one of the best places to fish in Texas, plus it’s only about 60 miles from Houston making it a close day vacation. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide great fishing experiences offshore and inshore at the hundreds of fishing spots around the area. In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy “birding” - the Freeport Audubon Christmas Bird Count is one of the top-ranked counts in the nation in terms of numbers of species. Galveston – If you are looking for a day trip to the beach, then head to Galveston. Located 50 miles south of Houston, Galveston’s 32 miles of beach will not disappoint.  This historic destination has something for everyone from top-notch restaurants, great downtown shopping, antique stores, art galleries, historic tours, and more. Kemah – This is the perfect day trip for families. Located only 25 minutes south of Houston, Kemah offers rides and amusements, great restaurants, and shopping, which means endless opportunities for family entertainment. “Rock the Dock” every Thursday in the summer to enjoy great live music, and every Friday night in June and July, you can enjoy a wonderful Fireworks display. It’s fun for the whole family! Lumberton – This day trip is for the outdoorsman at heart. Home to Village Creek State Park, people can go to engage in camping, canoeing, hiking, and bird watching. Located an hour and a half northeast of Houston, Lumberton is a great destination to clear your mind and soul. Weimer – Heading to Weimer is like stepping back in time. In the city’s picturesque downtown, visitors can find antique shops, great eateries, drug stores with old-fashioned soda fountains, and a tavern where locals play dominoes and German card games. Its family oriented festivals and community activities attract visitors from across the state of Texas.   Located about an hour and half west of Houston, Weimer is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of big city life. Information gathered from AllAcrossTexas.com (Photo by Boston Public Library)
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It’s no surprise that summertime is one of the most popular times for people to go on vacation. However, with high travel costs and taking time off from work, many people may find it challenging to ever take a vacation. If you find yourself in the same situation, here are some ideas for summer day trips and vacation destinations in the Houston area to help you get started. You still get the mental break you deserve without interfering with work or your budget.

  • Freeport – Calling all fishermen and fisherwomen! Freeport is known as one of the best places to fish in Texas, plus it’s only about 60 miles from Houston making it a close day vacation. The waters of the Gulf of Mexico provide great fishing experiences offshore and inshore at the hundreds of fishing spots around the area. In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy “birding” - the Freeport Audubon Christmas Bird Count is one of the top-ranked counts in the nation in terms of numbers of species.
  • Galveston – If you are looking for a day trip to the beach, then head to Galveston. Located 50 miles south of Houston, Galveston’s 32 miles of beach will not disappoint.  This historic destination has something for everyone from top-notch restaurants, great downtown shopping, antique stores, art galleries, historic tours, and more.
  • Kemah – This is the perfect day trip for families. Located only 25 minutes south of Houston, Kemah offers rides and amusements, great restaurants, and shopping, which means endless opportunities for family entertainment. “Rock the Dock” every Thursday in the summer to enjoy great live music, and every Friday night in June and July, you can enjoy a wonderful Fireworks display. It’s fun for the whole family!
  • Lumberton – This day trip is for the outdoorsman at heart. Home to Village Creek State Park, people can go to engage in camping, canoeing, hiking, and bird watching. Located an hour and a half northeast of Houston, Lumberton is a great destination to clear your mind and soul.
  • Weimer – Heading to Weimer is like stepping back in time. In the city’s picturesque downtown, visitors can find antique shops, great eateries, drug stores with old-fashioned soda fountains, and a tavern where locals play dominoes and German card games. Its family oriented festivals and community activities attract visitors from across the state of Texas.   Located about an hour and half west of Houston, Weimer is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of big city life.

Information gathered from AllAcrossTexas.com

(Photo by Boston Public Library)