Galveston Island is one of the oldest communities in Texas, even if it is one of the most at risk for flooding and storms from the Gulf of Mexico. The island keeps bouncing back after each storm, and many of the buildings that survived the hurricane in 1900 are still standing today and open for viewing. Drive along the seawall road to see the beaches and watch the waves hit the shore as you head southwest to the state park. You can spot lots of wildlife and flora native to the island, and you may see some of the locals riding horses on the beach.
Northwest of San Antonio, Hunt is a small town in the middle of the Texas hill country with a bunch of natural beauty. If you go in the springtime, watch for the sides of the road to be covered in bluebonnets and other wildflowers, a remnant of Lady Bird Johnson’s legacy. Many highwaygoers will take the time to pull over and snap some photos of themselves, family and friends with the natural beauty of the blooms. As you drive towards Hunt, make sure to check out Stonehenge II in nearby Ingram, which is a replica of the original Stonehenge in England – but you can get up close and touch this one!
Southwest of Houston on I-69 is one of the older settlements in Texas. The drive to Victoria helps you get an idea of the American Wild West – when it’s clear and sunny, you can see for miles around. Enjoy the wide open spaces and check out the Texas prairies. You can also stop at a Buc-ee’s on your way down in Wharton, one of Texas’s famous gas station and rest stops that you’ll have to see to believe. Once you’re in Victoria, make sure to drive around the old downtown and enjoy the stunning architecture.
Related: Top Travel Agencies In Houston
Nestled in some of Texas’s pine forests, the drive to Huntsville features some beautiful views of both green fields and clusters of tall, old trees. Nature lovers will enjoy the paths the highway makes to cut through and around the tall pines. You can also spot a larger-than-life statue of a larger-than-life figure in Texas history on the side of the road. Near the city limits, there’s a giant statue of Sam Houston, the Republic of Texas’s first president. But watch out – if you’re speeding by on I-45 you might miss it as he’s nestled between some of the aforementioned trees.
South Padre Island is one of Texas’s favorite beaches, and the drive out to the island is also stunning. Make sure to do at least some of your driving near the beginning or end of the day, so you can watch a sunrise or sunset over the dunes. This drive is the furthest from Houston, but it’ll definitely be worth it to see the clean, white beaches and the plants and wildlife that are so different from the Houston area. Much of the island is protected by nature preserves and state parks, so you can go through and see the natural beauty that was saved for Texans for generations to come.
Related: 5 Day Trips To Do In Houston Before The Kids Go Back To School
