East Texas is an incredible place to live – and explore. It’s within driving distance of a variety of interesting habitats, not to mention some of the most exciting vacation spots in the state. Here are some of our favorite day trip locations.

Space Center Houston

Visit this famous site to see incredible exhibits and galleries, from the SpaceX Falcon 9 booster to the Astronaut Gallery, where you’ll get to see Sally Ride’s inflight coveralls and learn about various spacesuits. They will also soon be reopening their Lunch with an Astronaut program. And of course, you don’t want to miss a chance to utter the famous words “Houston, the Eagle has landed” while you’re here.

Brazos Bend State Park

Just a little over an hour away, you’ll find one of the most beautiful state parks in Texas. Brazos Bend State Park features 37 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. You can also fish, or simply bring your camera and get some stunning shots of the local wildlife – which includes alligators, so watch your step! This day-trip adventure is worth the modest entrance fee, and it’s close enough that you’ll have time to fully explore everything you want to see.

Kemah Boardwalk

Located right on the coast, this fun park is filled with enjoyable things to do. Sure, they have amusement park rides, but there’s so much more, including their Stingray Reef – where you can touch and feel live stingrays – indulgent restaurants, celebratory festivals, and nostalgic shops that will remind you of your childhood summer vacations with the family.

Galveston

A drive of about an hour and a half will bring you to one of Texas’ most popular vacation destinations: the oceanside city of Galveston. There’s no end to the outdoor recreation opportunities here, where you’ll enjoy birding, fishing, biking, hiking, kayaking, and golf. You’ll find award-winning restaurants, art galleries, museums, and historical sites. And of course, you can always spend the day soaking up the sun on the beach.

Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

At the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, you will find 37,000 acres of protected lands and waterways, featuring countless wildlife species, from birds to alligators. There’s fishing and boating, but the real treasure here is just exploring the land. There are several boardwalks and trails to choose from, allowing you to take in all the incredible sights.

Looking for more things to do in and around The Woodlands? Check out the Olympus Sierra Pines blog for fun ideas and activities.