Best Weekend Escapes from Texas
Thursday 13th March 2025
Texas is a state that practically begs to be explored by road. With sprawling highways connecting vibrant cities to charming small towns, hidden natural wonders, and everything in between, the Lone Star State offers endless weekend adventure possibilities.
Whether you call Houston, Dallas, or Austin home – or you’re just visiting – your perfect getaway is just a short drive away. At Easirent USA, our conveniently located branches in these three major cities make it simple to grab the keys and hit the road whenever the travel bug bites. From coastal escapes to hill country hideaways, let’s explore the best weekend trips from each of our Texas locations.
Weekend Getaways from Houston
When Houston’s urban energy has you craving a change of scenery, Galveston Island waits just 50 miles away. This coastal gem offers miles of Gulf beaches, the historic Pleasure Pier with carnival rides overlooking the water, and the magnificent palm-lined Moody Gardens with its iconic glass pyramids. Drive your Easirent vehicle along the seawall boulevard with the windows down to feel that refreshing Gulf breeze. Just 75 miles northwest of Houston lies Brenham and Washington County, where springtime brings legendary bluebonnet displays along country roads and the Blue Bell Creamery offers factory tours with samples of Texas’s favorite ice cream. The charming downtown square features boutique shopping and local restaurants serving hearty Texas fare. Nature lovers can point their rental car toward Sam Houston National Forest, 70 miles north of the city, where over 160,000 acres of East Texas piney woods provide hiking along the Lone Star Trail, camping under towering trees, and fishing opportunities in Lake Conroe’s peaceful waters.
Weekend Getaways from Dallas
Dallas residents looking for prehistoric adventure can drive 90 miles southwest to Dinosaur Valley State Park, where you can literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs by exploring fossilized tracks in the Paluxy River. The park’s swimming holes provide welcome relief during hot Texas summers, and hiking trails wind through scenic limestone ridges and alongside clear-running creeks. Magnolia Market fans can make the easy 95-mile trip south to Waco, where Chip and Joanna Gaines have transformed the city into a design destination. Beyond the silos, explore the Dr. Pepper Museum, mammoth fossils at the Waco Mammoth National Monument, and the suspension bridge spanning the Brazos River. For those willing to cross state lines, the 130-mile journey north to Turner Falls, Oklahoma rewards with the state’s largest waterfall, natural swimming pools carved into limestone, and exploring mysterious caves and castle ruins built into the hillsides – a refreshing escape during sweltering Texas summers.
Weekend Getaways from Austin
Austin-based weekend warriors have easy access to some of Texas’s most iconic destinations. Just 80 miles west lies Fredericksburg, the heart of Texas wine country, where over 50 wineries and tasting rooms dot scenic Highway 290. This charming town blends German heritage with Texas hospitality through its historic main street, authentic German restaurants, and nearby natural wonder Enchanted Rock – a massive pink granite dome offering panoramic Hill Country views for those who make the short hike to the summit. Cool off in New Braunfels, 50 miles south of Austin, where tubing down the Guadalupe River is practically a Texas rite of passage. This German-influenced town also boasts the world-famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark and historic Gruene Hall, Texas’s oldest continually operating dance hall where many country music legends got their start. BBQ enthusiasts can make the quick 35-mile jaunt to Lockhart, the official BBQ Capital of Texas, where legendary smoke joints like Kreuz Market, Black’s, and Smitty’s Market have been perfecting their craft for generations. Beyond the brisket, explore the picturesque downtown square centered around the majestic Caldwell County Courthouse and stretch your legs at nearby Lockhart State Park.
Hit the Road with Easirent USA
Why wait for an extended vacation when these incredible destinations are just a short drive from your front door? At Easirent USA, our branches in Houston, Dallas, and Austin offer vehicles perfectly suited for any weekend adventure. Choose a fuel-efficient compact for romantic getaways, a spacious SUV for family trips, or anything in between. Our weekend rates make spontaneous travel affordable, and our convenient airport locations mean you can land and be on the road to your destination in no time.
