Vacations are great for relaxing, rejuvenating and connecting with the family. That’s the theory anyway. Travel delays, different time zones, jet lag and more can turn a “vacay” into a “stresscay.” The answer? One of the many amazing vacation destinations available right here in Texas. Just rent a hotel room for the week, plan your itinerary and go! Check out these great staycation spots less than two hours away from Sierra Vista.
Houston
Tourists from around the world visit the Bayou City, reveling in great food, high-end shopping, arts and entertainment and more. If you’ve been limiting your trips there to the weekends, you are missing out. Book a stay at the Marriott Marquis with its Texas-shaped lazy river or the Omni Houston with its Kids Sensory Suite. Explore the Houston Museum District, shop the Galleria or roll down Hippie Hill in Hermann Park. Animal-loving kids will want to spend hours at the Houston Zoo while astronauts in training will enjoy Space Center Houston. There are plenty of great dining spots but if you are looking for something family-friendly, we suggest Swanny’s Grill or Little Matt’s. No trip to Houston would be complete without a stop at Fat Cat Creamery for a sundae.
Galveston
When the heat is on, Texans escape to the coast. Take advantage of summer specials at Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa and Convention Center for a stay and tickets to all the attractions. Romance is sure to be in the air if you book a room at the Grand Galvez. Once you’ve dropped off your room key, explore the Galveston Strand Historic District, relax on the beach, visit the famous Galveston Island Pleasure Pier and discover the rich maritime history at the Galveston Naval Museum. When it comes to dining, you don’t want to miss out on a burger at island famous The Spot.
Surfside Beach
Head down Highway 288 for 40 minutes and bam! You can take advantage of sun and surf in a charming beach town. Surfside Beach has four miles of coastline which makes it imperative to rent a beach cottage for maximum enjoyment. The Breeze Hotel & RV Park is great if you prefer to bring your accommodations with you. Once you’re there, put up your beach umbrella, hand the kids their pails and shovels and lounge around. Or you can visit Surfside Jetty County Park for picnics and follow the Surfside Beach Bird & Butterfly Trail. When you get hungry, enjoy the view from the Beachfront Deck Bar & Grill or fresh fish at the Red Snapper Inn.
Lakeside Camping
If you like spending your vacations by the lake, there are several approximately an hour and half away from Sierra Vista. Huntsville State Park is a hidden gem where you can spend the day hiking, kayaking and swimming. Hitch up your boat and head to Lake Livingston State Park for fishing, swimming and enjoying the stars. Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center is perfect for wildlife lovers. Bring cameras to capture memories. There is no place to camp in the park, but you can stay at Junction Meadows nearby.
Brenham
Known as the heart of the Texas Bluebonnet region, Brenham offers picturesque countryside views and charming downtown streets filled with antique shops, boutiques, and local eateries. Main Street House is a cozy bed and breakfast. Ant Street Inn is a boutique hotel in Downtown Brenham. The Lake Somerville Marina & Campground offers cabins, tent campsites and 168 acres of wilderness to explore. Be sure to visit Blue Bell Creameries & Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet treat in between visits to the Washington-on-the-Brazos-State-Historic-Site, Chappell Hill Lavender Farm and the Brazos Valley Brewing Company. When it’s time for dinner, check out Nathan’s BBQ or Chappell Hill Sausage Company.
