Looking to get away for the weekend but don’t want to spend hours driving or flying? Look no further!
Whether you like beaches, mountains, cosmopolitan cities, or quaint small towns, Houston is your ticket to paradise.
Stick around the South or fly into close neighboring states – the possibilities are endless.
So come along, and let’s start planning your next weekend getaway from Houston!
1. Cancun (2.5 Hour Flight)
Cancun is the place to be for those looking for more than a typical beach vacation. Whether you want to party like there’s no tomorrow or connect with the local culture, Cancun has got it all!
The city itself splits into two distinctive vibes: the touristy hotel zone where luxury resorts, white-sand beaches, and shopping centers are abundant, and the local flair of Downtown Cancun’s street food and small shops.
If you need a break from sandcastles and umbrellas, seek out some Mayan ruins that’ll transport you back in time or hop across to Isla Mujeres for a day trip.
If you’re feeling extra daring, take a plunge into one of the Yucatán Peninsula’s gorgeous freshwater cenotes.
It only takes 2.5 hours from Houston to arrive in the party capital of Mexico – so hey, why not plan that vacay ASAP?
Tip: Check out all our travel guides on Cancun for your next beach vacay!
2. New Orleans (1 Hour Flight)
New Orleans is just a short 1-hour flight from Houston, and man oh man, is it worth your time!
Kick off the weekend with delicious Cajun cuisine, discover vibrant culture through old architecture and jazz clubs, or get your history on with a trip to the National WW2 Museum.
Hiking and fishing enthusiasts will love exploring the parks, bayous, rivers and lakes.
If you’re hoping to catch some vibes, The French Quarter is just the place: if it weren’t for its architectural charm and must-try food spots, its age-old streets would lure you in with its colorful cast of characters.
3. Los Angeles (3.5 Hour Flight)
Hop aboard a plane and jet off; in no time at all, you will land in Los Angeles. Home to some of the most iconic hotspots, there’s no doubt you can have your best weekend getaway yet.
When it comes to this West Coast city, life really is like a box of chocolates – you never know what surprise you’ll get!
From Venice Beach and its rollerblading performers to Rodeo Dr. and the designer labels, it’s got something for everyone.
Griffith Observatory for star gazing? Check! Hollywood Walk of Fame for selfies? Check!
And how can anyone miss a trip to Santa Monica? It’s got some of the best restaurants, incredible nightlife AND one of the most legendary beach scenes in the US… are you convinced yet?
There are lots of other nearby spots like Disneyland – if you’ve still got any free time (or energy) once the weekend is over.
4. Mexico City (2.5 Hour Flight)
If a short flight from Houston is all you’ve got for a vacation getaway, try Mexico City for its thrills, chaos and culture!
Take a tour of this vibrant city and stumble across historical gems as well as exquisite cuisine available on every corner.
If you’re an art-lover seeking inspiration, take a visit to any of the 150 museums within the city walls.
And if you’d rather paint the town red after dark, be sure to check out some of Mexico City’s best bars and clubs that open until the wee morning.
And don’t forget about the array of street food – a dizzying swath of deliciousness that’ll leave you in foodie heaven.
So let your inner explorer take flight this weekend – to Mexico City!
5. Las Vegas (3.5 Hour Flight)
Thinking of squeezing in a weekend getaway? Whether you’re looking for a wild party scene or something more low-key, it doesn’t get better than Las Vegas.
With a short flight from Houston, you can arrive in sunny sin city and start ticking off your bucket list of things to do at these dazzling resorts.
Here’s your chance to experience the bright lights and world-class restaurants that the self-proclaimed entertainment capital of the world has to offer.
You don’t have to be “rolling in the deep” to have an amazing time here, so if you don’t feel like gambling, there are still so many things to do.
You can race exotic cars, take in breathtaking views of the Strip, shop till you drop, go on gondola rides, and much more.
Whether you’re feeling lucky or not, let the glitz and glamour take over your trip!
6. San Antonio (1 Hour Flight)
San Antonio, where the Alamo met its legendary demise, SeaWorld stirs up excitement, and that’s all before you hit the Riverwalk.
Of course, there are plenty of other reasons to visit San Antonio besides the infamous Riverwalk.
With sublime art galleries and incredible eateries waiting to fill your belly, you’d be hard-pressed not to find something to keep yourself entertained in this sunny city.
Plus, considering it was founded by the Spanish a few hundred years ago, you can be sure of some top-notch Hispanic culture around every corner. So when in Texas – check out San Antonio!
7. Phoenix (3 Hour Flight)
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway full of interesting activity, fresh air and amazing experiences, then a short flight from Houston to Phoenix might just be the answer.
Not only can you explore top-notch museums, wineries, gorgeous desert landscapes and lots of hiking trails – but you can also take part in some serious retail therapy.
Make the most of your time by starting with downtown Phoenix – home to some great attractions like the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Phoenix Art Museum.
If relaxation is more your thing, there are plenty of luxurious resorts and spas where you can kick back and unwind.
8. Miami (2.5 Hour Flight)
Looking for a weekend escape but don’t want to spend too much time in the air? Book a ticket from Houston to Miami – a short flight that will have you up and away from the office in no time!
Find postcard-perfect white sand beaches, explore boat-filled fishing spots, take an art tour of the world-class galleries, or unleash your inner culture vulture and dive into history with its stunning museums.
For an extra dose of local color, make the short drive to explore the vibrant Design District or a Spanish monastery.
Be sure to sample the incredible food as check out the local boutique shops. Urban glamour never looked so good!
9. Puebla (2.5 Hour Flight)
If you’re looking to experience an authentic slice of Mexican culture – from sifting through colorful markets to treating your taste buds to delicious food – the vibrant and punchy city of Puebla won’t let you down.
Don’t forget to check out the city’s museums too – it’s a terrific way to learn about its past.
In Puebla, your time will fly by faster than the plane you took to get here!
10. Belize (2.5 Hour Flight)
Belize is a paradise for outdoorsy types seeking adventure, relaxation, and culture.
Whether you want to swing through the jungle like Tarzan on a zip line, or just read a book on the gorgeous shores of a Caribbean beach, Belize will not disappoint.
And if you get hungry, let’s just say that snacks in Belize are as unique as its culture!
When the day turns to night, don’t despair – the city nightlife will keep you going until morning.
11. Dallas (1 Hour Flight)
Dallas isn’t just a shopping hub – it’s a feast for all the senses. Art lovers can satisfy their creative cravings at the Dallas Museum of Art, and outdoors enthusiasts can marvel at The Dallas Arboretum.
What about shopping? Look no further than the Galleria, which provides not only a ton of stores but also an indoor ice rink!
And when it’s time to party, hit up Deep Ellum; not only is this arts district great during the day, but it really comes alive when the sun goes down, packed with some of the most delicious restaurants and bars around.
12. Cabo San Lucas (3 Hour Flight)
Cabo San Lucas is perfectly situated in the Pacific Ocean, where it meets the Sea of Cortez.
This beautiful destination is a swoon-worthy combination of luxury and adventure – book a stay at one of the best beachfront resorts before spending the afternoon hitting the links at a top-rated golf course.
It’s a wonderland for the curious at heart, too, especially with El Arco as its symbol.
From simply relaxing on the beach to catch up on your tan to thrilling excursions like scuba diving and snorkeling, you won’t run out of things to do here.
Even if you’re not feeling particularly daring, let us not forget about fishing charters and whale watching – which are arguably the best in Los Cabos!
13. Havana (3 Hour Flight)
Just a short 3-hour flight away, Havana is an ideal destination for a short trip from Houston.
When you’re in Cuba, you can’t miss all the old-world architecture, vintage cars and of course, the beach life. Not to mention, their famous cigars and Cuban cocktails – talk about living it up!
If coffee’s not your thing, try Cuban rum, which we hear is second to none.
If you make it to Old Havana, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, prepare for some serious history lessons with its time-weathered buildings and colonial-era grandeur.
Mixing European style with Caribbean color – we must be dreaming!
14. Chicago (2.5 Hour Flight)
Not only known for its windy weather and famous architecture, Chicago is also famous for its vibrant music scene – jazz to blues to hip hop, there’s something for everyone on the musical spectrum.
And if you’re hungry? You’re in luck because Chicago boasts an amazing dining scene with all sorts of delicious eats like deep dish pizza, donuts and their famous hot dogs – so good that all Texans should cross state lines just to try them out!
