A road trip from Dallas to Houston is a great way to see some of the country’s best cities. Here are some tips for planning your own Texas adventure.
The scenic route from dallas to houston is a road trip that can be taken from Dallas, TX to Houston, TX.
A road journey from Dallas to Houston is ideal if you want a vacation that is both beautiful and instructive. This journey will take you through everything from beautiful Texas woods and ranches to some of the best museum tours in the country.
It takes 3 hours 30 minutes to travel the 240 miles from Dallas to Houston. The Davy Crockett and Sam Houston National Forests, as well as stops in Conroe and The Woodlands, the Houstone Space Center, and Minute Maid Park, are all must-sees.
You may be surprised by how much there is to see along the route, so make sure you read all the way to the conclusion to ensure you know what to expect.
What is the distance between Houston and Dallas, and how long will the journey take?
The journey from Dallas to Houston is 240 miles long and takes 3 hours 30 minutes. This is a particularly simple road trip for novice drivers since all you have to do is stay on Interstate 45 the whole time.
This lovely route takes use of basic but fascinating natural beauty, an abundance of camping sites (especially along the route’s numerous lakes), and a lengthy chain of decent-sized towns and cities, each with its own idiosyncrasies and historical relics.
The Woodlands are a quiet, serene, and breathtakingly gorgeous location to explore towards the end of your journey.
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One thing to keep in mind about this journey is that, although the road is usually free of traffic and Houston isn’t too bad, getting out of Dallas may take a long time, particularly on weekends. With that in mind, you’ll want to start your road trip as early as possible.
With a trip this short, you may not think there’s much to unpack, but you’ll want to take your time and attempt to see some of the lesser-known sites in or near the places you’ll be passing through.
The best way to go from Dallas to Houston is via car.
The most beautiful and simple route from Dallas to Houston is through Interstate 45; despite its short length, this scenic route offers lots of sights to see while still being easy to drive.
The best way to go from Dallas to Houston is to take a road trip.
Take Interstate 45 south, passing William Blair Jr. Park and the Trinity River Audubon Center along the way. Continue through Xtreme Raceway Park and Texas Motorplex after you’ve left Dallas, then stop in Corsicana for a rest.
Cut via Fairfield and Buffalo before taking a diversion to Davy Crockett National Forest from Centerville, through Richland-Chambers Reservoir and Fairfield Lake State Park. Return to the highway and travel through Huntsville and the Sam Houston National Forest after you’ve finished.
From there, go to Lake Conroe Park and W.G. Jones State Forest, as well as The Woodlands’ beautiful parks. Finally, in the spring, visit the parks and go a bit farther south to reach downtown Houston.
Between Dallas and Houston, the best locations to stop
Don’t let the small distance entice you into driving from Dallas to Houston in a single day; the journey is best enjoyed over three or four days, particularly if you can combine it with some great hotel bargains.
Although there are lots of fantastic lodging choices along the route, you should reserve a stay at one of the following resorts to ensure a memorable vacation:
Take in the tranquility of Conroe’s lakefront setting.
Despite its proximity to Houston, Conroe is an excellent base of operations for exploring the whole county. Conroe Lake, the city’s namesake, is one of the region’s most popular fishing and tourist sites.
Piney Shorts Resort has you covered whether you want to watch the sunset from the lakeside or relax in the fancy hot tub.
Lake Conroe and the lush greenery that surrounds it provide the ideal setting for a picnic.
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This resort is the epitome of homely and welcoming, thanks to its simple but beautiful design. But, more significantly, the stunning Conroe Lake is right in your backyard!
Aside from the magnificent jacuzzi, the hotel also has a fantastic tennis court and a swimming pool that is sure to amaze. When you’ve got your fill of outdoor fun, come inside for a game of table tennis or mini-golf.
When you consider all of the facilities and the breathtaking surroundings, the hotel’s pricing is very reasonable. Furthermore, the Sam Houston National Forest and The Woodlands are also just a short distance away.
In Houston, you’ll get five-star care.
Houston is by far the largest city on our itinerary, and the amount of things to do here is virtually limitless – you could spend your entire vacation in downtown Houston’s Theater and Historic Districts and never get bored.
Unsurprisingly, the state’s largest city also offers some of the swankiest lodging options. The Post Oak Hotel is as posh as fancy gets for a hotel experience that is so stereotypically five-star in every aspect.
It would be an insult to describe these rooms opulent, and if you can get one on a higher level, the view of Houston’s cityscape is unrivaled. Even when exercising in the fitness center, you can take in a panoramic view of the city, which is just waiting for you to discover.
Downtown Houston has a certain allure that keeps you going back for more.
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The vibrant colors of the bar and restaurant complement the hotel’s high-end architecture, but as stunning as the inside is, the outside pool, equipped with a fire pit and lots of space for mingling, may be the most striking feature.
This hotel’s location and connection could not be better, with attractions like Memorial Park within walking distance. It’s worth mentioning that the pricing is a bit on the high side, but considering how good it is, it’s not as bad as it might be.
On a road journey from Dallas to Houston, there are many sights to view.
On the road journey from Dallas to Houston, there are so many monuments and hidden treasures to uncover. Although listing everything would be difficult, here are the locations you should certainly keep a look out for:
- Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theater — If you’re searching for some old-school fun, you and your better half may enjoy a snack and a movie from the comfort of your own vehicle at the Galaxy Drive-In Movie Theater.
- Ennis Bluebonnet Paths are a wonderful series of hiking trails that take advantage of the gorgeous wildflowers in the area.
- Every October, amateur high-stakes races are conducted at Texas Motorplex, the region’s premier drag-race venue.
- Navarro Mills Lake is a great location to catch catfish and white crappie if you like fishing.
- Collin Street Bakery is a must-visit for pecan pies and fruitcakes from Texas.
- The Davy Crockett National Forest is a vast wooded area with some of Texas’ most attractive hiking routes and picnic areas.
- The Texas Prison Museum, Huntsville’s most popular attraction, will offer you a taste of what it was like to be a prisoner in Texas throughout the twentieth century.
- Huntsville State Park is a beautiful wooded region that complements the Sam Houston National Forest nearby.
- The Sam Houston National Forest is a beautiful forest with hiking trails, Lake Conroe, numerous streams, and a variety of animals.
- Conroe is a beautiful community with a thriving commercial center and lots of parks.
- Todd Mission — If you’re visiting Houston in the autumn, be sure to stop at Todd Mission to see the famous Texas Renaissance Festival.
- W. G. Jones State Forest — horseback ride or hike through this preserve to see natural flora and wildlife (such the red-cockaded woodpecker).
- The Woodlands is a fascinating town renowned for its vibrant music culture and a plethora of retail malls.
Driving through the Sam Houston National Forest will relax you.
Shutterstock.com/Tyler Stuard
When is the best time to go from Dallas to Houston?
One of the best things about driving from Dallas to Houston is that you can do it whenever you choose. The short journey is jam-packed with sights at every turn, so no matter the season, you’ll never be bored.
Since you’ll be spending much more time at the various stopovers than on the road, you’ll probably want to make sure it’s not raining when you do the trip. If you do get caught off-guard by rain or snow, though, you can rest assured that driving the interstate is extremely safe.
With that said, Texas has some of the worst humidity in the country, and you should keep in mind that temperatures rise dramatically in the summer, making visits in June and August difficult to suggest in especially hot years.
There’s a lot more to lovely Houston than simply skyscrapers.
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The months of September-November and March-May, on the other hand, are excellent for the trip since temperatures average about 80 degrees. Also, by mid-fall, the summer throngs will have dissipated, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely tour to the sights.
Not to mention that, since the weather is so nice in the spring and autumn, many of the city’s most memorable celebrations take place at this time of year – any big event you’ve visited elsewhere in the United States almost certainly has a Houston spinoff.
If you like winter driving, you’ll be pleased to learn that Texas temperatures are pleasant between December and January (low-to-mid 60s). This is also the least expensive time to visit, since there are few visitors due to the absence of festivals.
The rest stop between houston and dallas is a place that allows travelers to take a break from their long journey. It’s important for drivers to know the rest stops on the way so they can get some much needed rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in between Dallas and Houston?
Dallas is in between Houston and Austin.
Which highway goes from Dallas to Houston?
Highway 290.
What is the best road trip in Texas?
The best road trip in Texas is the drive from Houston to Dallas.
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