World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Houston  - Excursions
Excursions

For a Half Day

Kemah Boardwalk:
Only a 45-minute drive from downtown Houston along I-45 and Tex-518, Kemah is a popular half-day trip due to its waterfront shops, restaurants and amusement rides. Nearby, is the Old Seabrook Historic District, a charming village with shop-lined streets, outdoor markets and seasonal festivals. Information is available (tel: (877) 285 3624, toll free USA and Canada only).

For a Whole Day

San Jacinto Battleground Historical Complex:
Around 32km (20 miles) east of Houston along Tex-225 and Tex-132, is the spot that marks the battleground where Texas won its independence from Mexico in 1836. The complex (tel: (281) 479 2421; website: www.sanjacinto-museum.org ) houses the San Jacinto Monument (open daily 0900-1730), which is a 174m (570ft) obelisk that towers over the surrounding area - there is an observation deck for visitors to enjoy the views. At the base of the monument is the San Jacinto Museum of History (open daily 0900-1800). Of particular interest is the Battleship Texas (open daily 1000-1700), commissioned in 1914, which saw action at Normandy and Okinawa. Entrance to the site is free but there is a charge of US$3 (concessions available) for the observatory and US$3.50 for the film Texas Forever!, which is shown every hour until 1700 at the Jesse H Jones Theater for Texas Studies.

Galveston Island:
Located 80km (50 miles) southeast of Houston, along I-45, on the Gulf of Mexico, this island is rich in history. The grand avenues and quiet lanes of the East End and Silk Stocking Historic Districts are home to some extravagant residences built by the wealthy merchants. The Strand has Victorian shops, art galleries and museums. Across the island, Moody Gardens (tel: (409) 744 4673 or (800) 582 4673, toll free USA and Canada only; website: www.moodygardens.com) houses an aquarium representing the oceans of the world, a tropical rainforest, an IMAX screen and the Lone Star Flight Museum housing an extensive collection of restored aircraft.



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