16 Best Romantic Getaways Near Houston, Texas - Updated 2023

1. Boerne (from USD 111)

226 miles (363.71 kilometers) from Houston, Boerne is the perfect spot for a romantic weekend getaway near Houston, especially for couples who like outdoor activities. You can have a picnic or go fishing at Boerne City Lake Park. If you’re artsy, enjoy public art at Art Al Fresco, or if you’re more active, try one of the many biking and hiking trails of the Boerne Trail System.

Boerne’s nightlife is also lively; Cave Without A Name combines a natural experience of marveling at natural formations and a concert experience in the Queen’s Throne Room. Boerne is also home to some of the best craft breweries near Houston, such as Barrelman Brewing Co.

2. Dripping Springs (from USD 177)

Known as the “gateway to the hill country,” Dripping Springs is popular for many natural wonders and a lively music scene. Only 183 miles (294.51 kilometers) from Houston, it is perfect for a weekend trip from Houston. It features numerous natural attractions such as Dripping Springs Ranch Park, Pedernales Falls State Park, and Hamilton Pool Preserve. You can also enjoy dinner while listening to live music in many of its live music events in venues such as Mercer Dancehall and Parmeson Wines.

3. Fredericksburg (from USD 168)

One of the most popular romantic and quick getaways from Houston is Fredericksburg, mostly due to its many wineries. Being 237.5 mi (382.2 km) away, it takes almost 4 hours to drive from Houston to this city. It was one of the German settlements during the colonial attempt in the mid-19th century and is said to be the home of the Texas German dialect. The city’s Historic District was established in the National Register of Historic Places in Texas. Explore Fredericksburg’s rich wineries, get to know its roots at Pioneer Museum, and spend your romantic weekend at Inn on Barons Creek.

4. Galveston (from USD 105)

If you’re looking to go somewhere you can enjoy the beach, drive an hour south of Houston - about 51.2 mi (82 km) to the beautiful island city of Galveston on the Gulf Coast of Texas. Before you swim the wavy beaches of Galveston, first make your way to its many attractions like Moody Gardens, Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, and Galveston Island State Park. The city is also famous for its small surf spots. Come down to this lively city and check-in at Hilton Galveston Island Resort.

5. Denton (from USD 99)

Over 4 hours north of Houston is the musical city of Denton, which is 279 mi (449 km) away. Have one of your best weekend trips from Houston to date with the city’s vibrant music scene, hosting major festivals like Denton Arts and Jazz Festival and 35 Denton Music Festival, as well as the North Texas State Fair and Rodeo. The city is also home to University of North Texas College of Music. If you’re a big fan of jazz or music in general, you’re in for a treat at Denton. Plan your romantic getaway soon and stay at one of the nice hotels in the city, Courtyard by Marriott Denton.

6. Austin (from USD 239)

Perhaps one of the more popular choices for a romantic getaway from Houston is the equally lively city of Austin just 162.4 mi (261 km) or 2.5 hours away. Its slogan is “The Live Music Capital of the World” since the city is home to renowned musicians and live performance venues. The city is frequented by young adults and creatives who participate in one of Austin’s major events, South by Southwest, a festival of film, interactive media, music, and other conferences. Stay at W Austin on Lavaca Street when you visit the city!

7. New Braunfels (from USD 101)

One of the romantic Houston getaways is the historical New Braunfels. Bring your loved one to enjoy numerous water sports, swimming in spring-fed pools, lazily tubing down the river at New Braunfels which has both the Comal River and Guadalupe River running through it. At just 257 km (160 mi) - or almost 3 hours away by car - from Houston, this city will have you and your loved one thrilled by the numerous attractions including the Historic Railroad Museum where you get to see dozens of artifacts and pictures that any train or history enthusiast will appreciate and don’t miss taking a tour through Landa Park on the miniature train! Hilton Garden Inn, New Braunfels is the ideal place to end your night while here. This New Braunfels hotel with a 24-hour snack shop and an outdoor pool features luxurious air-conditioned rooms with an iPod docking station, a 37-inch flat-screen TV and amenities including a coffee maker, and a microwave.

8. Brenham (from USD 66)

Commonly referred to as “rural Texas”, this town is a small piece of heaven in the middle of nowhere and is one of the best romantic weekend getaways from Houston. Enjoy boutique hotels such as the antique bed and breakfast that offer sumptuous meals, visit art galleries and professional plays at the Unity Theater, and occasional concerts and vintage film screenings at The Barnhill Center, entertain the child in you with a visit to Newman’s Castle or just spend the day on a ranch-style horseback adventure at the Dos Brisas. While in town spend the night at the Best Western Brenham which features comfortable beds. The rooms feature free WIFI, a coffee maker, microwave and a sofa bed.

From Houston, Brenham is just 76 mi (122 km) or 1 hour and 10 minutes away.

9. Graham (from USD 102)

Loaded with enough fun for days, Graham offers you the great natural beauty of a hill country, cultural activities, and plenty of outdoor recreations. Discover new hiking trails, go horseriding, wild turkey hunting or sit back with your loved one and enjoy fishing. For that slow day catch a movie at the historic drive-in theater, tour the five national historic sites or the old fort. For the golf enthusiast, there is a nine-hole golf course which is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday. D

on’t worry about your skills for they have a golf pro available to assist you at any given time. Offering an outdoor pool and a fitness center we recommend the Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Graham for your stay. The rooms at this hotel are spacious and feature a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, a microwave, and ironing facilities.

Graham is about a 5-hour drive away from Houston, with a distance of 346.5 mi (558 km)

10. Fort Worth (from USD 129)

If you are looking for the perfect dining opportunity, nightlife, shopping, adventure, and entertainment, then from Houston, drive 262 mi (421.6 km) or about 4 hours to Fort Worth.

Loaded with everything you can ever imagine for a romantic getaway, you and your loved one can choose to enjoy an astonishing range of classic and contemporary ballet shows, walk in the botanic gardens which are a nature-filled hideout away from town, visit the numerous art museums including the Amon Carter Museum of American Art or be part of the numerous rodeos and concerts at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Book the Aloft Fort Worth Downtown, while here for a comfortable stay.

11. Paris (from USD 69)

Located in the county of Lamar, Paris, Texas, is just the city you need to visit to get your romantic juices flowing. While here not only do you get to visit the Eiffel Tower which is replica of the one in Paris, with its cowboy hat on top but there is a cemetery with Jesus in cowboy boots and for the history buffs make sure to visit the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial which has a ring of granite walls with the names of all the veterans from the five-county Red River Valley who served in the military. While in town spend the night at the American Inn & Suites which boasts a large garden, free WIFI, air conditioning and all the rooms are fitted with a desk. Guests here are offered a continental breakfast each morning.

From Houston, Paris, TX is almost a 5-hour drive away at a distance of 306.4 mi (493) km, but it’s definitely worth the trip!

12. Port Aransas (from USD 81)

Located on the Mustang Island, 207 mi (333 km) - roughly a 4-hour drive - from Houston and known for its Gulf of Mexico beaches and fish-filled waterways, Port Aransas is just the right place to hold hands and spend a day strolling barefooted on the beach.

During your romantic getaway, you can spend the day sliding down water slides, bird watching or searching for dolphins, and in the evening you can have a delicious dinner and then later watch a local show at the Port Aransas Community Theater. Book a room at the Best Western Port Aransas and spend the night in their luxurious accommodations with a separate sitting room, a coffee machine, microwave, and a refrigerator.

13. Jefferson (from USD 130)

This thriving tourist center with popular attractions will offer you everything you need to make your romantic getaway fun. Jefferson is almost 4 hours away by car, with a distance of 234 mi (376.6 km), but the drive is worth it. From historic museums with 1880s homesteads, art and antique guns, to lakes full of fish where you can also kayak or rent a boat to the museum of measurement of time with over 400 clocks, mostly American made, from the period 1700-1900, you are sure to have your hands full while in Jefferson City. White Oak Manor Bed and Breakfast is our favorite accommodation in Jefferson. Each room features free WIFI, a private bathroom and bath, a flat-screen TV and a fridge.

14. Bryan (from USD 169)

Located 160 km (100 miles) from Houston, the city of Bryan offers you and your loved one all you need for a romantic getaway, history, art, shopping, music, and food. You can visit the famous Lake Bryan for an active day fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and boating. You can also spend a day tasting beer at the local wineries, tee off at their numerous golf courts or just spend an easy day visiting the local shops for a gift or a souvenir or take a walk through the historical parks for that perfect moment. As for the foodie, Bryan has something for everyone, you and your love can enjoy numerous delicacies from tacos, burgers, Italian or German dishes, not to mention the best barbecues all available in either fine dining restaurants or food trucks. While in town spend the night at the Stella Hotel that is located within 7 km (4.3 miles) of Williamson Park in Bryan and offers you comfortable rooms equipped with a wardrobe, a study desk, and a flat-screen TV.

15. Lake Charles (from USD 169)

Lake Charles in Louisiana takes a little over 2 hours to reach, with a distance of 143.5 mi (230 km), from Houston. It is one of the largest cultural hubs in southwest Louisiana and has a prominent Creole and Cajun culture. Some of its major museums include Imperial Calcasieu Museum, Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center, and USS Orleck Naval Museum. Lake Charles also hosts the Louisiana Pirate Festival and greatly celebrates Mardi Gras. When you decide to spend your romantic getaway in this vibrant city, we recommend staying at L’Auberge Casino Resort.

16. Arlington (from USD 129)

From bowling museums, golf courses, science centers, aquariums to baseball and football stadiums, your romantic getaway in Texas will never be complete without a visit to the city of Arlington. While here, visit the Arlington Music Hall for a taste of the arts and culture of this beautiful city. The musical arts range from pop to classical to tribute shows giving you a chance to up your culture quotient. Book yourself in at the traditionally decorated rooms at The Thornton Inn Bed and Breakfast which feature a private bathroom with posh bathrobes, comfortable beds and complimentary full-country breakfast, coffee and wine at their spacious front porch.

Arlington is over 3 hours away by car, at 256 mi (412 km).

A perfect getaway with the one you love most

Whether you’re from out of state or country or a Texas local looking for a romantic staycation destination, there are many places near Houston worth visiting. Invite your loved one to one of these places for a romantic trip.

For more accommodation options in Houston, check out the best unique hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals.