The long way there
The drive from Austin to Houston connects two of Texas's most dynamic cities. Leave the live music capital with its 'Keep Austin Weird' vibe and head to the diverse, sprawling metropolis of Houston with its world-class museums and NASA's Space Center. This short drive offers a taste of Texas variety.
Where to pull over
Bastrop State Park
50 km inLost Pines forest and scenic hiking trails
Brenham
140 km inBlue Bell Ice Cream factory and wildflowers
Washington-on-the-Brazos
160 km inBirthplace of Texas independence
Space Center Houston
265 km inNASA's official visitor center
Houston Museum District
265 km in19 museums within walking distance
Driving tips
- 1
Take Highway 290 for the scenic route through Texas Hill Country
- 2
Stop in Brenham during spring for stunning bluebonnets
- 3
Visit Blue Bell Creamery for tours and free samples
- 4
Book Space Center Houston tickets online to skip lines
- 5
Houston traffic can be brutal—avoid rush hours
Other ways through
Highway 290 scenic route
I-10 via San Antonio for longer loop