For a Half Day

Kemah Boardwalk: Only a 45-minute drive from Downtown (south along I-45 and Tex-518) Kemah is a popular half-day trip due to its waterfront shops, restaurants and amusement rides. Nearby, the Old Seabrook Historic District is a charming village with shop-lined streets, outdoor markets and seasonal festivals. Information is available from the Kemah Boardwalk (tel: (281) 334 9880; website: www.kemahboardwalk.com).

George Ranch Historical Park: Located 30 minutes southwest of Downtown at 10215 FM762, Richmond (tel: (281) 343 0218; website: www.georgeranch.org), this is a working ranch where visitors can witness a cowboy cattle drive, as well as experience the struggle of early pioneers to Texas.

For a Whole Day

San Jacinto Battleground Historical Complex: Approximately 32km (20 miles) east of Houston (along Tex-225 and Tex-134) 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, 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. The site is open daily 0800-2100 April to September and 0800-1900 October to March.

Galveston Island: Located 80km (50 miles) southeast of Houston (along I-45) on the Gulf of Mexico, this island (website: www.galveston.com) 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: 1 800 582 4673; website: www.moodygardens.com) houses an aquarium representing the oceans of the world, a tropical rainforest and an IMAX screen, as well as one of America's first IMAX ridefilm theatres with wrap-around screens giving the sensation of being in the film. The complex is open Sunday to Friday 1000-1800 and Saturday 1000-2000, and daily 1000 to 2100 in the summer. You can book day passes online. The nearby Lone Star Flight Museum (tel: (409) 740 7722; website: www.lsfm.org) houses an extensive collection of restored aircraft and is open daily 0900-1700.