The beach is calling, and it’s time to hit the road! If you’re craving a little sand and sea, a getaway from Austin to Galveston is just the ticket.
The drive to the Gulf Coast is full of charming town squares, antique shops, parks, and quirky roadside attractions. Wondering what you should stop to see? Or which route makes the most sense?
We’ve got you covered in this Galveston road trip guide! But first, make sure you’ve reserved your Galveston vacation rental for your beach vacation. These breezy houses are the perfect spot to relax with a beautiful water view.
Here is all the travel information you need to get from Austin to Galveston.
Planning an Austin to Galveston Road Trip
Photo Credit: Lazy_Bear
Planning a road trip from Austin to Galveston is an exciting adventure filled with fun stops and stunning coastal views. Consider flying into Bergstrom International Airport for convenient access to Austin flights. With direct and non-stop flights available, reaching your starting point has never been easier.
What is the Best Route From Austin to Galveston?
There are a few options to get from Austin to Galveston, but the most direct ones are from the north on U.S. Route 290 or coming up from the south by State Highway 71 to Interstate 10. In the Houston area, both paths merge as you head south on Interstate 45 to Galveston, passing League City before crossing the bridge to the island.
Both options pass small towns, ranches, countryside, and a Buc-ee’s for that necessary potty and snack break. If you want to mix up the scenery, consider driving one route to Galveston and the other on the way back.
What is the Driving Distance From Austin to Galveston?
The distance for the northern or southern drive is roughly 215 miles and can take anywhere from three and a half to five hours, depending on traffic. It’s best to try to plan your trip to avoid rush hour times in the Houston metro.
Stops Along the Way from Austin to Galveston
Elgin
Photo Credit: Barna Tanko
Elgin is known as the “Sausage Capital of Texas” and makes the perfect lunch stop just outside of the Austin area. For a quick break, pop into Southside Market and Barbecue off 290 to experience the oldest smoked meat joint in the state. With more time, head to the town square on Main Street to check out local shops and the Elgin Depot Museum.
Round Top
Photo Credit: Alizada Studios
You’ll have to take about a 10 minute diversion off of 290 to reach Round Top, but it’s totally worth it if you’ve never visited. Known for the Round Top Antiques Fair hosted three times a year, the small town has a charming little square ringed by cafes and shops.
Brenham
Photo Credit: Alizada Studios
A popular day trip destination between Houston and Austin, Brenham is a must-see on the way to Galveston along Route 290. Head downtown to stroll Main, Alamo, and Commerce streets for bookshops, boutiques, murals, and a craft beer garden. For a quick pick-me-up, pop into Mescalito Coffee or Wired and Inspired for caffeine, Weikel’s Bakery for a sugar rush, or Must Be Heaven for sandwiches and pies in a retro diner.
Blue Bell Creameries
Photo Credit: Alizada Studios
If you only have time for one stop on your way from Austin to Galveston, Blue Bell Creameries is the obvious and delicious choice. A quick hop off 290 outside of Brenham, the home of Texas’ favorite ice cream, welcomes visitors to pop inside for a peek and a scoop.
After watching how the creamy concoction gets packaged at a factory observation deck, you can order from a wide selection of flavors at the on-site ice cream parlor. At just $1 a scoop, it’s tempting to taste them all!
Dinosaur Park
Photo Credit: Geofox
If you’re into quirky roadside attractions, Dinosaur Park makes a fun stop just outside of Austin on Highway 71. The outdoor museum displays life-size dino statues along a nature trail. It’s the perfect family-friendly destination, with a playground and fossil digging area for kids.
Bastrop & Lake Bastrop
Photo Credit: Cavan-Images
Nature lovers can stop and stretch their legs at the parks around Bastrop. The downtown Main Street stretch of shops and restaurants is just off Highway 71 and along the Colorado River, where a waterside walking trail connects Ferry Park and Fisherman’s Park.
La Grange
Photo Credit: Jacqueline F Cooper
With a historic Romanesque Revival courthouse on a square, La Grange is the quintessential small Texas town just off of Highway 71. The intersection of German and Texan heritage can be spotted here at stops like 1881 Casino Hall, the Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill State Historic Site, and the Texas Quilt Museum.
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Photo Credit: Ken Lund via Flickr CC2.0
About 50 miles west of Houston off of I-10, Stephen F. Austin State Park is a great spot to get out and stretch your legs on a road trip to Galveston. The park has 5 miles of biking and hiking trails along the banks of the Brazos River through swamps and hardwood forests.
San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site
Photo Credit: Ken Lund via Flickr CC2.0
Texas history buffs should definitely make a stop at this Stephen F. Austin State Historic Site, where the “Father of Texas” established his colony headquarters in 1823. The museum here tells stories of early Texas settlers and pioneers and a recreated town outside puts on living history demonstrations on Saturdays.
Downtown Houston
Photo Credit: Sean Pavone
There is so much to do in Texas’ largest city that it’s almost too overwhelming for a quick road trip stop. If you do want to explore downtown a bit on your way to Galveston, head to Montrose for vintage stores and art galleries, the Museum District for Hermann Park and 19 museums, the Heights for antiques and cafes in a historic neighborhood, or River Oaks for upscale shopping and dining.
Space Center Houston
Photo Credit: Mark Taylor Cunningham
Just a couple miles off I-10 on your way to Galveston, Space Center Houston is a fun stop for families – even as a day trip from your Galveston beach house! It’s the perfect backup excursion for an overcast day.
Interactive exhibits fill the education center, while outside you can explore inside a historic carrier aircraft and replica shuttle. Don’t miss the NASA tram tours that take visitors to the Johnson Space Center to see Mission Control and training facilities for the astronauts.
Tips for an Austin to Galveston Drive
Before you hit the road, plan out your drive with these handy travel tips.
1. Mix Up the Route
Since there are a couple of different routes you can take from Austin to Galveston, it makes sense to drive an alternate path on the way there and back. This the perfect opportunity to mix up the scenery on a round trip and make stops in different towns along the drive.
2. Take Your Time
If you only have a weekend in Galveston, it may make sense to drive directly to the island. But if you’re visiting for a few more days, why not take a little extra time to enjoy the sights along the way? Whether you want to check out the museums in Houston or uncover delicious bites and small town sights, the road trip from Austin to Galveston is full of incredible things to do.
3. Plan Your Food Stops in Advance
There are some really great places to eat between Austin and Galveston, but also stretches on country roads where you may only pass a fast food joint here and there. Foodies may want to plan in advance to find the best restaurants along the way and make sure that they’re open at the right time.
The Perfect Galveston Getaway
From stunning beaches to family-friendly attractions to historic mansions, your next trip to Galveston offers endless things to do on the Gulf. Whether you’re traveling from Austin to Galveston for a last minute weekend getaway or staying for longer, your road trip can set the tone for a fun vacation. When you arrive, your Galveston beach rental will wait to welcome you to the island.
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