List of National Parks near Houston, Texas
In this article, I will let you know list of national parks near Houston, Texas. I also added a map of national parks near Houston on Google Maps at the end of the article.
List of National Parks near Houston, Texas
- Waco Mammoth National Monument ~190 miles (about 3 hours by car)
- San Antonio Missions National Historical Park ~200 miles (about 3 hours 10 minutes by car)
- Padre Island National Seashore ~240 miles (about 4 hours by car)
- Hot Springs National Park ~420 miles (about 7 hours by car)
(You can click the image below to see map of national parks near Houston, Texas in full size)
1. Waco Mammoth National Monument
Distance: ~190 miles northwest of Houston (about 3 hours by car).
Highlights:
- A paleontological site featuring the remains of Columbian mammoths that lived during the Ice Age.
- Excavation shelter showcasing fossils in their original position.
Activities:
- Guided fossil tours.
- Hands-on paleontology programs for families.
- Nature trails and picnic areas.
2. San Antonio Missions National Historical Park
Distance: ~200 miles west of Houston (about 3 hours by car).
Highlights:
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving four 18th-century Spanish colonial missions: Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan, and Mission Espada.
- Beautifully restored architecture and rich cultural history.
Activities:
- Guided tours of the missions.
- Walking or biking along the scenic Mission Trail.
- Exploring historical exhibits and attending cultural events.
3. Padre Island National Seashore
Distance: ~240 miles southwest of Houston (about 4 hours by car).
Highlights:
- The longest undeveloped barrier island in the world, stretching 70 miles along the Gulf of Mexico.
- Diverse wildlife, including nesting sea turtles and migratory birds.
Activities:
- Beachcombing, swimming, and fishing.
- Birdwatching at designated viewing spots.
- Camping near the beach.
- Kayaking, windsurfing, and other water sports.
4. Hot Springs National Park
Distance: ~425 miles northeast of Houston (about 6.5 hours by car).
Highlights:
- Located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, it is one of the oldest protected areas in the United States.
- Known for its thermal hot springs with naturally flowing mineral water.
Activities:
- Bathing in historic bathhouses like Buckstaff or Quapaw.
- Hiking trails through the Ouachita Mountains.
- Touring the historic downtown and learning about the park’s history.
Map of national parks near Houston, TX
Tag: best national parks near Houston
