Houston is an amazing hub, but one of its best perks is how many unique towns and coastal getaways sit just a short drive away. Whether you’re craving ocean views, historic downtowns, or small-town Texas charm, these nearby destinations are perfect for day trips or weekend adventures. 1. Baytown, TX Baytown is often overlooked, but it really has a quiet charm of its own. It may not have the polish of Sugar Land or The Woodlands, but that’s part of what makes it special. In the last few years, it’s grown into a true hidden gem. Sitting along the Houston Ship Channel, Baytown offers beautiful waterfront views, peaceful nature escapes like the Baytown Nature Center and  Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center, a lovely library, and a cozy downtown filled with seasonal events, free public art, Umbrella Alley, and fun Christmas celebrations for the whole community. And the drive over the iconic Fred Hartman Bridge — a distinctive cable-stayed bridge with double diamond-shaped towers — feels like ...