Looking for a vacation spot near Houston
 

We may be going to Texas in mid February for some evening theater shows in Houston. We are not familiar with Texas and are looking for a home base to relax and explore during the day. We don't mind driving an hour or to Houston for our evening events. I was thinking Galveston for a condo rental on the beach? I don't think it will be beach weather necessarily but at least some nice walks, etc. Any other ideas?

I meant "an hour or so".

We like this place www.awhitetexaspelican.com.

In Galveston, the San Luis is nice.

You can also find condos at www.galveston.com.

Thanks volcanogirl, I appreciate your reply. I do like the first link very much and the price is right too. I will check into it. The San Luis is beautiful, but a bit more than I want to pay for this trip.

How long are you going to be in the Houston area? I can't imagine driving back and forth from Houston every night just so you can stay in Galveston. The traffic can be horrible. Are you interested in anything else in particular, or do you really just want to hang out? Your selection of museums, restaurants, and other activities is much better in Houston. I'd stay in Houston and then drive to Galveston for the day if that appeals to you. I personally don't care for Galveston. the beach and water are not attractive. I've definitely been to some fun activities, parties, and event there, but as a vacation destination, it wouldn't be my choice.

Be sure to confirm hurricane rebuild status with any place you decide to stay in Galveston.

Staying over at the Galleria area to be close to Houston's best mall, many fine restaurants, and Memorial Park for exercise is a short drive to theatre and not so far for a day trip to Galveston.

If you decide to stay in Houston, this place gets good reviews.

http://www.lovettinn.com/main.php

I think you would love the place in Kemah. Kemah is in between Houston and Galveston, so would be sort of a midpoint if you're interested in both. The Kemah boardwalk is a fun place to go for dinner, lots of restaurants along the water. If you go to the website, check out the view from the Duke Room. It has a private balcony and great view of the water.

If you go to Galveston, Moody Gardens is a must see.

Food for thought. I'll check out Galleria area as well. I wonder how the weather will be in mid-Feb. Temps in the mid 50's-60's?

Neighbors were in Kemah looking at a boat a couple weekends ago volcanogirl. They were raving about it...cute little town, fun shops. They stayed overnight someplace in the marina. I keep hearing about it, and now it's on my list of places to visit some weekend.

Mid-February can be anything from 70s and sunny to 30s with freezing rain. There is absolutely no predicting--and it can be both in the same week. Checking the weather report just before you come will give you the most helpful information.

00, it is cute; sometimes they have live music and things. We like to go down for drinks and dinner just to be near the water. That area got decimated by the hurricane. We can't believe how well they've all bounced back. Galveston too. Driving down the sea wall you wouldn't even know a hurricane had hit except for the Flagship hotel.

Agree about the weather in February. I remember it being nearly 80 one day and then I had to rush home to get the plants in the garage because a cold front was coming through and it was going to freeze. I love going to Galveston, just being near the water is relaxing to me. Hope you get the good weather.

Anything is better than Detroit in February, trust me. 30 degrees, I'd be out on my deck barbequing :-. I really appreciate the input coming through here.

If you decide to stay or just visit Kemah, nearby is the Armand Bayou Nature Center. 2,500 acres of wetlands, swamps, bayous, etc with lots of water fowl, alligators, cranes, birds, etc and many hiking trails. Just a few miles off I-45 between Houston and Galveston so easy to get to. Great getaway place, especially when weather's decent.

www.abnc.org

Yup, Feb weather can be all over the place, but should certainly be better than Detroit.

Forgot to add - we also like Galveston. Not for the beach, but for the historic homes, the Strand area, restaurants, and real laid-back atmosphere.

If you like ships, check out the Elissa based in Galveston. A working, 1877 restored sailing ship with tours etc. Very interesting.

I like the idea of the nature center hiking trails. How nervous should I be about aligators? The Elissa sounds interesting too, thanks!

We've seen them when we're hiking but haven't felt threatened by them. I agree with dfr about the history of Galveston. They have tons of great old homes you can tour like the Bishop's Palace.

Usually no problem with the gators - the trails are usually elevated and/or built on stilts. And if the weather's cool, they don't move fast anyway. :-D

When we rented a condo on a pond on Kiawah in SC there were alligators in the water. I'd walk in the dark before sunrise to the ocean until I found out the gators sometimes hid under parked cars or on front porches. Eek! Thanks for the reassurance, dfr :-)

We LOVE Galveston!!! Great seafood, historic homes, good shelling on the beach, the Strand shopping area. We have been there in February several times; we are from Minnesota so it is warm for us but not hot. We wear a light jacket most days. My favorite home tour is the Moody Mansion. The Great Storm museum is worthwhile, as is the Elissa. We like the Stingaree restaurant on Crystal Beach, Willie G and Le Croix on the Strand and Bennos and Millers on the Seawall.

And The Spot is a great place to grab a burger. Mosquito Cafe has great food too.