Sometimes, you don’t need a plane ticket to take a vacation, just a tank of gas and a good playlist. With the Houston heat in full swing, why not pack up the car and set your Waze app to Rockport, Texas – a charming, artsy coastal town just over three hours away, perfect for a quick summer reset.
Why Rockport and not Galveston you ask? It’s cleaner, calmer and not as touristy. Rockport blends coastal calm and creative culture effortlessly. With beaches, kayaking, birdwatching, fishing, art and markets – all infused with breezy hospitality – it’s the perfect escape from Houston’s heat without the hassle of far travel.
Whether you’re beach-hopping, birdwatching or sipping iced tea by the bay, Rockport is the kind of laid-back getaway that makes you forget you’re still in Texas. So, pack your flip-flops, toss in a beach towel and your sense of adventure and get ready for a breezy weekend that’s big on enchantment and low on stress. Rockport is waiting to charm you – one salty, chill breeze at a time!
Start your trip at Rockport Beach, Texas’ first Blue Wave Beach, known for its clean sand, gentle surf and family-friendly atmosphere. Lounge under a palapa, rent a paddleboard or take a relaxing walk along the mile-long beachfront. It’s quieter than Galveston, but just as sun-soaked – perfect for unwinding. Swim, sunbathe, fish off the pier or bike along the waterfront – this pristine beach is perfect for a relaxing day under the sun.
Kids can splash safely in the designated swimming areas, while adults kick back and take in the sweeping bay views. The beach park also offers picnic pavilions, grills and even a playground – so whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family weekend, Rockport Beach is the kind of place where summer memories practically make themselves. Stick around for sunset – it’s one of the best on the Texas coast. You may not want to leave.
If you’re looking to be Wowed, make your next stop Goose Island State Park & the Big Tree. Wander scenic trails, fish from the pier and visit the iconic 1,000-year-old oak, a majestic Texas natural wonder. The Big Tree at Goose Island State Park was named the State Champion Coastal Live Oak in 1966. The Big Tree is still one of the largest live oak trees in Texas and in the nation.
The “Big Tree” fun facts:
• Trunk circumference: 35 feet 1.75 inches
• Average trunk diameter: 11 feet 2.25 inches
• Crown spread: 89 feet
• Height: 44 feet
• Age: Exact age is unknown – but it is centuries old and magnificent!
Ahhh, the Victoria era – a time of elegance, innovation and ornate charm. T here’s no better place to experience this era firsthand than at the elegant 19th-century Fulton Mansion. Nestled along the Gulf Coast and surrounded by sweeping live oaks and salty bay breezes, this grand 19th-century estate is a stunning window into Texas’s gilded age.
Built in 1877 by George and Harriet Fulton, the mansion was a marvel of its time. With its distinctive mansard roof, intricate gingerbread trim and stately silhouette, it still turns heads today. But it’s what’s inside that truly impresses – flush toilets, central heating and gas lighting were virtually unheard-of luxuries in this part of Texas at the time. The Fultons were true visionaries, blending cutting-edge engineering with refined taste to create a home that was both ahead of its time and deeply rooted in Victorian elegance.
This is one summer activity that’s equal parts peaceful and exhilarating. You decide! Look no further than the GlowRow Nighttime Kayak Tours. This unforgettable experience transforms a quiet evening on the water into a glowing aquatic light show – where every paddle stroke reveals the mysterious, magical life that thrives just beneath the surface. As the golden sun dips below the horizon, paddlers launch from the heart of Little Bay, heading into the locally nicknamed “ski basin,” a calm stretch of water beloved by residents for its stillness and scenic shoreline. But this isn’t your average kayak ride – each vessel is equipped with GlowRow®’s patented 3.0 LED lighting system, casting a colorful halo around your transparent kayak that turns the bay into a glowing playground. Beneath the light, marine life comes alive. Schools of fish shimmer and scatter, shrimp skip across the glow and stone crabs scuttle curiously along the bottom – creating a dynamic, ever-changing underwater show.
Did someone say Market? Sure, they got that too and this is one Texas market you do not want to miss! Held every third weekend of the month at the Festival Grounds at Rockport Harbor, Fulton Rockport Market Days bring the coastal community to life with a vibrant, open-air shopping extravaganza that showcases the best of local flavor, creativity and coastal charm. With over 100 vendors (yes, really, 100+), this isn’t your average weekend market. You’ll find an incredible mix of Texas artists, crafters, makers and small-batch food vendors, all gathered under the Gulf sky. From hand-poured candles and coastal home décor to gourmet jams, handmade jewelry, woodwork and unique art pieces – you never know what treasures you’ll discover.
But it’s not just about the shopping. Live music fills the air all day long, creating a festive, feel-good atmosphere as you stroll from booth to booth. Food trucks serve up everything from BBQ and tacos to funnel cakes and iced lemonade, so come hungry and ready to sample something new. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your pup along for the adventure.
How does sipping wine while unwinding by the water sound? Sound like your cup of “wine”? Then Winery on the Bay deserves a top spot on your itinerary. Just a short stroll from the Rockport beach and downtown shops, this cozy coastal winery offers tastings of handcrafted wines made right on site. Whether you’re into dry reds, crisp whites or something fruit-forward and fun, there’s a pour for every palate. Try a flight, order a glass or take home a bottle (or two) from their lineup of over 30 varieties. WOW! The vibe? Relaxed and friendly, with local art on the walls and often live music on weekends. The staff makes you feel right at home – and yes, it’s pet-friendly too, so bring your furry travel buddy.
Whether you’re capping off a beach day or simply looking for a laid-back local experience, Winery on the Bay pairs perfectly with a Rockport getaway. Cheers to good wine, salty breezes and easy summer escapes from Houston!
This article is part of the Road Trip Excursion Series.
– Staff report, The Houston 100