From pitching a tent to relaxing on the beach, a weekend getaway can offer a change of scenery, time with family, or just a great opportunity to recharge. Even though there’s a lot to do in The Grand Prairie and around the Hockley area, here are some tips on weekend trips near hockley for you, your family, and your friends.
Weekend Trips Near Hockley
1. Sam Houston National Forest
Located just 50 miles from your doorstep in The Grand Prairie, the Sam Houston National Forest is a convenient escape to spend a weekend in nature. A hidden gem in the Houston area, the Sam Houston National Forest is one of only four national forests in Texas — and the largest of the four.
Pack your camping gear and pitch a tent for an overnight retreat, surrounded by only the stars and the sounds of nature. There are three developed camping areas, which include primitive tent camping options, group camping, and RV camping. Make a reservation online for a campsite at the Cagle and Double Lake Recreation areas; sites at Stubblefield Lake are first come, first served.
If you don’t favor spending the night outdoors, take a day trip to the 163,000-acre forest. Either way, depending on the season, you’ll find areas for hiking, hunting, boating, kayaking, birdwatching, picnicking, and cycling. There are also equestrian trails, a unique feature of a national forest.
Before visiting, make sure to check which areas of the national forest are open. Portions of the trails and recreation areas were closed in May 2024 following heavy rain and flooding with a closure notice lasting through June 1, 2026, for some areas.
2. Galveston
Road trips near Hockley also include a beach getaway in Galveston. Located 88 miles from The Grand Prairie, Galveston Island has a trove of family-friendly activities, including the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier with its rides, midway games, and food and shopping.
Rent a beach house for a different view, or get out on the water by reserving a fishing charter that handles the logistics — and often the gear — for making the most of fishing.
If fishing isn’t your thing, rest assured there’s a host of other water adventures to be had. Try stand-up paddleboarding, take a surfing lesson, or go kayaking.
Galveston also has a rich history to explore with numerous museums to check out. From The Bryan Museum documenting the history of Texas and the American West to the Galveston Railroad Museum, there’s plenty to keep history enthusiasts engaged. Tour a retired drilling rig at the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum or bring the family to the Galveston Children’s Museum for hands-on programming for kids ages 2-10.
3. San Antonio
Located 184 miles west of The Grand Prairie, you’ll find a weekend destination in San Antonio. Take in a beautiful evening on the River Walk or spend the day checking out the unique shops and restaurants along the River Walk before you indulge in Tex-Mex options while the riverboats pass by.
Fill up the weekend with culinary delights in San Antonio, one of only two Creative Cities of Gastronomy in the U.S. designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Branded as the Culinary Capital of Texas, you’ll find barbecue, Tex-Mex, authentic Mexican, vegan, international cuisine, and more options to savor.
When you’ve had your fill, spend time at the Historic Alamo in downtown San Antonio, the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas. Currently undergoing updates to preserve the historic space, the Alamo offers interactive tours and exhibits about frontier life in Texas history.
4. College Station
Other weekend trips near Hockley include spending the weekend in College Station at Kyle Field catching a Texas A&M Aggies football game or visiting the sprawling campus of Texas A&M University. College Station is home to museums, arts and culture, and shopping destinations.
Visit the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, chronicling the life of the 41st president of the United States, or The Museum of the American GI, providing an immersive experience into the history of the American military to educate future generations. The Museum of the American GI features restored military vehicles, weaponry, and other memorabilia and is known for its live-action events recreating historical battles.
See all that The Grand Prairie’s convenient location has to offer — from weekend getaways to wide-open spaces — by scheduling a tour or choosing your new home.
