Points of Interest between Cedar Park, Texas to Houston, Texas

picture of Cedar Park, Texas

A Travel Writer's Guide to the Top Five Popular Attractions Between Cedar Park and Houston

Are you planning a trip between Cedar Park and Houston and wondering which attractions are a must-see? Look no further! As a travel writer, I have compiled a list of the top five popular attractions that you should include in your itinerary.

The Route and the Halfway Point: Burton, TX

First, let's talk about the route. The distance between Cedar Park and Houston is about 160 miles, and it takes around 2.5 hours to drive. You can take different routes, but I recommend taking the TX-290 E route, which will take you through charming small towns and beautiful countryside.

One of the towns that you should visit along the way is Burton, TX. This is the perfect halfway point to take a break, stretch your legs, and enjoy some local flavor. Burton is a small town with a population of around 300 people, but it has a rich history and a welcoming community. You can visit the Burton Farmers Gin, which is a historic cotton gin that has been operating since 1914. You can also stop by the Burton Cotton Gin Festival, which takes place every year in April, and celebrate the town's cotton industry heritage.

Top Five Places to See:

  1. Blue Bell Creameries: Who doesn't love ice cream, especially when it's made in Texas? Blue Bell Creameries is a beloved ice cream brand that has been producing delicious flavors since 1907. You can take a tour of their creamery in Brenham, which is only a 25-minute drive from Burton. You'll get to see how they make and process their ice cream, and of course, taste some samples! This is a great place to visit with kids or if you have a sweet tooth.

  2. The Space Center Houston: Houston is known for being the home of NASA's Johnson Space Center, and you can experience space exploration firsthand by visiting the Space Center Houston. This is a massive complex that offers interactive exhibits, tours, and attractions related to space travel. You can take a tram tour of NASA's facilities, marvel at the Saturn V rocket, and even touch a moon rock! This is a great place to visit if you're a science enthusiast or if you're traveling with kids who love rockets and spaceships.

  3. The Houston Museum of Natural Science: Another great attraction in Houston is the Museum of Natural Science. This museum has an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, gems and minerals, and a planetarium. You can learn about the natural history of Texas, see Egyptian mummies, and experience the butterfly exhibit. This is a great place to visit if you're interested in science and history, and if you're looking for an indoor activity.

  4. Gruene: If you're looking for a charming and quaint town, you should visit Gruene, which is located about an hour from Burton. Gruene is a historic town that has been preserved and turned into a charming shopping and dining district. You can explore the antique shops, visit the Gristmill Restaurant, which was once a cotton gin, and listen to live music at the Gruene Hall, which is the oldest dance hall in Texas. This is a great place to visit if you're looking for a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.

  5. The San Jacinto Monument and Museum: Last but not least, you should visit the San Jacinto Monument and Museum, which is located in La Porte, TX, about 30 minutes from Houston. This monument commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, which was a pivotal moment in Texas history. You can take a tour of the museum, which has exhibits on the Texas Revolution and the Battle of San Jacinto, and climb the monument to get a stunning view of the surrounding area. This is a great place to visit if you're interested in history and the outdoors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the route between Cedar Park and Houston offers many attractions that are worth visiting. From small towns, ice cream factories, to museums and historic monuments, there is something for everyone. I recommend taking the TX-290 E route and stopping at Burton for a break. This is a great trip to take if you want to experience the best of Texas and learn about its history and culture. Safe travels!