Top Things to Do Near Highlands TX for RV Travelers
Highlands TX sits just east of Houston along the Ship Channel corridor, and it doesn’t get nearly enough credit as a base for exploring the greater Houston area. If you’re staying at an RV park near Highlands TX, you’re in a genuinely great spot — close enough to reach Houston’s world-class attractions with ease, but far enough out to enjoy a slower, more relaxed pace.
Here’s a guide to the best things to do near Highlands TX for RV travelers, with real distances and practical tips for each stop.
1. San Jacinto Monument & Battleground — About 20 Miles Southwest
One of the most impressive and often overlooked historical sites in the entire country, the San Jacinto Monument stands in La Porte TX on the banks of the Houston Ship Channel. At 567 feet tall, it is the world’s tallest masonry column — 12 feet taller than the Washington Monument in Washington DC — and it marks the site of the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas won its independence from Mexico.
The grounds include the San Jacinto Museum of History inside the base of the monument, an observation deck with 360-degree views of the battlefield and Houston skyline, and the historic battlefield itself. Admission to the grounds and museum is free, with a small fee for the elevator ride to the observation deck. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Highlands and easily worth a half-day visit.
2. Galveston Island — About 45 Miles South
No Houston-area trip is complete without a visit to Galveston. The historic island city offers beaches, outstanding seafood, and one of the most charming historic downtowns in Texas. Stroll the Strand District for boutique shopping and dining, explore the 1877 tall ship Elissa at the Texas Seaport Museum, or spend a day on the beach at Stewart Beach or East Beach.
Galveston is about 45 miles from Highlands — roughly an hour’s drive. Note that navigating a large RV into downtown Galveston can be tight, so most RV travelers leave the rig at the park and take a tow vehicle or car for the day.
3. Space Center Houston — About 35 Miles South
The official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Space Center Houston is a world-class attraction that consistently ranks among the top things to do in the entire Houston region. Walk through real NASA facilities, see actual spacecraft and moon rocks, and get a behind-the-scenes tram tour of the Johnson Space Center campus.
It’s a full-day destination that works for all ages, and it’s about 35 miles south of Highlands — roughly 40 minutes by car. Tickets should be purchased in advance, especially on weekends and during school holidays.
4. Houston Museum District — About 35 Miles West
Houston’s Museum District packs an extraordinary amount of culture into a small area and is one of the most impressive clusters of museums in the United States. Highlights include the Houston Museum of Natural Science with its dinosaur halls, planetarium, and world-class gem collection; the Houston Zoo spread across 55 acres; and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, one of the largest art museums in the country.
It’s about 35 miles west of Highlands — roughly 40 minutes. Plan to leave the RV at the park and drive a smaller vehicle, as parking for large rigs in that area is limited.
5. Kemah Boardwalk — About 25 Miles Southeast
The Kemah Boardwalk is a lively waterfront entertainment complex on Galveston Bay featuring rides, live music, restaurants, and beautiful views over the water. It’s a great option for families or anyone looking for a fun evening out, and the seafood restaurants along the boardwalk are some of the best in the Houston area.
Kemah is about 25 miles southeast of Highlands — an easy 30-minute drive — and makes for a great dinner destination or afternoon outing.
6. Baytown Nature Center — About 10 Miles South
For outdoor lovers, the Baytown Nature Center is one of the best-kept secrets in the region. This 450-acre coastal wildlife sanctuary sits on a peninsula jutting into Galveston Bay and offers excellent birdwatching, walking trails, fishing, and stunning views over the water. It’s especially popular during spring and fall migration seasons when hundreds of bird species pass through.
At just 10 miles from Highlands it’s one of the closest natural escapes to the area, and admission is completely free. Bring binoculars, a camera, and bug spray.
7. Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge — About 35 Miles East
Anahuac is one of the top birding destinations in North America, particularly during winter and spring when massive numbers of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds arrive along the upper Texas coast. Alligators are also a common and spectacular sight along the refuge roads, making it unlike almost any other wildlife area in the country.
About 35 miles east of Highlands, the refuge is free to visit and well worth a morning trip for anyone interested in wildlife and nature photography.
Your Base Camp for Houston Area Adventures
What makes Highlands TX such a strong location for RV travelers is the sheer variety within reach. Drive west and you’re in the middle of Houston’s museums, culture, and dining. Drive south and you hit the Gulf Coast, NASA, and Galveston. Drive east and you’re in some of the finest wildlife habitat on the Texas coast. History, nature, beaches, and world-class attractions — most of it within an hour of your campsite.
Houston Leisure RV Resort puts you right in the middle of all of it. With easy highway access, full hookup sites, and a friendly on-site team, it’s a natural base camp for exploring everything the greater Houston area has to offer.
Located at 1601 S Main St, Highlands TX 77562. Call us at (800) 982-8285 or visit houstonleisurerv.com to check availability. Office hours are Monday through Friday 9 AM to 6 PM, Thursday until 7 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday 12 PM to 4 PM.