Located just south of Houston, Manvel, Texas is a growing community known for its friendly atmosphere and family-oriented lifestyle. While the small-town charm and sense of community are a significant draw, Manvel’s convenient location also offers access to plenty of fun and fascinating day trips, most of which are within a two-hour drive. From historical sites and natural parks to thrilling amusement centers and scenic beaches, these destinations promise enjoyable experiences for families looking to explore the diverse attractions Southeast Texas has to offer.
Houston Museum District
Only about a 40-minute drive from Manvel, Houston's Museum District is a cultural hub with twenty museums, many of which are free to enter. Families will especially enjoy the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Children’s Museum of Houston, which features interactive exhibits that encourage learning and fun.
For arts and culture afficionados, the Museum District also boasts the Museum of Fine Arts, the Lawndale Art & Performance Center, the Houston Museum of African American Culture, and the Czech Center Museum – just to name a few!
Brazos Bend State Park
For outdoor enthusiasts, Brazos Bend State Park, about an hour's drive from Manvel, offers an escape into nature that’s hard to beat. Known for its wildlife and scenic walking trails, the park is a fantastic spot for bird watching, hiking, and picnicking.
The park's nature center provides educational exhibits about the local ecosystem and its inhabitants, including the alligators that are popular with visitors - with over 5,000 acres to explore, it’s an ideal spot for families to hike, bike, or simply enjoy the great outdoors. It’s also home to the George Observatory, which offers tickets year-round for Saturday Night Stargazing, where visitors can peer through the observatory’s telescopes, take part in constellation laser tours, and learn about the universe from actual astronomers.
Newman's Castle
Located just over an hour’s drive northwest of Manvel in Bellville, Texas, Newman's Castle offers a one-of-a-kind medieval experience that is both educational and fun for the entire family. This hidden gem is a full-scale castle complete with a moat, drawbridge, and a massive working catapult. Newman's Castle brings a slice of medieval Europe to Southeast Texas, offering tours that showcase the interior of the castle, including the great hall, chapel, and courtyard, and it can also be booked in advance to host special occasions.
Hermann Park
Hermann Park stands as one of Houston’s most cherished and visited public parks. Covering 445 acres in the heart of the city, Hermann Park is a cornerstone of Houston's park system, offering countless activities suitable for the whole family.
The McGovern Centennial Gardens, featuring a beautiful array of themed gardens and a spectacular sculpted mount, provide a picturesque setting for a leisurely walk or a family picnic, while the Miller Outdoor Theatre offers free outdoor performances ranging from concerts to theatrical productions, making it a popular destination during the warmer months.
The park also boasts pedal boats on McGovern Lake, a mini-train that tours around the park, and the Hermann Park Golf Course – and if you’re already planning to visit the nearby Museum District, Hermann Park is a great way to cap off your day trip!
Space Center Houston
An educational hub that inspires the young (and young at heart), Space Center Houston is just a half-hour drive from Manvel and offers an awe-inspiring look into the world of space exploration. As the visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center, it features a rotating series of exhibits, attractions, and presentations about the history and future of human space travel. Don't miss the tram tour, which takes you behind the scenes to see NASA’s working facilities.
Port Aransas
Taking just under a three-hour drive, which stretches the day trip window but is well worth it, Port Aransas offers a delightful beach getaway on the coast of Texas that. Known affectionately as “Port A,” this small beach town on Mustang Island is famous for its sandy beaches and charming atmosphere, making it a great alternative for those who have already explored Galveston and Kemah Boardwalk and want something a little more laid-back.
Families can enjoy a day of sunbathing, building sandcastles, and swimming, and the town also offers dolphin watching tours, premiere golfing, and deep-sea fishing adventures that are sure to excite. For a more relaxed pace, explore the local shops and eateries, or visit the Port Aransas Museum to learn about the area's rich history and culture.
Stay Close and Get Away
While there is certainly no shortage of fun day trips from Manvel, TX, there is plenty of excitement to be had close to home, too! Residents of Pomona, a master planned community located in the heart of Manvel, enjoy a curated, nationally recognized lifestyle program that organizes hundreds of events each year. Not only that, residents also have access to an unparalleled suite of amenities, ranging from miles of hiking and biking trails, pocket parks, and resort-style pools to truly unique amenities like Fish Camp, The Dock, and The Grove.
Are you ready to learn more about life in one of Manvel, TX’s most exciting communities? Contact us today for information about our available homes, or to schedule a personalized tour of Pomona.