cool for the summer

Pack up for 7 super summer getaway destinations just a mere nonstop flight out of Houston

The majesty of Vancouver awaits via a direct flight from IAH.

July in Houston means much of the city is either currently on a trip or is just getting back from one. Both the George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport are at their busiest in 2023, with summer passenger volume aiming to break a record from 2022.

For those antsy to get out of town, whether it be to experience something new or to just get away from the Texas heat, here are seven destinations around the country with nonstop flights out of Houston from IAH.

We picked locations from nearly every region in the United States (and one international destination) based on flight times, summer weather, variety of activities, and personal experiences.

In the West

Portland, Oregon
If you want to get the farthest distance west from Houston and still remain in the U.S., Portland is the way to go. United Airlines flights go directly from IAH to Portland, and it takes about four and a half hours. The city is predictably more cloudy than Houston, which is a welcome change for those of us who are a bit tired of the constant summer sun. There's plenty to do in the City of Roses, such as visiting one of the many rose gardens, taking a tour of the Oregon Coast, finding a new bookstore or coffee shop, and trying some delicious bites at any of the food carts that can be found all over the city.

Albuquerque, New Mexico
If you're not too keen on visiting the Pacific Northwest, a flight to New Mexico takes half the time and will keep you closer to Texas. United Airlines runs daily nonstop flights from IAH to Albuquerque. The weather in New Mexico's capital is similar to Houston's, so you'll still need to keep hydrated if you're out and about there. Things to do include riding in a hot air balloon, taking a hike at the Petroglyph National Monument, and shopping for some Southwestern art or Native American goods.

Denver
A much more obvious (and another less hot) choice for most Texans is the state capital of Colorado. Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, and United Airlines all have nonstop flights to Denver. Much like Houston, Denver boasts a thriving brewery scene and even celebrates their own Beer Week in September. Outdoor recreational activities abound, such as hiking, biking, and taking a drive to explore Rocky Mountain National Park.

In the South

Nashville, Tennessee
How about a journey to Music City? A flight on Southwest or United Airlines will get you from Houston to Nashville in two hours. As long as you don't mind the bright pink bachelorette groups that love to run around town, a trip to Tennessee's capital is a great escape from Texas while still keeping some of the Southern charm. Enjoy a night on Broadway at one of the multiple country-themed bars, indulge in some Nashville hot chicken, and don't forget to try a tasting at Ole Smoky Moonshine. When you need a time out from all of the activities, consider visiting Centennial Park to see the Parthenon and take a nap under one of the tall trees.

Charlotte, North Carolina
Now let's hop one state over to the fellow Southern state of North Carolina, another city where both American and United Airlines flies nonstop from Houston. You might not escape the heat, but a good distraction could be what you learn about the history of America on one of the city's historical tours. While you're at it, tour of some haunted, ghost-ridden houses. Charlotte is also home to the NASCAR Hall of Fame, if that's up your alley.

In the Northeast

Boston
An ongoing trend in this list is the number of nonstop flights to different state capitals. Only one airline flies directly from Houston to Boston: JetBlue. Boston is another hub for American history; the Paul Revere House is on the North End, while the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum are located southeast of downtown. Other must-see places include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Boston Public Market, and the Museum of African American History. As for dining, you can't go wrong with any of the Italian eateries throughout the city, but Bova's holds a special place in our hearts for their pastries and arancini.

Outside the United States

Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)
We hope your passport is up to date for this one: Vancouver has the coolest temperatures out of every destination on this list, and we are loving the idea of traveling out of the country for the sweetest summer escapes imaginable. United's nonstop flight to Vancouver from Houston is the longest on this list, at nearly five hours. But luckily for the time zone difference, that will only set travelers back by two hours. Take your pick from several outdoor activities, such as whale watching, sightseeing, or walking along the beach or through a park. Canada's biggest aquarium is also located in Vancouver, with plenty of aquatic wildlife to see.

travel summer vacations destinations houston

Now hear this

New Texas museum shines spotlight on Tejano music history

Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum, San Antonio, tejano music

Photo by Edmond Ortiz

Roger Hernandez serves as board president of the Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum.

For a city that proudly calls itself the capital of Tejano music, San Antonio has long been missing a permanent place to honor the genre’s pioneers and preserve its history. That gap officially closed In December with the opening of the Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum at 1414 Fredericksburg Rd.

The music couldn’t have found a better steward than its founder and board president. Roger Hernandez has had his finger on the pulse of Tejano music for decades. His company, En Caliente Productions, has provided a platform for countless performing artists and songwriters in Tejano, conjunto, and regional Mexican music since 1982.

Hernandez says his wife, who ran a shop at Market Square years ago, would often get questions from visitors about the location of a physical Tejano music museum, a thing that simply did not exist. In 2022, he banded together with friends, family, and other local Tejano music supporters to make the nonprofit Hall of Fame a reality.

“I decided I've been in the music scene for over 40 years, it's time to do a museum,” Hernandez recalls.

Hernandez says a brick-and-mortar Tejano music museum has long been needed to remember musical acts and other individuals who grew the genre across Texas and northern Mexico, especially those who are aging. Recently, the community lost famed Tejano music producer Manny Guerra and Abraham Quintanilla, the renowned Tejano singer/songwriter and father of the late superstar Selena Quintanilla-Perez. Both deaths occurred roughly one week after the Totally Tejano museum opened to the public.

“They're all dying. They're all getting older, and we need to acknowledge all these people,” Hernandez says.

The Totally Tejano Museum — named after Hernandez’s Totally Tejano Television Roku streaming — has 5,000 square feet of space packed with plaques, photos, promotional posters, musical instruments, and other memorabilia honoring the pioneers and stars of the beloved genre. Mannequins wear stage outfits from icons like Laura Canales and Flaco Jimenez, and a wall of photos remembers late greats. Totally Tejano Television plays legendary performances on a loop, bringing the exhibits to life.

The newly opened Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum includes a growing collection of memorabilia. Photo by Edmond Ortiz

Hernandez says the museum will soon welcome permanent and rotating exhibits, including traveling shows, a Hall of Fame section, and an area paying homage to Chicano music crossovers, such as the late Johnny Rodriguez, the South Texas singer-songwriter who blended country with Tex-Mex music. Plans call for the organization to hold its inaugural Hall of Fame induction in February 2026.

Eventually, a 2,000 square feet back room will be converted into additional display space and host industry gatherings, community symposiums, and record and video release parties. The museum also plans to add a gift and record shop and a music learning room where visitors can listen to early Tejano music and browse archival photos. Hernandez is already talking with local school districts about educational field trips.

Much like Tejano itself, the museum is a grassroots production. Hernandez and fellow board members have used their own money to rent, renovate, develop, and maintain the museum space. The board also leads the selection of the Hall of Fame honorees and curates the exhibits.

Hernandez has been heartened by the museum’s reception, both from media outlets and music fans around Texas and beyond.

“We had a radio station come in this morning from Houston to interview us,” he says. “People have come in from Lubbock, Texas. We have had people from Midland, Texas. We have another person who emailed us who’s coming in from New York. People are learning all about us.”

That includes many of the musicians who helped shape the genre. Johnny Hernandez, Sunny Ozuna, Elida Reyna, and Danny Martinez from Danny and The Tejanos are among the luminaries who have already graced the halls.

The Totally Tejano Hall of Fame and Museum is now open 10 am-6 pm, Tuesday-Sunday, and closed Monday. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Fans can call 210-314-1310 for more information.

san antonio tejano music museums hall of fame music openings

cool for the summer

Pack up for 7 super summer getaway destinations just a mere nonstop flight out of Houston

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