AFTER AUCTION ADVENTURES: Sunday Drives And Points Of Interest
October 20, 2022
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Independence Plaza at Space Center Houston
It’s Sunday morning, October 23. After three exhilarating days at the Barrett-Jackson Houston Auction, you’re not ready to leave the Lone Star State just yet. Whether you want to take your new collector car for a spin or just experience the great state of Texas, consider rounding out your stay in Houston with a trip to some of these unique attractions, all within an hour or so of the auction site.
Space Center Houston is located about 30 miles from NRG Center and serves as the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center. The Johnson Space Center was established in 1961, played a central role in the Apollo and Skylab projects and is still at the vanguard of human space exploration. It has more than 400 space artifacts, including the most extensive collection of moon rocks and spacecrafts on public display in the southwestern United States.
How to get there: Take I-45 southeast of downtown and you will be there in just 30 minutes.
The Art Car Museum is a private institution 12 miles from the auction. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art with an emphasis on art cars. Also known as the “Garage Mahal,” the facility features imaginative, elaborate and artfully constructed art cars, low riders and art exhibitions by local, regional and national artists. The museum celebrates the spirit of post-modern car culture with individuals that have altered their cars to the specifications of their images and visions.
How to get there: Take I-45 north towards downtown, merge onto State Highway 288 north and arrive in about 20 minutes.
About 65 miles from the Houston Auction, Surfside Beach is just an hour south of Houston. This scenic Texas Gulf Coast spot has four miles of coastline where you can enjoy the sun or play in the water. There is also a Splash Pad Park composed of 10 freshwater features.
How to get there: Take State Highway 288 south and drive south to be at the beach in just over an hour.
San Jacinto Battleground is located about 25 miles from the auction site. This state historic site in La Porte commemorates when Texan troops commanded by Gen. Sam Houston struck a decisive blow, resulting in Texas gaining independence from Mexico in 1836. Check out the museum and ride an elevator to the top of the monument to see the entire ancient battleground.
How to get there: Take I-610 east and State Highway 225 east out of Houston to reach this historic site in just 35 minutes.
Located in Huntsville, about 90 miles north of Houston, the Blue Lagoon consists of two pools of crystalline, spring-fed water created from former limestone quarries. The water’s high visibility makes this the top scuba diving spot in the entire state. The lagoon is also great for swimming, with surrounding rocks and sand that are the perfect place to soak in the sun. The location allows a limited number of visitors at any time so you won’t feel overcrowded.
How to get there: Take I-45 north and you’ll arrive at the Blue Lagoon in about one hour and 20 minutes.
Galveston, an island city on the Gulf Coast of Texas located 60 miles from the Barrett-Jackson event, offers attractions like fishing areas and kayaking spots, along with beautiful beaches where you can put your toes in the sand. Two of its most popular beaches include Stewart Beach and East Beach, which are both part of Galveston Island State Park. The Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier offers traditional amusement rides for the whole family to enjoy. Another unique attraction is the Moody Gardens where you can see monkeys and sharks, catch a 3D or 4D movie, or take a cruise around the bay in the Colonel Paddlewheel Boat.
How to get there: Drive along I-45 south to reach the beach in around 55 minutes.
Regardless of where you choose to spend your Sunday, you are sure to have a good time. Click VisitHoustonTexas.com for more fun things to do around the city.