The Open Road Travel

A road trip from Boston to Houston takes you from Cape Cod to the Gulf Of Mexico.

A 1,850 mile road trip from Boston to Houston takes 28 hours to drive. You’ll go from the biggest city in New England to the 3rd largest city in the United States, through 14 states and all of the varied landscapes the eastern U.S. has to offer.

Read on to find out all there is to do and see between “Bean Town” and the “Bayou City” to help you plan the perfect travel itinerary for your dream vacation.

The best route for a road trip from Boston to Houston covers 1,850 miles (2,977 km) and takes 28 hours to drive. There are a few route options available, but all are of a similar length and this one goes past the greatest number of attractions.

To begin, join I-90 where it begins in Boston and drive west to Exit 78, near Sturbridge. You’ll then join I-84 and drive south until you reach Exit 84, in East Hartford, Connecticut.

Pick up Connecticut Route 15 where it begins and drive its entire 83.53 mile (134.43 km) duration, to where you pass into New York state and merge with the Hutchinson River Parkway, which you’ll continue to follow.

When you reach Exit 8, keep going straight to join the Cross County Parkway and then merge onto the Saw Mill River Parkway going south when this ends. This will become the Henry Hudson Parkway then merge with New York State Route 9A, but you’ll keep following it south.

Take Exit 14 and follow signs to the George Washington Bridge, which you’ll use to cross the Hudson River into New Jersey. Immediately use Exit 74 to continue heading south on I-95, which you’ll stay on until you reach the outskirts of Washington D.C.

Take I-495 west around the outside of the city, then use Exit 49 to join I-66 and keep going west. When the road ends, in Middletown, Virginia, you’ll drive south on I-81, until this also ends, in Dandridge, Tennessee.

Drive west on the I-40 until you reach Exit 368, then head south on I-75. At Exit 2 use I-24 to go west, then Exit 167 to begin driving south again, this time on I-59. You’ll remain on this for 445 miles (716 km), to where it terminates in Slidell, Louisiana.

You’ll join the I-12 where it begins and drive its entire 86.65 mile (139.45 km) duration, to where it merges with the I-10. This will then take you the remaining 270 miles (435 km) of the drive, to your destination in Houston, Texas.

The best time for a road trip from Boston to Houston is from early April to the end of July.

This period will offer pleasantly warm temperatures, both at your destination and along the route, while avoiding the peak of hurricane season on the Gulf Of Mexico, which is in August and September. This ensures you will be able to enjoy every second of your trip, from start to finish.

With a road trip from Boston to Houston taking at least 28 hours to drive, people are going to need to make a few overnight stops along the way. While there are plenty of great options on our route, the following are the three absolute best places to stop on a road trip from Boston to Houston.

The United States most populous city, New York City is among the most famous destinations in the world, with iconic landmarks in every direction. Central Park, Coney Island, the Empire State Building, Statue Of Liberty, Grand Central Station, Times Square, Wall Street, the list goes on and on.

With an endless number of things to do, places to stay, and experiences to have, an extended stay in NYC just seems like a must when you are already passing through it on your route.

The legendary Plaza hotel is historic hotel in in the heart of New York City that has been seen in TV shows and movies like Home Alone 2: Lost In New York for decades. The rooms offer stunning views of either Central Park or the city, while countless top attractions are just a short walk away.

Everywhere from the rooms to the communal areas boasts exquisite décor, furniture, and amenities, while facilities like multiple shops, bars, restaurants, and a gym, spa, and salon, as well as sitewide free Wi-Fi, will take care of your every need.

The capital of the United States, Washington D.C. is a city bursting with history and culture.

Its attractions include things like The White House, the United States Capitol building, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington monuments, Smithsonian National Museum Of American History, National Gallery Of Art, Washington National Cathedral and more.

With all of this and so much more on offer, as well as an endless selection of bars, hotels, shops, and restaurants, Washington D.C. is a city that you can spend as long or as little time as you want in.

Willard InterContinental Washington is a fabulous, historic, 4-star hotel right by Presidents Park that offers the perfect combination of comfort and convenience.

Each room boasts beautiful décor and facilities including a flat screen TV, mini bar, coffee maker, stereo, and work desk. Some also have stunning views of the city and its monuments, while pets are welcome for an additional fee.

The communal areas feature a café, restaurant, and a nightly wine bar. Also on offer is a sauna, fitness centre, 24-hour lounge, various shops, and concierge and private limo services.

Louisiana’s largest city, New Orleans was established in 1718 and is one of the most famous and popular cities in the southern United States.

Its unique culture and history includes attractions dedicated to Cajun, Creole, and African American people, voodoo, jazz music, and its iconic architecture, bayous, and above ground cemeteries.

Add in things like memorials to Hurricane Katrina, professional sports teams, and the legendary Mardi Gras street festival which is held each spring, and New Orleans has more than earned its reputation as one of the most enjoyable and entertaining cities in the nation.

Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans is a fabulous, historic, 4-star hotel, on Bourbon Street that boasts stunning décor and the iconic New Orleans architectural style and balconies. It is even filled with works of art that are synonymous with the New Orleans style.

Every room features beautiful stylings, luxury furnishings, and amenities such as a flat screen TV, refrigerator, safe, complimentary bathrobes and toiletries, plus air conditioning and Wi-Fi. Some also have their own private balcony on Bourbon Street.

Then, in the communal areas, there are multiple bars, cafes, and restaurants serving Cajun, Creole, and international cuisines and cocktails. There is also a Jazz Club, outdoor pool, spa, fitness and business centres, car rental desk, and concierge, laundry, and ironing services.

Now its time to move on to our list of the best things to do on a road trip from Boston to Houston. This will ensure everyone knows the very best attractions along the way, so you can plan the perfect travel itinerary for your dream vacation.

The capital of Connecticut, Hartford was founded in 1635 and is home to some of the most historic sites in the United States.

With attractions like the Connecticut Capitol building, the nation’s oldest public art museum, public park, and continuously published newspaper, and the Mark Twain House museum, Hartford is a city simply not to be missed for history buffs.

Once known as North Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow is a town in the Hudson Valley that changed its name after being the inspiration for the famed Washington Irving novel “The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow”.

Its stunning cemetery, where you can find Washington Irving’s grave, as well as countless other sites linked to the book and its author make it a fabulous stop for fans of literature.

Sleepy Hollow is also recognised among the most haunted places in the United States, making it a top destination for ghost hunters. The town are more than happy to play up to these links, making it one of the best places to spend Halloween in the United States as well.

New Jersey’s most populous city, Newark was founded in 1666 and is located just across the river from New York City. An often overlooked city, it is a destination brimming with attractions heavily linked to its historic past.

With sites like Branch Brook Park, the Cathedral Basilica Of The Sacred Heart, Dock Bridge, the Jewish Museum Of New Jersey, the Justice Sculpture, Mount Olive AME Church, and the Newark Museum Of Art, there is plenty to keep people of all tastes entertained here.

Philadelphia is the largest, most populous city in the state of Pennsylvania, as well as the 6th most populous in the entire United States. It is also among the most historically important cities in the nation, with many of its top attractions being located in Independence National Historical Park.

Home to Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the sites where the American Constitution and Declaration Of Independence were adopted, Philadelphia is an absolutely can’t miss destination for anyone interested in American history.

The largest, most populous city in Delaware, Wilmington was established in 1638 on the site of Fort Christina, the United States’ oldest Swedish settlement.

With attractions dedicated to the Swedish era, the city’s founding, and the Du Pont Family, who’ve been among the most prominent families in both the state of Delaware and the entire United States since the 18th century, Wilmington offers an experience unlike anything else you will find in the U.S.

Susquehanna State Park lies on the bank of the longest river in the eastern United States, the Susquehanna River. With hiking, biking, and horse riding trails running through its valleys, it is a great place to get out and stretch your legs.

Those interested in the region’s history will also find sites like the Rock Run Grist Mill, Carter-Archer Mansion, and Steppingstone Museum to enjoy, while activities like boating and fishing are also popular in the park.

Maryland’s most populous city and the largest independent city in the U.S., Baltimore is best known for having one of the oldest, most historically important ports in the nation, The Port Of Baltimore, which has been in operation since 1706.

The port is still the country’s largest port for specialist cargo and passenger facilities and is vital for importing goods.

The city’s other attractions then include the Baltimore And Ohio Railroad, the oldest railroad in the nation, as well as the site where “The Star-Spangled Banner” was written and locations where important events in the American Civil and Revolutionary wars took place.

This makes Baltimore a great stop on the drive for history buffs interested in the United States or its transport industry.

A pair of conjoined national forests covering 1.8 million acres, the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest is one of the largest pieces of public land in the eastern United States.

It boasts the two tallest mountains in the state of Virginia, the deepest gorge east of the Mississippi River, parts of the Appalachian Trail and Blue Ridge Parkway, the Lignite ghost town, a historic iron furnace, 23 wilderness areas, and a vibrant range of fauna and flora.

With its various attractions and opportunities to enjoy activities like biking, hiking, and hunting, it is a fabulous place to get out of the car and unwind for a while.

Pigeon Forge was founded in the late 1700’s but shot to fame after becoming home to country music legend Dolly Parton, who was born and raised in the neighbouring town. In order to capitalise on this, the town has been turned into a living attraction dedicated to her.

It has Dolly Parton themed musical theatres, amusement rides, malls, and souvenir stores, and Dolly Parton even launched a Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park herself. This makes it an ideal stop for fans of Dolly Parton, country music, or entertainment in general.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited, 19th largest, and 21st oldest national park in the United States. It is known for a diverse landscape that boasts forests, streams, rivers, mountains, caves, and waterfalls.

It also has a vibrant array of plants and wildlife, as well as attractions linked to Native Americans and the pioneers. This combination makes Great Smoky Mountains National Park a great destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the great outdoors or learn more about the region.

The 3rd most populous city in Tennessee, Knoxville was also the original capital of the state. Split in half in the American Civil War, Knoxville features an array of sites and attractions linked to both the southern and northern armies that is unlike anything else you will find in the nation.

From historic buildings, forts, and squares to a range of museums and galleries, a visit to Knoxville is a must for any Civil War enthusiasts.

The 3rd largest and 4th most populous city in Tennessee, Chattanooga was a vital city during the American Civil War, as it was a hub of converging railroads. So infamous is its history with the railroad, the city is best known by many for the classic Glen Miller song Chattanooga Choo Choo.

In the years since, it has been equally influential in other areas of transportation. As such, it should be unsurprising that you can find numerous attractions and museums dedicated to this throughout the city.

With countless other attractions and entertainment options covering art, literature, nature and more, Chattanooga is a truly wonderful city that gets nowhere near the amount of attention it deserves.

For many years the most populous city in the state of Alabama, Birmingham now ranks third, having seen a sharp decline in its population over the last decade. Despite this, it still boasts a range of attractions the size you would expect from a state’s largest city.

With sites like the Birmingham Museum Of Art, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Southern Museum Of Flight, Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark, Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Alabama Jazz Hall Of Fame, there is more than enough on offer to cater to people of all interests.

The 5th most populous city in Alabama, Tuscaloosa is famous for being the location of the University Of Alabama. Home to the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, one of the very best in the college system, sports fans from around their world visit Tuscaloosa to watch the team play.

Meanwhile, if you need to stay busy while a member of your party catches a game, attractions like the Alabama Museum Of Natural History, Lake Lurleen State Park, and a collection of Antebellum homes should more than keep you occupied.

Meridian is the 8th most populous city in the Mississippi. Founded in 1860, it was the largest city in the state between 1890 and 1930, and it bears countless reminders of this era, which was known as its “Golden Age”.

The city features 9 historic districts, each of which is listed on the U.S. National Register Of Historic Places. From the stunning architecture to the historically significant uses of the buildings, Meridian is a fabulous place to learn about the often overlooked style, culture, and history of Mississippi.

The Pearl River Wildlife Management Area sits just a mile (1.6 km) from the Pearl River and covers 35,000 acres. Filled with bayous, flooded forests, and streams, it was created to preserve the wildlife and habitats of southern Mississippi, which includes many endangered species.

A popular destination for activities including birdwatching and boating, it is a prime opportunity to travel the waterways, enjoy the scenery, and take a break from the car for a while.

Louisiana’s capital and second most populous city, Baton Rouge lies on the bank of the Mississippi River. Established in 1699, it is among the oldest cities in the United States and has plenty of architecture and art and history museums to educate people on its past.

With other attractions like the Louisiana State Capitol building and sites that blend the cultures and cuisines of the Cajun and Creole people, Baton Rouge offers a truly unique experience.

A road trip from Boston to Houston is a fabulous journey between two legendary cities that takes you through some of the greatest landscapes and cities the eastern United States has to offer.

Our guide will hopefully have given you all the info you need to plan a perfect travel itinerary for when you make the trip yourself. That means all you have left to do is start getting it all booked, so you can look forward to heading out on this dream vacation for yourself as soon as possible.