When gas prices began their rapid climb, many families were forced to curtail lengthy road trips. Fortunately, you needn’t travel far to experience an enjoyable weekend getaway. In fact, Houston offers a variety of local getaways that many residents can access using only a gallon of gas.

So, instead of burning your money on fuel, put it to good use at one of these Houston-area destinations:

Museum Mania

A perfect weekend getaway for adults and children alike, the Museum District offers a bounty of cultural attractions.

Stay: Begin your weekend by checking into luxurious Hotel ZaZa where you can enjoy a hydrotherapy session in the ZaSpa or relax in the cool waters of the rooftop pool.

Play: If you can tear yourself away from the posh offerings of the hotel, check out any of the 18 museums that comprise Houston’s world-class Museum District. In a single afternoon, you can marvel at a Renoir (Museum of Fine Arts Houston), gawk at a 2,000 carat blue topaz crystal (Houston Museum of Natural Science), and walk through a giant brain (The Health Museum). If you time your visit right, you’ll be able to catch a free performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre, located among the 445 acres of Hermann Park.

Eat: When hunger strikes, head to Bodegas Taco Shop for casual Mexican fare, fantastic margaritas, and thirst-quenching agua frescas.

Boardwalk Bliss

Voted one of the top 10 American Boardwalks, Kemah offers a fun-filled weekend for families.

Stay: Check into the Kemah Boardwalk Inn, where every room has a view of the boardwalk. Though it offers great proximity to the thrills of the boardwalk, this hotel doesn’t skimp on luxurious touches such as private balconies and feather pillows.

Play: The Kemah Boardwalk offers an array of attractions including a double-decker carousel, a ferris wheel, and a 96’ wooden coaster called the Boardwalk Bullet. For tamer fun, check out the midway games, arcade, splash fountain, and playground.

Eat: Kids will love dining in view of the floor to ceiling fish tanks at Aquarium, where you can nosh on all manner of seafood as well as classics like burgers and grilled chicken.

Sports Weekend

Discovery Green, a 12-acre public park, offers visitors a myriad of activities, including free fitness classes. Photo courtesy of DiscoveryGreen.com.

An ideal getaway for families or couples who love Houston’s professional sports scene awaits downtown.

Stay: Head straight to Inn at the Ballpark. This baseball-themed hotel offers luxurious touches such as in-room spa services and complimentary transportation throughout downtown Houston. And, it’s located only steps away from Minute Maid Park.

Play: Of course, the highlight of any sports weekend should be taking in a game. Head to Minute Maid Park to see the Astros in action or take in a Rockets game at the Toyota Center. For even more ballpark fun, take a Minute Maid Park tour or a Backstage Tour of the Toyota Center. If you tire of watching professional athletes and want to get in on the fitness action yourself, head over to Discovery Green for one of their many free fitness classes. The Free Fitness in the Park program offers classes such as Bum-ba Toning!, Joyful Yoga, and Strictly Street Salsa. If these classes don’t quench your fitness craving, hop in a kayak for a paddle around Kinder Lake.

Eat: Head to Inn at the Ballpark’s on-site restaurant, Vic and Anthony’s, for prime beef and a terrific wine selection.

Antique Houston

Sycamore Heights, built in 1905, is just five miles from downtown Houston. Photo by Andrew Collins.

For a lovely girl’s weekend, take in the vintage charm of the Houston Heights.

Stay: Relax in the beauty of Sycamore Heights, a Bed-and-Breakfast in a 100-year-old home. Situated in the Houston Heights, the inn offers two rooms outfitted with antique furniture in the main house as well as a carriage house.

Play: Head to nearby West 19th Street for a full day of shopping. Here you’ll find an eclectic assortment of antiques stores, boutiques, and resale shops. You’re sure to snag a bargain or two among your inevitable splurges on must-have items.

Eat: Drop into Cricket’s Creamery & Café for tasty vegetarian fare in a funky atmosphere. After you polish off a delicious quiche and garden salad, treat yourself to a scoop of gelato or a homemade milkshake.

Green Getaway

For a city that’s widely considered to be the energy capital of the world, Houston offers a surprising number of eco-friendly attractions that lend to an adventurous weekend for groups of friends.

Stay: Relax in the lap of green luxury at Modern B&B, a four-story modernist abode in the heart of Houston. The B&B boasts eco-friendly touches such as an organic mattress in the Treehouse room, low VOC paint, and low-voltage lighting.

Play: Head over to the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center to hike its five miles of trails. This 155-acre urban nature sanctuary also offers a Discovery Room containing interactive nature exhibits. For more time in nature, hop into a kayak and float along Buffalo Bayou on the Houston Skyline Tour. Just before dusk, head to Waugh Bridge to glimpse its resident 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats take flight.

Eat: Chow down at Ruggles Green, Houston’s first Certified Green Restaurant. Try one of their fabulous wood-fired pizzas and save room for a slice of carrot cake for dessert.