Leaving Galveston, we weren’t ready to say goodbye, but the thrill of our full-time RV lifestyle hit hard—this was our first move to a new destination instead of heading home. Houston, just 40 miles away, awaited with its unique blend of past and future, honoring sacrifices that shaped history. We were excited for RVing Houston, especially visiting Space Center Houston (aka Johnson Space Center), but fair warning: our RV park was the worst we’ve ever stayed at.
History: San Jacinto State Historic Battleground
We’ve become sponges for Texas history, especially its fight for independence, brought to life at sites like the Alamo and now San Jacinto. In the 1830s, Texas’ war against Mexico turned at San Jacinto, near present-day Houston. Here, the Texians defeated a larger Mexican force and captured Santa Anna, securing a pivotal victory. An obelisk now marks this Texas state historic site, complete with a museum, an elevator for scenic views, and grounds dotted with historical markers. Exploring it in person helped bring the story to life.
Heroes: Challenger 7 Memorial Park
Sometimes, unexpected stops steal the show. We stumbled upon Challenger 7 Memorial Park while RVing Houston, a serene tribute to the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger crew. President Reagan’s quote captures it: “The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.” We enjoyed a picnic lunch at this small park, which honors their sacrifice, a reminder that sometimes exploration and progress come at a cost.
Horizons: Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston was the trip’s highlight, a must-visit we’d been so excited about. The museum is compact, but the complex is vast, with tram tours that are a must-do (check our guide for tips!). We spent six hours soaking it in, each with our own favorite moments.
The Saturn V – Nate — Hey, it’s Nate. I didn’t grow up dreaming of the Saturn V rocket, but researching it prior to this visit got me hooked. Seeing it in person? Mind-blowing. Its sheer size left me speechless—we circled it three times, awestruck. This is one of only 3 left, and the only one that is actually space-worthy. Photos don’t do it justice; it’s a game-changer to see it up close.
Mission Control – Laura — For me, Laura, the Mission Control tour (extra fee, totally worth it) was unforgettable. They transport you to 1969’s Apollo 11 lunar landing. We climbed 87 steps to the historic Mission Control exhibit, just above the active NASA control room communicating with the International Space Station. The preserved viewing room, complete with ashtrays, immerses you in history. Hearing Neil Armstrong’s “one small step” and his call with President Nixon gave me chills. The 60s and 70s aren’t my usual era, but this felt like time travel.
Kemah Boardwalk
After all that history, Kemah Boardwalk offered a breezy escape while RVing Houston. This waterfront amusement park on the bay was perfect for a relaxing stroll. Dining at the Aquarium Restaurant, surrounded by vibrant sealife, was a quirky highlight, even if it’s not our usual vibe.
RV Park
Houston’s time-traveling adventures were incredible, but RV life isn’t always perfect. Our park was safe and conveniently located, even letting us walk to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. But that’s where the good ends. Management was subpar, stationary residents were unwelcoming, sites were cramped and bare, and litter was everywhere. Pet rules? Ignored. Off-leash dogs approached ours (no incidents, thankfully), and pet waste was a constant issue. This was our worst RV park yet, a gritty reminder that even dream trips have their flaws.
From San Jacinto’s battle cries to the starry dreams of Space Center Houston, this city showed us how history and ambition collide. We know we missed a lot, so we’ll just have to come back! As we pack up our RV (gladly leaving that park behind!), we look forward to evening campfires at Village Creek State Park and the oil-boom legacy of Spindletop. Join us next week as we uncover more Texas treasures along the Gulf Coast!
