Temple TX to Houston drive: Distance, time & best stops

Finding the best things to do between Temple TX and Houston

The Temple TX to Houston drive takes you from a city on the I-35 to the biggest city in Texas.

Temple TX has a strong Czech heritage. You can find out more about the impact Czech immigrants have had on the city at the Czech Heritage Museum and Genealogy Center.

Otherwise, try the Bell County Museum for local history, Lake Belton for boating and fishing or the Miller Springs Nature Area for wildflowers and walking trails.

The top Houston attraction is unquestionably the NASA Space Center, which takes you behind the scenes of the Johnson Space Center. This includes the Mission Briefing Center, and a vast array of high tech exhibitions.

Other attractions include the Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Children’s Museum

For more Houston experiences, try hip hop party bike tours, foodie walks in the Montrose neighbourhood and quirky tours of Houston’s tunnel system.

Top Houston accommodation options include the superb value Club Quarters Houston Downtown and the upscale but boutique Magnolia.

Temple TX to Houston distance and driving time

By car, the distance from Temple TX to Houston is 171 miles. You can expect a driving time of around two hours and 38 minutes. The best stops to add to a Temple TX to Houston road trip itinerary are the Franklin Drive Thru Safari, College Station and the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site.

Temple TX to Houston road trip attractions: Franklin Drive Thru Safari

The Franklin Drive Thru Safari just outside Franklin TX offers a slightly different take on the generic zoo experience. Here, the animals are presented safari-style. You drive through in your own vehicle, passing wandering bison, giraffes and camels as you go.

There’s also a reptile house, and you can rent cabins next to the Safari site.

Best stops between Temple TX and Houston: College Station

College Station is home to Texas A&M University, which has two supersized sporting stadiums in Kyle Field and the Reed Arena. The main reason to visit, however, is the George HW Bush Presidential Library and Museum. The 41st president is buried here, and his grave can be visited.

However, the highlight for most is the replica Oval Office. Visitors can sit behind the president’s desk and pose for photos.

Temple TX to Houston drive: Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

Washington-on-the-Brazos is where Texas became Texas. Here, in 1836, Texas declared independence and it remained an independent nation until 1846. The heart of the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site is the Star of the Republic Museum in Independence Hall. But there’s also a Visitor Center and the 19th century Fanthorp Inn, where stagecoaches once arrived.

The skyline of Downtown Houston, Texas.
The skyline of Downtown Houston, Texas. Photo by Alex/ Pixabay.

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