9 Activities
A Day Trip to Bryan-College Station, Where Community Passion Meets Historic Charm
Starts from
Houston
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
9
Duration
10 hours
Length
77 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Houston
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
10 hours
Length
77 mi
Phoebe Suy
Travel Expert
- Get a scoop of ice cream at Blue Bell, just $1! Bonus points for getting an exclusive flavor.
- Prepare a speech for your Oval Office moment.
- Make this trip the first Friday of the month to experience all Bryan has to offer.
Less than two hours away from the Bayou City, a visit to the neighboring towns of Bryan and College Station is the ideal roadtrip for folks looking for a quintessential Texas experience. You'll start out at a Blue Bell Creamery, the launching pad for the ice cream all Texans know and love. Then, you'll head to Independence, a small town that had big beginnings. Explore ruins and structures that were in existence before Texas was even a state! From here, you'll hit the road for College Station and Bryan where you'll get to sit in a replica Oval Office and walk through a historic downtown. Plus, with a scenic route that gives travelers a taste of the Hill Country, this day trip is about both the journey and the destination.
If you're making this short trek from late March through early April, you're in luck. The state flower of Texas, the bluebonnet, will be in bloom, and they're especially beautiful on this roadtrip's highways and byways.
If you're making this short trek from late March through early April, you're in luck. The state flower of Texas, the bluebonnet, will be in bloom, and they're especially beautiful on this roadtrip's highways and byways.
Categories
Less than two hours away from the Bayou City, a visit to the neighboring towns of Bryan and College Station is the ideal roadtrip for folks looking for a quintessential Texas experience. You'll start out at a Blue Bell Creamery, the launching pad for the ice cream all Texans know and love. Then, you'll head to Independence, a small town that had big beginnings. Explore ruins and structures that were in existence before Texas was even a state! From here, you'll hit the road for College Station and Bryan where you'll get to sit in a replica Oval Office and walk through a historic downtown. Plus, with a scenic route that gives travelers a taste of the Hill Country, this day trip is about both the journey and the destination.
If you're making this short trek from late March through early April, you're in luck. The state flower of Texas, the bluebonnet, will be in bloom, and they're especially beautiful on this roadtrip's highways and byways.
If you're making this short trek from late March through early April, you're in luck. The state flower of Texas, the bluebonnet, will be in bloom, and they're especially beautiful on this roadtrip's highways and byways.
Phoebe Suy
Travel Expert
- Get a scoop of ice cream at Blue Bell, just $1! Bonus points for getting an exclusive flavor.
- Prepare a speech for your Oval Office moment.
- Make this trip the first Friday of the month to experience all Bryan has to offer.
Day Itinerary
9 Activities
Day 1
77 mi0.3 mi
The Quintessential Aggieland Day
The home of Texas A&M University, Bryan-College Station wears the "Aggieland" nickname proudly. On this day trip to Aggieland, you'll explore a gem on Texas A&M's campus, walk the streets of historic downtown Bryan, and enjoy good food and drinks along the way.
As you head north along U.S. Route 290, Houston's sprawling urban landscape transforms into gently rolling hills that welcome you to the region surrounding Bryan-College Station. Springtime travelers, be sure to enjoy the beautiful Texas wildflowers along the way. Regardless of the time of year, this is sure to be a delightful scenic route.
As you head north along U.S. Route 290, Houston's sprawling urban landscape transforms into gently rolling hills that welcome you to the region surrounding Bryan-College Station. Springtime travelers, be sure to enjoy the beautiful Texas wildflowers along the way. Regardless of the time of year, this is sure to be a delightful scenic route.
09:1045 min
The John Fairey Garden Conservation Foundation
Garden
Open Details
Take a quick detour south of U.S. 290 to find the John Fairey Garden, a widely-acclaimed garden home to more than 3,000 plants from Mexico, Asia, and the United States. Want to bring some greenery home? The John Fairey Garden also has a nursery filled with "uncommon and distinctive plants". Check the garden's calendar to see if they're open on the day you're traveling; they may be closed due to seasonal weather, e.g. excessive heat in the summer.
25.2 mi
30 min
10:251 hr
Blue Bell Creameries
Ice Cream Shop
Open Details
Blue Bell Creameries, a beloved ice cream company founded in Brenham, invites visitors to its on-site ice cream parlor and country store, where you can start your day off with something sweet and enjoy exclusive flavors not available in stores for just $1 per scoop.
12.3 mi
20 min
11:4530 min
Old Baylor Park
Park
Open Details
Independence, Texas was once the state's educational, economic, and religious center. Take a left at the town's center and you'll find Old Baylor Park. Known for its grand oak trees and beautiful spring wildflowers, the park is the original site of Baylor University. Vistors can walk through the remains of the university's original campus and explore the preserved homes of early Texas settlers too, all dating back to 1845 or earlier.
28.5 mi
40 min
13:001 hr
Layne's
Fast Food Restaurant
Open Details
Layne's Chicken Fingers is a College Station cult favorite, and the location at 106 Walton Drive is where it all began. This no-frills eatery offers freshly-fried chicken strips and fries in a casual atmosphere with secret sauce to boot.
Is Layne's better than some national chicken chains? Some die-hard fans believe so. You decide.
Is Layne's better than some national chicken chains? Some die-hard fans believe so. You decide.
3.2 mi
10 min
14:151 hr
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
Museum
Open Details
Located at the corner of Texas A&M University's campus, the George H.W. Bush Library and Museum is the perfect spot to kick off your visit to Aggie Land. The library and museum has something to offer everyone, from children and young students to U.S. history buffs and lifelong learners alike.
Here, you'll get to see a World War II Avenger Torpedo Bomber, a 1947 Studebaker, a slab of the Berlin Wall, and replicas of President Bush's Camp David and Situation Room. Ready for your big moment? Have your picture taken at the desk in the replica Oval Office.
Here, you'll get to see a World War II Avenger Torpedo Bomber, a 1947 Studebaker, a slab of the Berlin Wall, and replicas of President Bush's Camp David and Situation Room. Ready for your big moment? Have your picture taken at the desk in the replica Oval Office.
3.1 mi
10 min
15:2530 min
Century Square
Pedestrian Plaza
Open Details
Head to Century Square for one last taste of Aggieland before heading to Bryan. A local favorite for its open spaces, shops, and restaurants, Century Square offers community gathering in a pedestrian-friendly setting, offering live music, movie screenings, children’s play, and more. Take a walk, grab a bite to snack on, or take a rest—you can do it all at Century Square.
Please note that only paid parking is available at Century Square.
Please note that only paid parking is available at Century Square.
4.6 mi
15 min
16:2030 min
Harvest Coffee Bar — Downtown
Café
Open Details
Nearby Bryan is a must-visit for its small town feel and burgeoning art and culture scene. Kick your afternoon off at Harvest Coffee Bar; it's the perfect place for a quick pick-me-up in the city's historic downtown. Try their Slo Bru, a 10-hour Japanese cold brew, or one of their specialty lattes. Need to cut back on the caffeine? Their spin on the London fog is sure to delight.
Street parking is available around Harvest Coffee Bar and throughout downtown Bryan. Once you're parked at or near Harvest Coffee Bar, you'll be set to explore the rest of Bryan on foot.
Street parking is available around Harvest Coffee Bar and throughout downtown Bryan. Once you're parked at or near Harvest Coffee Bar, you'll be set to explore the rest of Bryan on foot.
0.2 mi
5 min
17:0545 min
Corner of Time Antiques Mall
Gift Shop
Open Details
Corner of Time Antiques Mall is a 6,000-square-foot antique emporium full of collectibles and vintage finds. The building was restored to its former glory in 2003, complete with an 1890s-style soda fountain bar serving up refreshments of all kinds. (It's actually the largest in operation in Texas!)
0.2 mi
5 min
18:051 hr 30 min
Proudest Monkey
Restaurant
Open Details
On the first Friday of each month, downtown Bryan closes its streets to vehicles and opens them up for pedestrians, food trucks, live music, and more. Downtown Bryan truly comes to life, and you're bound to run into a mix of locals and visitors alike.
Located next to the Grand Stafford Theater, dinner at Proudest Monkey is an ideal launching spot for the Friday night revelries. This local establishment has it all—from burgers and tacos to beer and craft cocktails.
Located next to the Grand Stafford Theater, dinner at Proudest Monkey is an ideal launching spot for the Friday night revelries. This local establishment has it all—from burgers and tacos to beer and craft cocktails.