Birmingham to Houston Road Trip Guide
Introduction
You've rented an RV and want to explore the southern USA; what do you do? Consider a monumental weekend adventure through Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas. A fun way to tour this area is an RV road trip from Birmingham to Houston. In just two to three days, you can see beautiful state parks, the lively city of New Orleans, and experience tons of unique southern culture.
Birmingham, Alabama, originally named after a city in England, is often called the Magic City for its strikingly quick expansion. Along with customary things to do like botanical gardens and a zoo, Birmingham has a stranger side, too. Glimpse the 58-foot statue of Vulcan that overlooks the city, or visit the charming Museum of Fond Memories at Reed Books.
RV camping in a picturesque natural setting is possible less than 30 minutes from the bustling city. The near 10,000 acres at Oak Mountain State Park offer scenic sites for large rigs with full hookups.
Pleasant weather is the trend during most of the year in this part of the country. Keep in mind that when visiting the Gulf coasts of Louisiana and Texas, it's best to avoid peak hurricane season from mid-August to the end of October.
As you navigate the 12 hours of total drive time on this RV road trip to Houston, your vacation will continue, even at your destination. Houston is one of the largest US cities and offers all the entertainment, events, and culture you'd expect.
Point of Interest
Moundville Archaeological Park
About an hour outside of Birmingham is the Moundville Archaeological Park in Tuscaloosa. The site of Alabama's tallest earthen mound, cleverly named Mound B, the park features about 30 pyramidal platform mounds in all.
Covering 320 acres, the archaeological area also hosts the Moundville Native American Festival in the fall celebrating the Southeastern Indian culture and heritage - both past and present.
Take a spin through the park's museum to view interesting artifacts, or go for an easy walk on one of the nature trails.
If you need another excuse to visit this unique attraction, the Moundville Archaeological Park has its very own campground. A total of 34 sites, five with full hookups and 24 with electric and water hookups, are nothing if not convenient.
Visit Bourbon Street and the French Quarter
An RV road trip through southern Louisiana simply has to include a visit to New Orleans. The city's historic heart is the French Quarter, with its distinct Spanish and French Creole architecture. Bourbon Street, the French Quarter's most famous street, is the epicenter of New Orleans' nightlife.
The city itself is essentially an island sandwiched between Lake Pontchartrain and the Mississippi River. Known for creole cuisine, jazz, and Mardi Gras, this unique city has so much to offer.
Head out for a night on the town to Bourbon Street. Catch some live music and have a wonderful meal of jambalaya, gumbo, or po-boys. The best times are had when simply strolling along this iconic boulevard. Do some people watching and enjoy a beverage like sazerac, but beware, it packs a punch. Don't forget your camera to capture it all!
LARC's Acadian Village
Found in Lafayette, Louisiana, LARC's Acadian Village is a living museum immersing its visitors in 19th century Cajun life. While some kids (and adults) might groan at visiting a museum, this one definitely isn't typical. You'll travel back in time to the early 1800s.
The structures you will tour during your time travel include a doctor's house, blacksmith shop, chapel, and a spinning and weaving cottage. All the buildings have a rich history and have been amalgamated here from around Louisiana. The oldest structure in the village is the Bernard House, with part of the house construction dating back to 1800.
All proceeds from the Acadian Village go to LARC, which supports persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Camping is no trouble in this area of Lousiana. There are multiple campgrounds for RVs in Lafayette, including the Lafayette KOA Holiday.
Galveston Island State Park
When you're on an RV road trip, it's nice to spend time outdoors in the fresh air. Luckily, about an hour before you reach Houston, you can stop at the wildlife-rich Galveston Island State Park. The stunning Gulf Coast views are the perfect backdrop to numerous adventuresome activities.
Hop in your canoe or kayak and hit one of the three paddling trails. Hiking is also popular along the boardwalk with beautiful views of the sea and sand dunes. Wade into the surf and spend a relaxing day on the beach.
The 2,000 acres of this state park's ecosystem are home to abundant varieties of wildlife. Armadillos can be seen roaming the area along with marsh rabbits and raccoons. A birder's paradise, Galveston Island is full of birds during spring and fall migration. Expect to spot sandhill cranes and blue herons. Over the years, more than 300 different bird species have been recorded here.
The camping is world-class at this barrier island park. RV-friendly campsites with hookups as well as beach and water views are attainable here. If you have time, check out the events at the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier.
Summary
The city of Houston is a fun place to end your RV road trip. Enjoy the contrast between the wide-open roads you've been traveling and this highly populated major US city. Pay a visit to the bears and lions at the Houston Zoo, or put on your thinking cap and head to the Museum of Natural Science.
Named after the former General Sam Houston, who cunningly won an important battle in 1836 to gain back the state's independence from Mexico, Houston has it all. From amusement parks to sports fields to shopping centers, everything you'd expect from a big city trip is here.
Now that you've traveled from Alabama's north-central region to the Upper Gulf Coast of Texas, you'll be finding excuses to revisit this area full of culture, history, and nature.
