Here are seven 2-hour day trips to take before summer ends in Texas

Summer vacation is almost over — and for some families in Corpus Christi, it already is.

For those still with time to cram in a quick vacay, consider a day trip in the nearby area.

The long drives to larger cities such as Austin, Houston and McAllen tend to take time away from your schedule.

But time isn't the only major expense these days. With gas prices still sky-high, driving long distances isn't exactly friendly to your wallet. A day trip will help minimize cost while still giving you that satisfaction of a vacation.

Here are seven tourist destinations to visit with friends, family or by yourself that are about two hours away from Corpus Christi.

Cuero — 1 hour, 24 minutes

Known as the "Heart of South Texas" and "Turkey Capital of the World," Cuero is a hidden treasure in the Lone Star State. While the 50th Turkeyfest isn't until October, there is still plenty to do in the small town.

Cuero is full of historical places to visit, including the Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, Pharmacy and Medical Museum of Texas and Cuero Pecan House. Visit the latter to enjoy freshly made cinnamon pecans, orange sugar pecans, pecan brittle, pecan pie bars and more.

After stuffing yourself with sweets, do some birding before heading back home. The rich grasses and thick brush lands make a prime location for birders to view wintering sparrows, herons, kingfishers, woodpeckers and even a bald eagle.

Falfurrias — 1 hour, 12 minutes

Falfurrias might not be the first destination people think of making when making a day trip, but hear us out. Just a little over an hour away from Corpus Christi, the town holds many historical spots.

First, start your trip by visiting Rebecca's Breakfast and More. The brunch spot's menu include breakfast tacos, pancakes, hamburgers, nachos, chicken fried steak and more.

Visit Falfurrias' Heritage Museum to see a shrine dedicated to Don Pedro Jaramillo, a folk saint known as "the healer of Los Olmos Creek." When common injuries and infections were life-threatening back in the day, Jaramillo would use native plants and faith to heal those in pain.

Goliad — 1 hour, 10 minutes

Perhaps another Texas town people don't think about spending their day in, but Goliad has plenty to offer. It's the birthplace of Ignacio Zaragoza, the general who led the Mexican army to victory in Battle of Puebla in 1862 — spawning the holiday Cinco de Mayo.

Goliad has its own state park located on the San Antonio River and offers a place for activities including camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, nature and historical studies.  The park also offers a floating dock and river access for kayaks and canoes.

You can't forget about grabbing a bite to eat. Stop by Deborah's Kitchen Table for a Southern-style, homecooked meal including pecan-crusted chicken, fried okra and banana pudding. If Deborah's isn't available, swing by Blue Quail Deli. Actor Luke Wilson even ordered its famous jalapeño soup to-go once.

Harlingen — 2 hours, 1 minute

With a motto being "Capital of the Rio Grande Valley," Harlingen is just one minute over a two-hour day trip. Visiting historic Jackson Street on the first Saturday of the month will get you easy access to its market days featuring local vendors.

Aside from shopping local, the Caller-Times suggests visiting Cork N Craft. The wine bar includes wine tasting, craft beer on tap and appetizers.

After enjoying a glass of European wine, check out the Iwo Jima Memorial Museum which features a monument. In October 1981, Harlingen was gifted a 32-foot high model to the Marine Military Academy to inspire young cadets. An inscription on the statue reads, "In honor and in memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives for their country since November 10, 1775.”

Port Mansfield — 2 hours, 2 minutes

You might have not heard about Port Mansfield, but it is a small commercial fishing and retirement village located south of Corpus Christi. Think of it as a fisherman's dream.

If you want to spend the day fishing instead of shopping and eating, Port Mansfield is for you. There's even an annual fishing tournament held in July.

With boats available for rent, you'll be able to catch plenty of large redfish and trout. Who knows? Maybe you'll want to retire early and move into one of the several waterfront lots in the village.

San Antonio — 2 hours, 8 minutes

This bustling metropolis has plenty of options for tourists to do in a day trip. Being the second largest city in Texas proves you'll have a hard time figuring out what to do.

Here's our suggestion: Try to do as much as you can. While SeaWorld and Six Flags Fiesta Texas sound enticing, think of how long lines will be and how expensive a bottle water or hot dog would be. Skip the amusement parks and spend your time along the Riverwalk enjoying food and shopping.

Wanting to learn some history and sight-see? You have to visit the Alamo and Natural Bridge Caverns. If you have time, book a reservation to eat at the Tower of the Americas and enjoy your meal while looking 750 feet over San Antonio.

Victoria — 1 hour, 26 minutes

Since Houston is too far of a drive, consider heading to Victoria. This growing city offers several tourist attractions for the whole family.

Start the day at The Texas Zoo and learn about barn owls, ocelots, alligators, lemurs, lions and black bears. Or if you want to forgo seeing creatures, head to Outlaw Pass, a family fun center featuring a rock wall, go-karts, arcade games, a snack bar and more.

For lunch, stop by Fossati's Delicatessen, one of Victoria's oldest businesses. Its menu includes po'boys, subs, salads and root beer floats.

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: 2-hour day trips: Seven Texas cities to head to before summer ends