Major city · United States
Alvin
Skip Alvin unless you're a Nolan Ryan fan or need a cheap bed near Houston. One hour max for the museum and statue, then move on.
Alvin is a small Texas town 30 km southeast of Houston, best known as the hometown of baseball pitcher Nolan Ryan. The main draw is the Alvin Museum Society and a Ryan statue at a McDonald's. Most travellers pass through on the way to Galveston or the Gulf Coast.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Mar–May, Oct–Nov
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid)
- Airports
- IAH · HOU
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Alvin911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Alvin, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyAlvin is a safe small town.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIAH George Bush Intercontinental Airport (About 1 h drive north via I-45 and SH-35).
- Getting aroundCar is essential.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Street or quick mealTaco at La Tapatiacheck$5
- Budget bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$60
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$80
- High-end bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$120
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$50 · Mid US$100 · High US$150
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IAH George Bush Intercontinental Airport (About 1 h drive north via I-45 and SH-35) · HOU William P. Hobby Airport (About 40 min drive northwest via I-45 and SH-35)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Feb
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Mar
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Apr
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
May
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Jun
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Aug
Avoid
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
Sep
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Nov
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Dec
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)), coolest Jan (5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C) low), wettest Jan (9 rain days), driest Apr (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Alvin: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Feb
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Mar
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Apr
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6 rd
May
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
7 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9 rd
Jul
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9 rd
Aug
34°C (93°F)93°F (34°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
9 rd
Oct
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7 rd
Nov
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is essential. Alvin has no public transit of note; everything is along SH-35 and SH-6.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40 min
SH-35 south, about 30 min
Beach, historic district and the Strand.
Houston
goDoor to door: About 40 min
SH-35 north, about 30 min
Museums, food and Space Center Houston.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
SH-35 to Galveston, then ferry, about 1 h
Beach towns and birding.
Door to door: About 35 min
SH-35 north then FM-518 east, about 25 min
Boardwalk, restaurants and amusement rides.
Door to door: About 40 min
SH-35 south then FM-523 east, about 30 min
Beach and fishing pier.
Door to door: About 1 h 10 min
SH-35 south, about 1 h
Scenic drive but a long day trip.
Bay City, Texas
goDoor to door: About 50 min
SH-35 south, about 40 min
Historic downtown and Colorado River.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Along SH-35 / SH-6
Motels and budget chains; car required.
Downtown Alvin
Limited options; closer to the museum and eateries.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $50–80 excl. bed
- Mid
- $80–120 excl. bed
- High
- $120+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Budget motel room1 × 1 night × US$60 | US$60 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$50 | US$100 |
| Bayou Wildlife Zoo entry2 × US$15 · check | US$30 |
| Alvin Museum Society entry2 × US$5 · check | US$10 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$20 |
| Trip total≈ US$110 per person per day, bed included | US$220 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Taco at La Tapatiacheck | $5 |
| BBQ plate at Joe's Barbeque Companycheck | $10–15 |
| Motel room (Scottish Inns & Suites)2022 price; check current | $56–80 |
| Gas (per gallon)check | $3–4 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Brazoria County is wet but selection is limited; for a wider choice head to Galveston County.
- The museum is open Tu–Sa 10:45–15:00; check the website before visiting.The museum is open Tu–Sa 10:45 AM–3:00 PM; check the website before visiting.
- Bayou Wildlife Zoo hours are seasonal; call ahead.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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AlvinAlvin
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
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Take me to this addressTake me to this address
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- IAH to Alvin by taxi/rideshare: about $60–80, 1 h
- HOU to Alvin by taxi/rideshare: about $40–60, 40 min
Say or show
- Howdy — Hello
- Thanks — Thank you
- How much? — How much?
- Where's the museum? — Where is the museum?
English is universal; no special phrases needed.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Alvin. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Mar–May, Oct–Nov · avoid Jul–Aug (hot and humid) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 8 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialCity of Alvin official website
- officialAlvin Museum Society
- officialBayou Wildlife Zoo
- secondaryWikivoyage: Alvin, revision 4360617 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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