Best route from Galveston to Port A?

To make a long story short, my (almost) 21 yr old just informed me he and some buddies want to drive to Galveston to visit a friend, then drive to Port A to meet up with me and my wife for a preplanned vacation.

What's the most direct route from Galveston (ie, safest) to Port A?

Haven't made that drive in over 25 years so I know things have changed.

He's not exactly a whiz when it comes to navigation!

Thanks for any help...