Houston is nothing wanting wonderful. The southern metropolis is likely one of the greatest locations to go to in the USA, thanks to its plethora of points of interest and infectious cosmopolitan fashion. Historic buildings, cultural facilities, artwork museums, and inexperienced area – Houston ticks so many containers. It can be iconically nicknamed ‘space city’ and is dwelling to the NASA Johnson Space Center. There are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Houston.
Top Things to Do in Houston
Visiting Houston is a assured journey. As the fourth largest metropolis in the USA, it has a few of the most various neighborhoods and funky leisure scenes. When it comes to issues to do in Houston, a world-class itinerary awaits you. We’ve managed to whittle it down to the highest 25 issues to do in Houston – try these show-stopping points of interest.
1. NASA Johnson Space Center Houston
NASA Johnson Space Center is the Houston icon. NASA Johnson is the place US astronauts undertake their coaching, and it’s the dwelling of Mission Control. Aka, NASA is the bottom of US area exploration. Whether you’re a area fanatic or have simply watched many motion pictures, the Space Center is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Houston.
Next to the NASA area middle, Space Center Houston is a nonprofit museum and official customer middle for NASA. Spacer Center Houston is the place you’ll be able to study extra about how astronauts are educated and all issues area. It is a good itinerary addition with everlasting displays, interactive displays, and naturally, a present store.
You will want a timed entry ticket which you should buy right here earlier than visiting. Or in case you are planning on seeing a number of totally different museums and points of interest the Houston CityPASS is unquestionably price it. Check out costs right here.
2. Cockrell Butterfly Center
Cockrell Butterfly Center is likely one of the most immersive issues to do in Houston. In an enormous glass constructing in Houston’s Museum District, the Butterfly Center has tons of of butterflies residing in a tropical greenhouse-style habitat.
The huge middle is giant sufficient to match numerous full-size bushes and options waterfalls and ponds. Not solely is it a wonderful indoor backyard area, however additionally it is a beautiful setting to see the myriad of butterflies.
Cockrell Butterfly Center is adjoining the Houston Museum of Natural Science. However, it’s such an iconic attraction in Houston that we had to give it its personal part. Besides, you e-book entrance tickets individually anyway.
The middle is a wonderful attraction in Houston, and the additional exhibit halls in Brown Hall on the finish make it an academic day trip.
3. Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Museum of Natural Science is worthy of a whole day out of your itinerary. We love how immersive and interesting it’s – it was assured a spot on our record from the beginning. The museum isn’t simply stuffed with displays.
It has cinema-style leisure with movies on matters starting from Tutankhamun to astrology. Houston Museum of Natural Science can be dwelling to Burke Baker Planetarium, which is becoming contemplating Houston’s nickname of area metropolis.
Regarding museums in Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is definitely in the highest three. Check out the schedule earlier than visiting as a result of there’s a lot on. This museum is consistently throwing out new displays, occasions, and points of interest. It is a good suggestion to get your tickets earlier than you go so that you don’t have to stand in line.
4. Art Car Museum
Art Car Museum is likely one of the extra uncommon issues to do in Houston. The personal museum is a recent artwork enterprise. It shows a spread of classic automobiles decked out in decorations by lesser-known or up-and-coming artists. Art Car Museum is actually one-of-a-kind. If you need one thing novel to do in Houston, it’s a enjoyable addition to your keep.
The museum doesn’t simply stick to native artists; you’ll be able to view ‘car art’ from a broad vary of worldwide artists. Car lovers put together to shudder at utilizing such basic automobiles as a canvas. But artwork lovers (or anybody with an open thoughts) will recognize the creativity of the displays.
5. Chinatown
Houston’s Chinatown is the final word spot for embracing Indochinese tradition. We recommend doing the basic meals crawl expertise. Chinatown has a Hong Kong Food Market – you’ll be able to decide up some staples when you have booked self-catered lodging.
It additionally has a ton of good eating places. You might deal with your self to some scrumptious dim sum, a heaped plate of prawn chow mein, or aromatic duck meat.
Chinatown is in Houston’s western suburbs, close to a group of golf golf equipment and beneath Bear Creek Pioneers Park. It is only a 20-minute drive from town middle or an hour on public transport. Don’t simply go to for meals, both.
Houston’s Chinatown affords a improbable vary of low cost retailers with electronics and jewellery on Harwin Drive. While for a extra academic expertise, you’ll be able to take an Asian heritage tour from the Chinese Community Center.
6. Galveston Island State Park
It is not any secret that Texas has a few of the most unbelievable seashores. And in Galveston Island State Park, its 2,000 acres comprise beautiful seashores linked by a community of mountain climbing trails and wildlife alongside the best way. Spending a day on the state park is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Houston. Galveston is sort of a seaside day with a twist.
There are loads of actions if you aren’t kicking again on a distant seaside. Galveston has excellent situations for kayaking adventures, and its coastlines are lined by scenic boardwalks which can be nice for birdwatching. Visiting this park is definitely some of the enjoyable issues to do in order for you to get out of town.
7. Buffalo Bayou Park
Buffalo Bayou Park is gorgeous. The city park spans 160 acres of manicured grounds and is famed for its view of the Houston skyline. The skyscrapers peeking up from behind the bushes is actually postcard worthy – or at the very least, a must-snap to your Instagram. Visiting Buffalo Bayou Park is likely one of the most scenic issues to do in Houston.
The park will get its title from the Buffalo Bayou, a gradual physique of water that’s considerably midway behind a waterway and river. The lazy water runs straight by way of the center of Buffalo Bayou Park, which is known for watersports.
8. Houston City Hall
Houston City Hall is a tall, white tower of a constructing. It is town of Houston’s authorities headquarters and the hub of all issues political. Architecturally, Houston City Hall is fascinating to cease by and have a look at. The most placing options are the trademark Texas Cordova limestone and the elegant reflective pool in entrance.
One of essentially the most political issues to do in Houston is to tour the inside of Houston City Hall. Amazingly, excursions are free when booked by way of the official web site. They run on weekdays and whisk guests by way of the council chambers and workplaces. A tour is essentially the most partaking manner to expertise Houston City Hall. And by heading inside, you get an in-depth and uncommon perception into the background of the political scene.
9. Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts is one in all Houston’s most completed points of interest. This colossal museum shows gorgeous fantastic artwork from historic to up to date durations. Rather than simply everlasting displays, the museum at all times has a recent rotation of fantastic arts displays – together with items in distinctive, futuristic settings like rainbow mild tunnels. The Museum of Fine Arts is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Houston.
Located in the Houston Museum District, Art lovers will recognize variety and creativity. Even those that imagine galleries are dusty and could be discovered wherever will love Houston’s Fine Arts Museum. The museum has a powerful character and much to add to an ongoing artistic dialog. If you might be actually into museums then we advise grabbing the Museum Pass which will get you into all the good museums together with this one.
10. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Attending Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is likely one of the most fun issues to do in Houston. The occasion runs yearly from late February into early March. It claims to be the world’s largest of its variety, and one factor is for certain – you might be assured an excellent present.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo have every little thing from basic rodeo occasions like bareback driving and roping to shopping for alternatives in auctions and gross sales. Because of the vary of the occasion, it attracts a combined crowd. So be ready to rub shoulders with all kinds of holiday makers. To embrace the Texan cowboy and cowgirl spirit, mark it in your calendar.
11. Memorial Park
Memorial Park is the most important park in Houston. Houston’s memorial park is a staggering 1,500 acres – practically 2 instances the scale of Central Park in New York. The park was devoted to the troopers of World War I and opened to the general public in 1925. Visitors can take pleasure in a mixture of strolling, working, and biking trails.
Memorial Park can be stuffed with wildlife. You can spot doves, snakes, and turtles, simply to title just a few. The park is a beloved nature reserve in Houston.
Memorial Park is likely one of the most basic issues to do in Houston. If you need a big park to discover whereas paying your respects to the troopers of World War I, word this attraction down.
12. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a group of American ornamental arts and work. Most impressively, it’s located in the previous residence of Ima Hogg – a famend philanthropist and former civic chief. Ima’s home makes the right setting for this assortment of fantastic artwork.
The dwelling resides on 14 acres of pristine gardens. It opens its doorways all yr spherical to guests wanting to expertise fantastic artwork in a non-public, home setting.
The historic and personal setting luggage Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens a spot on our suggestions of issues to do in Houston. The museum has a singular setting excellent for artwork lovers wanting to expertise a barely totally different gallery fashion.
13. Health Museum
The Health Museum is likely one of the most fascinating (and area of interest) scientific issues to do in Houston. The museum is totally devoted to well being and the human physique. From a Living Icons picture exhibit devoted to tons of of Houston’s COVID-19 victims to a bicycle you pedal to see how laborious the center works, the Health Museum works laborious to immerse its guests. The museum doesn’t simply function displays; it has a 4D and 3D theater to watch the newest science and health-related motion pictures.
The Health Museum is definitely one in all our prime suggestions. Whether you might be 5 or 50, the creativity behind the museum’s displays and format makes it an interesting place.
14. Graffiti Park
This attraction is one for the skater crowd and artwork lovers. Anyone who loves snapping images also needs to have an interest as a result of the paintings at Graffiti Park is awe-inspiring. Iconic in some instances.
Graffiti Park is positioned south of Houston City Center – simple to attain by automobile or public transport. The graffiti covers just a few blocks, so visiting isn’t massively time-consuming. Allow at the very least an hour, maybe slightly longer, in order for you to become involved with the artwork or extra critical pictures. Check out this Instagram Tour that takes you to all one of the best spots.
15. The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is a hub for drama and all lovers of the stage. The Hobby Center boasts two theaters and a three-story foyer with views of the Houston skyline.
In quick, it’s a lovely setting for a sublime night watching a performing arts present. The gown code is enterprise informal – which may embrace cocktail clothes and normally fits.
If you like reside music and appearing, try the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts schedule. Tickets promote out in advance. But in case you are organized, you’ll haven’t any points; even final minute, you may get fortunate. Past and present reveals embrace Moulin Rouge, Treasure of the East, and Legally Blonde.
16. San Jacinto Monument
The San Jacinto Monument is a dramatic 567-foot column in the Houston Ship Channel. A 220-ton star sits atop the colossal construction as a commemoration of the Battle of San Jacinto. History buffs will probably already know that the Battle of San Jacinto was a turning level in the Texas Revolution.
And the San Jacinto Monument honors those that fought for Texan independence. Plus, it’s the world’s tallest warfare memorial, if all that wasn’t sufficient for you.
You can experience the elevator to the statement tower on the prime of the monument. Tickets are extraordinarily affordable as nicely, at underneath $10. The San Jacinto Monument is an interesting place to go to and ideal for these in US historical past.
17. Miller Outdoor Theatre
Ready for an additional performing arts attraction? Catching a efficiency at Miller Outdoor Theatre is likely one of the most entertaining issues to do in Houston. Unlike the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, its draw is the truth that it’s open air.
Located on 7.5 acres in the nook of Hermann Park, the theater has rows of seats underneath a tent-style cover. But most individuals simply seize a spot on the encircling grass. If you go to in the summer season, verify the schedule and produce some film snacks for a singular take in your normal theater expertise.
18. Discovery Green
Discovery Green is an thrilling attraction in Houston. It most closely fits households and youngsters and accommodates totally different actions and miniature points of interest. The 12-acre park has a placing inexperienced, artwork installations, and numerous scenic gardens – together with the Allen Family Rose Garden. Entering Discovery Green is free. And on a heat day, you’ll be able to simply spend all day there rotating between its totally different mini points of interest.
19. Children’s Museum Houston
The Children’s Museum Houston is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Houston for household enjoyable. The museum accommodates interactive displays focusing on kids’s improvement phases and key pursuits.
Like many others throughout the US, the Houston Children’s Museum is an ideal indoor day trip. Parents can calm down realizing they’re taking their children someplace academic, but children love the expertise. It is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Houston for younger guests.
The Children’s Museum Houston displays embrace the EcoStation, Cyberchase, Challenge Course, and Power Science Lab. The displays are so partaking it will likely be enjoyable for the mother and father to watch their tots play too.
20. Watch a Baseball Game at Minute Maid Park
Watching a sport of baseball at Minute Maid Park is an absolute should. Baseball fan or not, the Houston Astros are a number one workforce in the baseball Major League. And there isn’t any higher manner to expertise a metropolis’s neighborhood than to attend a house sport.
Booking a ticket to watch the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park may want some ahead planning. If you might be eager on watching a sport at Minute Maid Park, we advise reserving your journey to Houston across the dates you purchase tickets. The last item you need is to miss out as a result of the sport has offered out. Baseball is fashionable. What can we are saying?
21. Sam Houston Park
Sam Houston is a wonderful city park in the middle of Downtown Houston. It is meant to be a type of oasis amongst skyscrapers and options many fountains and ornate bridges.
If you might be downtown, we advise grabbing a takeout espresso and having a stroll. Sam Houston Park is likely one of the greatest locations in Houston for skyscraper views. So bonus factors should you go to for dawn and sundown when the buildings look much more gorgeous.
22. Market Square Park
Market Square Park is a wonderful public area that thrives after darkish. From outside motion pictures to an open-air Greek restaurant, it’s a place to come collectively and socialize in Houston. With a Downtown and quirky vibe, it’s the excellent addition to an inventory of enjoyable issues to do in Houston. It is difficult not to love the fairy lights aesthetic – particularly on a heat summer season evening.
Don’t neglect meals vehicles as nicely; Niko Niko’s does one of the best gyros. Grab a gyro and sit out on the grass underneath the lights. Market Square Park is an excellent attraction for individuals who need to calm down in Houston. It can be excellent for getting off the normal vacationer observe.
23. Waterwall
The Waterwall is likely one of the most intriguing issues to do in Houston. Put merely, it’s a cascade of water that falls artificially from an enormous landmark. It is positioned inside Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park – a small park west of town middle.
The ‘wall’ is a towering curve and an fascinating piece of structure. The actual novelty comes from the splash of the waterfall, although, estimated to drop 11,000 gallons per minute.
The Waterwall is a superb cease to your itinerary should you love picture alternatives. It can be lower than a 10-minute drive from Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, so it’s positively well-combined.
24. Hermann Park
Hermann Park is subsequent to Houston City Hall, so word down this attraction should you had been tempted by the City Hall excursions earlier. So why does Hermann Park deserve a separate point out? The 445-acre park encompasses working tracks, a canine park, a Japanese backyard, and a cute little child’s prepare experience.
But most impressively, it was the primary public park in Houston. Historically, it was a momentous addition to town’s relationship with inexperienced areas. And it stays an iconic attraction right this moment.
Hermann Park is open from 6 am till 11 pm, so you’ll be able to simply issue in a go to. We suggest planning an early morning go to to keep away from the crowds and warmth. As a fast facet word, we don’t suggest venturing into Houston Zoo, positioned in Hermann Park. Keep your animal interactions moral by investing in wild conservation reasonably than animals in captivity.
25. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is likely one of the greatest outside issues to do in Houston. It is the whole image of tranquility. The nature middle spans 155 acres, which guests take pleasure in on a community of 5 miles of mountain climbing trails. Houston Arboretum additionally runs common occasions and workshops – so it’s price keeping track of the upcoming schedule.
As far as scenic locations go in Houston, the arboretum charges extremely. The combination of picket boardwalks by way of wetlands and forest tracks is peaceable to discover. And because it opens at 7 am every day, you’ll be able to simply squeeze in a stroll earlier than you begin hardcore sightseeing.
How to Get to Houston
Houston is extremely well-connected, and the simplest manner to get to Houston is to fly. There isn’t only one Houston Airport both. You can fly into George Bush Intercontinental Airport or William P. Hobby Airport. Hoston is linked to tons of of locations worldwide, with direct flights to many worldwide locations and home spots. Grab your switch into town right here.
The least expensive manner to get to Houston is by Amtrak prepare. Amtrak connects Houston to cities like Los Angeles and New Orleans – so take into account reaching town by rail in order for you to avoid wasting bucks and take the scenic route. Train journey is healthier for the setting as nicely. While should you aren’t touring from someplace linked to Houston by Amtrak, it’s price touring by bus or a coach service like Greyhound.
If you’ve slightly longer, you can plan a highway journey. The deep south is a basic highway journey, and you can mix Houston with locations like Nashville by sticking to the East facet. Otherwise, set off from the west and cease by locations like Las Vegas, Denver, Grand Canyon National Park, and Grand Mesa.
Getting Around Houston
Houston is a giant metropolis however a breeze to get round utilizing public transport. The METRORail hyperlinks Downtown Houston with town middle. If you go to points of interest in the Museum District, Theater District, Downtown area, or NRG Park – likelihood is you’ll be catching the prepare. As of 2023, you should buy day passes for $3 a day.
The METRO additionally affords bus service in Houston. This is a mix of connections round residential neighborhoods and a park-and-ride system. If you might be staying on the outskirts of town middle in quieter neighborhoods in the Houston space, the bus service is a improbable choice.
Finally, hiring a automobile is the best choice to get round Houston for guests planning day journeys. Decide whether or not you need to discover outer metropolis points of interest like Galveston Island State Park and Sam Houston Park. If you do, hiring a automobile is an excellent manner ahead. Otherwise, stick to public transport and taxis in order for you to keep across the metropolis middle.
Best Time to Visit Houston
March to May is the official shoulder season for visiting Houston. As basic steerage, it’s best to intention for these durations to keep away from the loopy crowds that Houston attracts from July to September. You will discover the most affordable lodging and essentially the most peaceable expertise throughout this era.
The temperature continues to be delicate in this era however with out the humidity and the irritation of swatting off mosquitos all through the day. Spring can be lovely for mountain climbing in the close by inexperienced area – carry a high-quality digital camera to seize all of the wildflowers bursting into coloration.
Where to Stay in Houston
It isn’t simply issues to do in Houston that you just want to determine on; the place will you keep? These are the highest locations to keep in Houston for every price range stage.
Budget: Wanderstay Houston Hostel
Wanderstay Houston Hostel is an excellent budget-friendly base in Houston’s Museum District. Guests get entry to a shared kitchen and lounge – excellent for a homely setting and saving cash on consuming out.
Mid-Range: Courtyard by Marriott Houston by the Galleria
Courtyard by Marriott Houston by the Galleria is a improbable mid-range choice simply west of town middle. It has all of the snug luxuries, together with an indoor swimming pool, scorching tub, and gymnasium.
Luxury: Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency Houston is a part of the well-respected Hyatt chain. Situated in the center of Downtown Houston, this resort is most well-known for its rotating eating room – which has gorgeous views of town skyline. It additionally encompasses a heated outside pool and a FedEx enterprise middle.
Houston FAQS: Essential Information
Now that we’ve lined one of the best issues to do in Houston, let’s have a look at some frequent FAQs. These are the important particulars you want to know for visiting Houston.
Is there something enjoyable to do in Houston, Texas?
There are so many enjoyable issues to do in Houston. Houston has improbable reside music, amusement rides, and iconic points of interest just like the Space Center Houston.
What to do in Houston for the primary time?
When visiting for the primary time, it’s best to discover Downtown Houston, go to the Space Center and museums, and find out about Houston’s Native American tradition.
Is Houston well-known for something?
Houston is known for the Space Center Houston. It is often known as an city oasis, with loads of inexperienced area and concrete parks.
How many days do you want in Houston?
You want a minimal of three days in Houston. This permits you to go to just a few museums, Space Center, and Galveston Island.
Why Should You go to Houston?
As you’ll be able to see, there are numerous issues to do in Houston. From the Space Center to the Museum of Natural Science and Galveston Bay, Houston is someplace you’ll kick your self for under reserving a brief keep. The almost-coastal metropolis is ideally positioned to head to one of the best seashores in Texas or bounce between artwork museums in Downtown Houston.
And should you favor forest and nature reserves, Sam Houston National Forest and Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge are a brief drive out of town. Houston is the right stability of cosmopolitan enjoyable and exquisite inexperienced area.
Looking for extra Texas journey inspiration? The solely manner to enhance a visit to Houston is to mix it with extra of Texas’ prime locations. Check out our guides on the greatest issues to do in Austin and South Padre Island. Otherwise, have a beautiful time experiencing all of the thrilling issues to do in Houston. Space City has so much in retailer for you.
Photos courtesy of Houston First Corporation.