houston texas travel guide

Houston   Travel Guide

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Why Go To Houston

Give this Texas city a chance. Yes, Houston's history is sticky with oil, and its contemporary landscape climbs with skyscrapers belonging to Citgo, Shell and many, many more. But what you might not know is that Houston has grassy parks, eclectic galleries, a burgeoning art scene and Tex-Mex restaurants that all vie for attention downtown. And outside of Dallas-Fort Worth , Houston is one of the greatest places in Texas to shop: Ever heard of the Galleria ? There are also plenty of nice hotels to lay your head and a variety of fun things for the kiddies to see, such as the zoo and the children's museum . Those with a keen interest in space can learn all about NASA's program at Space Center Houston and science nerds can check out the comprehensive Museum of Natural Science . So, yes, it's a huge sprawling city of more than 2.3 million, but with pleasant weather pretty much year-round, an abundance of entertaining festivals and plenty of things to do, you should give it a chance.

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• # 8 in Best Food Cities in the U.S.
• # 11 in Best Places to Visit in Texas

Best of Houston

Best hotels in houston.

• # 1 in The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
• # 2 in Hotel Granduca Houston
• # 3 in The Lancaster

Best Things to Do in Houston

• # 1 in Houston Museum District
• # 2 in Hermann Park
• # 3 in Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston

Popular Tours

Trill On Wheels (2-Hour Hip-Hop Party Bike Tour in Houston)

(52 reviews)

from $ 45.00

NASA's Space Center Admission Plus Houston City Tour

(588 reviews)

from $ 98.95

Space Center Houston Admission Ticket

(1159 reviews)

from $ 32.63

Houston Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Houston is from February to April or from September to November. Thanks to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Houston experiences warm weather (as well as affordable hotel prices) pretty much year-round, but come spring and fall the temperatures are pleasant and there are a variety of festivals to enjoy. You may be able to score a deal in the summer since Houston residents head elsewhere as temperatures climb, but you'll have to contend with the heat and oppressing humidity. Houston also experiences mild winters and snowfall is rare, but temperatures drop when the sun goes down so make sure to pack layers if you're traveling in December or January. 

Weather in Houston

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Bring on the barbecue Texas is known for its barbecue and Houston won't let you down. Try Killen's BBQ , which has two locations, or Gatlin's BBQ .

Embrace the arts Houston has plenty of museums, but it's one of just a few U.S. cities with professional companies in the four performing arts disciplines: ballet, opera, symphony and theater.

Rent a car The Houston metro area encompasses 665 square miles, and while you won't have to travel too far to see the top attractions, you'll want your own set of wheels to get around.

Humidity reigns Houston is an incredibly humid city year-round.

How to Save Money in Houston

Buy a CityPASS This booklet of admission tickets offers major discounts on Houston's most popular sights like the Children's Museum Houston , the Downtown Aquarium, the Houston Zoo and Space Center Houston .

Check for coupons Visit Houston and its Houston Experience Marketplace offer deals and discounts on everything from hotel rooms to restaurants.

Find a food truck Houston is home to hundreds of food trucks dishing out affordable eats all around town. Check Street Food Finder 's food truck locator to see what trucks will be near you.

What to Eat

Considered one of the Best Foodie Cities in the USA , Houston has always produced excellent eats. But in recent years, the rest of the country (and the world) has finally started to take notice. 

Ask any local and you'll find strong opinions of where to find the best Tex-Mex fare, a staple in the Houston diet. But most agree The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is a great place to start. If you're exploring the Museum District and the Houston Zoo , you can try the upscale Hugo's or the M & M Grill that offers fajitas and burritos with halal meats. You could also check out a Pappasito's Cantina location, where Beyoncé has been spotted. 

Another popular food found in Houston? Barbecue, baby. From baby back ribs smothered in sauce to slow-roasted tender brisket, this city has no shortage of BBQ joints. Locals and experts say some of the best spots to visit are Ray's Real Pit BBQ Shack , Killen's Texas Barbecue , helmed by renowned chef Ronnie Killen (who also opened a restaurant combining a steakhouse with a barbeque joint, Killen's STQ ), Gatlin's BBQ and The Pit Room . 

While any first-timer to Houston has to sample Tex-Mex and barbecue, travelers would be remiss to ignore the city's other culinary offerings. Houston's diverse population contributes a wide variety of flavors to its restaurant scene. Sample the lamb kabobs and grape leaves at Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine ; find Creole cuisine at Brennan's of Houston ; try sushi and sake at one of the two Izakaya Wa locations; or pick Aria Suya Kitchen to dine on Nigerian fare. If you're in the mood for a fine dining experience, visit Caracol , helmed by James Beard Foundation Award winner Hugo Ortega, or dine on classic French dishes at Etoile Cuisine et Bar . Those in search of elevated southern comfort food can't skip Lucille's . For Vietnamese fare, visit The Blind Goat or Roostar Vietnamese Grill . No matter what you're in the mood for, you won't go hungry in Houston. 

Soul food is another one of Houston's specialties. Located in midtown, the breakfast klub is an award-winning restaurant founded by radio host and motivational speaker Marcus Davis. Opened in 2001, this Houston institution is famous for two dishes: its signature catfish and grits, and its first-rate wings and waffles. Other soul food spots that come highly recommended by travelers include Mikki's Soul Food Café , Houston This is It Soul Food (a family-owned restaurant serving up specialties like oxtails, mac and cheese and gumbo) and Esther's Cajun Café & Soul Food .

Aside from its foodie roots, Houston is also known for its excellent nightlife. From classic honky-tonks with live music to hip-hop dance clubs with well-known DJs, the city supplies an almost endless stream of options for night owls. If you're looking to two-step, head to Stampede Houston . Hoping to dance along to hits from the 80s and 90s? Try  Numbers Nightclub (it's been around since 1978). Meanwhile, travelers who are still kids at heart shouldn't skip a visit to Cidercade Houston . In addition to more than 275 classic arcade games such as Mario Bros. and Ms. Pac Man, Cidercade also serves a wide variety of hard ciders, hard kombuchas, hard seltzers and hard smoothies.

Getting Around Houston

The best way to get around Houston is by car. Having your own set of wheels will make it easier to explore all of the city's top attractions , especially those that are located beyond the downtown core, such as the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum . Driving may be the easiest way to get around Houston, but the city, like most major metropolitan areas, has numerous other transportation options, including buses, a light rail system and a bike-share service. In contrast to its inexpensive public transportation, the city's taxis can be pricey beyond the downtown area.

To get to and from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), you'll probably want to take a cab or a rental car to make the approximately 30-minute drive south to downtown Houston. To save some coin, consider taking the METRO bus No. 102, which costs just $1.25 and takes travelers from the airport to the downtown METRO station in about 50 to 90 minutes.

Houston's picturesque skyline is framed by the miles-long Buffalo Bayou waterway.

Explore More of Houston

Things To Do

Best hotels.

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17 Best Things to Do in Houston

By Charu Suri

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the country—you’re likely to hear a dozen languages as you stroll through world-class institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts or the Menil Collection. Visitors to this buzzing metropolis should carve out time to absorb the city's incredible arts scene, which even extends outdoors, by way of James Turrell’s free "Twilight Epiphany" Skyspace or the public works that dot Downtown. But the culture here hits on everything from pro sports to only-in-Texas experiences like eating barbecue and watching calf-roping at the world’s largest rodeo, to getting fitted for bespoke cowboy boots.

Click the link to read our complete Houston guide .

Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Arrow

The stainless steel Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH) is prominently situated in the Houston Museum District and is always free, making it popular with just about everyone, from visitors doing a quick loop of the rotating exhibitions to more experienced art enthusiasts. This is a non-collecting museum, so its two floors house rotating exhibitions that showcase a mix of international artists and regional works. Unlike other behemoths in the Museum District, the scope here is more narrow and approachable—and perfect to absorb in a single visit.

Asia Society Texas Center Arrow

Set back from the street with a pristine front lawn, the Asia Society Texas Center is a striking, low-slung Yoshio Taniguchi-designed building that's a study in architectural minimalism with an entrance is hidden behind panels of Jura limestone. Inside, all three levels can be viewed from the lobby. Design elements include glass walls, wood paneling, floating staircases, a sculpture garden, an infinity pond, and a modern water feature that causes mist to rise with captivating effect. Like the Asia Society in New York , the Asia Society here aims to connect visitors with Asian art and culture through exhibitions and educational programming. Rotating art spans media from traditional woodblock printing to photography and contemporary painting. Some works are interactive—the museum frequently hosts Tibetan monks who create a sand mandala before a crowd of slack-jawed spectators.

Forth and Nomad Arrow

Heights Mercantile is a hip retail and restaurant development that includes a mix of national and local shops, some housed in restored bungalows. Forth and Nomad is designed to reflect the heartbeat of this neighborhood, which is renowned for its support of local brands and businesses. Merchandised like a mini gallery, the lifestyle boutique stocks a rotating mix of leather goods, succulents, artisanal cocktail instruments, jewelry, candles, and other goods made by area designers. It recently added a hip coffee bar with locally roasted beans.

Maida's Arrow

Maida's is a family-owned shoe company that has been making bespoke boots and shoes for Houstonians since 1883. At your by-appointment-only design consultation at the slick showroom, the friendly staff will tell you about how they source their leather—using the same tanneries in Italy and France as luxury brands like Hermès —and help you select every aspect of your custom, handmade cowboy boots, designed to fit each of your feet. Sal Maida is a legendary bootmaker and he'll often lead the consultation via Skype from the production factory off on Interstate 10. About a month later, you’ll return for a fitting.

Caitlin Morton

Jessica Puckett

Jamie Spain

Meaghan Kenny

Houston Museum of Natural Science Arrow

Located on the edge of Hermann Park , the Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most-visited attractions in the Museum District. Its four stories of galleries and halls are grand, both in their scale and their offerings. Make sure to stop by the two-story Morian Hall of Paleontology, which is filled with scientific delights large and small, from massive replicas of prehistoric beasts to fossilized dinosaur poop. In the three-story Cockrell Butterfly Center, which is always kept as humid as a tropical rainforest, you'll squeal with delight when one of the fluttering insects lands on you. At Christmas time, they will feature a Trains over Texas exhibit with model trains that go through the geology of different areas of Texas.

Hiram Butler Gallery Arrow

Hiram Butler Gallery focuses first and foremost on lesser known American artists, as the gallery's eponymous founder made it his mission to raise the profile less famous artists. It has included work from postwar modernism artists like Robert Rauschenberg to conceptual artists like Daniel Buren as well as mid-level artists, like Clarissa Tossin from Brazil. It's small and it's free, but is still best suited to those with a serious passion for modern art and unusual galleries: if you're expecting the Museum of Fine Arts , this isn't for you.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company Arrow

Saint Arnold is largely credited for the craft beer movement in Texas (see also: Craft Pride in Austin ), and its headquarters and brewing factory is located in a massive three-story red-brick building, originally built in 1914, on the edge of Downtown. Currently, the brewery welcomes guests at its spacious outdoor Beer Garden at 2000 Lions Avenue where you can sample a range of beers (many in German styles) and grab some solid bar food.

Beer Can House Arrow

Beginning in the 1970s, avid beer lover John Milkovisch—a retired railroad worker—began covering his house with his empties. Milkovisch spent 18 years on his project, and the result is staggering. Garlands of tin-can lids hang from the roofline and chime when the breeze flows; fences and a large mailbox have been fashioned from cans; and faded Pabst Blue Ribbon and Budweiser labels from cardboard beer cases artistically line the porch. It certainly doesn't blend into its surroundings. Situated on a residential street in The Heights, this glittering bungalow is now surrounded by modern townhouses.

James Turrell's "Twilight Epiphany" Skyspace Arrow

Rice's picturesque campus is the setting for "Twilight Epiphany," American artist James Turrell's outdoor bi-level structure that has an aperture that allows visitors to watch an LED light sequence that’s timed to sunrise and sunset. Free advance online reservations are required, but seating is open. You can sit in the ground-level pavilion or head upstairs to the viewing platform for the show, which lasts about 45 minutes. Both levels have built-in curved concrete benches that allow for lounging and looking up at Turrell’s sequence that bathes the roof with vivid colors that change as the sun moves.

Manready Mercantile Arrow

ManReady Mercantile, an independent boutique, is truly one of a kind, with the first candle bar in Houston. You'll also find locally made leather goods, baseball hats, a whiskey bar , perfumes, T-shirts, and many other quirky, whimsical, and high-quality items. Started by Travis Weaver, the shop feels like an endless Pandora's Box of goodies. If money is no object, pick up a Coronado Leather Bison Duffel ($799), a men's solid cologne by Alfred Lane, a hand-poured, bespoke candle, or a pair of polarized Shwood sunglasses. Also, ask the cashier on the second floor to mix you an Old Fashioned—it's a perk of shopping here.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Arrow

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is a grand museum that consists of two buildings and one sculpture garden. The buildings are majestic works of architecture and the Sculpture Garden is a magical walk, with Anish Kapoor’s “ Cloud Column, ” complete with the prototype for his more famous “ Bean ." A new Nancy and Rich Kinder Building, designed by Steven Holl Architects, opens on November 21, 2020, dedicated to presenting works from the museum’s rapidly growing global collections of modern and contemporary art and photography.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Arrow

Last year, nearly 2.5 million people visited the Houston Rodeo, the largest rodeo in the world. The event lasts about three weeks and encompasses several parts: an outdoor carnival with a ferris wheel and games, a livestock exhibition, nightly concerts with major acts, and, of course, the rodeo itself: calf scrambles, bull riding, and other professional competitions in a stadium setting. Past music headliners have ranged from Beyoncé to George Strait to Cardi B.

Bravery Chef Hall Arrow

Bravery Chef Hall is grand, expansive, and airy. The decor would be a bit sterile if it weren't for the warm buzz of the crowd. While it might initially come across as just another food market, its elegance sets it apart from most. One thing it does have in common with other established markets : The food offerings are vast. At The Blind Goat you can feast on eggrolls, zesty tofu bowls, and "Rubbish Apple Pie" once was praised by Gordon Ramsay. Sashimi, hokkaido scallops, and makimono are yours for the taking at Kokoro Sushi and Yakitori, and BOH Pasta & Pizza fires Roman-style pizzas in a Marra Forni oven.

Minute Maid Park Arrow

Minute Maid Park, the home field of the Houston Astros, has all the bells and whistles we've come to expect from a modern professional sports stadium: a retractable-roof, luxury boxes and restaurants from local celebrity chefs . The ballpark is extremely kid-friendly; theme nights throughout the season draw families, and a model train kicks into motion whenever the Astros take the field or hit a home run.

The Menil Collection Arrow

Situated away from the Museum District and in the hip, residential Montrose neighborhood, the Menil Collection's landmark Renzo Piano–designed main building is surrounded by sweeping lawns and bungalow-lined streets. The walkable museum campus also houses various free-standing buildings: the Cy Twombly Gallery, the Byzantine Fresco Chapel (currently closed while the building is being repurposed), the Rothko Chapel (well worth a visit), a restaurant, a bookstore, and the Menil Drawing Institute. The collection here comes from Houston's most important art patrons, the late Dominique and John de Menil, and focuses on sculpture, artifacts, modern and contemporary paintings, and surrealist works.

Memorial Park Arrow

What sets Memorial Park apart from most other urban parks is that 75 percent of the 1,466-acre municipal space is unmanicured. There are more than 40 official park activities, including a golf course, a public pool, croquet, tennis, and various sports fields for softball, baseball, soccer, and flag football. There are more than 30 miles of forest trails for mountain biking, cycling, and hiking; there's also a very popular three-mile running loop. The park recently unveiled the Clay Family Eastern Glades in 2020, the first major project since 2015. The transformed 100-acre area has picnic areas, native wetlands, savanna, pine-hardwood forests and wide- open green spaces.

Houston Botanic Garden Arrow

The 132-acre Houston Botanic Garden, which opened on September 18, 2020, feels like a lush oasis. It’s worth visiting for the sheer range of plants that reflect various Texas Gulf Coast habitats, from coastal prairie to woodland glades. With 2.5 miles of walking trails and six outdoor galleries filled with tropical, sub-tropical, and arid specimens, it's both playful and serious. Kids will enjoy the several interactive elements like a boardwalk maze around a lagoon. This is a place to reflect, meditate, and soak up some plant trivia.

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The 12 can't-miss things to do in Houston

Jun 30, 2021 • 6 min read

Foodie street art decorates a building in Houston's Old Chinatown section of downtown © AFP via Getty Images

Houston is a massive metropolis – the fourth largest in the United States – which has drawn people from all over the world for its rich music, food, and business offerings. But don’t let Houston’s size fool you, it isn't all hustle and bustle. The city maintains a diverse, down-to-earth and inclusive vibe with all sorts of cultural, scientific and outdoor offerings throughout H-town. These are 12 of the best things to do in Houston.

1. The Houston Space Center

When Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969, he said, “Houston, the Eagle has landed.” He was referring to the on-site staff of the NASA Johnson Space Center here in H-town. Today, you can go where history was made and learn all about the moon landing and humanity’s exploration of space with a visit to  Space Center Houston . The official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center welcomes 1.25 million visitors each year who come to marvel at the largest collection of spacesuits and Moon rocks in the world there are over 400 space artifacts here in Houston.

2. Diverse neighborhood cuisines

Houston is the one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States and its food scene reflects that distinction. Taste your way through 70 different countries and US regions at some 10,000 restaurants in the Houston metro. Foodies will love eating their way through Houston's diverse neighborhoods. For instance, you’ll find great Korean food in Spring Branch, fabulous Chinese in Chinatown, Vietnamese in Midtown, and the best Venezuelan food in Katy. Starting in the autumn of 2021, you’ll be able to experience POST Houston, a huge food hall with live music and event spaces which will showcase Houston’s culinary scene.

3. The Museum District 

Culture buffs should make their way to the  Houston Museum District  which is home to 19 different institutions. To make things easier for travelers, the Museum District has been separated into four different walkable zones. In the first zone, you can dive into a collection of 17,000 paintings, sculptures and rare books at the  Menil Collection  before walking to the Houston Center for Photography. 

The second zone hosts the most museums, including the likes of the  Holocaust Museum Houston  and  Houston Museum of African American Culture . The  Contemporary Arts Museum and the  Museum of Fine Arts  are grouped in the third zone, while the  Children's Museum of Houston ,  Houston Zoo  and  The Health Museum  are just a glimpse of what you can discover in the fourth zone of the Museum District.   

4. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo 

Texas has its cowboy reputation, and you can experience a taste of that culture for yourself at the  Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo . This rodeo, which has been around since 1932, is held over a couple of weeks in February and March and is known for having the world’s largest livestock show. 

Watch cowboys wrangle steers and cowgirls whip around barrels on their horses during the rodeo, before playing games at the carnival, shopping among local wares, tasting delicious food at barbecue competitions and watching live concerts from some of the biggest names in music. Keep an eye out for special days of celebration and performances, like Tejano Day and Black Heritage Day.  

5. Buffalo Bayou 

Houston has 580 parks that comprise 66,000 acres of land, making this urban destination a great place for outdoor lovers. Not only can you play outside, you can get a different perspective on H-town. See the Houston skyline from the water, for example, on a kayak adventure with  Bayou City Adventures . They’ll take you on the 53-mile Buffalo Bayou which runs through the popular Buffalo Bayou Park , which has 15 miles of biking and walking trails and public art. 

6. See a ball game

The city of Houston has a lot of pride for their hometown sports teams and welcomes visitors to join in on the fun. Head downtown to watch the  Houston Astros  hit home run after home run or to cheer on the  Houston Rockets  as they dominate the court at the Toyota Center. Soccer fans have the option of watching the  Houston Dynamo  or the  Houston Dash , men and women’s respective professional soccer teams, while football fans won’t want to miss a chance to see the  Houston Texans  take on opponents of the AFC South division. Rugby is just now growing in popularity in the United States, but Houston is well ahead of other big cities with their own professional rugby team called the  Houston SaberCats .  

7. The Waugh Bridge Bats

Austin doesn't have a monopoly on bat colonies that spice up summer sunsets. Make your way to Waugh Bridge to see some 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats fly out at dusk. Unlike Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony, Houston's bats live here full-time, s0 you aren't limited to seeing them during any particular season. You can view them from the Waugh Bridge itself, or across the way as they fly into Buffalo Bayou looking for dinner.

8. Spend the day at the beach 

Although Houston doesn’t technically have a beach, it only takes up to an hour’s drive to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico. At 26.2 miles from downtown Houston,  Sylvan Beach Park  is the closest beach. It’s known as one of the better places to swim because of its lack of seaweed.

If you want to skip the crowds of Sylvan Beach Park, make your way to the charming and quiet  El Jardin Beach . You won’t mind driving the hour to Surfside Beach, as it’s known for its beauty and laid-back atmosphere. That said, you won’t find a lot of amenities here so pack an ice chest and bring snacks before you hit the road.  

9. Try extreme sports

For Texas-sized thrills, ride the bowls of the 30,000-square-foot  Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark  or catch some air wakeboarding at the full-scale cable wakeboarding park,  Wake Nation .  You can also try indoor or outdoor skydiving at  iFly Houston  and  Skydive Spaceland , respectively, hit the  Texas Rock Gym , or give the prairie single track a turn at  Jack Brooks Park 's mountain biking trails. You can even try gliding over the Houston landscape with the  Greater Houston Soaring Association , who practice a motorless style of flight.

10. The Houston Farmers Market

The  Houston Farmers Market  is a great introduction to the city's diverse food scene. The Market technically dates back to the 1940s, but is housed in a brand-new building that developers hope will be H-towns version of Seattle's Pike Place Market or the San Francisco Ferry Building. Here you will be able to find fresh produce and eateries serving everything from breakfast to Tex-Mex to cajun dishes – and all the restaurants showcase some element of Houston culture.

11. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, which has an impressive sculpture fountain that’s best described as a ‘waterwall.’ It's 45 feet high, shaped like a horseshoe, and recycles sheets of water to the tune of 11,000 gallons per minute. It's been a favorite in Houston since 1983 – so popular, in fact, you need to get a special permit if you are hoping to get engaged, married or even professionally photographed here. No one is stopping you from snapping a photo for personal use, however – and indeed, the Watewall seems like it was made with Instagram in mind.

12. National Museum of Funeral History

Many major cities have an art museum or a natural history museum, but Houston is one of the few to boast a museum about the funeral industry. It might sound morbid, but the National Museum of Funeral History is an interesting institution blends history, science, art and culture with exhibits on everything from embalming to wild and whimsical coffins to the unique jazz funerals of New Orleans. You can see a Victorian hearse, learn about presidential funerals, and find out more about Hispanic culture at the Dia de los Muertos exhibit.

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The largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest in the nation, Houston is a powerhouse metropolis with strong ties to the energy and aeronautics industries but a soft spot for the arts, too. Between its happening neighborhoods, creative culinary scene, ample green space, live music, and ever-increasing cultural diversity, Houston is taking on a new identity as one of the great cosmopolitan cities on the global stage.

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Photo Courtesy of Thomas Hawk

When’s the best time to go to Houston?

Remember these months: October through May. That’s when the weather in Houston is just about perfect for doing anything indoors or out. It’s best to avoid Houston’s four-month-long summers of extreme heat and humidity (June through September), when locals look for any opportunity to make a northern escape.

How to get around Houston

Houston has two major airports: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), 15 miles northeast of downtown, and Hobby Airport (HOU), 9 miles southeast of the city. Taxis and shuttles are available into town from the airports, but it’s probably best just to rent a car, which you’ll most likely need to get around Houston during your stay.

Unfortunately, a car is a must if you want to really explore Houston. There are walkable areas (Midtown, Neartown/Montrose, and Downtown), but access from those neighborhoods to the rest of the city by public transportation is quite limited. The light rail, called METRORail, has three lines with a total of 22 miles of rail.

Can’t miss things to do in Houston

A clear local favorite activity is attending an outdoor concert or play at Miller Outdoor Theatre. It’s been around since 1923 and is part of the beautiful Hermann Park in southwest Houston. Because of Houston’s mild fall-through-spring weather, the theater has an eight-month season. And 100 percent of the shows are free. Hermann Park is also near the Museum District, so you can spend the afternoon browsing the Museum of Fine Arts or the Museum of Natural Science, then see a show at the outdoor theater in the evening.

Food and drink to try in Houston

There are claims that Houston has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the world. With more than 10,000 establishments, you would certainly never have to eat at the same place twice. The ethnic diversity is almost as vast as the numbers—Mexican, Vietnamese, Korean, Salvadoran, French, Cajun. Houston’s food is dynamic and highly touted (six of the city’s chefs were nominated for James Beard Awards in 2017), making it a constant challenge to save enough room for dessert.

Culture in Houston

One thing that surprises visitors and newcomers to Houston is its world-renowned arts scene. The city is second only to New York City for the number of theater seats in a concentrated U.S. downtown area, and it has its own opera, ballet, symphony, and theater companies. Houston is also a great museum city with 19 different museums offering a range of exhibits, collections, workshops, and live performances all in one district. The Menil Collection, MFAH, Museum of Natural Science, and CAMH are all must-visit museums.

From fall through spring, Houston is the perfect setting for outdoor festivals and events like the Greek Festival in October, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in March, and the Art Car Parade in May.

Local travel tips for Houston

An interesting fact about Houston you may not learn unless living here is that it’s the only major American city without land-use zoning laws. This means anything can be built anywhere—hospitals next to Italian restaurants next to taxidermy shops next to schools next to gun shops. So, what the city lacks in beauty may be due this little-known hyperlocal liberty.

Guide Editor

A native of East Tennessee, Jessica Lymberopoulos has been based in Houston since 2010. She has lived and worked in the Heights, Medical Center, and Kingwood and loves all this sprawling, energetic city has to offer. She works as a marketing copywriter and studies rhetoric at Northern Arizona University.

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20 Things to Do in Houston — From Rodeos to Art Museums

Here are 20 of the best things to do in Houston on your next trip.

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Houston, Texas, America’s fourth-largest city, is home to more than two million people. It’s a place where the culture is rich, the food is divine, and the sightseeing is top notch. Visitors can spend days on end exploring the streets and never see it all. But, if you want a little help honing in on what to see and do in Space City on your next visit, we have you covered. Here are 20 fun things to do in Houston, Texas.  

Related: The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2023

See the exhibits at the Museum of Natural Science.

Stretching across several floors, Houston’s Museum of Natural Science is home to thousands of artifacts that will teach you about everything from ancient Egypt to the modern-day animal kingdom. Don’t miss the Everyday Fabergé exhibit for something luxe. 

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Get fresh air in Hermann Park.

Explore every inch of Hermann Park ’s 445 acres, which offer rolling hills, lakes, gorgeous little bridges, and gardens that will leave you smiling from ear to ear. For something special, rent one of the pedal boats so you can see the park from a whole new view. 

Delve into science at Space Center Houston.

Get inspired by paying a visit to Space Center Houston , where science comes to life. From its NASA tram tour to its space suit collection, it will have you yearning to join a STEM program ASAP.

Take a peek under the sea at Downtown Aquarium.

Hang with the fishes — in a good way — by visiting the Downtown Aquarium . The space is home to hundreds of aquatic creatures, which you can learn about in interactive exhibits and on its thrilling rides.

Do some laps around Speedy’s Fast Track.

Catch an adrenaline rush at Speedy’s Fast Track , a popular go-kart attraction for families or those just looking for a little fun. After racing your friends, try winning a few goodies at the arcade, take home bragging rights at laser tag, or play a round of mini-golf.

Shop ‘til you drop at The Galleria.

Looking for some retail therapy? Make your way to The Galleria , where you’ll find everything from high-end designers like Gucci to more affordable fashion finds. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as this place is absolutely massive.

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Root for the home team at Minute Maid Park.

If you’re visiting during baseball season, snag tickets to a Houston Astros game at Minute Maid Park. With a total capacity of 41,000 fans, it’s always a good time. (And it has plenty of stadium-favorite meals too , including the requisite ballpark hot dogs, pretzels, and more.)

Find a little peace and quiet at Cockrell Butterfly Center.

Learn about the lifecycle of butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center . From lessons on their journey from caterpillar to flying critter to seeing them float around you in the three-story glass conservatory, you can feel one with nature here. The center is currently closed for renovations, so check the website for reopening details.

Get cultured at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Flex your artistic knowledge with a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston . Here, you can check out works by masters like ​​Alberto Giacometti and Gordon Parks, and even get interactive with exhibits like Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish. 

Or see outdoor art at Hines Waterwall Park.

Let out a deep, meditative exhale as you gaze upon the cascading water at Hines Waterwall Park . The 64-foot-high waterfall may be the main attraction, but there are also 2.77 acres to explore and 186 live oak trees to say hello to.

Related: The 5 Best Hotels in Houston

See a show at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Want to see a show without spending a dime? Visit the Miller Outdoor Theatre during its eight-month season, showcasing some of the coolest acts and shows from around the world. See its schedule and plan a trip around a theater performance, musical act, ballet, and more.

Dig into the history of flying at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum.

Pay homage to aviation past at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum . Built in 1940, the building once acted as the Houston Municipal Airport. Now it features exhibits on everything from the history of planes to crew member uniforms.

Get a little Houston style at Pinto Ranch.

Pick up some fine Western wear at Pinto Ranch . Offering a stellar range of cowboy hats and cowboy boots, you’ll surely find something in the shop that will make for an excellent (and fashionable) souvenir.

Florian Holzherr/Courtesy of the Moody Center for the Arts 

See the stunning Twilight Epiphany Skyspace.

Find more free outdoor art at Rice University with the gorgeous Twilight Epiphany Skyspace . Built in 2012, the James Turrell-designed pyramid is a dazzling display of light and architecture, all meant to mimic the sun’s arc. 

Find a little bit of everything at Discovery Green.

Find 12 acres of fun at Discovery Green , a park created out of a public-private partnership between the City of Houston and the non-profit Discovery Green Conservancy. From taking a walk to taking in a show to workout classes and everything in between, you’re bound to find something to delight here. 

Learn about local history at the San Jacinto Monument and Museum.

The San Jacinto Monument and Museum is hard to miss. It’s one of the tallest and most well-known monuments in the city, commemorating the Battle of San Jacinto, an important battle during the Texas Revolution.

Discover how your body works at The Health Museum.

Bodies. We all have them, and in Texas, you can learn more about them. Head to The Health Museum to learn all about the inner workings of the human body, including how we get colds and how to avoid them.

Smell the flowers at the McGovern Centennial Gardens.

One more must-see garden space in Houston is the McGovern Centennial Gardens . With eight acres of manicured gardens, including some 490 trees made up of more than 50 different species, it’s a place of pure natural wonderment.

Watch a lively show at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

Come by the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, whose mission is to create a “world-class cultural center by providing a premier performing arts facility,” that also places emphasis on musical acts. Catch a classic like "Chicago," or a new show like "Pretty Woman: The Musical," all in one spot.

See real cowboys at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

If you visit in late February or early March, don't miss the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo . Here you can experience everything from cow roping to BBQ events, wine shows to massive country music shows, and so much more. 

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The Ultimate 3 Days in Houston Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 4, 2024

Trying to find great activities and attractions in Houston? Our Houston itinerary is all you need to plan the perfect trip!

Houston, the fourth most populous city in the United States, has a little bit of everything for travelers, making it one of the best places to visit in Texas .

Perhaps its most known attraction is the Space Center. It lives up to its billing but it’s not enough to fill a three-day itinerary.

Luckily, Houston is much more than meets the eye thanks to its range of cultural districts that present solo travelers, friends, couples, and families with plenty to see and do.

Start your day at any one of Houston’s numerous gorgeous parks. Walk, ride or paddle to discover the natural side of the large, modern city.

Beyond the parks are fascinating museums, malls to scratch the shopping itch, and live sports in each direction.

Read Next: Don’t forget to check out our list of the 21 best things to do in Houston before your trip as well!

Table of Contents

Day 1 Morning

Day 1 afternoon, day 1 evening, day 2 morning, day 2 afternoon, day 2 evening, day 3 morning , day 3 afternoon, day 3 evening, when is the best time to visit houston, getting around houston .

• Best Hostel in Houston: Wanderstay Houston
• Best Mid-Range Hotel in Houston: Cambria Hotel

Best Luxury Hotel in Houston

How to spend 3 days in houston itinerary.

Yep, Houston is a huge city. Neighborhoods are spread out, each with something great to offer. Thankfully, we’ve wrapped it up with a nice bow on top.

A few of the attractions in this itinerary cost money, such as the Space Center Houston, the Zoo, and a number of museums.

To save a bit of money on these amazing attractions, we highly recommend getting the Houston CityPASS .

The pass allows you to choose 5 Houston attractions and enjoy a discounted price. You can save 50% on the entry fees, so it’s definitely worth it!

Day 1 in Houston

Your 3 days in Houston starts with a head of steam as you visit the Space Center Houston before kicking back for an evening in Hermann Park.

For travelers, one of the top reasons for visiting Houston is because of its connection with the exploration of space. “ Houston, we have a problem”  isn’t just a line from a movie.

So start your weekend in Houston with a bang and head straight to the  Space Center Houston . The incredible complex offers both quality and quantity, so be sure to leave as much time as you like to get the most out of the experience.

Begin at the official visitor center where you’ll embark on a hands-on experience. It’s insightful and thrilling for young and old.

Within minutes you can wander inside a recreation of America’s original space station known as the SkyLab . Your eyes will pop as you gaze upon the same instruments used by astronauts decades ago.

In addition to the fascinating gadgets, there is also a real rock taken from the moon!

The thrills don’t end there. Jump on board the open-air tram and make your way across to the Johnson Space Center where you can see mission control, where the action goes down and history is made.

Book your ticket to the Space Center online in advance here !

• Address:  2101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
• Hours:  10am-5pm (Mon-Fri) 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun)
• Price:  $29.95

There’s a great chance that you’ll spend more than just the morning exploring Space Center Houston. But whenever you feel like you’re all  spaced out,  then next on the agenda is the wonderful Hermann Park .

The urban space is a highlight of the Houston Museum District, providing not just a place to picnic as you wander between the attractions, but plenty of its own fun things to do.

Related: Check out our post on all of the top day trips from Houston !

Hermann Park has similarities to San Diego’s Balboa Park, with zoos, theaters, lakes, and ornate gardens.

After a big morning, you can just chill in the park or explore the Hermann Park Railway . On McGovern Lake, you can rent a small boat and see the natural treasures found along the water’s edge. Travelers will also have the opportunity to explore the neighboring Rice University Campus.

Traveling families will want to check out the Houston Zoo . Spread across 55 acres, the zoo is home for 6,000 animals from around the world.

There are areas dedicated to native Texan wildlife, the African continent, where cheetahs and giraffes roam, and an elephant enclosure.

• Address:  6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
• Hours:  9am-5pm (Mon-Sun)
• Price:  $21+

Read Next: Don’t miss out on our guide to an awesome 3 days in San Antonio Itinerary !

As the sun falls over Houston, there’s no need to depart Hermann Park for greener pastures. The urban park puts on events throughout the year that keep the fun going well into the evening.

The best example can be found at the park’s Miller Outdoor Theatre .

At the park’s northern end, the theater has a  packed calendar  of live performances, from plays to concerts. It makes for a romantic (and family-friendly) evening for all who visit Houston.

Also within Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo also runs nighttime  events  that allow you to explore the zoo under the stars, or even take part in a silent disco!

True night owls excited to experience the local nightlife will want to make their way to Downtown Houston. It offers the full gamut from happening sports bars, Texan honky tonks, and nightclubs.

Captian Foxheart’s Bad News Bar has a charming difference that makes a night here the most memorable. Sample their delightful cocktail menu and the eye-catching decor before making your way to the rooftop to enjoy great views across the city skyline.

Day 2 in Houston

Day 2 on your Houston itinerary sees you venture into the city’s biggest park, explore the Museum District, and hit up a live ball game!

As your time in Hermann Park will have shown you, Houston has no shortage of green space to enjoy.

Its many urban oases provide a wonderful escape from the United States’ fourth biggest city, allowing for a blissful time among the urban sprawl.

To begin the second day of your weekend in Houston, make your way to the best urban space in the city, Buffalo Bayou Park . Under the inevitable Houston sunshine, find yourself a spacious spot among the rolling lawns that stretch along the Buffalo Bayou stream.

Once you’ve taken in the sights and sounds and enjoyed your morning coffee, jump on one of the walking and cycling trails to explore the 160-acre park.

Aside from excellent city views, dog runs, and playgrounds, Buffalo Bayou Park is known for its public arts. It puts the space at the forefront of not just leisure, but the local arts culture.

The highlight of this is the park’s famous Cistern. This was developed in the 1920s and is an underground reservoir that provided water for residents. Now, it hosts art installations both temporary and permanent. There are also  tours  you can take of the historic piece of engineering.

But if the sun is really beating down, get out on the water for a paddle. At the Lake Lost Visitor Center, you can grab a paddle and jump onboard a SUP or kayak.

Exploring more of Texas? Check out this list of the best things to do in Austin .

After an eventful morning exploring Buffalo Bayou Park, get some respite from the Texan sun and make your way into Houston’s fantastic Museum District .

You could fill an entire Houston itinerary with the district’s 19 museums alone. Over half of them are free to explore, making it as budget-friendly as it is educational and fun. Whether you’re traveling as a family, solo or with your partner, you’ll find something that piques your interest.

Some of the top attractions in the Museum District include the Menil Collection , the Houston Museum of Natural Science , and the Contemporary Arts Museum .

But those that love their art can’t pass up a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston .

Covering two buildings with an additional sculpture garden, the museum boasts 6,000 worth of creative history with over 60,000 impressive works of art.

• Address:  1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
• Hours:  11am-5pm (Wed) 11am-9pm (Thur) 11am-6pm (Fri-Sat) 12.30pm-6pm (Sun)
• Price:  $19

If you’ve taken the kids along for the ride on your 3 days in Houston, then why not check out the Children’s Museum of Houston ?

The vibrant complex will keep everyone entertained as the little ones embark on a journey of interactive exhibits. Highlights include the SECRETS Spy Game, where they can solve mysteries as a detective.

• Address:  1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
• Hours:  10 am-6 pm (Tue-Wed/Fri-Sat) 10 am-8 pm (Thur)
• Price:  $15

Read Next: Check out our post on all of the best things to do in Texas!

In Downtown Houston, a baseball game at Minute Maid Park is a great way to start your second evening in Houston.

From March to October, the Houston Astros swing for the fences in front of an adoring home crowd and plenty of opposing supporters. The retractable roof ensures that the game is always fun and comfortable to watch.

You won’t have to worry about the rain coming down, or the sun being too much. Simply kick back with a hot dog (and a tall boy) and watch the action unfold.

Speaking of sports, you can catch the NBA’s Houston Rockets play at the Toyota Center and the NFL’s Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.

Day 3 in Houston

Your weekend in Houston is quickly wrapping up. But don’t worry, we have much more to see. Today, discover parks, underground tunnels, historic beach towns, and a man-made waterfall.

In Downtown Houston, Discovery Green is  the  place to start the final day on your Houston itinerary. It’s another example of Houston effortlessly blending nature into its urban sprawl, providing a lively spot to enjoy your morning coffee as the city slowly wakes up.

Discovery Green spans 12 acres and in the early hours, you’ll find groups of residents enjoying yoga classes or admiring the many sculptures strewn around the greenery.

Other common events include reading sessions for the little ones. There is also an ice skating rink in the winter months.

A great alternative is the Market Square Park , which first opened when Houston was founded in 1836. Here, you’ll find patios set around the small park, the famous Buster statue and a horde of surrounding cafes and restaurants.

As the sun ascends higher into the sky, escape the heat by exploring Houston’s fascinating Underground Tunnel . It once connected two movie theaters but now it stretches for 6 miles of air-conditioned tunnel.

Places to stop on your subterranean adventure include the large underground food hall and the intriguing lower story in the Bank of America Building. Book a guided tour of the Underground Tunnel if you’d rather have a local show you around!

Read next: 3 Days in Austin Itinerary

They say it’s best to travel like a local. So if that’s the case, then enjoy the hour drive to Galveston Island !

Galveston Island is Houston’s go-to beach destination. The island itself is just shy of 30 miles long and is enveloped in golden beaches, historic piers, plenty of shopping and sunshine.

The barrier island has a fantastic story. One that you can read with a stroll through the East End Historic District, past historic mansions from the 1800s, old-time cafes, and boutique galleries that hold the key to the past. Among them, leafy trees paint the streets.

You’ll find even more history and even better shopping in the Strand , a National Historic Landmark District. Aside from the on-point aesthetics, you’ll discover a vibrant neighborhood and the impressive Grand 1894 Opera House.

But yes, you haven’t escaped the city just to see old buildings. Galveston Island is what it is because of its powdery white sand.

Venture down to the Seawall for some time on Stewart Beach . With lifeguards watching on, trade the warm sands for the balmy waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Travelers will be able to rent beach chairs and umbrellas. You’ll also have easy access to several concession stands slinging your favorite beach treats and beverages. Finish off by checking out Galveston’s answer to the Santa Monica Pier, the Historic Pleasure Pier .

Don’t have a rental car? Check out this  day trip  to Galveston Island, departing from Houston.

After returning to the Space City, take some time to reflect on your 3 days in Houston with a visit to the mesmerizing Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park .

In a city of impressive art and public installations, the grandeur of this attraction still manages to stand out. Lay down a picnic blanket on the park’s surrounded lawns and gaze upon the man-made waterfall.

The Waterwall is a semi-circle structure standing at 64 feet tall. Every minute, 11,000 gallons of water trickles down, creating a glistening sight and gentle sound. Add on the 200 towering oak trees in the park, and you have a stunning sight that is the best place to reflect on the previous 72 hours.

As the sun begins to set, admire the ever-changing colors before exploring what nighttime in Uptown Houston has to offer. In keeping with the laid-back vibe, you’ll find plenty of chill bars, like Muldoon’s the Patio, which serves up excellently potent cocktails.

If you want to go out with a bang, head to the West End where you’ll find regular themed nights like karaoke, with DJs and live music on the weekend.

Read more: The 21 Best Things To Do In San Antonio !

Houston Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do in Houston, here is some information that will help you know the best time to visit, how to get around and where to stay.

The best time to visit Houston is in the spring. As you’ve seen, Space City has some wonderful urban parks, and as the temperatures warm the city’s flora bursts into life. With leafy trees and blooming azaleas, it’s a vibrant time to be in Houston.

To add to the case of spring travel, the Texas Livestock Show and Rodeo occurs annually in March. Sure, you may not be into rodeos, but the enthralling carnival is as good as any with heart-stopping rides and plenty of big, boisterous Texan culture.

Given Houston’s position on the map, it’s no surprise the city gets  hot  in summer. But if that’s the time you prefer to travel, then you’ll still have much to look forward to.

Many of the city’s top attractions are indoors, while the tunnels help you explore and Galveston Island is only an hour away.

Related: Don’t miss this post on all of the great road trips from Houston !

With the fourth biggest population of any American city, it’s easy to say that Houston is a  big  city. But unlike New York, for example, it’s not well set up for public transport.

Depending on where you stay, you may wish to hire a car in order to explore the attractions on the edges of town.

However, you can avoid a multi-day car hire by staying in Downtown Houston. There is a light rail system that runs through downtown and the Museum District. But you are more likely to find your next attraction within walking distance.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Where to Stay in Houston

Because of the light rail system, the best place to stay in Houston is downtown. Not only will you have sports stadiums, attractions, and parks within walking distance, but you can jump on the rail to visit the Museum District.

Uptown and Galleria are other options, with Galleria having some budget-friendly accommodation. However, you’ll want to hire a car.

If you’re wondering where to stay in the city, our recommendations for the best accommodation in Houston will help you choose the top spot for your budget!

Read Next: Don’t miss out on our guide to an awesome 3 days in Dallas Itinerary !

Best Hostel in Houston : Wanderstay Houston

Wanderstay Houston  places you close to Hermann Park with access to downtown via the light rail system.

The modern hotel has plenty of character, especially within its themed rooms, from sports to music and rodeo. The spacious communal area is great for meeting fellow travelers, with bike rentals also available.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Houston : Cambria Hotel

Stay downtown and have much of Houston at your fingertips with a weekend at the  Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center ?.

Enjoy upscale amenities, lush linens, and cable TV with an on-site gym, restaurant, and bar. From the lobby, you’re just steps from Minute Maid Park and Main Street.

So you want to treat yourself to some luxury? Well, it’s time to head to the  La Colombe d’Or .

Dive into the outdoor swimming pool, dabble in the delicious dining and revel in the Victorian-era decor before exploring the Museum District and Hermann Park.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

20+ Things to do in Houston Texas

Last updated: March 25, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - Leave a Comment

Looking for things to do in Houston Texas? Well, you’re in the right place. We explored Houston thoroughly on a road trip through Texas, and had a lot of fun visiting all the main attractions in the largest city in Texas.

This guide to the city has a wide range of things to do, from visiting the Space Centre , checking our museums, going shopping, visiting the zoo, and eating upscale Tex Mex. You certainly won’t run out of options during your visit – we certainly didn’t!

As well as what to do in Houston, we’ve also got tips on practicalities, from how to get around, to where to stay, to saving money during your visit. Read on for everything you need to plan your visit to this Texan city!

Things to Do in Houston Texas

This guide features some of the best options for things to do in Houston, and should give everyone plenty of options, whether you’re visiting Houston as a couple, on your own, or with family.

Note that prices and times are up to date as of May 2019, but please always check the linked websites for the latest information.

Space Center Houston

If you’ve read some of the other articles on this site, you’ll know that I’m quite a big fan of space based activities . On our adventures we’ve visited the U.S. Space and Rocket Center , attended Space Camp , and followed New Mexico’s Space Trail .

Basically, if there’s a chance to do something space related I’m going to do it.

As you would imagine therefore, when we visited Houston, we made a beeline for Space Center Houston . We highly recommend that even if you aren’t space mad, you do the same.

Space Center Houston is really two attractions in one. First, it’s a Smithsonian affiliate museum, which is home to a fantastic array of exhibits about space travel and exploration. This covers the past, present and future of space travel, and there’s a huge amount to see and do here.

Space Centre Houston is also the official visitor centre of the NASA Johnson Space Center. This is a fully operational NASA facility where human spaceflight training and research takes place. It’s also the home of NASA’s Mission Control facility.

Since 1965, all of NASA’s manned space missions have been operated through the mission control rooms at NASA Johnson, including the Moon landing missions. (maybe note including the first where Neil Armstrong took the first human steps on the moon, and maybe also note the upcoming 50th? anniversary?)

As part of the entry ticket to the Space Center, you can take a guided tram tour of the Space Center and some of the key facilities. This was definitely a highlight for us – seeing the original mission control room as well as a full size Saturn V rocket was an amazing experience, and one we highly recommend.

Note that the tram tour is very popular and whilst the tram can take a good many people, it is a good idea to join the line at least 15 – 20 minutes before the departure in order to get a timely departure. We’d also suggest taking the tram tour earlier on in your visit to be sure to do it.

It’s also possible to take a VIP tour of the Space Centre and Houston, known as a Level 9 Tour. This must be booked in advance, and is a 4 – 5 hour guided tour of the facility, visiting places that are not usually visited on any other tour. It also includes lunch. Definitely one to consider for the real space fans!

Space Center Houston is located about a half hour drive outside the city centre to the southeast of the city. It’s quite close to Kemah Boardwalk if you wanted another option in the area. There is parking on site available for  fixed $5 fee.

During the week, you can take public transport to reach the Space Center, but there are no public transport options on the weekends. It’s also possible to take a tour like this from the city center out to the Space Center.

Space Center Houston is generally open every day from 10am – 5pm, although in peak times around July, it is open from 9am – 6pm. There’s a detailed calendar of opening times and dates when it is closed on the official website here .

Space Center Houston has an admission fee, with discounts available for children and seniors. It’s also included on the Houston CityPASS .

Houston Zoo

With over 6,000 animals from over 900 species on site, there’s more than enough to see at the 55-acre Houston Zoo to fill at least half a day, if not more. This is a popular attraction, especially with families, and is actually the second most visited Zoo in the USA.

Highlights for us were the Asian elephants, which reminded us of our time seeing elephants in Thailand , and of course the giraffes, which are always a favourite of ours. We also enjoyed seeing the flamingoes and African lions.

Houston Zoo does not have its own parking; however, you can park for free in nearby Hermann Park. See more on parking here . Houston Zoo can also be reached by Houston METRORail , and holders of a METRORail ticket save on Zoo admission when presenting their ticket.

Houston Zoo is open every day except Christmas Day, from 9am – 6pm during central standard time, and 9am – 7pm during central daylight time.

Admission to Houston Zoo carries an admission fee for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors. It’s also included on the Houston CityPASS.

• Downtown Aquarium

Another popular family attraction in Houston is the Downtown Aquarium, which is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Houston. As well as the Aquarium, there’s also a small family friendly amusement park here with a number of rides, as well as two restaurants.

The Aquarium is home to over 200 species of aquatic animals, which are housed across half a million gallons worth of tanks. These tanks are spread across five main zones, which includes a Louisiana Swamp exhibit, shipwreck zone, and Rainforest exhibit.

There’s also a stingray exhibit where you can both feed and touch the stingrays.

The Aquarium is open daily from 10am – 8.30pm, with extended hours of 10am – 10pm on Friday and Saturdays. There’s parking on site, with an $8 daily fee. This was cash only when we visited.

The Downtown Aquarium has an admission fee, with discounts for seniors and children. See full pricing information as well as opening times on the official website here . It’s also possible to buy a pass that includes access to all the amusement rides. The Aquarium exhibit is also included on the Houston CityPASS, and this also includes the Stingray Reef.

• Houston Museum of Natural Science

If you want to learn about our world, science, and natural history, then you will want to visit the excellent Houston Museum of Natural Science .

This is home to 16 permanent exhibitions as well as a number of special exhibits which change regularly. There’s everything on display from Fabergé jewellery to massive dinosaur fossils, African wildlife to the technology of energy.

This is definitely a museum that covers a great many things, with a wide scope of exhibits that we think will appeal to pretty much everyone – whatever their interest or age.

There’s also an on-site planetarium and giant screen theatre, as well as a butterfly centre. These are all separately priced attractions, but as you might imagine, there’s enough to do here to fill a day quite easily!

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is open every day from 9am – 5pm, with an admission fee. There are also a variety of discounts available for children, seniors, students and military – see full pricing and opening information here .

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is also included on the Houston CityPASS.

Children’s Museum of Houston

Another city centre museum that is very popular with families is the Children’s Museum of Houston . This is a children’s focused museum in Houston’s Museum District, with over 80,000 square feet of adventure to explore.

This includes physical challenge courses, hands-on learning exhibits, and an entire exhibit dedicated to hydropower which involves a lot of interactive water installations!

As we don’t travel with children, we didn’t actually visit the inside of the Children’s Museum in Houston as normal admission rules require that you need to visit with a child. Which makes a lot of sense given that this is a children’s museum!

The Museum is open every day except Mondays (with some exceptions for specific holidays), usually from 10am – 6pm. On Sundays it opens at midday, and on Thursdays it closes at 8pm.

There’s an admission fee for children and adults, with discounts available for seniors and active military. You can see full pricing and opening time information here . It’s also included on the Houston CityPASS.

Kemah Boardwalk

Found about 30 miles southeast of Houston on the Gulf Coast, the Kemah Boardwalk is the place to come for family-friendly amusement park style rides, restaurants, shops, arcade games, and carnival style games.

With 14 rides to choose from, including a 96ft high wooden roller coaster, thrill seekers will find plenty to keep themselves entertained. There are also rides for younger riders, as well as a ferris wheel. In terms of dining, there are ten restaurants and cafes on site, meaning you have plenty of choice.

The Kemah Boardwalk is free to visit and wander around, but if you want to go on the rides or take part in any of the games there’s a fee to do so. You can pay for rides individually, or you can buy an all day ride pass which will let you go on the majority of the rides as many times as you like.

We think the all day pass is likely to be the best value for most visitors. If you pick up a Houston CityPASS , this includes the Kemah Boardwalk All Day pass.

The Kemah Boardwalk is located relatively close to Space Center Houston, and is also open into the evening, so we think combining the two would be a good option. It is best to visit with a car or you can book a tour from Houston which includes Space Center Houston and the Kemah Boardwalk, which you can book online here .

Rides at the Kemah Boardwalk have variable opening hours depending on the day of week and if it’s a holiday or not. Generally they are open from at least 11am until 9pm. You can see all the opening times and information regarding discounts here .

Battleship Texas

The Battleship Texas state historic site is found just over twenty miles east of downtown Houston, and is home to the USS Texas, a New York-class battleship.

Commissioned in 1914, the Texas saw combat in both the first and second World Wars. It took part in the Normandy beach landings, shelling Axis held beaches, and later it provided gunfire support during both the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa.

USS Texas is also notable for a number of other reasons other than a distinguished service career. She was the first US battleship to be fitted with anti-aircraft guns and was the first to launch an aircraft.

Even on retirement, she carried on leading the way – she was the first US battleship to be turned into a museum ship as well as the first to be declared a National Historic Landmark. Today, she is also the only remaining World War 1 dreadnought in existence, and the only major ship that you can visit which served in both World Wars.

Hopefully this has given you enough reason already to want to visit this legendary vessel.

Since 1948, the USS Texas has been found parked by the San Jacinto Memorial, although there was a two year period when she was moved to a dry dock in Galveston for extensive repairs.

Today, you can visit and explore this old war horse, and you have a number of options for doing so. Perhaps most popular is the self-guided tour, which are available daily from 10am – 5pm, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Adult pricing for the self guided tour costs $12, with discounts available for seniors and children. Entry is free for active and retired military with ID.

There are other options, including hard hat guided tours of areas which are closed to the public. Youth groups are also able to arrange overnight sleepovers on the vessel. You can see more about all the options for visiting and pricing on the Battleship Texas State historic website here .

San Jacinto Battleground & Monument

Right next to the Battleship Texas, and definitely worth visiting at the same time, is the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site .

This was where, in 1836, a key battle of the Texas Revolution was fought, around six weeks after the battle of the Alamo . The battle only lasted 18 minutes, but it resulted in Texas gaining independence from Mexico, and ultimately joining the USA.

A focal point of the park is the San Jacinto Monument. This is hard to miss, given that it’s a 570ft high column topped with a 220 ton star commemorating the battle. In fact, the San Jacinto monument is the tallest masonry column, and it is ever so slightly taller than the Washington Monument.

Inside the monument is the San Jacinto Museum of History , where you’ll find an excellent exhibition on the Texas Revolution and the San Jacinto Battleground. This features a number of artefacts from the time, as well as a theatre where a 35 minute film tells the story of Texas and the San Jacinto battle.

You can also ride an elevator right to the observation deck near the top of the tower, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the battleground and Battleship Texas.

Access to the state park and the museum is free, but if you want to see any special exhibits or ride to the observation floor, there is a fee. Ticket prices vary depending on what you want to see, with discounts available for groups, children, seniors, active military and veterans. You can see full pricing information here .

The Museum is open 7 days a week from 9am – 6pm, and there’s free parking on site. You can also visit the monument outside of these hours, but it will not be open.

Smither Park

There are also plenty of free things to do in Houston for those of you traveling on a budget, or just looking for something a bit different to do.

Smither Park is a good example of a great free thing to do in Houston. This is a large urban greenspace which is home to over 300 mosaic sculptures, all of which have been created by local artists.

This is a lovely space to wander around and to enjoy some public art for free. It’s also constantly evolving and updating with new works. If you visit on a Saturday, you might even see artists at work creating new pieces!

Smither Park is free to visit and is open daily from dawn to dusk.

The Orange Show

Just over the road from Smither Park, and operated by the same nonprofit, the Orange Show is a folk art environment that was built by Houston postal worker Jefferson McKissack.

McKissack built the entire installation himself over a 23 year period from 1956-1979. As you might guess from the name, it was built in honor of his favourite fruit – the Orange. It’s a large, maze-like installation across multiple walkways, paths, and balconies.

The Orange Show is open on weekends from midday until 5pm. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day it opens from Wednesday – Sunday from 9am – 1pm. There’s a small admission fee.

Note that as the structure and pathways can be slippery when it is wet, it does sometimes close for bad weather. This actually happened to us, as you can see from our photo it was very grey and wet when we visited.

Definitely a spot to consider for those who enjoy quirky roadside attractions. You can read more about admission fees and opening times here .

Beer Can House

The last attraction on our list which is also managed by the Orange Show Centre for Visionary Art (as are the two previous entries), the Beer Can House is a unique property which includes over 50,000 beer cans in it’s construction.

The Beer Can house was the result of 18 years of effort by retired upholsterer John Milkovisch, who used beer cans to create aluminum sidings for his house, as well as to provide decorative and artistic elements.

Today, the Beer Can house can be visited for a small admission, and it is open from midday to 5pm (weather permitting) on Saturday and Sundays. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, it opens midday – 5pm Wednesday to Sunday.

See more on opening hours, admission prices and visitor information here .

Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is one of the largest art museums in the US, and the oldest art museum in Texas. With over 300,000 square feet of exhibition space across seven facilities, there’s a huge amount to see and do here.

The two main buildings are the Caroline Weiss Law Building and the Audrey Jones Beck building, which are next to each other. The Law building contains primarily Asian, African, Islamic, Native American, Oceanic, Pre-Columbian, and Modern and Contemporary art.

The Beck building is where you’ll find ancient art, European art, photography, prints and drawings, and American art to the mid-20th century.

The museum is particularly well known for its collection of Italian Renaissance painting. However, with over 62,000 works in the collection, we are sure you will find something to love whatever your art tastes!

There’s a fee to visit the Museum of Fine Arts of $17 for adults, with concessions available. It’s also entirely free every Thursday.

The museum is open every day of the week with the exception of Mondays. It’s also closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Opening hours are 10am – 5pm Tue & Wed, 10am – 9pm on Thu, 10am – 7pm Fri & Sat, and 12.15 – 7pm on Sunday.

You can see more information on ticket prices and opening times, as well as details of any special exhibits, on the official website here .

When you visit, don’t miss the Cullen Sculpture Garden across the road, which has works by Matisse, Picasso and Rodin! It’s free to visit.

Menil Collection

The Menil Collection is a museum which houses the private art collection, known as the Menil Collection, of Dominique and John de Menil.

The de Menils were a French American couple who collected a huge amount of art from the 1940s onwards. Their collection spanned a range of subjects and topics, including paintings, rare books, sculptures, and photographs.

The Menil Collection is where you can see some of this huge collection, which includes over 17,000 items. Over time, the collection has expanded and been added to, and the museum rotates the display pieces.

The Menil Collection is entirely free to visit, and is open Wednesday – Sunday from 11am – 7pm. See more on their official website here .

Rothko Chapel

If you are at all a fan of abstract expressionism, you are very likely to be familiar with the works of Mark Rothko. Rothko was a leading American abstract painter, particularly famous for creating large rectangular works consisting of blocks of color.

Towards the end of his career and also his life, he created fourteen paintings specifically for display in the Rothko Chapel , a non-denominational chapel in Houston’s Museum District.

As well as the paintings, Rothko was involved in the overall design of the chapel, which was specifically commissioned with the purpose of creating a meditative space to display his work. Outside the chapel, there is a reflecting pool surrounded by greenery which is a lovely space to sit for a while and think.

Tragically, Rothko did not live to see his work completed – following a battle with depression, he took his own life in 1970, a year before the chapel and his works were open.

Entry to the Rothko Chapel is free, but donations are appreciated. Please be aware that this is an active chapel and place of worship, so visitors are expected to behave accordingly. There were people meditating and praying inside when we visited. Photography is also not permitted inside.

At time of writing the Rothko Chapel is closed for renovation, but you can still visit the exterior.

Houston Centre for Photography

As a photographer, I always enjoy visiting photography exhibits and photography related sites.  I was therefore delighted to learn when we visited Houston that the museum district is home to the Houston Centre for Photography .

This free museum has a rotating series of exhibitions, as well as regular photography related events. These include the opportunity to have your work critiqued, as well as lectures and talks.

The Houston Centre for Photography is also a learning resource, and they offer a number of photography course, classes, and tuition opportunities.

If you’re in Houston for a few days these might not be applicable, but if you live in the area and are interested in improving your photography, this is a good option.

The Houston Centre for Photography is open from Wednesday through Sunday. It opens at 11am every day, and closes between 5pm and 9pm depending on the day. There is free parking outside, and admission is also free. See more on opening times and current exhibitions on the official website here .

If you want to indulge in a little retail therapy whilst you’re in Houston, you have no shortage of options to choose from, from larger shopping malls through to smaller stores.

We caught up on a bit of shopping at the Galleria Mall , which is an impressive mixed use retail complex, and the largest mall in Texas.

As well as being home to over 300 stores, there are two hotels, an ice rink, and a variety of dining options. Even if you’re not into shopping, it’s worth visiting just to see the impressive barrel vault ceiling, one of the reasons Forbes named this as one of the world’s best malls!

There’s free parking on site and the mall is usually open from 10am – 9pm every day except Sunday, when it’s open 11am – 7pm. You can find out more about opening hours and available stores on the official website here .

Tranquillity Park

Named for the Sea of Tranquility on the Moon (although notably spelt differently), Tranquillity Park is an ocean of calm in the centre of Houston, just a short walk from the Downtown Aquarium.

As well as taking a quick break from the fast pace of the city around you, Tranquillity Park also has a number of space related plaques you can see.

These include quotes from Neil Armstrong, a replica footprint of Armstrong’s moon footprint, as well as two memorials for each of the space shuttle disasters.

Hines Waterwall park

If you like the sound of Tranquillity Park, you are going to love Hines Waterwall Park . This park, which is found next to the Galleria Mall, is home to a huge fountain known as the Waterwall.

This 64ft fountain is a popular attraction and photo stop in the city. 11,000 gallons of water a minute circulate through the fountains, making for an impressive sight, and the surroundings gardens are also nice for a visit, with over 150 live oak trees offering shade.

The waterwall is free to visit and is open daily from 8am – 9pm. Note that it’s not permitted to bathe in the waterwall!

As you might imagine from a major US city, there’s no shortage of fantastic dining options in Houston, with restaurants covering flavours from around the world.

Of course, being in Texas, there are a few types of cuisine you might want to try, including Tex-Mex, Mexican, and Texas BBQ.

We dined at a number of locations in the city, and can recommend Hugo’s for modern Mexican style meals, the Hay Merchant for craft beer and comfort food, and the Goode Company BBQ for BBQ.

For those of you interested in food and wanting to take a food specific tour, there are a few on offer, such as this 3.5 hour tour of some of the best food in the city.

Catch a Game at Minute Maid Park

Sports fans visiting Houston might want to make a trip to Minute Maid Park. This is the home of the Houston Astro’s, Houston’s Major League Baseball team.

This stadium features a retractable roof and air conditioning, meaning that even in the stifling heat of a Texas summer you can still enjoy a game.

If you’re not familiar with baseball, the general season in the USA is from March to October, and you can see a full schedule for the Astros here . Tickets for games can be bought in advance here .

If you’re visiting outside the game season, aren’t in town for a game, or just want to visit Minute Maid Park without seeing a game, it’s also possible to book guided tours. These tours run from Monday to Saturday and are run year round.

Depending on how much you want to see, there are different variants of the tour available, with pricing starting at $15 for adults. You can see lots more information about tour times and prices, and book you tickets, on the official website here .

Map of Things to do in Houston

To help you plan your time in Houston, and to see where all these attractions are relative to one another, we have added them all to a map, which you can also see on Google Maps here .

Where to Stay in Houston

Houston is a big city with a number of areas to stay in, and depending on your interests, you may wish to stay in a different part of the city.

We’d advise that the area between Houston Zoo and Montrose, which includes the Museum District, would be a good option for easy access to the majority of sights.

Alternatively, if Space Center Houston and the Kemah Boardwalk are going to be a major highlight of your trip, you might wish to find hotels in that region.

To help you out, we’ve found some good options in both regions across a variety of budgets to give you some choices.

Where to stay in Downtown Houston

• HI – Houston the Morty Rich Hostel – If you’re on more of a budget for your trip to Houston, this hostel is a great option. Found in a former historic mansion, all accommodation includes a daily free breakfast. Rooms are dormitory style with shared bathrooms, and there’s free WiFi and a pool.
• Surestay Plus Hotel – A well rated 3* hotel just 0.7 miles from Houston Zoo. Rooms have microwaves, fridges, coffee makers, and work spaces. Breakfast is available.
• Houston Towers – Found near the Children’s Museum of Houston and Houston Museum of Natural Science this well rated B&B includes breakfast and a range of uniquely designed rooms in a quirky building
• Hilton Houston Plaza – Another popular 3* option near the Medical centre, just south of Houston Zoo. There’s an outdoor rooftop pool, private running track, and rooms have tea/coffee making facilities.
• Hotel Zaza – A very well rated four star property in the museum district, just 350 yards from the Museum of Natural Science. Rooms have fridges and mini bars, and mini-apartment style rooms with kitchenettes and laundry facilities are also available. A good pick for those with a bigger budget in this area of Houston.

We can also recommend checking Vrbo for apartments in Houston , as there are many available and some even come with free parking.

Where to stay near Space Center Houston

If you don’t mind being about 30 – 45 minutes drive from downtown Houston, there are some excellent value accommodation options within minutes of Space Center Houston and the Kemah Boardwalk.

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – This well rated budget 2* hotel is the closest option to the Space Center – it’s less than ten minutes walk across to the Space Center. There’s free on-site parking, works desks in the rooms, private bathrooms, and continental breakfast is included.
• Super 8 by Wyndham – Another well rated 2* property, this one is just a mile from Space Centre Houston. Rooms have private bathroom and coffee makers, there’s free parking, and continental breakfast is included.
• Best Western Webster – Another highly rated budget 2* property (there’s no shortage of choice in this area). Found 10 minutes from the Space Center. Rooms have refrigerators and microwaves, as well as a work space. Parking is free and breakfast is also included.
• Springhill Suites Houston – A well rated 3* hotel around 10 minutes from the Space Center. Rooms are all suites with separate living areas as well as a refrigerator and microwave. Breakfast and parking are included, and laundry / gym services are offered.
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Found 2 miles from the Space Center, this property offers self-catering suites which include a microwave, oven, stove and refrigerator. There’s also a gym, pool and jacuzzi. Breakfast and parking are also available on site.
• Holiday Inn Kemah – If you want a hotel near the Kemah Boardwalk, this well rated 3* option would be our pick. It’s within walking distance from the boardwalk, and rooms feature microwaves, fridges, and tea/coffee making facilities. Free parking is included, and breakfast is optional.

Hopefully between these choices you’ll find somewhere to stay near the Space Center within your budget.

How to Get Around Houston

To be honest, the easiest way to get around Houston, especially if you plan on visiting any of the out of town attractions like Space Center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk or Battleship Texas, is to drive.

Houston is definitely a city designed for drivers, even if the 16 lane freeways are somewhat intimidating if you’re not used to them!

Of course, there is also a public transit system which includes a rail and bus network, and you can buy a great value day pass that will let you ride the METRORail and METRO buses all day for only $3. See more on the METRO system, routes and fares here .

There are also taxis, ride sharing services, and the B-Cycle short term bicycle rental network, as well as a city hop on hop off bus service.

You can also book guided sightseeing tours that will help you see many of the city’s highlights and to make visits to places, such as the Space Center and Kemah Boardwalk, that are outside downtown Houston and harder to reach by public transportation. See the section below on tours.

Tours in Houston

If you’d like to take a tour in Houston, there are a number of options to consider. We’ve picked out some of the best options for your time in the city, covering a range of activities.

• A 6 hour tour of Houston which also includes transport to and from Space Center Houston, as well as entry
• A full day tour which includes a 1.5 hour tour of Houston, as well as time at the Space Centre and the Kemah Boardwalk.
• A 3.5 hour tour of some of the best food that Houston has to offer, covering a variety of regional specialities
• A private tour of the brewery and craft beer culture in Houston, which includes a behind the scenes look at how beer is made
• A 2.5 hour guided tour of historic downtown Houston , which includes a pub crawl and ghost stories. Doesn’t include drinks.

Hopefully this gives you lots of ideas for tours you can take in Houston!

Save Money on Attractions in Houston

Many of the attractions in Houston are paid, and the cost of sight-seeing can quickly add up. As with many other cities around the world, Houston has a pass that you can use to get discounted attraction at some of the more expensive attractions, and if you are going to visit some of these, you can quickly save money.

The pass that we used during our time in Houston was the Houston CityPASS . This is a booklet of tickets which gives you admission to five of Houston’s top attractions, from a selection of seven.

This pass is great value and will definitely save you money if you plan on visiting multiple attractions. In fact, it can save you around 50% on admission!

The Houston CityPASS includes entry to the following sights in Houston:

• Space Centre Houston
• Houston Zoo -OR- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
• Kemah Boardwalk -OR- Children’s Museum of Houston

We used our Houston CityPASS as follows.

As you can see, we saved $63.31 each, so for the two of us, the Houston CityPASS saved us over $120!

In fact, even if we’d only visited the Space Centre Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Houston Zoo, we still would have saved some money.

Of course, the CityPASS is not going to be for everyone. It’s only valid for the attractions we mention, so if you are not planning on visiting at least three of these attractions during your time in the city you are unlikely to save money.

That said, we think the CityPASS is great value, and it includes some of the most popular attractions in the city. It is especially one to consider for families as it includes all of the top family attractions in Houston.

It also lets you skip the ticket lines at some of the attractions, and you can use the pass over a nine day period. This means you don’t even have to rush around to get your moneys worth – you can enjoy the attractions at a more leisurely pace.

One thing to be aware – the tickets have to be in the booklet to be valid. If you tear them out of the booklet this renders them invalid. This is to prevent folks from buying booklets and selling the tickets individually. So keep your tickets firmly inside the CityPASS booklet, and let the staff at the attraction remove them for you.

If that sounds good to you, you can buy your CityPASS in advance of your visit online here .

When to Visit Houston

Houston gets very hot and humid over the summer months, and these are also the months when rain can be more common. We visited in late June, and as you can see from our pictures, we had a fair bit of rain. It was also hot and humid!

Ideally, you’d want to plan your visit to be between February and April, or September and November. Temperatures are more pleasant during these times.

Of course, we understand that vacation times are not always flexible. If you do visit in summer, just be sure to bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated, as well as plenty of sunscreen.

Further Reading

We hope this guide has given you lots of ideas for things to do in Houston Texas when you visit. To help you further plan your trip, we have a number of other resources we think you might find useful.

• We have a guide specifically for visiting Space Center Houston , to help you plan your visit to this awesome attraction
• We have a detailed guide to things to do in Austin , another wonderful city in Texas.
• We also have a guide to things to do in San Antonio , as well as a guide to things to do in Dallas
• If you do visit San Antonio, we have a detailed guide to visiting  the Alamo , and the  San Antonio River Walk , which will help you plan your time visiting these two popular San Antonio attractions
• If you decide to visit these cities, it would make for a great Texas road trip. To help you plan such a trip, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the USA , as well as  tips for driving in the USA if this is your first time
• If you want some road trip inspiration, see our itineraries for a  USA Deep South road trip ,  California Road Trip ,  Route 66 Road Trip  and  Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
• We’ve visited a lot of other cities in the USA! See our guides to  Things to do in Huntsville ,  Things to do in Savannah ,  Things to do in Charleston ,  Things to do in Albuquerque ,  Visiting New Orleans During Mardi Gras ,  Things to do in Cambria  and  Things to do in Santa Fe  to get started!

And that’s it for our guide to what to do in Houston! As always, we’re happy to hear your feedback and questions to help you plan your visit. Just pop them in the comments below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.

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Passing Thru Travel

Discover Texas:15 MUST-SEE Attractions for Your Next Epic Voyage!

Posted: May 13, 2024 | Last updated: May 13, 2024

Texas, the Lone Star State, beckons with its unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of its major cities to the quiet, starlit nights in its countryside, Texas offers an array of experiences that are as diverse as the state itself. Here’s why you should saddle up and head to Texas.

1. The BBQ Trail

Image Credit: Shutterstock / KenSoftTH

Texas barbecue is a religion in its own right. From the smoky pits of Austin’s Franklin Barbecue, where people line up for hours, to the legendary brisket of Snow’s BBQ in Lexington, your taste buds are in for a wild ride. Expect to spend around $15-$30 for a meal that’s absolutely worth the wait.

2. Live Music Capital

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Matushchak Anton

Austin isn’t just the capital of Texas; it’s the Live Music Capital of the World. With festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits, and venues like The Continental Club, music lovers can dive into everything from indie rock to country. Concert prices vary, but there’s always something free or affordable happening.

3. The Alamo

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Richard A McMillin

Remember the Alamo? This pivotal site in San Antonio tells the story of Texas’ fight for independence from Mexico. It’s a free, must-visit historical site that offers a glimpse into the Texan spirit of resilience and freedom.

4. Big Bend National Park

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Paul Leong

For outdoor enthusiasts, Big Bend offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the USA. Hike through deserts, rivers, and mountains while spotting diverse wildlife. Entry costs $30 per vehicle, making it a budget-friendly adventure.

5. The State Fair of Texas

Image Credit: Shutterstock / RaksyBH

Held annually in Dallas, this is the largest state fair in the USA. Try unique fried foods (fried butter, anyone?), watch live music, and take a ride on the Texas Star Ferris wheel. Admission is around $18, with extra costs for rides and food.

6. Houston Space Center

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mike_shots

“Houston, we have a problem”… if you skip this! It’s not only educational but thrilling to see spacecraft and learn about NASA’s missions. General admission is about $30, offering a great day out for space enthusiasts of all ages.

7. Tex-Mex Cuisine

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tatjana Baibakova

Where else can you get authentic Tex-Mex that tantalizes your taste buds with flavors that are out of this world? From San Antonio’s enchiladas to Houston’s fajitas, expect to spend $10-$20 for a meal that’s a blend of Mexican and Texan flavors.

8. Rodeo Houston

Image Credit: Shutterstock / B Antonio

Experience cowboy culture at its finest at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. From bull riding to concerts, it’s a celebration of Texas heritage. Ticket prices vary, but you can get into the grounds for about $15.

9. Texas Hill Country Wineries

Image Credit: Shutterstock / UfaBizPhoto

With over 100 wineries, the Hill Country offers scenic views and delicious wines. A wine tasting tour can cost around $20-$30, making for a perfect day trip from Austin or San Antonio.

10. Padre Island National Seashore

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tim Malek

This barrier island offers miles of pristine beaches perfect for bird-watching, camping, and sea turtle releases. Entrance fees are about $10 per vehicle, making it a peaceful retreat from the city hustle.

11. Gruene Historic District

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Roberto Galan

Step back in time in this charming town, home to the oldest dance hall in Texas, Gruene Hall. Browse antique shops, enjoy live music, and dine at the Gristmill. There’s no entry fee, but bring some cash for shopping and dining.

12. Marfa’s Mystery Lights

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Tom Windeknecht

A visit to Marfa isn’t complete without witnessing the mysterious lights that have puzzled people for generations. This small, artsy town in West Texas offers a free viewing area to watch these unexplained phenomena.

13. The San Antonio River Walk

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Sean Pavone

This network of walkways along the San Antonio River is lined with bars, shops, restaurants, and nature. It’s free to explore, and boat rides are available for around $10, offering a unique city perspective.

14. Fort Worth Stockyards

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Chris and Hans

Immerse yourself in the Wild West at the Stockyards, where you can witness a cattle drive, explore a cowboy hall of fame, and dine at historic saloons. Most attractions are free, but experiences like rodeos and concerts might cost around $20.

15. The Art Scene of Dallas

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Dorti

Dallas boasts an impressive arts district, the largest in the nation, featuring the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and more. Many museums offer free admission, making it a cultural feast for art lovers.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / CrackerClips Stock Media

Texas invites you with open arms and a promise of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, an outdoor adventurer, or an art enthusiast, Texas has something for you. Pack your bags, y’all!

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The post Discover Texas:15 MUST-SEE Attractions for Your Next Epic Voyage! republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

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For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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