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