Houston is nothing wanting wonderful. The southern metropolis is likely one of the best places to visit in the USA, because of its plethora of sights and infectious cosmopolitan type. Historic buildings, cultural facilities, artwork museums, and inexperienced area – Houston ticks so many bins. It is usually iconically nicknamed ‘area metropolis’ and is house to the NASA Johnson Area Middle. There are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Houston.
Prime Issues to Do in Houston
Visiting Houston is a assured journey. Because the fourth largest metropolis within the USA, it has a few of the most numerous neighborhoods and funky leisure scenes. In terms of issues to do in Houston, a world-class itinerary awaits you. We’ve managed to whittle it all the way down to the highest 25 issues to do in Houston – try these show-stopping sights.
1. NASA Johnson Area Middle Houston
NASA Johnson Area Middle is the Houston icon. NASA Johnson is the place US astronauts undertake their coaching, and it’s the house of Mission Management. Aka, NASA is the bottom of US area exploration. Whether or not you’re a area fanatic or have simply watched many films, the Area Middle is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Houston.
Subsequent to the NASA area heart, Area Middle Houston is a nonprofit museum and official customer heart for NASA. Spacer Middle Houston is the place you’ll be able to study extra about how astronauts are educated and all issues area. It’s a nice itinerary addition with everlasting displays, interactive displays, and naturally, a present store.
You have to a timed entry ticket which you can purchase here earlier than visiting. Or in case you are planning on seeing lots of totally different museums and sights the Houston CityPASS is certainly price it. Check out prices here.
2. Cockrell Butterfly Middle
Cockrell Butterfly Middle is likely one of the most immersive issues to do in Houston. In an enormous glass constructing in Houston’s Museum District, the Butterfly Middle has a whole lot of butterflies residing in a tropical greenhouse-style habitat.
The huge heart is giant sufficient to suit numerous full-size timber and options waterfalls and ponds. Not solely is it a stupendous indoor backyard area, however it is usually an exquisite setting to see the myriad of butterflies.
Cockrell Butterfly Middle is adjoining the Houston Museum of Pure Science. Nevertheless, it’s such an iconic attraction in Houston that we needed to give it its personal part. In addition to, you book entrance tickets separately anyway.
The middle is a stupendous attraction in Houston, and the additional exhibit halls in Brown Corridor on the finish make it an academic day trip.
3. Houston Museum of Pure Science
Houston Museum of Pure Science is worthy of a complete day out of your itinerary. We love how immersive and fascinating it’s – it was assured a spot on our record from the beginning. The museum isn’t simply stuffed with displays.
It has cinema-style leisure with movies on matters starting from Tutankhamun to astrology. Houston Museum of Pure Science can be house to Burke Baker Planetarium, which is becoming contemplating Houston’s nickname of area metropolis.
Relating to museums in Houston, the Houston Museum of Pure Science is definitely within the high three. Take a look at the schedule earlier than visiting as a result of there’s a lot on. This museum is consistently throwing out new displays, occasions, and sights. It’s a good suggestion to get your tickets before you go so that you don’t have to face in line.
4. Artwork Automobile Museum
Artwork Automobile Museum is likely one of the extra uncommon issues to do in Houston. The personal museum is a recent artwork enterprise. It shows a variety of classic vehicles decked out in decorations by lesser-known or up-and-coming artists. Artwork Automobile Museum is absolutely one-of-a-kind. If you would like one thing novel to do in Houston, it’s a enjoyable addition to your keep.
The museum doesn’t simply stick with native artists; you’ll be able to view ‘automobile artwork’ from a broad vary of worldwide artists. Automobile fans put together to shudder at utilizing such traditional vehicles as a canvas. However artwork fans (or anybody with an open thoughts) will recognize the creativity of the displays.
5. Chinatown
Houston’s Chinatown is the last word spot for embracing Indochinese tradition. We advise doing the traditional meals crawl expertise. Chinatown has a Hong Kong Meals Market – you’ll be able to decide up some staples when you’ve got booked self-catered lodging.
It additionally has a ton of sensible eating places. You would 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 under Bear Creek Pioneers Park. It’s 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 gives a incredible vary of low cost retailers with electronics and jewellery on Harwin Drive. Whereas for a extra academic expertise, you’ll be able to take an Asian heritage tour from the Chinese language Group Middle.
6. Galveston Island State Park
It’s no secret that Texas has a few of the most incredible beaches. And in Galveston Island State Park, its 2,000 acres comprise beautiful seashores linked by a community of climbing trails and wildlife alongside the way in which. Spending a day on the state park is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Houston. Galveston is sort of a seashore day with a twist.
There are many actions once you aren’t kicking again on a distant seashore. Galveston has good circumstances for kayaking adventures, and its coastlines are lined by scenic boardwalks which can be nice for birdwatching. Visiting this park is definitely one of the vital enjoyable issues to do if you wish 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 actually postcard worthy – or not less than, a must-snap in your Instagram. Visiting Buffalo Bayou Park is likely one of the most scenic issues to do in Houston.
The park will get its title from the Buffalo Bayou, a gradual physique of water that’s considerably midway behind a waterway and river. The lazy water runs straight by the center of Buffalo Bayou Park, which is known for watersports.
8. Houston Metropolis Corridor
Houston Metropolis Corridor is a tall, white tower of a constructing. It’s the metropolis of Houston’s authorities headquarters and the hub of all issues political. Architecturally, Houston Metropolis Corridor is attention-grabbing to cease by and have a look at. Essentially the most placing options are the trademark Texas Cordova limestone and the elegant reflective pool in entrance.
One of the crucial political issues to do in Houston is to tour the inside of Houston Metropolis Corridor. Amazingly, excursions are free when booked by the official web site. They run on weekdays and whisk guests by the council chambers and places of work. A tour is essentially the most partaking strategy to expertise Houston Metropolis Corridor. And by heading inside, you get an in-depth and uncommon perception into the background of the political scene.
9. Museum of Tremendous Arts
The Museum of Tremendous Arts is one in all Houston’s most achieved sights. This colossal museum shows gorgeous tremendous artwork from historic to up to date durations. Reasonably than simply everlasting displays, the museum at all times has a contemporary rotation of tremendous arts displays – together with items in distinctive, futuristic settings like rainbow mild tunnels. The Museum of Tremendous Arts is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Houston.
Situated within the Houston Museum District, Artwork lovers will recognize range and creativity. Even those that imagine galleries are dusty and will be discovered wherever will love Houston’s Tremendous Arts Museum. The museum has a powerful persona and much so as to add to an ongoing artistic dialog. If you’re actually into museums then we propose grabbing the Museum Pass which will get you into all the best museums together with this one.
10. Houston Livestock Present and Rodeo
Attending Houston Livestock Present and Rodeo is likely one of the most fun issues to do in Houston. The occasion runs yearly from late February into early March. It claims to be the world’s largest of its form, and one factor is for positive – you’re assured present.
The Houston Livestock Present and Rodeo have all the things from traditional rodeo occasions like bareback driving and roping to purchasing alternatives in auctions and gross sales. Due to the vary of the occasion, it attracts a blended crowd. So be ready to rub shoulders with all kinds of holiday makers. To embrace the Texan cowboy and cowgirl spirit, mark it in your calendar.
11. Memorial Park
Memorial Park is the biggest park in Houston. Houston’s memorial park is a staggering 1,500 acres – almost 2 instances the scale of Central Park in New York. The park was devoted to the troopers of World Conflict I and opened to the general public in 1925. Guests can get pleasure from a mixture of strolling, working, and biking trails.
Memorial Park can be stuffed with wildlife. You may spot doves, snakes, and turtles, simply to call a couple of. The park is a beloved nature reserve in Houston.
Memorial Park is likely one of the most traditional issues to do in Houston. If you would like a big park to discover whereas paying your respects to the troopers of World Conflict I, notice this attraction down.
12. Bayou Bend Assortment and Gardens
Bayou Bend Assortment and Gardens is a set of American ornamental arts and work. Most impressively, it’s located within the former residence of Ima Hogg – a famend philanthropist and former civic chief. Ima’s home makes the proper setting for this assortment of tremendous artwork.
The house resides on 14 acres of pristine gardens. It opens its doorways all yr spherical to guests eager to expertise tremendous artwork in a non-public, home setting.
The historic and personal setting luggage Bayou Bend Assortment and Gardens a spot on our suggestions of issues to do in Houston. The museum has a singular setting preferrred for artwork fans seeking to expertise a barely totally different gallery type.
13. Well being Museum
The Well being Museum is likely one of the most fascinating (and area of interest) scientific issues to do in Houston. The museum is totally devoted to well being and the human physique. From a Residing Icons photograph exhibit dedicated to a whole lot of Houston’s COVID-19 victims to a bicycle you pedal to see how exhausting the guts works, the Well being Museum works exhausting to immerse its guests. The museum doesn’t simply characteristic displays; it has a 4D and 3D theater to observe the most recent science and health-related films.
The Well being Museum is definitely one in all our high suggestions. Whether or not you’re 5 or 50, the creativity behind the museum’s displays and format makes it an interesting place.
14. Graffiti Park
This attraction is one for the skater crowd and artwork fans. Anybody who loves snapping pictures must also have an interest as a result of the paintings at Graffiti Park is awe-inspiring. Iconic in some circumstances.
Graffiti Park is situated south of Houston Metropolis Middle – straightforward to succeed in by automobile or public transport. The graffiti covers a couple of blocks, so visiting isn’t massively time-consuming. Permit not less than an hour, maybe somewhat longer, if you wish to get entangled with the artwork or extra severe pictures. Take a look at this Instagram Tour that takes you to all the very best spots.
15. The Passion Middle for the Performing Arts
The Passion Middle for the Performing Arts is a hub for drama and all lovers of the stage. The Passion Middle boasts two theaters and a three-story foyer with views of the Houston skyline.
Briefly, it’s a lovely setting for a chic night watching a performing arts present. The costume code is enterprise informal – which might embody cocktail clothes and often fits.
When you love stay music and performing, try the Passion Middle for the Performing Arts schedule. Tickets promote out upfront. However in case you are organized, you’ll don’t have any points; even final minute, you will get fortunate. Previous and present reveals embody Moulin Rouge, Treasure of the East, and Legally Blonde.
16. San Jacinto Monument
The San Jacinto Monument is a dramatic 567-foot column within the Houston Ship Channel. A 220-ton star sits atop the colossal construction as a commemoration of the Battle of San Jacinto. Historical past buffs will probably already know that the Battle of San Jacinto was a turning level within the Texas Revolution.
And the San Jacinto Monument honors those that fought for Texan independence. Plus, it’s the world’s tallest warfare memorial, if all that wasn’t sufficient for you.
You may journey the elevator to the remark tower on the high of the monument. Tickets are extraordinarily affordable as nicely, at underneath $10. The San Jacinto Monument is an interesting place to go to and ideal for these interested by US historical past.
17. Miller Out of doors Theatre
Prepared for one more performing arts attraction? Catching a efficiency at Miller Out of doors Theatre is likely one of the most entertaining issues to do in Houston. In contrast to the Passion Middle for the Performing Arts, its draw is the truth that it’s outside.
Situated on 7.5 acres within the nook of Hermann Park, the theater has rows of seats underneath a tent-style cover. However most individuals simply seize a spot on the encircling grass. When you go to in the summertime, test the schedule and convey some film snacks for a singular take in your commonplace theater expertise.
18. Discovery Inexperienced
Discovery Inexperienced is an thrilling attraction in Houston. It most accurately fits households and youngsters and incorporates totally different actions and miniature sights. The 12-acre park has a placing inexperienced, artwork installations, and numerous scenic gardens – together with the Allen Household Rose Backyard. Getting into Discovery Inexperienced is free. And on a heat day, you’ll be able to simply spend all day there rotating between its totally different mini sights.
19. Kids’s Museum Houston
The Kids’s Museum Houston is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Houston for household enjoyable. The museum incorporates interactive displays concentrating on youngsters’s growth phases and key pursuits.
Like many others throughout the US, the Houston Kids’s Museum is an ideal indoor day trip. Dad and mom can loosen up realizing they’re taking their youngsters someplace academic, but youngsters love the expertise. It is likely one of the most enjoyable issues to do in Houston for younger guests.
The Kids’s Museum Houston displays embody the EcoStation, Cyberchase, Problem Course, and Energy Science Lab. The displays are so partaking it will likely be enjoyable for the dad and mom to observe their tots play too.
20. Watch a Baseball Recreation at Minute Maid Park
Watching a sport of baseball at Minute Maid Park is an absolute should. Baseball fan or not, the Houston Astros are a number one workforce within the baseball Main League. And there’s no higher strategy to expertise a metropolis’s group than to attend a house sport.
Booking a ticket to observe the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park would possibly want some ahead planning. If you’re eager on watching a sport at Minute Maid Park, we propose reserving your journey to Houston across the dates you purchase tickets. The very last thing you need is to overlook 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 within the heart of Downtown Houston. It’s supposed to be a form of oasis amongst skyscrapers and options many fountains and ornate bridges.
If you’re downtown, we propose grabbing a takeout espresso and having a stroll. Sam Houston Park is likely one of the greatest locations in Houston for skyscraper views. So bonus factors should you go to for dawn and sundown when the buildings look much more gorgeous.
22. Market Sq. Park
Market Sq. 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 back 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’s exhausting to not love the fairy lights aesthetic – particularly on a heat summer time evening.
Don’t overlook meals vans as nicely; Niko Niko’s does the very best gyros. Seize a gyro and sit out on the grass underneath the lights. Market Sq. Park is a superb attraction for individuals who wish to loosen up in Houston. It is usually preferrred for getting off the standard vacationer observe.
23. Waterwall
The Waterwall is likely one of the most intriguing issues to do in Houston. Put merely, it’s a cascade of water that falls artificially from a large landmark. It’s situated 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 superb cease in your itinerary should you love photograph alternatives. It is usually lower than a 10-minute drive from Houston Arboretum and Nature Middle, so it’s undoubtedly well-combined.
24. Hermann Park
Hermann Park is subsequent to Houston Metropolis Corridor, so notice down this attraction should you have been tempted by the Metropolis Corridor excursions earlier. So why does Hermann Park deserve a separate point out? The 445-acre park encompasses working tracks, a canine park, a Japanese backyard, and a cute little child’s practice journey.
However most impressively, it was the primary public park in Houston. Traditionally, it was a momentous addition to town’s relationship with inexperienced areas. And it stays an iconic attraction at present.
Hermann Park is open from 6 am till 11 pm, so you’ll be able to simply consider a go to. We suggest planning an early morning go to to keep away from the crowds and warmth. As a fast facet notice, we don’t suggest venturing into Houston Zoo, situated in Hermann Park. Preserve your animal interactions moral by investing in wild conservation relatively than animals in captivity.
25. Houston Arboretum and Nature Middle
Houston Arboretum and Nature Middle is likely one of the greatest outside issues to do in Houston. It’s the whole image of tranquility. The character heart spans 155 acres, which guests get pleasure from on a community of 5 miles of climbing trails. Houston Arboretum additionally runs common occasions and workshops – so it’s price keeping track of the upcoming schedule.
So far as scenic locations go in Houston, the arboretum charges extremely. The combination of picket boardwalks by wetlands and forest tracks is peaceable to discover. And because it opens at 7 am every day, you’ll be able to simply squeeze in a stroll earlier than you begin hardcore sightseeing.
How one can Get to Houston
Houston is extremely well-connected, and the best strategy to get to Houston is to fly. There isn’t only one Houston Airport both. You may fly into George Bush Intercontinental Airport or William P. Passion Airport. Hoston is linked to a whole lot of locations worldwide, with direct flights to many worldwide locations and home spots. Seize your switch into town here.
The most affordable strategy to get to Houston is by Amtrak practice. Amtrak connects Houston to cities like Los Angeles and New Orleans – so take into account reaching town by rail if you wish to avoid wasting bucks and take the scenic route. Practice journey is best for the surroundings as nicely. Whereas should you aren’t touring from someplace linked to Houston by Amtrak, it’s price touring by bus or a coach service like Greyhound.
If in case you have somewhat longer, you could possibly plan a highway journey. The deep south is a traditional highway journey, and you could possibly mix Houston with locations like Nashville by sticking to the East facet. In any other case, set off from the west and cease by locations like Las Vegas, Denver, Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, and Grand Mesa.
Getting Round Houston
Houston is an enormous metropolis however a breeze to get round utilizing public transport. The METRORail hyperlinks Downtown Houston with town heart. When you go to sights within 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 gives bus service in Houston. This can be a combination of connections round residential neighborhoods and a park-and-ride system. If you’re staying on the outskirts of town heart in quieter neighborhoods within the Houston space, the bus service is a incredible possibility.
Lastly, hiring a car is the best choice to get round Houston for guests planning day journeys. Resolve whether or not you wish to discover outer metropolis sights like Galveston Island State Park and Sam Houston Park. When you do, hiring a automobile is a superb method ahead. In any other case, stick with public transport and taxis if you wish to keep across the metropolis heart.
Greatest Time to Go to Houston
March to Could is the official shoulder season for visiting Houston. As basic steerage, it’s best to purpose for these durations to keep away from the loopy crowds that Houston attracts from July to September. You can see the most affordable lodging and essentially the most peaceable expertise throughout this era.
The temperature continues to be delicate on this interval however with out the humidity and the irritation of swatting off mosquitos all through the day. Spring can be lovely for climbing within the close by inexperienced area – carry a high-quality digital camera to seize all of the wildflowers bursting into colour.
The place to Keep in Houston
It isn’t simply issues to do in Houston that you might want to determine on; the place will you keep? These are the highest locations to remain in Houston for every funds degree.
Funds: Wanderstay Houston Hostel
Wanderstay Houston Hostel is a superb budget-friendly base in Houston’s Museum District. Company get entry to a shared kitchen and lounge – good for a homely surroundings and saving cash on consuming out.
Mid-Vary: Courtyard by Marriott Houston by the Galleria
Courtyard by Marriott Houston by the Galleria is a incredible mid-range possibility simply west of town heart. It has all of the snug luxuries, together with an indoor swimming pool, sizzling tub, and fitness center.
Luxurious: Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency Houston is a part of the well-respected Hyatt chain. Located in the course of Downtown Houston, this resort is most well-known for its rotating eating room – which has gorgeous views of town skyline. It additionally contains a heated outside pool and a FedEx enterprise heart.
Houston FAQS: Important Data
Now that we’ve coated the very best issues to do in Houston, let’s have a look at some frequent FAQs. These are the important particulars you might want to know for visiting Houston.
Is there something enjoyable to do in Houston, Texas?
There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Houston. Houston has incredible stay music, amusement rides, and iconic sights just like the Area Middle Houston.
What to do in Houston for the primary time?
When visiting for the primary time, it’s best to discover Downtown Houston, go to the Area Middle and museums, and find out about Houston’s Native American tradition.
Is Houston well-known for something?
Houston is known for the Area Middle Houston. It is usually often known as an city oasis, with loads of inexperienced area and concrete parks.
What number of days do you want in Houston?
You want a minimal of three days in Houston. This lets you go to a couple of museums, Area Middle, and Galveston Island.
Why Ought to You go to Houston?
As you’ll be able to see, there are a lot of issues to do in Houston. From the Area Middle to the Museum of Pure Science and Galveston Bay, Houston is someplace you’ll kick your self for less than reserving a brief keep. The just about-coastal metropolis is ideally situated to go to the very best seashores in Texas or bounce between artwork museums in Downtown Houston.
And should you choose forest and nature reserves, Sam Houston Nationwide Forest and Brazoria Nationwide Wildlife Refuge are a brief drive out of town. Houston is the proper steadiness of cosmopolitan enjoyable and delightful inexperienced area.
On the lookout for extra Texas journey inspiration? The one method to enhance a visit to Houston is to mix it with extra of Texas’ high locations. Take a look at our guides on the best things to do in Austin and South Padre Island. In any other case, have an exquisite time experiencing all of the thrilling issues to do in Houston. Area Metropolis has quite a bit in retailer for you.
Images courtesy of Houston First Company.
