Houston is nothing wanting superb. The southern metropolis is among the greatest locations to go to within the USA, due to its plethora of sights and infectious cosmopolitan model. Historic buildings, cultural facilities, artwork museums, and inexperienced house – Houston ticks so many bins. 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 within the USA, it has among the most numerous neighborhoods and funky leisure scenes. When it involves issues to do in Houston, a world-class itinerary awaits you. We’ve managed to whittle it right 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 house exploration. Whether you’re a house fanatic or have simply watched many motion pictures, the Space Center is among the greatest issues to do in Houston.
Next to the NASA house heart, Space Center Houston is a nonprofit museum and official customer heart for NASA. Spacer Center Houston is the place you possibly can study extra about how astronauts are skilled and all issues house. It is a good itinerary addition with everlasting displays, interactive displays, and naturally, a present store.
You will want a timed entry ticket which you should purchase right here earlier than visiting. Or in case you are planning on seeing a number of completely different museums and sights the Houston CityPASS is unquestionably 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 tons of of butterflies dwelling in a tropical greenhouse-style habitat.
The large heart is massive sufficient to suit numerous full-size timber and options waterfalls and ponds. Not solely is it a phenomenal indoor backyard house, 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 needed to give it its personal part. Besides, you ebook entrance tickets individually anyway.
The heart is a phenomenal attraction in Houston, and the additional exhibit halls in Brown Hall on the finish make it an academic day trip.
3. Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston Museum of Natural Science is worthy of a whole day out of your itinerary. We love how immersive and fascinating it’s – it was assured a spot on our listing from the beginning. The museum isn’t simply filled 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 house metropolis.
Regarding museums in Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is well within the prime 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 face in line.
4. Art Car Museum
Art Car Museum is among 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. 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 persist with native artists; you possibly can view ‘car art’ from a broad vary of worldwide artists. Car fanatics put together to shudder at utilizing such basic vehicles as a canvas. But artwork fanatics (or anybody with an open thoughts) will respect the creativity of the displays.
5. Chinatown
Houston’s Chinatown is the last word spot for embracing Indochinese tradition. We counsel doing the basic meals crawl expertise. Chinatown has a Hong Kong Food Market – you possibly can choose up some staples when you’ve got 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 under 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 outlets with electronics and jewellery on Harwin Drive. While for a extra instructional expertise, you possibly can take an Asian heritage tour from the Chinese Community Center.
6. Galveston Island State Park
It is not any secret that Texas has among the most unbelievable seashores. And in Galveston Island State Park, its 2,000 acres comprise attractive seashores related by a community of mountain climbing trails and wildlife alongside the way in which. Spending a day on the state park is among the greatest issues to do in Houston. Galveston is sort of a seashore day with a twist.
There are loads of actions if you aren’t kicking again on a distant seashore. Galveston has excellent situations for kayaking adventures, and its coastlines are lined by scenic boardwalks which can be nice for birdwatching. Visiting this park is well one of the crucial 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 truthfully postcard worthy – or a minimum of, a must-snap to your Instagram. Visiting Buffalo Bayou Park is among 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 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 hanging options are the trademark Texas Cordova limestone and the elegant reflective pool in entrance.
One of essentially the most political issues to do in Houston is to tour the inside of Houston City Hall. Amazingly, excursions are free when booked by 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 participating approach 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 considered one of Houston’s most completed sights. This colossal museum shows beautiful nice artwork from historic to modern durations. Rather than simply everlasting displays, the museum all the time has a recent rotation of nice arts displays – together with items in distinctive, futuristic settings like rainbow gentle tunnels. The Museum of Fine Arts is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Houston.
Located within the Houston Museum District, Art lovers will respect variety and creativity. Even those that imagine galleries are dusty and might be discovered anyplace will love Houston’s Fine Arts Museum. The museum has a robust character and much so as to add to an ongoing artistic dialog. If you might be actually into museums then we propose 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 sort, and one factor is for positive – you might be assured a very good present.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo have the whole lot from basic rodeo occasions like bareback using and roping to purchasing alternatives in auctions and gross sales. Because of the vary of the occasion, it attracts a combined crowd. So be ready to rub shoulders with all types of tourists. 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 – practically 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 filled with wildlife. You can spot doves, snakes, and turtles, simply to call just a few. The park is a beloved nature reserve in Houston.
Memorial Park is among the most basic issues to do in Houston. If you need a big park to discover whereas paying your respects to the troopers of World War I, word this attraction down.
12. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a 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 right setting for this assortment of nice artwork.
The residence resides on 14 acres of pristine gardens. It opens its doorways all 12 months spherical to guests eager to expertise nice artwork in a non-public, home setting.
The historic and personal setting baggage Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens a spot on our suggestions of issues to do in Houston. The museum has a singular setting very best for artwork fanatics trying to expertise a barely completely different gallery model.
13. Health Museum
The Health Museum is among the most fascinating (and area of interest) scientific issues to do in Houston. The museum is completely devoted to well being and the human physique. From a Living Icons photograph exhibit dedicated to tons of of Houston’s COVID-19 victims to a bicycle you pedal to see how exhausting the guts works, the Health Museum works exhausting to immerse its guests. The museum doesn’t simply function displays; it has a 4D and 3D theater to observe the newest science and health-related motion pictures.
The Health Museum is well considered one of our prime suggestions. Whether you might be 5 or 50, the creativity behind the museum’s displays and format makes it a captivating place.
14. Graffiti Park
This attraction is one for the skater crowd and artwork fanatics. Anyone who loves snapping images 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 City Center – simple to succeed in by automotive or public transport. The graffiti covers just a few blocks, so visiting isn’t massively time-consuming. Allow a minimum of an hour, maybe a little bit longer, if you wish to get entangled with the artwork or extra severe pictures. Check out this Instagram Tour that takes you to all the very best spots.
15. The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is a hub for drama and all lovers of the stage. The Hobby Center boasts two theaters and a three-story foyer with views of the Houston skyline.
In brief, it’s a stunning setting for a chic night watching a performing arts present. The gown code is enterprise informal – which might embody cocktail clothes and often fits.
If you’re keen on stay music and performing, try the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts schedule. Tickets promote out upfront. But in case you are organized, you’ll haven’t any points; even final minute, you will get fortunate. Past 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. History buffs will seemingly 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 battle memorial, if all that wasn’t sufficient for you.
You can journey the elevator to the statement tower on the prime of the monument. Tickets are extraordinarily affordable as nicely, at underneath $10. The San Jacinto Monument is a captivating place to go to and excellent for these involved in US historical past.
17. Miller Outdoor Theatre
Ready for one more 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 outdoor.
Located on 7.5 acres within the nook of Hermann Park, the theater has rows of seats underneath a tent-style cover. But most individuals simply seize a spot on the encircling grass. If you go to in the summertime, test the schedule and convey some film snacks for a singular take in your normal theater expertise.
18. Discovery Green
Discovery Green is an thrilling attraction in Houston. It most closely fits households and youngsters and incorporates 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 possibly can 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 greatest issues to do in Houston for household enjoyable. The museum incorporates interactive displays concentrating on kids’s improvement phases and key pursuits.
Like many others throughout the US, the Houston Children’s Museum is an ideal indoor day trip. Parents can chill out figuring out they’re taking their children someplace instructional, but children 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 participating will probably be enjoyable for the dad and mom to observe 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 within the baseball Major League. And there isn’t a higher approach to expertise a metropolis’s group than to attend a house sport.
Booking a ticket to observe the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park may want some ahead planning. If you might be eager on watching a sport at Minute Maid Park, we propose reserving your journey to Houston across the dates you purchase tickets. The final thing you need is to overlook out as a result of the sport has bought out. Baseball is well-liked. What can we are saying?
21. Sam Houston Park
Sam Houston is a phenomenal city park within the heart 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 propose grabbing a takeout espresso and having a stroll. Sam Houston Park is among the greatest locations in Houston for skyscraper views. So bonus factors in case you go to for dawn and sundown when the buildings look much more beautiful.
22. Market Square Park
Market Square Park is a phenomenal public house that thrives after darkish. From outside motion pictures to an open-air Greek restaurant, it’s a place to return collectively and socialize in Houston. With a Downtown and quirky vibe, it’s the excellent addition to a listing of enjoyable issues to do in Houston. It is tough to not love the fairy lights aesthetic – particularly on a heat summer season evening.
Don’t neglect meals vans as nicely; Niko Niko’s does the very best gyros. Grab a gyro and sit out on the grass underneath the lights. Market Square Park is a superb attraction for many who wish to chill out in Houston. It can also be very best for getting off the normal vacationer observe.
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 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 to your itinerary in case you love photograph 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 word down this attraction in case you have 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 journey.
But most impressively, it was the primary public park in Houston. Historically, it was a momentous addition to town’s relationship with inexperienced areas. And it stays an iconic attraction right now.
Hermann Park is open from 6 am till 11 pm, so you possibly can 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 word, we don’t suggest venturing into Houston Zoo, situated in Hermann Park. Keep your animal interactions moral by investing in wild conservation fairly than animals in captivity.
25. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is among the greatest 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 mountain climbing trails. Houston Arboretum additionally runs common occasions and workshops – so it’s price keeping track of the upcoming schedule.
As far as scenic locations go in Houston, the arboretum charges extremely. The combination of wood boardwalks by wetlands and forest tracks is peaceable to discover. And because it opens at 7 am every day, you possibly can simply squeeze in a stroll earlier than you begin hardcore sightseeing.
How to Get to Houston
Houston is extremely well-connected, and the best approach 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 tons of of locations worldwide, with direct flights to many worldwide locations and home spots. Grab your switch into town right here.
The most cost-effective approach to get to Houston is by Amtrak practice. Amtrak connects Houston to cities like Los Angeles and New Orleans – so contemplate reaching town by rail if you wish to avoid wasting bucks and take the scenic route. Train journey is best for the atmosphere as nicely. While in case 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 will have a little bit longer, you possibly can plan a street journey. The deep south is a basic street journey, and you possibly can mix Houston with locations like Nashville by sticking to the East facet. Otherwise, set off from the west and cease by locations like Las Vegas, Denver, Grand Canyon National Park, and Grand Mesa.
Getting Around Houston
Houston is 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 within the Museum District, Theater District, Downtown area, or NRG Park – chances are high 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 combination 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 within the Houston space, the bus service is a unbelievable possibility.
Finally, hiring a automotive is the best choice to get round Houston for guests planning day journeys. Decide whether or not you wish to discover outer metropolis sights like Galveston Island State Park and Sam Houston Park. If you do, hiring a automotive is a superb approach ahead. Otherwise, persist with public transport and taxis if you wish 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 intention for these durations to keep away from the loopy crowds that Houston attracts from July to September. You will discover the most affordable lodging and essentially the most peaceable expertise throughout this era.
The temperature remains to be gentle on this interval however with out the humidity and the irritation of swatting off mosquitos all through the day. Spring can also be stunning for mountain climbing within the close by inexperienced house – carry 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 should determine on; the place will you keep? These are the highest locations to remain in Houston for every finances 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 – excellent 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 possibility simply west of town heart. It has all of the snug luxuries, together with an indoor swimming pool, scorching tub, and gymnasium.
Luxury: Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency Houston is a part of the well-respected Hyatt chain. Situated in the course of Downtown Houston, this resort is most well-known for its rotating eating room – which has beautiful views of town skyline. It additionally includes a heated outside pool and a FedEx enterprise heart.
Houston FAQS: Essential Information
Now that we’ve coated the very best issues to do in Houston, let’s have a look at some widespread FAQs. These are the important particulars you should 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 study Houston’s Native American tradition.
Is Houston well-known for something?
Houston is known for the Space Center Houston. It is also called an city oasis, with loads of inexperienced house and concrete parks.
How many days do you want in Houston?
You want a minimal of three days in Houston. This permits you to go to just a few museums, Space Center, and Galveston Island.
Why Should You go to Houston?
As you possibly can 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 situated to go to the very best seashores in Texas or bounce between artwork museums in Downtown Houston.
And in case you desire forest and nature reserves, Sam Houston National Forest and Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge are a brief drive out of town. Houston is the right stability of cosmopolitan enjoyable and exquisite inexperienced house.
Looking for extra Texas journey inspiration? The solely approach to enhance a visit to Houston is to mix it with extra of Texas’ prime locations. Check out our guides on the greatest issues to do in Austin and South Padre Island. Otherwise, have a beautiful time experiencing all of the thrilling issues to do in Houston. Space City has loads in retailer for you.
Photos courtesy of Houston First Corporation.