Houston is nothing in need of wonderful. The southern metropolis is among the greatest locations to go to within the USA, because of its plethora of points of interest and infectious cosmopolitan fashion. Historic buildings, cultural facilities, artwork museums, and inexperienced area – Houston ticks so many bins. Additionally it is iconically nicknamed ‘area metropolis’ and is dwelling to the NASA Johnson House Middle. There are tons of enjoyable issues to do in Houston.
High Issues to Do in Houston
Visiting Houston is a assured journey. Because the fourth largest metropolis within the USA, it has among the most numerous neighborhoods and funky leisure scenes. Relating to 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 points of interest.
1. NASA Johnson House Middle Houston
NASA Johnson House Middle is the Houston icon. NASA Johnson is the place US astronauts undertake their coaching, and it’s the dwelling 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 motion pictures, the House Middle is among the greatest issues to do in Houston.
Subsequent to the NASA area middle, House Middle Houston is a nonprofit museum and official customer middle for NASA. Spacer Middle Houston is the place you possibly can study extra about how astronauts are skilled and all issues area. It’s a nice 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 if you’re planning on seeing plenty of completely different museums and points of interest the Houston CityPASS is certainly price it. Try costs right here.
2. Cockrell Butterfly Middle
Cockrell Butterfly Middle is among the most immersive issues to do in Houston. In an enormous glass constructing in Houston’s Museum District, the Butterfly Middle has lots of of butterflies dwelling in a tropical greenhouse-style habitat.
The large middle is massive sufficient to suit numerous full-size bushes and options waterfalls and ponds. Not solely is it a phenomenal indoor backyard area, however additionally it is a beautiful 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 e book entrance tickets individually anyway.
The middle is a phenomenal 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 whole day out of your itinerary. We love how immersive and interesting it’s – it was assured a spot on our listing 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 also be dwelling to Burke Baker Planetarium, which is becoming contemplating Houston’s nickname of area metropolis.
Concerning museums in Houston, the Houston Museum of Pure Science is definitely within the prime three. Try the schedule earlier than visiting as a result of there’s a lot on. This museum is continually throwing out new displays, occasions, and points of interest. It’s a good suggestion to get your tickets earlier than you go so that you don’t have to face in line.
4. Artwork Automobile Museum
Artwork Automobile Museum is among the extra uncommon issues to do in Houston. The personal museum is a up to date artwork enterprise. It shows a spread of classic automobiles decked out in decorations by lesser-known or up-and-coming artists. Artwork Automobile Museum is actually one-of-a-kind. If you need one thing novel to do in Houston, it’s a enjoyable addition to your keep.
The museum doesn’t simply follow native artists; you possibly can view ‘automobile artwork’ from a broad vary of worldwide artists. Automobile lovers put together to shudder at utilizing such basic automobiles as a canvas. However artwork lovers (or anybody with an open thoughts) will respect the creativity of the displays.
5. Chinatown
Houston’s Chinatown is the final word spot for embracing Indochinese tradition. We propose doing the basic meals crawl expertise. Chinatown has a Hong Kong Meals Market – you possibly can choose up some staples you probably have booked self-catered lodging.
It additionally has a ton of sensible eating places. You possibly can 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’s only a 20-minute drive from town middle or an hour on public transport. Don’t simply go to for meals, both.
Houston’s Chinatown gives a incredible vary of low cost outlets with electronics and jewellery on Harwin Drive. Whereas for a extra academic expertise, you possibly can take an Asian heritage tour from the Chinese language Group Middle.
6. Galveston Island State Park
It’s no secret that Texas has among the most unbelievable seashores. And in Galveston Island State Park, its 2,000 acres comprise attractive seashores linked by a community of mountaineering 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 many actions if 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 probably the most 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 bushes is actually postcard worthy – or not less than, 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 identify from the Buffalo Bayou, a sluggish 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 legendary 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 fascinating to cease by and have a look at. Probably the most putting options are the trademark Texas Cordova limestone and the elegant reflective pool in entrance.
One of the vital 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 probably the most participating approach 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 High quality Arts
The Museum of High quality Arts is one in every of Houston’s most achieved points of interest. This colossal museum shows gorgeous tremendous artwork from historic to up to date durations. Relatively than simply everlasting displays, the museum at all times has a recent rotation of tremendous arts displays – together with items in distinctive, futuristic settings like rainbow gentle tunnels. The Museum of High quality Arts is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Houston.
Situated within the Houston Museum District, Artwork lovers will respect range and creativity. Even those that consider galleries are dusty and will be discovered anyplace will love Houston’s High quality Arts Museum. The museum has a robust character and plenty so as to add to an ongoing inventive dialog. If you’re actually into museums then we propose grabbing the Museum Move 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 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’re assured a very good present.
The Houston Livestock Present and Rodeo have every part from basic rodeo occasions like bareback using 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 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 occasions the dimensions 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 take pleasure in a mixture of strolling, working, and biking trails.
Memorial Park can also be stuffed with wildlife. You’ll be able to spot doves, snakes, and turtles, simply to call a number of. 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 Conflict I, observe 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 desirous to expertise tremendous artwork in a non-public, home setting.
The historic and personal setting baggage Bayou Bend Assortment and Gardens a spot on our suggestions of issues to do in Houston. The museum has a novel setting ultimate for artwork lovers seeking to expertise a barely completely different gallery fashion.
13. Well being Museum
The Well being 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 Residing Icons picture exhibit dedicated to lots of of Houston’s COVID-19 victims to a bicycle you pedal to see how exhausting the center 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 motion pictures.
The Well being Museum is definitely one in every of our prime 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 lovers. Anybody who loves snapping images also needs to have an interest as a result of the paintings at Graffiti Park is awe-inspiring. Iconic in some instances.
Graffiti Park is positioned south of Houston Metropolis Middle – simple to achieve by automobile or public transport. The graffiti covers a number of blocks, so visiting isn’t massively time-consuming. Permit not less than an hour, maybe a bit of longer, if you wish to get entangled with the artwork or extra critical images. Try this Instagram Tour that takes you to all the very best spots.
15. The Interest Middle for the Performing Arts
The Interest Middle for the Performing Arts is a hub for drama and all lovers of the stage. The Interest Middle boasts two theaters and a three-story foyer with views of the Houston skyline.
Briefly, it’s a stunning setting for a chic night watching a performing arts present. The gown code is enterprise informal – which may embrace cocktail clothes and often fits.
For those who love stay music and appearing, try the Interest Middle for the Performing Arts schedule. Tickets promote out upfront. However if you’re organized, you’ll haven’t any points; even final minute, you may get fortunate. Previous and present reveals embrace Moulin Rouge, Treasure of the East, and Legally Blonde.
16. San Jacinto Monument
The San Jacinto Monument is a dramatic 567-foot column 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’ll be able to experience the elevator to the remark tower on the prime of the monument. Tickets are extraordinarily affordable as properly, at underneath $10. The San Jacinto Monument is an interesting place to go to and excellent for these concerned about 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 among the most entertaining issues to do in Houston. Not like the Interest Middle for the Performing Arts, its draw is the truth that it’s open air.
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 encompassing grass. For those who go to in the summertime, test the schedule and produce some film snacks for a novel take in your commonplace theater expertise.
18. Discovery Inexperienced
Discovery Inexperienced is an thrilling attraction in Houston. It most closely fits households and youngsters and accommodates completely different actions and miniature points of interest. The 12-acre park has a placing inexperienced, artwork installations, and numerous scenic gardens – together with the Allen Household Rose Backyard. Getting into Discovery Inexperienced is free. And on a heat day, you possibly can simply spend all day there rotating between its completely different mini points of interest.
19. Youngsters’s Museum Houston
The Youngsters’s Museum Houston is among the greatest issues to do in Houston for household enjoyable. The museum accommodates interactive displays focusing on kids’s growth phases and key pursuits.
Like many others throughout the US, the Houston Youngsters’s Museum is an ideal indoor day trip. Mother and father can calm down understanding they’re taking their children someplace academic, but children love the expertise. It is among the most enjoyable issues to do in Houston for younger guests.
The Youngsters’s Museum Houston displays embrace the EcoStation, Cyberchase, Problem Course, and Energy Science Lab. The displays are so participating will probably be enjoyable for the mother and father to observe their tots play too.
20. Watch a Baseball Recreation at Minute Maid Park
Watching a recreation 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 Main League. And there’s no higher approach to expertise a metropolis’s group than to attend a house recreation.
Reserving a ticket to observe the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park may want some ahead planning. If you’re eager on watching a recreation 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 offered out. Baseball is common. What can we are saying?
21. Sam Houston Park
Sam Houston is a phenomenal city park within the middle of Downtown Houston. It’s meant to be a kind 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 among the greatest locations in Houston for skyscraper views. So bonus factors when you go to for dawn and sundown when the buildings look much more gorgeous.
22. Market Sq. Park
Market Sq. Park is a phenomenal public area that thrives after darkish. From outside motion pictures 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 a listing 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 properly; 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 need to calm down in Houston. Additionally it is ultimate 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 a large landmark. It’s positioned inside Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park – a small park west of town middle.
The ‘wall’ is a towering curve and an fascinating piece of structure. The true novelty comes from the splash of the waterfall, although, estimated to drop 11,000 gallons per minute.
The Waterwall is a wonderful cease to your itinerary when you love picture alternatives. Additionally it is lower than a 10-minute drive from Houston Arboretum and Nature Middle, so it’s positively well-combined.
24. Hermann Park
Hermann Park is subsequent to Houston Metropolis Corridor, so observe down this attraction when 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 prepare experience.
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 immediately.
Hermann Park is open from 6 am till 11 pm, so you possibly can simply think about a go to. We suggest planning an early morning go to to keep away from the crowds and warmth. As a fast aspect observe, we don’t suggest venturing into Houston Zoo, positioned in Hermann Park. Maintain your animal interactions moral by investing in wild conservation slightly than animals in captivity.
25. Houston Arboretum and Nature Middle
Houston Arboretum and Nature Middle is among the greatest outside issues to do in Houston. It’s the complete image of tranquility. The character middle 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.
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 each day, you possibly can simply squeeze in a stroll earlier than you begin hardcore sightseeing.
The best way 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’ll be able to fly into George Bush Intercontinental Airport or William P. Interest Airport. Hoston is linked to lots of of locations worldwide, with direct flights to many worldwide locations and home spots. Seize your switch into town right here.
The most cost effective approach to get to Houston is by Amtrak prepare. Amtrak connects Houston to cities like Los Angeles and New Orleans – so think about reaching town by rail if you wish to avoid wasting bucks and take the scenic route. Prepare journey is healthier for the atmosphere as properly. Whereas when you aren’t touring from someplace linked to Houston by Amtrak, it’s price touring by bus or a coach service like Greyhound.
In case you have a bit of longer, you can plan a highway journey. The deep south is a basic highway journey, and you can mix Houston with locations like Nashville by sticking to the East aspect. 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 middle. For those who go to points of interest within the Museum District, Theater District, Downtown area, or NRG Park – chances are high you’ll be catching the prepare. As of 2023, you should purchase day passes for $3 a day.
The METRO additionally gives bus service in Houston. It is a combination of connections round residential neighborhoods and a park-and-ride system. If you’re staying on the outskirts of town middle in quieter neighborhoods within the Houston space, the bus service is a incredible choice.
Lastly, hiring a automobile is the most suitable choice to get round Houston for guests planning day journeys. Determine whether or not you need to discover outer metropolis points of interest like Galveston Island State Park and Sam Houston Park. For those who do, hiring a automobile is a superb manner ahead. In any other case, follow public transport and taxis if you wish to keep across the metropolis middle.
Finest Time to Go to Houston
March to Could is the official shoulder season for visiting Houston. As common steerage, you must purpose for these durations to keep away from the loopy crowds that Houston attracts from July to September. You’ll discover the most affordable lodging and probably 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 also be stunning for mountaineering within the close by inexperienced area – deliver a high-quality digicam 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 it’s good to determine on; the place will you keep? These are the highest locations to remain in Houston for every price range stage.
Price range: Wanderstay Houston Hostel
Wanderstay Houston Hostel is a superb budget-friendly base in Houston’s Museum District. Friends get entry to a shared kitchen and lounge – good for a homely atmosphere 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 choice simply west of town middle. It has all of the snug luxuries, together with an indoor swimming pool, scorching tub, and gymnasium.
Luxurious: Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency Houston is a part of the well-respected Hyatt chain. Located in the midst of Downtown Houston, this resort is most well-known for its rotating eating room – which has gorgeous views of town skyline. It additionally incorporates a heated outside pool and a FedEx enterprise middle.
Houston FAQS: Important Info
Now that we’ve lined the very best issues to do in Houston, let’s have a look at some frequent FAQs. These are the important particulars it’s good 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 points of interest just like the House Middle Houston.
What to do in Houston for the primary time?
When visiting for the primary time, you must discover Downtown Houston, go to the House Middle and museums, and study Houston’s Native American tradition.
Is Houston well-known for something?
Houston is legendary for the House Middle Houston. Additionally it is often called 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 number of museums, House Middle, and Galveston Island.
Why Ought to You go to Houston?
As you possibly can see, there are a lot of issues to do in Houston. From the House 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 virtually-coastal metropolis is ideally positioned to move to the very best seashores in Texas or bounce between artwork museums in Downtown Houston.
And when 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 manner to enhance a visit to Houston is to mix it with extra of Texas’ prime locations. Try our guides on the greatest issues to do in Austin and South Padre Island. In any other case, have a beautiful time experiencing all of the thrilling issues to do in Houston. House Metropolis has rather a lot in retailer for you.
Images courtesy of Houston First Company.
