On the lookout for all the most effective points of interest within the Bayou Metropolis? Our information with all the most effective issues to do in Houston is all you want!
Most well-known for the House Heart Houston, you’ll quickly uncover that Texas’ largest metropolis has extra to its story than simply launching of us into area.
Houston has a unbelievable assortment of native parks, a wealthy assortment of museums and an amazing stability between grownup and household enjoyable – making it residence to a number of the most entertaining issues to do in Texas.
If you aren’t benefiting from the gorgeous out of doors areas, you’ll be able to escape the Texan solar at fascinating galleries, vibrant malls or any of town’s famend eating places.
At evening, you’ll be able to flip your consideration to the humanities, reside performances, sports activities and festivals.
These questioning what to do in Houston quickly realise that a variety of occasions are at at their disposal, which suggests there’s all the time one thing thrilling to enhance your time exploring town.
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The Greatest Issues to do in Houston, Texas
As one of many largest cities in the US, vacationers to Houston will discover a beautiful unfold of recreation, tradition and the humanities.
From the enduring House Heart Houston to the superb museums and parks, there’s tons to do on this vibrant Texan metropolis.
If you wish to save a bit of cash whereas having fun with all the most effective issues to do in Houston, contemplate getting the CityPASS. It combines a number of the high points of interest for a reduced value.
With the Houston CityPASS, you may get entry to the next locations for as much as 50% off:
- House Heart Houston
- Downtown Aquarium
- Houston Museum of Pure Science
- Houston Zoo of Museum of High-quality Arts
- Kemah Boardwalk or Houston Youngsters’s Museum
1) The Museum District
Whether or not you’re keen on your historical past and artwork museums or just want one thing to do on a wet day, you’ll shortly come to adore Houston’s Museum District.
The district is likely one of the metropolis’s best contributions to native tradition, boasting virtually 20 museums, of which 11 are free to go to.
Three of the most well-liked museums embrace the Museum of High-quality Arts, the Youngsters’s Museum and the Museum of Pure Science, which we talk about extra under.
However others it’s best to take a look at embrace the Holocaust Museum, the Menil Assortment and the Houston Museum of African American Tradition. The final two are free to go to.
Additionally throughout the Museum District is the gorgeous Hermann Park, residence to the Miller Outside Theater and the Houston Zoo. Fortunately, with all of the museums being inside strolling distance, you’ll be able to discover a number of in a single day.
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2) Buffalo Bayou Park
Spanning 160 acres, spending a day at Buffalo Bayou Park is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Houston. The trickly stream of Buffalo Bayou cuts by means of the park which is present in downtown Houston.
The city park is a vibrant escape from the inner-city bustle and is teeming with trails of each the strolling and biking selection together with water adventures and loads of public artwork.
Apart from strolling and having fun with a picnic, you’ll be able to lease watercraft and get out onto the bayou. After a scenic paddle, head to the Cistern, an early Twentieth-century water reservoir that’s now a spot of ever-changing artistic exhibitions.
Simply off the western finish of the park is the Bayou Bend Assortment. Right here, you’ll discover a historic residence crammed with ornamental arts and surrounded by a lush, landscaped backyard.
3) NASA Johnson House Heart Houston
The phrases, ‘Houston, we have now an issue’ have transcended historical past to develop into part of the on a regular basis lexicon.
So it’s no shock {that a} go to to Houston isn’t full with out exploring the enthralling NASA House Heart Houston.
For first-time guests, the House Heart Houston is often on the high of the record, and why wouldn’t it’s?
The large complicated is the easiest way to expertise life as an astronaut with out ever leaving the bottom.
You probably have already bought your CityPASS, your entrance to the centre is roofed and also you’ll save a bit of cash. In any other case we have now an alternative choice for you under which is unbelievable.
You’ll be able to simply spend a complete day right here, beginning on the Customer Heart. From there, leap on a tram to Mission Management, then Rocket Park, residence to actual area rockets.
You may also discover Skylab, America’s authentic area station and contact an actual rock introduced again from the moon.
Even when you’re not tremendous curious about outer area, this is likely one of the most traditional issues to do in Houston.
You’ll be able to even e book a Houston metropolis tour mixed together with your entry ticket to the House Heart.
Your native information will present you all the most effective issues to see in Houston, and your sightseeing tour will embrace transport to and from the House Heart.
- Handle: 2101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
- Hours: 10am-5pm (Mon-Fri) 10am-6pm (Sat-Solar)
- Worth: $29.95
4) Hermann Park
As you discover Houston’s Museum District, take a while to benefit from the contemporary air within the metropolis’s beloved Hermann Park.
This park wears a variety of hats, not too dissimilar from San Diego’s Balboa Park. You’ll discover wide-open inexperienced areas, cultural points of interest, the zoo, theaters and themed gardens.
For a chill afternoon, this park is a superb spot for some yard video games and time together with your touring crew.
However when you’re up for some exploring, you’ll be able to leap onboard the Hermann Park Railroad and slowly make your approach across the expansive city oasis.
You’ll quickly be guided by a small lake and leap off to take pleasure in a pedal boat journey. Because the solar begins to fall, wander over to the Miller Outside Theatre for film nights, concert events or reside performs.
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5) The Houston Livestock Present
Like an amusement park for cowboys and cowgirls, the Houston Livestock Present is likely one of the high Houston points of interest. Greater than only a native expertise, the present is a traditional Texan time.
The Livestock Present has every day rodeos in entrance of packed crowds at NRG Stadium. Some competitions embrace thrilling bull using and thrilling barrel racing together with roping and bareback using.
Because the present stays steeped in custom, you’ll discover horse exhibits and livestock auctions alongside different annual occasions.
Even when rodeos aren’t your scene, the ambiance alone is well worth the value of admission.
You’ll discover adrenalin-stoking rides, some top-shelf musicians entertaining the huge crowds, and loads of enjoyable for the younger of us, together with animal petting and path rides.
6) Museum of High-quality Arts
The spotlight of the Museum District is the Museum of High-quality Arts. Unfold throughout two buildings and a surprising exterior sculpture backyard, the gallery options 6,000 years of historical past with artwork spanning the whole globe.
You’ll have your work reduce out making an attempt to admire every of the 60,000-plus artistic works on the Museum of High-quality Arts.
However no matter you do come throughout, it’s certain to seize your consideration.
Highlights embrace ornamental arts from Europe and throughout the US. You’ll additionally discover Impressionist Renaissance works and historic items from the pre-Colombian period and throughout the African continent.
Wandering between each buildings will information you thru the opulent sculpture backyard for a unique museum expertise.
- Handle: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
- Hours: 11am-5pm (Wed) 11am-9pm (Thur) 11am-6pm (Fri-Sat) 12.30pm-6pm (Solar)
- Worth: $19
7) San Jacinto Monument
In the event you like your historical past, then you definately’ll know the San Jacinto Monument is likely one of the greatest Houston points of interest. The monument marks the spot of one of many state’s most necessary battles.
The Battle of San Jacinto modified the course of US and Mexican historical past. In 1836, Sam Houston (who town was named after) caught the Mexican military without warning and turned the tide of a battle that was, on the time, going the Mexican’s approach. Houston was then capable of drive Mexico’s hand in declaring Texas independence.
At this time, you’ll be able to study all about this battle and others on the San Jacinto Monument whereas admiring the gorgeous 567-foot column.
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8) Houston Museum of Pure Science
Visiting the Houston Museum of Pure Science is one other among the best Houston actions.
The expansive museum covers a mind-boggling array of subjects from dinosaurs to modern-day marvels and the celebs that twinkle above our heads.
The museum’s superb assortment of dinosaurs helps set it other than different comparable points of interest in Houston.
There are 60 huge dinosaurs skeletons together with everybody’s favourite, T-Rex (there are 4!).
Guests to the Museum of Pure Science may also discover replicas of a number of area stations and find out about tiny mineral specimens earlier than testing the Cockrell Butterfly Conservatory.
End up with a go to to the Planetarium, the place you’ll be able to discover the evening sky underneath a large theater display.
- Handle: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
- Hours: 9 am-5 pm (Mon-Solar)
- Worth: $25
9) Water Wall Park
Get your cameras prepared for arguably probably the most photographed attraction within the metropolis. The Water Wall is an iconic sight that boasts a 64-foot semi-circular wall. However it’s the water streaming down that makes it such a gorgeous sight.
Over the course of three and a half hours, the wall makes use of simply shy of 80,000 gallons of water that’s then recycled and despatched again to the highest. The stream of water is mesmerizing and creates an exquisite ambiance that extends throughout the broader park.
The delicate roar of the waterfall and the rising mist are the proper enhances to your time lazing on the grass with family and friends.
As you admire the architectural gem, you can too admire the park’s 150-plus towering oak bushes which offer loads of respite from the Texan solar.
10) Artwork Automobile Museum
Since opening in 1998, the Artwork Automobile Museum has been one of many extra intriguing issues to do in Houston. The identify might give a number of the highlights away, nevertheless it stays a novel tackle artwork.
Vacationers can depart behind the Renaissance and summary artwork and luxuriate in dozens of automobiles reshaped to create usually head-scratching items of artwork.
The works are thought-provoking and fascinating and when complemented by your normal paintings (which options automobiles, after all) it’s an artwork museum to not be missed.
In the event you’ve visited earlier than, you’ll be completely happy to know the reveals change usually with new additions prepared to vary up the whole expertise. Test the web site to see what’s on while you’re on the town.
- Handle: 140 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007
- Hours: 11 am-6 pm (Wed-Solar)
- Worth: Free
11) Saint Arnold Brewing Firm
For a change of tempo whereas touring by means of Houston, commerce the parks and museums for the oldest craft brewery within the state of Texas.
Saint Arnold Brewing Firm makes a speciality of full-flavored beers, brewed and bottled on-site.
The small firm does all of it on-site, with their ardour for wonderful craft beer main the best way.
Guests will discover a vary of everlasting beers, seasonal creations and particular releases. You’ll be able to see and style all of it on a behind-the-scenes Barrel Room Tour that may peel again the curtain on the corporate’s scrumptious barrel-aged beers.
Alongside your chosen pint, you’ll be able to benefit from the scrumptious menu within the spacious beer backyard. In the event you’re an actual fan of beer, that is simply among the best issues to do in Houston.
Another choice for beer lovers is reserving a 2-hour brewery tour. With an area information, journey town heart by electrical cart and cease in any respect the most effective breweries on the town.
- Handle: 2000 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020
- Hours: 11am-9pm (Solar-Wed) 11am-10pm (Thur) 11am-11pm (Fri-Sat)
- Worth: Free
12) The Interest Heart for the Performing Arts
In Houston’s Theater District, the Interest Heart for the Performing Arts is town’s go-to spot for reside exhibits, together with hit Broadway productions and touring musicians.
The nonprofit Interest Heart opened in 2002 with the intention of increasing arts and tradition in Houston focusing strongly on musical theater.
The middle changed the outdated Sam Houston Coliseum and Music Corridor to create a purpose-built theater that might appeal to the most effective exhibits from round the US.
It’s truthful to say that the theater has lived as much as its targets with a wealthy number of occasions and performances.
However the Interest Heart additionally options an Arts Training division, a program that gives the group with a pathway into the performing arts.
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13) The Youngsters’s Museum of Houston
Among the best issues to do in Houston with youngsters is a go to to the Youngsters’s Museum of Houston.
It’s each an amazing selection on a wet day or while you simply wish to get the household out of the searing solar.
However regardless of the climate is like exterior, the colourful, energetic complicated will shortly develop into the main focus.
This museum is kind of like many others across the nation with classes discovered and themes explored in a enjoyable and insightful.
The youngsters can go nuts as they expertise the interactive reveals whereas discovering how the world works.
One of many highlights of the Youngsters’s Museum of Houston is the SECRETS Spy Recreation. Right here, the little ones can put their detective hats on to decipher codes and observe the clues.
- Handle: 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
- Hours: 10am-6pm (Tue-Wed/Fri-Sat) 10am-8pm (Thur)
- Worth: $15
14) Minute Maid Park
Within the metropolis heart, Minute Maid Park is the house of America’s favourite pastime in Houston.
From March till October, the Houston Astros play their residence video games proper right here, offering locals and vacationers alike with over 80 alternatives to catch a reside recreation.
With a powerful native following and a constantly aggressive group (apart from the banging of trash cans) it’s an amazing place to look at a recreation of baseball.
Plus, with a retractable roof, you’ll keep away from the rain or have the ability to get out of the solar on the top of summer time.
Get alongside to a recreation, seize an ice-cold beverage and chow down on one too many sizzling canines and take part on the enjoyable.
For different sports activities, you’ll be able to watch the Houston Rockets (NBA) on the Toyota Heart in downtown Houston. The Houston Texans (NFL) additionally play at NRG Stadium.
15) The Houston Arboretum
Among the many greatest issues to do in Houston are all of the unbelievable museums and parks across the metropolis heart.
However on the western fringe of Memorial Park is likely one of the most stunning areas within the House Metropolis.
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Heart is a non-profit sanctuary unfold throughout 155 acres.
It first opened in 1967 and have become one of many earliest nature schooling complexes within the state, with an emphasis on getting our younger ones into the outside.
The arboretum options quite a lot of ecosystems that you would be able to uncover on the 5 miles of climbing trails. Discover the total trails map on their web site.
These embrace riparian, savanna, prairie and wetland habitats. The Nature Heart additionally offers guests with reveals within the hands-on Discovery Room and an amazing setting for teaching programs.
- Handle: 4501 Woodway Drive
- Hours: Trails are open 7 am-Nightfall, Constructing is open 9 am-4 pm
- Price: $5 Parking Charge (Parking is free on Thursdays)
16) The Well being Museum
You’ve been to pure historical past museums and artwork galleries, however have you ever ever been to a museum targeted on the human physique?
Houston’s Well being Museum is a novel expertise and one which permits you to find out about your physique, and even step within it.
“How?” you may ask. Nicely, lots of the reveals characteristic enlarged organs, such because the mind and coronary heart.
There are over 10 toes tall, and within the case of the center, you’ll have the ability to uncover every perform of the very important organ.
Different highlights embrace an enlarged eyeball, and a show that exhibits the variety of energy you’ll have to burn for various meals.
- Handle: 1515 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
- Hours: 10am-5pm (Tue-Wed/Fri-Sat) 10am-7pm (Thur) 12pm-5pm (Solar)
- Worth: $10
17) Discovery Inexperienced
After realizing how a lot strolling you have to burn off that Tex-Mex dinner, it’s time to take a look at the gorgeous Discovery Inexperienced.
This city park covers virtually 12 acres within the coronary heart of downtown Houston. The general public area is nice for teenagers as there are playgrounds and open-air studying rooms, the place you can too get your arms on some enjoyable video games.
Discovery Inexperienced is kind of community-oriented. You’ll discover common free yoga courses, studying classes for the youngest of us, film nights in the summertime and reside music.
However finally, it’s a spot to come back collectively. After a couple of hectic days exploring Houston, take a while to calm down together with your touring crew and benefit from the lush surroundings.
Test the web site to see what occasions, courses, and performances are on. For a enjoyable day having fun with the outside, this is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Houston.
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18) The Road Artwork
Houston has some unbelievable artwork galleries. However there’s rather more to town than simply Renaissance items and up to date works. Embarking on an journey by means of the streets searching for artwork is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Houston.
Past simply your common graffiti, dozens of partitions across the metropolis are adorned with superb murals which have their finger on the heartbeat.
Whereas some are colourful and fascinating, others are thought-provoking and can get you fascinated with present occasions, and native and nationwide tradition.
One artist who stands out greater than most is Houston’s personal Gonzo247. The prolific road artist is legendary for his Houston is Impressed mural on the nook of Preston and Travis streets.
In the event you’d quite have an area present you round, e book a mural tour of downtown Houston. Journey by electrical cart across the metropolis and luxuriate in an unbelievable day of artwork recognizing and Houston sightseeing.
19) The Cockrell Butterfly Heart
Set throughout the Houston Museum of Pure Science, the Cockrell Butterfly Heart is one value paying additional for.
The museum could also be recognized for its recreation of lengthy gone people and animals. The Butterfly Heart is nothing however life.
In a rainforest setting, the reveals are a far cry from the cool air-conditioned museum halls.
However the humidity is the proper setting for nearly 1,500 butterflies to take the skies.
As you wander round, accomplish that slowly and one of many 1000-plus butterflies could suppose your shoulder is the proper touchdown pad.
If not, you’ll be able to nonetheless benefit from the magical colours and the gorgeous swarm of rainbow-like wings.
- Handle: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
- Hours: 10am-5pm (Tue-Solar) 12pm-5pm (Mon)
- Worth: $9
20) The Houston Zoo
One other among the best issues to do is go to the Houston Zoo, set in Hermann Park.
The Houston Zoo is unfold throughout 55 fun-filled acres residence to over 6,000 native animals and wildlife from across the globe.
Because the variety of animals suggests, there’s a lot to see on the Houston Zoo.
You’ll discover huge sections devoted to Texan wildlife, animals from the African continent, like cheetahs and giraffes, plus a big amphibian home and a devoted part for everybody’s favourite giants, elephants.
There may be even a young children’s zoo, a water play park and the chance to feed the towering giraffes.
After strolling round all day, end up with a 4D film expertise.
- Handle: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
- Hours: 9 am-5 pm (Mon-Solar)
- Worth: $21+
21) The Downtown Aquarium
Rounding out our information to the most effective issues to do in Houston is the Downtown Aquarium.
Because the identify suggests, it’s within the coronary heart of town, making it not simply simple to get to however an amazing stepping stone to additional points of interest.
Dwelling to 200 marine animals, the Downtown Aquarium is a visit around the globe, albeit beneath the floor.
There may be enjoyable for the entire household right here with particular themed experiences such because the Aquatic Carousel and the Shark Voyage.
However after getting up near a variety of marine life, the broader complicated options procuring, eating places and an amazing bar for a day drink.
- Handle: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
- Hours: 10am-8.30pm (Solar-Thur) 10am-10pm (Fri-Sat)
- Worth: $23.99
The place to Keep in Houston, Texas
Now that what to do in Houston, let’s discover the most effective locations to remain. Listed below are some choices for all completely different price range ranges.
Greatest Hostel in Houston: Wanderstay Houston
Wanderstay Houston is a extremely rated hostel that gained’t blow a gap in your price range. There are themed rooms (hi there Beyonce!), trendy residing and eating areas plus company gained’t be removed from reside sport, parks and museums.
Greatest Mid-Vary Resort in Houston: Cambria Resort
The Cambria Resort places you within the coronary heart of downtown, minutes from high points of interest. With a personal toilet, cozy linens and cable TV, you’ll be able to take pleasure in an upscale expertise at an inexpensive value.
Greatest Luxurious Resort in Houston: La Colombe d’Or
With an out of doors swimming pool, Victorian-era decor and on-site eating, La Colombe d’Or is a memorable expertise. If you aren’t laying within the lap of luxurious, wander all the way down to Hermann Park and the Museum District.
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