Top Things To Do In Houston

Houston has much to be proud of, but does not boast. Instead, the city is warm, welcoming, and a hot bed for Tex-Mex. As the fourth-largest city in the United States, the Houston balances its sprawling cosmopolitan reputation with Southern roots. Explore its many tourist attractions, humble hidden gems, and world-class museums below.

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Houston CityPASS Tickets
7 Locations0.3 mi
4.7
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30 ratings
$68
Houston CityPASS
Romantic Tour in Houston for couples
Romantic Tour in Houston for couples
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$130.89
Romantic Tour in Houston for couples
Up to 40% Off on Climbing - Indoor at Momentum Indoor Climbing Silver Street
Up to 40% Off on Climbing - Indoor at Momentum Indoor Climbing Silver Street
1401 Silver Street, Houston1.0 mi
4.9
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1,887 ratings
$31 $21
32% discount_off
One Day Pass with Shoe Rental for One Adult
Admission to the Houston Museum of Natural Science (Up to 34% Off). Nine Options Available.
Up to 34% Off a Visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston3.3 mi
4.8
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19,704 ratings
$50 $33
34% discount_off
Admission for Two People to the Permanent Exhibit Hall
Two Hours of Bowling with Shoe Rental for Two, Four, or Six at Emerald Bowl (Up to 62% Off)
Up to 62% Off at Emerald Bowl
9307 Boone Rd., Houston14.0 mi
4.7
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2,982 ratings
$45 $27
40% discount_off
Two hours of bowling and shoe rental for two Valid Monday - before 5pm Friday
"Drunk Shakespeare"
"Drunk Shakespeare" – Up to 46% Off Comedy
412 Travis Street, Houston0.1 mi
$43 $25
42% discount_off
One Balcony Ticket
1,000+ bought
Up to 28% Off on Trampoline Park at IRise Trampoline and Fun Park
Up to 28% Off on Trampoline Park at IRise Trampoline and Fun Park
7885 Farm to Market 1960 Road West, Houston17.4 mi
4.6
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1,416 ratings
$59.97 $43
28% discount_off
Three 60-Minute Jump Passes
One or Two Hours Golf Simulator Rental with Set of Clubs for Up to 10 People at Loft18 - Houston (Up to 47% Off)
Up to 47% Off Golf Simulator Rentals at Loft18 - Houston
2313 Edwards Street, Houston1.2 mi
4.9
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60 ratings
$32 $17.50
45% discount_off
One-Hour Golf Simulator Rental with clubs for Up to 10 People; Valid Mon - Thur
Up to 33% Off on Museum at Lone Star Flight Museum
Up to 33% Off on Museum at Lone Star Flight Museum
11551 Aerospace Avenue, Houston15.7 mi
4.8
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954 ratings
$18 $12
33% discount_off
Admission for One

These days, Houston is awarded many names. Having been named the Best City in America, the Next Great Global City, and the place with the best medical care in the country. Wanna know why?

The best things to do near Houston include:

  • Start with Space Center Houston, an educational center highlighting space travel
  • Explore Downtown Aquarium, Houston, a sprawling spot for sea life
  • Visit the Buffalo Bayou, a slow-moving river that defines many Houston attractions
  • Eat at Don’Key, one of Houston’s essential Tex-Mex restaurants
  • Explore the Houston Zoo, home to more than 6,000 animals in natural habitat exhibits

Events in HoustonView All

Admission to the Houston Museum of Natural Science (Up to 34% Off). Nine Options Available.
Up to 34% Off a Visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science
5555 Hermann Park Dr., Houston3.3 mi
4.8
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19,704 ratings
$50 $33
34% discount_off
Admission for Two People to the Permanent Exhibit Hall
"Drunk Shakespeare"
"Drunk Shakespeare" – Up to 46% Off Comedy
412 Travis Street, Houston0.1 mi
$43 $25
42% discount_off
One Balcony Ticket
1,000+ bought
Up to 33% Off on Museum at Lone Star Flight Museum
Up to 33% Off on Museum at Lone Star Flight Museum
11551 Aerospace Avenue, Houston15.7 mi
4.8
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954 ratings
$18 $12
33% discount_off
Admission for One
Visit for Two, Four, or Six to The 1940 Air Terminal Museum (Up to 50% Off)
The 1940 Air Terminal Museum – Up to 50% Off
8325 Travelair Rd., Houston9.2 mi
4.8
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429 ratings
$10 $5
50% discount_off
Two full-day general admissions
Logic: The College Park Tour with special guest Juicy J on June 14 at 8 p.m.
Logic: The College Park Tour – Up to 45% Off
401 Franklin Street, Houston
$53 $29
45% discount_off
Logic: The College Park Tour with special guest Juicy J on June 14 at 8:00 p.m.
Air Supply Concert on June 8 at 9 p.m.
Air Supply Concert – Up to 30% Off
7326 Southwest Fwy., Houston
$64.45 $45
30% discount_off
Air Supply Concert on Jun 8 at 9 p.m.
10+ bought
General or VIP Admission at Diva Royale Drag Queen Show (Up to 21% Off)
General or VIP Admission at Diva Royale Drag Queen Show
809 Congress St, Houston0.1 mi
$35.28 $28
21% discount_off
General Admission
40+ bought
Guided Tour for Up to 12 People from The Heritage Society (Up to 30% Off)
Up to 30% Off Guided Tour from The Heritage Society
1100 Bagby St, Houston0.6 mi
4.9
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34 ratings
$30 $23
23% discount_off
Private Guided Tour for Two
Semi-Private Surf Lesson on Maui South Shore
Semi-Private Surf Lesson on Maui South Shore
1601 East Nasa Parkway, Houston21.8 mi
$180
Semi-Private Surf Lesson on Maui South Shore

There are a few must-see places in Houston that every visitor should venture to. Whether it’s for a photo op or to learn something new, the city leaves a lot for sightseers to do.  

Popular attractions near Houston include:

  • Stop by the Mecom Fountain, one of the most photographed spots in the city
  • Visit Discovery Green, a park that always has something going on
  • Houston Museum District, cultural heart with venues exploring a wide range of subjects
  • Take a break from the walkable city and sit down at Hermann Park, an expansive park featuring a golf course
  • San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, an obelisk created in 1939 to commemorate the battle that marked Texas’ independence from Mexico

Although most Americans associate Texas music with classic country and blues, Beyoncé references her hometown in many of her songs. If you want to learn why, start exploring as soon as you land.

Exciting activities near Houston include:

  • USS Texas (BB-35), historic ship that served in both World Wars and is open for the public for a tour
  • Explore the many streets of Downtown Houston
  • Head to Sheldon Lake, a popular reservoir
  • Look at the Spindle sculpture across from Federal Reserve Bank
  • Take a picture of Houston’s amazing skyline

When you visit this city with the whole family, there’s plenty to do that only Houston can offer. Whether it’s seeing the future of space travel or walking through our prehistoric past, kids will find plenty to brag about at lunchtime.

Family-friendly things to do near Houston include:

  • Stroll through the dinosaur hall in Houston Museum of Natural Science
  • With kids in tow, visit Children’s Museum of Houston
  • Stop by Barnaby’s for a casual American lunch
  • Go for a family jog across Rosemont Pedestrian Bridge
  • Head to Rice University to see Willy’s Statue up close

Home to a profitable philanthropic energy, biotech, and healthcare companies, Houston has great museums to explore. Once done, step outside and find a vantage point for a photo of the iconic Houston skyline.

Houston things to do indoors include:

  • Study up at Houston Public Library
  • Visit the Health Museum
  • Buy tickets to a show at George R. Brown Convention Center
  • Stop by the Galleria for a bite to eat and some shopping
  • Visit Texas Medical Center, the largest medical center in the world

Although Houston resides in the South, there is a confidence and edge to the city that other major Southern cities aspire to be. This confidence manifests itself in monuments, towers, universities, and other places to see in Houston.

Active things to see in Houston include:

  • See the art installations near Montrose Bridge
  • Visit the McGovern Centennial Gardens, opened in 2014 with a Japanese garden and free to the public
  • Explore the grounds of Rice University
  • Take a trip to Williams Tower, which is the second tallest building in Houston
  • Walk through The Heights, a small neighborhood within Houston