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.
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
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
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