Things to Do in Houston Texas
Houston Texas offers many things to see and do. From its world-famous museums to the Johnson Space Center, you can spend your entire trip exploring this vibrant city.
Buffalo Bayou Park offers visitors a relaxing place to spend an afternoon. Boasting running and cycling trails, public art installations, as well as an active bat colony under Waugh Drive bridge – this park makes an excellent stopover on any city visit.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston offers visitors an engaging learning center dedicated to space exploration. As the Official Visitor Center of Johnson Space Center and a Smithsonian Affiliate, visitors will discover historic mission spacesuits from historic missions as well as real shuttles at this Houston attraction.
Take tram tours that pass by astronaut training facilities and even into the Mission Control Room! With so much to see and do at this popular science museum, plan to spend the full day taking everything in. Don’t forget to pick up an astronaut ice cream treat on your way out!
No matter if you are in Houston for several days or simply passing through, this museum should be on your itinerary. Both adults and kids will appreciate its non-threatening atmosphere and informative, entertaining exhibits – there is even a planetarium, night sky observatory and 3D IMAX theatre on site!
Once you’ve enjoyed your museum trip, hop an Uber over to East End for a stroll among its colorful street art or visit Buffalo Bayou Park for an unhurried stroll along its paved trail or slow-moving river – also home of Wortham Foundation Grove and some incredible public art installations in this surprising colorful city!
Houston is an exciting, diverse city that provides solo travelers with plenty of enjoyable attractions and experiences. Take some time out of your trip to explore Houston’s culture, history, and entertainment that make this Southern metropolis so captivating; use our 2-Day Houston Itinerary as your guide!
Museum of Fine Arts
The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is one of the city’s premiere art museums. Boasting an expansive collection of antiquities, Renaissance paintings, Japanese earthenware and modern and contemporary works; join one of their guided tours for an easy introduction.
The museum also boasts some great satellite sites like Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens and Rienzi House that are worth visiting, to gain even more knowledge about this wonderful city.
Are You an Art Lover in Houston? Don’t leave without visiting the Museum of Fine Arts – one of Texas’s premier cultural institutions housing an impressive collection of artwork from across the world and free for college students with valid ID and military families and their dependents!
Houston offers many fun things to do, including exploring its lovely green spaces such as Discovery Green. Perfect for taking leisurely strolls through its trails or relaxing by its lake, Discovery Green also houses numerous restaurants and bars where you can grab a bite to eat or sample some local craft beers.
San Jacinto State Historic Park makes for an excellent day trip from Houston. This historic site marks the battle that ensured Texas independence from Mexico and features a museum, monument and large park to explore on sunny days. Not far away is Rice Military neighborhood’s fun Beer Can House covered with over 50,000 beer cans while Bishop’s Palace dates back over 200 years!
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Attracting future science leaders, this Museum District attraction boasts 430,000 square feet with world-class touring exhibits, world-renowned touring exhibits, a planetarium, Cockrell Butterfly Center and George Observatory. Visitors can explore HMNS exhibits such as dinosaur skeletons, fossils or live insects as well as learn how to prepare and recover from weather events – make time for yourself today to discover them all!
Houstonians love unique experiences like exploring the Beer Can House in Rice Military Neighborhood; its international fame as an art installation and openness to guided tours is evidenced by international attention it has garnered as a public artwork. A tour allows guests to see how its colorful facade was designed by covering every inch with recycled beer cans for twenty years, covering over 50,000 cans in total!
Take the whole family on an immersive art experience at Children’s Museum Houston, designed specifically with children in mind so their parents can appreciate its exhibits and activities. Visiting here also serves as an ideal way to introduce children to Houston’s history!
Buffalo Bayou Park, situated west of Downtown, is a 124-acre oasis ideal for leisurely walks. Lined with public art such as sculpture gardens and gargoyles, its slow-moving river features slow currents that lead to Waugh Drive bat colony; outdoor events take place here like music concerts, food truck festivals and yoga classes; it even houses several notable landmarks like Gerald D. Hines Waterwall as well as quirky bars like Char Bar that offers both tailor-made suits and craft cocktails harmoniously!
Discovery Green
Discovery Green, Houston’s 12-acre village green in downtown’s historic district, serves as its focal point. Attracting office workers and families alike, this park features water fun, lawn games, two restaurants, dog parks, event lawns, one-acre lakes that allow kayaking trips as well as public art installations.
Bring the family for some splashy fun at Gateway Fountain, where kids of all ages can run through 14-foot high jets spouting onto a gently sloping granite surface. On hot summer days, this spot is packed with visitors. Additionally, don’t miss the museum grounds which include Cockrell Butterfly Center!
If time permits, be sure to visit the Museum of Fine Arts Houston to view its collection of over 70,000 works. It is one of the finest museums in America and using CityPASS will save 50% off regular admission prices.
When hunger strikes, head to either Cafe Provence at the MFAH for light fare and wine or make your way over to Stedman West Veranda or The Lake House restaurant for salads, sandwiches, tacos or burgers.
Discovery Green in downtown Houston offers one of the best activities in town, where Houstonians gather to stroll along paths and admire public artworks. Furthermore, Discovery Green features its Signature Spotlight program to promote local talent while celebrating Houston as a vibrant metropolis.
Downtown Houston boasts several luxurious hotels, such as Four Seasons Houston Hotel and Marriott Marquis Houston, each of which provides amenities such as heated outdoor pools, spa services and fine dining restaurants. If budget travel is an option for you, Hilton Americas Houston and Hyatt Regency Houston both provide mid-range properties that feature many other services that will help you relax and unwind during your stay.
Armand Bayou Nature Center
At the center of this sprawling metropolis lies an extraordinary natural preserve with miles of hiking trails and marshlands that form part of Gulf Coast’s largest urban wilderness. At Armand Bayou Nature Center (ABNC) visitors can witness wildlife while also experiencing history at their restored 1890’s farm site, kayak tours, pontoon cruises or guided night hikes are also offered for your enjoyment.
At ABNC’s Discovery Loop Trail, you’ll traverse a raised platform before entering a marsh habitat where alligators, snakes, turtles and armadillos can easily be seen. There is also a children’s discovery area and interpretive building within the park, plus guided birdwatching or wildlife photo tours allowing visitors to get up close without disturbing nature’s inhabitants.
Are you looking to experience everything Houston has to offer at an incredible value? Purchase a Houston CityPass and access Space Center Houston as well as any four attractions of your choice: Downtown Aquarium, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Zoo or Houston Museum of Natural Science.
After an exciting day exploring nature, relax and treat yourself to some delicious barbecue. A popular local choice is Truth BBQ on S Heights Blvd which serves up tasty smoked meat dishes like their signature brisket and mac and cheese dishes as well as mouthwatering homemade sauces and desserts that you should definitely taste.
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall is another must-see in Downtown. It’s an incredible manmade waterfall with powerful spray, offering visitors an awesome way to cool off after exploring Downtown. It makes an excellent stop after an afternoon spent wandering about.
