Find out About the Best Things to Do in Houston: Local and Visitor Must-Do Activities.
Houston Texas is that kind of city with diversity, culture and vigor. Being one of the largest cities in the U.S., it presents a special combination of world-renowned museums, green parks, historical sights, flourishing food scenes, and colorful neighborhoods. As a visitor or a long term resident, one can always find something thrilling to venture in.
Whether in the case of popular family-oriented hotspots, artistic neighborhoods, and natural getaways, this article presents some of the best-rated attractions in Houston, and, besides, you will find useful advice on how to organize your first (or not your last, goldencar) trip around the Bayou City.
1. The Museum District
The Museum District is a must in case you like art or science or history. More than 19 museums are located in this pedestrian-friendly cultural centre with a part of them free on particular days.
Notable highlights include:
- The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) – it is a big art museum in the country
- The Houston Museum of Natural Science – This is an excellent museum which attracts both children and adults, and which contains such exhibits as dinosaurs and space exhibits
- The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston – Free and ever provoking
- The Children’s Museum Houston – The children museum is a favorite place of people who like hands-on entertainment.
The best part is that in a nearby focal point, you can find a lot of value and inspiration here at an educational day and that as well, at a considerably low price.
2. Space Center Houston
The nickname of Houston to be Space City is a reality at this famous NASA tourist centre. Space Center Houston is an interactive arena, full space vehicles, memorabilia of astronauts and behind-the-scenes visits to the Johnson Space Center.
Top experiences include:
- Seeing the real episode of the Apollo 17 command module
- Visiting Space Vehicle Mockup Facility where NASA astronauts practice
- Riding tram to Mission Control
- Taking a stroll through a huge Saturn V rocket
Amateurs of space and future astronauts, too, will depart perfectly impressed and informed with the understanding of the American space program.
3. Houston Zoo and Hermann Park
Hermann Park, which is situated just next to Museum District, is one of the most cared after greeneries in the city. The Houston Zoo which hosts more than 6,000 animals worldwide is its center.
Other attractions in Hermann Park include:
- McGovern Lake Paddle Boats to rent
- Japanese Garden A serene landscape garden
- Hermann Park Railroad – An ideal attraction to children
- Miller Outdoor Theatre – Free-all year round
Nature, entertainment and wildlife make it a perfect destination for a family or weekend explorers.
4. Buffalo Bayou Park
Seek some picturesque spots to ride by bike, or to go kayak, or take a mere walk to see a skyline? In the middle of Houston, Buffalo Bayou Park is flanked by a vast greenbelt of paths, bridges and sculpture.
This 160-acre urban park is perfect for:
- Jogging, biking or taking dogs out
- Bayou kayaking
- Enjoying the cityscape at the downtown area
- Going to the off-the-beaten track such as the Cistern, a subterranean gallery
Buffalo Bayou is a beautiful city development project which renders outdoor space available to everybody.
5. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Rodeo every spring is not only the biggest in the world but also a lot more than a rodeo. It has live music by high profile musicians, an enormous carnival, animal exhibitions, food stalls and even shopping.
Some of the most anticipated features are:
- Roping, barrel riding and bull riding events
- Concerts with celebrities of all kinds of music
- BBQ, Fried food and Texas favorites
- Kid and family exhibits and games
And in case you come at some time in February or March the rodeo is a must-visit cultural phenomenon.
6. The Galleria and Uptown Houston
Feel like you are ready to do some serious shopping? Visit The Galleria, the biggest mall in Houston and buy more than 400 shops and restaurants as well as a place to skate where it is covered by ice. The renowned mall has pitched itself in one of the places where there are luxury hotels, luxurious scene in the Uptown district. The Galleria has everything and is suitable to any shopping leader, including high fashion designers and mass market stores. It is also a destination where fine food is served so it is more than just a mall, it is an all inclusive affair.
The Galleria is a place to see even when you do not intend to spend big:
- People watching and window-shopping
- Global foods available
- Find refuge to the hot of summer in an enormous air-conditioned area
A few steps away, there is also Waterwall Park, a favorite photo spot with a magnificent 64 ft semicircular waterfall.
7. Street Art and Murals in EaDo & Midtown
Every corner of Houston, East Downtown (EaDo) and Midtown districts are now covered in some of the most outstanding urban art in the city. These murals are multi-colored, artistic and changing and reflect the cultural identity and the artistic being of Houston.
Popular spots include:
- By Gonzo247 is the clientele entrance known as the Houston is Inspired mural.
- The moving art-walls around Leeland street
- A Graffiti park in midtown by Chartres Street
As you venture out to discover the art, you will come across wonderful coffee shops, food trucks and local businesses across the districts which are all within walking distance.
8. Sports and Stadiums
The city of Houston is a sports town to the bone with big leagues and great arenas attracting crowds all year around.
Catch a game or a tour at:
- Houston Astros MLB/Minute Maid park
- NRG Stadium The home stadium of the Houston Texans (NFL) and Houston Rodeo
- Toyota Center – The arena where Houston Rockets (NBA) and other concerts are organized
- Shell Energy Stadium – Home of the Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)
It is so charged up on game days, that even if you are not a crazy fan, it is a culture of its own in some cases.
9. Houston’s Local Artisan Scene
Houston is the place to be in case you are interested in craft markets, local makers, and creative small-scaled businesses. Artisan activity in the city merges art with neighborhoods in art walks in the area, in pop-ups and seasonal fairs.
When visiting the artisan markets you have a chance to find some specialty vendors who will sell you anything you see like handmade jewelry and candles and even handmade leather and handcrafted leather items or custom shirts in Houston. This is a good way to buy interesting souvenirs and contribute to the creative economy and these are local events.
10. Historic Heights and Montrose Districts
To get a more local feel, have fun getting lost in streetscapes of some of the most interesting neighborhoods of Houston:
The Heights
Famous old fashioned houses, unique stores, and street trees. Check in at 19 th Street where you can shop in vintage clothing stores, bookstores and cafes. The Heights Mercantile district is a mixture of contemporary shopping and antiquity.
Montrose
Artistic, quirky, and diverse Montrose is a neighborhood with museums, cafes, tattoo shops, and music venues to get live music. It is also the place where you can find some of the best brunch places and antique shops. Probably, in both districts, you will encounter a mural, live music or some local shops in Houston that can make custom work for boutiques or events.
Bottom Line
Houston is full of adventure, taste, and cultural richness no matter whether you are a visitor and see your city with new eyes or you are a citizen who has chosen to explore her/his city again. Whether it is the globally renowned Museum District or the artistic neighborhoods of EaDo, there is something that can attract each of the types of explorers.
There are so many public affairs, neighborhood-inspired markets and different neighbourhoods that it is not difficult to make every weekend a weekend to remember.
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