What to do in houston?
Updated: June 27, 2024Houston, Texas, is a vibrant city teeming with diverse attractions and activities suitable for all types of visitors. From its rich cultural landscapes and innovative culinary scene to its lush green spaces and cutting-edge science exhibits, Houston offers a plethora of experiences. Here's an in-depth look at what to do in Houston.
Explore the Museum District
Houston's Museum District is a cultural powerhouse, home to 19 museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)
The MFAH is one of the largest art museums in the United States, featuring over 70,000 works of art spanning 6,000 years. The collection includes works from ancient civilizations, Renaissance masterpieces, and modern art.
Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS)
HMNS boasts an impressive array of exhibits, from dinosaur skeletons and gems to a planetarium and butterfly center. Don't miss the Morian Hall of Paleontology, which showcases a wide range of prehistoric creatures.
The Menil Collection
A unique, free museum, The Menil Collection houses an eclectic range of art from antiquity to contemporary works. The serene campus also includes the Rothko Chapel and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel.
Discover Space City
As the home of NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston holds a special place in the history of space exploration.
Space Center Houston
This official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center offers interactive exhibits, a space shuttle replica, and a tour of NASA's mission control. Be sure to check out the Astronaut Gallery and the Lunar Module.
Starship Gallery
Featuring artifacts from the Apollo missions, space suits, and the Skylab Trainer, the Starship Gallery provides an immersive experience into human spaceflight history.
Enjoy Houston's Green Spaces
Houston's parks and outdoor areas provide a breath of fresh air amidst the urban landscape.
Hermann Park
Hermann Park is a 445-acre urban park that includes the Houston Zoo, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Miller Outdoor Theatre. The McGovern Centennial Gardens is a must-visit for its beautifully landscaped gardens and stunning sculptures.
Buffalo Bayou Park
This 160-acre park offers biking and hiking trails, a dog park, and the picturesque Waugh Bridge Bat Colony. Kayaking on the bayou provides a unique view of the Houston skyline.
Experience Houston's Culinary Delights
Houston's diverse population is reflected in its dynamic food scene, with numerous options ranging from casual eats to fine dining.
Tex-Mex and Barbecue
No visit to Houston is complete without sampling Tex-Mex and barbecue. Visit Ninfa's on Navigation for legendary fajitas or head to The Pit Room for mouth-watering smoked meats.
International Cuisine
Explore Houston's global culinary offerings with a visit to Chinatown for authentic dim sum, or venture to the Mahatma Gandhi District for exquisite Indian cuisine.
Food Markets and Festivals
Check out the Houston Farmers Market for fresh produce and local delicacies, or time your visit with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for a taste of Texas culture and cuisine.
Immerse Yourself in Performing Arts
Houston's Theater District is second only to New York City in terms of the number of seats in a concentrated area, offering a variety of performances year-round.
Houston Grand Opera
Renowned for its innovative productions, the Houston Grand Opera presents both classic and contemporary works at the Wortham Theater Center.
Alley Theatre
The Alley Theatre is a leading American theater company, showcasing a mix of new plays and classics. The theatre's unique architecture adds to the experience.
Houston Symphony
Experience world-class orchestral music with the Houston Symphony at the Jesse H. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts.
Shop Till You Drop
Houston offers a variety of shopping experiences, from high-end malls to quirky boutiques and vintage stores.
The Galleria
As Texas' largest shopping center, The Galleria features over 400 stores, an ice rink, and numerous dining options. Luxury brands and popular retailers make it a shopping haven.
Rice Village
Rice Village is a charming shopping district near Rice University, offering a mix of national retailers and local boutiques. It's a great spot for unique finds and trendy fashion.
Antique Shops and Markets
For those who love vintage and antiques, the Heights neighborhood boasts several antique shops and the monthly Heights Mercantile Market offers a variety of artisan goods.
Family Fun
Houston is a family-friendly city with plenty of attractions that cater to children and adults alike.
Houston Zoo
Located in Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from around the world. Highlights include the African Forest, the Kipp Aquarium, and the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat.
Children's Museum Houston
This interactive museum offers numerous hands-on exhibits designed to educate and entertain children. Popular areas include the Kidtropolis, where kids can role-play in a miniature city, and the FlowWorks water exhibit.
Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium features a variety of marine life exhibits, a restaurant with a 150,000-gallon aquarium centerpiece, and attractions like the Shark Voyage train ride and Ferris wheel.
Sports and Recreation
Houston's sports scene is vibrant, with teams representing major leagues and numerous recreational activities for sports enthusiasts.
Minute Maid Park
Home to the Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park offers an exciting atmosphere for baseball fans. The park's retractable roof ensures games can be enjoyed rain or shine.
NRG Stadium
Catch a Houston Texans football game or enjoy concerts and events at NRG Stadium, a state-of-the-art facility with seating for up to 72,000 spectators.
BBVA Stadium
Soccer fans can watch the Houston Dynamo play at BBVA Stadium, which also hosts the Houston Dash women's soccer team and various other events.
Unique and Offbeat Attractions
For those looking to explore the quirky side of Houston, there are several unusual attractions worth checking out.
Art Car Museum
Known as the "Garage Mahal," the Art Car Museum showcases cars transformed into works of art. The museum celebrates the creativity and individuality of Houston's art car community.
Beer Can House
This Houston landmark is a testament to one man's dedication to recycling. The house is covered in over 50,000 beer cans, creating a unique and eye-catching façade.
The Orange Show
Created by postman Jeff McKissack, The Orange Show is a whimsical folk art environment dedicated to the creator's favorite fruit. The site includes a maze of mosaics, sculptures, and exhibits.
With such a wide array of attractions and activities, Houston offers something for everyone. Whether you're a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or an outdoor adventurer, this dynamic city has countless experiences waiting to be discovered.