This large Texas metropolis can seem overwhelming at first glance. But with a little bit of research, you’ll discover that there’s plenty to do in the Bayou City. Houston is home to the Space Center Houston, NASA’s astronaut training, and flight control complex, as well as a buzzing Historic District, full of 19th-century architecture and upscale restaurants, and some world-class museums and art spaces, like the reverent Rothko Chapel. Whether it’s your first time to this great Texan city or your tenth, there’s always something new to discover. Here’s our list of the 20 best things to do in Houston.
TOUR THE JOHNSON SPACE CENTER
The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, home of the NASA astronaut corps, is located in Southeast Houston. The center spans 1,620 acres and consists roughly 100 facilities. Tourists can experience a simulation of a zero-gravity environment in the Living in Space exhibit or encounter a virtual rocket launch complete with exhaust at the Blast Off Theater.
STROLL AROUND THE MUSEUM DISTRICT
The Houston Museum District refers to the collection of museums, galleries, and cultural centers located within a 1.5-mile radius of Hermann Park. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, which also houses the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, boasts a collection of roughly 60,000 pieces. Just a few blocks away is the Health Museum, home to Houston’s first and only 4D theater. Other area attractions include the Holocaust Museum, Houston Center for Photography and the Lawndale Art Center.
HAVE A LITTLE FUN AT KEMAH BOARDWALK
Kemah Boardwalk is now Houston’s nearest and largest amusement/entertainment park. Primarily occupied by hotels and restaurants, Kemah Boardwalk is an ideal place to entertain the entire family. Dining options include Landry’s Seafood House, the Cadillac Bar and Saltgrass Steakhouse. Attractions such as a Ferris wheel, train ride, and a carousel are all individually priced.
VISIT THE HOUSTON ZOO
Sheltering over 4,500 animals and 900 species, the Houston Zoo is one of the most visited zoos in the nation. Spend the day strolling through the facility’s beautifully landscaped grounds, or enjoy a more hands-on encounter by scheduling a guided tour.
GO ON A WALKING TOUR OF MONTROSE
One of Houston’s most demographically diverse regions, Montrose has become the city’s hub of vintage shopping, live music, and LGBT activism. Restored mansions and bungalows, tree-lined boulevards, and an antique mall make this neighborhood a unique, pedestrian-friendly tourist spot. Stop at Rudyard’s, a neighborhood dive bar, for a cold beer and a meal—you might even catch one of their famous comedy shows.
EAT DELICIOUS TEX-MEX
Houston might not have invented the fajita, but it sure has mastered it. With hundreds of amazing Tex-Mex restaurants throughout the city, there’s no excuse not to get your fill. Check out the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation to experience some culinary history, or try any other of the city’s best Tex-Mex restaurants for a taste of Houston’s most famous cuisine. Don’t forget the breakfast tacos or queso.
HANG OUT AT DISCOVERY GREEN
A splash of vegetation in Houston’s otherwise concrete and glass-laden downtown, Discovery Green is more than just a pretty park. With concerts, exercise classes, special events and more, the 12-acre green space has tons of activities for people of all ages.
SEE THE SHARKS AT THE DOWNTOWN AQUARIUM
Discover over 400 species of marine life and dine alongside a 150,000-gallon, two-story tank at the Downtown Aquarium. Witness white tigers lounging about, pet a stingray or go on an exhilarating train ride through the Shark Voyage. Wrap up the evening by feasting on seafood entrees, steaks and decadent desserts in the aquarium restaurant.
GO SHOPPING IN THE GALLERIA MALL
The Galleria Houston is an upscale shopping mall centrally located just outside the 610 Loop in Houston’s Uptown District. The retail center is anchored by Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue, and occupies such high-end tenants as Tiffany and Co., Dior, Louis Vuitton and Saint Laurent.
TAKE A BIKE RIDE DOWN BUFFALO BAYOU
Houston has some great green spaces and hike and bike trails. The Buffalo Bayou itself stretches from just outside the 610 Loop all the way into the center of the city, and the park, which begins at Shepherd Drive, offers some breathtaking views of the downtown skyline. Don’t have a bike? You can rent one using the city’s bike-share program Bcycle. Docking stations are located near the trail at Jackson Hill and Memorial Drive and the Sabine Bridge.
ADMIRE THE JAMES TURRELL SKYSPACE
Head to the Rice University campus for one of the most impressive art installations you’re likely ever to see. Artist James Turrell has created an acoustically-engineered light and sound installation next to the campus’s Shepherd School of Music which remains one of the best things to see in H-Town. Dubbed “Twilight Epiphany,” the show is projected onto the building’s roof at sunrise and sunset. While the show is free, reservations are required.
