Discovering the Top 21 Engaging Activities in Houston, Texas
Discovering the Top 21 Engaging Activities in Houston, Texas
As the largest city in Texas and the fourth-largest city in the U.S., Houston provides visitors with a substantial dose of culture, cuisine, sports, and style. Each visit to Houston is unique, with a plethora of activities and attractions to explore in this diverse and lively metropolitan area, which has contributed numerous gifts to the world from the U.S. space exploration program to museums and sports teams.
Discover our recommendations for the 20 best things to do during your visit to Houston, Texas.
Embrace the Arts and Culture
Approximately 21,000 performances, concerts, plays, and exhibits take place in Houston each year.
Explore the City's Museum District
Stroll around Houston's Museum District staples such as the recently expanded Museum of Fine Arts and Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. Here, you'll find an exciting mix of mediums and exhibits, constantly changing.
Delve Deeper into the Art Scene
Experience fresh and immersive interactive art galleries like Color Factory and Seismique. The Arts District Houston, located in Houston's First and Sixth wards, is filled with private studios, galleries, and public art spaces and murals. Group tours can be arranged, or you can spend a day exploring with your camera.
Visit the Johnson Space Center
Receive some out-of-this-world inspiration by exploring Mission Control in Houston at the Johnson Space Center, the awe-inspiring headquarters for America's first mission to the moon and numerous space journeys since 1961. Visitors can climb aboard replica vessels and even partake in simulated rocket launches.
nasa.gov/johnson, 2101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
Explore the Museum of Natural Science
Delve into over a dozen permanent exhibit areas at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which covers numerous natural topics such as astronomy, space, paleontology, wildlife, and more. General admission is free on a first-come, first-serve basis on Tuesday evenings.
hmns.org, 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
Enjoy the Outdoors
Visit Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Uncover one of Houston's most remarkable landmarks and community centers, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. Stand amidst the Waterwall's mist and be enveloped by the soothing roar of cascading water, located in the Uptown district.
uptown-houston.com/waterwall-park, 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
Wander the Houston Botanic Garden
Discover a 132-acre urban oasis and outdoor living museum that opened in September 2020, located along one of Houston's iconic waterways. Construction showcases a magnificent curated assortment of tropical and arid plants from around the world, reflecting the city's rich cultural and ethnic diversity.
hbg.org, 1 Botanic Ln, Houston, TX 77017
Stroll through the Houston Zoo
Gather with friends and family for a delightful 100th anniversary experience at the Houston Zoo, which hosts nearly two million annual visitors. Spend time exploring various exhibits and educational programs while marveling at over 4,500 exotic animals representing more than 800 species.
houstonzoo.org, 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
Explore Houston's Oldest Farmers Market
Reap the rewards of nearby farms by visiting the Houston Farmers Market, where you can peruse an assortment of fruits, vegetables, country eggs, local honey, freshly baked goods, and homemade condiments and jams on the 18-acre market on Airline Drive.
thehoustonfarmersmarket.com, 2520 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77009
Be a Sports Fan
Attend an Astros Game
Fans of baseball should make a pilgrimage to Minute Maid Park to cheer on the "Stros" (Houston Astros), known for their lively atmosphere and delicious hot dogs. The season lasts most of the year.
mlb.com/astros, 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002
Watch a Texans Game
Sports enthusiasts won't want to miss a Texans game at NRG Stadium, a unique experience for locals and travelers alike, with an exciting regular season that spans from September to January.
nrgpark.com, NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054
Attend a Rockets Game
Basketball lovers will enjoy a Scorching night at Toyota Center, where the home games for the Houston Rockets are played. The atmosphere is electric, with plenty of food and drink vendors and multiple games to choose from, depending on the season.
toyotacenter.com, 1510 Polk St, Houston, TX 77022
Shopping Spree
Head to The Galleria
Experience the ultimate shopping, dining, and entertainment destination at The Galleria. Featuring over 400 stores, you'll find something to tempt your senses and satisfy your shopping cravings.
simon.com/the-galleria, 5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056
This upscale area is filled with high-end retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, considered as Houston's version of Rodeo Drive and 5th Avenue. It started with its first stores opening back in 1937 and has remained a popular city attraction since. Browse through over 75 stores and explore a variety of restaurants and attractions.
riveroaksshoppingcenter.com, 1964 W Gray St, Houston, TX 77019
Where to Eat
Houston's dining scene offers a unique blend of flavors from across the world, integrating its rich Southern culinary heritage. This fusion has led to the creation of impressive cuisine, consistently earning Houston chefs top spots on the James Beard Award list.
Fuel Up for the Day
For a breakfast filled with modern Middle Eastern and Israeli flavors, visit Rice Village's Badolina Bakery. Their croissants, quiches, and babkas are fan favorites.
badolinabakery.com, 5555 Morningside Dr, Houston, TX 77005
Armandos, a 45-year-old family-owned Mexican eatery reminiscent of 1920s Mexico City dining, now serves a delicious brunch menu filled with Tex-Mex classics.
armandosrestaurant.com, 2630 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77098
Have Lunch
Phat Eatery, known for its classic Malaysian street food, is located in Houston's second Chinatown neighborhood. Savor their Roti with Curry Chicken Dip, hand-crafted dim sum dumplings, and pork buns.
*phateatery.com, 23119 Colonial Pkwy, Katy, TX 77449
Indulge in a lunch between museum visits at this French restaurant located within the Museum of Fine Arts. Le Jardinier offers daily lunch service and a warm atmosphere.
lejardinier-houston.com, 5500 Main St, Houston, TX 77004
Dine for Dinner
Chef Hugo Ortega's Oaxacan restaurant, Xochi, located inside the Marriott Marquis, serves upscale Mexican cuisine. Enjoy their classic mole tasting with house-made fold tlayuda.
xochihouston.com, 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010
The gourmet Japanese cuisine at Kuu in Memorial City offers an upscale sushi experience with welcoming hospitality and a fresh menu, available during the social hour.
kuurestaurant.com, 947 Gessner Rd, Houston, TX 77024
Pondicheri, an Indian restaurant famous for its James Beard Award-nominated chef Anita Jaisinghani's dishes bursting with spiced flavors, is known for their mouthwatering Indian cuisine.
pondicheri.com, 2800 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098
Indulge in Dessert
Satisfy your taste buds with Red Circle Ice Cream's assortment of non-traditional flavors like Hot Cheetos and crawfish.
redcirclefranchising.com, 6838 Ranchester Dr, Houston, TX 77036
If you're a fan of tropical fruits, visit Hui Lau Shan, a Hong Kong-inspired dessert restaurant. Enjoy their mango-centric menu, including mango pudding, mango pancakes, and mango mochi.
hkhls.com, 9889 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
Where to Stay
Stay at a Former U.S. President's Residence
Once home to President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, the regal Houstonian offers a peaceful retreat among live oak trees, away from the bustling city surroundings. The recently expanded on-site spa, Trellis, is now the largest in Texas, along with three pools, hiking trails, a fitness club with classes for both guests and members.
houstonian.com, 111 N Post Oak Ln, Houston, TX 77024
Stay in the Museum District
Hotel ZaZa in Houston's Museum District is perfect for an art-oriented getaway, offering stylish suites, and themed rooms inspired by various concepts like "Houston We Have a Problem" with in-room astronaut and futuristic decor.
hotelzaza.com/houston-museum-district, 5701 Main St, Houston, TX 77005
Stay Conveniently in Downtown
The recently renovated Hyatt Regency Houston boasts luxurious guest rooms with views of the downtown skyline and features a heated rooftop pool.
hyatt.com/hyatt-regency, 1200 Louisiana St, Houston, TX 77002
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After exploring the rich culture, cuisine, and attractions in Houston, Texas, be sure to check out these Southern Living recommendations:
Are you a sports fan? Don't miss the opportunity to attend a Houston Astros, Texans, or Rockets game. Baseball lovers will enjoy the lively atmosphere at Minute Maid Park while sports enthusiasts won't want to miss a Texans game at NRG Stadium or a Scorching night at Toyota Center.
For a unique shopping experience, head to The Galleria, featuring over 400 stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues, or browse through over 75 stores and explore various restaurants at River Oaks Shopping Center.
Houston's dining scene offers a blend of flavors from across the world, with standout options like Badolina Bakery for modern Middle Eastern and Israeli flavors, Armandos for a classic Tex-Mex brunch, Phat Eatery for Malaysian street food, and Pondicheri for mouthwatering Indian cuisine.
Experience the arts and culture in Houston by visiting the museum district, checking out interactive galleries, or exploring the Johnson Space Center, where you can climb aboard replica vessels and even partake in simulated rocket launches.
Finally, enjoy the outdoors in Houston with visits to Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, the Houston Botanic Garden, or the Houston Zoo, which hosts nearly two million annual visitors.