Houston, one of the most populous cities in Texas and North America, is renowned for its rich history and diverse culture. Dubbed “the American city of the future,” Houston is home to skilled and vibrant residents who embrace a modern and dynamic lifestyle.
One of the reasons Houston has such a large population is the abundance of activities and tourist attractions. The city is a magnet for visitors, primarily due to NASA’s Space Center and astronaut training facilities located here. However, beyond its space-related attractions, Houston offers countless other exciting things to do and unique places to explore.
Houston caters to a wide range of interests, with attractions that appeal to families, art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and shopaholics alike. While in the city, you can visit various museums, shop in one of the largest malls in the country, delve into the city’s history, explore zoos, savor diverse cuisines, and much more.
To help you make the most of your visit to Houston, here’s a list of 25 of the best things to do in the city.
1. Visit The Museum Of Fine Arts
Hequals2henry, MFA houston, CC BY-SA 3.0
Established in 1900, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is one of the many cultural gems in the city’s Museum District. Inside, you’ll find a library, an institute, a sculpture park, and, of course, an extensive art museum.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, houses approximately 64,000 works of art from around the world, with some pieces tracing back as far as 6,000 years. These exhibits offer a deep dive into the history of Texas and other cultures through ceramics, paintings, photographs, and sculptures. The museum also features an impressive collection of antique furniture.
For those who appreciate culture and the arts, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is a must-visit.
2. Experience Science Exhibits At The Houston Museum Of Natural Science
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Another highlight in Houston’s Museum District is the Museum of Natural Science (HMNS). This museum boasts an extensive collection of mineral specimens, vintage technology, giant skeletons of extinct animals like the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a planetarium, rare artifacts, and much more from various branches of science.
The museum is incredibly popular with both locals and tourists, thanks to its numerous permanent exhibits. It is one of the most visited museums in North America, drawing visitors from all over the world.
3. Stroll Through Hermann Park
For a true taste of local life, take a leisurely stroll through Hermann Park, a 445-acre green space that offers a variety of amenities, including pavilions, picnic areas, a golf course, and more. The park borders several neighborhoods, tourist attractions, institutions, and universities.
Hermann Park is home to numerous attractions, including designated picnic areas, gardens, trails, lakes with pedal boats, and a golf course. The park’s crown jewel is the Houston Zoo, where visitors can see bears, giant tortoises, giraffes, lions, sharks, and many other animals.
In addition to these attractions, Hermann Park also features the Miller Outdoor Theatre and the McGovern Centennial Gardens, offering even more ways to enjoy the outdoors.
4. Visit Nasa’s Space Center Houston
Leijurv, Space Center Houston Saturn V, CC BY-SA 4.0
One of Houston’s most famous attractions is Space Center Houston, also known as the International Space Station Mission Control. This facility showcases over 400 artifacts related to the U.S. space program and other space-related topics. It is also home to NASA’s Mission Control and serves as a training center for astronauts.
At Space Center Houston, you can explore interactive exhibits, watch space-related films, and get a behind-the-scenes look at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, where history was made.
5. Learn About Marine Life At The Downtown Aquarium
For a combination of educational exhibits and thrilling rides, head to the Downtown Aquarium. This 6-acre attraction features a 500,000-gallon aquarium housing more than 300 species of marine animals, as well as a dining and entertainment area for after you’ve explored the exhibits.
The Downtown Aquarium offers a variety of rides, including the Aquatic Carousel, Frog Hopper, and Shark Voyage, which are great for kids and enjoyable for all ages. In addition to the rides, the complex includes aquatic exhibits, a bar and restaurant, a ballroom, and a shopping area for souvenirs.
6. Watch A Ball Game At Minute Maid Park
If you’re visiting Houston during the summer, be sure to catch a game at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros, the city’s professional baseball team. The park is known for its retractable roof, which allows fresh air in during cooler seasons and protects games from inclement weather.
While watching a game, you can enjoy a variety of ballpark food, from nachos to hot dogs. The park’s retractable roof is a great feature, ensuring that games continue rain or shine, and it even offers views of Houston’s skyline through a 50,000-square-foot glass section. On Friday nights, you can also catch a spectacular fireworks show, making it well worth the ticket price.
7. Explore The Buffalo Bayou Park
Bry0909, Johnny Steele Dog Park, CC BY-SA 4.0
Buffalo Bayou Park is a 160-acre urban oasis in Houston that offers a vast green space perfect for hiking, biking, and picnicking while taking in the beautiful skyline views. The park is also home to several art installations that add to its charm.
Buffalo Bayou Park provides a refreshing environment for various recreational activities, including exercise and kayaking. There’s also a playground for children. At night, the park is beautifully lit, ensuring safety for all visitors. After a day of activities, you can relax and dine at one of the area’s restaurants, which serve delicious food and drinks accompanied by live music.
8. Reflect On History At The Holocaust Museum Houston
Add an educational stop to your Houston visit by exploring the Holocaust Museum Houston. This museum features film footage from World War II, providing a glimpse into the horrors of the Holocaust, from the concentration camps to the transportation of victims.
The museum houses over 10,000 items belonging to WWII victims and survivors, including a camp uniform worn by one Houston survivor. You’ll also learn about the heroic efforts of those who fought to survive, including a Danish fishing boat that rescued over 7,000 Jewish survivors during the war.
The Holocaust Museum Houston’s exhibits are deeply informative and thought-provoking, making it a valuable and educational experience.
9. Explore The Menil Campus
The Menil, one of Houston’s most prized cultural gems, is a 30-acre campus that houses nearly 17,000 art pieces collected by John and Dominique de Menil. The campus is set among 20th-century bungalows and Live Oak trees, creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere.
As you explore the Menil, you’ll be immersed in a stunning collection of art. Highlights include the Dan Flavin Installation, the Cy Twombly Gallery, and the Rothko Chapel, which features murals by the American abstract expressionist Mark Rothko.
If you need a break from the art-filled campus, there are several restaurants and bars nearby where you can relax and enjoy a meal.
10. Learn About Bugs At The Cockrell Butterfly Center
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is a must-visit for those interested in nature and education. This center is home to a variety of insect species and offers engaging activities for visitors of all ages, especially children.
The center features a living butterfly habitat where you can observe different species of butterflies up close. There are also interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the life cycle of butterflies and other insects.
For a more interactive experience, wear bright colors when you visit, as butterflies are more likely to land on vibrant hues.
11. Indulge In Houston’s Barbecue
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Texas is famous for its barbecue, and Houston is no exception. One of the top barbecue spots in the city is CorkScrew BBQ in Spring, which has earned a spot in the Top 10 Best BBQ Joints in Texas.
Another must-visit is Killen’s Barbecue in Pearland, known for its high-quality, generously sized beef. Other excellent barbecue joints in Houston include Feges BBQ, Pinkerton’s, Ray’s BBQ Shack, and The Pit Room.
If you’re in Houston in April, don’t miss the annual Houston BBQ Festival, where you can taste some of the best barbecue the city has to offer.
12. Sing Along At A Live Show
Houston’s vibrant music scene is a mix of local talent, nationally recognized artists, and underground performers across various genres. Live shows are held at venues like the White Oak Music Hall, which features indoor and outdoor stages, as well as the Continental Club and The Heights Theater.
Larger venues such as the House of Blues in Downtown Houston and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands also host major concerts. No matter where you go, you’re sure to enjoy a night of great music in Houston.
13. Shop At The Galleria
No trip to Houston is complete without a shopping spree at The Galleria, a massive shopping center covering 2.4 million square feet with over 400 stores. Here, you’ll find high-end brands like Chanel, Gucci, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton, as well as more affordable options like H&M and Forever 21.
The Galleria also offers a wide range of dining options and features an ice skating rink that’s popular with visitors. If you’re planning to shop here, wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
14. Sample Beers At Saint Arnold Brewing Company
If you’re a fan of craft beer, a visit to Saint Arnold Brewing Company is a must. As one of the oldest craft breweries in Houston, Saint Arnold offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, from brewing and filtering to bottling.
The best part is that you can sample the beers they brew, including seasonal selections and year-round favorites. You can also find Saint Arnold’s beers at bars, grocery stores, and restaurants across Texas, Louisiana, and Florida.
15. Savor Houston’s Diverse Cuisines
Houston is a melting pot of cultures, and its diverse culinary scene reflects that. Whether you’re craving African, Mexican, Persian, Singaporean, or other cuisines, you’ll find it all in Houston.
Some top spots to try include Himalaya for Indo-Pak fried chicken, Pho Binh for a warm bowl of pho, Peli Peli for South African bobotie, and Polonia’s for Polish hunter’s stew and golabki.
16. Explore Discovery Green & Avenida Houston
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at Discovery Green & Avenida Houston, an eco-friendly park located in Downtown Houston. This urban green space is also an entertainment district, offering seasonal art installations, light displays, concerts, and festivals.
You can also enjoy water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking on Kinder Lake, or go ice skating during the winter months. The park offers yoga classes, movie screenings, and a variety of dining options, making it a great place to relax and unwind.
17. Visit The Toyota Center
Ed Uthman from Houston, TX, USA, Toyota Center entr, CC BY 2.0
The Toyota Center is one of Houston’s largest indoor arenas, named after the Japanese automobile manufacturer that paid $100 million for the naming rights. The arena is home to the Houston Rockets, the city’s professional basketball team, and was also once home to the Houston Aeros, a former professional ice hockey team.
In addition to sports events, the Toyota Center hosts concerts and other entertainment events. Visitors appreciate the arena’s spaciousness and clean facilities, as well as the nearby restaurants and hotels offering excellent accommodations.
18. Experience Houston’s Street Art
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If you’re a fan of street art, don’t miss the vibrant murals throughout Houston. These brightly colored works of art can be found on the walls of restaurants, studios, parking lots, and other locations across the city.
Murals are a powerful form of art, ranging from simple to complex designs, and often convey political or universal messages. Houston’s murals are painted by both local and international artists, with some created for the annual HUE Mural Festival.
19. Watch Free Performances At Miller Outdoor Theatre
Located in Hermann Park, the Miller Outdoor Theatre offers free performances, including concerts, dances, and plays suitable for all ages. The performances showcase the rich culture and arts of Houston and Texas.
The theater, which spans over 7.5 acres, is a popular venue among locals. Bring a chair, some pillows, blankets, and snacks, and enjoy a night of entertainment under the stars. The Miller Outdoor Theatre operates from mid-March to mid-November, so plan your visit during these months.
20. Shop And Stroll Along Historic 19th Street In The Heights
For a unique shopping experience, head to the 19th Street Shopping District in The Heights. This eclectic shopping center is filled with antique shops, thrift stores, bars, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a favorite spot for bargain hunters and vintage lovers.
Every year on the first Saturday of August, 19th Street hosts White Linen Night, where locals and visitors dress in their best white linen outfits and enjoy a summer evening filled with music and local art. The district also celebrates Third Thursdays Sip & Stroll and hosts holiday tours and tent sales.
21. Shop At The Urban Harvest Farmers Market
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Experience Houston like a local by visiting the Urban Harvest Farmers Market. Open from 8 a.m. to noon at St. John’s School off Buffalo Speedway, this market has been selling farm-to-table goods since 2004.
Here, you’ll find fresh, organic produce and other locally crafted products like soaps, flowers, and seasonal jams. The market also offers dining options, including popular breakfast items like coffee and tacos. Live music from local artists adds to the market’s lively atmosphere.
22. Experience Skydiving At iFLY Indoor Skydiving
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For an adrenaline-pumping experience, try indoor skydiving at iFLY Houston. The facility simulates freefall conditions in a vertical wind tunnel, giving you the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of a plane. Each flight lasts about 60 seconds, and while it may be challenging at first, it’s a fun and exhilarating experience.
iFLY provides all the necessary gear and has knowledgeable instructors to guide you through the process. If you’re not up for the adventure, you can still watch others from the observation area. Prices for indoor skydiving start at $59.95 per person for two flights, with family packages available.
23. Attend The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
No visit to Houston is complete without attending the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, the largest livestock show and rodeo in the world. Don your cowboy gear and enjoy events like the Calf Scramble, horse shows, and a huge carnival with delicious food and refreshing drinks.
The rodeo concert, featuring an impressive lineup each year, is a major highlight. Since its founding in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo has promoted the livestock industry in Texas, attracting over 2 million visitors annually from around the world.
24. Explore The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Escape the urban hustle and immerse yourself in nature at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. This 155-acre sanctuary offers a peaceful retreat where you can explore five miles of walking trails that wind through diverse habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. The arboretum is home to a variety of native plants and wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching, nature photography, or simply enjoying a quiet stroll.
The Nature Center itself features interactive exhibits that educate visitors about the local ecosystem and the importance of conservation. Families with children will appreciate the Discovery Room, which offers hands-on activities and a chance to observe live animals up close. The arboretum also hosts various educational programs and workshops throughout the year, catering to all age groups.
25. Discover The Historic District And Market Square Park
Step back in time by visiting Houston’s Historic District and Market Square Park. This area, located in the heart of downtown, is rich in history and charm, featuring beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings and landmarks. Market Square Park, the centerpiece of the district, is a lively urban park that offers a mix of modern amenities and historical significance.
At Market Square Park, you can relax in the green space, enjoy a picnic, or dine at one of the many nearby restaurants and cafes. The park frequently hosts outdoor movies, live performances, and cultural events, making it a vibrant gathering place for locals and visitors alike. As you stroll through the Historic District, take time to explore the unique boutiques, art galleries, and historic bars that give this area its distinctive character.
