Things To Do in Houston, Texas
Space Center Houston
Tour NASA’s visitor center in Houston to see towering rockets, touch a moon rock, and step aboard the shuttle carrier aircraft with the Space Shuttle replica. The tram ride to Johnson Space Center gives you a look at astronaut training facilities and historic Mission Control.
Phone: 281-244-2100
Houston Zoo
Walk leafy pathways to see elephants, big cats, and a thriving aquarium, then cool off at the kid-friendly water play areas. Special keeper talks and behind-the-scenes encounters add extra excitement to your visit.
Phone: 713-533-6500
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)
Explore a world-class art collection spanning antiquities to cutting-edge contemporary in luminous gallery spaces. Between buildings, stop by sculpture-filled plazas and cafés for a relaxed cultural afternoon.
Phone: 713-639-7300
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Wander through dinosaur halls, sparkling gems, and immersive energy exhibits, then step into the planetarium and giant screen theatre. Don’t miss the Cockrell Butterfly Center’s glass conservatory alive with butterflies.
Phone: 713-639-4629
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH)
Experience rotating exhibitions of bold, experimental art inside a striking stainless-steel building. Free admission makes it easy to pop in for a quick dose of creative inspiration.
Phone: 713-284-8250
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The Menil Collection
Stroll serene, daylit galleries that showcase everything from ancient artifacts to modern masters. The leafy campus invites you to linger on lawns and explore nearby chapels and satellite spaces.
Phone: 713-525-9400
Rothko Chapel
Step into a quiet octagonal space devoted to reflection and the power of color. The chapel’s peaceful grounds and neighboring sculpture invite a slow, contemplative visit.
Phone: 713-524-9839
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Follow easy trails through native woodlands and wetlands just minutes from downtown. Interactive exhibits and birding spots make it a relaxing break from the city rush.
Phone: 713-681-8433
Buffalo Bayou Park
Rent a bike or simply stroll along miles of riverfront trails with skyline views and public art. Picnic lawns, dog parks, and kayak launches make it a flexible urban adventure.
Phone: 713-752-0314
Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
Descend into a vast, cathedral-like former reservoir to see hypnotic reflections and art installations. Guided tours share the engineering story behind this unique underground space.
Phone: 713-752-0314
Discovery Green
This downtown park buzzes with art, seasonal ice skating, yoga classes, markets, and concerts. Bring a blanket for movie nights or rent model boats on the pond.
Phone: 713-400-7336
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Stand at the base of a 64-foot U-shaped waterfall and feel the mist while you snap dramatic photos. The surrounding oak grove provides a shady spot to relax and picnic.
Minute Maid Park (Astros Ballpark Tours)
Go behind the scenes of Houston’s retractable-roof ballpark and see the dugout, press box, and historic Union Station. On game days, grab a seat for Major League Baseball energy under the lights.
Phone: 713-259-8000
Toyota Center
Catch NBA action with the Houston Rockets or see arena-scale concerts on a state-of-the-art stage. Concessions and lounges make it a comfortable night out downtown.
Phone: 713-758-7200
NRG Stadium
Home to the Houston Texans and blockbuster events, this massive retractable-roof venue hosts football, international soccer, and mega concerts. The surrounding NRG Park keeps festival season lively.
Phone: 832-667-1400
San Jacinto Monument & Museum
Ride up Texas’s tallest war memorial and gaze over marshes where history turned in 1836. The museum brings the Texas Revolution to life with artifacts and immersive exhibits.
Phone: 281-479-2421
Children’s Museum Houston
Kids race to build, tinker, and role-play in colorful interactive zones designed for hands-on learning. It’s a high-energy stop perfect for families and rainy days.
Phone: 713-522-1138
Downtown Aquarium
Ride a carousel, dine next to a floor-to-ceiling tank, and take the Shark Voyage train through a glass tunnel. It’s part aquarium, part mini-amusement park in the heart of downtown.
Phone: 713-223-3474
Asia Society Texas Center
See art, performances, and talks that connect Houston to cultures across Asia. The Yoshio Taniguchi–designed building itself is a serene architectural experience.
Phone: 713-496-9901
Houston Symphony at Jones Hall
Dress up for an evening of orchestral music in a landmark theater with superb acoustics. From classics to film scores, the programming offers something for every listener.
Phone: 713-224-7575
Alley Theatre
Catch inventive productions inside a Brutalist gem known for intimate staging and bold storytelling. Arrive early to explore the sculptural lobby and terraces.
Phone: 713-220-5700
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
See touring Broadway shows and local productions with skyline views from glass-lined lobbies. The theater’s acoustics and sightlines make for a polished night out.
Phone: 713-315-2525
Market Square Park
Relax in a lively historic square framed by restaurants, bars, and murals. Outdoor movies, dog runs, and patios make it a social hub day and night.
Phone: 713-650-3022
19th Street in The Heights
Browse vintage shops, indie boutiques, and cafés along a charming, walkable strip. Weekend markets and murals create a colorful, photo-ready scene.
Memorial Park & Eastern Glades
Jog or cycle through one of America’s largest urban parks, then unwind by the lakes and boardwalks of Eastern Glades. Trails, picnic lawns, and native plantings make it an all-day retreat.
Phone: 713-863-8403
Glenwood Cemetery
Wander shaded lanes of this 19th-century cemetery where prominent Houstonians rest among ornate monuments. It’s a quiet place for history, sculpture, and skyline views.
Phone: 713-864-7886
National Museum of Funeral History
Discover unique exhibits on mourning customs, presidential funerals, and classic hearses. It’s an offbeat, surprisingly fascinating collection you won’t find elsewhere.
Phone: 281-876-3063
Houston Botanic Garden
Stroll themed gardens, winding boardwalks, and wetlands showcasing Gulf Coast ecology. Seasonal blooms and sculpture make it a photographer’s favorite.
Phone: 713-715-9675
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Tour an elegant mansion filled with American decorative arts, then wander formal gardens shaded by live oaks. The grounds bloom beautifully in spring and fall.
Phone: 713-639-7750
Beer Can House
See an entire home decorated with tens of thousands of flattened beer cans—a folk art landmark that glitters in the sun. Guided tours share the story of its creator, John Milkovisch.
Phone: 713-926-6368
The Orange Show Monument
Explore a hand-built maze of balconies, mosaics, and found objects celebrating citrus and creativity. It’s delightfully eccentric and a staple of Houston’s folk-art scene.
Phone: 713-926-6368
Smither Park
Walk among glittering mosaic walls and whimsical structures built by artists and volunteers. The park is a vibrant backdrop for photos and community events.
Phone: 713-926-6368
Art Car Museum
Marvel at wild, road-legal art cars and rotating exhibits that celebrate creative customization. It’s small, quirky, and totally Houston.
Phone: 713-861-5526
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Learn the stories of African American soldiers who served with courage from the Civil War onward. Exhibits and artifacts reveal a vital chapter of U.S. military history.
Phone: 713-942-8920
Holocaust Museum Houston
Walk through powerful, thoughtfully designed galleries that honor survivors and teach the lessons of history. The museum’s striking architecture deepens the impact of its exhibits.
Phone: 713-942-8000
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (NRG Park)
Every spring, the city turns out for rodeo competitions, star-studded concerts, and a sprawling carnival. Sample Texas-sized food and explore agricultural exhibits across the fairgrounds.
POST Houston (Skylawn)
Explore a massive food hall, art installations, and a rooftop park with sweeping skyline views. Weekend markets and concerts turn this former post office into a creative hub.
"Houston Is Inspired" Mural (Market Square area)
Snap a photo at one of the city’s most loved street-art backdrops celebrating Houston’s creative spirit. The surrounding blocks are full of cafés and bars for a quick bite after.
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Tour Texas’s oldest craft brewery, then settle into the beer garden for a flight and pub fare. Seasonal releases and special events keep the tap list interesting.
Phone: 713-686-9494
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
Watch artists at work in studio spaces and explore exhibitions focused on fiber, metal, glass, and clay. The hands-on Craft Garden shows how materials grow and are harvested.
Phone: 713-529-4848
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Spread a blanket on the lawn for free performances ranging from Shakespeare and ballet to jazz concerts. The gentle slope and skyline backdrop make for perfect sunsets.
Phone: 281-373-3386
Hermann Park
Paddle on the lake, ride the miniature train, and wander the McGovern Centennial Gardens. It’s a classic Houston day out, easily combined with the Zoo and museums.
Houston Graffiti Park (Eado)
Explore blocks of ever-changing murals and street art in the East Downtown neighborhood. It’s an open-air gallery perfect for photos and a casual walk.
Houston Galleria
Shop luxury brands, skate on the indoor ice rink, and sample international eats in Texas’s largest mall. It’s a climate-controlled escape during hot afternoons.
Houston Farmers Market
Sample local produce, spices, and street food at a historic open-air market on Airline Drive. Early mornings are best for fresh finds and breakfast tacos.
BBP Boat Tours on Buffalo Bayou
Climb aboard a pontoon boat for a calm cruise under historic bridges and along downtown’s waterfront. Evening bat-watching trips reveal a hidden urban ecosystem.
Houston Center for Photography
See thought-provoking photography exhibitions in a compact, free-admission gallery. Workshops and talks help you sharpen your own shooting skills.
Houston Heights Boulevard Esplanade
Walk or bike beneath live oaks along a linear park dotted with historic markers and public art. Weekend joggers and dog-walkers give it a neighborly feel.
Rice University Campus Walk
Admire stately arcades, brickwork, and shaded quads on a self-guided stroll through one of America’s prettiest campuses. The central Sallyport and live oaks make unforgettable photos.
Menard Park Skatepark at Lee and Joe Jamail
Watch skaters carve bowls and rails at one of the largest free public skateparks in the region. Spectator seating and nearby trails make it fun even if you don’t skate.
Houston Polo Club
Spend a refined afternoon watching fast-paced polo matches on lush fields. Tailgate picnics and divot-stomping make it a social scene between chukkers.
Kemah Boardwalk (Day Trip)
Ride seaside coasters, play midway games, and dine on the waterfront just southeast of Houston. Evening lights and bay breezes make it a fun outing for all ages.
Phone: 281-535-8100
Houston Zoo Lights (Seasonal)
During the holidays, the Zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland with millions of lights and themed displays. Warm drinks and photo spots make it festive and family-friendly.
Phone: 713-533-6500
Houston Center for the Arts (Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston - MATCH)
Catch indie theatre, dance, and music in flexible black-box spaces at MATCH. The lineup changes weekly, so there’s always something new to see.
