Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, is a vibrant and diverse metropolis with a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors. From its world-renowned museums and vibrant nightlife to its iconic architecture and stunning natural beauty, Houston has something to offer everyone. Here are 20 of the best places to visit in Houston:
1. Space Center Houston: Located in Clear Lake, Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. It offers a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and tours of the historic Mission Control Center and Astronaut Training Facility.
2. Houston Zoo: Home to more than 6,000 animals from more than 900 species, the Houston Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions. It features a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.
3. Houston Museum of Natural Science: Located in Hermann Park, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the city’s most popular destinations. It features a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a planetarium.
4. Houston Galleria: One of the largest shopping malls in the United States, the Houston Galleria is home to more than 375 stores and restaurants. It also features a variety of entertainment options, including an ice rink, movie theater, and bowling alley.
5. Downtown Aquarium: Located in the heart of downtown, the Downtown Aquarium is home to more than 200 species of aquatic life, including sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish. It also features a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a restaurant.
6. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center: Located in Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a 155-acre urban nature sanctuary. It features a variety of trails, educational programs, and a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
7. Museum District: Home to 19 museums, the Museum District is one of the city’s most popular attractions. It includes the Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Menil Collection, and the Houston Zoo.
8. Buffalo Bayou Park: Located in downtown Houston, Buffalo Bayou Park is a 160-acre urban park. It features a variety of trails, educational programs, and a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
9. Hermann Park: Located in the Museum District, Hermann Park is a 445-acre public park. It features a variety of trails, educational programs, and a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
10. Houston Heights: Located in the northwest corner of the city, Houston Heights is a historic neighborhood. It features a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including an antique mall, art galleries, and live music venues.
11. Houston Botanic Garden: Located in the Museum District, the Houston Botanic Garden is a 55-acre botanical garden. It features a variety of trails, educational programs, and a variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, and flowers.
12. The Menil Collection: Located in the Museum District, the Menil Collection is a private art collection. It features a variety of modern and contemporary art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Willem de Kooning, and Mark Rothko.
13. Houston Museum of African American Culture: Located in the Museum District, the Houston Museum of African American Culture is dedicated to preserving and promoting African American culture and history. It features a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a variety of African American art.
14. Houston Holocaust Museum: Located in the Museum District, the Houston Holocaust Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the Holocaust. It features a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a variety of artifacts and photographs.
15. Houston Maritime Museum: Located in the Museum District, the Houston Maritime Museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of the maritime industry. It features a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a variety of artifacts and photographs.
16. Houston Zoo Train: Located in Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo Train is a miniature train that takes visitors around the zoo. It features a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a variety of wildlife, including birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals.
17. The Cockrell Butterfly Center: Located in the Museum District, the Cockrell Butterfly Center is home to more than 1,500 species of butterflies. It features a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a variety of plants, including trees, shrubs, and flowers.
18. Downtown Tunnel System: Located in downtown Houston, the Downtown Tunnel System is a network of underground tunnels that connect more than 100 blocks of the city. It features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.
19. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Located in the Museum District, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest and most popular events in the city. It features a variety of livestock shows, rodeo events, and concerts.
20. Houston Museum of Fine Arts: Located in the Museum District, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest art museums in the United States. It features a variety of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and a variety of works by renowned artists, including Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.