30 best places to visit and Things to do in Houston

things to do in houston

The large metropolis of Houston offers an experience like no other. It comes packed with a plethora of unique and spectacular sights, each more charming than the other. Some of these include the enthralling downtown area, highly coveted Museum District, or the ever so popular Asiatown. For an entire list of things to do in Houston, head on down and explore everything the city has to offer

Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum has a truly inspirational story behind it. A group of parents came together to build 190 children’s museums in the United States. They believed this would go a long way in early childhood development for the community. And that does hold to be true – especially for the museum in Houston.

The Children’s Museum offers a collection of intriguing subjects. These aim to raise the natural curiosity of children. The museum holds interactive exhibits in science, arts, technology, history, and culture for the family as well. They also have an adept section called The Market where children learn how to interact and behave in the real world. That includes using the oft-needed ATMs.

Address: 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004, United States | Timings: Sunday – Tuesday: 12:00 pm to 06:00 pm, Wednesday: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm, Thursday: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm, Friday – Saturday: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/childrens-museum-of-houston?share | Phone Number:- +17135221138

Houston Museum of Natural Science

If there is one thing Houston is known for, it is the large expanse of museums. Fun, intriguing, and all-around inviting, these museums make Houston what it is. That is so much so that the museums of Houston receive acclaim from all around the globe. And the Museum of Natural Science is a significant contributor to that.

The Museum of Natural Science has a curated collection of mineral specimens, large skeleton mounts, space station models, and a planetarium. They also have a range of tours that take you through all that the museum has to offer. And all that truly goes a long way in making the museum one of the Houston attractions that are best visited with family.


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Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States | Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5w3xYBKp3LPvi7us8 | Phone Number: +17136394629

Discovery Green

If you are going back and forth wondering what to see in Houston, this is it. Discovery Green. Discovery Green truly stands up to its name for it offers a chance for tourists to kick back, sit down among the green grass, and enjoy in the lap of nature.

What is even better is that recent renovations have taken place with the garden. So, the garden has truly upped its game and given us the green signal. Now, you can enjoy the twelve acres of the green expanse the garden offers in all its glory.

You can sign up for Discovery Green’s many activities like yoga classes, toddler storytime, movie nights, and frequent concerts. Or you can explore some of the garden’s facilities such as the spacious playground, accessible WiFi, open-air reading rooms, and a toy library. So, head on over and discover the green with your family.


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Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010, United States | Timings: 06:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aq5wF9MeGaVhbdEQ6 | Phone Number: +17134007336

Space Center Houston

One of the many things Houston is known for, it is the Space Center. And there is a reason why. The Space Center Houston receives acclaim from across the world for its stature as a leading space center. It gives visitors the perfect opportunity to experience all things related to space and science. So, it certainly tops the list when it comes to things to do in Houston.


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Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States | Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/spacecenterhou?share | Phone Number: +12812442100

The Health Museum

The Health Museum brings in lots and lots of people every year. Most of them happen to be school children along with other budding science enthusiasts who would like to understand how these things work.

The major contributing reasons for that are the museum’s many interactive scientific and health educational experiences, fun experiments, and mind-boggling artifacts. Some of these are so intriguing that they include things like a tour that takes you through the human body.

Address: 1515 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004, United States | Timings:Tuesday: 10:00 am to 04:00 pm, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, Thursday: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 noon to 05:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pc8tNEWv6pvDpPrK6 | Phone Number: +17135211515

Downtown Aquarium

The Downtown Aquarium presents a fun experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. This experience makes the aquarium a perfect place for intimate evenings or even large family gatherings. You may also be happy to note that the aquarium comes well equipped with several vital facilities nearby. These include a shopping center, full-service restaurant, and an upscale bar, and a fully equipped ballroom.

For those that enjoy the company of nature, the Downtown Aquarium also hosts geographic and aquatic exhibits. The adults can enjoy that experience while the little ones engage in fun and frolic with their signature gaming rides such as Shark Voyage, Frog Hopper, Aquatic Carousel, and others.


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Address: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, United States | Timings: Weekdays: 11:00 am to 08:00 pm, Weekends: 11:00 am to 09:00 pm | Google Maps Location – https://g.page/Downtown-Aquarium-Houston?share | Phone Number: +17132233474

Museum of Fine Arts

Here is a fun fact about the Museum of Fine Arts. Its striking collection features an art collection that is over six thousand years old. That truly offers a timeless experience that takes you through the various centuries that have passed. If you would like to experience the best of what it has to offer, it is a good idea to sign up for the many fun tours and programs they offer.


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Address: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005, United States | Timings: Wednesday: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm, Thursday: 11:00 am to 09:00 pm, Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am to 06:00 pm, Sunday: 12:30 pm to 06:00 pm | Google Maps Location – https://g.page/mfahouston?share | Phone Number – +17136397300

The Menil Collection

The Menil Collection has some of the most enchanting artworks on offer. Built by Renzo Piano, the Menil Collection features the art collection of John and Dominique de Menil. These artworks find their home in a spacious, magnificent, white-walled gallery that is lit by natural lighting. All these artworks find their own space in rooms that have a beautifully designed theme running through them.


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Address: 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006, United States | Timings: Wednesday-Sunday: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/p6Rt8n4Qb3VS6nPPA | Phone Number: +17135259400

Cockrell Butterfly Center

Located in the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Cockrell Butterfly Center provides education and entertainment for the entire family. It boasts of a popular collection of varied species that educate children and adults alike about coexistence, sustainability, and the other important things at the Center

Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States | Timings: Weekdays: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Weekends: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm | Google Maps Location – https://goo.gl/maps/85gTq44fxVotSYLt6 | Phone Number: +17136394629

Minute Maid Park

Minute Maid! One of the best things to do in Houston Texas, Minute Maid offers an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime. After all, it is home to Houston’s Major League Baseball team – Astros. And if there is one thing you have got to do in the United States, it is attending a baseball game. Might as well do it in as refreshing an atmosphere as the Minute Maid Park has to provide.

Plus, it offers an enthralling experience for the entire family as there are lots of things to do here. For the adults, they have a Happy Hour Beet outlet in the Left Field. Here, they serve some of the best beer you may get your hands on.


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Address: 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002, United States | Timings: Minute Maid Park Tours are offered on Monday to Saturday 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/8pe3hoDTf2zFFPjHA | Phone Number: +17132598000

Hermann Park

Spread across over seven and a half acres of land, Hermann Park hosts some of the most happening events. These events are bustling with energy and make much of Houston’s cultural and entertainment scene. These events take place at the park’s much-coveted theater. The theater is called the Miller Outdoor Theater. To join in on the experience it is best to visit from the middle of March to November. When you do get there, be sure to carry a chair, comforter, and snacks for the park.


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Address: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States | Timings: 06:00 am to 10:00 pm | Google Maps Location – https://goo.gl/maps/efYwPnJWvw3dYxDR8 | Phone Number – +18323957100

Visit dynamic The Galleria

An enthralling experience The Galleria is one of the best places to visit in Houston. One of Texas’ largest shopping centers, it offers a unique experience unlike any other. After all, The Galleria houses four hundred fine stores and restaurants, two high-rise Westin hotels, and three office towers.


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Address: 5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056 | Timings:Monday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm, Friday & Saturday: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 06:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/ShopTheGalleria?share | Phone Number: +17136220663

Texas Rock Gym

Unorthodox, extraordinary, and quite rocky – the Texas Rock Gym is exactly what the name suggests. The gym offers 14,000 square feet of rocky gym surface that you can practice rock climbing on.

Or, if you are inclined towards a different side, you can look into the other programs offered by the gym such as Yoga, Tai-Chi, and Kung Fu. Whatever you do, we are certain it will be a pleasurable experience. After all, it is consistently seen as one of the best things to see in Houston.

Address: 1526 Campbell Rd, Houston, TX 77055, United States | Timings: 10:00 am to 08:00 pm | Sunday: 12:00 pm to 06:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/TRGHouston?share | Phone Number: +17139737625

Gerald D. Hines Waterfall Park

Indeed a delight for sore eyes, the Gerald D. Hines Waterfall is perhaps one of the most fun things to do in Houston. And one of the most popular ones. And for good reason.


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Address: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056, United States | Timings: 08:00 am to 09:00 pm | Google Maps Location – https://goo.gl/maps/QS9AUSYTcdv4XpRr6 | Phone Number: +17138508841

Go on a Houston Underground Tunnel Tour

This Underground Tunnel Tour gives a whole new meaning to downtown. So, check out what is down with Houston through this out-of-the-box tunnel tour. Urban Adventures brings to you the Houston Underground Tunnel Tour.

The tour takes you through seven and a half miles (twelve kilometers) of Houston’s subterranean expanse. That gives you the chance to explore Houston downtown in its entirety – potholes and everything. You can learn about the history behind these timeless tunnels, what went down when no one was watching, and how Houston came to be.


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Address: Houston Downtown, Texas, United States | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/52SxRJfGSgsuAABT9

Sip Wine at La Carafe

One of the oldest Houston attractions, La Carafe is a timeless bar and restaurant that is known for its old-world charm. That provides it with its rustic appeal and all-around glamour. And that experience has largely played a part in the cult-like popularity of the restaurant.

Further, the restaurant is run by warm and accommodating staff that are always available to help out with the guests. That goes a long way when it comes to customer service. With locals and tourists speaking highly of the place, La Carafe is always bustling with energy.

Address: 813 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002, United States | Timings: 01:00 pm to 02:00 am | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KYbHMsSDwAa6md1N7 | Phone Number: +17132299399

Houston Museum District

The Houston Museum District is a collection of the one thing the city is best known for – museums. Each museum features a collection of intriguing artifacts, interesting artwork, and timeless pieces that tell a story. The Museum District brings them all together to present a home of twenty museums, galleries, centers, and organizations.

Here, you will find some of the major Houston monumental museums such as Houston Museum of Natural Science, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston, The Museum of Fine Arts, Asia Society Texas Center, Houston Museum of African American Culture, and the Children’s Museum Houston. And as you may imagine, the Museum District consistently tops the list on what to do in Houston.


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Address: 1300 McGowen, Suite 120 Houston, TX 77004 | Timings: 24/7 | Google Maps Location – https://goo.gl/maps/7Qd9yiUJX6rx6XpTA | Phone number: +17137151939

Miller Outdoor Theater

The Miller Outdoor Theater is a culturally and artistically diverse experience that takes you through the best of what Houston has to offer. It has a range of popular programs, exhibitions of the arts, music concerts, and everything in between. These suit people of all age groups and are perfect for those looking to spend time with the family. That is especially so if you enjoy being outdoors and lounging around in a park. If you do, this tops the list of places to visit in Houston.

Address: 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/T86Aq4BcwnEQLF6e8 | Phone Number: +18324877102

Buffalo Bayou Park

One of the best Houston attractions, Buffalo Bayou Park offers thrilling escapades and enchanting adventures. The park comes packed with multiple trails and acres and acres of open green space. And if that was not enough, it also offers beautiful views of the nearby Houston skyline. An adventure for an entire day indeed, the park provides enough entertainment and action for the entire family.


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Address: 1800 Allen Pkwy &, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77019, United States | Timings: 06:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://g.page/buffalobayoupark?share | Phone Number: +17137520314

Galveston

If you are wondering what to do in Houston, it is this. Sandy beaches with the waves running afloat, and one of the fun places in Houston, Galveston indeed does promise a beautiful escape from the city. You may be surprised to note that this picturesque island is so well known among the people of Houston that it is considered almost an extension of the city itself. And for good reason. There are lots of things to do here.

With beaches that spread across for miles and a historic shoreline, Galveston makes a pivotal addition to your visit to Houston. Whatever you are seeking, Galveston has something special for you to do. That is especially true if you are coming with your family.

Address: Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area, Houston, Texas | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/uZpDENFjJh3kigs88

19th Street Shopping District

Every city has got that district. You know what we are talking about. It is the one bursting with energy and enigma. And for Houston, it is the 19th Street Shopping District.

It is a quaint district filled with bustling shopping centers and enthusiastic tourists. It is vibrant, it is enchanting, and it has lots to offer. You can choose to lounge around its galleries, thrift shops, antique shops, or the many cafes and restaurants. But surely, one thing is for certain. To gain the best experience of the 19th Street Shopping District, you must go strolling the streets.

Be sure to check out the special events that occur here. These generally occur on the first Saturday of August for White Linen Night and monthly Third Thursday Sip and Socials. There are also lots of tent sales and holiday tours that you should be sure to check out.

Address: 350 W 19th Street, Suite D. Houston, TX 77008 | Google Maps Location – https://goo.gl/maps/xQJ8u41vM7qtBdyR7 | Phone Number: (979) 220-2625

The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation

The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is a food joint – a Tex Mex joint to be precise. And one of the best in Texas. It first came to be in the year 1973. That was when Mama Ninfa started feeding locals from a small taco stand. They loved the food so much that in the years that have passed, the Original Ninfa’s on Navigation has transformed to become a well-known and well-established restaurant.

This restaurant has received global acclaim for its delicious grub. To be specific, we are talking about the restaurant’s delicious tortillas which are served along with darkened skirt steak that is served straight from a sizzling hot comal.

Address: 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX 77003, United States | Timings: Weekdays: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, Sunday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xk49TqLS2wzqmboJ6 | Phone Number: +17132281175

Memorial Park Running Trails Center

Spread over acres and acres, this park is truly a paradise for all those who enjoy the great outdoors with their family. You can spend some time in the lap of nature, soak in the Houston sun, or partake in one of the many activities Memorial Park has to offer. These include a thirty mile, or forty-eight kilometers trail fit for hiking as well as biking, playing fields for softball and sand volleyball, and park courts for tennis as well as croquet.

The park always provides abundant free space that you can use to play a variety of games such as football and soccer. You can also enjoy the other facilities of the park such as the driving range, the eighteen-hole Memorial Park Golf Course, and the Memorial Park Fitness Center which houses swimming lanes and other fitness facilities. Or you could stop for a quick bite or a lavish spread at the park’s onsite burger joint, Becks Prime.


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Address: 7575 N Picnic Ln, Houston, TX 77007, United States | Timings: Weekdays: 06:00 am – 08:00 pm, Saturday: 06:00 am – 06:00 pm, Sunday: 06:00 am – 02:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bzYCFcDAy97MhEUo6 | Phone Number: +171386384031

San Jacinto Museum of History

The San Jacinto Museum of History indeed is an ode to the historical and monumental nature of the city. It stands soaring tall at 570 feet, or 173 miles, and captures the historically significant Battle of San Jacinto, a battle that perhaps shaped the future of Texas for all of history.

Address: 1 Monument Cir, La Porte, TX 77571, United States | Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/46UZpqJDU33gJhcx7 | Phone Number: +12814792421

Houston is Inspired Mural

Houston is known for its large expanse of urban areas, but that brings a variety of things that make the city what it truly is. These things define the real essence of the city and put forth everything it stands for. And a very good example indeed are the many murals found across the city. The murals are inspired by everything Houston stands for and make for a good representation of the city.


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Address: 313 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/FfKRPj1idLGNUsQQ6

Urban Harvest Farmers Market

The Urban Harvest Farmers Market provides for some of the largest farmers markets across the state of Texas. They go a long way in supporting the numerous vendors, artisans, and locals that partner with the market. They play a leading role in the businesses of over seventy plus local Houston vendors as well as producers. As you may imagine, a visit to these farmers’ markets is one of the best things to do in Houston. So, set your alarms and get the clock going. Be sure to be there from 8:00 AM to noon to ensure you have the entire market experience. This experience is highly influenced by the cultural and art scene of the city.

Address: 2752 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77027, United States | Timings: Saturday 08:00 am to 12:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/rBsxswGuUeQCQGsi8 | Phone Number – +17138805540

Chinatown

Here is a fun fact – Houston is home to the second-largest Chinese community in the whole of the United States. Keeping that in mind, you know you have got to visit Chinatown, or Asiatown as they call it. That is one of the most popular Houston things to do.

First up are the delectable restaurants that call Chinatown home – Mala Sichuan, FuFu Café, Banana Leaf, Peking Cuisine, Saigon Pagaloc. These have been around forever and are considered a cult classic. After that, head on over to the Hong Kong City Mall and check out a variety of shops.


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Address: Chinatown area is centered along Bellaire Blvd between Gessner and Beltway 8 | Google Maps Location – https://goo.gl/maps/zZnS6cntbnKw4wEg9

Montrose

The best part about Montrose is that the more you explore, the more you come across. After all, it is a four-square-mile neighborhood packed with quirk, eccentricity, and vigor. The best way to explore some of the most fun places in Houston is by walking around.

Address: west-central Houston, Texas, United States | Timings: 24/7 | Google Maps Location – https://goo.gl/maps/NkNQhb6QJfHJMvsg8

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

And finally, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo! One of the most popular Houston things to do, the HLSR is highly reputed and very well known across the world. It is certainly something you have to include in your to-do list. That is not only for the brilliant show it puts on but also for the delightful experience it offers.

Address: NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054, United States | Timings: Weekday performances begin at 06:45 pm and weekend performances begin at 03:45 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HyWnD7V6xHFhtVEW9 | Phone Number: +18326671000

National Museum of Funeral History

The Museum District indeed offers a museum for everything – including funeral history. And the National Museum of Funeral History truly is an intriguing experience. It offers something truly extraordinary that breaks every box there is. At the National Museum of Funeral History, visitors have the chance to understand the perplexing traditions surrounding funerals.


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Address: 415 Barren Springs Dr, Houston, TX 77090, United States | Timings: Monday – Friday: 10:00 am to 04:00 pm, Saturday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm | Google Maps Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HzYXHxCahFxPrE716 | Phone Number: +12818763063

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Categorized as Houston

By Prakrite

I love to explore the world. Even with more than 20+ countries, I have traveled to, it is a fact that I have to cover a lot more to see this world at it's best!