Best Things To Do in Houston – Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Houston is celebrated as one of America’s most diverse cities, blending Texan charm with big-city flair. From quirky museums to excellent dining, visitors enjoy genuine Texas hospitality. With 25 unique neighborhoods full of character, there’s endless exploration in this vibrant Space City. Follow this guide to discover the best of Houston, where every corner offers a new adventure.
1. Explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science
Explore the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where you’ll discover jaw-dropping exhibits that bring prehistoric scenes to life. Watch dinosaurs in action—chasing, fighting, and dining! Don’t miss the stunning jewelry vault or the lush indoor rainforest, ensuring an unforgettable adventure into the natural world for the whole family. This is one of the best things to do in houston with kids. You can book advance tickets here
2. Go to Hiram Butler Gallery
Explore the Hiram Butler Gallery, a hidden gem dedicated to shining a spotlight on lesser-known American artists. Founded with a mission to elevate underappreciated talent, it showcases a diverse range of works, from postwar modernism to conceptual art. While small and free, it’s a haven for serious art enthusiasts seeking the unconventional. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Houston this weekend, the Hiram Butler Gallery is a must-visit.
3. Beer Can House
Imagine this: In the 1970s, John Milkovisch, a retired railroad worker who loved beer, created a unique masterpiece. Over 18 years, he transformed his house into a mesmerizing display using only empty beer cans. Tin-can lid garlands sway in the breeze, fences and a mailbox take shape from cans, and the porch is adorned with faded Pabst Blue Ribbon and Budweiser labels. Nestled among modern townhouses in The Heights, this shimmering bungalow stands out as a beacon of creativity and eccentricity, perfect for exploring in the Houston area.
4. Go and Experience the MaKiin
Discover MaKiin, the talk of Houston since it opened its doors in 2023. Situated at the luxurious Hanover in River Oaks, this Thai dining gem offers a slice of Bangkok in Texas. With two acclaimed Thai chefs at the helm, MaKiin promises a dining experience unlike any other. From exquisite architectural details to innovative cooking techniques and stunning presentations, this isn’t your ordinary Thai restaurant. Best of all for couples looking for the best things to do in Houston, MaKiin lets you experience Bangkok’s flavors without traveling far from home!
5. Enjoy the The Altitude Rooftop & Pool at the Marriott Marquis
Looking for best things to do in Houston at night? Look no further than the Altitude Rooftop & Pool at the Marriott Marquis. Nestled next to Minute Maid Park and Discovery Green, this spot offers a day pass to paradise. Picture this: a 550-foot lazy river shaped like Texas, surrounded by your pick of lounge chairs, cabanas, and day beds. With a lively bar, live music, and even a poolside grill, it’s a party for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to snap some envy-inducing photos in the infinity pool, with the Houston skyline as your stunning backdrop.
6. Go to Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Step into the former home of the esteemed local philanthropist Ima Hogg, and you’ll enter a world of American decorative arts and paintings at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens feature a rich assortment of ceramics, furnishings, paintings, and silver, some dating back to 1620. Located in the exclusive River Oaks neighborhood, the 14-acre formal gardens offer a peaceful retreat in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle. While many visitors admire the gardens and the historic Hogg house, be aware that exploring the expansive grounds may involve considerable walking, which could be challenging for seniors or young children.
7. Discover Children’s Museum Houston
Visit the Children’s Museum of Houston, a haven for little ones with engaging exhibits tailored just for them. Explore TotSpot, designed for babies up to 24 months old, featuring dress-up corners, a scarf blower, and an outdoor balcony with pedal cars. Older kids will love Invention Convention, where they can experiment in a mini engineering workshop, and EcoStation, an indoor/outdoor area for observing animals, making leaf rubbings, and discovering animal footprints. It’s a playground of learning and excitement for kids of all ages, making it one of the best things to do in Houston with toddlers and kids. Book tickets here
8. Explore Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Don’t miss the Houston Rodeo, the world’s largest rodeo event that drew a staggering 2.5 million visitors last year. This three-week extravaganza features something for everyone: an outdoor carnival, a livestock show, and nightly concerts by top stars. The rodeo itself is the main attraction, showcasing thrilling events like calf scrambles and bull riding in a packed stadium buzzing with excitement
You can book advance tickets here
9. Go to Houston Zoo
Discover the Hobby Center, a nonprofit celebrating Houston’s vibrant performing arts scene and elevating its global cultural presence. With two performance venues and a refined restaurant, it’s perfect for a memorable night out. Experience Broadway-level shows like Tootsie, Hadestown, and Hamilton, along with drag shows, parodies, and seasonal performances. Whether you crave an elegant evening or diverse entertainment, the Hobby Center offers it all. Secure your tickets here
10. Got to Memorial Park
Make sure to visit Memorial Park when you’re in Houston—it’s not your average urban park. Spanning 1,466 acres with 75 percent left natural, it’s a serene escape within the city. Enjoy over 40 activities including golf, swimming, and tennis, but the real gem is its 30 miles of forest trails for biking, hiking, and running.
11. Explore Space Center Houston
When in Houston, don’t miss visiting NASA’s Space Center Houston, one of the world’s premier interstellar museums. Explore permanent exhibits, see a flown SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, view an extensive artifact collection, enjoy live shows, and take the NASA Tram Tour for an insider’s look at Johnson Space Center. It’s an essential experience for anyone fascinated by space exploration!
Final Verdict
In Houston, you’ll find countless amazing experiences waiting to be explored. From visiting the Space Center Houston and enjoying top-notch dining at MaKiin, to relaxing at the Altitude Rooftop & Pool and experiencing the arts at The Hobby Center, the choices are endless. Whether you love outdoor adventures at Memorial Park or prefer cultural discoveries at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has it all. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, dive in and discover the best of this vibrant city—it’s an adventure you’ll always remember!
Common Questions Best things To Do In Houston
Houston, Texas is renowned for its ties to space exploration, diverse culinary offerings, sports teams, energy sector, museums, cultural institutions, and resilience in challenging times.
When visiting Houston for the first time, start at Space Center Houston to explore NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Visit top museums in the Museum District, enjoy downtown attractions like Discovery Green and vibrant street art, and try diverse cuisine. Relax in Hermann Park, catch a game at Minute Maid Park or the Toyota Center, shop at The Galleria, and explore Buffalo Bayou. Don’t miss Broadway shows in the Theater District and local events and festivals to experience Houston’s culture.
From downtown, hop on the light rail to explore the Museum District and Hermann Park. Visit attractions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Menil Collection, and more. If shopping is your thing, a cab ride to The Galleria costs about $35.
Houston’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse, offering everything from contemporary barbecue and Tex-Mex to Indian, Nigerian, and Viet-Cajun cuisine—a unique hybrid born in Houston. With such variety, there’s always something new and exciting to discover and taste in the city.
