30 Fun & Best Things to Do in Houston, Texas

There’s a lot to love about Houston, Texas. Over 2.3 million folks call Houston home, making it not only the largest populated city in Texas, but also the largest populated city in the south, and the 4th most populated city in the entire country. With a total land area of about 640 square miles, you can bet you’ll never run out of things to do in Houston.

Since it’s so large, visiting Houston can be overwhelming to plan out, but don’t worry–we’ve got you covered. From downtown Houston to the Space Center to the museum district, we’ve got the inside scoop on all the best things to do in Houston, Texas. Whether you’re on a solo adventure on the quest to see all of the best Houston museums or you’ve got the entire family with you and need some kid-friendly options, there are plenty of things to do in Houston.

Speaking of families, Houston is a very kid-friendly city, and you’ll find loads of attractions that the little ones will love. Of course, no matter your age, everyone loves the Houston zoo.

And then there’s the aquarium, which is one of the most unique underwater adventures in the country. After all, it’s not every day that you get to ride a train through an aquarium! In addition to the 3,000 sea creatures that call the aquarium home, there are also several amusement park rides that will satisfy the thrill seekers in your family.

Considering the city sees an average of 50 inches of rain annually, it’s always good to have some indoor activities planned for those days when the weather isn’t ideal for walking around. June is the rainiest month of the year for Houston, while February is the driest, so keep those two months in mind as you plan your vacation. It never hurts to pack an umbrella for those unexpected afternoon showers! luckily there are plenty of museums to enjoy during those rainy days.

Speaking of rain, let’s talk about transportation while you’re in Houston. Many of Houston’s neighborhoods, like the Museum District, feature beautiful tree-lined streets that make strolling through the city very pleasant.

If you’ve hit your step goal for the day, you can always take the METRORail to your next destination. Houston’s METRORail will get you everywhere you need to go in the downtown area. Houston also has plenty of ride-share options like Uber and Lyft in addition to traditional taxi cabs, so you’ve plenty of options when you need to get from point A to point B.

Don’t forget about a place to rest your head at the end of the night. If you’re going to be staying for at least a week, you may want to look into some of the incredible Houston VRBOs that are available. This will give you a much more “homey” feel, plus you’ll have a kitchen where you can save some money by cooking your own meals.

TL;DR

• Most significant landmark – San Jacinto Monument
• Best park – Memorial Park
• Best free activity – Market Square Park
• Best activity for kids – Houston Zoo
• Best activity for adults – 77 Degrees Rooftop Bar
• Best food – State of Grace
• Best nightlife – Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar
• Best all-around accommodation – Courtyard by Marriot (there are two; all will become clear)

Best Things to do in Houston, Texas

1. Houston Museum of Natural Science

Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

With over two million visitors each year, you can bet that the Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular things to do in Houston. It’s actually one of the most popular museums in the entire country!

Established in 1909, this Museum of Natural Science just keeps getting better with age, and they’re always planning a new exhibit or presentation that will blow you away. After spending some time strolling through the museum and viewing the many interactive exhibits and displays, including the Cockrell Butterfly Center, catch one of the shows at the planetarium or IMAX theater.

Using the latest digital planetarium software and projection system, you’ll feel like you’re flying through the universe watching one of the shows here. The planetarium shows about 10 different shows a day, ensuring there’s at least one show your entire group will enjoy. Due to the nature of the shows (and the complete darkness in the planetarium), late entry is not allowed, so keep that in mind.

After the Planetarium, be sure to catch an IMAX show. Wortham Giant Screen Theater is a state-of-the-art IMAX theater with incredible 4K projection of 3D images that are nearly eight stories high! There are always a few shows playing each day, so check the schedule before your visit to get your tickets ahead of time. 

Go ahead and peep the visitor’s guide for a full guide to the natural science museum before you go so you can plan your visit. Don’t forget to check the museum’s website to learn about what exhibits will be on display during your visit!

One of the biggest attractions of this Houston museum is the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Now, it’s worth mentioning that as of December 2022, it’s undergoing its own little transformation and is closed to the public.

That being said, the latest update promises that it will reopen in early 2023, and it’s worth checking out. Previously, this walk-through live-animal exhibit was just chock-full of beautiful butterflies of all shapes and sizes, including a 50-foot waterfall! We can’t wait to see what additions and improvements are made to the Cockrell Butterfly Center for 2023! Check the website for updates.

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2. Space Center Houston

Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058

It’s hard to mention Houston and not mention space exploration…One of Houston’s nicknames is Space City, after all.

The Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston and an incredible learning center for space exploration for folks of all ages. With a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Space Center Houston will inspire you to dream bigger and bolder than you ever have before.

During your visit to this popular Houston museum, you’ll get the opportunity to viw more than 400 space artifacts from both permanent and traveling exhibits as well as immerse yourself in unique simulation experiences through virtual reality technology. Have you ever wanted to see what it’s like on board the International Space Station? Thanks to virtual reality, you can! Pro tip: buy your tickets online and skip the ticket booth lines.

That way, you can bring your tickets straight to the turnstile without any hassle. This Houston museum is quite popular, so you’ll want to take into account any special holidays or school closures that may bring the crowds!

If you’re planning on visiting multiple museums, consider getting the Houston CityPASS. The Space Center is included in the pass, and it’ll save you money on a bunch of other top attractions.

3. Holocaust Museum

Address: 5401 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004

Houston’s museum district is peppered with fascinating museums, and the Holocaust Museum Houston is just the tip of the iceberg. Established in 1996, Houston’s Holocaust Museum is the fourth-largest Holocaust museum in the United States, and worth a road trip from any corner of the state.

The Houston museum offers four different types of tours: docent-led tours, virtual tours, audio-guided tours, and self-guided tours, so you can pick the tour to match your group. Regardless of what you opt for, it’s an essential stop for first-time visitors to Houston. The museum offers several free admission days on certain holidays, which you can find out more about on the museum’s website.

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4. Houston Zoo

Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

Everyone loves the zoo, right? Zoos are always a family-friendly adventure, and the Houston Zoo is certainly no exception! The 55-acre zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals ranging from the tiniest to the mightiest, and you’ll get to see them all during your visit.

Explore the swamp critters in the Texas Wetlands, and admire the stately giraffes, rhinos, and gorillas of the African Forest before checking out the massive elephant habitat for an up-close look at some of the earth’s most majestic creatures. For avian lovers, the zoo is home to one of the largest bird habitats in the country so be sure to swing by and see some feathered friends.

There are three distinct bird exhibits where you can admire everything from flamingos to blue-winged kookaburras, Don’t forget about the Bug House, while most get the creepy-crawlied thinking about bugs, a visit to the Bug House may very well demistify some of your fears when you learn more about these bugs and their importance in the world. Once you’ve conquered your fears, head over to the Goat Yard where you can give adorable goats some good pets and scratches.

The Zoo is one of the best things to do with kids in Houston, and visitors of all ages will have a memorable time seeing everything from alligators to otters and everything in between. After you’ve seen the real deal up close and personal, take a ride on your favorite animal on the wildlife carousel. It may just be the only carousel in the world where you can ride an armadillo, and how can you pass up an opportunity like that?

All of that adventure is bound to work up an appetite. Stay hydrated and fueled up at one of the many cafes and restaurants peppered around the zoo.

There are several themed food trucks near each of the animal exhibits for a grab-and-go option, but if you’d like to sit for a spell, check out Twiga Cafe, the Trading Post, or the zoo’s newest restaurant, Cypress Circle Cafe. Speaking of food, don’t miss the giraffe feedings, which happen twice a day.

5. Minute Maid Park

Address: 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002

One of the most recognizable parts of the Houston skyline, Minute Maid Park, hits a homer daily. Metaphorically speaking, at least. Home to the Houston Astros, watching a baseball game at Minute Maid Park is one of the most unique things to do in Houston, so get yourself some tickets to an upcoming game.

Even if you’re not a fan of the sport, attending a baseball game is an all-around American pastime, and you may even walk away with a ball! If you happen to visit during the off-season, you can always take a ballpark tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at the park. The retractable roof stadium has a capacity of over 40,000, and when it’s not being used for sporting events, mainstream artists often play there. Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Paul McCartney are just a few of the big names that have played here.

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6. Museum of Fine Arts

Address: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005

There are over 150 museums and cultural institutions in the Greater Houston area, but few compare to the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. It’s the 12th largest art museum in the world based on square feet of gallery space, so be sure to give yourself ample time to stroll through.

One of the most incredible art museums in the entire country, this museum of fine arts features both permanent collections and traveling exhibits, and the permanent collection includes roughly 70,000 works from six continents, spanning more than 6,000 years of history. Get your tickets on the Museum of Fine Arts website to save yourself some time waiting in line, or for the art lover on a budget, visit the museum on Thursdays, when general admission is free. Keep in mind that the general admission does not include any special exhibits, and you’ll need to purchase those separately, regardless of if you’re visiting on a free day or not.

7. Discovery Green

Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010

In between all of the incredible indoor museums, be sure to spend some time soaking up that beautiful sun. The Discovery Green is a 12-acre park that’s so much more than a chunk of green space in an urban jungle.

Spend some time enjoying the iconic art pieces, Synchronicity of Color, let your dog enjoy some outdoor adventure at the park’s dog park, or take a casual stroll along Kinder Lake for beautiful water views. During the warmer months, you can even rent a kayak and paddle around the lake for an entirely new perspective of the park! Visit the website to learn about all of the incredible attractions at Discovery Green.

Looking for a place to crash? You’re just a short hop from the Courtyard by Marriot Downtown, so book yourself a room!

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8. Buffalo Bayou Park

Address: 1800 Allen Pkwy &, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77019

Once you’ve gotten a taste of Discovery Green, you’ll want to hunt down all the sprawling green spaces in Houston. Buffalo Bayou Park stretches all the way from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street and boasts 160 acres of natural scenery to enjoy, including Buffalo Bayou, which snakes through the city. From scenic strolls through beautiful gardens to public art displays and hiking/biking trails, you could easily spend half a day here enjoying the scenery.

Pack some snacks or a full lunch and enjoy the beautiful Houston skyline for a picture-perfect day. Be sure to check out the many pedestrian bridges around the park, not only do they offer unique connections to nearby neighborhoods, but you’ll also find some very beautiful views along the way.

9. The Galleria

Address: 5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that certainly applies to shopping. Located in Uptown, The Galleria is the largest mall in Texas. The 2.4 million square foot space includes 400 retail stores and restaurants, two high-rise Westin hotels, and three office towers.

It’s safe to say that no matter what you’re shopping for, you’ll find it here at The Galleria. Or if you forgot something during your vacation, you’ll definitely find it here. Actually, even if you don’t need anything at all, The Galleria is worth checking out just for the sheer size alone. There’s even a full-size ice rink, a children’s play area, and two swimming pools, just in case you needed more things to do in this incredible mall.

Check out The Galleria’s website to get a full listing of all the shopping opportunities and restaurants before you go, and you may want to check out this map ahead of time, too. It will make parking much less of a headache! And if you want to make this a real retail adventure, check into the nearby Courtyard by Marriot by the Galleria for your base of retail ops.

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10. Smither Park

Address: 2441 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023

One of the newer parks to hit the Houston scene, you may be surprised that this beauty opened in 2013, even though it looks like it’s been there for decades. One of the most underrated parks in the Houston scene, this quirky park boasts artwork from local artists in bold, vibrant street art-style displays just about everywhere you look.

While it may not end up on the top of the must-see attractions in Houston, if you’ve got some time to spare, Smither Park is worth it, especially for art lovers. The creative urban space offers an amphitheater, a pavilion, a meditation garden, and some very unique swings for your inner child (or actual child) to play on. Be sure to check out the 400-foot memory mall–more than 300 people have contributed to this inspiring art piece!

11. The Houston Livestock and Rodeo Show

Address: NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054

Of course, a visit to Houston isn’t complete without seeing some livestock, and what better place than the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world? Also called RodeoHouston, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is held annually at the NRG stadium, and if your visit coincides with this epic event, get tickets. Think of this event like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, it’s one of the most epic things to do in Houston, and one of the most iconic aspects of the city. The dates for 2023 are February 28 – March 19, and it’s worth rearranging your schedule to see this spectacular event in person.

RodeoHouston is more than a rodeo, it’s a full-on epic showcase of live entertainment, musical performances, incredible food, and even some carnival rides. Buy tickets to a specific event or an all-day pass to enjoy it all.

This is a family-friendly event, but take note that it can get a little loud at times. For those with sensory needs, the rodeo has several sensory-friendly quiet rooms around the rodeo where no music is played and folks of all ages can gather their thoughts in between digging into finger-licking good BBQ and epic eight-second bull rides. 

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12. San Jacinto Monument

Address: 1 Monument Cir, La Porte, TX 77571

In 1836, General Sam Houston led the Texan Army in one of the most historic 18 minutes in American war history. That’s right, the battle lasted a mere 18 minutes. It may have been brief, but it was an important milestone in Texas history, and you can visit the historic battlegrounds and learn all about the Texas Revolution at the San Jacinto Monument.

The San Jacinto Monument is located on the Houston Ship Channel, about 30 minutes east of downtown Houston, so it’s easy to fit in during your trip. The 567-foot-high monument is the tallest masonry column in the world, and it’s an impressive sight to see. For comparison, the Washington Monument, the tallest stone monument in the world, clocks in right under 555 feet.

Just another example how of how everything really is bigger in Texas! The San Jacinto Museum is located inside the base of the monument and focuses on the battle of San Jacinto as well as Texas culture. Visitors can take an elevator to the observation deck for an incredible view of Houston as well as the San Jacinto battlefield. 

13. Z on 23 Rooftop Bar

Address: 1121 Walker St, 23rd Floor, Houston, TX 77002

Houston has a very lively nightlife scene, and if you’re looking for a spot to grab some drinks with an incredible view, Z on 23 is just the spot. Located at the top of Le Meridien Houston Downtown, Z on 23 is the city’s highest open-air rooftop bar, and the perfect spot to sit for a spell after touring Houston. You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world, taking in the 360-degree views of the city while sipping on any one of their incredibly refreshing specialty cocktails.

You don’t need to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy the view, either, although it is a nice perk if you are staying here! Houston’s most instagrammable bar also offers bottle service as well as a selection of light bites to snack on. For a full meal, head downstairs to the first floor where you’ll find Zuturo, a vibrant eatery with a menu full of American classics.

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14. Lucille’s

Address: 5512 La Branch St, Houston, TX 77004

Located in the heart of the museum district, Lucille’s is your go-to spot in Houston for hearty Southern staples. Brothers Chris and Ben Williams opened Lucille’s in 2012, naming the restaurant after their culinary inspiration and great-grandmother, Lucille B. Smith. Over a decade later, this nationally acclaimed restaurant has fed millions of hungry souls on the search for some of the finest Southern food in Houston.

Start off with the famous chili biscuits before diving into the main course. You can’t go wrong with the shrimp and grits, it’s a southern staple, but if you happen to visit for lunch or weekend brunch, the chicken and waffles are a must. 

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15. Houston’s BBQ Scene

Texas and BBQ have a long history together, and when you’re in the Lone Star State, you’ve got to roll up your sleeves and try some Texas-style BBQ! There are plenty of BBQ restaurants in Houston, like The Pit Room, Gatlin’s BBQ, Pinkerton’s, and Truth BBQ, and all of them have a cult-like following for a reason.

Now, all of those joints are practically perfect in every way when it comes to BBQ, but if you’re willing to take the road less traveled, find your way to Tejas Chocolate & BBQ. Since it’s located about a 30-minute drive outside of Houston in the nearby town of Tomball, it can be easily overlooked, but it’s worth the extra effort, we promise.

Not only will you find incredible, authentic Texan BBQ, but you’ll also stumble into a chocolate shop! It’s not every day that you see this dynamic duo under the same roof, but once you feast on incredible BBQ, you’ll have some sinfully delicious, award-winning chocolates for the ride back.

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16. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar

Address: 1201 Fannin St. #310, Houston, TX 77002

There is certainly no shortage of bars in Houston, but few compare to the experience you’ll have at Pete’s. Every night Pete’s puts on an electrifying show, complete with dueling pianos, talented musicians, a fabulous cocktail menu, and so much more.

There are a handful of Pete’s Dueling Piano Bars dotted around Texas, and while you’re in Houston, this show is a must. The show begins with two talented pianists dueling it out and throughout the show, more instruments are added, and before you know it… you may very well find yourself on stage! While walk-ins are welcome, it’s always a safe bet to reserve a table ahead of time. You wouldn’t want to arrive and find out the show has sold out!

17. Miller Outdoor Theater

Address: 6000 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

Located on about seven acres in Hermann Park, Miller Outdoor Theater is always putting on an epic show. The outdoor theater for performing arts offers an impressive eight-month season of entertainment that’s always free. That’s right, free admission! Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theatre is the largest “always free” program of its kind in the United States.

From ballet to Shakespeare and everything in between, all of the performances are family-friendly, so bring a blanket and enjoy the show. Since the shows are free, everything is on a first-come, first-served basis, so you’ll want to arrive early to snag a good spot.

For some performances, you can reserve a seat in the covered area ahead of time (don’t worry, it’s still free). Visit the website to see what’s playing. Since this is an outdoor venue, you’ll want to check the weather forecast ahead of time. Remember: vacation smarter, not harder!

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18. Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Address: 2000 Lyons Ave, Houston, TX 77020

Established in 1994, the Saint Arnold Brewing Company is the oldest craft brewery in Texas, and one of the most beloved breweries in Houston. Easily one of the most fun things to do in Houston for adults, this brewery is located just north of downtown Houston and offers a scenic beer garden to enjoy one of its many craft beers and ciders.

Grab a pint or two and munch on some of their delicious pub grub before taking a tour to learn all about the brewing process and the history of this special brewery in Houston, Texas. The menu even includes suggestions for what beers to pair with what dishes, which is wonderful.

Saint Arnold is always hosting unique events, too. These events can range from themed cookoffs to photos with Santa. Check the events page to see what’s on the horizon.

19. Hermann Park

Address: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030

This 445-acre urban park in Houston Texas is located just at the southern tip of the Museum District, and it’s actually home to many of the attractions listed above, including the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, so it’s quite possible you find yourself in Hermann Park without even knowing it!

Established in 1914, not only is Hermann Park one of the oldest urban parks in the city, but it’s also one of the most popular things to do in Houston, and it’s clear to see why when you consider how many attractions are within the park. In addition to all of the exciting attractions mentioned earlier, Hermann Park also offers a golf course, a reflection pool, several picturesque gardens, and picnic areas.

Oh yeah, and an eight-acre recreational lake.

You can rent a pedal boat to spend some time enjoying the scenery and afterward, the kids will love getting to climb aboard the train. The train takes a 15-minute ride around the park, departing at Kinder Station and making additional stops along the way and is a fun way to see the park. Plus, you very well could use the much-welcomed seat after all of that walking around!

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20. Texas Rock Gym

Address: 1526 Campbell Rd, Houston, TX 77055

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend your time in Houston, consider spending an afternoon rock climbing at Texas Rock Gym. Rock climbing has gained a lot of popularity over the last decade, and Houston has always been ahead of the curve in this department. This rock gym opened in 1996 and was the first indoor rock-climbing facility in Houston.

Even if you’ve never tried rock climbing before, Texas Rock Gym has plenty of classes to get you started, so you’ll be reaching new heights in no time. All visitors are required to go through a safety course, and then you’re ready to go! You can even rent climbing gear, including shoes, chalk, and harnesses so you’ll even look the part. This is a perfect rainy day activity, especially if you’re wanting a change of scenery from all of the museums but still want to keep your body moving.

The courses are constantly being updated to keep climbers fresh, and there are plenty of courses ranging from beginner to expert level, so you’ll always have a new goal to reach towards. Pun intended.

21. Cyclone Anaya’s

Address: multiple locations around Houston

At some point during your visit to Houston, you’re going to want to try some Tex-Mex. You certainly don’t have to go far to find a Tex-Mex restaurant in Houston, but few can compare to Cyclone Anaya’s. Family-owned and operated since 1966, Cyclone Anaya’s has been dishing out huge portions of enchiladas and margaritas to the Greater Houston Area for more than 50 years.

There are a handful of locations peppered around Houston, and each one will serve you some of the best Tex-Mex you’ve ever had. Be sure to try the crab nachos. I know, it’s not what you’d expect but they are a fan favorite and the perfect appetizer for the table to share before enjoying incredible enchiladas.

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22. State of Grace

Address: 3258 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX. 77098

Conveniently located just south of Memorial Park, State of Grace offers a chic dining experience that’s ideal for a night out on the town. When they’re in season, the oyster bar is one of the most popular in Houston, but you may find brunch, lunch, and dinner options as well.

The menu features a bold fusion of Southern, Asian, German, and Latin flavors that will make your taste buds explode. Ok, maybe not, but you will walk away with a new respect for blending flavors you may have never thought of before.

23. Health Museum

Address: 1515 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004

How much do you know about your own body? After a visit to the Health Museum in Houston, you may be surprised to learn you didn’t know as much as you thought! One of the most interactive museums in Houston, this unique museum seeks to inspire passion and curiosity about one’s overall health, the medical sciences, and the human body.

Of course, pandemic-related exhibits uncover the intricacy of global pandemics and why controlling them is not as easy as it sounds, but you’ll also find other thought-provoking exhibits about everything from air quality to basic anatomy. Step inside a massive 22-foot-long backbone with ribs surrounding you as you learn all about your body and how you can take better care of it. You only get one, so it’s a good idea to take care of it while you can!

24. McGovern Centennial Gardens

Address: 1500 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004

There’s nothing like a stroll through a garden to clear your mind and the McGovern Centennial Gardens offers eight acres of beautiful gardens to admire. Located in Hermann Park, these gardens were custom-made specifically for Hermann Park and there are several gardens to stroll through. Nearly 500 trees, 760 hedge shrubs, 650 azaleas, and 55,000 perennial bulbs illuminate the gardens year-round, including nearly five acres of grass to sprawl out on.

As a reminder, please do not pick the flowers or plants! As with any public park, the idea is to leave no trace and take only photographs so that future generations can appreciate the park in the same way you did. This scenic spot in Houston is just delightful for those moments when you need an escape from the “concrete jungle” without actually leaving said jungle.

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25. Grafitti Park

Address: 2102 Leeland St, Houston, TX 77003

If you’re looking for a fabulous background for your next selfie, look no further than Grafitti Park. Located in East Downtown, every square inch of space along these buildings has been turned into street art by some of the most talented street artists in town.

Everywhere you look, you’ll be met with vibrant colors, inspirational messages, and maybe even a few familiar faces from the Houston sports and music scenes. While you’re in the area, you may want to check out the iconic “we love Houston” sign that’s only two blocks away. Get those gram posts in!

26. The Kemah Boardwalk

Address: 215 Kipp Ave, Kemah, TX 77565

The Kemah Boardwalk is technically located outside of Houston, but it’s only seven miles away from Space Center Houston, so if you’re vacationing smarter not harder, you can plan both of these into your day. Nestled along the shores of Galveston Bay and Clear Lake, the 60-acre coastal theme park offers more than 10 restaurants, several amusement park rides, dozens of shopping opportunities, and so much more. There’s even a boutique hotel you can spend the night!

One of the most unique attractions here is the double-decker carousel. Kids of all ages will have a blast riding mythical creatures like dragons and unicorns on a two-story carousel.

There are plenty of adrenaline-pumping rides for the older kids, too, like the Boardwalk Tower. You’ll have an incredible view of the Bay before plummeting 140 feet (safely) back down to the ground. 

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27. David Braun Park at Lake Nassau

Address: 18900 Upper Bay Rd, Houston, TX 77058

If you’re looking for a place to escape the crowds and enjoy some of Houston’s more natural scenery, you’ll feel right at home at David Braun Park at Lake Nassau and the nearby Nassau Bay Peninsula Wildlife Park. David Braun Park has plenty of picnic tables and gazebos to enjoy as well as a scenic boardwalk to stroll along.

At the northern end of the peninsula, you’ll find the wildlife park. This 76-acre wetland area is a great spot to do a little birdwatching, the preserve is a favorite hang-out for herons and egrets in particular. There’s a lovely trail that weaves through the area, and the entire 2.5-mile trail is just stunning. 

28. Christie’s Seafood & Steak Restaurant

Address: 6029 Westheimer Rd. Houston, Texas 77057

Christie’s is one of the few restaurants in Houston that can claim over a century of service, and if you’re in the mood for a little surf and turf, this is the spot. Christie’s has been a Houston staple since 1917, and many of the menu items are made from the same recipes they’ve been using since the very beginning. Hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Christie’s is famous for its fried fish sandwich, it’s one of the menu items that has never left the menu since 1917, it pretty much put them on the map, and folks from all over town flock to get one. Another fan favorite is the fried shrimp, and they’re a must-try when you visit. There’s nothing better than biting into a perfectly golden shrimp freshly caught from the Gulf!

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29. Someburger

Address: 745 E 11th St, Houston, TX 77008

If you want to eat like a local, Someburger is the spot. This iconic eatery has been serving up some of the best Texan burgers in Houston since 1955, earning it a spot for one of the oldest burger joints in Houston. But, what makes a Texan burger a Texan burger?

Legend has it that the first hamburger was created by Uncle Fletcher Davis in a small cafe over in Athens, Texas back in the 1880s. Years later, Uncle Fletch took his new creation to the World’s Fair in St. Louis in 1904 where it earned the name “hamburger,” a nod to a similar dish frequently found in Hamburg, Germany. The original burger included mustard, mayonnaise, and fresh produce…but no ketchup.

Someburger keeps the tradition alive, serving its burgers with mustard, mayonnaise, pickles, onions, lettuce, and tomato…still no ketchup. These folks do things the old-school way, and it makes all the difference in the world. Hand-cut fries, perfectly seasoned burgers, and don’t forget about the hand-dipped malts, milkshakes, and floats to wash it all down.

No frills, all flavor. That’s what you can expect when you visit this local landmark. Don’t worry, you can ask for ketchup on your burger.

What is the best thing to do with kids in Houston? You can’t go wrong with a visit to the Houston zoo or the downtown aquarium. Families with kids of all ages will have a blast seeing their favorite animals right before their very eyes. Plus, both facilities offer interactive areas with petting zoos and hands-on tanks where you can pet goats, feed giraffes, or touch a stingray!

30. Geronimo Adventure Park

Address: 6749 Farm to Market 2920, Spring, TX 77379

Adrenaline junkies, this one is for you! Less than 30 minutes north of Houston, Geronimo Adventure Park gives you the opportunity to soar through the sky on multiple zip line courses, and so much more. They have multiple sky trails, so you can choose whether you’d rather have a simulated free fall experience, or a more controlled, slow descent. There’s even a night zipping opportunity, where you’ll don a headlamp and soar through the sky under the moonlight! You will need to be at least six years old to participate in the zip line courses, but don’t worry, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep the young ones entertained if they’re not quite old enough to fly through the sky.

Geronimo Adventure Park offers several activities, including a ninja obstacle course, rock wall climbing, and even axe throwing! While your crew is climbing the towers to the zip lines, those down below can stay entertained with a plethora of lawn games including giant Jenga, corn hole, bocce ball, tetherball, and more. After you’ve enjoyed all the thrills, chill out by the fire pits, where you can roast marshmallows and enjoy the sounds of a crackling fire.

If you’re looking for a place for the clan to rest up, consider booking a vacation rental. For example, this nearby townhouse is a steal, while this modern family home is perfect for large groups!

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