Houston, Texas, is a vibrant city with an incredible variety of activities spanning arts, culture, culinary delights and nature. Houston’s charm lies in its diversity, with its offerings ranging from world-class museums and bustling food scenes to tranquil parks and dynamic cultural festivals.
Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a visitor eager to explore, Houston offers something for everyone. This article has the top 10 fun things to do in Houston, ensuring a memorable experience whether you’re in the mood for high culture, outdoor adventures or something uniquely Texan. So, as you plan your visit, consider these 10 standout experiences that highlight the best of what Houston has to offer.
Explore the Houston Museum District
Immerse yourself in the Houston Museum District, a cultural hub with 19 institutions ranging from art to science. Don’t miss the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, each offering vast collections that captivate and educate visitors of all ages.
Visit the Space Center Houston
Experience the thrill of space exploration at Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. This fascinating complex lets you marvel at real spacecraft, meet astronauts and learn about missions to space in a hands-on environment perfect for families and enthusiasts alike.
Relax in Hermann Park
Take a break from the urban hustle and enjoy the tranquility of Hermann Park. With its sprawling green spaces, picturesque ponds and the Houston Zoo, the park offers a serene escape where you can relax, picnic and enjoy nature in the heart of the city.
Indulge in the Montrose food scene
Dive into Houston’s culinary scene! Known for its diverse eateries, Montrose is a foodie’s paradise where you can taste dishes from around the world. Try delicious dishes, whether it’s a traditional fusilli with pesto at Paulie’s, avocado tacos from Torchy’s or sample some Shiro Wat, an Ethiopian delicacy, at Blue Nile, all within a few blocks.
Catch a show in the Theater District
Experience Houston’s vibrant performing arts scene in the downtown Theater District. Home to nine major performing arts organizations, including opera, ballet, music and theater, this district offers world-class performances nightly, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Explore the Buffalo Bayou Park
Discover Houston from a different perspective at Buffalo Bayou Park, a beautiful urban park that offers extensive hiking and biking trails, kayak rentals and scenic skyline views of the city. It’s a perfect spot for picnics and for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Houston’s natural landscape.
Shop at the Houston Galleria
Shop to your heart’s content at the Houston Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center. With over 400 stores, ranging from high-end boutiques to popular chains, along with numerous restaurants and even an ice-skating rink, the Galleria offers a comprehensive and upscale shopping experience.
Unwind at Discovery Green
Engage in fun outdoor activities or simply unwind at Discovery Green, a 12-acre park in downtown Houston. The park features regular events like concerts, exercise classes and art installations, providing a lively gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
I first visited Houston for a friend’s wedding, and I fell in love. There is so much to do there, from food to golf and more. I love Discovery Green, which is a 12-acre park in the middle of downtown and is such a haven from the heat and concrete. They have events all the time, but I love playing bocce at the courts and watching visitors piloting their model boats in the basin.
Michelle Price, Honest and Truly
Visit the Menil Collection
Explore one of Houston’s finest art collections at the Menil Collection. This museum houses an impressive array of artworks ranging from antiquities to contemporary art, all curated in a serene environment that encourages contemplation and discovery.
Enjoy live music in Midtown
Experience Houston’s dynamic live music scene in Midtown, where you can find a variety of venues hosting everything from jazz and blues to indie and rock. This lively neighborhood is the perfect place to enjoy live entertainment and vibrant nightlife.
Houston offers an endless array of activities to suit all tastes, from the serenity of lush parks to the excitement of space exploration and the allure of rich cultural experiences. Each destination on this list promises to enrich your visit with unique and memorable experiences. Whether you’re indulging in the diverse food scene, soaking in the arts or exploring nature, Houston is sure to captivate your heart and mind. So pack your bags and prepare for an adventure in one of America’s most dynamic cities.
Shruthi Baskaran-Makanju is a food and travel writer and a global food systems expert based in Seattle. She has lived in or traveled extensively to over 60 countries, and shares stories and recipes inspired by those travels on Rainy City Life.