Houston   Travel Guide

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must visit houston

33 Best Things To Do in Houston

As the fourth-largest city in the U.S., H-Town (as the locals call it) offers top-rated activities for all types of travelers. Shop till you drop at The Galleria , cheer on the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, or make the most of Houston's many

  • All Things To Do

must visit houston

Houston Museum District Houston Museum District

Houston's expansive Museum District is by far the city's greatest cultural asset. What's more, it's considered one of the top things to do in Texas . This district features 19 museums in four walkable zones, which include popular spots like the Houston Museum of Natural Science , the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, The Menil Collection and The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Located about 4 miles south of downtown Houston, The Museum District stretches from the southern edge of Midtown and includes Hermann Park . Millions of people visit each year thanks to its diverse array of offerings and the fact that admission to 10 of the 19 museums available is free, year-round. Top museums to see include:

must visit houston

Hermann Park Hermann Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don’t underestimate Houston's heat and humidity in the summer (May to September). Visitors should take frequent indoor breaks, carry water bottles and wear a hat and sunscreen. – Catherine Parker, Contributor, Travel

Those looking to feel like a local should take a trip to Houston's Hermann Park. The 445-acre park offers green spaces and attractions that will appeal to all ages. Hermann Park boasts a Japanese garden, the Friendship Pavilion from Taipei, a golf course, a miniature train, an edible vegetable, herb, citrus and fruit garden, a sculpture walk, lakes, fountains, pedal boats and trails. What's more, the park is also home to the Houston Zoo . 

must visit houston

Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston

U.S. News Insider Tip: Though not located near downtown Houston, this daytrip is worth the effort to rent a car, especially if you're staying in Houston for a few days. NASA fans should arrive early for the tram tour. – Catherine Parker, Contributor, Travel

"Houston, we've had a problem." Most Americans have heard of the infamous phrase uttered by the Apollo 13 crew when it encountered a spacecraft explosion mid-flight on its way to the moon (or the modified "Apollo 13" movie version, "Houston, we have a problem"). The astronauts were communicating with Mission Control at this NASA space center, about 25 miles southeast of downtown Houston.

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Popular Tours

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Trill On Wheels (2-Hour Hip-Hop Party Bike Tour in Houston)

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Buffalo Bayou Buffalo Bayou free

Just so there's no confusion, the name "Buffalo Bayou" refers to an entire 52-mile waterway that starts in Katy, Texas, and winds its way to the Houston Ship Channel. The 10-mile stretch from Shepherd Drive to the Port of Houston Turning Basin, Buffalo Bayou Park, is a popular place for outdoor recreation.

There are a number of attractions within the 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park, including a 30,000 square-foot in-ground skate park, a nature-inspired playground and picnic pavilion, the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony, a 2-acre dog park, the Houston Police Officers' Memorial and plenty of hiking and biking trails. Plus, it's a popular hub for outdoor events and performances as well as food trucks. It's also home to public restrooms and bike rental facilities. Visitors will also find the Cistern here: Houston's first underground drinking-water reservoir that's been converted into a public space with guided tours. And if you'd like to get out on the waters of the Buffalo Bayou, kayak rentals and tours are available.

must visit houston

Houston Museum of Natural Science Houston Museum of Natural Science

U.S. News Insider Tip: This expansive museum could take all day, especially for families. The dinosaurs, the planetarium, the gemstone and mineral hall, the butterfly center (reopening in 2023) can take an hour each to enjoy. – Catherine Parker, Contributor, Travel

Situated in Hermann Park and the Museum District , near the Houston Zoo , the Museum of Fine Arts and the Holocaust Museum Houston , the Houston Museum of Natural Science features more than 1.5 million objects in its permanent collection and spans more than 430,000 square feet of space. Founded in 1909, the museum's exhibit halls cover a wide range of subjects, which is why this attraction is such a popular thing to do in Houston. There are more than 450 fossils and fossil replicas in the Morian Hall of Paleontology, more than 750 mineral specimens in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals and 425 specimens representing approximately 250 species in the Farish Hall of Texas Wildlife. The museum is also home to the McFerrin Faberge? Collection – the world's largest private collection of Fabergé – with more than 600 pieces. The gem vault is another draw for visitors as it's home to a variety of spectacular jewels, including one of the world's largest blue sapphires. The Hall of Ancient Egypt is another well-received exhibit that covers 4,000 years of Egyptian history.  

must visit houston

Attend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Attend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you own Western wear, this is the place to wear it, though it's not necessary to have fun. Comfortable, closed-toed shoes are must, especially if walking through the Livestock Show. – Catherine Parker, Contributor, Travel

No trip to Texas is complete without a visit to a rodeo. And there's no better place than the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, where visitors can see rodeo events along with headlining musical acts; past performers have included everyone from Beyoncé and Garth Brooks to Earth, Wind & Fire and June Carter Cash. When rodeo competition season rolls around (typically between late February and early March), crowds descend on NRG Stadium to watch daily rodeo shows that feature a variety of competitions, such as bareback riding, bull riding, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, barrel racing and more. Meanwhile, livestock shows feature traditional events, such as livestock auctions, calf scrambles and horse shows. Beyond the competitions, the event offers a variety of other activities, including dining, carnival rides and shopping (if you're looking for an authentic cowboy hat, this is the place to buy it).

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Minute Maid Park Minute Maid Park

Minute Maid Park, home to Major League Baseball's Houston Astros, is a popular place to be during the summer months in Houston. In addition to housing more than 40,000 seats, the park also features a replica of a 19th-century locomotive that runs about 800 feet along the west side of the ballpark and lights up and makes sounds when the team first takes to the natural grass field, when an Astros player scores a home run and when the team wins. The air-conditioned stadium is a wonderful relief from hot summer days. Yet the stadium also has a fully retractable roof, which allows for fresh air on cooler days. Even when the roof is closed, a 50,000-square-foot glass section keeps the city's skyline visible.

Some visitors suggest trying to catch a game on a Friday fireworks night, as the show is impressive. Those on the lookout for unique ballpark eats won't be disappointed either. The park offers a huge food selection ranging from ballpark classics (like hot dogs and nachos) to healthy salad bars, though several recent visitors commented on the hefty price for a beer.

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The Galleria The Galleria free

As the largest shopping mall in Texas, the Galleria features more than 400 stores and restaurants, including several luxury brands like Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada and more. The multilevel shopping center offers over 2.4 million square feet of space with a pair of hotels, a full-size ice skating rink and even a post office. Visitors looking for budget-friendly brands will also find H&M, Urban Outfitters and Gap at the Galleria as well.

Recent visitors cautioned if you plan to do a lot of shopping, anticipate a lot of walking (and wear some comfy shoes). They also point out that there are plenty of upscale accommodation options within walking distance, such as the Hyatt Regency Houston/Galleria and The Westin Galleria Houston . 

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Houston's Official City Tour

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Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

In the former home of prominent local philanthropist Ima Hogg, visitors can browse the collection of American decorative arts and paintings of The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens display ceramics, furnishings, paintings and silver in each of the mansion's rooms. Some of the pieces on display date back to 1620. In addition to the 14-acre formal gardens in the exclusive River Oaks neighborhood, Bayou Bend also offers various educational programs and resources.

Visitors regularly describe both the gardens and the Hogg house as impressive and lovely. The verdant grounds offer a welcome oasis within the city. Some note that a thorough exploration can require a fair amount of walking, possibly making it a less than ideal attraction for seniors or small children.

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Children's Museum Houston Children's Museum Houston

This museum, just like its name suggests, is all for the little ones. Exhibits include the Tot*Spot, for babies up to 24 months old, which is complete with a toddler-sized dress-up area, a scarf blower and an outdoor balcony with pedal cars. Older kids will enjoy exhibits like Invention Convention, a miniature engineering workshop, or EcoStation, an indoor/outdoor area where kids can do everything from observe turtles and other animals in the pond to making leaf rubbings and identifying animal footprints.

Then there's the outdoor FlowWorks interactive exhibit where kids can play water games and stand in the middle of an 18-foor cauldron (perfect for those hot summer days). Meanwhile, Kidtropolis, USA is a mini-city for kids, run by kids that mimics a real city. Children can get a job, receive a paycheck, go grocery shopping and more. SECRET Spy Game is an espionage-themed interactive experience designed to sharpen problem-solving skills for grades three to six (additional fees apply).

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Holocaust Museum Houston Holocaust Museum Houston

As the fourth-largest Holocaust museum in the U.S., the Holocaust Museum Houston spans three stories and 57,000 square feet following a renovation in 2019. Among the museum's four permanent galleries and two changing exhibition galleries, visitors will find everything from film footage taken during World War II to diaries from young people of the era to a 1942 railcar that was used to transport victims. The museum's permanent collection includes items that belonged to Holocaust victims, survivors and their families (many from the Houston area). The museum also tells of resistance efforts, and to that end, displays a Danish fishing boat that rescued more than 7,000 Danish Jews from their deaths. Exhibits are presented in both English and Spanish.

Recent visitors said the museum is particularly well-designed, adding that the exhibits were thought-provoking and informative. The WWII railcar proved powerful to many of the museumgoers, as well as the opportunity to have a virtual conversation with a survivor.

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The Menil Collection The Menil Collection free

The Menil Collection is the 30-acre compilation of art gathered by John and Dominique de Menil and consists of a main gallery space along with four additional display spaces. The Menil permanent collection includes nearly 19,000 works of art, started by the couple in the 1940s after fleeing to Houston from Nazi-occupied France. The collection represents a variety of regions and time periods, ranging from Africa, the Pacific Islands and the Americas – particularly the Pacific Northwest – to Byzantine and Medieval art.

The collection also houses an impressive assortment of modern and contemporary art that the de Menils collected soon after they arrived in Houston, including works from Georges Seurat and Pablo Picasso. With a focus on surrealism, the museum showcases works from artists like Salvador Dalí, Marcel Duchamp, Alberto Giacometti and Joan Miró.

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Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park free

For visitors in Houston's Uptown neighborhood, the grand Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park has been a beloved landmark since it was completed in 1985. Postmodernist in design, the Waterwall is 64 feet tall and pours out a whopping 11,000 gallons of recirculated water per minute, creating a spectacular backdrop for photos. Located in a landscaped 2-acre park, visitors will find shade from the towering live oak trees and a lawn area. It's the perfect place to visit on a hot summer's day – the area is typically cooler and visitors can even soak in some of the fountain's spray.

Travelers found the attraction to be incredibly unique and highly recommended a visit. The cascading waterfall – located on all sides of the fountain – is an impressive sight to behold. Not only that, but the park also occupies is a lovely space for kids to run around or for a group picnic. Several mentioned the location was popular for photos. Recent visitors warn that parking is very limited near the park and suggest leaving your vehicle at The Galleria and walking about 10 minutes south to the park.

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San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site

History aficionados will be intrigued by the San Jacinto Battleground. The State Historic Site is where an important, if not the most important, battle for Texas' independence took place in 1836. When Texas was still part of Mexico, settlers in the region grew to despise Mexico's then-dictator and mobilized to gain independence. After many hard-fought battles were lost by Texans (including the Alamo in San Antonio ), Gen. Sam Houston, Houston's namesake, strategically planned his next attack against the Mexican Army. While the Mexican forces were divided and much smaller, Houston and his army attacked and shouted "Remember the Alamo" and "Remember Goliad!" as they wiped out most of the Mexican troops. In a battle that lasted 18 minutes, Mexican infantry surrendered after many casualties and Mexican General Santa Anna disguised himself as a private and absconded. He was captured the next day then Houston was able to force the Mexican president to sign a treaty that authorized Texas' independence.

Today, the 1,200-acre San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is divided into three areas. The 500-acre developed parcel features the San Jacinto Monument, a 567-foot-tall column that's 12 feet higher than the Washington Monument , reflected in a 1,777-foot-long pool. There's an elevator to the top of the monument that offers sweeping views of the battleground, Houston and the Houston Ship Channel, but it is currently closed for maintenance. Along with the monument, visitors will also find a museum and interpretive film. The other areas of the historic site include an undeveloped marshland and forest.

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Take a tour of Houston murals Take a tour of Houston murals free

Murals can be found splashed on the walls of boutiques, restaurants, parking lots, yoga studios and more all over Houston. What makes these public pieces of art so unique is their diversity. Murals vary from delightfully simple to extraordinarily intricate and from vibrantly colorful to strictly monochromatic, conveying messaging that range from political to universal. The murals have been painted by a variety of different artists, both local and international.

For those limited on time, tour downtown Houston to find a sizeable chunk of the city's murals. Starting at the Houston Graffiti Building, located at the intersection of Chartres and Bell streets, travelers will find several eye-catching murals. "Houston is Inspired" is another top mural destination for visitors thanks to its bright colors that provide a striking backdrop for photos; you'll find it at the corner of Preston and Travis streets.

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Houston Zoo Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals and it is the second most visited zoo in the U.S. Exhibits range from the African Forest, which features rhinos, zebras and giraffes, to the new Galapagos Islands habitat. Debuted in 2023, the Galápagos Islands?exhibit?features Galápagos tortoises, the 270,000-gallon One Ocean aquarium and a state-of-the-art?habitat?for Humboldt penguins. Other must-sees at the Houston Zoo include the Giraffe Feeding Platform, the John P. McGovern Children's Zoo, the McNair Elephant Habitat Area and the Reptile and Amphibian House. The zoo also offers an extensive list of animal encounters (for additional fees) that allow visitors to do everything from help bathe an elephant to feed a Galápagos tortoise its favorite treat.

Recent visitors were impressed with the number of animals housed here, as well as the zoo habitats. Other visitors commented on the abundance of shady areas across the property, as well as the manicured landscaping. Many reviewers said this is a great activity for families visiting Houston.

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Discovery Green Discovery Green free

An urban park located in the heart of downtown Houston, Discovery Green is a gathering place for everyone from downtown workers enjoying their lunches to visitors savoring some green space in the concrete jungle. Originally two large parking lots, Discovery Green now packs its 12 acres with amenities for both the young and old. Kids will enjoy the playground and splash pads, while all sorts of travelers can take advantage of the putting green, bocce ball courts, picnic lawns and reading rooms. The park also features a 1-acre lake that offers kayak rides, a jogging trail, two dog runs, two restaurants, two performance spaces and multiple promenades. What's more, the park rents a unique Art Cart, a decorated golf cart (by Houston Art Car artists) filled with recreational items like bocce balls and croquet sets for visitors to use. Various pieces of public art adorn the green space as well. And Discovery Green hosts a variety of seasonal events, from exercise classes to markets, as well as live performances.

Recent visitors were delighted by Discovery Green and its offerings, especially since most were free. Travelers found the park to be a beautiful and relaxing place to unwind, especially with kids. There is always something going on there, so travelers recommend checking the calendar to see what events are happening in advance, especially in the evening when locals flock to the area. Several recent visitors commented on the variety of food truck fare, while others saw a fun live show or enjoyed the art that dots the space.

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Memorial Park Memorial Park free

Billed as the largest urban park in Texas, Memorial Park is the perfect place to find nature within the confines of the city. Compared to Hermann Park , the 1,500-acre Memorial Park is much bigger, but it offers fewer things to do, making the flora its main attraction. And thanks to the park's 30-plus miles of trails, it's easy to take in the scenery. The trails, which travelers can hike or bike on, zigzag through the park's lush, wooded grounds. Some even take visitors to the Buffalo Bayou , which runs along the park's southern border. There's also the 3-mile crushed granite Seymour Lieberman Exer-Trail, which features exercise stations along the trail. Other attractions and activities include an accessible playground, sports fields, an 18-hole golf course, croquet courts, an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts, among other amenities. Visitors will also find food trucks regularly stationed at the park's Eastern Glades Entrance, the tennis center and the playground.

Recent travelers say that Memorial Park is indeed a beautiful place to take a long walk or go for a run or bike ride. However, if you're looking for activities beyond that, this may not be the park for you. Some travelers noted that there are a lot of people at the park, so if you want the trails to yourself, plan to arrive early.

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Float in the lazy river at Marriott Marquis Houston Float in the lazy river at Marriott Marquis Houston

Not just any Marriott , this is the Marriott with the Texas-shaped lazy river on its rooftop – the world's largest. Located on the sixth floor of the Marriott Marquis Houston , the Altitude Rooftop & Pool offers the Texas-shaped lazy river along with an infinity pool overlooking downtown Houston, plus cabanas, loungers, and food and drink service. During the winter months, the hotel screens classic movies from a screen on the pool deck. For visitors looking for an indoor spa experience, the 5,000-square-foot Pure Spa Houston offers views of the rooftop pool, along with a full menu of spa services ranging from massages to facials.

Recent guests enjoyed their time at the infinity pool, the Texas-shaped lazy river and the lounge area on the rooftop at the Marriott Marquis Houston. Everyone enjoyed the novelty of the pool's shape, along with the skyline views.

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Post HTX Post HTX free

Visitors can enjoy a multiuse complex with dining, retail, event space and a rooftop park and farm in the city center at Post HTX. Formally the Barbara Jordan Post Office, the building opened in 1961. The massive federal building was modern in style and many of its signature design elements have been preserved, including its façade and elevated front plaza.

Now, visitors to Post HTX enjoy the first-floor eateries and unique retail. Other options include enjoying a cultural or artistic exhibition, which rotate over the course of the year. Additionally, this complex is home to the 713 Music Hall, a 5,000-seat concert venue located in the East Wing. For downtown skyline views, the 5-acre rooftop park offers an unparalleled backdrop for socializing and enjoying music and regularly features live DJs. There’s even a 1-acre garden on the roof, used for vegetable growing.

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Take a daytrip to Galveston Take a daytrip to Galveston free

U.S. News Insider Tip: To fully enjoy Galveston (a cruise ship port ), travelers should spend the night, since traffic to the island can eat up a few hours. – Catherine Parker, Contributor, Travel  

For travelers in Houston long enough to squeeze in a daytrip, head to Galveston. Located 50 miles southeast of Houston, Galveston is a barrier island on the Texas Gulf Coast that boasts miles of beaches, a lively amusement park pier and a state park.

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Armand Bayou Nature Center Armand Bayou Nature Center

Flora and fauna abound at Armand Bayou Nature Center, which is one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the U.S. Measuring more than 2,500 acres, the nature center features forests, wetlands and prairies, with 370 different species of animals, including birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Plus, there's so much to see and do here – the center offers dozens of various activities, events and programs.

Many of Armand Bayou's guided offerings take place on the weekends, so visitors need to plan accordingly. There are a wide range of tours to choose from, including kayak tours, pontoon boat cruises with options for a day, sunset or moonlight cruise, guided photo hikes, nighttime hikes tailored to spot bats, deer, fireflies and owls, and nature hikes that cover specific animals like fireflies.

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George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum

For an educational daytrip, travelers should consider the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which sits a little less than 100 miles northwest of Houston. Located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, the museum features permanent collections chronicling the former president's life in its entirety, along with rotating exhibits. Visitors will walk through his life, from his time as a World War II aviator to his experience in the U.S. Congress and the road to his eventual presidency, as well as what he and his wife, Barbara Bush, did as private citizens after their time in the White House.

In addition to learning about the lives of George and Barbara Bush, visitors can snap pictures of themselves in the museum's Oval Office replica as well as peer into recreations of his office at Camp David and the White House Situation Room. There are also plenty of incredible artifacts available at this attraction, including all the state gifts Bush received as president, a part of the Berlin Wall and a WWII Avenger Torpedo Bomber aircraft, to name a few. In total, the library and museum are home to more than 100,000 artifacts from President Bush's life. The Bush Family Gravesite, where the former president, former first lady and their daughter Robin are interred, are on the center's grounds, which reviewers recommend walking to see.

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Cockrell Butterfly Center Cockrell Butterfly Center

Part of the Houston Museum of Natural Science , the Cockrell Butterfly Center is a destination in its own right. The three-story glass structure containing a 50-foot waterfall houses anywhere from 1,500 to 2,000 individual butterflies from 60 different species at any given time. Though butterflies get top billing, the center is home to other insects, such as praying mantises and hissing cockroaches, in the Brown Hall of Entomology. Additionally it shelters larger-than-life models and interactive exhibits.

Most visitors enjoyed their time in the Cockrell Butterfly Center and said it was worthy addition to their day at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The rainforest recreation seemed to impress recent visitors, who typically find walking among the numerous butterflies to be great fun. The sanctuary is generally considered enjoyable for adults and children alike.

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National Museum of Funeral History National Museum of Funeral History

The National Museum of Funeral History, aptly enough, claims to possess the country's biggest collection of historical funeral service artifacts, such as caskets (including one made from dollar bills and coins) and hearses. Spanning more than 30,000 feet, the museum's permanent exhibits cover such subjects as the history of embalming, the history of cremation, funeral practices in Japan and Ghana, the Day of the Dead/Dia de Los Muertos and jazz funerals in New Orleans . It also has exhibits dedicated to the funerals of popes and presidents.

A virtually unknown museum even for longtime Houstonians, visitors frequently say this museum is not as macabre or depressing as one might anticipate, and that it's unexpectedly interesting, even for children. On average, most commented they spent a couple of hours in the museum. The well-preserved antique hearses are often singled out as particularly memorable.

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Rice University Rice University free

Top-ranked Rice University dates back to 1912 and merits a visit for its unique architecture alone, though there are also plenty of things to do beyond sightseeing. Its Department of Visual and Dramatic Arts holds events like lectures and readings that are open to the public, while its Shepherd School of Music stages concerts in several different university venues, including the striking, two-level, pyramidical James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace . Meanwhile, the Moody Center for the Arts offers art exhibits, and the university has various pieces of public art permanently on display. For those that would rather explore outside, the university’s 300 acres also houses an arboretum.

Visitors to the campus lavishly praise its impressive architecture and many stately oaks, which some say are especially attractive when lit by streetlights in the evening. Its proximity to Hermann Park is an added bonus, according to recent visitors, who suggest hitting both spots back-to-back for a couple miles of walking in a pleasant setting.

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Miller Outdoor Theatre Miller Outdoor Theatre free

With eight months of free programming, the Miller Outdoor Theatre has been a favorite with Houstonians and visitors alike for 100 years. Occupying more than 7 acres in Hermann Park , the theater houses more than 1,700 seats, 20 wheelchair spaces and a lawn that can accommodate up to 4,500 spectators. Events range from jazz and classical music performances to Shakespeare productions and classic film screenings.

Fans of the Miller Outdoor Theatre range from families to seniors and each give the venue and its performances high marks. Some enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a picnic on the lawn while others like to be closer in reserved seats since the sound is better.

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James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace free

American artist James Turrell explores light, space and sky in an art installation on the campus of Rice University . With the delicate light fading on and off at sunrise and sunset, Turrell adds architectural elements and additional colored light sources to enhance the perception of the morning and evening sky in his Twilight Epiphany Skyscape. Erected in 2012, this installation is one of the largest Turrell works. The space is defined by an angular roof with a square opening that acts like a camera's aperture for visitors to experience light and color twice daily.  

Recent visitors enjoyed the sunset experience a bit more than the sunrise, partly because it provided a relaxing end to the day. Some suggested bringing headphones to listen to music as you enjoy the light sequence, which lasts about 40 minutes.

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Polaris Slingshot Guided Tour in Houston

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Houston Farmers Market Houston Farmers Market free

The Houston Farmers Market has been a destination for fresh produce since 1941. For generations, everyone from local chefs to foodies have been walking the stalls and engaging with its purveyors. The selection has expanded, along with the size – the market now takes up more than 18 acres, doubling its original layout. In addition to fresh food, the market is also home to a food truck, as well as several restaurants. The vendors at the Houston Farmers Market mostly sell produce, though specialty stalls and fast-casual eateries will be added in the future, according to the commercial real estate investment company that purchased the market in 2017.

Recent visitors (even long-time market shoppers) noticed the expansion of the market. One shopper commented on the selection of produce, from everyday items to exotic fruits and vegetables. For those looking for Mexican, Central and South American ingredients, one reviewer said the Houston Farmers Market was the best place.

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Houston Botanic Garden Houston Botanic Garden

Stretching for more than 130 acres along the banks of the Sims Bayou, the Houston Botanic Garden features walking trails and horticultural displays. A relatively new attraction (it opened in 2020), the garden occupies a vast green space that was once used as a golf course. A variety of themed gardens showcase everything from tropical plants to prairie grasses. The Houston Botanic Garden also features the Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden, which encourages water and nature play through hands-on activities like scavenger hunts and a boardwalk maze.

Past visitors particularly enjoyed the Global Collection Garden, which features plants typically found in the desert like succulents. Others said the garden needs to develop more before it becomes a "must-see."

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Downtown Aquarium Downtown Aquarium

Housed in the landmark Houston Fire Station No. 1 and Central Waterworks Building, the Downtown Aquarium occupies 6 acres in downtown Houston. With a focus on dining and entertainment, the complex features a 500,000-gallon aquarium that houses more than 300 species of marine life from near and far. Get to know species of the Texas Gulf Coast in the Texas Bayou exhibit, marvel at a giant Pacific octopus, eels and fish in the Shipwreck exhibit, or touch and feed stingrays at the aquarium's Stingray Reef. In addition to the exhibits, the Downtown Aquarium offers several animal encounters (for an additional fee) with its sloths, tigers, parrots and more.

Outside, visitors can see the aquarium's resident tigers or take a spin on the carousel or Ferris wheel (each with an additional fee). In addition, the Downtown Aquarium offers rides like the Lighthouse Dive and the Frog Hopper, along with carnival-style games. A full-service restaurant and bar are located on site as well.

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Kemah Boardwalk Kemah Boardwalk

Overlooking Galveston Bay , this 35-acre theme park features a bevy of rides, restaurants, shops, and arcade games. Among the rides is a double-decker carousel, a Ferris wheel and the Boardwalk Beast, which takes visitors out into Galveston Bay on a speed boat that reaches speeds up to 40 mph. The boardwalk is also home to a 50,000-gallon aquarium.

Recent visitors likened Kemah Boardwalk to a county fair with an ocean view and said it's a great place to visit if you're traveling with kids. However, some reviewers described the boardwalk as overrated with only a handful of open rides.

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Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown

Spread across 40 acres and featuring more than 2 million gallons of water, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown is the place to cool down when the Texas heat gets unbearable. It's also one of the best water parks in the U.S. A destination for all ages, the water park offers areas for shallow splashing like Coconut Bay and Tree House, a 500,000-gallon wave pool, a lazy river and plenty of rides ranging from tame to thrilling.

Recent visitors offered mixed reviews of Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown, especially in reference to weather closures and customer service. However, other reviewers, especially those traveling with kids, were pleased with the park's variety of water slides and attractions.

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Houston City Tour and Downtown Aquarium All Rides Pass

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The 12 can't-miss things to do in Houston

Jun 30, 2021 • 6 min read

TOPSHOT - Football fans take photos in front of a graffiti-covered building in the Old Chinatown section of downtown near the  NFL Experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center on February 4, 2017 in Houston, Texas, one day before the New England Patriots play the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl 51. / AFP PHOTO / TIMOTHY A. CLARY        (Photo credit should read TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)

Foodie street art decorates a building in Houston's Old Chinatown section of downtown © AFP via Getty Images

Houston is a massive metropolis – the fourth largest in the United States – which has drawn people from all over the world for its rich music, food, and business offerings. But don’t let Houston’s size fool you, it isn't all hustle and bustle. The city maintains a diverse, down-to-earth and inclusive vibe with all sorts of cultural, scientific and outdoor offerings throughout H-town. These are 12 of the best things to do in Houston.

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1. The Houston Space Center

When Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969, he said, “Houston, the Eagle has landed.” He was referring to the on-site staff of the NASA Johnson Space Center here in H-town. Today, you can go where history was made and learn all about the moon landing and humanity’s exploration of space with a visit to  Space Center Houston . The official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center welcomes 1.25 million visitors each year who come to marvel at the largest collection of spacesuits and Moon rocks in the world there are over 400 space artifacts here in Houston.

2. Diverse neighborhood cuisines

Houston is the one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United States and its food scene reflects that distinction. Taste your way through 70 different countries and US regions at some 10,000 restaurants in the Houston metro. Foodies will love eating their way through Houston's diverse neighborhoods. For instance, you’ll find great Korean food in Spring Branch, fabulous Chinese in Chinatown, Vietnamese in Midtown, and the best Venezuelan food in Katy. Starting in the autumn of 2021, you’ll be able to experience POST Houston, a huge food hall with live music and event spaces which will showcase Houston’s culinary scene.

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3. The Museum District 

Culture buffs should make their way to the  Houston Museum District  which is home to 19 different institutions. To make things easier for travelers, the Museum District has been separated into four different walkable zones. In the first zone, you can dive into a collection of 17,000 paintings, sculptures and rare books at the  Menil Collection  before walking to the Houston Center for Photography. 

The second zone hosts the most museums, including the likes of the  Holocaust Museum Houston  and  Houston Museum of African American Culture . The  Contemporary Arts Museum and the  Museum of Fine Arts  are grouped in the third zone, while the  Children's Museum of Houston ,  Houston Zoo  and  The Health Museum  are just a glimpse of what you can discover in the fourth zone of the Museum District.   

4. The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo 

Texas has its cowboy reputation, and you can experience a taste of that culture for yourself at the  Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo . This rodeo, which has been around since 1932, is held over a couple of weeks in February and March and is known for having the world’s largest livestock show. 

Watch cowboys wrangle steers and cowgirls whip around barrels on their horses during the rodeo, before playing games at the carnival, shopping among local wares, tasting delicious food at barbecue competitions and watching live concerts from some of the biggest names in music. Keep an eye out for special days of celebration and performances, like Tejano Day and Black Heritage Day.  

Downtown Houston Skyline - Eleanor Tinsley & Buffalo Bayou Parks

5. Buffalo Bayou 

Houston has 580 parks that comprise 66,000 acres of land, making this urban destination a great place for outdoor lovers. Not only can you play outside, you can get a different perspective on H-town. See the Houston skyline from the water, for example, on a kayak adventure with  Bayou City Adventures . They’ll take you on the 53-mile Buffalo Bayou which runs through the popular Buffalo Bayou Park , which has 15 miles of biking and walking trails and public art. 

6. See a ball game

The city of Houston has a lot of pride for their hometown sports teams and welcomes visitors to join in on the fun. Head downtown to watch the  Houston Astros  hit home run after home run or to cheer on the  Houston Rockets  as they dominate the court at the Toyota Center. Soccer fans have the option of watching the  Houston Dynamo  or the  Houston Dash , men and women’s respective professional soccer teams, while football fans won’t want to miss a chance to see the  Houston Texans  take on opponents of the AFC South division. Rugby is just now growing in popularity in the United States, but Houston is well ahead of other big cities with their own professional rugby team called the  Houston SaberCats .  

Waugh Bridge Bat Colony

7. The Waugh Bridge Bats

Austin doesn't have a monopoly on bat colonies that spice up summer sunsets. Make your way to Waugh Bridge to see some 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats fly out at dusk. Unlike Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony, Houston's bats live here full-time, s0 you aren't limited to seeing them during any particular season. You can view them from the Waugh Bridge itself, or across the way as they fly into Buffalo Bayou looking for dinner.

8. Spend the day at the beach 

Although Houston doesn’t technically have a beach, it only takes up to an hour’s drive to enjoy the Gulf of Mexico. At 26.2 miles from downtown Houston,  Sylvan Beach Park  is the closest beach. It’s known as one of the better places to swim because of its lack of seaweed.

If you want to skip the crowds of Sylvan Beach Park, make your way to the charming and quiet  El Jardin Beach . You won’t mind driving the hour to Surfside Beach, as it’s known for its beauty and laid-back atmosphere. That said, you won’t find a lot of amenities here so pack an ice chest and bring snacks before you hit the road.  

Airborne skater

9. Try extreme sports

For Texas-sized thrills, ride the bowls of the 30,000-square-foot  Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark  or catch some air wakeboarding at the full-scale cable wakeboarding park,  Wake Nation .  You can also try indoor or outdoor skydiving at  iFly Houston  and  Skydive Spaceland , respectively, hit the  Texas Rock Gym , or give the prairie single track a turn at  Jack Brooks Park 's mountain biking trails. You can even try gliding over the Houston landscape with the  Greater Houston Soaring Association , who practice a motorless style of flight.

10. The Houston Farmers Market

The  Houston Farmers Market  is a great introduction to the city's diverse food scene. The Market technically dates back to the 1940s, but is housed in a brand-new building that developers hope will be H-towns version of Seattle's Pike Place Market or the San Francisco Ferry Building. Here you will be able to find fresh produce and eateries serving everything from breakfast to Tex-Mex to cajun dishes – and all the restaurants showcase some element of Houston culture.

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

11. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, which has an impressive sculpture fountain that’s best described as a ‘waterwall.’ It's 45 feet high, shaped like a horseshoe, and recycles sheets of water to the tune of 11,000 gallons per minute. It's been a favorite in Houston since 1983 – so popular, in fact, you need to get a special permit if you are hoping to get engaged, married or even professionally photographed here. No one is stopping you from snapping a photo for personal use, however – and indeed, the Watewall seems like it was made with Instagram in mind.

12. National Museum of Funeral History

Many major cities have an art museum or a natural history museum, but Houston is one of the few to boast a museum about the funeral industry. It might sound morbid, but the National Museum of Funeral History is an interesting institution blends history, science, art and culture with exhibits on everything from embalming to wild and whimsical coffins to the unique jazz funerals of New Orleans. You can see a Victorian hearse, learn about presidential funerals, and find out more about Hispanic culture at the Dia de los Muertos exhibit.

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20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Houston

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

If you are looking for culture, dining, shopping, unique attractions, and fun experiences, you'll find no shortage of things to do in Houston. This is the fourth largest city in the United States and home to the famous Space Center Houston, renowned chefs, inspiring museums, and beautiful green spaces, complete with a bayou running through the heart of the city. Depending on your travel dates, you may even be able to take in a sports game or enjoy Houston's signature event, the Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Houston makes a great place to visit for a weekend getaway, with direct flights from all over North America. Combine a trip to Houston with a visit to nearby Galveston , less than an hour away, for a mix of big city and island life. For a complete look at things to do, see our list of top attractions in Houston.

See also: Where to Stay in Houston

1. Visit Space Center Houston

2. explore houston's museum district, 3. the museum of fine arts, 4. houston museum of natural science, 5. visit the houston zoo, 6. the menil collection, 7. take the kids to the houston children's museum, 8. experience the gerald d. hines waterwall park, 9. national museum of funeral history, 10. discover houston's street art, 11. holocaust museum houston, 12. walk, bike, or paddle in buffalo bayou park, 13. the health museum, 14. art car museum, 15. shop the vintage stores on 19th street in the heights, 16. day trip to galveston, 17. attend the houston livestock show and rodeo, 18. see a sports game, 19. discover unique dining experiences in houston, 20. walk through rice university campus, where to stay in houston for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to houston, map of tourist attractions & things to do in houston, houston, tx - climate chart.

Space Shuttle mounted on Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft at Johnson Space Center

Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, is a must-see attraction in Houston. This is a huge complex, where you can walk through the space shuttle replica Independence and the enormous shuttle carrier aircraft it's mounted on. In the visitor center, you can wander inside a replica of America's first space station, Skylab, and touch a rock from the moon. This is also the place to learn about NASA's upcoming missions, including travel to Mars. If you are here on a Friday around noon, you can even meet an astronaut.

From the visitor center, you can take an open-air tram tour to Johnson Space Center , home of mission control, to see where astronauts train for space missions. This tour also takes you to Rocket Park to see actual rockets on display. If you'd like to only visit the Rocket Park, there is no charge. Just drive to the guarded gate, inform them that you'd like to visit, and they will let you in.

To experience something truly unique, sign up for a Level 9 Tour and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at Johnson Space Center. You can see the Buoyancy Lab, the ISS Mission Control, and simulation labs, along with other areas off limits on regular tours, and possibly even encounter an astronaut. This is a one-of-a-kind experience, and only 12 tickets are sold per day for this exclusive, four- to five-hour VIP tour. Tours begin at the Space Center Houston, which you are free to explore with the purchase of this ticket.

Address: 1601 Nasa Pkwy, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://spacecenter.org/

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

The Museum District is one of Houston's greatest cultural attractions, with 19 museums residing in this beautiful area of downtown. Eleven of these are free to the public. Highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts , Houston the Houston Museum of Natural Science , the Children's Museum of Houston , the Menil Collection, the Holocaust Museum, and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, to name just a few. Also in this area is the lovely Hermann Park , with the Houston Zoo and the Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Most of the museums are within easy walking distance of each other, although the Menil and the Rothko Chapel are a little farther out. Museums that are free of charge include: The Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Lawndale Art Center, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Moody Center for the Arts, and the Houston Center for photography.

Address: 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, Texas

The Museum of Fine Arts

The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is one of the top museums of its kind in the United States. The collection of 63,000 pieces are spread out over two structures: the Audrey Jones Beck building and the Caroline Wiess Law Building, both connected by the unique and interesting Wilson Tunnel.

The museum's focus is on French and Italian Impressionist Renaissance paintings, fine sculptures, and European and American decorative arts. Be sure to check out the wonderful collection of pre-Colombian and African items made of gold.

If you enjoy wandering at your own pace, you'll find lots to keep you interested and entertained here; however, if it all seems a bit overwhelming, sign up for a tour to see the highlights.

If you find yourself in the River Oaks suburb, the Bayou Bend and Collections is a satellite gallery, and features furniture, decorative arts, and paintings.

Official site: https://www.mfah.org/

Cockrell Butterfly Conservatory in the Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular museums in the city. A fun outing for all ages, the museum covers a wide array of topics sure to please everyone in your group.

Be sure to swing by the Hall of Paleontology during your visit to see several complete dinosaur skeletons. For something that's still alive, tour the Cockrell Butterfly Conservatory, where nearly 1,500 of these gentle insects flutter around in the humid air, if you are lucky enough, one might even land on you.

Brush up on what's in the night skies over Houston with a show at the Planetarium then later on, rest your legs and engage your senses at the Wortham Giant Screen Theater.

Address: 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://www.hmns.org/

Visit the Houston Zoo

Set on 55 acres in Hermann Park , the Houston Zoo is one of the city's star attractions, popular with locals and visitors. The zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic and indigenous animals and contains an education center and children's zoo. Some of the highlights include feeding the giraffes, seeing marine life up close in the aquarium, and watching sea lions and otters frolicking about.

Other attractions in Hermann Park are the Houston Museum of Natural Science , the Miller Outdoor Theatre , a Japanese Garden , and McGovern Centennial Garden . Also fun is a paddle boat trip on McGovern Lake, or a stroll along the park's walking trails.

Address: 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas

Official site: www.houstonzoo.org

The Menil Collection

The building that houses the Menil Collection is almost in itself as much of a work of art as the pieces housed within it. Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, the building is light-filled, owing to the massive glass windows that look out onto the immaculate grounds. Unlike many art museums, the art in many rooms (but not all) is showcased using natural light.

The Menil Collection is especially known for having the largest number of Max Ernst pieces in the world . In addition, the Menil Collection is home to contemporary works of art, along with pieces from the masters in the Byzantine, Abstract, and Surrealism themes. All these works are grouped together in dedicated display rooms.

If it's not too hot, take a bit of time to explore the campus of the Menil Collection. One of the most interesting things to see is the Rothko Chapel with its mural canvases.

The museum is free.

Address: 1533 Sul Ross Street, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://www.menil.org/

  • Read More: Top-Rated Museums in Houston

Houston Children's Museum

A great way to beat the heat in summer and one of the best places to visit in Houston for families is the Houston Children's Museum. This colorful, noisy place is guaranteed to plaster a smile on everyone's face. Let the kids run wild and have a fun time getting busy will all the hands-on and interactive displays.

One of the major highlights is the How Does it Work exhibit. Here, you and your kids will learn how things in everyday life operate. The FlowWorks wet zone is also a fascinating place where you can turn water on, off, and adjust the flow and watch the effects.

If your kids have ever wanted to pretend they are secret agents, send them over to the SECRETS Spy Game exhibit. They will put their skills to the test to try and crack codes and locate clues while competing against nefarious characters.

Official site: https://www.cmhouston.org/

Waterwall Park

The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park showcases an impressive multi-story sculptural fountain that sees sheets of water cascading over large concrete walls and sculptures. The structure's semi-circular shape towers 64 feet above you and is fronted by a large arch and 46,500 square feet of water.

Photos don't do this attraction justice, it's something that needs to be seen to truly be appreciated. This 2.77-acre park, covered with dozens of live oaks, is located in Uptown Houston.

National Museum of Funeral History

You wouldn't think that a museum devoted to funerals would be a popular attraction in Houston, but that is indeed the case. Quirky and somewhat strange, this engaging and fun museum is well worth a visit.

Inside the 30,500-square-foot building are displays ranging from antique funeral hearses, exhibits on the embalming process, coffins from around the world from as far away as Ghana, the history of presidential funerals, and others.

One display not to miss is the colorful overview on Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), where this Latin American celebration is explained in great detail.

Address: 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://www.nmfh.org/

Houston Street Art

While it is often overlooked by tourists, Houston's street art, or what many people know as graffiti, is outstanding. Installations by some of the top names in street art throughout the US and around the world, including COPE2 and Houston's own Gonzo247, can be found here.

These colorful murals adorn the walls of establishments in various locations throughout the city and are well worth taking the time to drive around and see. The unofficial curator of Houston's street art is the charismatic artist known as Gonzo247. He is one of the city's most famous street artists and the creator of the giant "Houston is Inspired" mural at the corner of Travis and Preston Streets and the smaller "Houston" mural at Leeland and St. Emanuel Streets.

This latter area is also home to a large concentration of impressive installations that grace the walls of numerous one- and two-story buildings off Leeland Street at Chartres Street and St. Emanuel Street. But works can be found scattered all over the city on walls of various sizes.

Holocaust Museum Houston

For a sobering reminder of how man can inflict untold cruelty on another human being, stop by for a contemplative visit to the Holocaust Museum. The museum has been telling the story of the WWII Holocaust since its opening in 1996.

In 2019, the museum reopened after a massive 30-million-dollar expansion. Now the Holocaust Museum Houston, at 57,000 square feet, is twice the size it used to be, with a 187-seat indoor theater, 175-seat outdoor amphitheater, and a café.

Interesting stories from survivors along with exhibits are thoughtfully presented in four galleries in a way that is both engaging and thought provoking. The museum has an original railcar used in the transport of victims along with a Dutch fishing boat used to shuttle escapees. Two additional galleries are home to a regular procession of temporary exhibits.

Address: 5401 Caroline Street, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://hmh.org/

Biking at Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park is a beautiful 160-acre green space running through the city, with the slow-moving waters of Buffalo Bayou as its centerpiece. This urban park is home to extensive walking and biking trails, a dog park, sculptures, and plenty of shady areas to relax.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Houston, especially if you want to get outdoors, rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard and enjoy a paddle along the bayou. Rentals are available at the park, and various tours are offered, ranging from one to three hours in length. Similarly, guided cycling tours are also available from outfitters in the city.

A particularly unique site in Buffalo Bayou Park is the Cistern , an old underground drinking-water reservoir from 1926, which now hosts changing art installations. Today, visitors can go on a short guided tour.

The park is also home to a huge colony of Mexican free-tailed bats that inhabit the Waugh Drive Bridge. Approximately 250,000 of them fly out from the bridge each evening at sunset.

Official site: https://buffalobayou.org/

The Health Museum

If you've been indulging in the great food of Texas and wondering if that has caused your jeans to be a bit tight when you put them on, a stop at the Health Museum is in order. At one of Houston's most innovative museums, you can literally step inside your own body.

Some of the fun for the whole family involves walking through a 10 foot-high brain, exploring a 12-foot-high beating heart, and getting up close and personal with a giant eyeball. With the Calorie Crank, you can take a look at how many calories you've been taking in at all your stops at Texas' famous BBQ stands!

Address: 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://www.thehealthmuseum.org/

Art Car Museum

If Impressionists and Old Masters art is not your thing, give the Art Car Museum a try. Here, you'll find cars of every type used as the medium for unique and interesting artworks. In addition, regular works of art featuring cars are mounted on display walls.

The Art Car Museum, also known locally as the Garage Mahal, has been a popular Houston attraction since it first opened in 1998. The cars and exhibits change regularly, and you'll never quite know what you will see, as artists do their best to transform something quite pedestrian into a unique statement or message.

Address: 140 Heights Boulevard, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://artcarmuseum.com/

Stores on 19th Street

For vintage clothing, retro décor, and old collectibles, 19th Street in The Heights is the place to go. This funky area has all kinds of quirky shops selling everything from evening gowns to casual clothing, as well as jewelry, footwear, household gadgets, and all kinds of unique items.

This is also a good place to shop for gifts. The merchandise is not all vintage; some places sell new pieces or a mix of new and old. Even if you are not looking to buy anything, the whole area is worth seeing and offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

Pleasure Pier in Galveston

The beautiful beaches of Galveston are less than an hour away from Houston. If you are looking for a quick break from the city, head out to Galveston for a little time soaking up the sun, wandering through the historic downtown, and dining at a seaside restaurant. Miles of endless beaches and shallow, turquoise water stretch along the oceanfront. At the heart of the beach action is Pleasure Pier .

Other attractions to visit include the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, the Texas Seaport Museum, and the Strand Historic District. If you are traveling with the family, head to Moody Gardens.

If you don't have your own car or want to keep things simple, you can also take an organized tour to the island. One option that combines some sightseeing in Houston is the Houston Sightseeing Tour and Galveston Day Trip . This includes a 90-minute double-decker bus tour of Houston and transportation to and from Galveston, where you'll have free time to explore on your own.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Galveston

  • Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Galveston

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Houston's biggest annual event, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, is a fun-filled, 19-day event that brings the whole city out to celebrate in February or March. If you are going to be here during this time, you are in luck, and if you are wondering when to visit Houston, this might be the time to plan your trip. This is an activity the whole family can enjoy, and it's so much more than just a rodeo and livestock show.

If this is your first time to an event of this kind, you will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of things to do. On the grounds are carnival rides, games, and food stands, and enough entertainment to keep you busy indefinitely. At the rodeo events, which you will need tickets to attend, see the cowboys showing off their skills in a variety of areas. In the evening, some of the biggest names in music perform on stage. Check out the concert listing in advance and secure tickets.

If you only have one day to attend this fantastic show, spend a morning or afternoon wandering the grounds and enjoying the carnival, see some of the finest farm animals on display at the Livestock Show, then take in a rodeo event or two to see the cowboys in action, and spend the evening at a concert. Another not-to-be-missed event is the Downtown Rodeo Parade.

Official site: www.rodeohouston.com

Outside of NRG Stadium in Houston

When it comes to seeing a game in Houston, sports fans have plenty of options, and whether it's football, baseball, basketball, or soccer, the city takes its sports seriously. Houston is home to the Houston Texans (NFL), the Houston Astros (MLB), and the Houston Rockets (NBA).

The Texans play at the NRG Stadium , the Toyota Center in downtown Houston is home to the Rockets, and the Astros play at Minute Maid Park , also in the city center.

For Soccer fans, Houston is home to the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), who play their home games at the BBVA Compass Stadium.

There's a good chance of at least one of these teams having a home game during your stay.

Houston Cuisine

Chefs in Houston have put this city on the culinary map of America, and dining here is an attraction in and of itself. Possibilities are almost endless, ranging from traditional southern dishes to Latin American, Asian, Mexican, and countless other cultural specialties. The number of wonderful dining options is too extensive to list, but some places are too unique not to mention.

For high-end Mexican cuisine, discover the flavors of Oaxaca at Xochi , located on the first floor of the Marriott Marquis Houston in downtown Houston. The menu offers a full range of dishes, and includes some exotic options to stir your imagination.

A long-term Houston favorite, La Griglia has been serving up some of the city's finest Italian food for decades. Being so close to the Gulf of Mexico makes Houston an excellent spot to enjoy fresh seafood. One of the city's best is Eddie V's Prime Seafood , with three locations throughout the city.

For health-conscious eaters, Vibrant offers healthy meals from breakfast to dinner. Dishes are all gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and non GMO.

Rice University Campus

The Rice University Campus is an oasis in downtown Houston and a favorite outdoor space for many Houstonians. Walking and running trails, thousands of mature trees, and lovely old buildings are spread over this 300-acre campus.

Also on the grounds are a large number of impressive contemporary artworks that lend to the tranquil atmosphere. Many of these installations are equally, or even more, impressive in the evening when they are lit.

To be close to major attractions and sports venues, it's best to base yourself in or close to downtown. You can find a good selection of luxury and mid-range hotels in the city center, but budget hotels are generally located a short drive away. Below are some highly rated hotels we recommend.

Luxury Hotels:

  • One of Houston's oldest hotels, the luxury boutique The Lancaster Hotel reopened in late 2018 following a massive and beautifully executed renovation. The stylish design and elegant décor, combined with outstanding service and a prime location in downtown Houston, make this one of the best places to stay in the city.
  • Also in a fantastic location in downtown Houston is the Four Seasons Hotel Houston , with always exceptional customer service and a variety of room designs and sizes. The hotel offers Topgolf, where small groups can entertain themselves with some virtual golf and order tasty snacks.
  • Another downtown luxury hotel is the Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District , popular for its high-end spa and fantastic location close to the city's top attractions.
  • The Hilton Americas - Houston is a large, modern hotel that is connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center. Toyota Center and Discovery Green Park are easily walkable, making the hotel an ideal place to stay when the Houston Rockets are playing.

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • At the top end of the mid-range section but usually quite good value is The Whitehall Houston . This hotel is centrally located and features contemporary, Southern-style rooms.
  • An easy walk from the city's convention and sports facilities, the renovated Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown is an excellent choice for those vacationing with families thanks to its large outdoor pool.
  • The Best Western Plus Downtown Inn & Suites is popular for its outdoor pool and proximity to attractions, including the Downtown Aquarium. It's an ideal place to stay if you'd like to do some self catering, as some rooms have complete kitchens.

Budget Hotels:

  • The best budget hotels are located outside the city center but are only a short drive away. Just a few kilometers west of the downtown core, the Red Roof PLUS+ Houston - Energy Corridor offers pet-friendly options along with free Wi-Fi and breakfast,
  • Those who like to shop 'til they drop should check out La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Houston Galleria Area (named after the adjacent shopping mall). It boasts a swimming pool and hot tub.
  • Another good option is the Comfort Suites Northwest Houston at Beltway 8 . This hotels offers a pool, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and rooms come with microwaves and refrigerators.

Save Money with a Pass :

  • If you're planning a busy schedule of sightseeing, consider purchasing the great-value Houston CityPASS , which gives you free admission to five of the city's top attractions, including Space Center Houston, the Downtown Aquarium, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The pass is valid for up to nine days, allowing you maximum flexibility when planning your itinerary.

Sightseeing:

  • Explore the city on a Hop-on Sightseeing Tour of Houston . This 75-minute tour on an open-top double-decker bus will take you past the highlights while you listen to an audio commentary and learn about the history.

Texas Maps and Info:

  • If you are planning a road trip through Texas, you can order away for a free copy of the Texas Travel Guide and Official Travel Map at www.TravelTexas.com .

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

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Texas Cities: Each of the metropolitan areas in Texas offers their own unique sites and character. Use our travel guides to explore the attractions of San Antonio , Dallas , and Austin . And if you want to plan your stay in these places, see our articles on the top resorts in Houston, Dallas , and Austin.

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West Texas: To experience a completely different side of the country, head to West Texas. Due to the vastness of the area, this is best done as a road trip. You can begin by hitting Amarillo and Lubbock and then make the drive down to beautiful Big Bend National Park , where you'll find an incredible desert landscape, along with outstanding hiking trails and campgrounds . On the edge of the park, you can find some luxury accommodation with the help of our list of the Best Places to Stay near Big Bend National Park . When you're done here, head over to El Paso .

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The best attractions in Houston, Texas

From incredible museums to the botanical gardens, here are all the best attractions to add to your Houston bucket list

James Wong

As one of the best cities to visit in America,  Houston  has enough  attractions  to keep visitors busy no matter how long they’re in town. It’s hard to grasp just how big it all is. Everything about Houston basically screams  major , and that is especially true when it comes to attractions. 

In Houston, there are hundreds of cultural institutions, historic sites, and entertainment venues, and as one of the most diverse major cities in the country with no racial majority and over 145 languages spoken, you’re going to need to factor in ample time to sample the slew of  international flavors  available. We’ve whittled down the 20 must-visit spots to check out based on popularity among locals and connection to the city. While some are fairly predictable, others might surprise you—just like the city itself. Things are gonna get busy in H-town, so fuel up and explore till ya drop.

RECOMMENDED: The  best Houston Airbnbs

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Best attractions in Houston

Space Center Houston

1.  Space Center Houston

  • Science and technology

Space Center Houston is the museum and visitor center arm of the Johnson Space Center. Established in 1961 under its former name (the Manned Spacecraft Center), this 1,620-acre complex is why Houston bears the nickname “Space City.” It’s where lunar missions were controlled, astronauts trained, and future space flight technologies are still being developed. The JSC isn’t only where history happened; it’s also where it’s made.

While the static displays chronicling advances in spaceflight are remarkably impressive, the Space Center is full of hands-on experiences. You can eat lunch with an astronaut, climb into a simulated Orion capsule, and witness engineers and scientists working on new and developing tech for space exploration. It’s a bit of a hike to get to (about a 45-minute drive from downtown Houston), but it’s worth the trip.

Buffalo Bayou Park

2.  Buffalo Bayou Park

  • Attractions
  • Washington Ave.

Tucked away beneath the city streets, Buffalo Bayou Park is a lush oasis inside Houston’s Inner Loop. The park features miles of hike and bike trails, a dog run, and a skate park, but the real highlight is the bayou itself. Kayaking down the twists and turns of this waterway is an exhilarating way to experience Houston. Paddle through the city’s Memorial Park, past the affluent River Oaks neighborhood, and under bridges and bat colonies to see a breathtaking view of the downtown skyline you can’t see anywhere else. The bayou took a beating during Hurricane Harvey when heavy rains and brimming reservoirs made the water overflow its banks. While much of the park is back to where it was before the storm, it’s still a good idea to check the website before visiting as it is prone to flooding any time of year.

POST Houston

3.  POST Houston

POST-Houston is a multi-story extravaganza food hall, concert venue, hangout, shopping center, bars, art gallery…you get the idea. Come and spend the afternoon in AC, and as the sun dips below the horizon, we recommend stepping up to their five-acre rooftop park for swell skyline views (select nights bring DJs and pop-ups). The building itself is worth camera roll space from the outside: it was once the Barbara Jordan Post Office, a 1934 USPS headquarters that's a thing of architectural beauty. Head to 401 Franklin Street in downtown Houston, any day, 11am - 9pm, for your POST-fix.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

4.  The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

  • Art and design
  • Museum District

With more than 65,000 pieces of art spread out over multiple campuses, the Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest art museums in the country. The permanent collection features pieces from six continents spanning thousands of years and myriad genres, and temporary exhibitions always offer something new and interesting to see. Be sure to swing by on Thursdays for free admission all day and a happy hour that starts at 5 p.m. Visitors can grab a drink or exhibition-themed cocktail at the bar and a bite from a visiting food truck before taking in the museum’s collections. 

The Menil Collection

5.  The Menil Collection

Located in the trendy Montrose neighborhood near downtown, this museum’s permanent collection includes works by world-renowned artists like René Magritte, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol, among others—most of which previously belonged to founders John and Dominique de Menil. The Menil Collection takes a minimalist approach to displaying its collection, forgoing the traditional explanatory placards to let the pieces speak for themselves. To make art as accessible as possible, admission is never charged, and the museum often hosts free public events and programs to foster conversation about art and its place in society. It is truly one of Houston’s most understated cultural gems.

Chinatown

6.  Chinatown

When a city boasts the second-largest Indochinese population in the United States (behind Los Angeles), y’all know the Asian food is going to be  amazing . Houston’s Chinatown spans six square miles of shopping, eating, and attractions, not just of Chinese heritage and culture but also of Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Taiwanese…and just about everything in between. Basically, you have to eat here and see what the local AAPI community can cook up because it is darn delicious. Our faves include  MDK Noodles  (hand-cut Korean noodles),  Don’s Sandwiches  (classic banh mi), Tian Tian Lu Chuaner (skewers and freshly made soybean milk),  Tiger Den  (ramen), and there are a bunch of awesome places serving Houston's delicacy, Viet-Cajun crawfish (try  Cajun Kitchen ). Fans of bubble tea can even do a boba-crawl…each street is lined with joints from Kung Fu Tea to Juice Box. Tapioca overload.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

7.  Miller Outdoor Theatre

From March to October, Miller Outdoor Theatre offers a wide range of performances—from concerts to stage productions and movie screenings—and tickets are always free. Even if you don’t snag a stadium seat, you can always pull up a blanket and watch from the hill overlooking the stage. The theater has undergone multiple renovations since first launching almost a century ago, but the iconic peaked roof is a mainstay in Houston’s bustling Hermann Park. Every summer, the theater partners with the Houston Symphony to offer the Summer Symphony Nights series, an annual tradition at Miller for decades and a favorite among Houstonians.

Texas-Shaped Lazy River at Altitude 

8.  Texas-Shaped Lazy River at Altitude 

How do Houstonians beat the heat? Why, they retreat to pools, of course. Go for crème de la crème of them up on the sixth floor of the Marriott Marquis Houston. Here lies the country’s biggest Texas-shaped lazy river—a unique (and very photogenic) wet oasis lined with cabanas and palm trees. Day passes are available Monday-Thursday on selected dates throughout the year, while Friday-Sunday is reserved for hotel guests. Cocktails are available from the sky bar, and there’s a live music program year-round. However, for an extra special treat, visit during winter, when the river is heated and magically lit alongside a trail of winter displays and selfie stations.

Art Car Museum

9.  Art Car Museum

  • Washington Avenue

A quirky take on contemporary art, the Art Car Museum features a rotating selection of elaborately decorated cars, paintings, and sculptures by artists who might otherwise be snubbed by more traditional cultural institutions. The museum was founded in the late 1990s as a nod to Houston’s art car movement and to raise public awareness of the cultural and personal aspects of art. The museum isn’t afraid to take on political or even controversial issues and features an annual “open call” to anyone wanting to submit their artwork. The resulting uncurated exhibition, which runs every fall, is often a lively dialogue on a culturally relevant topic. Art lover or not, this site is a nice change of pace from the traditional art museum.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

10.  Houston Museum of Natural Science

Founded over a century ago, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the Museum District. The museum is home to several interactive permanent displays, as well as a constant rotation of traveling exhibitions, a planetarium, and an indoor butterfly garden. But the most popular stop inside the HMNS is the Morian Hall of Paleontology. The massive exhibit spans 3.5 billion years of history and features dozens of mounted fossils accompanied by realistic renderings of the animals displayed. Visitors can marvel at a megalodon chasing an elephant, multiple tyrannosaurus rexes, and even a giant prehistoric sloth. It’s a dinosaur lover’s dream.

Downtown Aquarium

11.  Downtown Aquarium

  • Greater Houston

Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is a little like visiting three attractions at once. Located on the northern edge of downtown, this 500,000-gallon facility has a wide variety of aquatic animals, shows, and interactive exhibits — including four rare white tigers. A small amusement park outside boasts, among other things, a Ferris wheel overlooking Houston’s downtown skyline. And an upscale restaurant features a floor-to-ceiling aquarium, where diners can watch sawfish, rays, and huge schools of colorful fish swim past tables while they eat. With so many things to see and do in one location, it’s easy to spend all day visiting just this one attraction.  

McGovern Centennial Gardens

12.  McGovern Centennial Gardens

  • Parks and gardens

The McGovern Centennial Gardens opened to commemorate Hermann Park’s centennial in 2014 and quickly became a favorite weekend spot for locals. The 8-acre, fenced-in gardens are filled with roughly 500 trees, 55,000 flowering plants, and an educational “edible” garden with fresh produce and herbs. At the center of the gardens sits a man-made hill with a spiraling footpath leading to the top. Visitors can make the trek to a small observational platform that overlooks the park and take in the gardens from above. The space is a gorgeous spot to bring a picnic, snap some photos, and enjoy some fresh air inside the city.

Houston Graffiti Park

13.  Houston Graffiti Park

You won’t see this park on any official map, and there’s no sign announcing its presence — but you’ll know it when you see it. For a few blocks in Houston’s East End, nearly every square inch of the building is covered in colorful street art. Many of the works painted here were created as part of the Houston Urban Experience (HUE) Mural Festival, an annual gathering of artists launched in 2015. Affectionately dubbed “graffiti park” by locals, this sampling of murals is just the latest citywide effort to embrace the genre and add color and beauty to Houston’s downtown.

Houston Zoo

14.  Houston Zoo

  • University Place

Located within Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is one of the city’s busiest attractions, especially for families. But it wasn’t always. When it first opened in the 1920s, the zoo had only a small fence and a few species of animals. As the park grew, so did its popularity, and it draws in millions of visitors each year. In addition to the animal exhibits—some of which are interactive—the park has a splash pad, playground, and carousel. However, the best times to visit are in the winter and fall, when the weather is cool and the zoo puts on themed activities. Zoo Lights, for example, offers a chance for visitors to stroll through the park after dark to view the thousands of holiday lights strung up near the animal enclosures. Held from mid-November to mid-January, the event has become a holiday tradition for many locals.

Discovery Green

15.  Discovery Green

Despite Houston’s reputation for being a sprawling mass of concrete and taillights, the city has a ton of green spaces, including one right in the heart of downtown. Discovery Green opened in the spring of 2008. Since then, this 12-acre park has become one of Houston’s most popular Inner-Loop attractions. In addition to a playground, interactive fountains and several gardens, the park also has events nearly every day of the week, including free exercise classes, concerts, movie nights and art installations. One of the best times to visit the park is in the winter, when part of Discovery Green turns into a winter wonderland, complete with an outdoor skating rink.

The Galleria

16.  The Galleria

As the largest city in Texas, Houston has a habit of going big or going home and nowhere is that sentiment more true than in the Galleria. This sprawling mall in Uptown Houston is the largest in Texas and decidedly upscale. There are six valet stations located throughout the exterior, two high-rise hotels, and an indoor ice-skating rink—not to mention the roughly 400 stores and restaurants spread throughout 2.4 million square feet. And if you shop too much? There’s a complimentary coat and package check. In addition to luxury stores like Alexander McQueen and Louis Vuitton, the mall features some of the city’s best high-end restaurants like Nobu and Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse. More than 30 million visitors walk the floors of the Galleria each year, making it one of the most visited attractions in Houston. Even if you aren’t looking to purchase anything in particular, the opulence alone is worth the visit.

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

17.  Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

  • Historic buildings and sites

Once the home of the late former first lady of Texas, Ima Hogg, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is now part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and houses the institution’s paintings, furniture, and decorative art collections. While the pieces themselves are stunning, Bayou Bend’s gardens make this spot worth visiting. Spread out in a series throughout the grounds, the gardens were originally intended to be an extension of the house itself as living and entertaining spaces. Sculptures and hedge designs complement the ground’s year-round blooms, making for a peaceful and aesthetically stunning reprieve from Houston’s busy Inner Loop.

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

18.  Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

Buffalo Bayou Park is home to another great attraction: the park’s cistern. Once a water reservoir for the city of Houston, this underground cavern is now an architectural landmark. Hundreds of towering columns fill a space so large it takes 17 seconds for an echo to bounce off the far wall and make it back to you.

The reservoir was built in 1926 and served as part of the city’s water system for decades before an irreparable leak led to it being decommissioned and ultimately abandoned in 2007. A few years later, the cistern was “rediscovered” during the creation of Buffalo Bayou Park, and since then, the gritty, industrial beauty of the space has made it a favorite for local artists and photographers. You can book an official history tour for just $10 per person.

Levy Park Conservancy

19.  Levy Park Conservancy

  • Upper Kirby

Levy Park isn’t your typical public playground. The mixed-use space boasts an interactive garden, climbing wall, and splash pad. The park’s promenade houses board games, crafts and a library, along with a scattering of giant foam blocks available for kids to use on the lawn. Special pains are taken to ensure activities are inclusive and fun for a wide variety of ages, including a full event calendar offering outdoor exercise and photography classes throughout the week. It’s one of the city’s newest public spaces, but it’s already one of the most popular. With so much variety, it’s easily one of the best free things to do with families in Houston.

Kemah Boardwalk

20.  Kemah Boardwalk

This amusement park overlooking Galveston Bay is the thing of childhood dreams. Kemah Boardwalk features jaw-dropping thrill rides like roller coasters, spinning swings, and free falls. There are also tons of gentler rides for younger kids and mild-mannered parents. A 65-foot Ferris wheel offers a great view of the water, and an adrenaline-inducing boat ride races passengers around the bay at breakneck speeds. Along the boardwalk, visitors can fuel up at several restaurants and shops before heading back out to play carnival games or partake in hands-on exhibits. It’s pure, unadulterated fun and a great stop for families.

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downtown houston at night.

The 19 Best Things to Do in Houston

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Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

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Houston has such a diverse range of attractions that you’d need a week to make a dent in the supply. From NASA’s astronaut training center to funky visionary art installations and sprawling urban green spaces, you’ll have your choice of fun things to do in Houston.

Want a whirlwind tour of the major Houston attractions? It’s a snap with the Houston CityPASS , which covers five key sights at a savings of nearly 50 percent compared to the total cost of individual admission. Attractions include Space Center Houston, the Downtown Aquarium, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, as well as either the Houston Zoo or the Museum of Fine Arts, and either the Kemah Boardwalk or the Children’s Museum. Here’s what to expect from each one.

Space Center Houston

kids at space center houston.

At Space Center Houston , take a behind-the-scenes tram tour through NASA’s Johnson Space Center, checking out the historic Apollo Mission Control Center and the heaviest rocket ever flown. You can also see spacesuits from past missions, explore a replica of the shuttle Independence, and touch a rock taken from the planet Mars.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

purple tunnel museum of fine arts houston.

Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts is one of the country’s largest, with numerous visiting exhibitions complementing a strong permanent collection of works by Picasso, Gainsborough, O’Keeffe, Rembrandt, Chagall, Pollock, and many more. Don’t miss a quick stroll through the small sculpture garden across the street, which is free to explore.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science

dinosaur skeletons at houston museum of natural science.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science has something for just about everyone, from dinosaur fossils and colorful gems to Egyptian artifacts and seashells from around the world. Between the exhibits, the planetarium, and the butterfly center, there’s enough to keep you busy for a whole day.

Houston Zoo

cheetah at houston zoo.

If you’ve got kids in tow, the Houston Zoo is a must-see stop. Bears, elephants, monkeys, giraffes, and sea lions are among the creatures that roam the habitats here. Animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours are available for visitors who want a closer look.

Downtown Aquarium

downtown aquarium houston.

Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is smaller than you’d expect—you can see the fish and other animals in less than an hour—but the on-site rides include a carousel and a Ferris wheel as added bonus fun for kids. And the whole family will love the beautiful white tigers.

Children’s Museum Houston

kids at children's museum houston.

Yet another family-friendly Houston attraction is the Children’s Museum , designed for kids up to age 12. Little ones can learn about everything from math to modern-day Korean culture in the museum’s hands-on exhibits.

Kemah Boardwalk

kemah boardwalk at night.

About 20 minutes outside Houston are the rides, games, and restaurants of Kemah Boardwalk , all perched right on the waterfront. You can also explore a zip-line, rainforest exhibit, and stingray reef.

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

bayou bend collection and gardens houston.

Part of the Museum of Fine Arts, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens displays furniture, ceramics, and other decorative arts in the former home of Houston art collector and “First lady of Texas” Irma Hogg. The stately house is surrounded by some 14 acres of manicured gardens.

The Health Museum

houston health museum exterior.

Walk through a huge model of the human body, including a 22-foot backbone, at the Health Museum . In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum hosts a number of temporary installations and screens films in its McGovern Theater.

The Menil Collection

menil collection sculptures houston.

Looking for free things to do in Houston? Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Menil Collection , housed in the first American building designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. The museum is home to the eclectic collections of John and Dominique de Menil, who amassed a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative objects from ancient times to the contemporary period, with an emphasis on more modern works. Artists on display include Matisse, Picasso, Ernst, and Johns.

Discovery Green

discovery green houston.

Visitors can enjoy the great outdoors right in downtown Houston thanks to a 12-acre park, Discovery Green , located across the street from the George R. Brown Convention Center. A perimeter of century-old oak trees provides a natural framework within which designers built the Great Lawn, grand-scale pieces of art, a boating pond, a giant fountain (fun for kids to splash in on hot days), dog fountains and runs, picnic grounds, a playground, an amphitheater, and jogging trails. Check out the events calendar to find out what’s going on during your visit, from yoga classes to concerts.

Sam Houston Park

historic home in sam houston park.

Another lovely green space surrounded by the high-rise towers of downtown is Sam Houston Park , where you can tour a number of historic homes maintained by the city’s Heritage Society.

National Museum of Funeral History

day of the dead display at national museum funeral history.

It may seem like a grim place to visit on vacation, but the National Museum of Funeral History is surprisingly interesting. The 15 permanent exhibits include the history of cremation and embalming, artifacts from presidential and papal funerals, and hearses dating back to the 19th century. The museum also examines how other cultures deal with funerals and death.

Buffalo Bayou Park

biking in buffalo bayou park houston.

Need some exercise? Hit the walking, jogging, and biking trails that run along the bayou through central Houston in Buffalo Bayou Park . You can enjoy great views of the downtown skyline and even tour an eerie underground cistern that once housed the city’s water supply and now makes for a fascinating tour.

The Orange Show and Smither Park

smither park houston.

Lovers of visionary art should check out two Houston attractions located right next to each other: The Orange Show and Smither Park . The former is a funky, folksy ode to the orange, created over several decades by a retired postal worker using reclaimed materials such as iron, bricks, and tiles. Smither Park is a community project, showcasing the work of hundreds of local artists, including colorful mosaics, found objects, and even a large grotto plastered with pieces of road signs.

Holocaust Museum Houston

dutch rescue boat at holocaust museum houston.

Fresh off a major renovation and expansion, the Holocaust Museum features a permanent exhibition on Anne Frank and other young diarists, a human rights gallery, a collection of paintings by Holocaust survivor Samuel Bak, and a Dutch rescue boat from World War II, among other moving exhibits.

Sports Venues

minute maid park houston.

Sports lovers can catch a game at numerous venues in Houston, from baseball’s Minute Maid Park (home of the Astros) to the nearby Toyota Center , where the NBA’s Rockets play. Texans football games and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo are held at NRG Stadium .

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

buffalo soldiers museum houston.

One of the lesser-known things to do in Houston is a visit to the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum , which celebrates the military contributions of the African Americans who served in the U.S. Army after the Civil War.

Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

artist at houston center for contemporary craft.

Another unique Houston attraction is the Center for Contemporary Craft , where you can see rotating displays of ceramics, metalwork, jewelry, fiber art, and more. You can also meet the center’s artists in residence and get a look inside their studios.

More from SmarterTravel:

  • How to Do a Weekend in Houston
  • The Best U.S. Cities to Visit This Year
  • The 10 Most Walkable Cities in the U.S.

[viator_tour destination=”5186″ type=”3-mod”]

Sarah Schlichter was hosted by Marriott and Visit Houston . Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration. June Naylor contributed to this story.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Texas (TX) » 25 Best Things to Do in Houston (Texas)

25 Best Things to Do in Houston (Texas)

Houston, named after former General Sam Houston who, in 1836, won the Battle of San Jacinto which gained Texas its independence from Mexico, is the fourth most populated city in North America and home to approximately two and a half million residents.

It is a magnet for tourism, being closely linked with the Space Center Houston, and NASA’s astronaut training and flight control complex together with many other interesting attractions.

Reading through the list of the best things to do in Houston will help you and your family to plan a fun filled, exciting time.

1. Museum of Natural Science

Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (abbreviated as HMNS) has an amazing collection of mineral specimens, space station models, 60 large skeleton mounts – which include four Tyrannosaurus Rex and three large Quetzalcoatlus – a planetarium, and lots more to occupy the family for the day.

The museum’s great popularity is also down to its generous number of special and guest exhibits. Established in 1909, it is now one of the most popular in North America.

The kids will love the grasshopper clock situated at the museum’s striking entrance, whose legs harmonize with the passing seconds.

2. Children’s Museum

Houston Children’s Museum

Founded in 1980, Houston Children’s Museum is one of 190 children’s museums in the United States, founded by a group of parents who wanted to raise early childhood development within the community.

The museum has some absorbing hands on interactive exhibits in subjects such as science and technology, history and culture, and more. In particular, The Market, an area where the kids will have fun – and learn at the same time – how to apply for jobs, get paychecks and use their ATM card.

There is also a popular outdoor area that has toy boats and water pipes to enjoy too. This will be a hit with all the kids.

3. Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston

One of the city’s topmost attractions, the space center is home to more than 400 artifacts together with an abundance of both permanent and traveling exhibits as well as other displays relating to America’s awesome space flight programs.

The whole family will be spellbound as they look through the museum’s collection of movies and interactive consoles.

Known globally as the International Space Station Mission Control, and home of NASA Mission Control and astronaut training, as an additional treat guests are then taken behind the scenes to see NASA Johnson Space Center where history was made.

Book online : Houston: Space Explorer Pass

4. Discovery Green

Discovery Green

Recently renovated, this 11.78 acre public city park is thought of by locals as a much needed urban oasis. It is very community spirited, offering free yoga classes, toddler story times as well as movie nights and regular concerts.

It also has a playground, free WiFi, open air reading rooms and an area from which you can borrow games and balls when the family feels like getting active. Alternatively, just enjoy a picnic as you laze on the upward sloping green, relax and watch everyone else. A great family day.

5. Downtown Aquarium

Downtown Aquarium of Houston

This splendid six acre dining and entertainment complex was made even more amazing by the amalgamated redevelopment of two of Houston’s landmarks, the Central Waterworks Building and Fire Station No.1.

Now with plenty of room to house its 500,000 gallon aquatic wonderland with 200 species of exotic global residents, it is a great attraction for all the family, and especially the kiddies as they can enjoy the fun aquarium’s rides, from Frog Hopper to Shark Voyage and Aquatic Carousel.

There are plenty of treats for the adults too as the venue includes shopping, an upscale bar, full-service restaurant, a fully equipped ballroom and geographic and aquatic exhibits.

Included in : Houston Tour and Aquarium Ticket

6. The Health Museum

Houston Health Museum

For all the budding scientists in the family, or just those who enjoy things of a scientific nature, this is the venue for you.

The Health Museum welcomes over 180,000 visitors a year, (over 2.5 million so far.), partly made up of more than 22,000 schoolchildren as part of their field trip.

One reason for this draw is the museum’s excellent interactive health and science educational experiences, which include things like a hands on walk through the human body, real organ dissections, and a multitude of ever changing new and exciting exhibits.

For an additional small cost, your kids can enjoy a visit to the cell lab where they can carry out some simple and fun experiments.

7. Speedy’s Fast Track

Go Kart

This family entertainment center is the perfect answer for those who want to let off steam, show off their skills and just have some all round fun. Made up of arcade games, miniature golf, laser tag and Formula 1 style go karts; this venue has both indoor and outdoor entertainment to suit everyone.

With friendly and helpful staff, super clean facilities and table, video and pinball games together with super enjoyable games Godzilla Wars JR, Wacky Gator Super Speedway and Awesome Rat for the kids – to name just a few – Fast Track Amusements is the place for the family to head to.

8. Museum of Fine Arts

Houston Museum of Fine Arts

The MFAH not only benefit the never ending visitors who come to enjoy the museum’s stunning collection of over 6,000 years of history and approximately 64,000 works from six continents, but also the 1.25 million who attend the museum’s workshops, programs and resource centers every year.

This world class museum takes great pride in being home to treasures such as Gleizes’s La Femme, Memling’s portrait, Monet’s Water Lilies and an impressive amount of Roman period sculptures and paintings. If you want to make sure you’re not going to miss anything, there are 45 minute guided tours for the family to enjoy.

There is also a great café with well above average refreshments.

9. Minute Maid Park

Minute Maid Park, Houston

Minute Maid Park is home to Houston’s Major League Baseball team the Astros and is now famous for seeing a major league team playing on natural grass outdoors.

This exciting renovation was approved of by their 3 million fans, whonow come to take advantage of the 242 ft high retractable roof – another first, bringing open air baseball to Houston for the first time in over 35 years.

A super attraction for all the family as there will be lots of fun to be had whether it be rain or shine.

And for moms and dads, there is a Happy Hour Beer outlet in Left Field with great beer variety. There are also plenty of food choices and excellent BBQ availability.

10. Cockrell Butterfly Center

Cockrell Butterfly Center

The Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology has a huge variety of species and serves as a teachable moment for kids and anyone interested in bugs, providing entertainment and education for the entire family.

The center is home to a living butterfly habitat with spectacular specimens of some of the world’s strangest arthropods as well as fun interactive quizzes and games. And here are some useful hints; as you walk through the area, have a look under leaves and take the time to read about the life cycle – found at the entrance to the center – where you can see chrysalis in their various stages. And wear bright colors. The butterflies are more than likely to land on you then.

11. The Galleria

The Galleria, Houston

When the family feels the need for some serious retail therapy, a visit to The Galleria should certainly do the trick. Modeled after Milan’s stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, it is home to over 400 high end stores, wonderful restaurants and food outlets such as Cheesecake factory, Chili’s and White Oaks Kitchen, a full size ice rink, state of the art children’s play area, seven beauty salons and lots more besides. It won’t be any surprise to hear that it is Texas’ largest mall. From Valentino and Gucci to Prada and La Perla there is something here to keep every member of the family happy.

12. Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts

Opened in 2002, the Hobby Center is made up of 60 ft high glass walls with stunning views of the city’s skyscrapers, located on the edge of the theatre district. There are some wonderful shows and plays performed here and a visit to the center would be a lovely outing for all the family as there are often children friendly shows to see. The center takes pride in its plush seating that offers its patrons comfortable and decent leg room as well as its popular snack and candy options.

13. Hines Waterwall Park

Hines Waterwall Park

The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is a great place for the family to obtain some really good down time within a stunning backdrop. The park features a 64 ft semi circular fountain that re-circulates 11,000 gallons of water per minute that tumbles down the structure’s inner and outer walls. Pretty awesome to watch, I’d say. This landmark park is surrounded by 186 oak trees and is a popular spot for its locals to meet up with friends, enjoy a Frisbee game, picnic, walk or even a fabulous photographic opportunity.

14. Texas Rock Gym

Rock Climbing

Offering over 14,000 sq ft of climbable surface, 5 Auto Belays, 42 Top Ropes, a lead arch and a separate bouldering area, the Texas Rock Gym is a marvelous venue for all the rock climbing and gym addicts of the family, whatever their age. The gym emphasizes safety and, in order to minimize the inherent rock climbing risks, all participants must take part in the gym’s safety orientation and belay training class, Climbing 101, regardless of previous climbing experience. Besides all of the above, the gym also offers Yoga, Tai-Chi and Kung Fu options. The friendly staff will be happy to lead you in the right direction.

15. Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Saint Arnold Brewing Company

How about a treat for mom and dad? A visit to Houston’s oldest craft brewery is guaranteed to offer an interesting and enjoyable time when they drop into Saint Arnold Brewing Company. The brewery does everything from brewing and filtering the beer to kegging and bottling it – then it’s up to the visitors to drink it. The company brew several different beers, some seasonal and some available all year round, and can be found in grocery stores, liquor stores, bars and restaurants throughout Texas, Louisiana and Florida. You will be looked after by professional and courteous staff as you enjoy a tour then lunch and refreshments (one of the breweries tasty beers of course.) afterwards.

Related tour: Houston: Brewery Pass with Beer Tastings

16. Toyota Center

Toyota Center, Houston

Named after Japanese automobile manufacturers Toyota (who had paid $100 million for the naming rights), the center’s arena is home to the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association as well as being former home of the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League. The arena has spacious seating together with clean facilities. This is a very popular area for both visitors and locals as there are also a multitude of very good restaurants and hotels nearby, so why not take the family to a game or concert and finish off a perfect evening with a tasty meal after?

17. The Music Box Theater

Microphone

This performing arts theater does a marvelous job with its presentation of original sketch comedies. So if the older teens and adults of the family are fans of live musical review with a little humor mixed in, this definitely is the place for them. The shows are funny and fantastic with very talented performers able to add their memorable and special touch. There are also refreshments on offer in the form of soft drinks, wine, beer and snacks for everybody to enjoy.

18. JPMorgan Chase Tower

JPMorgan Chase Tower Observation Deck

For a glimpse of the high life – literally. – a trip to JPMorgan Chase Tower should be on the cards for you and the family. Formerly the Texas Commerce Tower, the 75 story skyscraper, standing at just over 1,000 ft high, has the distinction of being the tallest building in Texas, the world’s tallest five sided building, the 13th tallest building in the United States and the 79th tallest building in the world. That’s a lot of ‘tallest’, if you ask me. There is a quick (and free) ride to the observation deck where you will be able to enjoy the wonderful view beyond you. The tower’s architecture is of an art deco design and truly lovely.

19. Miller Outdoor Theatre

Miller Outdoor Theatre

This outstanding theater offers both culturally and artistically assorted daytime children’s programming as part of its free productions season as well as many other free plays, concerts, dances and shows to suit all ages. The theater, situated on 7.5 acres of land in Hermann Park, runs from mid March through mid November and is a very popular venue, as you can imagine. There is the option to either bring your chair, blanket and food (alcohol is allowed providing it is in a container) or you can purchase seating when you are there. The seats are covered in case of rain.

20. Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park

With an excellent choice of multiple trails for walking and biking, Buffalo Bayou Park is a lovely location to take the family for some healthy exercise. The meandering park is made up of 124 acres of spacious green with awesome views of Houston skyline thrown into the mix. Besides all of this, there is also a nature play area, artwork and live artistic performances to enjoy together with a dog park if you have any four legged friends in the family. For the family that enjoys outdoor activities, this is the perfect location.

21. 1940 Air Terminal Museum

1940 Air Terminal Museum

This is a must see for all the aviation addicts in the family. The museum is housed in the original art deco Houston Municipal Airport and showcases a truly wonderful display of all things airline related, including Houston’s own aviation history. The Museum occupies the entire ground floor (with the renovation of the upper floors including the observation decks and tower cab pending) and holds airline treasures such as the ticket desks for Braniff and Eastern Airlines and many more wonderful displays of architecture and aviation from a time gone by.

22. Topgolf

Golf

Topgolf is a new kind of golf experience, offering flat-out family fun for any age or skill level. This innovative way of playing golf, where players hit microchipped golf balls at targets on an outfield is certainly a new way of enjoying the game, and has become so popular, now welcomes over 8 million worldwide annual visitors. After a fun game which uses state of the art electronic scoring, the family can relax and enjoy some of Topgolf’s excellent food and drink menu.

23. iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Indoor Skydiving

This has to be one of the most awesome family attractions ever. From 3 years and up, enjoy this amazing indoor skydiving experience which is the simulation of real freefall conditions in a vertical wind tunnel. The tunnel has fans at the top that draws air through the flight chamber which then push it back down the sides through Return Air Towers, turning the air into the bottom of the tunnel and back up toward the flight chamber through an inlet contractor which then lowers the space that the air can travel in. This speeds up and compresses the air before it reenters the flight chamber giving you a smooth column of air, allowing you to fly. The venue provides all the gear & instruction required, and if you would rather watch than participate, there are plenty of seats for everyone.

24. Pinto Ranch Fine Western Wear

Pinto Ranch Fine Western Wear

For a wonderful memento of your visit to Houston, why not drop into Pinto Ranch? The store is home to an amazing amount of Western goodies which embody both the traditions and romanticism of the area. From premier merchandise such as Men and Ladies buckles, belts and jewelry to the biggest collection of fine western gear like beautiful shirts, genuine Stetson hats, realFilson leather coats and hand made cowboy boots, you will be able to wear your memories when you’re back home.

25. Battlefield Houston

Laser Tag

How about a family fun day of exciting laser tag. Step into Battlefield Houston’s zombat zone and enjoy some truly awesome missions – from Domination, Hitman, Search and Destroy and Sniper using high quality laser guns, the family will feel as if they have stepped into their own live video game. And this is not your average laser tag; players do not wear vests as is the norm, but a headband. The laser has to hit the headband to disable the player for a few seconds. Best of all, no matter what the family member skill level, everyone is guaranteed a role to play in the missions they are assigned. After an exhilarating time for all, stop and enjoy the arena’s snack and drink outlet.

25 Best Things to Do in Houston (Texas):

  • Museum of Natural Science
  • Children's Museum
  • Space Center Houston
  • Discovery Green
  • Downtown Aquarium
  • The Health Museum
  • Speedy's Fast Track
  • Museum of Fine Arts
  • Minute Maid Park
  • Cockrell Butterfly Center
  • The Galleria
  • Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
  • Hines Waterwall Park
  • Texas Rock Gym
  • Saint Arnold Brewing Company
  • Toyota Center
  • The Music Box Theater
  • JPMorgan Chase Tower
  • Miller Outdoor Theatre
  • Buffalo Bayou Park
  • 1940 Air Terminal Museum
  • iFLY Indoor Skydiving
  • Pinto Ranch Fine Western Wear
  • Battlefield Houston

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15 Best Things to Do in Houston, Texas

Last updated on November 3, 2023 by Jamie Gambetta - Leave a Comment

As one of the biggest cities in the country and home to the iconic Johnson Space Center, Houston has a lot to offer travelers. With endless parks, galleries, unique buildings and plenty of culture, you won’t run out of things to do in Houston.

It’s easy to fly into the city, which makes Houston the perfect destination for a quick trip or long adventure. You could spend your time here exploring the city’s connection with space exploration or its series of world-class art galleries. Top it off with a visit to Galveston or the Rodeo, and Houston promises to be a memorable time.

In this post, we'll cover:

15. National Museum of Funeral History

National Museum of Funeral History

We begin our list with a rather unique attraction in Houston, the National Museum of Funeral History. It’s likely you wouldn’t have visited something like this before, which is exactly why you should add it to your itinerary. The museum is home to an incredible collection of artifacts that grant insight into one of our oldest traditions.

Learn about the different hearses used through history along with exhibits on the funerals of Popes, Presidents and various celebrities.

14. Hermann Park

Hermann Park

Home to the Houston Zoo, a Japanese and Centennial Garden along with the popular Miller Outdoor Theater, Hermann Park is Houston’s crown jewel. With wide open spaces and plenty of things to do (the park is also next to the museum district), you will never get bored here.

The specific gardens are taken care of meticulously. They’re complemented by a display of sculptures that makes exploring the park a pleasure. Another way to get around includes taking a ride on the relaxing Hermann Park Railroad for some sightseeing. While you can also explore the small lake on a pedal boat.

13. The Menil Collection

The Menil Collection

Thanks to the efforts of art patrons, John and Dominique de Menil, you can enjoy one of the most unique attractions in the city. Found in the Montrose neighborhood, the collection is in fact a campus of free-standing buildings home to extravagant galleries focusing on contemporary art and surrealist works.

You will also find a bookstore and the Menil Drawing Institute here. The highlight of the Menil Collection is the main building designed in the shape of a Renzo Piano.

12. Discovery Green Park

Discovery Green Park

To catch some sun and experience a bit of Houston’s culture, head to Discovery Green Park. The park has undergone renovations that have seen it become a prominent urban oasis.

Discovery Green Park has a strong community feel with a variety of events that bring residents together. These include story times, movie nights, concerts and free yoga classes throughout the year.

The kids will love the playground, the open air reading rooms and a spot to borrow park games for some friendly competition. There is also plenty of space to spread out and enjoy a pleasant picnic or some reading under the shady trees.

11. Water Wall

Water Wall

The most photographed location in Houston is the Water Wall, a must-visit when in town. The iconic 64-foot U-shaped structure has water falling down, creating a memorable sight.

Water Wall uses almost 80,000 gallons of recycled water every three and a half hours. You can stand in the water’s mist and admire the subtle roar of the water cascading down.

With plenty of green space to relax in, you can kick back and admire the architectural marvel, or enjoy a picnic under the 180 oak trees. The Water Wall is close to the Galleria for whenever you want to take a break from shopping.

10. Children’s Museum of Houston

Children's Museum of Houston

Created by a community of parents in an act to improve early childhood development, the Children’s Museum is one of the best things to do in Houston with kids.

The Children’s Museum features several exciting hands-on exhibits that allow the kids to interact with the world of science and technology. There is also a heavy focus on history and culture.

The Market exhibit is an outstanding example of this, a place where kids can apply for jobs, use an ATM and even collect paychecks. While the outdoor area comes with water pipes and toy boats for some more upbeat adventures.

9. Galveston

Galveston

With white sand beaches, a famous pier and a historic downtown, Galveston presents as the perfect escape from Houston. Just an hour out of the city, you can escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the sunshine. Endless beaches allow for plenty of swimming and the pier provides all-day entertainment.

Beyond the rollercoasters and games, you will also discover several excellent museums. Examples include the Seaport Museum and the fascinating Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum. You can’t leave, however, before exploring the Strand Historic District, with cafes, restaurants and bars.

8. The Galleria

The Galleria

One of Houston’s most popular malls, the Galleria, is the place to shop ’til you drop. The Galleria gets its name from a shopping center in Milan after which it was designed. Along with your usual stores, the Galleria also has an amazing selection of high-end shops for when you really want to treat yourself.

It isn’t all shopping, however, as you will find a full-sized ice rink to skate on, several food courts and full-service restaurants along with a giant play area for the kids.

7. Minute Maid Park

Minute Maid Park

Home to the infamous Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park packs out between March and October. Nothing screams summer more than catching a ball game and eating one too many hot dogs. Minute Maid Park is a great place to watch a game of baseball, with many themed nights throughout the season to keep things exciting.

With a retractable roof, you don’t have to worry about the weather either as you know the game will always go ahead. Grab yourself a great seat and enjoy the model train that sets into motion whenever the home team hits a home run.

6. Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo

One of the top attractions in Houston is their local zoo. Set in the spacious Hermann Park, the zoo is a hit with locals and tourists alike. Inside the zoo you will find over 6,000 indigenous and exotic animals along with a fantastic education center and a children’s zoo.

A highlight for all visitors is the chance to feed the giraffes along with watching the marine life play around just several feet away. Hermann Park is also home to the Houston Museum of Natural Science so you can explore two of Houston’s best activities in one hit.

5. Museum of Fine Arts

Museum of Fine Arts

Comprising two buildings and one sculpture garden, the spectacular Museum of Fine Arts is easy on the eyes. Walking between the buildings and the gardens is one of the best things to do here, and a chance to appreciate an architectural marvel.

The Museum of Fine Arts is home to 6,000 years of history with works that have arrived from all parts of the globe. The museums are home to such masterpieces as Memling’s Portrait, Monet’s Water Lilies and a series of amazing Roman-era sculptures.

4. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

In cowboy country, the city’s biggest annual event is the Livestock Show and Rodeo. The massive 19-day event brings all of Houston together and is more than just a rodeo and auction. The show is an extensive carnival full of all your favorite rides, games and entertainment.

While you could spend all day on the rides, the rodeo events come with amazing atmosphere and immense skill. Because of the size of the show, big music names headline the evening concerts for a great way to end the experience.

3. Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park

More than just a sprawling urban park, Buffalo Bayou offers its fair share of outdoor adventures. The waters of the Buffalo Bayou cut through the park, allowing visitors to rent kayaks, canoes or SUPs and go for a paddle.

There are also many hiking and biking paths around the park, providing a great way to stretch the legs and enjoy the outdoors. You can also embark on several tours of the historic Cistern, along with bike tours through the Bayou.

Stick around for sunset to enjoy approximately 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats taking flight.

2. Houston Museum of Natural Science

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Since opening its doors in 1909, the Houston Museum of Natural Science has grown to be one of the most popular versions in America. Right from the start, kids will love the entrance, which features the famous Grasshopper Clock.

The museum also offers a rare collection of mineral specimens and an impressive 60 skeleton mounts. Four being Tyrannosaurus Rex and three huge Quetzalcoatlus, one of the largest flying animals ever recorded.

Owing to Houston’s historical connection to space, the Museum of Natural Science also houses various space station models along with a planetarium. You will also find a collection of rotating exhibits providing quality fresh content throughout the year.

1. Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston

One of the best things to do in Houston is to explore the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Station. The Space Center Houston is an enormous complex with a replica of the space shuttle Independence connected to the shuttle carrier.

Other highlights include the chance to wander through a replica of America’s first space station and hold rocks from the Moon. One of the best ways to explore the center is to take an open-air tram tour to see where astronauts get up to speed ahead of their missions to space.

Map of Things to Do in Houston

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Welcome to Houston

America's fourth-largest city is a cosmopolitan destination with world-class dining, arts, hotels, shopping and nightlife. Take a stroll through the historic Heights, spend the day exploring the Museum District, or head down to Space Center Houston. Later on, grab a bite in one of the dozens of award-winning restaurants or hang out with the cool kids on Washington Avenue. There's always something to do in this Southern hospitality meets the urban chic city. Come explore YOUR Houston!

14 Top Things to Do in Downtown Houston

must visit houston

While Houston might be sprawling, downtown is a compact area packed with a variety of cultural landmarks, exciting museums, and one of the country’s best food scenes. Whether you're interested in arts and culture or spending time with nature, there's something for everyone to do in downtown Houston.

Admire the Art Blocks

Art Blocks is a temporary public art initiative created and managed by the Houston Downtown Management District, and there are several eye-catching installations by internationally recognized artists like Patrick Renner, Jessica Stockholder, Havel Ruck Projects, and others. For fans of public art, merely walking around and soaking up the brightly colored murals and installations around Art Blocks is a treat.

Check Out the Quirky Beer Can House

After local John Milkovisch retired in the 1960s, he put his undying love of beer to good use: He covered the exterior of his house with over 50,000 beer cans. Milkovisch spent 18 years on his project, which resulted in a home that’s completely covered with flattened beer cans; Milkovisch even built mobiles, sculptures, fences, and windmills out of the tops and bottoms of beer cans, as well as wind chimes out of the pull tabs. The Beer Can House is easily one of Houston’s most unusual attractions. 

Get Out in Nature at Buffalo Bayou Park

Need to get your nature fix amidst all those gleaming skyscrapers and miles (and miles ) of freeways? Buffalo Bayou, the 52-mile slow-moving waterway and 160-acre city park, offers lovely views of diverse urban nature, along with beautiful gardens, hike-and-bike trails, paddleboat and bike rentals, public art, a dog park, and much more. 

Have a Drink at La Carafe

Housed in the oldest commercial building in Houston (built during the Civil War era!), La Carafe is a serious slice of history. This centuries-old dive bar (easily the oldest in Houston) is listed in the National Register of Historic Places; it’s a real downtown treasure. Boasting an extensive wine selection, a fabulous jukebox, and an eclectic collection of artwork splashed all over the walls, La Carafe is the perfect place to spend an hour (or three) when you’re in downtown Houston. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the bar’s resident ghost: Carll, an old bartender.  

See World-Class at the Menil Collection

At the internationally renowned Menil Collection, visitors can peruse one of the most significant art collections in the country. There are nearly 15,000 pieces here that range from Paleolithic-era carvings to Surrealist paintings; the main building houses special exhibitions and the permanent collection, and there’s a campus with four other museum buildings (two of which are dedicated to famed artists Cy Twombly and Dan Flavin). You could easily spend an entire day at the Menil and still not see everything, so be sure to reserve ample time to explore here. 

Go Shopping at The Tipping Point

More than just your average sneaker store, The Tipping Point is billed as Houston’s “first and only creative lifestyle destination.” Located in the historic W. L. Foley Building, The Tipping Point curates a collection of limited-edition footwear, books, art, music, and apparel. With high-end collectible shoes displayed on the shelves like artwork, this is a destination for sneaker fiends, but it’s also a hub for local artists, musicians, and other creative types. 

Relax at Discovery Green

Discovery Green is undeniably downtown Houston’s premier green space: This 12-acre park has it all, from tree-shaded trails and a new jogging trail to bocce ball courts and an art cart that’s stocked with supplies. There are playgrounds, interactive water features, restaurants, an amphitheater, and more; plus, the park hosts many events and activities throughout the year.

See a Show at Alley Theatre

Offering a packed lineup of shows (over 400 annually!), the Alley Theatre was founded over 60 years ago, and today, it’s one of the only American theater companies that supports a company of actors, designers, and artisans throughout the year. There are 11 productions each season, and the Alley is also home to several educational programs. 

Have a Moment at Rothko Chapel

Commissioned by the Menils in 1964 to build a non-denominational church, famed American abstract expressionist Mark Rothko spent the final years of his life working on the project, and the result is nothing short of extraordinary. The interior serves not just as a chapel, but as a significant work of modern art: The stark, octagonal brick structure, which holds 14 Rothko canvases, is a unique space for self-reflection and inspiration.  

Have a Beer at Saint Arnold Brewing Company

Houston’s most famous craft brewery, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, is the ideal spot to lounge in the sunshine and enjoy delicious local brews; and, with a cornhole area with multiple boards, three bocce courts, green spaces for open play, and a giant beer garden, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy here.  

Watch the Astros at Minute Maid Park

TripSavvy / Vincent Mercer

Home of the Houston Astros, Minute Maid Park can house as many as 40,000 fans (and keep them all cool, thanks to the 242-foot-high retractable roof!); going to a game here is a quintessential downtown Houston experience. Or, experience the park via Minute Maid Park Tours, which give guests a behind-the-scenes look at where the Astros play, including historic Union Station, the broadcasting booth and press boxes, and the dugout areas.

Browse the Brazos Bookstore

Undoubtedly the focal point of the literary community in Houston, Brazos Bookstore is one of the most well-regarded bookstores in the country for a reason: Everyone at Brazos really, really, really loves books. Everything is lovingly curated here, from the staff picks to the store’s events calendar. Brazos specializes in literary fiction, art, and architecture, but they also have a wonderful children’s section, and they regularly feature rising Texas authors at events.    

Visit Hermann Park

A 445-acre playground, Hermann Park is where you’ll find the Houston Zoo, the tranquil Japanese Garden, a lake with paddleboats, and the Hermann Park Miniature Train, along with the recently opened McGovern Centennial Gardens. 

Explore the Museum of Fine Arts

With over 65,000 works of art that span six continents, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston is among the ten largest art museums in the country. Be sure to allow ample time to explore inside and outside; the Cullen Sculpture Garden is sweetly serene. And, general admission is free on Thursdays, so plan your trip accordingly if possible. 

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7 Things To Do in Houston, Texas

Whether you’re visiting Houston, Texas from another city or state, or you’re a resident looking for some solid weekend or vacation activities, you’ll never be bored in the Bayou City. Here are just a few of the many options you can choose from if you’re looking for fun things to do in Houston :

  • Space Center Houston. Space Center Houston features over 400 space artifacts as well as theaters and both permanent and traveling exhibits. Take a tram tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center, check out the spacesuit collection, and explore the shuttle replica Independence as well as the original NASA 905 shuttle carrier aircraft it sits on. You can also use a VR simulator to experience a space walk on the International Space Station.
  • The Houston Zoo. The Houston Zoo is the second-most visited zoo in the US, and for good reason. In addition to visiting the exhibits of 900 animal species, you can experience zookeeper-guided encounters with some of them and participate in special events (such as the annual Feast with the Beasts and Walk for the Wild 5k in April). If you need to get off your feet for a bit, there are dining options and even a wildlife carousel.
  • Minute Maid Park. Minute Maid Park is a must-see for any Houston Astros fan, especially as baseball season gets underway. Book a stadium tour, see a concert, or grab tickets for one of their upcoming games. The stadium features a retractable roof, so whatever the weather is doing, you can get the best of it.
  • The Galleria. The Galleria offers Texas-sized shopping, as this mall features over 400 stores as well as restaurants, two hotels, full-service banks, and a post office. If you’re in search of a workout or simply good people-watching, the Galleria also boasts two swimming pools and a full-size ice rink. 
  • Downtown Aquarium. The Downtown Aquarium is definitely not your average city aquarium. It’s home to over 300 species of aquatic creatures from all over the world and offers up-close experiences with ambassador animals. It also has plenty of other amenities, including a restaurant (with windows into an aquarium, of course), carnival-style games, and even rides. 
  • Houston Museum District. The Houston Museum District offers so much more than the standalone museums you may find in other cities. This area contains 19 museums, galleries, and cultural centers, so there’s something for everyone. Many of these are free to visit, and all four “zones” in the district are pedestrian-friendly.
  • Main Street Crossing. Main Street Crossing is one of the best small music venues in the Houston metro area. This unique nonprofit in a historical venue hosts country, Americana, folk, blues, and other types of music artists in an intimate setting: the furthest seat is only 45 feet from the stage. MSC also offers food, beverages, table service, and community seating, making it easier to interact with fellow concertgoers and even performing artists. Parking is convenient and stress-free.

Main Street Crossing additionally functions as a multi-use venue for church services, concerts, and more located in Tomball. Check out our event calendar and enjoy entertainment in support of good causes!

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The 38 Essential Houston Restaurants

A guide to the city’s best eats, from elegant French dishes to big beef ribs, and everything in between

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The saying goes that one can travel the world without leaving Houston. The sheer diversity of the city, which is home to some of the largest immigrant populations in the country, means its culinary scene is a true smorgasbord of cuisines and flavors, and ensuring that you experience it all can be a daunting task.

That’s where the Eater 38 comes in. This map is intended to answer the eternal question of where you should dine in Clutch City, and highlights the vital restaurants that make up its beating heart. But a constantly evolving dining scene also means this list can’t stay the same. Each quarter, Eater Houston updates the 38 to better reflect the changes — and mainstays — in its tapestry. For the winter season, Ninfa’s, Pier 6, and Tris have been swapped out to make way for noteworthy additions like Jun, Le Jardinier, and Street to Kitchen.

Without further ado, go forth and explore Houston’s most compelling tacos, juiciest brisket, and classic Viet-Cajun cuisine.

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Amrina was crowned Eater Houston’s Restaurant of the Year in 2022 , and for good reason. The modern Indian restaurant is helmed by chef Jaspratap “Jassi” Bindra, a Chopped champion who was named one of the “World’s Best Indian Chefs,” by the Hindustan Times . Bindra takes a playful and whimsical approach to the menu with dishes like A5 wagyu grilled on white charcoal and finished with housemade spice butter and masala chai marble cake. Cocktails, presented in unique vessels, are just as imaginative.

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Gatlin's Fins & Feathers

An homage to the fish fries and food-fueled celebrations in Houston’s historic Independence Heights neighborhood, Gatlin’s Fins & Feathers — the second restaurant by pitmaster Greg Gatlin — is a must when it comes to fried chicken and seafood. Create a crispy spread with its selection of combos and sides, like red beans and rice and collard greens, or go for its saucy and spicy Viet-Cajun chicken sandwich, topped with basil cole slaw and pickles. Whatever you do, leave room for a smoky, heartwarming bowl of gumbo.

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Award-winning chef Emmanuel Chavez showcases the beauty and breadth of masa in this reservation-only, multi-course tasting menu restaurant. Though the lineup of dishes constantly changes, diners can find masa-fueled bites like ceviche topped with Tiger Milk made with corn, the fan-favorite quesadilla, and a dessert made with masa cakes and an airy corn mousse, offering a whole new appreciation and perspective of Mexican cuisine. Go for the more casual, first-come, first-serve atmosphere on Sunday brunch, where cheesy quesadillas, masa pancakes, and specials crafted from its weekly tasting menu are highlights. Don’t forget to take home an order of handmade tortillas, made with thoughtfully sourced masa and ingredients, but warning: they sell out fast.

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Proud Houston chef and Top Chef: Houston alumna Evelyn Garcia displays her Mexican and Salvadorian heritage and her passion for Southeast Asian food at this Heights restaurant, which has captivated diners with its sharable dishes that pack fun punches of flavor. Diners (and servers) rave about the housemade pickles, the lamb curry; the oysters topped with mignonette and fermented mango, and carrots, served with salsa matcha, Salvadorian cheese, and a quail egg. The fried chicken here is already a legend. Served crispy and piping hot, it’s bursting with spice and umami flavor thanks to the incorporation of a funky shrimp paste, ginger, thai chili, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

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This Heights restaurant offers a strong selection of sharable small plates leading into showstopping mains. Opt for a cold start, with the chicken liver pâté with melon jam and focaccia, or opt for a warm plate like the cornmeal-battered and fried fish and roasted summer corn served with pickled peach. Then dig into an entree like the roast chicken or the famed French cheeseburger smothered in raclette cheese, which can be selfishly devoured on one’s own.

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The Blind Goat

MasterChef winner and James Beard Award nom Christine Ha has brought her modern Vietnamese restaurant — formerly a food stall within Bravery Chef Hall — to the burgeoning Spring Branch neighborhood. She draws inspiration from her childhood and family favorites with dishes like the whole roasted turmeric fish and Mom’s egg rolls packed with pork and shrimp and the tender curry goat served with a toasted baguette to sop up all the flavor. Ha’s famed dessert, the rubbish apple pie a la mode, is also on the menu.

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Feges BBQ Spring Branch

The menu at Feges BBQ goes beyond barbecue staples like brisket, boudin, and pulled pork. Here, you’ll find fancier sides like Moroccan-spiced carrots, spiced cracklins, and pimento mac and cheese; sumptuous sandwiches and wings; plus, a wide selection of adult beverages, including wine and $10 frozen margaritas. The restaurant is praised for its whole hog, but venture in early — it sells out fast and often.

A tattooed arm holding out a whole hog platter.

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A table topped with a plate of chicken nuggets and French fries, a plate of chocolate chip cookies, and coloring pages for kids, at Feges BBQ.

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Phat Eatery

Helmed by James Beard Award-nominated chef Alex Au-Yeung, Phat’s focus on Malaysian street food staples like roti canai and satay skewers have helped establish this restaurant as a must-try dining destination. Trendy, yet casual and affordable, diners should prepare to order a slew of signature dishes, like its big and juicy curry-sauced crawfish, addictive shrimp dumplings, and house favorites like sizzling black pepper beef and Hainanese chicken with a trio of sauces for dipping.

Phat Eatery’s sizzling beef with black pepper.

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Operated by hospitality veterans Shiva Patel and Rick DiVirgilio of Oporto and the now shuttered Queen Vic, Da Gama harmoniously melds the flavors of Portuguese and Indian cuisines in a chic and modern setting. In addition to traditions like chili paneer, samosas, and pani puri, the menu intrigues with plates like arroz do campo, a Portuguese-style paella, and Mediterranean black mussels in curry. As a bonus, Da Gama has many plant-based plates.

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With juicy whole-hog roasts, smoked boudin, fatty brisket, and Saturday-only beef ribs that quickly sell out, it’s no surprise Truth BBQ has been billed as one of the top barbecue spots in the state. Evolved from a small shack in Brenham, Truth’s fancier second location in the Heights serves competition-level barbecue with a backyard flair. Visitors can delight in complements like corn pudding, tater tot casserole, and delectable cakes crafted by Botello’s mother, Janel, and Truth’s head baker Laquita Wilkins.

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Theodore Rex

The building in the gritty Warehouse District which once housed Justin Yu’s lauded restaurant Oxheart, is now home to Theodore Rex, a casual but sophisticated restaurant where the chef’s capabilities remain on display. Expect to be wowed, first by the look of dishes like soured pork sausage with cucumber, tomato toast, and sweet melted onions in buttermilk, then by their pure flavors. The restaurant has also recently renovated its menu, replacing half of it with vegan and vegetarian dishes where vegetables shine like its pink lady apples that are poached in Valdespino dry sherry and topped with shredded Parmigiano-reggiano, and its smoked and braised greens served in a rich “likker” with beans.

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The Italian Sundae at Il Bracco, which is topped with whipped cream, pistachios, and olive oil.

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Étoile Cuisine et Bar

Under the direction of chef Philippe Verpiand, a visit to this Uptown hideaway is like an escape to a charming bistro in the French countryside. Find traditional interpretations of classic dishes like escargot, foie gras, and coq au vin, alongside a hefty selection of fine French wines.

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Pappas Bros. Steakhouse

The old-world atmosphere at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, which has locations Downtown and the Galleria area, is a major draw for Houstonians looking for a traditional steakhouse experience. The spotlight is on in-house dry-aged beef here, with standouts like its 22-ounce bone-in rib-eye and a 16-ounce New York strip. Complement your meal with classic steakhouse sides like potatoes au gratin, onion rings, and creamed spinach.

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Houston’s Mexican food scene would not be complete without James Beard Award-winning chef Hugo Ortega, who has explored the cuisine time and time again with his restaurants Hugo’s, Caracol, and Urbe. At Xochi, Ortega puts the spotlight on the Oaxaca region, with menu highlights like the mole flight, memelas served with roasted pork rib and tomatillo-avocado sauce, and plenty of cocktails fueled by agave-based spirits.

Tacos de Chicharron crispy pork belly, blue corn tortilla, refritos, pickled red onion, salsa martajada.

Street to Kitchen

After a brief hiatus, James Beard Award-winning chef Benchawan Jabthong Painter and Graham Painter, the duo behind Street Kitchen, return — this time, with their dream location in the Plant in Second Ward. Expect the same “unapologetically” Thai classics, like its Massaman curry and the shrimp Pad Thai — served this time, on an all-day menu, plus specials dreamed up daily by chef G and a host of cocktails and boozy frozen Thai Iced Teas on tap — all in its new electrifying, neon-lit digs.

A bowl of Street to Kitchen’s Massaman curry, which is loaded with pumpkin, chicken, scallions, and cashews.

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Helmed by chef Travis McShane, who honed his chops at Barbuto in New York City, Ostia puts farm-to-table Mediterranean fare at the forefront. The roasted chicken with salsa verde has a cult following, but pastas made with seasonal bounty and pizzas cooked in a custom-built Nobile brick oven should not be overlooked. Take to the greenhouse-style Garden Room or patio, and linger over cocktails like the gin-powered Peninsula.

Ostia’s pizza bianco topped with mushroom.

Many worthy restaurants fall under the Berg Hospitality umbrella, including B&B Butchers and Restaurant, the Annie Cafe & Bar, and Trattoria Sofia, but Turner’s is in a league of its own for its dramatic dining room, live entertainment, and high level of service. This moody, white tablecloth restaurant on Post Oak is perfect for date night or a weekday splurge, thanks to dishes like artichoke soup and buttermilk fried quail, as well as solid raw bar options. Caviar service is on offer for those who are really looking to ball out, while wagyu filet Rossini and roasted branzino with baby bok choy serve as excellent entree choices.

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Nancy's Hustle

Harnessing a variety of flavors, this cozy East Downtown gem, which is recently received a James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Wine Program, draws in Houston crowds with its laid-back vibe and intriguing cuisine. The famous griddled Nancy cakes, served with butter and briny trout roe are a must-try, as is the cheeseburger, which strays from tradition and is served on a brioche English muffin in lieu of a bun.

Nancy Hustle’s Nancy cakes, plated with butter, trout roe, and chives.

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Chef Ryan Lachaine draws inspiration from his Ukrainian heritage and French-Canadian upbringing in Manitoba to produce the many worthy offerings at this lively Montrose restaurant. Happy hour packs on the fun with a classy riff on McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish, while the dinner menu boast fusions that are just as exciting, including truffle and caviar pierogis, kimchi carbonara, and melt-in-your-mouth butter sliders.

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An espresso martini with three beans served with a plate of eggs Benedict at Citizens of Montrose.

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Chef Felipe Riccio’s reservation-only tasting menu restaurant is set on providing an experience that transports diners to different regions of the Mediterranean. A specific area is spotlighted for a few months at a time, and then the restaurant closes to regroup and relaunch with a new focus after a brief hiatus. Previously, March captivated diners with the cuisines of Greece, and most recently highlighted the flavors of Sicily, with 6- and 9-course tastings.

Crusted amberjack served with a sauce and vegetable side dish.

With its breathtaking design and opulent decor and furnishings, Musaafer is a restaurant that you have to see to believe. Made up of various dining rooms, including a room coined the Sheesh Mahal — or palace of mirrors — built with more than 220,000 mirrors, the restaurant truly transports diners to majestic India as they dine. The menu takes a modern approach to Indian cuisine, showcasing dishes in an artful way and reflecting the foods and flavors of the country’s 29 states.

The Sheesh Mahal room with blue banquettes and mirrored walls.

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The Breakfast Klub

Don’t let the line out the door intimidate you — With a stamp of approval from Beyonce and more than 20 years in the culinary game, the Breakfast Klub has more than earned its keep as a Houston institution. This legendary Midtown restaurant serves up staples like its iconic and flavorful chicken and Belgian waffles , delivering the perfect balance of sweet and salty, plus crispy catfish and grits, cheesy breakfast sandwiches, and more, all with a jazzy backdrop.

The Breakfast Klub’s chicken and waffles with strawberries.

Hidden Omakase

Houston’s popular trend of speakeasies and omakase combine at this 14-seat restaurant, which is shrouded in an Uptown strip mall. Led by Uchi veteran Chef Niki Vongthong, chefs will take you on a multi-course adventure with delicate creations with fresh fish being the focus. In the mood for a similar concept but with a different vibe? Visit its sister restaurants — Sushi by Hidden, a 30-minute speakeasy omakase restaurant in Rice Village, or the newly opened Norigami, a neon-lit hand roll restaurant with a secret bar.

Four slices of nigiri sit on a tray at Hidden Omakase.

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Inspired by the owner’s grandmother, this Montrose restaurant takes on a homey feel in a former bungalow that aims to serve comforting dishes with culinary flair to a vinyl soundtrack. A fluctuating menu here keeps things interesting, but expect dishes like super-fresh raw oysters, pull-apart milk bread with smoked trout roe, and Nonno’s pasta — a stellar tagliatelle bolognese that, thankfully, isn’t going anywhere.

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Kata Robata

Chef Manabu “Hori” Horiuchi cooks up a constantly changing menu with fresh fish flown in almost daily from Japan, making way for delicious sushi, including maki rolls and an impeccable omakase experience. But with Kata Robata’s name being a shortened reference to fireside cooking, the restaurant is also sure to incorporate the hot side of things, with grilled meats cooked on the robata, and dishes like lobster and crab ramen, fried green tomatoes with kimchi aioli, and uni chawanmushi, a tender egg custard that packs a briny punch. Though some may argue that the miso lobster mac and cheese doesn’t belong at a Japanese restaurant, it’s a must-try.

Sashimi and maki at Kata Robata.

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Navy Blue’s spaghetti vongole dish, with clams served over spaghetti with a garnish of seaweed.

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Taste of Nigeria

With an extensive menu boasting everything from meat pies and moi moi to pepper soups, this seat-yourself restaurant is the perfect place to stop in to get your fix of Nigerian cuisine without distraction. Entrees like ogbono, ground mango seeds with tilapia or chicken, or the suya platter with jollof rice make this a go-to for Houston’s largest West African immigrant community.

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A spread of dishes from ChopnBlock.

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Mo' Better Brews

With dishes like peach cobbler pancakes, flatbread pizzas, and the fan-favorite chik’n fried shrooms and grits drizzled with hot honey syrup or “Trill’’ remoulade sauce, this vegan breakfast restaurant boasts a vibe that attracts locals and visitors alike, including famous H-Town native Lizzo. Get a cup of coffee and peruse the vinyl collection for the perfect soundtrack to take home.

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An overhead shot of colorful drinks, a burrito, a breakfast plate, and a waffle topped with banana slices.

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Cochinita & co.

This East End cafe and restaurant is a beautiful showing of Mexican cuisine, with tender and spice-loaded cochinita pibil, served on a platter with sides or in taco form, dishes like tamales and roasted chicken with mole negro, and flavorful salad, grain, or rice bowls, served with fiery proteins like roasted beats and grilled pineapple shrimp. Diners can often be seen scurrying in for Cochinita’s breakfast, too, where chilaquiles and loaded breakfast tacos are available only until 11 a.m. Fortunately, the fruity agua frescas and coffee drinks are an all-day affair.

A bowl of chilaquiles topped with a fried egg, avocado, and green onion at Cochinita & Co.

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Le Jardinier

Find beautiful, Michelin star- and exhibit-worthy dishes at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s fine dining restaurant. Chef de cuisine Felipe Botero creates an inventive menu that displays seasonal fruits, vegetables, and herbs and locally sourced meats and seafood that are pleasing to both the eye and palate, including the Culinary Canvas, a bright beet salad made with green apple, avocado, and horseradish, and a show-stopped spiced duck. Looking for something quicker? Try the restaurant’s recently debuted bar bites menu, which features smoked salmon dip with purple potato chips and its decadent lamb burger topped with date jam, plus an extensive cocktail and mocktail menu.

Led by executive chef Chris Williams and chef Khang Hoang, the family-run restaurant pays homage to Williams’ great-grandmother while harnessing flavors of the South. Lucille’s revived recipes have resulted in delectable classics like cheesy chili biscuits, baked macaroni and cheese, braised oxtails, and fish caught straight from the Gulf, that is masterfully fried, roasted, or blackened depending on the dish. The fried chicken and the oxtail tamales — a spin on a Texas favorite — are true highlights.

Lucille’s chili biscuits on a plate.

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Chef Aaron Bludorn and his team follow up the dining mainstay that is Bludorn with this Rice Village restaurant. New York chef Jerrod Zifchak steers the menu, offering creative seafood dishes, including a crawfish risotto, a solid spaghetti vongole, and a variety of fish preparations, including a blackened red snapper served with aji amarillo and a moist filet Ora King Salmon, served with beets, labneh, and a pine nut Gremolata. Find paella, served on Mondays and Tuesdays this fall, which feeds two to three people for $65, and a festive Yacht Rock-themed Sunday brunch with cocktails, lobster rolls, and more.

A branzino filet served over a puree and topped with dill and cucumbers.

From the team behind Doris Metropolitan and Badolina Bakery, Hamsa is a modern Israeli restaurant located in the heart of Rice Village. Watch as fluffy housemade pita emerges often from the kitchen’s brick oven, and pair it with one of two kinds of hummus, squash tahini, baba ganoush, and about a half-dozen other dishes. If you’re having a hard time deciding what to order, the Yala Yala tasting experience boasts generous portions of the menu’s greatest hits and is well worth the loot.

Hummus in a decorative blue bowl with pita bread.

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Mala Sichuan Bistro

With five Houston area locations, including outposts in Katy, Sugar Land, and the newest in the Heights , Mala is a pioneer when it comes to flavorful Sichuan cuisine in Houston. With its co-owner Cori Xiong hailing from Chengdu, a town in the Sichuan province, the restaurant harnesses hometown flavors in its top sellers like spicy dan dan noodles, the saucy mapo tofu, red oil dumplings, and green tea and bacon fried rice.

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A Lao Sze Chuan spread of dumplings, stir fry, fried chicken pieces, and more.

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Blood Bros. BBQ

Founded by three Alief natives, this Bellaire smokehouse combines Asian flavors and Central Texas-style barbecue in a way that is undeniable to the tastebuds. Stay for the brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, togarashi smoked chicken, brisket fried rice, and pork belly burnt ends — and consider ordering in bulk to take some home for later. Advance orders require a minimum of five pounds of meat, and must be placed 48 hours in advance via Blood Bros’s website. The specials, which rotate daily, are also a fun way to spice things up.

Hands hold up a smoked rib on top of a banh mi sandwich at Blood Bros BBQ.

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One of the city’s essential pho destinations, the broth at this Asiatown spot is simmered for at least 12 hours, making it rich, fragrant, and dare we say, healing. Opt for the full experience with a traditional combination bowl of beef soup, which comes with rare steak, flank, tendon, tripe, and meatball, or modify your protein as you see fit with 17 different varieties. Be sure to pair it with a Vietnamese coffee or salty soda lemonade for the full experience.

A bowl of Pho Dien’s brisket pho, complete with onions and jalapenos.

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Bowls of pho with fixing and chopsticks.

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Crawfish & Noodles

Viet-Cajun crawfish is a distinctly Houston dish, and there’s no better place to find it than this James Beard Award-nominated spot in Asiatown. Big, juicy mudbugs are tossed in a spicy, buttery, garlicky sauce that will have even skeptical crawfish newbies coming back for more. Though crawfish is the most obvious order, other dishes, including the basil fried rice, pho, and fried seafood options, including the salt-pepper crab are worthy options. If you can’t make it out to Asiatown, try the restaurant’s new outpost in the Heights.

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Whether Nigeria or Ghana makes the best jollof rice is up for debate, but this beloved Ghanaian restaurant, located off of Bissonnet Street and the Southwest Freeway, makes a strong case. Enjoy classics like goat pepper soup, beef stew, egusi soup, and cassava in a casual, convivial atmosphere.

Fried fish and soup at Afrikiko.

Helen's Kitchen

Helen’s, the self-proclaimed “best Jamaican food in Houston,” serves up dishes like oxtails, curried goat, jerk wings, roti, and, the national dish of Jamaica, ackee and saltfish. They also offer a wide variety of tropical drinks including both sorrel and Jamaican soda.

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a pile of fried conch fritters on a wafffle, topped with shaved radishes and microgreens

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Observatories

Observatories

All the major structures that will form the core stage for NASA’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for the agency’s Artemis III mission are structurally complete. Technicians finished welding the 51-foot liquid oxygen tank structure, left, inside the Vertical Assembly Building at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans Jan. 8. The liquid hydrogen tank, right, completed internal cleaning Nov. 14.

Rocket Propellant Tanks for NASA’s Artemis III Mission Take Shape

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Teams Add Iconic NASA ‘Worm’ Logo to Artemis II Rocket, Spacecraft

ROSES-2024 Amendment 1: A.47 Earth Action: Wildland Fires Final Text and Due Dates.

ROSES-2024 Amendment 1: A.47 Earth Action: Wildland Fires Final Text and Due Dates.

Arctic Ocean

Meet NASA’s Twin Spacecraft Headed to the Ends of the Earth

What’s made in a thunderstorm and faster than lightning gamma rays.

Meet the Creators, Part 4: Two New 2024 Total Eclipse Posters

Meet the Creators, Part 4: Two New 2024 Total Eclipse Posters

Ride the Wave of Radio Astronomy During the Solar Eclipse  

Ride the Wave of Radio Astronomy During the Solar Eclipse  

NASA-Funded Science Projects Tuning In to ‘Eclipse Radio’

NASA-Funded Science Projects Tuning In to ‘Eclipse Radio’

Universe Stories

Universe Stories

Hubble Views an Active Star-Forming Galaxy

Hubble Views an Active Star-Forming Galaxy

Two images - Left, Diana Acosta holding her daughter in front of the cab of NASA's Vertical Motion Simulator. Right, Diana Acosta with her daughter inside the control deck of the Vertical Motion Simulator.

Math, Mentorship, Motherhood: Behind the Scenes with NASA Engineers

A black YF-12C aircraft with a white U.S. Air Force logo on the front section and an orange NASA logo on the tail flies above white clouds and a blue sky.

NASA Center Boosted YF-12 Supersonic Engine Research

Radioisotope Power Systems Resources

Radioisotope Power Systems Resources

Girl in a wheelchair with a laptop display on a mount

Seeing is Communicating

Photo of a Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA).

How NASA Uses Simple Technology to Track Lunar Missions

Enhancing Engagement: Strategies for STEM Professionals to Encourage Youth to Consider STEM Careers

Enhancing Engagement: Strategies for STEM Professionals to Encourage Youth to Consider STEM Careers

Northern Maine Educators Prepare for Totality!

Northern Maine Educators Prepare for Totality!

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NASA Astronomer Sees Power in Community, Works to Build More

NASA astronaut Frank Rubio uses a tool in his right hand as he activates a space biology experiment that is studying how weightlessness affects genetic expression in microbes.

Ciencia destacada del año en el espacio del astronauta Frank Rubio

Frank Rubio, un hombre de pelo y ojos oscuros y con lentes, sonríe y tiene los brazos cruzados. Va vestido con un polo oscuro y pantalones khaki. Detrás suyo se ve la atmósfera de la Tierra a través de las ventanas de observación de la cúpula.

Misión récord de astronauta ayuda a planificar viajes al espacio profundo

monnikin

Pruebas de la NASA con maniquí de Artemis I aportan información para futuras misiones tripuladas

Martians wanted: nasa opens call for simulated yearlong mars mission.

The headshot image of Roxana Bardan

Roxana Bardan

Nasa headquarters, johnson space center.

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NASA is seeking applicants to participate in its next simulated one-year Mars surface mission to help inform the agency’s plans for human exploration of the Red Planet. The second of three planned ground-based missions called CHAPEA (Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog) is scheduled to kick off in spring 2025.

Each CHAPEA mission involves a four-person volunteer crew living and working inside a 1,700-square-foot, 3D-printed habitat based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The habitat, called the Mars Dune Alpha, simulates the challenges of a mission on Mars, including resource limitations, equipment failures, communication delays, and other environmental stressors. Crew tasks include simulated spacewalks, robotic operations, habitat maintenance, exercise, and crop growth.

NASA is looking for healthy, motivated U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are non-smokers, 30-55 years old, and proficient in English for effective communication between crewmates and mission control. Applicants should have a strong desire for unique, rewarding adventures and interest in contributing to NASA’s work to prepare for the first human journey to Mars.

The deadline for applicants is Tuesday, April 2.

https://chapea.nasa.gov/

Crew selection will follow additional standard NASA criteria for astronaut candidate applicants. A master’s degree in a STEM field such as engineering, mathematics, or biological, physical or computer science from an accredited institution with at least two years of professional STEM experience or a minimum of one thousand hours piloting an aircraft is required. Candidates who have completed two years of work toward a doctoral program in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, completed a medical degree, or a test pilot program will also be considered. With four years of professional experience, applicants who have completed military officer training or a bachelor of science degree in a STEM field may be considered.

Compensation for participating in the mission is available. More information will be provided during the candidate screening process.

As NASA works to establish a long-term presence for scientific discovery and exploration on the Moon through the Artemis campaign, CHAPEA missions provide important scientific data to validate systems and develop solutions for future missions to the Red Planet. With the first CHAPEA crew more than halfway through their yearlong mission, NASA is using research gained through the simulated missions to help inform crew health and performance support during Mars expeditions.

Under NASA’s  Artemis  campaign, the agency will establish the foundation for long-term scientific exploration at the Moon, land the first woman, first person of color, and its first international partner astronaut on the lunar surface, and prepare for human expeditions to Mars for the benefit of all.

For more about CHAPEA, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/chapea/

Rachel Kraft Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1100 [email protected]

Anna Schneider/Laura Sorto Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111 [email protected] /[email protected]

Wireless service restored for all AT&T customers affected by nationwide outage

The nationwide AT&T outage that affected tens of thousands of customers Thursday has been resolved.

Wireless service was restored by afternoon, and the company said that after an initial review of the day, it believes the outage “was caused by the application and execution of an incorrect process used as we were expanding our network, not a cyber attack.”

A look at how the day unfolded.

By 4 a.m. ET, more than 32,000 AT&T customers had reported outages. The number dipped before spiking again to more than 50,000 outages around 7 a.m. In the next hour, the number again climbed to 71,000.

Customers of Verizon and T-Mobile also reported outages, but both companies said that they had not suffered an outage directly, but that customers could have had issues trying to connect with those using another carrier.

Prepaid wireless service provider Cricket Wireless, which is owned by AT&T and uses its networks, also experienced outages Thursday morning, with more than 13,500 customers reporting outages around 8 a.m. 

The Federal Communications Commission is actively investigating the incident with The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security lending a hand.

Wireless service to all affected AT&T customers was restored by about 3 p.m., according to a statement from the company.

AT&T: 'We have restored wireless service to all our affected customers'

Brian Cheung

Service is back for all AT&T customers affected by today's outage.

"We have restored wireless service to all our affected customers. We sincerely apologize to them. Keeping our customers connected remains our top priority, and we are taking steps to ensure our customers do not experience this again in the future," the company said in a statement.

By the numbers: Outages by carrier as of 3 p.m.

Marlene Lenthang

Most outages appeared to be resolved by the afternoon, according to Downdetector data.

AT&T:  3,600

Cricket Wireless:  600

Verizon:  850

T-Mobile:  500

UScellular:  100

White House: FBI, DHS assisting with outage investigation

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In today's White House news conference, John Kirby, the assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, told reporters that the FBI and Department of Homeland Security were assisting the Federal Communications Commission with its investigation into what caused today's outage.

Kirby said the FBI and DHS "are working with the tech industry (and) these network providers to see what we can do from a federal perspective to lend (a) hand to their investigative efforts to figure out what happened here."

Kirby added that there were not yet firm answers as to the outage's origins.

"This just happened earlier today," he said. "And so we’re working very hard to see if we can get to the ground truth and exactly what happened."

"I know folks in (the) industry are working hard to get restoration of services to those that are still without those services," Kirby said.

FCC is investigating AT&T outage

The Federal Communications Commission says it is actively investigating the AT&T outage.

"We are aware of the reported wireless outages, and our Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau is actively investigating. We are in touch with AT&T and public safety authorities, including FirstNet, as well as other providers," said the FCC, which oversees communication by radio, wire, satellite and cable across the country.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is also monitoring the situation.

How to use your iPhone in ‘SOS mode’ amid AT&T outage

While AT&T works to figure out what caused the outage for customers in major cities, users are resorting to using “SOS mode,” which enables emergency services and shares your location.

Read the full story here.

NBC’s Brian Cheung reports that emergency services is calling on users not to call 911 to test if phones are connected to the network.

Professor believes 'cloud misconfiguration' is likely cause of outage

AT&T has not said what caused today's nationwide outage.

However, Lee McKnight, an associate professor at Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies, said the most likely cause “is a cloud misconfiguration. Which is a fancy word for saying human error.”

“A possible but far less likely outcome is an intentional malicious hack of ATT’s network, but the diffuse pattern of outages across the country suggests something more fundamental,” he added in a statement.  

By the numbers: Outages by carrier as of 1 p.m.

Outages have declined steadily today.

Here are the latest numbers, according to Downdetector.

AT&T: 16,700

Cricket Wireless:  3,100

Verizon:  1,300

T-Mobile:  800

Boost:  270

UScellular:  130

Agencies give guidance on what to do in case of an emergency

Agencies across the country urged for calm amid AT&T's outage, some acknowledging that customers were briefly unable to contact 911.

Multiple agencies including the San Francisco Fire Department, Texas’ Fort Worth police , Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications , Virginia’s  Prince William County Police Department , and North Carolina’s  Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department  stressed that their 911 call centers were operational.

“If you are an AT&T customer and cannot get through to 911, then please try calling from a landline. If that is not an option then please try to get ahold of a friend or family member who is a customer of a different carrier and ask them to call 911 on your behalf,” the San Francisco F ire D epartment said on X , a messaged echoed by other agencies.

Maryland's Montgomery County Department of Police asked people to refrain from calling 911 to test their cellphones.

"Please only dial 911 for an actual emergency," the department said.

Agency tasked with monitoring cyber threats is monitoring the situation

Kevin Collier

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said it is in touch with AT&T but did not say there is any indication of a cyberattack.

“CISA is aware of the reports and we are working closely with AT&T to understand the cause of the outage and its impacts, and stand ready to offer any assistance needed,” Eric Goldstein, the agency’s executive assistant director for cybersecurity, said in an emailed statement.

75% of AT&T's network has been restored, company says

AT&T is making progress in restoring service to tens of thousands of customers affected by this morning's nationwide outage.

"Some of our customers are experiencing wireless service interruptions this morning. Our network teams took immediate action and so far three-quarters of our network has been restored. We are working as quickly as possible to restore service to remaining customers," the company said in a statement.

Cricket Wireless later issued an identical statement.

Cause of AT&T outage still unclear

AT&T said it is working to resolve the issue and restore service, but did not shed light on what caused the outage.

Some iPhone users are seeing SOS messages on their devices

The Associated Press

Some iPhone users have seen SOS messages displayed in the status bar on their cellphones. The message indicates that the device is having trouble connecting to their cellular provider’s network, but it can make emergency calls through other carrier networks, according to Apple Support.

By the numbers: Current outages by carrier

Here are where outage numbers stand by provider as of 10 a.m., according to Downdetector, which gathers its information from user-submitted reports, data on social media and other key indicators. 

AT&T: 65,800

Cricket Wireless: 10,400

Verizon: 3,200

T-Mobile: 1,700

UScellular: 500

Cricket, owned by AT&T, also dealing with outages

Prepaid wireless service provider Cricket Wireless, which is owned by AT&T and uses its networks, is also experiencing outages this morning. 

More than 13,500 customers reported outages around 8 a.m., according to Downdetector. The number has since dipped to 11,500 as of 9:30 a.m. 

Cricket was responding to customer complaints on X by saying: "Allow us to explain that there is a nationwide network incident impacting multiple services. It is Cricket’s top priority to restore service to full capacity as quickly and safely as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused."

Over 70,000 AT&T customers still experiencing outages

The AT&T customer outages started early with about 32,000 customers reporting outages as of 4 a.m. ET, according to tracking site Downdetector.

That number dipped to about 23,000 at 6 a.m., but spiked again hitting 74,000 around 8 a.m.

As of 10 a.m., the number of outages remains around 72,000. 

AT&T’s 5G network reaches 290 million people across the U.S., according to the company’s website . 

911 centers are getting flooded with calls, Massachusetts State Police say

Pamela Engel

Massachusetts State Police urged those in the state against calling 911 to test if their cell service is working.

"Many 911 centers in the state are getting flooded w/ calls from people trying to see if 911 works from their cell phone," it said in a post on X . "Please do not do this."

Atlanta mayor issues statement on AT&T outages

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said city officials are "aware that AT&T is having cellular outages this week" and are "actively gathering information" about how the city can assist in resolving the outages.

Outages appear to be widespread in Atlanta, according to the tracking site Downdetector.

Dickens noted that Atlanta's e-911 is able to "receive inbound and make outbound calls."

T-Mobile: 'We did not experience an outage'

T-Mobile said Downdetector numbers likely reflect customers attempting to reach users on other networks.

"We did not experience an outage," the company said in a statement. "Our network is operating normally."

Verizon says it is monitoring the situation

Verizon said that the outages are not affecting its network directly, but customers trying to reach another carrier are experiencing issues. 

“We are continuing to monitor the situation,” the company said.

AT&T recommends Wi-Fi calling until service is restored

Rodney Thrash

AT&T said it is "working urgently to restore service" to customers affected by this morning's outage.

Until then, customers should use Wi-Fi calling, the company said in a statement.

Cricket Wireless, which is owned by AT&T, released an identical statement.

Major League Soccer

Houston Dynamo FC unveil 2024 Still Holdin' jersey

24-JerseyWeek_HOU-16x9 (1)

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Houston Dynamo FC have unveiled their new secondary jersey for the 2024 MLS season, the Still Holdin' jersey by adidas.

Houston birthed an iconic musical hip-hop scene in the 1990s that continues to this day and gets a well-deserved homage from the Dynamo. Sporting a bright purple (the city's unofficial secondary color) design, the jersey is a tribute to all Houstonians who are "Still Holdin'" it down for H-Town.

Shop for your jersey at MLSstore.com

Houston's streets breathe with the rhythm of our culture. We’re still here hustlin' and grindin' for more. We’re Still Holdin’ pic.twitter.com/LNnnqIEpPF — Houston Dynamo FC (@HoustonDynamo) February 16, 2024

ADIDAS_MLS_49_HOUSTON_JERSEY_LAYDOWNS_24510

Get 5x points and 15% off merchandise at MLSstore.com when you use the MLS Forward Credit Card, powered by Avant, and issued by WebBank.

MLS is Back on February 21!

  • Watch on MLS Season Pass
  • MLS is Back schedule

"A new era": Portland Timbers rout Colorado Rapids on Phil Neville's debut

"A new era": Portland Timbers rout Colorado Rapids on Phil Neville's debut

"It's a crazy feeling!" Dante Sealy turns into FC Dallas hero

"It's a crazy feeling!" Dante Sealy turns into FC Dallas hero

Hat trick! Christian Benteke gives DC United dream 2024 start

Hat trick! Christian Benteke gives DC United dream 2024 start

Chicago Fire "difference-maker": Brian Gutiérrez scores must-see golazo

Chicago Fire "difference-maker": Brian Gutiérrez scores must-see golazo

Only 16! Charlotte FC's Nimfasha Berchimas makes MLS history

Only 16! Charlotte FC's Nimfasha Berchimas makes MLS history

HIGHLIGHTS: Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids | February 24, 2024

HIGHLIGHTS: Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids | February 24, 2024

Goal: C. Harris vs. POR, 57'

Goal: C. Harris vs. POR, 57'

Own Goal: S. Vines, COL, 45+5'

Own Goal: S. Vines, COL, 45+5'

Goal: Antony vs. COL, 29'

Goal: Antony vs. COL, 29'

Ad Hoc - RUN_OF_SITE

NASA will pay 4 health-conscious 'astronaut-like' people to live inside a Mars simulation for 378 days. See if you qualify.

  • NASA is recruiting four people to live in a Mars habitat simulation in Houston for 378 days.
  • NASA is looking for crew members who best mimic sending real astronauts to Mars.
  • See if you have the experience, character, and health baseline to pretend to be on Mars.

Insider Today

NASA is hiring four people to spend 378 days living inside a simulated Mars habitat in Houston.

The experiment is called the Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog ( CHAPEA ).

We spoke with one of the CHAPEA leads, Suzanne Bell, to figure out just how hard it would be to get selected.

NASA is looking for people who are "as astronaut-like as possible," said Bell, who also leads NASA's Behavioral Health and Performance Lab.

See if you have what it takes.

NASA's Mars simulation needs applicants with STEM or military education

The point of CHAPEA is that it helps NASA study some of the biggest challenges astronauts would face on a mission to Mars: long-term isolation and confinement , as well as a delay in communications with Earth of up to 22 minutes each way.

In almost every way, a cohort of Mars astronauts will be on their own. That's what CHAPEA is trying to replicate.

At the most basic level, to qualify for the program, you must be a healthy US citizen or permanent resident, aged 30 to 55, and proficient in English.

You also need relevant education and experience — like an astronaut.

NASA wants candidates with a master's degree in a STEM field from an accredited institution, plus either two years of experience working in STEM or at least 1,000 hours of jet piloting .

Two other types of experience could put you up for consideration, though:

A medical degree, completion of a test pilot program, or two years of working toward a doctoral STEM degree

Completed military officer training or a STEM bachelor's degree, plus four years of professional experience working in STEM

The CHAPEA crew must accept strict limitations

In the Mars simulation, for 378 days, you can't go for a walk outside. You can't call your mom. You can't order a pizza. You can't even request that NASA pick up your favorite snack from the grocery store.

"The point is that you'll be in a very small space for a long time," Bell said. "With that comes constraints."

You must also tolerate and work well with your three teammates, just like any professional astronaut. NASA doesn't want explosive arguments about who's doing the dishes.

"We wouldn't want to choose somebody who would have problems getting along with somebody in isolation and confinement, because that doesn't give us very good data," Bell said.

Then there's limited contact with the outside world. It's not just that Mars-astronaut simulators can't spend all day surfing the web. There's also a communication delay between them and everyone else on Earth.

Because of distance, sometimes the fastest that a Mars astronaut could get a response from NASA's mission control (or from a family member or friend) is 44 minutes — 22 minutes to send the message to Earth and another 22 minutes to receive the response .

The same will apply to CHAPEA participants.

NASA's application process will assess for 4 'expeditionary skills'

It's not just experience and stress tolerance that makes a Mars astronaut. NASA will also look for something less tangible — well, four somethings.

NASA wants CHAPEA participants to display what it calls "expeditionary skills":

Self-care and team care , which involves monitoring yourself and your teammates for signs of mental and physical fatigue, and knowing when and how to intervene

Cultural competency , since astronauts have to work closely together with very high stakes, not to mention represent the US in international collaborations

Leadership and followership , and knowing when (and how) to lead and when to follow

Teamwork and communication — obviously

"Expeditionary skills are really that important complement to technical experience that we look for and train in our astronaut populations," Bell said.

In the CHAPEA application process, NASA assesses those core traits. Bell wouldn't say how, though.

"I'm not going to disclose too many of our methods, because we're aware that people might want to self-present in a certain way," she said.

The CHAPEA job has health requirements too

CHAPEA crews also need to be healthy with limited medical needs, due to the isolation and resource constraints. There are no doctors on Mars.

Here are the health requirements:

No food allergies or avoidances

No gastrointestinal disorders

Some medications are disqualifiers, such as blood thinners, daily allergy medications, antidepressants, anxiety medications, sleeping aids, or daily insulin.

Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination

Applicants must also pass a criminal background check, psychiatric screening, and a medical evaluation. During the year-long CHAPEA experiment, they must exercise regularly on NASA's schedule.

Apply for the paid CHAPEA gig online

If you think you have what it takes, you can apply for CHAPEA online by April 2.

The gig pays, but Bell and a NASA spokesperson both declined to share details on compensation, saying it will be introduced to candidates later in the application process.

Ultimately the pay shouldn't be your motive, Bell said, since this is participation in a scientific research experiment.

"It could be a personal self-challenge: Can I even do this? Or could I be an astronaut? Or could I go to Mars someday? But then there's also the greater good of being able to contribute meaningfully to science, and science that's really going to pave the way to amazing things in the future," Bell said.

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Watch: What it's like to pretend to live on Mars for 8 months

must visit houston

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