Houston is a great city with plenty of things to do, but it can be tough to know where to start. What is the city like? Why do people continue to flock there as opposed to other popular cities in the US? And what is there to do in Houston?
These are just a few of the questions you might ask yourself when considering Houston as a destination to visit or live. Fortunately, we’ve detailed the top attractions of this city for you, including its attractive economy, housing market, and fun things to do.
This list will give you some ideas for how to spend your time in Bayou City. From nature centers and parks to restaurants and nightlife, Houston has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring!
About Houston Texas
Houston is a city that’s always on the move. Whether you’re looking for world-renowned museums or restaurants, an active nightlife scene, or simply some of the best shopping in the Lone Star State, Houston has something for everyone.
Houston is a great place to do business. With its diverse economy and reasonable average cost of living in TX, it’s no wonder so many companies are choosing to set up shop here. In fact, the city houses 23 Fortune 500 companies. Plus, with its massive port and central location near the Southern Hemisphere region, Houston makes it easy to do business with the world.
Houston also has very affordable housing. While you might notice expensive home sales in TX, you won’t find them in Houston. Instead, you will find affordable housing, whether that’s from We Buy Houses Texas, Buy My House Houston, or even Cash Home Buyers Arlington.
If you’re looking for a large and comfortable home without breaking the bank, look no further than Houston. If you’re looking for neighborhood recommendations, you can’t go wrong with River Oaks, Montrose, or even the Woodlands for more of a suburb vibe.
The median house price is just under $200k and there are plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from. Plus, with so much space outdoors for kids and pets to play, Houston is perfect for family life.
What Makes Houston Texas a Great Place to Live
Houston is a great place to live for many reasons. It’s a place known for its warmth, its hospitality, and of course, its Tex-Mex food. The city’s diverse culture and welcoming atmosphere make it a great choice for those who want to experience something new.
Plus, the ample job opportunities and affordable cost of living provide stability for those looking for a place to put down roots.
15 Things to Do in Houston
Sure, Houston’s nickname is “Space City” and it’s home to the NASA Space Center. But there’s more to this city than just rockets and astronauts, although those definitely make the list.
From world-renowned restaurants to gorgeous parks, Houston has something for everyone. So if you’re planning a visit (or even if you’re a lifelong Texan), here are 15 of the most iconic Houston attractions you shouldn’t miss.
Museum of Fine Arts
No matter what your age, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston is a must-see attraction. With more than 65,000 works of art of different mediums and eras, there’s something for everyone at this world-renowned museum.
From ancient Egyptian artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary pieces, the MFAH has something to fascinate everyone. Plus, with free admission for children and members, it’s a great value too.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is the perfect place to fuel your passion for science and space exploration. As the official visitor center of the NASA Johnson Space Center, the museum offers an out-of-this-world learning experience for guests of all ages.
The interactive exhibits and displays will take you on a journey from the depths of our planet’s oceans to the farthest reaches of outer space. Plus, the Space Center’s Smithsonian Affiliate Museum status means you can explore some of the world’s most important artifacts from space travel history.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
Miller Outdoor Theatre brings the performing arts to life under the stars or a cloudless afternoon sky. This Houston, Texas landmark, located near the Cockrell Butterfly Center and Burke Baker Planetarium, provides free outdoor performances including dance, music, and plays.
With approximately 7.5 acres of land in Hermann Park, the Miller Outdoor Theatre is the perfect place to spend an evening enjoying culture with friends and family.
Kemah Boardwalk
Located just a short drive from Downtown Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk is a must-visit getaway for anyone looking for a fun day out. With waterfront restaurants, amusement rides and games, and retail stores, there’s something for everyone at the Boardwalk. Plus, with festivals and seaside shows every day, there’s always something new to experience.
The Galleria
Looking for the perfect place to shop until you drop? Look no further than The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center with over 400 fine stores and restaurants, two high-rise Westin hotels, and three office towers. Plus, with a plethora of amenities like a full-size ice rink and children’s play area, you’ll never run out of things to do.
Houston Zoo
With roughly 2.1 million visitors each year, the Houston Zoo is the second most visited zoo in the US and with good reason. The zoo features flamingos, lions, elephants, penguins, snakes, and nearly every animal in between. They have knowledgeable staff always on hand to answer questions and help you learn more about the amazing creatures that call the zoo home.
Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium is a one-of-a-kind attraction that’s perfect for some family-friendly fun. The 500,000-gallon institution houses various exhibits you can’t find elsewhere, including the Texas Bayou, Shipwreck, and White Tigers of the Maharaja’s Temple, which let you experience all kinds of different environments and animals.
If you’re feeling hungry, the aquarium’s restaurant offers some delicious seafood options with aquatic life as the perfect backdrop.
Toyota Center
The Toyota Center is the perfect place to catch a game or see your favorite artist. Whether you’re looking to see the Houston Rockets take on their opponents or want to check out some of the biggest names in music, the Toyota Center is sure to impress. With world-class amenities and an impressive lineup of events, there’s no reason not to visit
Twilight Epiphany Skyspace
Wander just south of the Museum District in Houston and step into the ethereal world of Twilight Epiphany. This unique acoustic space has been engineered to host musical performances and let the students of Rice University and general Houstonians appreciate the beautiful work of public art.
The LED light sequence that projects onto the ceiling and through an aperture in the knife-edge roof is simply beautiful, adding to the magic of this experience. Whether you’re here to see a concert or just take in the beauty of this structure, Twilight Epiphany is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Discovery Green
If you’re looking for an urban oasis in the heart of Houston, look no further than Discovery Green. This public park is a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of metropolitan life.
You’ll find all sorts of events going on here, from ice skating and biking to movies and live music, so there’s always something new to explore. And if you need some time to yourself, that’s okay too. You can simply enjoy a peaceful stroll through the well-manicured grounds. However you choose to enjoy it, Discovery Green is always among the top things to do in Houston.
Hermann Park
Hermann Park Conservancy is a historic site in Houston and among one of the most popular. The spacious area is kept in pristine condition year-round and houses various activities to explore, including 80-acres of wildlife, the Celebration Garden (a part of the McGovern Centennial Gardens), a family garden, and tons of artwork. Plus, the park is soon to welcome a brand new dog park once they get enough donations.
Thanks to its central location in Houston, you can always escape for a quick bite to eat from one of the many neighboring restaurants, then hop back into exploring.
Minute Maid Park
Minute Maid Park is the crown jewel of the Houston Astros’ home-field advantage. This ballpark is equipped with a retractable roof, ensuring that every game is played in perfect comfort.
Plus, there are plenty of concession options to choose from and a fun train station theme that will take you back in time. Just make sure you check the Astros’ schedule before heading over for times and match-up preferences.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Just below the Art Car Museum and north of Hyde Park in uptown Houston, you’ll find the spacious and beautiful Buffalo Bayou Park. This beautiful waterway offers plenty of walking, running, and cycling paths, as well as historic areas to explore.
If you make your way down to the far end of the park, you’ll also find some other hotspots, like Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens and the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.
Montrose
If you’re looking for an offbeat and eclectic neighborhood with a thriving arts scene, look no further than Montrose. This unique Houston enclave is home to some of the city’s most popular gay bars, as well as an abundance of vintage stores, brewing companies, and ethnic eateries.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quaint cafe or a Mexican cantina, Montrose has something to satisfy your taste buds. Don’t forget to check out the octagonal Rothko Chapel: its huge abstract murals are not to be missed.
Children’s Museum
Like a mini, interactive, family-friendly version of the Houston Museum of Natural Science in midtown Houston, the Children’s Museum makes for one of the best day trips in the city for parents with little ones. The Houston Children’s Museum is the perfect place for kids to explore new worlds and learn about science, the environment, culture, math, and the arts.
With exhibits that change regularly, the museum always showcases something new and intriguing for many trips back. Plus, you can go on special days where the museum hosts fun events too to make your trip extra special.
Final Thoughts About Houston Texas
Houston, Texas is a great place to live. The city offers affordable housing, a low cost of living, a growing economy, and an ideal location for fun, travel, and family. Plus, there are plenty of things to do in this city, and it’s constantly growing.
From the arts district to the museums, the theater district to the nightlife, there’s something for everyone here. If you’re looking for a place that has it all, Houston is absolutely worth considering.