The Southeastern port city of Houston is one of the USA’s hottest cities… both literally and figuratively. This ultra-modern Texan metropolis is consistently ranked as the number one job creator in the nation with over 25 Fortune 500 companies headquartered here. But that doesn’t mean Houston is all work and no play.
In their spare time, residents enjoy some of the country’s finest live music, museums, and restaurants. Visitors won’t have any trouble finding things to do in Houston, Texas nowadays. If you’re thinking of traveling to the “Bayou City” anytime in the future, please take a look at the list below. In this list, we’ll detail the best things to do in Houston, Texas to make your trip to “Space City” truly out of this world.
Top 6 Things to Do in Houston Texas
1. Fly To The Space Center Houston
Since 1963, NASA has been testing spaceships in the NASA Johnson Space Center a few miles south of Houston. Anyone interested in learning about NASA’s long history can visit the 183,000-square foot Space Center Houston right next door.
Some of the most popular attractions at the Space Center Houston include a 90-minute tram tour around the Johnson Space Center, rare astronaut artifacts, and tours of Mission Control. A visit to the Space Center Houston is at the top of our things to do in Houston, Texas list for good reason. NASA enthusiasts can literally spend half a day at this space center and still not exhaust all that it has to offer.
2. Check Out The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
If you only have time to check out one of Houston’s numerous art museums, be sure to make it the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH). Officially opened in 1900, MFAH boasts over 63,000 artworks from around the world. Not only is the MFAH the oldest museum in Texas, it’s also the largest at around 270,000 square feet.
Although you can find just about any artistic period housed here, some of the more famous paintings include Monet’s Water Lilies, Memling’s Portrait of an Old Woman, and Matisse’s Woman in a Purple Coat. There’s also a wonderful sculpture garden to explore on this museum’s premises. In terms of artsy things to do in Houston, Texas, MFAH takes the cake.
3. See A Show At Alley Theatre
Theatre lovers must see a show at the Alley Theatre while in Houston. Located in the city’s Downtown district, the Alley Theatre has two main stages for musicals and plays. The main stage, called the “Hubbard,” seats around 774. Located near the “Hubbard” is the smaller “Neuhaus” theatre that only seats 310 people. Both theatres produce a bunch of award-winning dramas, comedies, and musicals throughout the year.
Real theatre buffs might already know that popular shows like Jekyll & Hyde The Musical and Tennessee Williams’ Not About Nightingales premiered in the Alley Theatre. The imposing “castle-like” architecture makes it very difficult to ignore it as you’re strolling around Downtown Houston. Before you visit H-Town, check on the Alley Theatre’s official website to see what’ll be playing during your trip to Houston.
4. Shop And Eat At The Galleria
Get ready to shop till you drop at Houston’s largest mall. Officially called The Galleria, this mall is an amazing 2.4 million square feet across and has some of the hottest names in designer clothing. Whether you’re into Michael Kors, Gucci, Tiffany, or Forever 21, you’ll find what you want here. If you aren’t into shopping, you could rent on a pair of ice skates and glide around the Galleria’s indoor ice skating rink.
And, of course, what would a shopping mall be without some great restaurants? Just a few of the classiest fine dining experiences here include the dim sum teahouse Yauatcha, the Oceanaire Seafood Room, and the South African inspired Peli Peli. Shopaholics and foodies must put a stop at the Galleria on their things to do in Houston, Texas itinerary.
5. Walk Alongside the Buffalo Bayou
Both tourists and locals love taking a soothing walk along Houston’s historic Buffalo Bayou. The Buffalo Bayou waterway actually begins in the city of Katy, about 30 miles west of central Houston. The entire bayou is around 53 miles.
In recent years, city planners have invested millions of dollars into making the trails by this waterway as green as possible. You can choose to hike, jog, or walk along the Buffalo Bayou at any time of day. If you feel like rowing a boat on the waters, you can either rent a kayak for yourself or go on a boat tour. Be sure to download the free Buffalo Bayou Guide app onto your phone before walking down this cherished area!
6. Chill In the Rothko Chapel
Opened in 1971, the Rothko Chapel is one of the most moving and significant works of modern art. Although called a “chapel,” this center sees itself as a place of reflection for people of all faiths. The famous painter Mark Rothko’s 14 hauntingly beautiful black paintings adorn the walls of this chapel. Unfortunately, Rothko took his own life in 1970 and never saw the completed chapel for himself.
Although art critics have discussed the significance of this center in numerous scholarly works, you don’t need to be an artsy-fartsy genius to feel the power of these somber paintings. Around the chapel you’ll see a celebrated sculpture by Barnett Newman, and you might even get to watch a local Tai Chi group practicing outside. People of all nationalities have been drawn to this masterpiece of modern art since it was opened in the 70s. Now it’s your turn to see why it speaks to so many souls.
Final Thoughts
New York better look out. Thanks to Houston’s economic renaissance, there’s a new sheriff in town. Believe it or not, this Southern city just surpassed NYC in terms of cultural diversity, and it’s only set to increase its international community in the future. Although Houston has a large immigrant population, locals take pride in preserving their most treasured cultural icons for tourists to enjoy. Hopefully, by now you have a good idea of things to do in Houston, Texas.
Any of the destinations listed above will give you a memorable experience of the best H-Town has to offer. If you’re looking for even more things to do in Houston, Texas, well then, why not book a plane ticket and travel there for yourself?