Known for its beef, oil and gas industry, ‘H Town’ buzzes with creative energy too. Ballet and theater happily coexist with rodeos and gridiron.
Named after General Sam Houston, the first President of the Republic of Texas, the city was founded on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou in 1837. Thanks to successful port and railroad industries and the discovery of oil in 1901, it‘s enjoyed decades of prosperity. Today, only New York has more Fortune 500 companies.
Many of the city’s best attractions lie within easy reach of Downtown. Head to the Museum District where the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and the Menil Collection both have works by Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. Stroll the tranquil grounds of Hermann Park, which has the Houston Zoo and the Downtown Aquarium.
A civic passion for sport and a temperate climate year-round makes Houston a good destination to explore the outdoors. Head to Discovery Green for playgrounds and bike trails. Eight miles (13 kilometers) west of Downtown, Memorial Park has more expansive running and biking trails and a golf course. While there, drop by the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center and stroll through nature walks or enjoy some quiet time in one of the special gardens. Stimulate your sight, sound and smell in the Carol Tatkon Sensory Garden or get some hands-on education about Houston's flora and fauna in the Discovery Room.
Science enthusiasts should take the 40-minute drive to NASA’s Space Center Houston. The Center has decommissioned space craft and artifacts, and a tour that goes through the old Mission Control areas.
For family-oriented fun, drive 50 miles (80 kilometers) to The Moody Gardens theme park on Galveston Island. The Kemah Boardwalk is a little closer, but still by the sea. Stroll the promenade, dine, shop or take a ride on the Ferris Wheel, Carousel or Wipeout. If it’s hot, cool off at popular Splashtown, which is an easy drive north of Downtown.
Relive the battle for Texan Independence 20 miles (32 kilometers) east of Downtown at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site. Here you’ll find the world’s tallest monument tower and the Battleship Texas.
Houston may be big, but friendly locals give it a small-town vibe.
Houston Travel Guide Video
Top Hotels in Houston
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Club Quarters Hotel in Houston
4 out of 5
720 Fannin Street, Houston, TX
CA $88
per night
Dec 19 - Dec 20
Located in Downtown Houston, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Christ Church Cathedral, Discovery Green and House of Blues Houston. George R. Brown Convention ...…Located in Downtown Houston, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Christ Church Cathedral, Discovery Green and House of Blues Houston. George R. Brown Convention ...WWW…
4.1/5Very Good! (6,803 reviews)
"Everything was great. Be nice if there was something to tell you that there was ice available in the basement, along with a couple of vending machines."…""Everything was great. Be nice if there was something to tell you that there was ice available in the basement, along with a couple of vending machines."WWW…"
Located in The Galleria, this hotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Westheimer Rd and within 3 miles (5 km) of Memorial Park and Greenway Plaza. Lakewood Church is 2.4 ...…Located in The Galleria, this hotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Westheimer Rd and within 3 miles (5 km) of Memorial Park and Greenway Plaza. Lakewood Church is 2.4 ...WWW…
4.4/5Wonderful! (2,447 reviews)
"Great atmosphere and very convenient. Friendly staff"…""Great atmosphere and very convenient. Friendly staff"WWW…"
Located in The Galleria, this romantic hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Westheimer Rd and within 3 miles (5 km) of Memorial Park and Greenway Plaza. Lakewood Church ...…Located in The Galleria, this romantic hotel is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Westheimer Rd and within 3 miles (5 km) of Memorial Park and Greenway Plaza. Lakewood Church ...WWW…
3.9/5Very Good! (4,112 reviews)
"Nice area of town, located near the Galleria mall and the staff was great!"…""Nice area of town, located near the Galleria mall and the staff was great!"WWW…"
Enjoy huge savings on admission to Houston's must-see attractions with CityPASS tickets. Take your time and enjoy each attraction with up to 9 consecutive days to use your tickets. Includes admission to 5 attractions: Space Center Houston– General Ad
Uncover the thrilling history of the space program in Houston with an immersive visit to NASA's Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. Enjoy a hop-on hop-off excursion between famous sights and landmarks, and then head to the Space Center Houston to check out real rockets and learn about the Apollo missions.
Ready to head underground and explore a totally new side of Houston. This tour trades traditional sights for something a lot more unique – the underground system of tunnels below the city! Join an expert local guide as you discover Houston’s hidden underground tunnel system, learning about the city’s history, architecture and art along the way.
Explore downtown Houston on this haunted history tour! Experience spooky stories as you visit some of the most haunted spots in the city—and steady your nerves with a few drinks along the way. Meet your fellow ghost-hunters in downtown Houston and head off to explore the area's eeriest locations.
Experience all the plummeting, free falling, and soaring sensations of skydiving without ever getting on a plane. This indoor skydiving experience puts you in a vertical wind tunnel, where you can float weightlessly in space for an unforgettable adrenaline rush in totally safe surroundings.
This adventure will take you through the heart of Chicago and let you see how it has changed over time, while also having fun. This hunt has been evolving over time to be as entertaining as possible, while showing you as much as possible.
Traffic is bad. Noisy I10. Too many cars no public transport. Shopping isn’t that great unless you go outlets
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Nov 27, 2019
The weather was nice, but transportation is not that pleasant, even use the navigation system
4/5 - Good
Basil
Nov 27, 2019
None
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Nov 11, 2019
We used both the rail and bus system in downtown and uptown. We felt safe and it was very clean.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Oct 18, 2019
Definitely need to have a GPS if u aren’t familiar with the area.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Sep 22, 2019
Houston has some really hopping area, you just have to find them. And the dining experience can be very good, lots of great choices including BBQ. Be sure to try Old Bucs.
