35 Best Places and Things To Do in Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its diverse culture, booming economy, and rich history. With a wide array of attractions, delicious cuisine, and exciting activities, Houston offers something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do in Houston:

1. Museum District

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Houston’s Museum District is a treasure trove for art and history lovers. It houses a collection of world-class institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the Children’s Museum of Houston.

2. Buffalo Bayou Park

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This 160-acre park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy walking and biking trails, paddleboarding or kayaking on the bayou, or simply relax and have a picnic amidst stunning green spaces.

3. Houston Zoo

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Located within Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from around the world. Explore various exhibits, including the African Forest, the Elephant Habitat, and the Reptile and Amphibian House.

4. Houston Museum of Natural Science

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Immerse yourself in the wonders of science and nature at this fascinating museum. Explore exhibits on dinosaurs, gemstones, Egyptian artifacts, and even experience a butterfly habitat.

5. Hermann Park

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A visit to Houston wouldn’t be complete without spending time in Hermann Park. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the park’s beautiful gardens, rent a pedal boat on McGovern Lake, or take a ride on the Hermann Park Railroad.

6. Buffalo Soldier National Museum

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Learn about the rich history and contributions of African American soldiers at this museum. Explore exhibits that delve into the struggles and triumphs of the Buffalo Soldiers throughout American history.

7. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

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The focal point of the park is the magnificent Waterwall, which consists of cascading sheets of water flowing down the curved structure. It creates a dramatic visual spectacle and a tranquil ambiance. The water flows down the wall in a continuous cycle, creating a soothing sound and providing relief from the Houston heat.

8. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

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The gardens at Bayou Bend are a true delight for nature enthusiasts and landscape admirers. Spanning 14 acres, the gardens feature a variety of landscapes, including woodlands, formal gardens, and manicured lawns. Visitors can stroll along winding paths, cross charming bridges, and marvel at the abundance of flowers, shrubs, and trees that create a picturesque setting.

9. 1940 Air Terminal Museum

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The museum’s exhibits showcase the rich history of aviation in Houston and the surrounding areas. Visitors can explore displays featuring aircraft models, vintage uniforms, photographs, and memorabilia that tell the story of the region’s aviation industry.

10. Lone Star Flight Museum

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The museum features interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages. From flight simulators that allow you to experience the thrill of flying to hands-on displays that demonstrate the principles of aerodynamics, visitors can actively participate in the world of aviation.

11. Smither Park

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Smither Park showcases an array of captivating art installations created by local artists, craftsmen, and community members. The park’s focal point is the Memory Wall, a mosaic masterpiece made of recycled and found materials. Each section of the wall tells a story, creating a mosaic tapestry that represents the diverse experiences and memories of the community.

12. Sam Houston Park

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Sam Houston Park encompasses lush green spaces, well-manicured lawns, and mature trees, creating a tranquil environment in the midst of the city. It offers a peaceful setting for relaxation, picnicking, or enjoying a leisurely stroll while admiring the park’s natural beauty.

13. Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden

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The Cullen Sculpture Garden seamlessly integrates with the surrounding architectural elements of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The sculptures are strategically placed to interact with the surrounding buildings, courtyards, and water features, creating an intriguing interplay between art, architecture, and nature.

14. Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

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The cistern has a rich history, having served as Houston’s main source of drinking water for decades. It was decommissioned in 2007 and rediscovered as a hidden space with immense potential for artistic and cultural endeavors.

15. JPMorgan Chase Tower

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The JPMorgan Chase Tower’s soaring height makes it a prominent feature of the Houston skyline. Its sleek and modern design, coupled with its impressive stature, gives the building a commanding presence that is hard to miss.

16. The Health Museum

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The museum encourages interactive learning through hands-on exhibits and activities. Visitors can participate in interactive simulations, conduct science experiments, and engage with multimedia displays, fostering a deeper understanding of health-related topics.

17. Lucky Land Houston

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The Chinese amusement park features a Panda Village, Kung Fu statues, a garden of happy Buddhas, as well as models of the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army. HOUSTON — It’s easy to tell that Lucky Land, a Chinese amusement park in North Houston, is Nida Lee’s passion.

18. Williams Tower

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The Williams Tower is situated in the heart of the Galleria area, one of Houston’s premier business and shopping districts. Its prime location offers convenient access to upscale retail centers, hotels, restaurants, and other attractions in the area.

19. Hermann Park’s Japanese Garden

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The Japanese Garden at Hermann Park features traditional elements of Japanese landscaping, including carefully manicured plants, serene water features, stone lanterns, and meandering paths. The garden’s design is inspired by the principles of balance, harmony, and simplicity.

20. Houston Police Department Museum

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The Houston Police Department museum is located in the lobby of HPD headquarters at 1200 Travis, and features unique displays and a memorial wall honoring the ultimate sacrifice made by those officers that gave their lives in the line of duty.

21. Terry Hershey Park

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The park features an extensive network of paved trails, making it a popular destination for hikers, joggers, and cyclists. The trails are well-maintained and provide varying levels of difficulty, catering to different fitness levels and preferences.

22. Levy Park

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The park offers a modern and expansive playground designed to engage children of all ages. The playground features climbing structures, swings, slides, and interactive water features, providing endless fun and entertainment for young visitors.

23. Reliant Park

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located in Houston, Texas. It is one of the largest and most versatile event venues in the city, hosting a wide range of events, including trade shows, concerts, sporting events, and more. Here’s more about Reliant Park:

24. Sam Houston Race Park

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The main attraction of Sam Houston Race Park is, of course, the horse racing. The park features a one-mile dirt track and a turf course, where you can witness live thoroughbred and quarter horse racing. Exciting races take place throughout the racing season, offering a thrilling experience for both avid horse racing enthusiasts and casual spectators.

25. Allen Parkway Loop

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The Allen Parkway Loop follows the picturesque Buffalo Bayou, offering stunning views of the water, surrounding greenery, and Houston’s skyline. The trail provides a tranquil escape from the city, allowing visitors to enjoy nature while staying close to downtown.

26. Bear Creek Pioneers Park

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The park offers numerous picnic areas and pavilions equipped with tables, benches, and barbecue pits. These areas are ideal for enjoying a family picnic, hosting gatherings, or simply relaxing in the shade while surrounded by nature.

27. Eleanor Tinsley Park

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Eleanor Tinsley Park is connected to the wider Buffalo Bayou Park trail system, which provides miles of scenic paths for walking, jogging, and biking. The trails wind along the bayou, offering picturesque views of the water, native vegetation, and Houston’s skyline.

28. St. Martin’s Episcopal Church

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The church building itself is a sight to behold. The architecture blends traditional and modern elements, with a stunning sanctuary featuring high ceilings, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork. The design creates a serene and contemplative atmosphere for worship and reflection.

29. Eclectic Menagerie Park – Sculpture Park

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We create multi-media content, special events, and creative advertising programs for some of the world’s most interesting brands. These integrated campaigns lead to direct results and memorable programming for our brand partners.

30. Houston Fire Museum

The museum offers interactive displays that engage visitors of all ages. You can try on firefighter gear, sit behind the wheel of a fire engine, and participate in hands-on activities that simulate firefighting tasks. These interactive elements provide a fun and immersive experience for visitors.

31. Teo-Chew Temple

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The Teo-Chew Temple serves as a place of worship for followers of the Teochew branch of Chinese folk religion. It provides a serene and contemplative environment for devotees to pay their respects, offer prayers, and seek spiritual guidance.

32. Sesquicentennial Park

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The park features well-maintained walking and jogging trails that wind along the bayou. These trails offer a scenic route for outdoor exercise, allowing visitors to enjoy nature while being in the midst of the urban landscape.

33. Arthur Storey Park

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A park that blends aesthetics with functionality is the Arthur Storey Park in Houston, Texas. Nestled next to Vietnamese town and Chinatown, this 2.2-mile loop park showcases the importance of storing the floodwaters with stormwater detention along with catering to the park environment

34. Memorial Park

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Memorial Park spans over 1,400 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Situated in the heart of Houston, it provides a peaceful oasis amidst the bustling city, offering residents and visitors a place to escape and reconnect with nature.

35. Cullen Park

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Cullen Park spans over 9,000 acres, making it one of the largest parks in the Houston area. The park’s vast size allows for ample green spaces, providing a peaceful and expansive setting for outdoor activities.

Houston offers an abundance of attractions and activities to suit various interests. Whether you’re fascinated by art, history, nature, sports, or unique cultural experiences, this lively city is sure to captivate and entertain you.