Located in the southern United States, Houston is a diverse city. We have summarized many things to do in Houston. Hope you can use this article to plan the perfect vacation arrangement!
When to Visit?
The best time to visit Houston is February to April or September to November. Although this city has a warm climate almost all year round, spring and fall temperatures are pleasant. And there are many things to do in Houston, Texas.
February to April
This is a great time for visitors to visit things to do in Houston, TX, such as the zoo and Buffalo Bayou. Livestock Show and Rodeo also attract thousands of visitors each year.
September to November
As a tourist season, hotels can be relatively challenging to book during this time, and you will need to book your hotel several weeks in advance. Houston can bring you festivals such as The Original Greek Festival and Dia de los Muertos Festival, which attract many visitors each year. However, it should be noted that hurricanes will be more frequent in the autumn, and it is necessary to take precautions.
If you need to travel to Houston in summer or winter, prepare heat relief equipment or warm measures in advance.
Things to Do in Houston: Science and Technology
Check out interactive Space exploration at the Space Center Houston
- Location: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058
- Business hours：10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Located at the heart of NASA’s Space program, Space Center Houston is one of the must-see things to do in Houston, Texas for space enthusiasts. More than 400 space-related artefacts and interactive exhibits give you an insight into space culture.
Must go:
*NASA Tram Tour: You can take a cable car tour of the actual work area at Johnson Space Center and get an up-close look at mission control and the astronaut training facility. The actual spacecraft will also be here waiting for your visit.
*Mars Mission Simulator: You can play as a Mars explorer here. The mysteries of Mars await your exploration.
*Astronaut Experience: A training simulator will allow you to experience all aspects of the astronaut mission. The astronaut training routine will be unforgettable.
Learn about nature at the Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Location: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
- Business hours：9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m
Visiting the Houston Museum of Natural Science will be a must thing to do in Houston, TX, for nature fans. This vast museum covers such fascinating topics as dinosaurs, astronomy, gems and minerals, and butterflies. More than 1.5 million collections here will put you in the world of science. The well-curated exhibition will make your visit worthwhile.
Must go:
*Cockrell Butterfly Center: Up close, you can see tens of thousands of live butterfly specimens. The incredible scene of butterflies flying around you will make you unforgettable.
*Burke Baker Planetarium: The venue uses this latest digital technology to show programs on multiple domes. You can immerse yourself in the charm of the universe here.
*Wortham Giant Screen Theatre: Here, you will show a variety of popular science and nature themes of the giant screen movies; you will feel a shocking visual experience.
Things to Do in Houston: History and Culture
Learn about World War II history at the Holocaust Museum Houston
- Location: 5401 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004
- Business hours：10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
The Holocaust Museum Houston is the fourth largest Holocaust museum in the United States. If you are very interested in history, this is one of the best things to do in Houston this weekend. The four permanent and two variable galleries will allow you to explore various cultural relics. Film footage from the Second World War and diaries will make you feel like you were there. The exhibits here are thought-provoking.
Must go:
*German railway carriages from World War II: The museum has installed a real German railway carriage from World War II. The carriages were used to transport Jews and other victims to concentration and extermination camps. It’s one of the iconic symbols of the Holocaust.
*Danish Rescue Ship: A symbol of the rescue operation during the Holocaust, the ship rescued more than 7,000 Danish Jews. Such a feat shows humanity’s brilliance and courage.
Visiting San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site
- Location: 3523 Independence Pkwy, La Porte, TX 77571
- Business hours：9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
If you’re a history buff, Visiting San Jacinto Battleground State will be one of the must-see things to do in Houston today. This historic site was an important battleground in the Texas Revolutionary War of 1836 and the battle for Texas’ independence. Here, Houston went to war with Mexico. Houston’s troops chanted, “Remember the Alamo” and “Remember Goliad!” This kind of history will give you a great history lesson. The wealth of information here will make you marvel at this incredible monument.
Must go:
*San Jacinto Monument: The tallest stone monument in the world. You can take the elevator to the observation deck at the top to overlook the battlefield and the surrounding scenery.
*San Jacinto Museum: The museum is located at the base of the monument, and all the artefacts, pictures and movies will show you the history of the Texas Revolutionary War.
*Battlefield ruins: The historical appearance of the battle is preserved here. You can explore the battlefield on foot or guided tours.
George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum
- Location: 1000 George Bush Dr W, College Station, TX 77845
- Business hours：9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
If you want to take a day trip, the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum will be the best thing to do in Houston. It is located on the campus of Texas A&M University and Chronicles the former president’s life. This president went from World War II pilot to Congress to president, and every step was filled with legends. In addition, many replicas here can show you what life was like in the White House. More than 100,000 artefacts here offer a vivid glimpse into the former president’s life.
Must go:
*Oval Office Replica: A replica of the Oval Office is permanently displayed at the museum. Visitors can experience the presidential office environment by sitting behind the presidential desk.
Learn about Texas history at Sam Houston Park
- Location: 1000 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002
- Business hours：7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m
Sam Houston Park is a unique park in downtown Houston. Experience the history and culture of Houston. Here is one of the free things to do in Houston. This is the oldest park in the city, and there are nine historic buildings in the park, which show the scenery of the Victorian era. Rustic Bridges, fountains, and walkways contrast with the surrounding modern architecture, allowing you to feel the collision of times.
Must go:
*Old Place: Built-in 1823, this house is one of Houston’s oldest surviving historic buildings. Originally a simple wooden house, it has been rebuilt and expanded several times to show the development of Houston in its early days.
*San Felipe Cottage: This house was built in 1905. The table Neoclassical style mansion shows the lifestyle and aesthetic taste of the upper class of Houston in the early 20th century.
*Christmas Candlelight Tour: Each Christmas season, the park’s eight historic buildings are lit with candles and decorations. Enjoy the lively Christmas atmosphere here while visiting some of Houston’s most historic homes.
Things to Do in Houston: Art and Museums
View global art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Location: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005
- Business hours: Mon&Tues Closed | Wed: 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. | Thurs & Fri: 11 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. | Sun: 12.:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m
If you have a keen interest in art, this museum will be one of your must-see best things to do in Houston. As the most significant cultural institution in the southwestern United States, the museum houses nearly 70,000 pieces of art and culture worldwide. The variety of these artworks is rich, from decorative art and photography to drawing and painting, all kinds of art will be presented here.
Must go:
*Gauguin in the World: MFAH, the only American venue in the exhibition, showcases the work of French post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin.
*Picturing Nature: The Stuart Collection of 18th- and 19th-Century British Landscapes and Beyond: The exhibition will show you works on paper from the Middle Ages to the 21st century
*You can enter these exhibitions for free with a museum ticket.
Have fun at the Children's Museum Houston
- Location: 1500 Binz St, Houston, TX 77004
- Business hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
If you have kids, then Children’s Museum Houston is one of the best things to do in Houston with kids. This is an interactive exhibition, and the museum uses a variety of interactive forms to educate children about science and technology, history and culture, health and human development, and the field of art.
Must go:
*Lunar New Year Activities: On January 25, 2025, the museum will celebrate the Lunar New Year by showcasing Asian culture. Excellent performances and activities will take you into the lively New Year atmosphere.
*28th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration: The museum will honor civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 18 with Unity, Justice, and peace. You can watch incredible performances, and the children will make their own “Unity Pigeon of Peace” together.
Admire collections from around the world at The Menil Collection
- Location: 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006
- Business hours: 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Monday and Tuesday Closed)
The Menil Collection is one of the best free things to do in Houston, TX, for art lovers. It houses the works of art collected by John and Dominic de Menier. The nearly 19,000 works of art cover all regions and periods, with African, Pacific Island, American, Byzantine, and medieval art making up the vast majority. The peaceful atmosphere and park-like environment will extensively purify your mind.
Must go:
*When The Art Speaks 2: On the evening of Feb. 1, former Houston Poet Laureate Outspoken Bean will speak. He uses exhibits in the museum to illustrate John and Dominic Demenier’s support for the Houston Panthers. Thought-provoking storytelling brings the intersection of art, music, poetry, activism, and social justice to life.
Take a tour of Houston murals
- Location: 1308 North Loop, Houston, TX 77009
- Business hours: Open 24 hours
There are lots of murals on the walls all over Houston. The murals here vary in style and are painted by local and international artists. This is one of the most popular things to do in Houston, Texas. While touring downtown Houston, you’ll be able to admire the city’s vast array of murals. These murals add a lot of vitality to the town.
Must go:
*Houston is Inspired: This is a brightly colored mural found at the corner of Preston and Travis streets.
Things to Do in Houston: Nature and Leisure
Shopping at The Galleria
- Location: 5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056
- Business hours: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The Galleria is where you must go if you’re a fashion trendsetter. More than 26 million visitors come each year to enjoy a vibrant and sophisticated shopping environment. The Galleria is the largest shopping center in Texas and the fourth largest in the United States. Four hundred boutique shops and restaurants offer visitors exquisite goods and cuisines worldwide.
Must go:
*Fashion brands: The Gucci, Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Urban Outfitters, Journeys and so on will cater to the needs of different shoppers. You won’t miss any fashion trends here.
*Diversified dining: More than 50 options range from The upscale Oceanaire Seafood Room to the casual Rainforest Cafe. You can taste food from all over the world here.
Let the passion out at NRG Stadium
- Location: NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054
Are you a sports fan? NRG Stadium will be one of the best things to do in Houston, Texas. NRG Stadium is the only rodeo and NFL indoor/outdoor retractable roof stadium with 125,000 square feet of space. The ideal venue for exhibitions, concerts, and professional or amateur sporting events, you will have the ultimate viewing experience here.
Must go:
*International Gem & Jewelry Show: From January 17 to January 19, a jewelry show will be held here. You can get various jewelry directly from manufacturers, wholesalers, and designers at the lowest prices. Whether you are looking for delicate and rare jewelry or fashion items for everyday wear, there is something for you.
*The Houston AutoBoative Show: From January 29 to February 2, cutting-edge vehicles, luxury yachts, and thrilling test drives will be displayed.
Attend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
- Location: NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054
If you like the buzz, these are special things to do in Houston you must not miss. No trip to Texas is complete without seeing a rodeo. Every year, from February to early March, there is a rodeo, which includes bull riding, wrestling, roping, and riding. At the same time, the livestock fair hosts many activities, such as livestock auctions, calf races, and horse shows. These events are inspiring and attract many people to watch them yearly. The lively atmosphere here will make your visit to Houston even more memorable.
How to Get Around?
Houston’s excellent transportation system makes it easy for visitors to get around the city. METRO and METRORail provide transportation to almost every corner of Houston, and you can get to thing to do in Houston, TX, such as downtown, NRG Park, and PNC Stadium for just a few dollars.
If you don’t want to wait, a taxi in Houston is a good choice. All taxi fares in downtown Houston are $6 (bounded by Interstate 45, Interstate 10 and U.S. Route 59). This means you can get to all the places in the Central Business District for only $6. You can easily travel by car to the city centre for meals, business meetings and events.
Where to Stay?
Looking for accommodation in Houston? Finding a perfect place to stay after learning about many popular destinations and things to do in Houston is essential. That’s where uhomes.com comes in.
As a reliable platform with a professional team, we have the best housing in Houston for you to choose from. Whether you want to find a studio to stay in temporarily or a spacious loft to live in with your family, you will get the best on uhomes.com. Every room we listed is well-furnished and equipped with modern amenities to fit your needs. Also, our Houston housing enjoys easy access to the public transport system to ensure you can quickly get to wherever you want.
FAQ
What are some things to do in Houston that are cheap?
Many free and cheap activities in Houston can save you money. Some of the most affordable activities include:
- Buffalo Bayou Park
- Historic Market Square
- Houston Museum District
Is downtown Houston dangerous?
Most of Houston is safe, including downtown Houston. Still, you need to be vigilant when you’re out and about and be aware of your surroundings and finances, just as you would when visiting any new city.
How many days do you need in Houston?
We recommend staying in Houston for at least three to four days. This way, you can gain insight into Houston’s various landscapes and cultures.
