Houston, one of the most renowned cities in Texas, is an excellent weekend destination. With its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, centuries of history, and a slew of interesting small culinary places, it's one of the best US towns to visit for a quick vacation. Not only that, there is a slew of the finest things to do in Houston and on the city's outskirts.
This all adds up to an ideal environment for exploration!
Our first visit to Houston was on a road trip from the Florida Keys to Los Angeles many years ago. It was an incredible trip, and we knew we needed to spend many days in the city.
Fast forward to the present day, and we still like it.
To assist you in making the most of your stay in Houston, I wanted to share a few hidden gems that we discovered while touring.
Take a peek at the best things to do in Houston, listed below. Have a great time in Texas.
Best Things to Do in Houston Texas
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1. Hermann Park
Hermann Park is perhaps one of the finest things to do in Houston if you're looking for a relaxing day.
Hermann Park, located among the city's largest museums, offers a variety of opportunities for exploration. From the exquisite Japanese Garden to the Miller Outdoor Theatre and the adorably adorable Hermann Park Railroad, you're sure to enjoy your stay.
Additionally, if you have time, pay a visit to the adjacent Museum of Natural Science and Holocaust Museum. Both are really remarkable places that you should not miss.
Finally, for a more casual meal, go over to Turkey Leg Hut (on Almeda Road). Their crab mac and cheese and turkey legs are out-of-this-world delicious!
2. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir (temple), located on the southwest outskirts of Houston, is a sight to see. Not only that, it's the biggest in the state of Texas, making it ideal for a quick visit.
Every day, the museum is open to the public. Simply remember to be polite and refrain from taking photographs inside.
3. Museo de Bellas Artes
Continue to thirst for more exhibits and galleries? After that, make your way to the Museum of Fine Arts.
It is the world's biggest cultural institution, with over 70,000 works of American and Latin American art.
Not only that, but the museum also has European artworks, sculptures from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and much more. Believe me, you will not want to miss it.
If that isn't your cup of tea, visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center, which is connected to the Museum of Natural Science. It's a massive glass-enclosed butterfly habitat teeming with thousands of vibrant butterfly species.
To satisfy your stomach, go over to The Breakfast Klub, one of the finest restaurants in the whole state of Texas. They offer a delectable cuisine that is too excellent to pass up. Their wings and grits are really delectable.
3. Buffalo Bayou Park
Buffalo Bayou Park is a lovely urban park with a variety of areas ideal for a quiet day in Houston. With a skateboarding park, a playground (for the kids), a picnic pavilion, and a tributary, it's the sort of place where you can really unwind and unplug from the city's streets.
Not only that, but it's an absolutely gorgeous location to go kayaking or paddleboarding on a nice sunny day.
Following that, take a walk up to Sawyer Yards and the Silos (at Sawyer Yards).
It's a wonderful small stop to see the delectable culinary sellers, admire the street art, and listen to live music on certain nights of the week. The atmosphere is fantastic.
5. San Jacinto Park
Are you leaving Houston's downtown area? Visit San Jacinto Park to learn more about this lovely area of the city. Not only are the park's grounds very beautiful to walk around on a sunny day, but this location is also rich in history.
As an example, here is the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, which includes a museum and monument. After paying a modest admission charge, you'll have the opportunity to peruse the exhibits and learn more about Texas's declaration of independence from Mexico in 1939.
Additionally, you'll get some amazing views from the summit! By itself, this makes it one of the greatest things to do in Houston.
When you return to Midtown, make your way to Tacos A Go Go for their spicy tacos and quesadillas. Again, this is not a sophisticated establishment, but the food is incredible!
6. Houston Children's Museum
Yes, if you haven't noticed before, Houston has an abundance of museums to visit; and they're all fantastic!
For a family-friendly destination, visit the Children's Museum of Houston, which is completely kid-friendly (and big kids, too).
Once here, you'll find exhibits of science and technology, as well as those of history, culture, and the arts that contribute to the museum's permanent collection's uniqueness.
After a morning spent at the museum, stop by Lucille's for a delectable southern breakfast. Their chicken and waffles are sure to fill you up!
7. Galveston Island Beach, Houston
If you're looking to get away from Houston's downtown region, get in the vehicle and go over to Galveston's beach.
With gorgeous beaches, a kitsch amusement park, and a pleasure pier, it's the kind of place where you can easily spend the whole day.
To be honest, Galveston offers a plethora of amazing things to do and discover and is ideal for getting away from the city.
Once in Galveston, you cannot miss some of the finest beaches. East Beach, Stewart Beach, Porretto Beach, and San Luis Beach are a few of our favorites. Just remember to bring your sunscreen; the wind may mislead you into believing the sun isn't as intense as it really is!
Oh, and don't forget to see Galveston's historic East End and Bishop's Palace (sometimes referred to as Gresham's Castle), which is completely magnificent.
It dates all the way back to the nineteenth century and is really beautiful to behold.
Additionally, if you're planning a full-day excursion from downtown, including a visit to the NASA Johnson Space Center. This location is fantastic for learning about space exploration and even seeing some actual rockets and space shuttles!