Houston, TX Travel & Vacation Guide

What to Know

Despite its large size, Houston has struck a comfortable balance of offering big city attractions while retaining its small-town country feel. The "Bayou City" is huge, both in population and in land area, so don’t expect to be able to walk from one attraction to the next. Houston has three distinct major areas, Downtown, Texas Medical Center and Uptown (also knows as the Galleria area). Situated between these areas are a number of districts that define the heart of the communities that reside within them, from Montrose (with a large gay and lesbian population) and the Warehouse District (with trendy eateries and nightlife) to Clear Lake (home to Johnson Space Center) and New Chinatown. Houston’s many neighborhoods and attractions reflect its diverse culture.

Although Houston is best navigated by car, another way to see a different side of the city is by boat. The Buffalo Bayou is a 52-mile stretch of water that runs through downtown. Rent a canoe or kayak and see many unique scenes of the city.

The city is bursting with an innovative restaurant scene reflecting its diverse cultures. From Tex-Mex (try Molina’s Cantina) to modern American cuisine (head to swanky Gravitas), Houston offers something delicious to appeal to everyone’s tastebuds. Of course, a trip to Houston would not be complete without some lip-smackin’-good barbecue (try Good Company for truly out-of-this-world brisket and ribs).

Where to Go

The Space Center Houston is a must for any first-time visitor. A scientific theme park, it offers the whole family a chance to feel like an astronaut for the day. If you opt for the Level 9 tour, you’ll go behind the scenes of Johnson Space Center and see the new Mission Control Center and the Space Environment Simulation Lab (otherwise known as the Vacuum Chamber). Another family-friendly destination is the Houston Zoo, which boasts a Children's Zoo, a hands-on experience that allows kids to pet, feed, and watch animals in six different habitats.

Art and culture buffs will be wowed by Houston’s vast offerings. The city’s Theater District is home to the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, Houston Symphony and the Alley Theatre. The Museum District boasts the Contemporary Arts Museum and more traditional Museum of Fine Arts.

Houstonians take their shopping very seriously. The city offers everything from upscale shopping at the Galleria, which features some of the biggest names in fashion, to bargain shopping at Hardin, a series of strip centers selling designer-inspired handbags, jewelry, perfumes and more. Uptown Park is a shopping center modeled after European villages and offers great shopping, dining and nightlife. The Rice University area boasts both national retailers and hip boutiques.

Then there is the nightlife scene, which offers everything from country music dives to cosmopolitan wine bars. Have some boot scootin' fun at watering holes like Blanco's or the Last Concert Café, or if the trendy club scene is your thing, check out The Flat. Film fans flock to the Alamo Drafthouse where patrons can enjoy both dinner and a movie.

When to Go

Because summers can be oppressively hot and humid (temps are typically in the 90s from June through September), many of the city’s festivals take place in the autumn and spring months. The Bayou City Arts Festival is in late March and the Greek Festival in early October.

Winters tend to be mild with temps in the 60s, which give way to fresh, shower-infused springs with comfortable temps generally averaging in the 70s.

If you are in town during the comfortable months (especially in the fall when temps are mild), dining al fresco is a must-have experience with restaurants and bars specializing in creating an inviting outdoor ambiance with live music, exotic beverages and dishes appropriate for the season.

Houston is home to many major sports teams so there are plenty events going on year-round to please any sports enthusiast. Check out the Rockets, Comets and Aeros at the Toyota Center, the Texans at Reliant Stadium or the Astros at Minute Maid Park.