There's no shortage of things to do in Houston - culture, dining, shopping, and unique attractions await visitors here.
If you're into art, the Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit. With works from six continents and 6,000 years of history, this world-famous attraction has something for everyone.
1. Museum of Fine Arts
Located in Houston's Museum District, the Museum of Fine Arts is a dynamic cultural complex. Featuring two gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, visitors center, library, gift shop and two art schools, it houses an encyclopedic collection of works across the world from antiquity to modern and contemporary times.
It is a must visit destination for art lovers. It hosts a range of exhibitions and offers exciting programs for art enthusiasts.
The Museum of Fine Arts has more than 65,000 pieces of artwork in its collection. It features paintings, sculptures, crockery and furniture from different parts of the world including Asia, Africa and Europe.
The museum also has an extensive collection of photography. It has a range of works from famous photographers like Man Ray, Ansel Adams and Manfred Heiting.
2. Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the biggest event in the city, attracting over 175,000 visitors every day. It's an annual three-week long festival, containing the largest rodeo competitions in the world, as well as concerts, food, shopping, playgrounds and more.
The rodeo features competitions in bull riding, calf scramble and bronc riding, among others. Several youth competitions are held as well.
There are tons of places to eat at the Houston Rodeo, including a massive covered food court between the Rodeo Carnival and the NRG Center's indoor livestock exhibits. The food is tasty and inexpensive.
You can also find barbecue at a variety of spots, but make sure you get there early so you don't get caught in the traffic jams that are common.
3. Minute Maid Park
If you're looking for a great way to spend an afternoon in Houston, you should check out Minute Maid Park. It's the home field of the Houston Astros and has a retractable roof, making it perfect for a day in the sun.
The stadium also has a kids' area, where kids can get autographs from the players and take photos with Orbit the mascot. If you're planning a special event like a wedding or birthday party, there are plenty of spaces available at the ballpark.
Aside from the ballpark, there are plenty of other things to do in and around downtown Houston. One of the best ways to see the city is by walking, and Houston's METRORail light rail system has a station near the stadium.
4. Galleria Mall
If you're looking for an upscale shopping experience, then you should check out the Galleria Mall in Houston. It's the largest mall in Texas and offers a wide variety of stores.
It's also a great place to grab a meal, with a large selection of restaurants. You'll find a wide range of dining options, from high-end French bistros to casual fast-casual.
The Galleria is home to a wide variety of designer brands, including CHANEL, Fendi, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Prada. You'll also find a large selection of tech and sports stores, including Lids, Adidas, Journey's and Pro Image Sports.
The Galleria also has a full-size ice rink that's perfect for a little recreational skating or figure skating. The mall is also home to several restaurants and a children's play area.
5. Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a nature sanctuary with 5 miles of trails that are perfect for those who love walking in the woods. They also have a Discovery Room with hands-on exhibits and activities for kids of all ages.
Established in 1967, the 155-acre urban nature sanctuary is a vital refuge for native plants and animals and a hub for environmental education in the city. This non-profit organization provides education about the natural environment to people of all ages and plays an essential role in protecting native plants and animals in the heart of the city where development threatens their survival.
