Welcome to Houston, the vibrant and diverse city that has something for everyone! Known as the Space City, Houston is home to world-class museums, amusement parks, cultural centers, and much more. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, there’s always something new to discover in this bustling metropolis. In this blog post, we have compiled a list of the top things to do in Houston that will keep you entertained for days on end. So let’s get started and explore all that Houston has to offer!
Houston’s Museum District
Houston’s Museum District is a cultural mecca for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. The district spans over 19 museums, galleries, and cultural institutions spread out across four walkable zones.
The Museum of Fine Arts Houston offers an extensive collection with over 70,000 works ranging from ancient to contemporary. Visitors can admire masterpieces by renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet.
For those interested in science and natural history, the Houston Museum of Natural Science boasts impressive exhibits that showcase the wonders of our universe – from dinosaur skeletons to a planetarium show.
Art aficionados should not miss the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston which features innovative exhibitions highlighting modern art movements. From photography to painting, sculpture to performance art – there’s something for everyone here.
Other notable museums include The Menil Collection showcasing diverse collections of African tribal art; The Holocaust Museum detailing stories and artifacts related to World War II; and Buffalo Soldiers National Museum chronicling the military accomplishments of African American soldiers throughout US history.
A visit to Houston’s museum district is a must-do experience for anyone visiting this vibrant city.
The Space Center Houston
The Space Center Houston is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in space exploration. This facility is the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and offers visitors an up-close look at space travel history.
Visitors can take a tram tour that takes them to mission control, astronaut training facilities, and rocket park. The tram tour provides an incredible opportunity to see where NASA astronauts have trained for missions like Apollo 11.
Inside the facility, there are interactive exhibits that allow visitors to simulate walking on Mars or experience what it’s like to float in zero gravity. There are also many artifacts from past missions on display including spacesuits and moon rocks.
One highlight of the Space Center Houston is seeing actual spacecraft like the Saturn V rocket which was used during the Apollo program. It’s incredible to stand next to this massive rocket knowing that it once carried humans all the way to the moon!
Visiting The Space Center Houston is an unforgettable experience that shouldn’t be missed by anyone interested in space exploration or science!
The Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to experience a diverse range of animals in their natural habitats. Spread across 55 acres, the zoo houses over 6,000 animals representing more than 900 species from all around the world.
One of the most popular exhibits at the Houston Zoo is Kipp Aquarium that features a variety of aquatic creatures including sea turtles, jellyfish and stingrays. The McNair Asian Elephant Habitat is also worth checking out where you can see Asian elephants playing and interacting with each other.
The zoo has plenty of interactive exhibits as well that allow visitors to get up close and personal with many different animals such as flamingos, giraffes and even rhinoceros! Kids will love exploring the Children’s Zoo where they can pet goats or ride ponies.
In addition to observing wildlife, visitors can enjoy various dining options throughout the park or shop for souvenirs at gift shops located throughout. There’s always something new happening at this ever-evolving facility so it’s definitely worth adding to your list when visiting Houston!
The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site
Located just outside of Houston, the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is an important landmark in Texas history. The site marks the location where Texan forces defeated Mexican forces led by General Santa Anna in 1836, securing independence for Texas.
Visitors to the San Jacinto Battleground can explore the battlefield and learn about this pivotal moment in history through exhibits at the museum on-site. One of the most notable attractions is a towering monument that offers breathtaking views of Houston and the surrounding area from its observation deck.
The battleground also features a replica of one of the ships used by Texan forces during their fight for independence, giving visitors a glimpse into what life was like aboard these vessels during this time period.
In addition to learning about Texas’ struggle for independence, visitors to San Jacinto Battleground can enjoy hiking trails and picnic areas overlooking Buffalo Bayou. There’s even a playground for kids to burn off some energy after touring the museum.
Visiting San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site offers an educational and enjoyable experience for anyone interested in Texas history or simply looking for things to do near Houston.
Battleship Texas State Historic Site
The Battleship Texas State Historic Site is a must-visit destination for history buffs and naval enthusiasts. This historic battleship was commissioned in 1914 and played an essential role during both World War I and II.
Once on board, visitors can explore the ship’s various decks, including the captain’s quarters, engine room, and gun turrets. The tour also includes informative exhibits about life onboard the ship during wartime.
One of the most impressive features of this historic site is its massive guns that were used to defend against enemy attacks. Standing next to these giant weapons provides a unique perspective on the power that was necessary to engage in naval warfare.
For those interested in military history or engineering marvels from the past century, there are few places more fascinating than Battleship Texas State Historic Site. It offers insight into what life was like aboard one of America’s greatest warships while showcasing impressive technological advancements that helped win wars.
Conclusion
Houston has a lot to offer for both locals and tourists. From its rich history to modern-day attractions, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Exploring Houston’s Museum District is a great way to learn about the city’s culture and heritage. The Space Center Houston offers an immersive experience that will take you out of this world. Meanwhile, the Houston Zoo provides entertainment for all ages, while also promoting animal welfare.
For those interested in Texas’ battle history, the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site and Battleship Texas State Historic Site are must-visit destinations.
Houston is a fantastic destination with many things to do and see. Whether you’re exploring its historical landmarks or enjoying its modern attractions, you’ll have plenty of fun-filled adventures waiting for you in this bustling Texan city!
