Houston may not be your cousin’s dream vacation, but once they’re here, it’s your job to show them the side of the city locals love. With world-class museums, diverse neighborhoods, great food, and lots of green space, there’s plenty to impress.
I'm Raquel Refuerzo, a Houston local since 1990 here to share some of my top picks to bring visitors to get a taste of what Houston is all about. Whether your guests are here for a weekend or a week, this guide rounds up the top things to do in Houston that both tourists and locals enjoy.
Best for Art and Culture Buffs
Museum District
Houston Museum District is a walkable cluster of 19 museums.
Top picks:
-
Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH): Impressive permanent collection with everything from Monet to contemporary installations.
-
Houston Museum of Natural Science: Giant dinosaur skeletons, a butterfly center, and a planetarium.
-
Children’s Museum Houston: Hands-on, science-based exhibits that are fun for all ages.
Pro tip: Some museums offer free entry on Thursdays.
The Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel
(Large oak tree framing the Menil Collection building and lawn in Houston Museum District)
The Menil Collection is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. It's free, has a powerful surrealist art collection, and sits on a peaceful green campus.
Nearby, Rothko Chapel offers a quiet, meditative space surrounded by modern art and history.
Best for Outdoor Lovers
Buffalo Bayou Park
Buffalo Bayou Park offers skyline views, 160 acres of trails, and kayak rentals. It’s great for walking, running, or just soaking in the city.
At sunset, head to the Waugh Drive Bat Colony to watch hundreds of thousands of bats fly out from under the bridge.
Hermann Park
(Aerial view of Hermann Park with Sam Houston statue and reflection pool in Houston tourist area)
Hermann Park sits next to the Museum District and includes:
-
Japanese Garden
-
McGovern Lake with pedal boats
-
Miniature train for kids
Great for a day with family or a relaxing picnic under old oaks.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Near Memorial Park, the Houston Arboretum offers walking trails through wetlands, prairie, and forest. It’s free and dog-friendly.
The Best Parks and Recreation Areas in Houston
Best for Science and Space Fans
Space Center Houston
(Entrance of Space Center Houston with NASA logo, U.S. and Texas flags, and visitor signage)
Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Visitors can tour Mission Control, touch a moon rock, and explore real spacecraft. For families or space nerds, this is a can’t-miss stop.
Want to live near NASA? Check out my Clear Lake neighborhood guide.
Best for Shopping and Neighborhood Exploring
The Galleria
The Galleria is Texas’s largest shopping center. Features include:
-
400+ stores
-
Ice skating rink
-
Dining options from fast casual to fine dining
Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a good place to walk indoors when Houston’s hot.
Rice Village and Montrose
(Pride flags and Texas rainbow flags outside a Montrose building in Houston LGBTQ+ neighborhood)
Rice Village has boutiques, bookstores, and sidewalk cafes. It feels walkable and lively.
Nearby Montrose is eclectic and artsy. Think vintage shops, tattoo studios, LGBTQ+ bars, and some of Houston’s best casual eats.
Looking for more walkable neighborhoods? Read my blog on Most Walkable Areas in Houston.
Best for Food-Focused Visitors
Houston’s Asiatown (Bellaire Blvd)
Houston’s Asiatown along Bellaire Boulevard is packed with authentic eats. A few places to try:
-
Korea Garden: solid Korean BBQ
-
HEM Kitchen and Bar: Vietnamese street food
-
Fung's Kitchen: dim sum favorite
-
85°C Bakery: great for a grab-and-go treat
Check out my guide to the best Asian food neighborhoods.
Where to Find Asian Markets, Restaurants, and Temples in Houston’s Top Neighborhoods
Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
The Original Ninfa’s is a historic Tex-Mex restaurant credited with popularizing fajitas in the US. It’s still serving margaritas and sizzling platters in a fun, casual setting.
Best for Unique and Local Experiences
James Turrell’s Skyspace
Skyspace is a permanent light installation at Rice University. It’s free, with limited seating for sunrise and sunset shows.
The light program shifts your perception of color and space. Ideal for art lovers or visitors looking for a serene experience.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (February–March)
The Houston Rodeo is the largest in the world. Expect carnival rides, fried food, livestock shows, and major headliner concerts.
Locals take time off work to go. Worth planning your guest visit around this if you can.
Houston Graffiti Building / EaDo Murals
Head to EaDo (East Downtown) for rotating street art and murals. The Houston Graffiti Building is perfect for photos. New murals pop up all the time.
Bonus: Evening Fun and Nightlife Ideas
-
Theater District: Includes the Alley Theatre, Houston Symphony, and Broadway shows at the Hobby Center
-
Saint Arnold Brewery: Texas’s oldest craft brewery with lawn games and skyline views
-
Axelrad Beer Garden: Hammocks, live music, and food trucks
-
White Oak Music Hall: Great venue for catching local and touring bands
Show Them the Real Houston
Houston isn’t flashy, but it’s full of flavor, culture, and unexpected experiences. Whether your guests are in town for two days or ten, this guide has something to impress everyone.
Use it to help your friends and family fall in love with the same places you already enjoy as a local.
Looking to move closer to these Houston hotspots? Reach out to Raquel Refuerzo for a neighborhood tour or personalized home search.
Related Keywords (for SEO)
-
Tourist attractions in Houston
-
Things to do in Houston
-
Where to take visitors in Houston
-
Houston sightseeing guide
-
Houston visitor recommendations
-
Houston for first-time tourists
-
Family-friendly activities in Houston
-
Houston museum guide
-
Houston nature parks
-
Best food in Houston
-
Houston itinerary ideas
-
Real estate near Houston attractions
