What to Do in Houston: The Ultimate List of Tourist Attractions
Unmissable activities, attractions and events in the city of space and fun. Things to do in Houston, Texas for all ages.
If you are planning to visit the largest city in Texas, we will tell you what to do in Houston and enjoy all the activities and attractions that this great metropolis offers, where there is much to see. History, culture, technology, sports, entertainment, nature and excellent gastronomy. The ultimate list you must read before you travel.
For starters, the good news is that Houston is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a wide variety of options for all tastes and ages. It is, at the same time, one of the places with the most Latinos in the United States, with which you can enjoy great cultural diversity in all aspects.
From world-class museums to nature parks, sporting events and music festivals, there is something for everyone, of all ages, in this beautiful city called Houston.
Therefore, in this article we are going to explore some of the best things to do in Houston, so you can plan your days and make the most of your trip to the city of space and fun.
What to do in Houston: what you can't miss
Houston is a city with a rich and fascinating history dating back to the 19th century. It was founded in 1836 by two brothers, Augustus and John Allen, who named it after the hero of the Battle of San Jacinto, General Sam Houston. During the American Civil War, Houston remained largely neutral, allowing it to avoid much of the conflict and destruction suffered by other cities in the region.
As oil and gas became major industries in Texas in the 20th century, Houston became a key center for the exploration, production, and transportation of these resources. In the 1960s, the city also became a center for the space industry, thanks to the presence of NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Today, Houston is a thriving modern city with a diverse and multicultural population. And it has many must-see attractions.
Visit the Museum of Natural Sciences
Although many believe the world's Natural Science Museums are nearly identical, Houston's is one of a kind. Located in Hermann Park, this museum has an impressive collection of more than 2 million objects and specimens of natural history, from prehistoric fossils to animal and plant species alive today.
The museum is especially known for its extensive collection of dinosaur skeletons, including one of the largest Tyrannosaurus Rex skeletons ever found. Visitors can marvel at these incredible prehistoric creatures and learn about the evolution of life on Earth through interactive and multimedia exhibits.
In addition, the Houston Museum of Natural Science also houses a variety of exhibits on topics such as space exploration, ecology, energy, and biodiversity. Visitors can explore the galaxy at the Burke Baker Planetarium, experiment with physics in the science lab, and watch educational movies on the giant screen at the Wortham Giant Screen.
Get to know the Houston Space Center
Space Center Houston is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. Centered on the NASA Johnson Space Center campus, this visitor center offers a fascinating look into the world of space exploration and aerospace technology.
Visitors can explore interactive and educational exhibits on the history and future of space exploration, including a replica of the command module from Apollo 17, the NASA spacecraft that carried the last astronauts to the moon. There are also exhibits on life aboard the International Space Station and future NASA missions, such as human exploration of Mars.
In addition to exhibits, Space Center Houston features a variety of hands-on experiences, including space training simulators and behind-the-scenes tours of Johnson Space Center. There is also a planetarium and an IMAX movie theater where visitors can watch educational films on topics such as space and aerospace technology.
Stroll through Discovery Green Park
In this park in the center of the city there are endless activities and it is one of the most chosen things to do in Houston for free. In the summer and spring you can listen to live performances by local musicians and find handicrafts at the park's market that opens every month.
On the other hand, during the autumn and winter months enjoy the ice skating rink that fascinates everyone. Also, throughout the year there are yoga and Zumba classes, movie screenings, festivals and other fun events.
See the imposing NRG Stadium, home of the 2026 World Cup
There is less and less for the 2026 World Cup and FIFA has already chosen the cities that will host the matches, and Houston is one of them.
NRG Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium where the Houston Texans, a professional American football team of the National Football League (NFL), are home. It has a capacity of approximately 72,220 seats for American football games and can be expanded to accommodate up to 80,000 spectators for other events. It has a retractable roof that can be opened or closed depending on the weather conditions.
Tour Hermann Park
Hermann Park is a lung of oxygen and nature in the middle of Houston. It is located in the center of the city and is surrounded by several museums. In its vicinity there are also very popular attractions, such as the Zoo.
The park is full of walking paths with benches, fountains, artificial lakes, lush vegetation typical of the area, and a large and beautiful Japanese Garden. In addition you can find small trains to cover it in its entirety.
