Summary

  • Take a city mural art tour for a fun way to explore Houston and capture Instagram-worthy photos. Guided tours provide an in-depth look at hidden gems and the city's history.
  • Visit the Armand Bayou Nature Center to discover diverse flora and fauna. Experience moonlight cruises and spot wildlife like deer, alligators, and eagles.
  • Don't miss the Houston Zoo, home to over 6,000 animals. Enjoy up-close encounters, exciting activities, and attractions for a perfect family outing.

Planning a trip to Houston? And unsure about what to do in Houston, Texas? Houston, which is the country's number-four largest metropolis, does not fall short when it comes to entertaining destinations for tourists to check out. One will never run out of options for excursions and activities in this city; it doesn’t matter if one is a history buff, a fan of the great outdoors, living paycheck to paycheck, or is independently wealthy; travelers can even enjoy Houston with $0.

The only potential obstacle is fitting all of these activities into a single trip. Here’s a list of the top activities for newcomers and regulars alike to do in Houston in order to assist in making the most of their time here and ensure that they have a memorable experience.

UPDATE: 2023/10/10 22:55 EST BY REENA JAIN

More Best Things To Do In Houston For First-Timers

Whether one is looking for cultural experiences, a nature retreat, thrilling activities, or gourmet dining, there are countless things to do and see in Houston, Texas. The list has been updated with new photographs and additional information about the experiences listed. We’ve also included four more fun things to do in Houston for first-time visitors, so choose the best fit(s) and have a fantastic holiday full of unforgettable experiences.

14 Admire Houston Murals

A Mural in Downtown Houston
AgsftwCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A stunning mural in Downtown Houston

For those looking to explore Houston in the most fun way, taking a city's mural art tour is the best experience they can ever have. Not only are these murals eye-striking, leaving visitors spellbound, but they also serve as excellent backdrops for Instagram-worthy photos. Visitors can see the city's popular and colorful mural art on their own or book guided tours with Viator to maximize their enjoyment. A guided tour allows tourists to discover some of the city's hidden jewels that would otherwise be difficult to discover. It's also a great way to learn about the city's past and present from an expert guide.

13 Discover Diverse Flora And Fauna At Armand Bayou Nature Center

Armand Bayou Nature Center Entrance

Mesil456CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Entrance of the Armand Bayou Nature Center, Houston, Texas

Wondering what to do in Houston for animal lovers? The Armand Bayou Nature Center, the country's largest urban wilderness area, is the place to be. Home to a wide variety of wild creatures, including doe-eyed deer, alligators, armadillos, turtles, and majestic eagles, wildlife appreciators will have a great time spotting lovely animals in the area. The center offers a variety of tours, so tourists can choose the one that best suits them. A moonlight cruise is an experience that one shouldn't miss enjoying pristine beauty under the starry sky.

  • Location: 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77507

12 Visit Houston Zoo

Entrance to the Houston Zoo
Jim EvansCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Entrance to the Houston Zoo

Another great destination for animal lovers in Houston is the zoo. With over 6,000 animals calling the zoo home, visitors get abundant opportunities to see amazing wildlife up close. There are big cats like cheetahs, friendly giraffes, lovely otters, and even scary bats. A wide range of exciting activities and attractions are also available to keep visitors of all ages entertained, making the zoo a perfect destination for a family outing. Add to that a water park and a 4-D movie experience, and the trip is even more exciting and entertaining.

  • Location: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

11 Explore Art Car Museum

The Art Car Museum (aka Garage Mahal), a museum of contemporary in Houston, Texas, United States
Shutterstock / EQRoy
The Art Car Museum (aka Garage Mahal), a museum of contemporary in Houston, Texas, United States

Another great destination that will leave visitors awe-struck is the Art Car Museum. With its enormous collection of artistically painted and decorated automobiles, it is not just a sensational delight for motorheads but appeals to everyone looking for unusual experiences. Visitors will be amazed to see cars from derby racers to police cruisers to ornate hippie VWs—every unique car is there! But there is more to the museum! The museum also hosts numerous rotating exhibitions of sculptures, modern art, and photography, attracting even art lovers.

  • Location: 140 Heights Blvd., Houston, TX 77007

10 Pay A Visit To The Miller Open-Air Theater

The Miller Outdoor Theatre
DtobiasCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston, TX

The fascinating and quirky Miller Open Air Theater deviates from the rule of the expense of cultural events in the suburbs. Plays, symphonies, and concerts may be enjoyed by everyone in the park's lovely, open-air environment thanks to a theater that is situated in the same area as charming Hermann Park and features free content every year for eight months. Take advantage of one of the greatest outdoor activities the city provides by packing a blanket and some munchies and laying out under the sun.

  • Location: 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030

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9 Rothko Chapel

Rothko Chapel, Houston, TX
charlie vinz from chicagoCC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Rothko Chapel, Houston, TX

The breathtaking Rothko Chapel is a nexus of religious, artistic, and architectural expression to produce a beautiful impact. The chapel was established by Houston millionaires De Menil, Dominique, and John, and it is furnished with 14 Mark Rothko murals on canvas, which are works of art in their own right. All of the murals were finished in a short time before Rothko passed away in 1970. These days, visitors may choose from a variety of activities, attend seminars on meditation, and take advantage of opportunities to ponder in the chapel's serene setting.

  • Location: 1409 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006

8 To Relax In Tranquillity, Visit Galveston

Best Western Plus Seawall Inn and Suites By The Beach in Galveston, TX
Shutterstock
Best Western Plus Seawall Inn and Suites By The Beach in Galveston, TX

For people who want to go away from Houston for the duration of one day, Galveston is a great option. The island is a recreation hotspot out of Houston by 50 miles, rich in tourist amenities, including sandy beaches and entertainment parks. With its arcade games, roller coaster, Ferris wheel, carousel, and water rides, Galveston's Historic Pleasure Pier is a must-see if people find themselves in the area. (particularly if one is traveling with kids). Galveston State Park is a beautiful place with hiking paths, picnic areas, and places to go canoeing for those seeking a tranquil afternoon in the great outdoors.

  • Popular Attractions: Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier, Moody Gardens, The Strand Historic District, Galveston Beaches, Galveston Railroad Museum

7 Visit Houston's Natural Science Museum And Travel Through Time

Houstos Natural Science Museum

WhisperToMe, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
 
Houston Natural Science Museum, Texas

Every age group may find something to enjoy at the Natural Science Museum. The brilliant jewels that are on show in the gem storage will be enjoyed by those who are passionate about jewelry, and the large, well-maintained assemblage of prehistoric remains and other mementos is an investment. Those who want to be paleontologists are interested in hours. The Cockrell Butterfly Center is located within the museum. Although there is an extra fee to enter the center, it is well worth the money due to the beautiful tropical flowers and butterflies in all their vivid colors that are on show.

  • Location: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030

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6 Tour Discovery Green For Some Fun Activities

Discovery Green, Houston

WhisperToMe, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Discovery Green, Houston, TX

Tourists who have spent the morning exploring Houston's shopping and cultural hotspots will find Discovery Green to be a delightful location to relax and rejuvenate. Potentially just 12 acres are set aside for the park, but there is enough to do and see there. There are items such as Frisbees, hula hoops, and bouncy balls which will be provided at no cost at the "art carts," and there are outdoor yoga sessions, live shows, picnic areas, playgrounds for a game of bocce, as well as a library to keep everyone entertained.

  • Location: 1500 Mckinney St, Houston, TX 77010

5 Experience The Outdoors At The Park At Minute Maid

Minute Maid Park, Houston
Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Minute Maid Park, Houston, Texas

Good news for sports fans. Visiting the park at Minute Maid should be enough to energize anyone if they find Houston's sights as a job rather than a delight. The stadium's air conditioning is a welcome reprieve on hot summer days, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy even if one doesn't get tickets to a game (and if that's the case, it’s highly recommended maximizing one's visit by scheduling a visit to the premises). All the hamburgers and chips are legendary, so don't leave without trying them.

  • Location: 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002

4 Participate In Space Exploration At Houston's Space Center

Boeing with replica Space Shuttle Orbiter in Space Center Houston, Texas
Shutterstock
Boeing 747-123 ‘N905NA’ with replica Space Shuttle Orbiter “Independence” at Independence Plaza in Space Center Houston, Texas

Every kid who has dreamed of going to space should make the trip to Houston to see the Space Center, which occupies 250,000 sq. ft. This is the kind of place where one could easily spend an entire day due to the fact that it hosts several space and scientific exhibitions and presentations, including shuttle takeoff reenactments, space suit displays, visits to the Control Room and the Starship Exhibit stuffed with relics; however, if one doesn't have that much free time, they may get an overview of the city on a 90-minute guided tram trip of the major attractions.

  • Location: 1601 Nasa Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058

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The Menil Collection, Houston, Texas, USA.
JackleeCC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Menil Collection, Houston, Texas, USA

The Menil Collection is widely regarded as one of Houston's finest museums, and admission is totally free there between the hours of 11:00 and 7:00, Wednesday through Sunday. It stands out as a crown gem among the various museums that are located in Houston because of the rich photography, sculpture, and collections of impressionist and surrealism art that are housed there (among the finest collections of Byzantine and African art in the United States). It’s a must-see when one plans a Houston vacation.

  • Location: 1533 Sul Ross St., Houston, TX 77006

2 Enjoy Some Retail Therapy In The Galleria

Interior of the Galleria Mall in Houston
Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay 
Interior of the Galleria Mall in Houston

It is the ideal location to shop the most recent collections from high-end brands such as Chanel, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, Christian Louboutin, and Gucci, given that it covers around 2,400,000 sq. ft. and features over 400 boutiques; the majority of which are upmarket. Houston also has the best-eating neighborhoods. After guests have completed their shopping, there are over 50 wonderful little venues where they may stop for a quick meal or a beverage to refresh them. It is imperative that visitors choose shoes that are comfy due to the fact that they will be doing plenty of strolling.

  • Location: 2929 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056

1 Come Enjoy Hermann Park's Charms

Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX, USA
Photo by Alisa Matthews on Unsplash
Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX, USA

There are a great number of beautiful parks in Houston. Hermann Park is the best of them. There are many things to do at the park (amenities such as pavilions, playgrounds, picnic areas, gardens, lakes, a miniature railway for children, pedal boats, and paths), and it covers a large area, so one can easily spend a whole day there. Tourists should spend at least two hours there if they can't spare a day, and during that time, they should visit the McGovern Centennial Gardens.

  • Location: 6100 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030