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Things to Do in Houston

Things to Do in Houston

Houston Texas, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Houston's extensive park system and bayou greenways offer ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, even within an urban setting.

Hiking & Cycling

Buffalo Bayou Park Trails

Easy, mostly flat, paved and unpaved trails for walking, running, and casual biking with city skyline views.

Memorial Park Trails

Extensive network of soft-surface and paved trails, from easy loops to more challenging unpaved options.

Bayou Greenways

Over 150 vast stretches of interconnected trails along the bayou system, largely level and suitable for all skill levels for cycling.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Kayaking/Paddleboarding: Available for rent on Buffalo Bayou from local boathouses.
  • Canoeing: Some local outfitters or parks offer canoe rentals for calmer bayou sections.
  • Fishing: Permitted in some city parks and nearby lakes and bays like Galveston Bay.
  • Brazos Bend State Park (Day Trip): Offers more rough hiking trails and wildlife viewing outside the city.

Houston Zoo

  • Home to over 6,000 animals from across the globe.
  • A chance to see a wide variety of wildlife.
  • Located within Hermann Park.
  • Offers engaging wildlife sightings.

Armand Bayou Nature Center

  • One of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the U.S.
  • Offers boardwalks, trails, and guided pontoon boat tours.
  • Observe native wildlife: alligators, birds, and other bayou inhabitants.
  • A preserved natural environment.

Waugh Drive Bat Colony

  • Under the Waugh Drive Bridge over Buffalo Bayou.
  • Home to a large colony of Mexican free-tailed bats.
  • Witness their spectacular emergence at dusk.
  • A natural phenomenon within the city.

Adventure Sports Note

Dedicated adventure sports facilities are limited within Houston's immediate city limits. For water skiing and jet skiing, nearby lakes like Lake Conroe or Galveston Bay are popular choices.

Cultural Immersion

Engage more deeply with Houston's different cultural scene through various activities.

Creative Learning

  • Glassell School of Art (MFAH): Offers various art classes plus sessions for adults only and children.
  • Houston Center for Contemporary Craft: Hosts workshops related to fiber arts, ceramics, and other craft forms.
  • Cooking Classes: Many culinary schools offer classes focused on Tex-Mex, Southern, or international cuisines.
  • These things to do offer opportunities to learn new skills and connect with local traditions.

Performing Arts

Theater District

Home to Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, Alley Theatre, and Houston Symphony, offering world-class performances year-round.

Miller Outdoor Theatre

Provides free outdoor performances (music, dance, theater) from March to November, often demonstrating diverse cultural traditions.

Ethnic Festivals

Throughout the year, various cultural groups host festivals celebrating their cultural history with traditional music, dance, and food.

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

A massive annual event in March featuring rodeo competitions, live concerts by major artists, a carnival, and livestock shows.

Art Car Parade

One of the largest of its kind globally, in April, featuring elaborately decorated "art cars" and attracting thousands of spectators.

Houston Pride Parade

A large, colorful celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, typically held in June.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for rest and renewal among Houston's urban energy.

Spa & Rejuvenation

  • Many luxury hotels (e.g., Post Oak, Four Seasons, Hotel ZaZa) feature excellent spas with full treatment ranges.
  • Independent day spas are available throughout the city, providing various wellness services.
  • Many yoga studios throughout Houston offer drop-in classes for various styles of yoga and meditation.
  • While full retreats are outside Houston, daily classes maintain your practice or try something new.

Natural Retreats

Hot Springs Note

There are no natural hot springs in or immediately near Houston. For natural therapy, consider local yoga studios or wellness centers.

Beach Access

Galveston Island, approximately an hour's drive, has sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico for swimming and sunbathing.

Pool Clubs

Many hotels in Houston feature pools, some of which offer day passes for non-guests (check with individual hotels).

Wellness Approach

Active Lifestyle

Utilize Houston's extensive parks and bayou greenways for running, walking, and cycling.

Healthy Dining

Explore Houston's diverse culinary scene for a diverse range of healthy and dietary-specific food options.

Mental Well-being

Visit contemplative spaces like the Rothko Chapel or peaceful gardens for reflection and calm.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Experience Houston's evening scene, from live music to dance clubs.

Live Music & Theater

  • Large Venues: Toyota Hub for major concerts, White Oak Music Hall, and 713 Music Hall for mid-size shows.
  • Smaller Venues: The Continental Club (blues/rockabilly), Rudyard's (rock/comedy), and House of Blues Houston for intimate settings.
  • Theater District: A major draw with opera, ballet, symphony, and professional theater performances year-round.
  • Miller Outdoor Theatre: Free outdoor performances from March to November.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Midtown

Features numerous dance clubs and lounges, popular with a younger crowd seeking a lively atmosphere.

Washington Avenue

Known for its trendy bars and clubs, offering a bustling nightlife experience.

Montrose

Presents a more eclectic mix of bars and nightclubs, including many LGBTQ+ friendly venues.

Midtown Bars

  • Dense concentration of bars.
  • Easy to walk between venues for a pub crawl.
  • Lively atmosphere for various tastes.
  • Many establishments open late.

The Heights Breweries

  • More relaxed atmosphere.
  • Numerous craft beer-focused bars.
  • Local breweries offering unique selections.
  • Great for a casual evening out.

Montrose Venues

  • Diverse range of bars.
  • Cozy dive bars to sophisticated lounges.
  • Catring to varied tastes and preferences.
  • Includes many LGBTQ+ friendly venues.

Late-Night Entertainment

Dining Hours
  • Many restaurants in popular areas continue serving late, especially on weekends.
  • Suitable for post-show meals or late evening gatherings.
  • Check individual restaurant closing times in advance.
Other Options
  • Houston has comedy clubs for late-night shows.
  • Billiard halls and some bowling alleys remain open late for entertainment.
  • Explore various entertainment choices beyond traditional bars and clubs.

Nightlife Tip

Houston's evening entertainments cater to diverse tastes, from high-energy dance clubs to relaxed local pubs. Use ride-sharing services for convenience and safety when moving between venues.

Activity Planning Summary

Experiences

  • Space Exploration: Visit Space Center Houston for NASA insights.
  • Culinary Journeys: Explore Houston's a range of cuisine scene, from Tex-Mex to tastes from around the world.
  • Arts & Culture: Immerse yourself in the Museum and Theater Districts.
  • Outdoor Recreation: Discover parks, bayous, and nearby natural attractions.

Planning Essentials

  • Book accommodations early, especially during peak seasons or events.
  • Research dining options and reserve for popular spots.
  • Check museum and attraction schedules, noting no entry fee days.
  • Utilize public transport (METRORail) for convenient access to central areas.