Houston, Texas, is one of the most diverse and exciting cities in the United States. From its rich history to its modern-day charm, Houston has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the top five tourist attractions, top five parks, and top five bars that make Houston a must-visit destination.
Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Houston, Texas
Space Center Houston
The Space Center Houston is a top-rated tourist attraction that celebrates the history and future of space exploration. It is the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center and offers visitors an interactive experience with exhibits, guided tours, and a behind-the-scenes look at NASA’s ongoing missions.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a world-class museum that features a wide range of exhibits on natural history, from dinosaur fossils to Egyptian mummies. It is one of the most visited museums in the United States, with over two million visitors annually.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is one of the largest art museums in the United States, with over 70,000 works of art from around the world. It features a broad collection of art that spans over 6,000 years of history, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
The Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from 900 different species, making it one of the most diverse and engaging zoos in the United States. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and educational programs that highlight the importance of conservation and animal welfare.
The Buffalo Bayou Park
The Buffalo Bayou Park is a 160-acre park that features bike and hike trails, a dog park, paddleboarding, and kayaking. It is one of the most popular parks in Houston, offering visitors a chance to enjoy outdoor activities while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Top 5 Parks in Houston, Texas
Memorial Park
Memorial Park is the largest urban park in Houston, covering over 1,500 acres. It features several hiking and biking trails, a golf course, and a public pool. Visitors can also enjoy picnics, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.
Hermann Park
Hermann Park is a 445-acre park located in the heart of Houston. It features several attractions, including a Japanese garden, a butterfly exhibit, a miniature train, and a golf course. It is also home to the Houston Zoo and the Museum of Natural Science.
Discovery Green
Discovery Green is a 12-acre park located in the downtown area of Houston. It features a large playground, a dog run, and a splash pad. The park hosts several events throughout the year, including concerts, movie screenings, and fitness classes.
Sam Houston Park
Sam Houston Park is a 20-acre park that preserves Houston’s history and heritage. It features several historic buildings, including a 19th-century church and a log cabin, and offers guided tours that provide insights into Houston’s past.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Buffalo Bayou Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy outdoor activities while enjoying the beauty of nature. It features bike and hike trails, a dog park, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Top 5 Bars in Houston, Texas
Anvil Bar & Refuge
Anvil Bar & Refuge is a craft cocktail bar located in Houston’s historic Montrose neighborhood. It offers an extensive list of classic and contemporary cocktails, along with a menu of small plates and bar snacks.
Poison Girl
Poison Girl is a dive bar located in Houston’s eclectic Montrose neighborhood. It offers a wide selection of beers, whiskeys, and cocktails, along with a cozy atmosphere and a patio area for outdoor seating.
The Pastry War
The Pastry War is a Mexican-inspired bar located in downtown Houston. It offers an extensive list of tequilas and mezcals, along with cocktails and Mexican street food.
Axelrad Beer Garden
Axelrad Beer Garden is a popular outdoor bar and venue located in Houston’s Midtown neighborhood. It offers a rotating selection of local and national craft beers, along with live music, food trucks, and outdoor games.
Julep
Julep is a cocktail bar located in Houston’s historic Washington Corridor. It offers a menu of classic and contemporary cocktails, along with a selection of Southern-inspired small plates and snacks.
Most Spectacular Buildings and Museums in Houston, Texas
Houston is home to several spectacular buildings and museums that offer visitors a chance to experience the city’s rich history and culture. Some of the most notable include:
The Menil Collection
The Menil Collection is a world-renowned art museum located in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood. It features a broad collection of art from ancient to modern times, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is a public park located in the Uptown area of Houston. It features a 64-foot-tall semi-circular waterfall made of white granite, along with several walking paths, benches, and picnic areas.
The Houston City Hall
The Houston City Hall is an iconic building located in downtown Houston. It features a modernist design with a unique curved shape and a façade made of white marble and concrete.
The James Turrell Skyspace
The James Turrell Skyspace is a unique art installation located on the campus of Rice University. It features a large grassy area with a pavilion that provides a stunning view of the sky, along with a light installation that changes color as the sun sets.
The Houston Museum of African American Culture
The Houston Museum of African American Culture is a museum located in Houston’s Museum District. It features a broad collection of art and artifacts that celebrate the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history.
Transportation and Average Salaries in Houston, Texas
Houston is a large and sprawling city that offers several transportation options for visitors and residents. The city has an extensive network of highways and roads, along with a public transportation system that includes buses and light rail.
Taxi fares in Houston start at $2.75, with an additional charge of $2.20 per mile. The average fare for a taxi ride in Houston is around $20. The city also has a bike-sharing program called Houston BCycle, which offers visitors a chance to explore the city on two wheels.
The average salary in Houston is around $60,000 per year, with a range of industries and job opportunities. Houston is home to several large corporations, including oil and gas companies, healthcare organizations, and technology firms. The city’s economy is diverse and dynamic, offering visitors and residents a range of employment opportunities.
Attractions Near Houston, Texas
Houston is also located in close proximity to several other tourist attractions that are worth exploring. Some of the most notable include:
Galveston Island
Galveston Island is a popular tourist destination located about an hour’s drive from Houston. It features several miles of beautiful beaches, historic sites, and amusement parks.
The San Jacinto Monument
The San Jacinto Monument is a historic landmark located about 20 miles from Houston. It commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, which took place in 1836 and was a decisive victory for Texas in its fight for independence from Mexico. Visitors can climb to the top of the monument for stunning views of the surrounding area.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is a must-see attraction located about 30 minutes from downtown Houston. It is the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and a tram tour of the facility.
Brazos Bend State Park
Brazos Bend State Park is a beautiful natural area located about an hour’s drive from Houston. It features several miles of hiking and biking trails, along with camping facilities, fishing opportunities, and a chance to see wildlife such as alligators and turtles.
Kemah Boardwalk
Kemah Boardwalk is a fun-filled amusement park and entertainment complex located about 30 minutes from downtown Houston. It features several rides, games, and attractions, along with restaurants, shops, and a waterfront view of Galveston Bay.
Conclusion
Houston, Texas is a vibrant and diverse city that offers visitors a chance to experience the best of Southern hospitality, culture, and history. With its top-notch attractions, beautiful parks, lively bars, and impressive museums and buildings, Houston has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s rich history, trying delicious food and drinks, or enjoying the great outdoors, Houston is a destination that won’t disappoint. And with its close proximity to other notable tourist attractions, such as Galveston Island and Space Center Houston, a visit to Houston can easily turn into a memorable Texas-sized road trip.
