Best Cruise Destinations in Houston, Texas, United States

Houston, United States, Houston, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Best Cruise Destinations

Best Cruise Destinations in Houston, Texas, United States

1. Buffalo Bayou Park & Boat Tour

Experience Houston's urban wilderness with a peaceful boat tour through Buffalo Bayou. Enjoy the city skyline and natural beauty.
  • Urban Wildlife: Spot diverse wildlife in the heart of Houston's bustling metropolis.
  • City Skyline Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of Houston's iconic skyline from the water.
  • Historical Sites: Explore historic sites along the bayou, such as Allen's Landing and Sabine Street Ferry.

2. Space Center Houston

Embark on a space adventure at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Explore the past, present, and future of human spaceflight.
  • Astronaut Training: Participate in simulated astronaut training activities.
  • Space Artifacts: View genuine space artifacts, including moon rocks and spacesuits.
  • Rocket Launch Viewings: Watch live rocket launches from the center's viewing area.

3. The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Immerse yourself in American decorative arts and paintings at this beautiful estate and garden.
  • American Art & Crafts: Admire works by renowned American artists, such as Louis Comfort Tiffany.
  • Historic Home Tour: Explore a historic home that showcases the lifestyle of Houston's early settlers.
  • Beautiful Gardens: Stroll through stunning gardens featuring plants native to Texas and beyond.

4. The Menil Collection

Explore one of the world's premier collections of modern and contemporary art.
  • Impressive Permanent Collection: Feast your eyes on works by renowned artists such as Matisse, Picasso, and Warhol.
  • Unique Installations: Discover thought-provoking installations that push the boundaries of art.
  • Free Admission: Admission is free, making it an accessible and affordable cultural experience.

5. Houston Museum of Natural Science

Dive into the wonders of science and nature at this world-class museum.
  • Cinerama Theater: Watch awe-inspiring giant-screen films in the state-of-the-art Cinerama theater.
  • Fossil Hall: Wander through an impressive collection of dinosaur fossils, including a T. rex skull.
  • Butterfly Center: Marvel at live butterflies in the beautiful, tropical Butterfly Center.

6. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Appreciate art from around the world at one of the largest museums in the U.S.
  • Wide-Ranging Collection: Explore over 60,000 works spanning 6,000 years of history.
  • Special Exhibitions: Experience temporary exhibitions showcasing the work of renowned artists.
  • Immersive Audio Guides: Learn about art through engaging, interactive audio guides in multiple languages.

7. Kemah Boardwalk

Enjoy fun-filled attractions and delicious dining on this picturesque boardwalk overlooking Galveston Bay.
  • Thrilling Attractions: Experience exciting rides, miniature golf, and a Ferris wheel with stunning views.
  • Sealife & Boat Tours: Discover marine life up close on boat tours or at the boardwalk's aquarium.
  • Variety of Restaurants: Indulge in a wide variety of dining options, from casual to fine dining.

8. Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Experience the thrill of amusement park rides and games with stunning Gulf Coast views.
  • Iconic Texas Landmark: Visit a historic pier that's been entertaining families since 1943.
  • Thrilling Rides: Enjoy heart-pounding rides like roller coasters and carousels.
  • Gulf Coast Views: Take in breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico while enjoying the attractions.

9. Moody Gardens

Explore a tropical paradise with educational exhibits, attractions, and gardens.
  • Aquarium Pyramid: Dive into an underwater world at the Aquarium Pyramid, featuring sea turtles, sharks, and more.
  • Rainforest Pyramid: Traverse through lush rainforests, home to butterflies, poison dart frogs, and more.
  • Discovery Museum: Investigate interactive exhibits that explore science, technology, and the environment.

10. Battleship Texas

Step aboard the USS Texas, a historic battleship from World War I that served in both world wars.
  • Military History: Learn about the ship's role in military history and naval warfare.
  • Self-Guided Tours: Explore the ship at your own pace with self-guided tours available.
  • Historic Artifacts: View historical artifacts and exhibits, including weapons and uniforms.

11. San Jacinto Monument & Museum

Learn about Texas history at this iconic monument and museum dedicated to the Battle of San Jacinto.
  • Battle of San Jacinto: Discover the events leading up to Texas' independence from Mexico.
  • Museum Exhibits: Explore interactive exhibits showcasing Texan history and culture.
  • Observation Deck: Take in panoramic views of Houston from the monument's observation deck.

12. Galveston Island Historic District

Step back in time and explore over a hundred historic buildings in this charming district.
  • Well-Preserved Architecture: Admire beautifully preserved Victorian, Greek Revival, and Italianate architecture.
  • Rich History: Discover the district's fascinating history, dating back to the 1800s.
  • Galveston Square: Stroll through Galveston Square, the heart of the historic district and a bustling hub for shopping and dining.

13. The Tall Ship Elissa

Step aboard the Tall Ship Elissa, a beautiful ship that has sailed the seas since 1877.
  • Historic Vessel: Learn about the ship's rich history and its role in maritime culture.
  • Self-Guided Tours: Explore the ship at your own pace with self-guided tours available.
  • Maritime Workshops: Participate in workshops where you can learn traditional maritime skills.

14. Bishop's Palace (Walter Gresham House)

Admire the beautiful Victorian-era architecture and intricate details of this historic mansion.
  • Victorian Architecture: Appreciate the stunning stained glass, wood carvings, and tile work.
  • Historic Significance: Learn about the lives of Bishop and Mrs. Gresham, who lived in the house during its construction.
  • Guided Tours: Join a guided tour to learn more about the history and architecture of the palace.

15. The Strand Historic District

Experience Galveston's historic downtown with charming shops, restaurants, and museums.
  • Rich History: Discover the district's fascinating history, dating back to the 1800s.
  • Vibrant Culture: Immerse yourself in Galveston's vibrant arts and music scene.
  • Shopping & Dining: Find unique souvenirs, artisanal goods, and delicious cuisine along the Strand.