Best Time to Visit Popular Destinations in Houston, United States
1. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Experience the largest livestock show and rodeo in the world. Enjoy live concerts, livestock exhibits, and rodeo events. Best visited in March.
- Unique Events: Features daily rodeo competitions and concerts by top artists
- Largest Livestock Show: Hosts the largest livestock show in the world with over 20,000 animals
- Rodeo Run: Offers a unique opportunity to run a 5K through NRG Stadium during the rodeo event
2. Space Center Houston
Learn about space exploration at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Best visited in October or April for milder weather.
- NASA Museum: Features real spacecraft and interactive exhibits showcasing human space travel
- Tram Tour: Offers a guided tour of NASA's historic Mission Control Center
- Space Shuttle Independence: Features the only remaining space-worthy space shuttle on public display
3. Houston Museum of Natural Science
Discover dinosaurs, fossils, minerals, and a planetarium. Best visited in November or December for holiday exhibits.
- Dinosaur Hall: Features the largest permanent display of dinosaur fossils in the Southwest
- Cockrell Butterfly Center: Showcases live butterflies, insects, and a tropical rainforest exhibit
- Hall of Paleontology: Features one of the most extensive collections of fossils in the United States
4. The Menil Collection
Explore an impressive collection of European and American art. Best visited in February for the FOTOFEST event.
- Impressive Collection: Features works by artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol
- FOTOFEST: An international photography festival showcasing contemporary works
- Menil Drawing Institute: A separate building dedicated to the museum's extensive collection of drawings
5. Buffalo Bayou Park
Enjoy outdoor activities, beautiful scenery, and public art. Best visited in spring or fall for comfortable weather.
- Public Art: Features large-scale sculptures by artists like Richard Serra and James Turrell
- Sabine Promenade: Offers a peaceful stroll along Buffalo Bayou with scenic views of downtown Houston
- Lost Lake: A serene lake surrounded by native plants and wildlife
6. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Explore a vast collection of art from antiquity to the present. Best visited in October for Art car weekend.
- Vast Collection: Features over 70,000 works from around the world
- Art Car Weekend: A unique event showcasing art cars, a tradition started in Houston
- Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens: Features an American decorative arts collection and beautiful gardens
7. Hermann Park
Enjoy a variety of attractions including the Houston Zoo, McGovern Centennial Gardens, and a train ride. Best visited in April or May for beautiful blooms.
- Houston Zoo: Features over 6,000 animals representing more than 900 species
- McGovern Centennial Gardens: Offers beautiful gardens with a variety of plant life and a children's garden
- Museum of Natural Science's Burke Baker Planetarium: Located within Hermann Park, offers daily shows about the universe
8. Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
Experience a 64-foot tall water feature and beautiful landscaping. Best visited in the evening for a stunning light show.
- Water Wall: A 64-foot-tall cascading water wall creates a mesmerizing sight and sound
- Landscaping: Features beautiful landscaping with native plants, trees, and flowers
- Light Show: Illuminated at night, creating a breathtaking visual experience
9. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Explore over 155 acres of woodlands and wetlands. Best visited in the spring for bird watching.
- Wildlife Observation Tower: Offers panoramic views and opportunities to spot wildlife
- Butterfly Center: Features a butterfly habitat with over 30 species of butterflies
- Native Plants and Wildlife: Offers opportunities to learn about and observe local flora and fauna
10. The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa
Relax at a luxurious hotel featuring a spa, golf course, and restaurants. Best visited in the winter for cooler temperatures.
- Spa Facilities: Features an extensive menu of treatments, including massages and facials
- Golf Course: An 18-hole golf course designed by Rees Jones
- Restaurants: Offers several onsite dining options, including a steakhouse and a casual cafe
11. Houston Galleria
Shop at luxury stores, dine at upscale restaurants, or catch a movie. Best visited in the summer for indoor activities.
- Luxury Stores: Features stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany & Co.
- Ice Skating Rink: Offers ice skating year-round, making it a unique attraction in Houston
- Restaurants and Cinema: Features a variety of dining options and a cinema complex
12. Tony's Corner Pocket
Play pool at one of the best pool halls in the country. Best visited in any season for a fun night out.
- Competitive Pool Players: Attracts top pool players from around the world
- Tournaments: Hosts local, regional, and national pool tournaments
- Historic Venue: Located in a historic building dating back to the 1800s
13. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Explore an American decorative arts collection and beautiful gardens. Best visited in the spring for blooming azaleas.
- American Decorative Arts Collection: Features over 7,000 objects dating from the 17th through the mid-20th centuries
- Gardens: Offers beautiful gardens with azaleas, camellias, and roses
- Historic Home: Located in a historic home built in the 1920s by Houston philanthropist Ima Hogg
14. The Health Museum
Learn about health and science in interactive exhibits. Best visited during the summer for indoor activities.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on exhibits exploring topics like the human body, nutrition, and health
- IMAX Theatre: Features IMAX films about science and health
- Body Adventure: A popular exhibit where visitors can explore the human body through an interactive journey
15. Kemah Boardwalk
Enjoy amusement park rides, shops, and restaurants overlooking Galveston Bay. Best visited in the summer for outdoor activities.
- Amusement Park Rides: Offers a variety of thrill rides and family-friendly attractions
- Restaurants: Features a variety of dining options, including seafood restaurants with stunning bay views
- Ferris Wheel and Carousel: Iconic attractions offering scenic views and nostalgic fun