Welcome to the deep Texan south. Houston is a large and diverse city with an amazing arts and food scene. Read on to learn how to spend an amazing weekend in Houston!
Practicalities
Houston is known for being hot and HUMID, especially during summer months, so plan your wardrobe accordingly. It’s still reasonably warm in the winter, but can be rainy.
How to Get There
If you’re heading out from Southern California, you can be in Houston in about three hours. There are tons of flights as there are two major airports in the city. The largest, George Bush Intercontinental Airport, is located about 30 minutes north of the city. The smaller Houston Hobby Airport is located about 15 minutes from downtown, but has more limited flight options.
Where to Stay
Mid Range: Hotel ZaZa. This hotel is located in prime Museum District territory, and has a fabulous in-house restaurant as well.
What to Do
Houston is an absolutely massive city and there is tons to do no matter what your idea of fun is!
Museums
There are a lot of really great museums in the Museum District. The Museum of Natural Science is known for its awesome dinosaur exhibits and planetarium. If arts are your thing, check out the Contemporary Art Museum for regularly changing shows and the Cullen Sculpture Museum for a stunning outdoor sculpture garden. The Menil Collection houses a wide range of art and has a delicious bistro on site. The Houston Holocaust Museum is very educational and moving.
Parks
The most famous park in Houston is Hermann Park (it’s home to the Museum of Natural Science). It’s also home to the Houston zoo – if you visit during the holiday season, check out their seasonal light display in the evening. Here you’ll also find the McGovern Centennial Gardens and the Japanese Garden which is a lovely place to walk around in the afternoon and enjoy a picnic. If you want to get some exercise in, there is a loop around Hermann Park to bike or jog.
For amazing views of the city and a nice green expanse, check out Sabine Park. It’s located alongside the Buffalo Bayou.
Check out this awesome waterfall at the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. It’s super close to the Houston Galleria, which is a massive shopping center with tons of big name shops.
Events
Because it’s such a big city, Houston is known for hosting multiple events that draw people from all over Texas (and further!). If you’re in town during rodeo season, then definitely check out the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. ESPECIALLY if you’re not from Texas. It’s like unlike anything you’ve ever experienced with various shows, deep fried foods, games, rides and much more!
You might want to check out a Rockets game at the Toyota Center, or watch the Astros at Minute Maid Park. The NRG center also hosts lots of big name concerts as well as sports games, so you might want to check the schedule ahead of time to see if there’s anything interesting going on.
Eat
The Houston food scene is absolutely amazing, and you will be spoiled for choice. Check out Brenner’s on the Bayou for an upscale Southern brunch with a beautiful water side view. Grab lunch and a cookie at Tiny Boxwood’s.
For dinner, consider the Ruggle’s chain – there’s currently a Ruggle’s Black, and a soon to be Ruggle’s Green. Or alternatively, try some authentic Indian food in the Mahatma Gandhi District of Houston. Don’t forget to try Houston barbecue – check out Gatlin’s BBQ for their ribs, and Killen’s in the heights for the local favorite.
For a sweet treat, check out Tout Suite, a delicious bakery that specializes in macarons. There are so many flavors to choose from, you’ll have a difficult time deciding. The coffee here is amazing as well. Cookies from Tiff’s Treats are also delicious (and they deliver!). If ice cream is more your thing, then you’ll want to visit Amy’s Ice Cream.
Drink
There are also plenty of great watering holes in the Houston area! Anvil in Montrose has an amazing selection of delicious cocktails. It’s close to Poison Girl, which is a fun place to grab a beverage and play on the pinball machines. Little Woodrow’s is a local hotspot for turtle racing and has a laid back drinks and bites menu.
There are also so many fantastic coffee shops in Houston. Check out Siphon Coffee on Alabama street for your own uniquely brewed cup. Common Bond has expanded to several locations throughout the city and serves up a delicious cup and scone.
Optional Add-Ons
Houston is about an hour’s drive to Galveston, on the Gulf Coast. It has a lovely coastal feel with a lively boardwalk and great food and drinks.
Houston is also a 3 to 4 hour drive from other major Texan cities like Austin and Dallas. If you’re planning on a Texas road trip, make sure to stop at Buckee’s along the way for gas and snacks in true Texan tradition!