11 Locals-Endorsed Fun Things to Do in Houston 

When Augustus Chapman Allen and John Kirby Allen founded the area that we now know as Houston in August 1836, they probably couldn’t have imagined the huge role the city would play over a century later in propelling the country and the rest of the world into the future.  

Houston is home to NASA’s most iconic point of operations (the Johnson Space Center) and one of the busiest ports in the US for international trade. It is sometimes called the “energy capital of the world” because of its significant concentration of oil, gas, and renewable energy companies. It’s the largest city in the South, the fourth largest city in the US behind New York, LA, and Chicago, and it’s home to one of the country’s best livestock and rodeo shows. 

Once you visit, you’ll see Houston has a great balance of dynamic energy and laid-back charm. The food is fantastic, the people are welcoming, and there’s always something to do! In fact, there are so many things to see and do that you might need help deciding where to begin. That’s why we asked some of the city’s locals about their favorite ways to spend a day, an evening, a week, or longer in Houston.  

Read on for a local’s guide to great things to do while visiting Houston, Texas! 

1. Stay at The Houstonian 

Pamela O’Brien, principal designer at Pamela Hope Design Interiors, a Houston-based interior design company, gave us some suggestions, beginning with where to stay. “I am a member of the Houstonian Club which has a hotel, several restaurants, three pools and world class spa and an outstanding fitness complex all on beautifully wooded grounds,” she says. “I’d book a room there and enjoy all the amenities the hotel has to offer.” If you’re planning an event, The Houstonian is a fantastic choice! They can host events of any size inside and out; the Manor House is a popular choice for more intimate events and fine dining.  

2. Get moving at Memorial Park 

“I am lucky to live next to nearby Memorial Park, a vast green space in Houston,” says O’Brien. “I can’t think of a better way to start the day than with a walk or run in the park. It has undergone many improvements and has lovely walking, running, and biking trails, including some challenging terrain, something that is hard to find in our flat topography!” There’s an arboretum and nature center where people can learn about the park’s native plant species. If you’re a golf fan, Memorial Park Golf Course is a top-rated public course and home to the annual PGA’s Houston Open. 

3. Venture to Uptown Park for some shopping 

“Once you’ve burned some calories and enjoyed the fresh air, it’s time to shop!” says O’Brien. “Nearby Uptown Park is a delightful open-air shopping complex with chic shops, good restaurants, and fun bars. You can take your pick.” The Park was designed with a pedestrian-friendly layout and lots of beautifully landscaped outdoor space. Some say it reminds them of a charming little European village. It also hosts seasonal events like outdoor markets, live music performances, and holiday celebrations. 

4. Meander through the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston  

“If your tastes run more towards the arts, Houston has a thriving art community!” she says. “I love having a late morning coffee at Café Leonelli at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and then browsing works of art from the ancient world to today. For lunch, you can indulge at the luxurious Le Jardinière located next to the café or head a few blocks down the street to the sexy Hotel Zaza for lunch on the terrace.” 

Good to know: The Museum is open Wednesdays 11am to 5pm, Thursday and Friday 11 to 9, Saturdays 11 to 6, and Sundays from 12:30 to 6. They’re closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. They offer free admission for kids 12 and under. 

We also asked native Houstonian Rhonnika Clifton, owner and principal designer of RJ Clifton Designs, about her favorite things to do in her hometown. “To a native Houstonian, the landscape of the city and its surrounding areas has changed so much over the last 10 years. Therefore, we’re now experiencing a beautiful influx of residents, diversity, and structural growth. Between all the staples, great eats, and entertainment, here are my top three things to do when visiting Houston:” 

5. Check out the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo  

If you’ve never delved into country and western culture, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the perfect place to start. “Although this iconic event happens only once a year, it’s a must to add to your calendar,” Clifton told us. “Get your boots, hat, and flyest outfit together and prepare to rodeo next March 2025!” The Rodeo features bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and team roping events. There’s a concert series with huge headlining names (Beyonce, George Strait, Cardi B, and Willie Nelson, to name a few), an old-fashioned carnival, and even The Champion Wine Garden, offering tastings and award-winning wines from the event’s international wine competition.  

6. Eat, Eat, Eat! 

If you’ve come with an appetite, you’re in luck! Houston’s culinary culture is enough to impress any foodie. “Houston has one of the nation’s most diverse and dynamic food scenes, from mouthwatering restaurants to hidden culinary gems. Houston’s food culture is full of traditional favorites, like Mexican and Tex-Mex, and a plethora of natural and international cuisines, such as Bar-b-que, sushi, and African diaspora delights.” There are lots of top restaurants, including some owned by James Beard Award-winning and nominated chefs. Once you’ve explored, you’ll see why Travel + Leisure ranks Houston as one of the top food cities in the United States! 

7. Dive into the local Art Scene  

“With such a rich, diverse culture, Houston has one of the best art scenes around,” says Clifton. “Whether you love modern, classical, or contemporary art, Houston has many museums and cultural events for you to attend.  You can also drive through areas of Houston’s downtown to see murals, photography, and graffiti art.” Houston has over 1,000 murals and street art installations. Neighborhoods to visit include Montrose, a charming little community with lots of murals to see, including the popular “Biscuit Paint Wall.” There’s also EaDO (East Downtown), The Heights, and Midtown.  

8. Mingle with the animals at The Houston Zoo 

Ellen R. Delap, Houston-based CPO (certified professional organizer), recommends enjoying a day at the Houston Zoo for outdoor fun. “Our family loves a trip to the Houston Zoo! Being in the fresh air, no matter the season, strolling the beautiful grounds, and spending time together all make The Zoo one of the best spots in Houston.” It houses over 6,000 animals from 600 species around the world—from African Savannas to the Texas Wetlands. Kipp Aquarium houses an array of aquatic animals, including coral reefs and exotic fish. You can get up close and personal with the Asian elephants, feed the giraffes, and watch the Western lowland gorillas in their forested habitat. You’ll also love the children’s zoo, splash pad (it does get hot here in the summertime), and the wooden carousel featuring beautiful hand-carved figures of some of the Park’s animals. 

Good to know: The Zoo is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. 

9. Marvel at Space Center Houston 

Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center and a must-see for space enthusiasts! There are immersive exhibits about space exploration, NASA’s history, and the technologies that are now shaping the future of space travel. You can see a replica of the space shuttle Independence (inside and out!), check out the Apollo 17 Command Module and lunar rovers, and explore a replica of America’s first space station. Visit the Mission Control room used for Apollo missions and the Astronaut Gallery, where you can learn about the history of astronauts, check out their spacesuits, and see how they live and work while they’re in space. 

There are hands-on exhibits, too. You could pilot a spacecraft, test your skills as an astronaut, and learn about NASA’s current projects, like the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon. There’s also a hands-on exhibit exploring the Red Planet, featuring a Martian surface simulator and information about NASA’s plans for Mars exploration. The NASA Tram Tour will take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Stops include the astronaut training facilities, the current Mission Control Center, and Rocket Park, where you can see a full-scale Saturn V rocket.   

Good to know: The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from 10 to 6.

10. Immerse yourself in Houston sports 

Houston has a thriving professional sports scene featuring teams across all major leagues. Major league baseball fans can catch the multiple world-series winning Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, football enthusiasts can watch the NFL’s Houston Texans at NRG Stadium, and of course basketball fans can catch the NBA’s Rockets at Toyota Center. Sports are integral to Houston’s identity, with fans deeply invested in their teams. The city’s diverse population adds unique energy to games, and its venues frequently host national and international sporting events. 

11. Unwind at Hermann Park 

The Houston Zoo is an exciting attraction on its own, but there are many things to do in the urban park surrounding the Zoo grounds. Perhaps the highlight of the park is the beautifully landscaped McGovern Centennial Gardens with themed sections, including a rose garden, a family garden, and an arid garden. The park also houses a Japanese Garden with serene koi ponds, stone lanterns, and bridges, perfect for reflection and tranquility. In the evenings, the Miller outdoor theater offers free live performances, including concerts, plays, and movies. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for a relaxing evening under the stars! (Just be sure to check the schedule in advance for performances during your visit.) 

Welcome to Houston 

Houston is a lively hub of cultural and ethnic diversity, and its residents reflect the fun and energetic vibe of the city! Whether you’re just visiting, considering a move, or settling in for good, we guarantee you’ll love the city as much as we do. Happy exploring!