USA
Houston Area Attractions
Bayou Place.
This trendy downtown entertainment complex includes the Verizon Wireless Theater, the Angelika Film Center and several restaurants under one roof. Corner of Smith and Texas Ave.; (713) 227-0957.
Bolivar Peninsula Ferry.
Take the free 20-minute ferry ride from Galveston to the Bolivar Peninsula. Visit the Bolivar Lighthouse, beaches, shops and attractions. Contact the Bolivar Peninsula Chamber of Commerce: (409) 684-5940; (800) 386-7863.
George Observatory.
The hour’s drive south to Brazos Bend State Park is worth the effort to check out the heavens on the gigantic 36-inch research telescope, but be sure to call for reservations. Smaller telescopes are available at any time. 21901 FM 762, Needville; (409) 553-3400; (281) 242-3055.
Miller Outdoor Theatre.
This famous open-air theater, with covered seating for 1,580 and a grassy hill for hundreds more, features live music, dance and theater and hosts numerous special events. The season runs March-Nov., and performances are free. 100 Concert Dr.; (713) 520-3290; (713) 284-8354.
Moody Gardens.
Galveston’s renowned attraction offers the Aquarium Pyramid, the Rainforest Pyramid, a stunning IMAX Theater and the Palm Beach Water Park. One Hope Blvd., Galveston; (800) 582-4673.
Port of Houston.
The port offers a free 90-minute boat tour around the port and ship channel. Embarking from the Sam Houston Pavilion, enjoy views of international cargo vessels and operations at the Turning Basin Terminal. The tour is free; however, reservations are required in advance. Port security requires photo IDs for passengers 18 and older. 7300 Clinton Dr. Gate 8; (713) 670-2416.
Reliant Park.
The famed Astrodome, the world’s first indoor stadium, known as “the eighth wonder of the world” 40 years ago, now shares its space with Reliant Stadium, home of the Houston Texans NFL team, Reliant Center and Arena, which hosts conferences, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo and other events. Daily tours. Inside Loop 610, between Kirby and Fannin St.; (713) 799-9500.
Space Center Houston.
For out-of-this-world fun, see actual spacecraft, including Mercury, Gemini and Apollo capsules; watch astronauts train for upcoming shuttle missions; touch a moon rock or walk in space through space simulators. 1601 NASA Rd. 1; (281) 244-2100.
Traders Village.
A 60-acre flea market with must-haves from more than 800 dealers as well as food stands and two special event venues. 7979 N. Eldridge Rd., off Hwy. 290; (281) 890-5500.
The Tunnel System.
Rainy weather’s perfect for a trip through downtown’s subterranean tunnel system that connects 55 office buildings with numerous shops and services. Discover Houston conducts private walking tours of this awe-inspiring maze. (713) 222-9255.
Nature
Armand Bayou Nature Center.
This 2,500-acre preserve in Clear Lake features hiking trails, plants and animals and educational materials on Texas forest, marsh and prairie. 8500 Bay Area Blvd., Pasadena; (281) 474-2551.
Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium is a spectacular entertainment, dining and meeting complex located in downtown Houston. Dine on a variety of seafood specialties at the Aquarium Restaurant as you are seated around a 150,000-gallon centerpiece aquarium. Enjoy many of our fabulous attractions including the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit with 500,000 gallons of underwater tanks and more than 400 species of marine life and mammals including white tigers. Take a ride on Shark Voyage, where guests travel by train through the center of a shark tank. Enjoy the variety of amusements such as a Ferris wheel, carousel and many midway games. 410 Bagby St. at Memorial, Houston, Texas 77002, (713) 223-FISH
Hermann Park.
Celebrating 90 years and the winner of numerous awards, this stately park covers 388 acres near the Museum District and includes a miniature train ride, the zoo, themed gardens, an 18-hole golf course and an outdoor amphitheatre. Main St. at Outer Belt Dr., 2155 N. MacGregor Dr.; (713) 526-0077.
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.
Winding green trails, featuring plants native to the area, cover more than 150 acres. Guided tours, self-guided tours and wilderness education programs are available. 4501 Woodway Dr.; (713) 681-8433.
Houston Audubon Society.
This large and active chapter of the National Audubon Society has its bird sanctuary system headquartered at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. 440 Wilchester Blvd.; (713) 932-1639.
Houston Garden Center.
Nestled within the green beauty of Hermann Park, the center’s lovely grounds include a sculpture garden, fragrant rose and bulb gardens and seasonal flower shows. 1500 Hermann Dr.; (713) 529-3960.
Houston Zoo.
An exciting educational and popular conservation resource, the zoo is set in a 55-acre lush, tropical landscape, and is home to more than 4,500 exotic animals. Special areas include the children’s zoo, reptile house, tropical
bird aviary, primate world and a komodo dragon display. Hermann Park, 1513 N. MacGregor Dr.; (713) 523-5888; (713) 533-6500.
Memorial Park.
Houston’s largest recreational area covers about 1,450 acres of coastal woodland just inside Loop 610. It includes wooded trails for joggers, walkers and cyclists, an 18-hole public golf course, facilities for tennis, softball, swimming, track, croquet, volleyball and inline skating as well as a lighted running course. Memorial Drive from Loop 610 to Wescott; (713) 845-1000.
Mercer Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.
A nationally recognized public garden, this natural haven in the northern part of the city has more than 250 acres of East Texas piney woods showcasing the region’s largest collection of native and cultivated plants in two special areas. The Botanic Gardens, with more than 20 acres of developed gardens, include herb, ginger, fern, daylily, tropical, bamboo and endangered species collections, color displays and extensive walking trails. The arboretum includes an outdoor classroom, picnic area, a barbecue pavilion and three miles of trails that wind through woodlands. 22306 Aldine-Westfield Rd., north of FM 1960; (281) 443-8731.
Nature Discovery Center.
Housed in a restored 1920s home and nestled in Russ Pitman Park, this rural retreat offers ecological exhibits, science discovery, rambles and other fun activities. 7112 Newcastle, inside Loop 610, Bellaire; (713) 667-6550.
Sports
Alkek Velodrome.
Track cyclists are familiar with this Olympic-worthy venue, but special sessions are also open to skaters, as long as they wear the proper safety equipment. 19008 Saums Rd.; (281) 578-0693.
Gulf Greyhound Park.
Just south of the city is the world’s largest greyhound racing operation, with pari-mutuel wagering every day. It’s also the site of the Horizon Clubhouse, allegedly the largest restaurant in Texas. Exit 15, I-45 S., (800) 275-2946.
Houston Aeros.
The American Hockey League’s Houston Aeros call Toyota Center home from October-April. The Aeros have won two championships since 1999 and are always one of the top teams in the AHL. See tomorrow’s National Hockey League stars, today! Toyota Center, 11510 Polk St.; (713) 974-7825.
Houston Astros.
The 2005 National Champions thrilled the nation in its first run for the World Series in the club’s history. The never-say-die Astros and their fans are pumping up the downtown renaissance. Union Station at Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford, Suite 400; (713) 627-8767.
Houston Comets.
Entering its ninth season, Houston’s first Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team rocks the court. Toyota Center, 11510 Polk St., (713) 627-9622.
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. (Feb.-Mar.)
This huge rodeo, with more than a million spectators, only invites the best cowboys and cowgirls in the sport to compete at this celebration of all things western. Calf scrambles, chuck wagon races, bareback bronco riding, barrel racing, bull riding, steer wrestling, team roping, educational displays, restaurants and shopping as well as major musical entertainers are part of the show, while livestock auctions and a Texas-sized carnival complete the festivities. Reliant Park, 8701 Kirby; (713) 791-9000; (832) 667-1000.
Houston Rockets.
In Houston, basketball is known as Rocketball. These NBA Champions wow their devoted fans with far-out moves on the court. Toyota Center, 11510 Polk St.; (713) 627-3865.
Houston Texans.
The newest NFL franchise plays in Reliant Stadium, a 69,000-seat, retractable roof football facility to the roar of fans. One Reliant Park; (713) 336-7700; (832) 667-2000.
Sam Houston Race Park.
Live thoroughbred and quarter horse races, October through April and simulcast wagering every day, except Christmas. 7575 N. Sam Houston Pkwy. W., between Hwy. 290 and I-45; (281) 807-8700.
Museums
American Cowboy Museum.
An exhibition of African-American cowboy heritage, complemented by Native American and Hispanic cowboy paraphernalia. Taylor-Stevenson Ranch, 11822 Almeda, (713) 433-4441.
The Art Car Museum.
Displays custom-decorated cars with wacky themes. 140 Heights Blvd., (713) 861-5526.
Battleship Texas.
At age 85, she is the last remaining dreadnought in the world. 3527 Battleground Rd., La Porte, (281) 479-4414.
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens.
The 28-room mansion features an extensive decorative arts collection and 14 acres of lush gardens. One Westcott, (713) 639-7750.
Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum.
Houses breathtaking 13th century Cypriot frescoes. 4011 Yupon, (713) 521-3990.
Children’s Museum of Houston (CMH).
Children learn through fun, hands-on exhibits, discovery garden and greenhouse covering arts, science, history and culture. 1500 Binz, (713) 522-1138.
Contemporary Arts Museum (CAM).
Diverse exhibitions of cutting-edge contemporary art in a variety of media. 5216 Montrose, (713) 284-8250.
Galveston County Historical Museum.
Learn the story of Galveston’s past. 2219 Market St., (409) 766-2340.
Galveston Railroad Museum.
Takes visitors back to the days before the automobile when the railroad ruled commerce and tourism. The Strand at 25th St., Galveston, (409) 765-5700.
George Ranch Historical Park.
Features costumed ranchers at the historical Davis Mansion complex, Oldenburg Blacksmith Shop and Cowboy Camp. 10215 F.M. 762, Richmond, (281) 343-0218.
Holocaust Museum of Houston.
Exhibits of art, photography and artifacts are combined with an education center to pay tribute to those lost to the Holocaust. 5401 Caroline, (713) 942-8000.
Houston Fire Museum.
Traces the evolution of the city’s fire departments from the turn-of-last-century to the present in an 1890s fire station. 2403 Milam at McIlhenny, (713) 524-2526.
Lone Star Flight Museum.
Salutes the dreams and disasters of the sky with restored aircraft, historical photos and documentation. 2002 Terminal Dr., Galveston International Airport, (409) 740-7722.
Menil Collection.
Features more than 15,000 works from the private collection of the late Jean and Dominique de Menil. 1515 Sul Ross, (713) 525-9400.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH).
A leading museum with Medieval art and works by American and European masters, as well as Asian and pre-Columbian art. The serene outdoor Cullen Sculpture Garden is nearby. 1001 Bissonnet, (713) 639-7300.
Museum of Health and Medical Science.
Featuring a tour through the enormous interior of the human body, the Amazing Body Pavilion offers interactive exhibits, science demonstrations and traveling exhibits. 1515 Hermann Dr., (713) 521-1515.
Museum of Natural Science (HMNS).
Striking displays of dinosaurs, native Texas wildlife, outer space and a fabulous collection of gems and minerals are spotlighted here. The Cockrell Butterfly Center, Burke Baker Planetarium and Wortham IMAX Theater add to the entertainment. 1 Hermann Circle Dr., Hermann Park, (713) 639-4600.
Museum of Printing History.
From early cuneiform tablets to current writings, exhibits shows how written communication has influenced the course of history. 1324 W. Clay, (713) 522-4652.
National Museum of Funeral History.
Displays of funeral service memorabilia. Features items from celebrities like the late President John F. Kennedy and singer Elvis Presley. 415 Barren Springs Dr., (281) 876-3063.
Pioneer Memorial Log House Museum.
This simple one-room structure offers a world of Texas history in the heart of the high-tech Texas Medical Center. 1510 N. McGregor Dr., (713) 522-0396.
Rothko Chapel.
This chapel displays 14 gigantic paintings by the late abstract expressionist, Mark Rothko. 1409 Sul Ross at Yupon, (713) 524-9839.
San Jacinto Monument and Museum of History.
The 575-foot limestone monument is topped with a 220-ton star, the museum in the base tells the story of the state’s fight for independence. 1 Monument Circle, La Porte, (281) 479-2421.
Texas Seaport Museum.
A tribute to maritime history and the location to purchase tickets to the tall ship Elissa or the Great Storm Theater. Pier 21 #8, Galveston, (409) 763-1877.
Houston Area Events
Chevron Marathon & Aramco Half Marathon– January
Houston’s 26.2-mile marathon begins and ends downtown. A quarter of a million spectators make it a Texas size event.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade – January
Houston honors this major civil rights leader with two parades downtown.
Houston Live Stock Show & Rodeo Parade - February
Trail riders and covered wagons fill downtown streets old west style.
St. Patrick’s Day Festivities – March
Downtown goes green on St. Paddy’s day with Irish music, bagpipes, marching bands and floats
Annual Buffalo Bayou Regatta - March
Test your endurance in Texas’ largest kayak and canoe race! Whether you paddle competitively or just for fun, the Buffalo Bayou Regatta is a great way to see Houston from a whole new angle. Join in the fun at the annual 15-mile canoe and kayak race through the heart of our city.
H.E.B. Houston Children’s Festival - March & April
It’s a child’s dream world near city hall with giant muppets, clown schools, weiner dog races, family adventure zones, music and fun.
International Festival - April
Celebrating China. A two-week event with food, arts and crafts and world-renowned musicians. Free lunchtime music series.
Bayou City Crawfish Festival- May
This first annual event is packed full of family fun. Gumbo eating and great music plus lots of things to do with the kids.
Dragon Boat Festival – May
Traditional dragon boats ply the waters of Buffalo Bayou downtown in fierce heats to determine winners.
Houston Art Car Parade (Orange Show) – May
Wildly decorated cars straight out of nightmares, fairy tales and the like fill downtown streets in this mind-bending parade.
Family Day and Anything that Floats Parade – June
Wacky floating sculptures defy gravity on the waters of Buffalo Bayou. Picnickers enjoy the show from the banks.
Freedom Over Texas 4th of July
Spectacular fireworks highlight a concert celebrating the nation’s birthday on the banks of Buffalo Bayou at Eleanor Tinsley Park.
Theater District Open House – August (TBD)
This annual free event of back stage tours and performances is a family favorite as arts companies preview the upcoming season.
Bayou City Art Festival - October
A festival with works of art for serious collectors and casual gawkers. Music and food. Activities.
Downtown Home Tour – October (TBD)
This home tour offers a look at the downtown lifestyle, from antique décor to ultra modern digs inside intriguing high-rise condos and lofts.
Veteran’s Day Parade - November
Houston salutes its veterans of all wars in this patriotic parade downtown.
Thanksgiving Day Parade – November
Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade in downtown Houston draws thousands of spectators from the entire region.
Mayor’s Official Houston Holiday Celebration - December (TBD)
City Hall becomes a wonderland as Houston’s mayor lights the city’s official Christmas Tree.
Heritage Society Annual Candlelight Home Tour - December
Historic homes decorated for the season in Sam Houston Park downtown with enchanting holiday entertainment for the whole family.
