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The Must See Places in Houston
Houston is a vibrant city, with endless opportunities to explore and discover new places. Whether you’re a local or visitor, there’s always something to do in Houston. From its world-class museums and art galleries, to its lush parks and lively nightlife, Houston has something for everyone. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the must-see places in Houston that every visitor should take the time to explore. So get ready to explore Houston and discover what the city has to offer.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Here, you’ll find an array of exhibits and displays that explore the natural history of the area. Among the museum’s many exhibits, you’ll find the Butterfly Center, which is one of the largest butterfly houses in the world. The center is home to over 30 species of butterflies and other insects. You’ll also find the Cockrell Butterfly Center, which is a 7,000-square-foot interactive exhibit featuring live butterflies, plants, and other creatures. The museum also features the Burke Baker Planetarium, which offers a wide variety of shows and presentations.
Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Here, you’ll find over 6,000 animals, representing more than 800 species from around the world. Explore the African Forest, which replicates the African continent’s savannahs, wetlands, and forests. Or take a journey to the Natural Encounters, where you can view some of the world’s most exotic animals in their natural habitats. The zoo also has an interactive wetland and a special “Children’s Zoo” that offers plenty of fun for the younger set.
Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Here, you’ll find interactive exhibits, educational programs, and educational shows that explore the history and future of space exploration. Take a tour of the facility and explore the many interactive exhibits, or take a simulated shuttle mission in the Space Shuttle Mission Simulator. You can also explore the Astronaut Gallery, which features a wide variety of items related to space exploration.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is one of the largest museums in the United States. The museum features an impressive collection of art from around the world, including works from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Explore the museum’s collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the late nineteenth century to the present. Or take a tour of the museum’s American art galleries, featuring works from the colonial period to the present. The museum also features an outdoor sculpture garden and a variety of interactive programs and activities.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a 155-acre urban sanctuary and nature center located in the heart of Houston. Here, you’ll find a variety of trails, gardens, and educational programs that explore the area’s natural history. Take a stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens and explore its five miles of trails. Or take a guided tour of the Nature Center, which features a variety of interactive exhibits and programs. The Arboretum also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as bird watching, kayaking, and nature photography.
Houston Downtown Aquarium
The Downtown Aquarium is a 500,000-gallon aquatic wonderland located in the heart of Houston. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of exhibits and displays that explore the world’s aquatic life. Explore the Aquarium’s many exhibits, such as the Stingray Reef, which features live stingrays, or the Amazon River exhibit, which is home to a variety of exotic fish. The Aquarium also features a wide variety of interactive activities, such as a 4D theater, a video game arcade, and a splash pad.
Houston Museum District
The Houston Museum District is home to 19 different museums, galleries, and cultural centers. Here, you’ll find a variety of exhibits and displays that explore the area’s rich history and culture. Explore the Museum District’s many museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts, which features a wide variety of art from around the world, or the Houston Museum of Natural Science, which features interactive exhibits and displays that explore the natural history of the area. The district also features a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Houston Art Car Parade and the Houston International Festival.
Miller Outdoor Theatre
The Miller Outdoor Theatre is a popular outdoor venue located in Hermann Park. Here, you’ll find a variety of concerts, plays, and other live performances throughout the year. The theatre also hosts a variety of special events, such as the Houston Symphony’s “Tunes at Twilight” series and the Houston Grand Opera’s “Opera in the Park” series. Be sure to check out the theatre’s schedule of events for a full list of upcoming performances.
Houston Galleria
The Houston Galleria is a world-class shopping center located in the heart of Houston. Here, you’ll find over 400 stores and restaurants, as well as a variety of entertainment options. Explore the Galleria’s many shops and stores, such as the Apple Store, the Gap, and the Sephora. Or take a break from shopping and explore the Galleria’s many restaurants and cafes, such as the Cheesecake Factory and the P.F. Chang’s. The Galleria also features a variety of entertainment options, such as the AMC Movies theater, the Houston Ice Rink, and the Galleria’s own skating rink.
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is one of the biggest events in the city. Here, you’ll find a variety of livestock shows, rodeos, and other exhibitions that celebrate the area’s rich ranching and rodeo heritage. Explore the show’s many events, such as the World Championship Barbecue Cook-off, the World’s Championship Horse Show, and the Cowboy Mounted Shooting Competition. The show also features a variety of entertainment options, such as live music, carnival rides, and a petting zoo.
Discovery Green
Discovery Green is a 12-acre urban park located in the heart of Houston. Here, you’ll find a variety of activities and attractions for the whole family. Explore the park’s many attractions, such as the interactive fountain, the amphitheater, and the lake. Or take a tour of the park’s gardens and explore its many outdoor sculptures. The park also features a variety of events and activities throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts, movie nights, and holiday celebrations.
Kemah Boardwalk
The Kemah Boardwalk is a popular waterfront destination located just outside of Houston. Here, you’ll find a variety of attractions, such as a boardwalk, a Ferris wheel, and a carousel. Explore the boardwalk’s many restaurants and shops, or take a ride on the Ferris wheel and enjoy the views of the bay. The boardwalk also features a variety of special events and activities throughout the year, such as the Kemah Crawfish Festival and the Kemah Pirate Festival.
Houston is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. From its world-class museums and art galleries, to its lush parks and lively nightlife, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or visitor, be sure to take the time to explore the city and discover what the city has to offer. From the Houston Museum of Natural Science to the Kemah Boardwalk, there’s something for everyone in Houston.