Houston Map With Area Names
Introduction
Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, is a vibrant and diverse metropolis that offers visitors a wealth of experiences. From its world-class museums and art galleries to its delicious food scene, sprawling parks, and exciting nightlife, Houston has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, you’re sure to find plenty of things to see and do in this city.
Top Attractions
Space Center Houston
The Space Center Houston is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in space exploration. This museum offers visitors a chance to see real spacecraft, touch a moon rock, and even experience what it’s like to be an astronaut. Don’t miss the tram tour that takes you behind the scenes at NASA’s Johnson Space Center.
Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from 900 different species. Visitors can see everything from elephants and giraffes to lions and tigers. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is one of the largest art museums in the country. It houses a collection of over 70,000 works of art from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and special events.
Hidden Gems
Buffalo Bayou Park
Buffalo Bayou Park is a 160-acre park that offers visitors a chance to explore Houston’s natural beauty. The park features hiking and biking trails, a skate park, and even a dog park. Don’t miss the Waugh Drive Bat Colony, where you can see thousands of Mexican free-tailed bats take flight at dusk.
The Menil Collection
The Menil Collection is a museum that houses the private art collection of John and Dominique de Menil. The collection includes works by artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol. The museum also offers a serene park-like setting that is perfect for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
Hermann Park
Hermann Park is a 445-acre park that offers visitors a variety of attractions, including the Houston Zoo, the Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the Japanese Garden. The park also features a golf course, a miniature train ride, and paddle boats on the park’s lake.
Food Scene
Ninfa’s Original on Navigation
Ninfa’s Original on Navigation is a Houston institution that has been serving up authentic Tex-Mex cuisine for over 40 years. Don’t miss the famous fajitas, which are cooked over mesquite wood and served with handmade tortillas.
Underbelly
Underbelly is a restaurant that focuses on locally sourced ingredients and changes its menu to reflect the seasons. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes inspired by Houston’s diverse culinary traditions, including Korean fried chicken and Gulf Coast seafood.
Killen’s Barbecue
Killen’s Barbecue is a must-visit for anyone who loves barbecue. The restaurant serves up mouth-watering brisket, ribs, and sausage that are slow-smoked to perfection. Be prepared to wait in line, though, as this place is always packed.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Free Museums
Many of Houston’s museums offer free admission on certain days of the week or month. Check out the Houston Museum of Natural Science on Thursdays after 2 pm or the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on Thursdays all day.
Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a 155-acre nature reserve that offers free admission. Visitors can explore the park’s trails and see a variety of native Texas plants and wildlife.
Discovery Green
Discovery Green is a 12-acre park in downtown Houston that offers a variety of free events and activities throughout the year, including concerts, movie nights, and fitness classes.
Outdoor Adventures
Kayaking on Buffalo Bayou
Kayaking on Buffalo Bayou is a great way to explore Houston’s natural beauty. Bayou City Adventures offers kayak rentals and guided tours of the bayou.
Hiking in Memorial Park
Memorial Park is a 1,500-acre park that offers visitors a chance to escape the city and explore nature. The park features hiking and biking trails, as well as a golf course and tennis courts.
Biking on the Buffalo Bayou Trail
The Buffalo Bayou Trail is a 10-mile bike path that runs along Buffalo Bayou. The trail offers scenic views of the bayou and downtown Houston.
Historical Landmarks
The San Jacinto Monument and Museum
The San Jacinto Monument and Museum commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, which was fought in 1836 and won Texas its independence from Mexico. The monument is the tallest stone column in the world and offers visitors a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
The Battleship Texas
The Battleship Texas is a retired US Navy battleship that served in both World War I and World War II. Visitors can explore the ship and learn about its history through exhibits and guided tours.
The Houston Heights
The Houston Heights is a historic neighborhood that was founded in the late 1800s. The neighborhood features beautiful Victorian-era homes and a variety of restaurants, shops, and galleries.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Children’s Museum of Houston
The Children’s Museum of Houston is a hands-on museum that offers a variety of exhibits and activities for kids of all ages. Don’t miss the Kidtropolis exhibit, which allows children to explore a mini-city and learn about different professions.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a great place for families to learn about science and nature. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including a planetarium and a butterfly habitat.
The Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is always a hit with kids, who can see a variety of animals from around the world. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programs and special events throughout the year.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
The Orange Show
The Orange Show is a folk art installation that was created by a Houston postal worker named Jeff McKissack. The installation features a variety of sculptures made from found objects, including wagon wheels, tractor parts, and beer cans.
The Beer Can House
The Beer Can House is another quirky Houston attraction that is worth a visit. The house is covered in over 50,000 beer cans and was created by a retired upholsterer named John Milkovisch.
The Art Car Museum
The Art Car Museum is a museum that showcases cars that have been transformed into works of art. The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including a parade of art cars.
Natural Wonders
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a 155-acre nature reserve that offers visitors a chance to see a variety of native Texas plants and wildlife. The park’s trails are also a great place for bird watching.
The Houston Botanic Garden
The Houston Botanic Garden is a 132-acre garden that features a variety of plant collections, including a tropical garden, a children’s garden, and a wetlands garden. The garden also offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year.
The Brazos Bend State Park
The Brazos Bend State Park is a 5,000-acre park that offers visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, deer, and over 300 species of birds. The park also features hiking and biking trails, as well as campsites for overnight stays.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Houston Improv
The Houston Improv is a comedy club that features both up-and-coming comedians and established acts. The club also offers a full bar and menu.
Boheme
Boheme is a bar that features a variety of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. The bar also offers a menu of small plates and pizzas.
West Alabama Ice House
The West Alabama Ice House is a dive bar that is popular with locals. The bar offers a variety of beers, as well as live music and food trucks parked outside.
Local Markets
The Houston Farmers Market
The Houston Farmers Market is a year-round market that offers a variety of locally grown produce, as well as artisanal foods and crafts. The market also features a variety