Texas is a great place to plan your vacation. Houston, in particular, can give you everything you need to have an unforgettable trip with friends or family. Because it is one of the largest cities in the United States, it’s packed with things to do and places to see, regardless of what time of year you’re visiting and your travel budget.
Throughout Houston, you’ll find fabulous hotels and restaurants, as well as shops and events. You can find ways to be active in the great outdoors by heading to popular spots like Sam Houston Park, Geronimo Adventure Park, or the Houston Botanic Garden. You can also explore museums, the Theater District, and national historic landmarks.
Popular Historical Landmarks for the Texas History Buff in You
In addition to providing tourists with modern accommodations, golf courses, entertainment venues, and more, Houston is also home to several historical sites that can take you back in time and teach you about the past.
A great example is The Heritage Society, an outdoor, interactive museum in downtown Houston. Or, you can visit the Battleship Texas and the George Ranch Historical Park, as a couple of other options.
What Are the Most Famous Landmarks in Houston?
Figuring out what you’ll do during your stay in this thriving city can be tricky because there are so many options, and it can become overwhelming to decide what you’ll do first.
To help you plan your trip, here are just five of the many landmarks in Houston that you should consider visiting while you are in the city:
Space Center Houston
Space exploration creates a feeling of excitement and wonder in just about everyone. Seeing NASA's discoveries about the planets, stars, and galaxies is truly amazing for kids and adults.
Johnson Space Center is one of the top Houston landmarks, and you can get a glimpse behind the scenes at NASA by visiting the official vistor’s center at Space Center Houston. Check out exhibits and the training facilities that astronauts use, view live presentations, and go on tours to learn about science and outer space. It’s sure to be a fun time for you and your kids and an educational experience.
Bayou Bend Collection at Houston Museum of Fine Arts
The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens at The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is open every day except Monday. This is an excellent opportunity to dive into a large collection of American art, furnishings, and more. You can also participate in tours and explore the lush gardens while taking in the beautiful architecture and rich history.
Once you finish at Bayou Bend, take a walk through MFAH, which is another one of the iconic Houston landmarks that people flock to. It always has intriguing exhibitions and a vast collection of extraordinary works of art from all over the world, making it a perfect spot for history buffs.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Houston boasts plenty of green spaces to explore when you want to spend time outside and enjoy the fine weather, and Buffalo Bayou Park is one of the most popular. It is filled with natural beauty and spans 160 acres, making you feel like you have left the bustling city for a tranquil paradise.
This park’s attractions include The Cistern, The Water Works, Lost Lake, and Tapley Tributary, to name just a few. Events and tours are also an option to consider when you want to see what this location offers. Plus, you can take in the fresh air and sunshine on the biking and hiking trails or rent a canoe or kayak to spend time on the water.
Houston Zoo
If you want to spend some of your time in Houston surrounded by incredible animals, consider heading to the Houston Zoo in Hermann Park. Thousands of animals live at this zoo, which focuses on conserving wildlife and inspiring everyone who visits to work towards the same goal.
There are a lot of things you can do at the Houston Zoo. For example, animal encounters can get you up close as you learn about various species. And a variety of exhibits can also serve as entertaining ways to learn about wildlife and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Kemah Boardwalk
There are many downtown Houston landmarks to explore, but if you are willing to travel about 20 miles from the downtown area, you can also check out Kemah Boardwalk. It features a variety of rides and games, as well as special events, shows, and festivals, meaning you will always find something fun to do there.
In addition to rides, Kemah Boardwalk also features waterfront restaurants so you can refuel after a full day of activities. Plus, with lots of shops in the area, you can stop and grab a souvenir to take home with you and remind you of the fantastic time you had in Houston.
Invest in a Ticket Bundle To See These Notable Attractions
When booking a trip to Houston, you have a lot to think about, from your flight and hotel to how you’ll get around once you’re there and which attractions you want to add to your must-see list.
As you prepare to take in everything that the most famous Houston landmarks have to offer, you might be a little daunted by the task of buying all of the tickets separately. CityPASS® tickets provide a simple solution: You can buy an affordable ticket bundle to multiple Houston attractions.
Buying a CityPASS® ticket bundle means you can save money and get to see everything you were hoping to experience throughout Houston. In fact, you could save at five attractions, including Space Center Houston, Kemah Boardwalk, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and more.
Even if you’re on a budget, there’s no need to sacrifice visiting Houston's cultural attractions and historical landmarks. Purchase your Houston CityPASS® tickets today to save, and then get ready to have some fun.
Houston Lodging
To get the most out of your stay in Houston, we recommend finding lodging near Houston's top attractions. Use this map to find the right lodging for you:
Booking.com