Houston Area Code Map Travel Guide

Introduction

Houston is a vibrant and diverse city in Texas, USA. Known for its world-class museums, delicious food, and friendly locals, Houston is a must-visit destination for travelers from around the world. With the help of this comprehensive travel guide, you can explore the best that Houston has to offer, from top attractions to hidden gems and everything in between.

Top Attractions

Space Center Houston

The Space Center Houston is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in space exploration. The center is home to a variety of exhibits, including a replica of the Apollo 11 spacecraft and the Space Shuttle.

Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is a popular family-friendly attraction that is home to over 6,000 animals from over 900 species. Visitors can see everything from elephants and giraffes to lions and tigers.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most visited museums in the country. It features a variety of exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons, gems and minerals, and a planetarium.

Hidden Gems

Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park is a beautiful green space in the heart of Houston. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. The park also offers stunning views of the downtown skyline.

The Menil Collection

The Menil Collection is a museum that features a world-class collection of art, including works by Picasso, Matisse, and Warhol. Admission is free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a 155-acre nature preserve located in the heart of Houston. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife exhibits, and interactive exhibits.

Food Scene

Brennan’s of Houston

Brennan’s of Houston is a fine dining restaurant that specializes in Creole cuisine. The restaurant is known for its delicious seafood dishes, such as shrimp and grits and crawfish etouffee.

Tex-Mex

Houston is famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine, which is a fusion of Texan and Mexican flavors. Some of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in Houston include El Tiempo Cantina, Ninfa’s on Navigation, and Pappasito’s Cantina.

Food Trucks

Houston has a thriving food truck scene, with trucks serving everything from tacos and burgers to Korean barbecue and Thai street food. Some popular food trucks in Houston include The Waffle Bus, Oh My Gogi!, and The DoughCone.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Free Museums

Many of Houston’s museums offer free admission on certain days of the week. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, for example, offers free admission on Thursdays from 2pm to 5pm.

Happy Hour Specials

Many restaurants and bars in Houston offer happy hour specials, with discounted food and drinks. Some popular happy hour spots include Eight Row Flint, Better Luck Tomorrow, and Axelrad Beer Garden.

Public Transportation

Houston has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and light rail. Using public transportation is a great way to save money on transportation costs.

Outdoor Adventures

Kayaking on Buffalo Bayou

Kayaking on Buffalo Bayou is a fun and unique way to explore Houston’s downtown area. Visitors can rent kayaks from Bayou City Adventures and paddle along the bayou, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.

Hiking in Memorial Park

Memorial Park is a 1,466-acre park in the heart of Houston. It features a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail.

Biking on the Buffalo Bayou Trail

The Buffalo Bayou Trail is a 15-mile bike trail that runs along the bayou, offering stunning views of the city skyline. Visitors can rent bikes from Bike Barn and explore the trail at their own pace.

Historical Landmarks

The Alamo

The Alamo is a historic mission in San Antonio, Texas, that played a pivotal role in the Texas Revolution. Visitors can tour the grounds and learn about the history of the site.

San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site

The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is the site of the Battle of San Jacinto, which was a decisive battle in the Texas Revolution. Visitors can tour the site and learn about the history of the battle.

The Sam Houston Statue

The Sam Houston Statue is a 67-foot-tall statue of Sam Houston, the first president of the Republic of Texas. It is located in Huntsville, Texas, and is one of the tallest statues in the United States.

Family-Friendly Activities

Children’s Museum of Houston

The Children’s Museum of Houston is a fun and educational museum that is designed for kids. It features a variety of interactive exhibits, including a Kidtropolis exhibit that allows kids to role-play as adults.

Downtown Aquarium

The Downtown Aquarium is a popular family-friendly attraction that features a variety of marine animals, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Visitors can also ride the Ferris wheel and enjoy other amusement park rides.

Discovery Green

Discovery Green is a 12-acre park in downtown Houston that offers a variety of family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy free concerts, movies, and other events throughout the year.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

The Orange Show

The Orange Show is a unique outdoor art installation that was created by a Houston postal worker named Jeff McKissack. The installation features a variety of colorful sculptures and mosaics.

The Beer Can House

The Beer Can House is another unique outdoor art installation in Houston. The house is covered in thousands of beer cans, making it a popular destination for beer lovers and art enthusiasts.

The Art Car Museum

The Art Car Museum is a museum that features a variety of art cars, which are cars that have been transformed into works of art. The museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in quirky and unconventional art.

Natural Wonders

Big Bend National Park

Big Bend National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in western Texas. It features a variety of geological formations, including canyons, mountains, and deserts.

The Gulf Coast

The Gulf Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline that is home to a variety of beaches, wildlife, and marine life. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

The Hill Country

The Hill Country is a scenic region located in central Texas. It features rolling hills, wildflowers, and picturesque small towns. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Continental Club

The Continental Club is a legendary music venue in Houston that is known for its live music and vibrant atmosphere. The club has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Stevie Ray Vaughan and ZZ Top.

The Secret Group

The Secret Group is a popular comedy club and music venue in Houston. It features a variety of shows and events throughout the year, including stand-up comedy, live music, and karaoke nights.

The Houston Improv

The Houston Improv is another popular comedy club in Houston. It features some of the best comedians from around the country, as well as local talent.

Local Markets

The Houston Farmers Market

The Houston Farmers Market is a popular destination for foodies and locavores. The market features a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.

The Heights Mercantile Farmers Market

The Heights Mercantile Farmers Market is another popular farmers market in Houston. It features a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade soaps and candles.

The Urban Harvest Farmers Market

The Urban Harvest Farmers Market is a nonprofit farmers market that is dedicated to promoting local agriculture and sustainable food systems. The market features a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts.