Houston is full of things to do, see, eat, experience, and, above all, discover. Hidden throughout this great, sprawling city are artsy pockets, historic gems, and a wealth of diverse communities, some of which are unbeknownst even to locals. And seen with fresh eyes, Houston’s most famous attractions can still yield another secret or two.
- Discover biking, hiking, and jogging trails
Do you wish you could escape from the manic demands of the city? Then hop on a bike or lace up your running shoes and head to Houston’s many parks. For 160 acres of gorgeous scenery and skyline views, you can’t do better than Buffalo Bayou Park. The 1,700-acre George Bush Parks, located on the west side of Houston, boasts jogging paths and flexible bike trails surrounded by forest and swamp. Memorial Park, Rice University Loop, and Terry Hershey Park offer skating facilities, shady running routes, and dirt trails, respectively.
- Go museum hopping
A day is too short to hit all 19 museums located in the Museum District’s four walkable zones. There’s just too much to take in. The Children’s Museum of Houston offers tons of activities and interactive exhibits; the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston features fine examples of American and European decorative arts; while the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the city’s most popular museum, showcases permanent exhibits featuring ancient Egyptian artifacts, prehistoric beasts, and Texas wildlife dioramas.
- Press the mysterious red button
Duck behind downtown’s Wortham Theater where Preston Street crosses Buffalo Bayou and you’ll find this nondescript red button hidden in one of the pillars of Preston Street bridge. This local curiosity has been around since 1989. What happens when you press the magic button? That’s for you to find out, brave traveler!
- Get a CityPass
This lets you see the city’s 5 most popular attractions at almost half the cost of admission price. The first three on the list are the Space Center Houston, the Downtown Aquarium, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Then, you can choose between Houston Zoo and Kemah Boardwalk on one hand, and the Children’s Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, on the other.
- Explore hidden foodie spots
When it comes to gastronomic pleasures, Houston delivers. Besting New York as the top food city in the US, Houston offers everything from mimosa and brunch offerings at Benjy’s, the moistest baby cakes at Crave Cupcakes; Caribbean soul food at Reggae Hut, among tons of others. Ask locals in the know or explore on your own and you may even stumble across your very own food find.
- Indulge in brick-and-mortar retail therapy
There’s no therapy like retail therapy, and Houston is one of the best places to shop your heart out. Hit the Galleria for a shopping experience akin to Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive or New York’s Fifth Avenue. While away the hours in Uptown Park’s chic stores, wine bars, and restaurants. Go to West Avenue, the city’s fashion hub, for a more upscale dining, spa, and shopping experience. You might even chance upon of its special events.
