-
Question: What types of attractions does Houston offer?
-
Answer: Whether you like museums, parks, or free attractions, Houston offers many great things to see and do.
-
Question: What activities can couples enjoy in Houston?
-
Answer: From culinary tours and cooking classes to championship golf and kayaking, couples can plan a fun weekend getaway in the city.
Unique Attractions
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)
Admire world-class art and explore diverse exhibits on a romantic cultural trip.
© Museum of Fine Arts
One of the largest museums in the country, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is located in the heart of Houston's Museum District and boasts a collection of more than 64,000 works from six continents. Spanning more than 6,000 years of history, the main collection is housed in two main galleries, the Audrey Jones Beck Building and the Caroline Weiss Law Building, which are connected by the underground Wilson tunnel.
The museum is also home to the Cullen Sculpture Garden, an urban oasis designed by Isamu Noguchi that features modern and contemporary sculptures by renowned artists such as Henri Matisse, Joan Miro, and Ellsworth Kelly. The Rienzi House museum features an exquisite collection of European artworks, décor, and gardens while the Glassell School of Art offers studio art classes and educational workshops for adults.
1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX, Phone: 713-639-7300
The Cockrell Butterfly Center
Walk through tropical gardens and see live butterflies on a fun kids-friendly visit.
© Courtesy of Truong - Fotolia.com
Based at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Cockrell Butterfly Center and Brown Hall of Entomology offers visitors a fascinating insight into the world of butterflies and insects. The center features a variety of exhibits, displays and presentations, and is one of the top places to go in Houston.
The Rainforest Conservancy, a spectacular three-story glass structure with a 50-foot waterfall filled with exotic plants and living butterflies is especially popular, and vast exhibition halls showcase some of the world’s largest and weirdest arthropods. If you are looking for things to do in Houston TX for nature lovers, this is a fascinating place to visit. Friday’s are “Feeding Frenzy” time, and visitors can enjoy Small Talk Tuesdays, where some of the center’s live collections are taken out for a walk.
5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX, Phone: 713-639-4629
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
Catch a Broadway show and enjoy skyline views on an exciting weekend night out.
© The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
Located in the Houston Theater District in the heart of downtown Houston, The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is Houston’s premiere entertainment complex. The center is home to two state-of-the-art acoustically distinguished theaters, the Sarofim Hall and Zilkha Hall, which seat 2,650 and 500 respectively. Here, patrons can enjoy world-class and critically acclaimed theatrical performances and special events. If you are wondering what to do in Houston today, check the performance schedule at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
An exquisite three-story Grand Lobby has beautiful architectural features such as a gold leaf ceiling, a vast steel-column supported roof, and a second-floor terrace overlooks verdant Tranquility Park. If you are looking for romantic date night ideas in Houston, this is the place to go. Enjoy fine dining before or after the performance at the elegant on-site restaurant that serves contemporary American cuisine.
800 Bagby Street, Ste. 300, Houston, TX, Phone: 713-315-2400
Taste of Houston Food Tours
Sample local eats and explore historic neighborhoods on a flavorful, affordable food trip.
© Courtesy of simonvo - Fotolia.com
Experience the culinary side of Houston with a fantastic walking tour to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and cafés. During these tours, you have the opportunity taste delicious food along the way and take in some of the beautiful architecture. The walking food tours take guests to both popular and lesser-known areas of downtown Houston, from the historic Main Street and Market Square to Green Street.
Taste of Houston Food Tours provide information about the development of the city’s heritage, architecture, and culture, and they stop at an array of eateries and bars, allowing you to savor a range of cuisine and beverages. Phone: 713-554-1735
Space Center Houston
Discover space history and see real rockets on an unforgettable family attraction.
© Space Center Houston
Part of the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation Inc.’s extensive science education program, Space Center Houston
is one of the USA’s most popular tourist attractions, welcoming more than 800,000 visitors every year. The center was established in 1992 with the aim of educating, encouraging and inspiring young learners to embrace science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a fun and engaging way. World-renowned for being the home of NASA Mission Control, International Space Station Mission Control and astronaut training, Space Center Houston takes visitors on a journey behind the scenes and into the world of space. Using space exploration to inspire wonder and interest in science and math, the center presents over 400 temporary and permanent exhibits, artifacts and items from space, and other various attractions related America’s human spaceflight program.
1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, Texas 77058, Phone: 281-244-2100
Well Done Cooking Classes
Learn new recipes and cook with a partner on a romantic evening adventure.
© Well Done Cooking Classes
Celeste Terrell and Kathryn Hood started Well Done Cooking Classes in 2009, and they have been teaching people how to cook and have fun in the kitchen ever since. With the aim of offering great service, excellent food, and good fun to their patrons, Well Done Cooking Classes provide a variety of classes for every level of chef or cook, ranging from beginner to advanced.
Classes cover all aspects of cooking; you will learn everything, from information about the ingredients to various cooking techniques. Classes can be enjoyed with a group of friends or individually. Participants experience hands-on classes and execution of tasting recipes, as well as tasting the fruits of their labor. All equipment and ingredients are provided for the classes, as well as complimentary water, although guests can bring their own beverages if they so choose.
832-782-3518
Wildcat Golf Club
Play scenic fairways and unwind with friends during an easy retirement-friendly outing.
© Courtesy of Filip Simalcik - Fotolia.com
Wildcat Golf Club features two championship 18-hole golf courses: The Lakes and The Highlands, along with a variety of other first-class facilities. Designed by Roy Case, the course ranges in elevation and boasts beautiful views of the NRG Stadium complex and Houston's downtown skyline.
Facilities at the club include private practice facilities, Top 100 Golf Shop, deluxe meeting rooms, valet services, and the Vista Grill, a fine-dining restaurant with spectacular views overlooking the course. The Club also offers a range of private golf classes taught by professional golfers for all levels of players.
12000 Almeda Road, Houston, Texas, Phone: 713-413-3400
Date Ideas
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Walk shaded trails and spot wildlife on a peaceful, cheap nature trip.
© Courtesy of duydo photography - Fotolia.com
Located in the heart of the city, Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is a green oasis of fauna and flora for the public to enjoy. The center features a range of fun-filled activities that will engage and delight visitors. You can go to the Discovery Room, where you can learn more about Houston’s urban wildlife and natural habitats, visit the Wildlife Garden, which is home to birds, bees, butterflies, and other wildlife, and stop by the Nature Shop, which sells all things nature-related.
The center offers a broad range of educational programs for families, adults, and children such as “Nature and Wildlife,” “Food and Nature,” and “Hands on Nature.” Hour-long guided tours for adults are held Tuesday through Saturday. If you are looking for things to do in Houston today, the center hosts a variety of special events throughout the year.
4501 Woodway Drive, Houston, Texas, Phone: 713-681-8433
Siphon Coffee
Sip single-origin brews and relax in a cozy setting during a quick weekday break.
© Courtesy of Tomasz Zajda - Fotolia.com
Rustic-industrial chic, comfortable sofas, and a pleasant vibe are not what make Siphon Coffee stand out among the many great coffee shops in the Houston neighborhood of Montrose. It is their siphon-made coffee, brewed in a 19th century device that produces a delicate and unique cup of coffee that is highly valued among coffee connoisseurs. They also serve excellent espresso made of locally roasted coffee, craft beer on tap, a nice selection of wine, and wonderful pastries. Guests can enjoy a chai latte, organic salads and inventive soups and sandwiches.
701 West Alabama St, Houston, TX 77006, Phone: 281-974-4426
Lawndale Art Center
Explore contemporary art and support local artists on an unusual weekend cultural stop.
© Lawndale Art Center
Lawndale Art Center was founded in Houston in 1979 by artist James Surls in a 100,000-square-foot abandoned warehouse. It was a part of the University of Houston and its goal was to provide studio and exhibition spaces for the university graduate students in sculpture and painting. Lawndale Art Center became a non-profit organization in 1989, and in 1992 it moved to a 1930s art deco building in Houston’s Museum District designed by Joseph Finger. The center’s galleries show works from about 500 artists every year in more than 20 innovative art exhibitions. It also organizes informal talks and discussions and special annual events, such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Design Fair, and The Big Show. Lawndale became known as an outlet for controversial art by regional artists and served as a prototype for other alternative art spaces in Houston.
4912 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002, Phone: 713-528-5858
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Pleasant temperatures and blooming wildflowers, great for outdoor activities. |
The Post Oak Hotel – A luxurious 5-star hotel in the Uptown area. |
Visit the Houston Rodeo – Experience live music, rodeo events, and delicious Texas barbecue. |
Summer (June-August) – Hot and humid, perfect for indoor attractions and water parks. |
Marriott Marquis Houston – Features a unique Texas-shaped lazy river. |
Explore Space Center Houston – Learn about NASA’s history and see real spacecraft. |
Fall (September-November) – Cooler temperatures and festival season. |
The Lancaster Hotel – A historic boutique hotel in downtown Houston. |
Walk through Buffalo Bayou Park – Enjoy scenic trails, kayaking, and skyline views. |
Winter (December-February) – Mild temperatures, great for holiday lights and events. |
Hotel ZaZa Houston – A stylish and unique hotel in the Museum District. |
Visit the Houston Museum District – Explore world-class museums and cultural attractions. |
Houston Events and Festivals:
- Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo - March 4-23, 2025
- Art Car Parade - April 12, 2025
- Bayou City Art Festival - March & October
- Houston Restaurant Weeks - August-September
Map:
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: