Location: Houston
Top Things to do in Houston
Top 10 Nature & Parks in Houston, Texas (TX)
Houston hums with an energy and independent spirit all its own. A leading cultural and culinary destination in the South, the city is home to over 11,000 restaurants featuring cuisine from more than 70 countries. The thriving arts scene includes resident opera, ballet, symphony and theater companies. The Museum District houses 19 museums, all within walking distance. Be sure to visit Space Center Houston, where you can visit NASA’s Historic Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center.
Restaurants in Houston
1. Smither Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By OhioLinda
We were pleasantly surprised and impressed by the quality of the work and imagination of the artists at this park. Especially since all or most of the items used are found items and the artists are volunteers. There is parking on the street, a couple of picnic tables and a shelter along with the decorated walls. We spent about an hour here and enjoyed every minute. I highly recommend this unusual place.
2. Theatre Under The Stars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Outdoor Broadway shows put on in Hermann Park are very high quality with a big orchestra and lots of singers and dancers.
Reviewed By arod124 - Galveston, United States
This is our second time to see a show here and we loved it. Everyone of the staff is so helpful and nice. The theater is beautifully maintained. The orchestra and performers are so talented. Really a great time. We will be back.
3. Sam Houston Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 70 reviews
Park containing seven historic homes, an oasis of antiquity in the heart of the bustling modern city.
Reviewed By AdriZaAst - Milan, Italy
It's really staggering to see the difference between the original houses of Houston and the new gigantic skyscrapers. This park does a good job of presenting some of the original housing through the years.
4. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 447 reviews
Bayou Bend is the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston's house museum for American decorative arts and paintings. Displayed in the former home of Houston civic leader and philanthropist Ima Hogg (1882-1975), the collection is one of the finest showcases of American furnishings, silver, ceramics, and paintings in the world. The house is situated on 14 acres of organically maintained gardens in Houston's historic River Oaks neighborhood.
Reviewed By larryd1941
Comparing the Bayou Bend American furniture rooms to DuPont's Winterthur Museum is unfair, as they both have excellent collections of American furnihings but Bayou Bend has a less comprehensive view of 18th and 19th century furnishings than Winterthur. It is still high on my list of National "must see" Museums. Its grounds are enchanting and the Museum feels more like a visit to a wealthy friend's home (a la Marjorie Merriweather Post's Hillwood in Washington, DC) than to a major Museum of American furniture (Winterthur in Delaware)
5. Houston Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,164 reviews
The Houston Zoo provides a fun, unique, and inspirational experience fostering appreciation, knowledge, and care for the natural world. Essentially a small city encompassing a world of ecosystems and experiences, the Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts. We have over 6000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! In addition, we have over 1.84 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well being of our residents and guests.
Reviewed By oxfordcg - Houston, United States
Whenever I visit the Zoo, of which I am proud to say I am a member, it feels as if I am visiting several countries in one day. The variety of well-cared for animals is outstanding. I particularly love how the animals interact with us. During the season of Christmas lights, we visit the animals and then as it darkens and we return for the Christmas lights, it is great to picture where the animals are sleeping and resting.
6. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 235 reviews
A 155-acre nature sanctuary 4 miles west of downtown. Five miles of walking trails through forest, meadow, and pond habitats offer opportunities to see frogs, turtles, and other wildlife. The Nature Center houses a Nature Shop, restrooms, and Discovery Room which includes aquariums, microscopes, and interactive exhibits like the 15 ft. model "Learning Tree". Grounds: Open Daily 7 am to dusk; Building: Open Daily 9 am - 5 pm, except major holidays. Discovery Room: Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm. Admission free; donations appreciated.
Reviewed By pglejm - Santa Cruz, United States
What a find very close to a very busy vibrant city that is sure to offer you a stressful experience. Parking is cheap...$1.35 per hour. If you’re a member of the Arboretum, parking is free but know your code. Building and rehab efforts are still taking place. Some walking amongst the various paths will give you a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of the city.
7. Cockrell Butterfly Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 704 reviews
Next to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the glass-enclosed butterfly habitat includes a simulated rainforest and thousands of colorful butterflies. A dramatic 50-foot waterfall and exotic plants transport visitors.
Reviewed By fueledbymoxy - Houston, United States
Lucky for me I am not scared of flying bugs/insects so I loved this. There are so many beautiful butterflies you will be in awe and will be able to get up close and see the stunning patterns on their wings. I spent easily an hour in here and look forward to visiting again.
8. Lillie and Hugh Roy Cullen Sculpture Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By beachboywantabe - Corpus Christi, United States
Cloud Column (sculpture by Anish Kapoor of Chicago’s Cloud Gate fame) is not really part of the Cullen Sculpture Garden, but since it adjoins the Garden, for practical purposes it is. The Sculpture Garden has been a favorite Arts District stop of mine for years, and the only place other than France or The Rodin Museum In Philly where 3 Rodin Sculptures can be seen at one location! Cloud Column by itself is worthy of a visit. I love the MFAH description of the sculpture that mentions some people refer to it as “El Frijole”: “The play between the convex and concave surfaces establishes a dual reality, as the elongated core of the sculpture presents the world upside down, bringing the heavens down to earth.”
9. Water Wall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,306 reviews
The Water Wall, near the Galleria, offers a respite from commerce. Sit under the spray on a hot day, or people watch and take pictures.
Reviewed By Temeaux - Houston, United States
Very cool spot for a unique Houston photo, we've been there several times. There's always folks sharing the space with you, but everyone generally gets along. Close enough to the Nordstrom parking garage to walk over, I'd avoid parking on the street (but I've seen folks do it). Dress up, dress down, doesn't matter....I've seen guys in tuxes and gals in shorts. Get out and enjoy Houston ????
10. Discovery Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 864 reviews
This downtown park offers free yoga classes, movie nights and toddler story times. The park has a playground, spray fountain and Mist Tree, great for hot Houston days. Enjoy free WiFi and open air reading rooms, or borrow balls or games.
Reviewed By 135deisef
Discovery Green is a great area to spend quality time with your loved one. They have amazing different attractions that represent the heart and soul of Houston. It is often filled with art exhibits, live music, and other city events. Discovery Green even has a skating rink in the center of the park. There is plenty of room to walk or ride bikes with the family. There also have a dog park so that everyone in the family can have a good time. It is a fun and vibrant experience with uplifting community events and the amazing Houston scenery. Discovery green is located in the center of Houston, downtown and is located around a lot of delicious restaurants along with other great Houston attractions.
