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19 Best Things to Do in Houston, Texas

Jon Hicks / Getty Images

Houston is home to NASA's astronaut training and flight control complex, a buzzing Historic District full of 19th-century architecture and upscale restaurants, and some world-class museums and art spaces, to boot. The Texas metropolis maintains its warm climate year-round, making mid-winter outdoor movie screenings and off-season strolls through the Buffalo Bayou entirely possible. There's always something to do in the Bayou City, for first-time visitors and lifelong Houstonians alike.

Cheer on a Home Team

If there's one thing Texas is known for, it's the sports. While Houston's teams fail to measure up to Dallas' Cowboys in terms of cult favoritism, the city is still incredibly sports-centered. It's the home of the Astros , who won the 2017 World Series and play every summer at Minute Maid Park. Other times of year, you can catch the Rockets playing basketball at the Toyota Center, the Houston Texans tossing the pigskin at NRG Stadium, or the men's and women's soccer teams, Dynamo and Dash , playing at BBVA Stadium.

Indulge in the City's Thriving Music Scene

Austin isn't the only Texas city with a flourishing music scene. Houston has a wealth of iconic concert venues—some massive enough to host international acts, others small but acutely hip and under-the-radar. For big events, check the schedule at the Bayou Music Center (formerly the Revention Music Center) by Live Nation, the Smart Financial Centre  at Sugar Land, or the House of Blues downtown. But for something more intimate, don't skip Satellite Bar, a hip dive showcasing local bands, and The Heights Theater .

Tour 19th Street in the Heights

And speaking of the Heights, this neighborhood's 19th Street is an eccentric strip ideal for thrift-store hopping and cafe dining. Strolling amid its retro buildings, whose storefronts are adorned with vibrant antiques and vintage clothing, will teleport you to a simpler time. The district is a hub for local arts and culture, frequently holding community events like Third Thursdays Sip & Socials. Check the 19th Street Facebook page for upcoming happenings.

Catch an Outdoor Movie, Any Time of Year

Rooftop Cinema Club

Even throughout the winter, Houston's highs remain in the 60-degrees range, meaning: Movies in the park are a year-round tradition. Green spaces around the city— Discovery Green , Market Square Park , Sugar Land Town Square , and the Lawn at Memorial City , to name a few—keep the al fresco flicks streaming on their big screens regardless of the season. For a more upscale, date night-worthy experience, try the Houston Rooftop Cinema Club , which screens classic films on various iconic rooftops around the city.

Tour the Johnson Space Center

Robyn Correll / TripSavvy

The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, home of the NASA astronaut corps, occupies 1,620 acres in Southeast Houston, consisting of roughly 100 facilities. The sprawling estate is not just for astronauts, either; tourists can experience a zero-gravity simulation in the Living in Space exhibit or encounter a virtual rocket launch, complete with exhaust, at the Destiny ("Blast Off") Theater.

Visit the Houston Zoo

Sheltering more than 6,000 animals and 900 species, the Houston Zoo is one of the most visited zoos in the nation. Spend the day strolling through the facility’s impeccably landscaped grounds, or get more hands-on by scheduling a guided tour—experiences range from feeding a giraffe to shadowing a staff veterinarian for an entire day.

Stroll Around the Museum District

The Houston Museum District is where a number of museums, galleries, and cultural centers are packed into a mile-and-a-half radius of Hermann Park. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, which also houses the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, boasts a collection of roughly 60,000 pieces, and just a few blocks away is the Health Museum , home to Houston’s first 4D theater. Other area attractions include the Holocaust Museum , Houston Center for Photography , and the Lawndale Art Center.

Have a Little Fun at Kemah Boardwalk

Richard Cummins / Getty Images

Spanning 60 acres on the Texas Gulf Coast waterfront, Kemah Boardwalk has grown from a dining destination to Houston’s largest theme park, featuring a Ferris wheel, train, and carousel (all available for rides and individually priced). Packed with hotels and restaurants like Landry’s Seafood House and Saltgrass Steakhouse , this amusement hub makes for a fail-proof family outing, only 30 miles from downtown.

Go on a Walking Tour of Montrose

One of Houston’s most demographically diverse regions, Montrose has become the city’s centerpiece of vintage shopping, live music, and LGBTQ+ activism. Restored mansions and bungalows, tree-lined boulevards, and an antique mall make the neighborhood a unique, pedestrian-friendly tourist spot. Stop at Rudyard's , a neighborhood dive bar, for a cold beer and a meal—you might even catch one of its famous comedy shows.

Eat Delicious Tex-Mex

Patrick Feller / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

Houston might not have invented the fajita, but it sure has mastered it. Between its hundreds of Tex-Mex restaurants, there's certainly no shortage of tortillas in this city. Check out the Original Ninfa's on Navigation —a hotspot for fajitas since the early '70s—for a lesson on the area's culinary history, or El Tiempo Cantina , the franchise launched by Mama Ninfa's own grandchildren, for a sprawling collection of quesos. And don't forget to sample the breakfast tacos while you're in town—they're a Houston specialty.

Hang Out at Discovery Green

A splash of vegetation in Houston's otherwise concrete and glass-laden downtown, Discovery Green is more than just a pretty park. It's also a common venue for open-air concerts, exercise classes, summer picnics, and more. The 12-acre green space is worth visiting just for a stroll, but check the park's events calendar for special events.

See Sharks at the Downtown Aquarium

Discover 400-plus species of marine life and dine alongside a 150,000-gallon, two-story tank at the Downtown Aquarium. Here, you can pet a stingray or go on an exhilarating train ride through the Shark Voyage, then wrap up the evening with a seafood feast followed by decadent desserts in the aquarium restaurant.

Go Shopping in the Galleria Mall

The Galleria Houston is an upscale shopping mall centrally located just outside the 610 Loop in Houston’s Uptown District. The retail center is anchored by Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue, and occupies such high-end tenants as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent. It's especially handy for escaping the summer heat or rainy days.

Take a Bike Ride Down Buffalo Bayou

Vincent Mercer / TripSavvy

The Buffalo Bayou stretches from just outside the 610 Loop all the way into the center of the city, and the park—beginning at Shepherd Drive—offers some breathtaking views of the downtown skyline. Don't have a bike? You can rent one using the city's bike-share program, Bcycle . Docking stations are located near the trail at Jackson Hill and Memorial Drive and the Sabine Bridge. 

Admire the James Turrell Skyspace

Head to the Rice University campus for one of the most impressive art installations you may ever see. Artist James Turrell has created an acoustically-engineered light and sound installation next to the campus' Shepherd School of Music, and it happens to be one of the best things to see in H-Town. Dubbed Twilight Epiphany, the show is projected onto the building's roof at sunrise and sunset. The show is free, but reservations are required. 

Make Your Own Craft Beer Pub Crawl

Houston is home to Texas' oldest craft brewery, Saint Arnold , which is open for tours Monday through Saturday. After visiting the original, you can keep the momentum going at 8th Wonder Brewery , known for its massive backyard, or Brash Brewing , a tucked-away warehouse-style brewery with a low-key atmosphere. 

Float Along a Texas-Shaped Lazy River

Marriott Marquis Houston

Everything's bigger in Texas—even the swimming pools. Houston's massive Marriott Marquis might top them all with its truly impressive Texas-shaped lazy river. While the pool is primarily open only to guests of the hotel, non-guests can book a spa treatment at the hotel's Pure Spa for day access. Floaties and towels are provided.

Go See the Bats at Waugh Bridge

If you thought Austin was the only city with a famous bat population, think again. Houston has its very own colony of 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats, which reside under the Waugh Bridge, near Buffalo Bayou. While Austin's colony is larger, Houston's bats live under the bridge year-round and are not migratory. The bats emerge nightly to feast on insects, often eating up to 1,200 mosquitoes in an hour. 

Meditate at the Modern Rothko Chapel

This one-man museum is one of Houston's most popular attractions—an impressive feat given that it only houses 14 works of art. Rothko Chapel opened its doors in 1971 as a monument to the work of abstract artist Mark Rothko. Today, the main room of the interfaith chapel is a quiet octagonal room filled with the artist's massive, single-color canvases. Other than simple wooden benches and a few meditation mats, the chapel has no furniture or decoration.

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20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Houston

Written by Lana Law Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

If you are looking for culture, dining, shopping, unique attractions, and fun experiences, you'll find no shortage of things to do in Houston. This is the fourth largest city in the United States and home to the famous Space Center Houston, renowned chefs, inspiring museums, and beautiful green spaces, complete with a bayou running through the heart of the city. Depending on your travel dates, you may even be able to take in a sports game or enjoy Houston's signature event, the Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Houston makes a great place to visit for a weekend getaway, with direct flights from all over North America. Combine a trip to Houston with a visit to nearby Galveston , less than an hour away, for a mix of big city and island life. For a complete look at things to do, see our list of top attractions in Houston.

See also: Where to Stay in Houston

1. Visit Space Center Houston

2. explore houston's museum district, 3. the museum of fine arts, 4. houston museum of natural science, 5. visit the houston zoo, 6. the menil collection, 7. take the kids to the houston children's museum, 8. experience the gerald d. hines waterwall park, 9. national museum of funeral history, 10. discover houston's street art, 11. holocaust museum houston, 12. walk, bike, or paddle in buffalo bayou park, 13. the health museum, 14. art car museum, 15. shop the vintage stores on 19th street in the heights, 16. day trip to galveston, 17. attend the houston livestock show and rodeo, 18. see a sports game, 19. discover unique dining experiences in houston, 20. walk through rice university campus, where to stay in houston for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to houston, map of tourist attractions & things to do in houston, houston, tx - climate chart.

Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, is a must-see attraction in Houston. This is a huge complex, where you can walk through the space shuttle replica Independence and the enormous shuttle carrier aircraft it's mounted on. In the visitor center, you can wander inside a replica of America's first space station, Skylab, and touch a rock from the moon. This is also the place to learn about NASA's upcoming missions, including travel to Mars. If you are here on a Friday around noon, you can even meet an astronaut.

From the visitor center, you can take an open-air tram tour to Johnson Space Center , home of mission control, to see where astronauts train for space missions. This tour also takes you to Rocket Park to see actual rockets on display. If you'd like to only visit the Rocket Park, there is no charge. Just drive to the guarded gate, inform them that you'd like to visit, and they will let you in.

To experience something truly unique, sign up for a Level 9 Tour and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at Johnson Space Center. You can see the Buoyancy Lab, the ISS Mission Control, and simulation labs, along with other areas off limits on regular tours, and possibly even encounter an astronaut. This is a one-of-a-kind experience, and only 12 tickets are sold per day for this exclusive, four- to five-hour VIP tour. Tours begin at the Space Center Houston, which you are free to explore with the purchase of this ticket.

Address: 1601 Nasa Pkwy, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://spacecenter.org/

The Museum District is one of Houston's greatest cultural attractions, with 19 museums residing in this beautiful area of downtown. Eleven of these are free to the public. Highlights include the Museum of Fine Arts , Houston the Houston Museum of Natural Science , the Children's Museum of Houston , the Menil Collection, the Holocaust Museum, and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, to name just a few. Also in this area is the lovely Hermann Park , with the Houston Zoo and the Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Most of the museums are within easy walking distance of each other, although the Menil and the Rothko Chapel are a little farther out. Museums that are free of charge include: The Menil Collection, Rothko Chapel, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Lawndale Art Center, Houston Museum of African American Culture, Moody Center for the Arts, and the Houston Center for photography.

Address: 1001 Bissonnet Street, Houston, Texas

The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is one of the top museums of its kind in the United States. The collection of 63,000 pieces are spread out over two structures: the Audrey Jones Beck building and the Caroline Wiess Law Building, both connected by the unique and interesting Wilson Tunnel.

The museum's focus is on French and Italian Impressionist Renaissance paintings, fine sculptures, and European and American decorative arts. Be sure to check out the wonderful collection of pre-Colombian and African items made of gold.

If you enjoy wandering at your own pace, you'll find lots to keep you interested and entertained here; however, if it all seems a bit overwhelming, sign up for a tour to see the highlights.

If you find yourself in the River Oaks suburb, the Bayou Bend and Collections is a satellite gallery, and features furniture, decorative arts, and paintings.

Official site: https://www.mfah.org/

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular museums in the city. A fun outing for all ages, the museum covers a wide array of topics sure to please everyone in your group.

Be sure to swing by the Hall of Paleontology during your visit to see several complete dinosaur skeletons. For something that's still alive, tour the Cockrell Butterfly Conservatory, where nearly 1,500 of these gentle insects flutter around in the humid air, if you are lucky enough, one might even land on you.

Brush up on what's in the night skies over Houston with a show at the Planetarium then later on, rest your legs and engage your senses at the Wortham Giant Screen Theater.

Address: 5555 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://www.hmns.org/

Set on 55 acres in Hermann Park , the Houston Zoo is one of the city's star attractions, popular with locals and visitors. The zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic and indigenous animals and contains an education center and children's zoo. Some of the highlights include feeding the giraffes, seeing marine life up close in the aquarium, and watching sea lions and otters frolicking about.

Other attractions in Hermann Park are the Houston Museum of Natural Science , the Miller Outdoor Theatre , a Japanese Garden , and McGovern Centennial Garden . Also fun is a paddle boat trip on McGovern Lake, or a stroll along the park's walking trails.

Address: 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, Texas

Official site: www.houstonzoo.org

The building that houses the Menil Collection is almost in itself as much of a work of art as the pieces housed within it. Designed by the renowned architect Renzo Piano, the building is light-filled, owing to the massive glass windows that look out onto the immaculate grounds. Unlike many art museums, the art in many rooms (but not all) is showcased using natural light.

The Menil Collection is especially known for having the largest number of Max Ernst pieces in the world . In addition, the Menil Collection is home to contemporary works of art, along with pieces from the masters in the Byzantine, Abstract, and Surrealism themes. All these works are grouped together in dedicated display rooms.

If it's not too hot, take a bit of time to explore the campus of the Menil Collection. One of the most interesting things to see is the Rothko Chapel with its mural canvases.

The museum is free.

Address: 1533 Sul Ross Street, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://www.menil.org/

• Read More: Top-Rated Museums in Houston

A great way to beat the heat in summer and one of the best places to visit in Houston for families is the Houston Children's Museum. This colorful, noisy place is guaranteed to plaster a smile on everyone's face. Let the kids run wild and have a fun time getting busy will all the hands-on and interactive displays.

One of the major highlights is the How Does it Work exhibit. Here, you and your kids will learn how things in everyday life operate. The FlowWorks wet zone is also a fascinating place where you can turn water on, off, and adjust the flow and watch the effects.

If your kids have ever wanted to pretend they are secret agents, send them over to the SECRETS Spy Game exhibit. They will put their skills to the test to try and crack codes and locate clues while competing against nefarious characters.

Official site: https://www.cmhouston.org/

The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park showcases an impressive multi-story sculptural fountain that sees sheets of water cascading over large concrete walls and sculptures. The structure's semi-circular shape towers 64 feet above you and is fronted by a large arch and 46,500 square feet of water.

Photos don't do this attraction justice, it's something that needs to be seen to truly be appreciated. This 2.77-acre park, covered with dozens of live oaks, is located in Uptown Houston.

You wouldn't think that a museum devoted to funerals would be a popular attraction in Houston, but that is indeed the case. Quirky and somewhat strange, this engaging and fun museum is well worth a visit.

Inside the 30,500-square-foot building are displays ranging from antique funeral hearses, exhibits on the embalming process, coffins from around the world from as far away as Ghana, the history of presidential funerals, and others.

One display not to miss is the colorful overview on Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos), where this Latin American celebration is explained in great detail.

Address: 415 Barren Springs Drive, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://www.nmfh.org/

While it is often overlooked by tourists, Houston's street art, or what many people know as graffiti, is outstanding. Installations by some of the top names in street art throughout the US and around the world, including COPE2 and Houston's own Gonzo247, can be found here.

These colorful murals adorn the walls of establishments in various locations throughout the city and are well worth taking the time to drive around and see. The unofficial curator of Houston's street art is the charismatic artist known as Gonzo247. He is one of the city's most famous street artists and the creator of the giant "Houston is Inspired" mural at the corner of Travis and Preston Streets and the smaller "Houston" mural at Leeland and St. Emanuel Streets.

This latter area is also home to a large concentration of impressive installations that grace the walls of numerous one- and two-story buildings off Leeland Street at Chartres Street and St. Emanuel Street. But works can be found scattered all over the city on walls of various sizes.

For a sobering reminder of how man can inflict untold cruelty on another human being, stop by for a contemplative visit to the Holocaust Museum. The museum has been telling the story of the WWII Holocaust since its opening in 1996.

In 2019, the museum reopened after a massive 30-million-dollar expansion. Now the Holocaust Museum Houston, at 57,000 square feet, is twice the size it used to be, with a 187-seat indoor theater, 175-seat outdoor amphitheater, and a café.

Interesting stories from survivors along with exhibits are thoughtfully presented in four galleries in a way that is both engaging and thought provoking. The museum has an original railcar used in the transport of victims along with a Dutch fishing boat used to shuttle escapees. Two additional galleries are home to a regular procession of temporary exhibits.

Address: 5401 Caroline Street, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://hmh.org/

Buffalo Bayou Park is a beautiful 160-acre green space running through the city, with the slow-moving waters of Buffalo Bayou as its centerpiece. This urban park is home to extensive walking and biking trails, a dog park, sculptures, and plenty of shady areas to relax.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Houston, especially if you want to get outdoors, rent a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard and enjoy a paddle along the bayou. Rentals are available at the park, and various tours are offered, ranging from one to three hours in length. Similarly, guided cycling tours are also available from outfitters in the city.

A particularly unique site in Buffalo Bayou Park is the Cistern , an old underground drinking-water reservoir from 1926, which now hosts changing art installations. Today, visitors can go on a short guided tour.

The park is also home to a huge colony of Mexican free-tailed bats that inhabit the Waugh Drive Bridge. Approximately 250,000 of them fly out from the bridge each evening at sunset.

Official site: https://buffalobayou.org/

If you've been indulging in the great food of Texas and wondering if that has caused your jeans to be a bit tight when you put them on, a stop at the Health Museum is in order. At one of Houston's most innovative museums, you can literally step inside your own body.

Some of the fun for the whole family involves walking through a 10 foot-high brain, exploring a 12-foot-high beating heart, and getting up close and personal with a giant eyeball. With the Calorie Crank, you can take a look at how many calories you've been taking in at all your stops at Texas' famous BBQ stands!

Address: 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://www.thehealthmuseum.org/

If Impressionists and Old Masters art is not your thing, give the Art Car Museum a try. Here, you'll find cars of every type used as the medium for unique and interesting artworks. In addition, regular works of art featuring cars are mounted on display walls.

The Art Car Museum, also known locally as the Garage Mahal, has been a popular Houston attraction since it first opened in 1998. The cars and exhibits change regularly, and you'll never quite know what you will see, as artists do their best to transform something quite pedestrian into a unique statement or message.

Address: 140 Heights Boulevard, Houston, Texas

Official site: https://artcarmuseum.com/

For vintage clothing, retro décor, and old collectibles, 19th Street in The Heights is the place to go. This funky area has all kinds of quirky shops selling everything from evening gowns to casual clothing, as well as jewelry, footwear, household gadgets, and all kinds of unique items.

This is also a good place to shop for gifts. The merchandise is not all vintage; some places sell new pieces or a mix of new and old. Even if you are not looking to buy anything, the whole area is worth seeing and offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

The beautiful beaches of Galveston are less than an hour away from Houston. If you are looking for a quick break from the city, head out to Galveston for a little time soaking up the sun, wandering through the historic downtown, and dining at a seaside restaurant. Miles of endless beaches and shallow, turquoise water stretch along the oceanfront. At the heart of the beach action is Pleasure Pier .

Other attractions to visit include the Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig and Museum, the Texas Seaport Museum, and the Strand Historic District. If you are traveling with the family, head to Moody Gardens.

If you don't have your own car or want to keep things simple, you can also take an organized tour to the island. One option that combines some sightseeing in Houston is the Houston Sightseeing Tour and Galveston Day Trip . This includes a 90-minute double-decker bus tour of Houston and transportation to and from Galveston, where you'll have free time to explore on your own.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Galveston

Houston's biggest annual event, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, is a fun-filled, 19-day event that brings the whole city out to celebrate in February or March. If you are going to be here during this time, you are in luck, and if you are wondering when to visit Houston, this might be the time to plan your trip. This is an activity the whole family can enjoy, and it's so much more than just a rodeo and livestock show.

If this is your first time to an event of this kind, you will be pleasantly surprised by the diversity of things to do. On the grounds are carnival rides, games, and food stands, and enough entertainment to keep you busy indefinitely. At the rodeo events, which you will need tickets to attend, see the cowboys showing off their skills in a variety of areas. In the evening, some of the biggest names in music perform on stage. Check out the concert listing in advance and secure tickets.

If you only have one day to attend this fantastic show, spend a morning or afternoon wandering the grounds and enjoying the carnival, see some of the finest farm animals on display at the Livestock Show, then take in a rodeo event or two to see the cowboys in action, and spend the evening at a concert. Another not-to-be-missed event is the Downtown Rodeo Parade.

Official site: www.rodeohouston.com

When it comes to seeing a game in Houston, sports fans have plenty of options, and whether it's football, baseball, basketball, or soccer, the city takes its sports seriously. Houston is home to the Houston Texans (NFL), the Houston Astros (MLB), and the Houston Rockets (NBA).

The Texans play at the NRG Stadium , the Toyota Center in downtown Houston is home to the Rockets, and the Astros play at Minute Maid Park , also in the city center.

For Soccer fans, Houston is home to the Houston Dynamo (MLS) and Houston Dash (NWSL), who play their home games at the BBVA Compass Stadium.

There's a good chance of at least one of these teams having a home game during your stay.

Chefs in Houston have put this city on the culinary map of America, and dining here is an attraction in and of itself. Possibilities are almost endless, ranging from traditional southern dishes to Latin American, Asian, Mexican, and countless other cultural specialties. The number of wonderful dining options is too extensive to list, but some places are too unique not to mention.

For high-end Mexican cuisine, discover the flavors of Oaxaca at Xochi , located on the first floor of the Marriott Marquis Houston in downtown Houston. The menu offers a full range of dishes, and includes some exotic options to stir your imagination.

A long-term Houston favorite, La Griglia has been serving up some of the city's finest Italian food for decades. Being so close to the Gulf of Mexico makes Houston an excellent spot to enjoy fresh seafood. One of the city's best is Eddie V's Prime Seafood , with three locations throughout the city.

For health-conscious eaters, Vibrant offers healthy meals from breakfast to dinner. Dishes are all gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and non GMO.

The Rice University Campus is an oasis in downtown Houston and a favorite outdoor space for many Houstonians. Walking and running trails, thousands of mature trees, and lovely old buildings are spread over this 300-acre campus.

Also on the grounds are a large number of impressive contemporary artworks that lend to the tranquil atmosphere. Many of these installations are equally, or even more, impressive in the evening when they are lit.

To be close to major attractions and sports venues, it's best to base yourself in or close to downtown. You can find a good selection of luxury and mid-range hotels in the city center, but budget hotels are generally located a short drive away. Below are some highly rated hotels we recommend.

Luxury Hotels:

• One of Houston's oldest hotels, the luxury boutique The Lancaster Hotel reopened in late 2018 following a massive and beautifully executed renovation. The stylish design and elegant décor, combined with outstanding service and a prime location in downtown Houston, make this one of the best places to stay in the city.
• Also in a fantastic location in downtown Houston is the Four Seasons Hotel Houston , with always exceptional customer service and a variety of room designs and sizes. The hotel offers Topgolf, where small groups can entertain themselves with some virtual golf and order tasty snacks.
• Another downtown luxury hotel is the Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District , popular for its high-end spa and fantastic location close to the city's top attractions.
• The Hilton Americas - Houston is a large, modern hotel that is connected to the George R. Brown Convention Center. Toyota Center and Discovery Green Park are easily walkable, making the hotel an ideal place to stay when the Houston Rockets are playing.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• At the top end of the mid-range section but usually quite good value is The Whitehall Houston . This hotel is centrally located and features contemporary, Southern-style rooms.
• An easy walk from the city's convention and sports facilities, the renovated Embassy Suites by Hilton Houston Downtown is an excellent choice for those vacationing with families thanks to its large outdoor pool.
• The Best Western Plus Downtown Inn & Suites is popular for its outdoor pool and proximity to attractions, including the Downtown Aquarium. It's an ideal place to stay if you'd like to do some self catering, as some rooms have complete kitchens.

Budget Hotels:

• The best budget hotels are located outside the city center but are only a short drive away. Just a few kilometers west of the downtown core, the Red Roof PLUS+ Houston - Energy Corridor offers pet-friendly options along with free Wi-Fi and breakfast,
• Those who like to shop 'til they drop should check out La Quinta Inn & Suites By Wyndham Houston Galleria Area (named after the adjacent shopping mall). It boasts a swimming pool and hot tub.
• Another good option is the Comfort Suites Northwest Houston at Beltway 8 . This hotels offers a pool, free breakfast and Wi-Fi, and rooms come with microwaves and refrigerators.

Save Money with a Pass :

• If you're planning a busy schedule of sightseeing, consider purchasing the great-value Houston CityPASS , which gives you free admission to five of the city's top attractions, including Space Center Houston, the Downtown Aquarium, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The pass is valid for up to nine days, allowing you maximum flexibility when planning your itinerary.

Sightseeing:

• Explore the city on a Hop-on Sightseeing Tour of Houston . This 75-minute tour on an open-top double-decker bus will take you past the highlights while you listen to an audio commentary and learn about the history.

Texas Maps and Info:

• If you are planning a road trip through Texas, you can order away for a free copy of the Texas Travel Guide and Official Travel Map at www.TravelTexas.com .

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Texas Cities: Each of the metropolitan areas in Texas offers their own unique sites and character. Use our travel guides to explore the attractions of San Antonio , Dallas , and Austin .

West Texas: To experience a completely different side of the country, head to West Texas. Due to the vastness of the area, this is best done as a road trip. You can begin by hitting Amarillo and Lubbock and then make the drive down to beautiful Big Bend National Park , where you'll find an incredible desert landscape, along with outstanding hiking trails and campgrounds . On the edge of the park, you can find some luxury accommodation with the help of our list of the Best Places to Stay near Big Bend National Park . When you're done here, head over to El Paso .

More on Texas

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The best attractions in Houston, Texas

From incredible museums to the botanical gardens, here are all the best attractions to add to your Houston bucket list

As one of the best cities to visit in America,  Houston  has enough  attractions  to keep visitors busy no matter how long they’re in town. It’s hard to grasp just how big it all is. Everything about Houston basically screams  major , and that is especially true when it comes to attractions. 

In Houston, there are hundreds of cultural institutions, historic sites, and entertainment venues, and as one of the most diverse major cities in the country with no racial majority and over 145 languages spoken, you’re going to need to factor in ample time to sample the slew of  international flavors  available. We’ve whittled down the 20 must-visit spots to check out based on popularity among locals and connection to the city. While some are fairly predictable, others might surprise you—just like the city itself. Things are gonna get busy in H-town, so fuel up and explore till ya drop.

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Best attractions in Houston

1.  Space Center Houston

• Science and technology

Space Center Houston is the museum and visitor center arm of the Johnson Space Center. Established in 1961 under its former name (the Manned Spacecraft Center), this 1,620-acre complex is why Houston bears the nickname “Space City.” It’s where lunar missions were controlled, astronauts trained, and future space flight technologies are still being developed. The JSC isn’t only where history happened; it’s also where it’s made.

While the static displays chronicling advances in spaceflight are remarkably impressive, the Space Center is full of hands-on experiences. You can eat lunch with an astronaut, climb into a simulated Orion capsule, and witness engineers and scientists working on new and developing tech for space exploration. It’s a bit of a hike to get to (about a 45-minute drive from downtown Houston), but it’s worth the trip.

2.  Buffalo Bayou Park

• Attractions
• Washington Ave.

Tucked away beneath the city streets, Buffalo Bayou Park is a lush oasis inside Houston’s Inner Loop. The park features miles of hike and bike trails, a dog run, and a skate park, but the real highlight is the bayou itself. Kayaking down the twists and turns of this waterway is an exhilarating way to experience Houston. Paddle through the city’s Memorial Park, past the affluent River Oaks neighborhood, and under bridges and bat colonies to see a breathtaking view of the downtown skyline you can’t see anywhere else. The bayou took a beating during Hurricane Harvey when heavy rains and brimming reservoirs made the water overflow its banks. While much of the park is back to where it was before the storm, it’s still a good idea to check the website before visiting as it is prone to flooding any time of year.

3.  POST Houston

POST-Houston is a multi-story extravaganza food hall, concert venue, hangout, shopping center, bars, art gallery…you get the idea. Come and spend the afternoon in AC, and as the sun dips below the horizon, we recommend stepping up to their five-acre rooftop park for swell skyline views (select nights bring DJs and pop-ups). The building itself is worth camera roll space from the outside: it was once the Barbara Jordan Post Office, a 1934 USPS headquarters that's a thing of architectural beauty. Head to 401 Franklin Street in downtown Houston, any day, 11am - 9pm, for your POST-fix.

4.  The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

• Art and design
• Museum District

With more than 65,000 pieces of art spread out over multiple campuses, the Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest art museums in the country. The permanent collection features pieces from six continents spanning thousands of years and myriad genres, and temporary exhibitions always offer something new and interesting to see. Be sure to swing by on Thursdays for free admission all day and a happy hour that starts at 5 p.m. Visitors can grab a drink or exhibition-themed cocktail at the bar and a bite from a visiting food truck before taking in the museum’s collections. 

5.  The Menil Collection

Located in the trendy Montrose neighborhood near downtown, this museum’s permanent collection includes works by world-renowned artists like René Magritte, Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol, among others—most of which previously belonged to founders John and Dominique de Menil. The Menil Collection takes a minimalist approach to displaying its collection, forgoing the traditional explanatory placards to let the pieces speak for themselves. To make art as accessible as possible, admission is never charged, and the museum often hosts free public events and programs to foster conversation about art and its place in society. It is truly one of Houston’s most understated cultural gems.

6.  Chinatown

When a city boasts the second-largest Indochinese population in the United States (behind Los Angeles), y’all know the Asian food is going to be  amazing . Houston’s Chinatown spans six square miles of shopping, eating, and attractions, not just of Chinese heritage and culture but also of Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, Taiwanese…and just about everything in between. Basically, you have to eat here and see what the local AAPI community can cook up because it is darn delicious. Our faves include  MDK Noodles  (hand-cut Korean noodles),  Don’s Sandwiches  (classic banh mi), Tian Tian Lu Chuaner (skewers and freshly made soybean milk),  Tiger Den  (ramen), and there are a bunch of awesome places serving Houston's delicacy, Viet-Cajun crawfish (try  Cajun Kitchen ). Fans of bubble tea can even do a boba-crawl…each street is lined with joints from Kung Fu Tea to Juice Box. Tapioca overload.

7.  Miller Outdoor Theatre

From March to October, Miller Outdoor Theatre offers a wide range of performances—from concerts to stage productions and movie screenings—and tickets are always free. Even if you don’t snag a stadium seat, you can always pull up a blanket and watch from the hill overlooking the stage. The theater has undergone multiple renovations since first launching almost a century ago, but the iconic peaked roof is a mainstay in Houston’s bustling Hermann Park. Every summer, the theater partners with the Houston Symphony to offer the Summer Symphony Nights series, an annual tradition at Miller for decades and a favorite among Houstonians.

8.  Texas-Shaped Lazy River at Altitude 

How do Houstonians beat the heat? Why, they retreat to pools, of course. Go for crème de la crème of them up on the sixth floor of the Marriott Marquis Houston. Here lies the country’s biggest Texas-shaped lazy river—a unique (and very photogenic) wet oasis lined with cabanas and palm trees. Day passes are available Monday-Thursday on selected dates throughout the year, while Friday-Sunday is reserved for hotel guests. Cocktails are available from the sky bar, and there’s a live music program year-round. However, for an extra special treat, visit during winter, when the river is heated and magically lit alongside a trail of winter displays and selfie stations.

9.  Art Car Museum

• Washington Avenue

A quirky take on contemporary art, the Art Car Museum features a rotating selection of elaborately decorated cars, paintings, and sculptures by artists who might otherwise be snubbed by more traditional cultural institutions. The museum was founded in the late 1990s as a nod to Houston’s art car movement and to raise public awareness of the cultural and personal aspects of art. The museum isn’t afraid to take on political or even controversial issues and features an annual “open call” to anyone wanting to submit their artwork. The resulting uncurated exhibition, which runs every fall, is often a lively dialogue on a culturally relevant topic. Art lover or not, this site is a nice change of pace from the traditional art museum.

10.  Houston Museum of Natural Science

Founded over a century ago, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the Museum District. The museum is home to several interactive permanent displays, as well as a constant rotation of traveling exhibitions, a planetarium, and an indoor butterfly garden. But the most popular stop inside the HMNS is the Morian Hall of Paleontology. The massive exhibit spans 3.5 billion years of history and features dozens of mounted fossils accompanied by realistic renderings of the animals displayed. Visitors can marvel at a megalodon chasing an elephant, multiple tyrannosaurus rexes, and even a giant prehistoric sloth. It’s a dinosaur lover’s dream.

11.  Downtown Aquarium

• Greater Houston

Houston’s Downtown Aquarium is a little like visiting three attractions at once. Located on the northern edge of downtown, this 500,000-gallon facility has a wide variety of aquatic animals, shows, and interactive exhibits — including four rare white tigers. A small amusement park outside boasts, among other things, a Ferris wheel overlooking Houston’s downtown skyline. And an upscale restaurant features a floor-to-ceiling aquarium, where diners can watch sawfish, rays, and huge schools of colorful fish swim past tables while they eat. With so many things to see and do in one location, it’s easy to spend all day visiting just this one attraction.  

12.  McGovern Centennial Gardens

• Parks and gardens

The McGovern Centennial Gardens opened to commemorate Hermann Park’s centennial in 2014 and quickly became a favorite weekend spot for locals. The 8-acre, fenced-in gardens are filled with roughly 500 trees, 55,000 flowering plants, and an educational “edible” garden with fresh produce and herbs. At the center of the gardens sits a man-made hill with a spiraling footpath leading to the top. Visitors can make the trek to a small observational platform that overlooks the park and take in the gardens from above. The space is a gorgeous spot to bring a picnic, snap some photos, and enjoy some fresh air inside the city.

13.  Houston Graffiti Park

You won’t see this park on any official map, and there’s no sign announcing its presence — but you’ll know it when you see it. For a few blocks in Houston’s East End, nearly every square inch of the building is covered in colorful street art. Many of the works painted here were created as part of the Houston Urban Experience (HUE) Mural Festival, an annual gathering of artists launched in 2015. Affectionately dubbed “graffiti park” by locals, this sampling of murals is just the latest citywide effort to embrace the genre and add color and beauty to Houston’s downtown.

14.  Houston Zoo

• University Place

Located within Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is one of the city’s busiest attractions, especially for families. But it wasn’t always. When it first opened in the 1920s, the zoo had only a small fence and a few species of animals. As the park grew, so did its popularity, and it draws in millions of visitors each year. In addition to the animal exhibits—some of which are interactive—the park has a splash pad, playground, and carousel. However, the best times to visit are in the winter and fall, when the weather is cool and the zoo puts on themed activities. Zoo Lights, for example, offers a chance for visitors to stroll through the park after dark to view the thousands of holiday lights strung up near the animal enclosures. Held from mid-November to mid-January, the event has become a holiday tradition for many locals.

15.  Discovery Green

Despite Houston’s reputation for being a sprawling mass of concrete and taillights, the city has a ton of green spaces, including one right in the heart of downtown. Discovery Green opened in the spring of 2008. Since then, this 12-acre park has become one of Houston’s most popular Inner-Loop attractions. In addition to a playground, interactive fountains and several gardens, the park also has events nearly every day of the week, including free exercise classes, concerts, movie nights and art installations. One of the best times to visit the park is in the winter, when part of Discovery Green turns into a winter wonderland, complete with an outdoor skating rink.

16.  The Galleria

As the largest city in Texas, Houston has a habit of going big or going home and nowhere is that sentiment more true than in the Galleria. This sprawling mall in Uptown Houston is the largest in Texas and decidedly upscale. There are six valet stations located throughout the exterior, two high-rise hotels, and an indoor ice-skating rink—not to mention the roughly 400 stores and restaurants spread throughout 2.4 million square feet. And if you shop too much? There’s a complimentary coat and package check. In addition to luxury stores like Alexander McQueen and Louis Vuitton, the mall features some of the city’s best high-end restaurants like Nobu and Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse. More than 30 million visitors walk the floors of the Galleria each year, making it one of the most visited attractions in Houston. Even if you aren’t looking to purchase anything in particular, the opulence alone is worth the visit.

17.  Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

• Historic buildings and sites

Once the home of the late former first lady of Texas, Ima Hogg, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is now part of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and houses the institution’s paintings, furniture, and decorative art collections. While the pieces themselves are stunning, Bayou Bend’s gardens make this spot worth visiting. Spread out in a series throughout the grounds, the gardens were originally intended to be an extension of the house itself as living and entertaining spaces. Sculptures and hedge designs complement the ground’s year-round blooms, making for a peaceful and aesthetically stunning reprieve from Houston’s busy Inner Loop.

18.  Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

Buffalo Bayou Park is home to another great attraction: the park’s cistern. Once a water reservoir for the city of Houston, this underground cavern is now an architectural landmark. Hundreds of towering columns fill a space so large it takes 17 seconds for an echo to bounce off the far wall and make it back to you.

The reservoir was built in 1926 and served as part of the city’s water system for decades before an irreparable leak led to it being decommissioned and ultimately abandoned in 2007. A few years later, the cistern was “rediscovered” during the creation of Buffalo Bayou Park, and since then, the gritty, industrial beauty of the space has made it a favorite for local artists and photographers. You can book an official history tour for just $10 per person.

19.  Levy Park Conservancy

• Upper Kirby

Levy Park isn’t your typical public playground. The mixed-use space boasts an interactive garden, climbing wall, and splash pad. The park’s promenade houses board games, crafts and a library, along with a scattering of giant foam blocks available for kids to use on the lawn. Special pains are taken to ensure activities are inclusive and fun for a wide variety of ages, including a full event calendar offering outdoor exercise and photography classes throughout the week. It’s one of the city’s newest public spaces, but it’s already one of the most popular. With so much variety, it’s easily one of the best free things to do with families in Houston.

20.  Kemah Boardwalk

This amusement park overlooking Galveston Bay is the thing of childhood dreams. Kemah Boardwalk features jaw-dropping thrill rides like roller coasters, spinning swings, and free falls. There are also tons of gentler rides for younger kids and mild-mannered parents. A 65-foot Ferris wheel offers a great view of the water, and an adrenaline-inducing boat ride races passengers around the bay at breakneck speeds. Along the boardwalk, visitors can fuel up at several restaurants and shops before heading back out to play carnival games or partake in hands-on exhibits. It’s pure, unadulterated fun and a great stop for families.

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Houston   Travel Guide

Courtesy of joe daniel price | Getty Images

Why Go To Houston

Give this Texas city a chance. Yes, Houston's history is sticky with oil, and its contemporary landscape climbs with skyscrapers belonging to Citgo, Shell and many, many more. But what you might not know is that Houston has grassy parks, eclectic galleries, a burgeoning art scene and Tex-Mex restaurants that all vie for attention downtown. And outside of Dallas-Fort Worth , Houston is one of the greatest places in Texas to shop: Ever heard of the Galleria ? There are also plenty of nice hotels to lay your head and a variety of fun things for the kiddies to see, such as the zoo and the children's museum . Those with a keen interest in space can learn all about NASA's program at Space Center Houston and science nerds can check out the comprehensive Museum of Natural Science . So, yes, it's a huge sprawling city of more than 2.3 million, but with pleasant weather pretty much year-round, an abundance of entertaining festivals and plenty of things to do, you should give it a chance.

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• # 8 in Best Food Cities in the U.S.
• # 11 in Best Places to Visit in Texas

Best of Houston

Best hotels in houston.

• # 1 in The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
• # 2 in Hotel Granduca Houston
• # 3 in The Lancaster

Best Things to Do in Houston

• # 1 in Houston Museum District
• # 2 in Hermann Park
• # 3 in Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston

Popular Tours

Trill On Wheels (2-Hour Hip-Hop Party Bike Tour in Houston)

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from $ 45.00

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Houston Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Houston is from February to April or from September to November. Thanks to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, Houston experiences warm weather (as well as affordable hotel prices) pretty much year-round, but come spring and fall the temperatures are pleasant and there are a variety of festivals to enjoy. You may be able to score a deal in the summer since Houston residents head elsewhere as temperatures climb, but you'll have to contend with the heat and oppressing humidity. Houston also experiences mild winters and snowfall is rare, but temperatures drop when the sun goes down so make sure to pack layers if you're traveling in December or January. 

Weather in Houston

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Bring on the barbecue Texas is known for its barbecue and Houston won't let you down. Try Killen's BBQ , which has two locations, or Gatlin's BBQ .

Embrace the arts Houston has plenty of museums, but it's one of just a few U.S. cities with professional companies in the four performing arts disciplines: ballet, opera, symphony and theater.

Rent a car The Houston metro area encompasses 665 square miles, and while you won't have to travel too far to see the top attractions, you'll want your own set of wheels to get around.

Humidity reigns Houston is an incredibly humid city year-round.

How to Save Money in Houston

Buy a CityPASS This booklet of admission tickets offers major discounts on Houston's most popular sights like the Children's Museum Houston , the Downtown Aquarium, the Houston Zoo and Space Center Houston .

Check for coupons Visit Houston and its Houston Experience Marketplace offer deals and discounts on everything from hotel rooms to restaurants.

Find a food truck Houston is home to hundreds of food trucks dishing out affordable eats all around town. Check Street Food Finder 's food truck locator to see what trucks will be near you.

What to Eat

Considered one of the Best Foodie Cities in the USA , Houston has always produced excellent eats. But in recent years, the rest of the country (and the world) has finally started to take notice. 

Ask any local and you'll find strong opinions of where to find the best Tex-Mex fare, a staple in the Houston diet. But most agree The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is a great place to start. If you're exploring the Museum District and the Houston Zoo , you can try the upscale Hugo's or the M & M Grill that offers fajitas and burritos with halal meats. You could also check out a Pappasito's Cantina location, where Beyoncé has been spotted. 

Another popular food found in Houston? Barbecue, baby. From baby back ribs smothered in sauce to slow-roasted tender brisket, this city has no shortage of BBQ joints. Locals and experts say some of the best spots to visit are Ray's Real Pit BBQ Shack , Killen's Texas Barbecue , helmed by renowned chef Ronnie Killen (who also opened a restaurant combining a steakhouse with a barbeque joint, Killen's STQ ), Gatlin's BBQ and The Pit Room . 

While any first-timer to Houston has to sample Tex-Mex and barbecue, travelers would be remiss to ignore the city's other culinary offerings. Houston's diverse population contributes a wide variety of flavors to its restaurant scene. Sample the lamb kabobs and grape leaves at Aladdin Mediterranean Cuisine ; find Creole cuisine at Brennan's of Houston ; try sushi and sake at one of the two Izakaya Wa locations; or pick Aria Suya Kitchen to dine on Nigerian fare. If you're in the mood for a fine dining experience, visit Caracol , helmed by James Beard Foundation Award winner Hugo Ortega, or dine on classic French dishes at Etoile Cuisine et Bar . Those in search of elevated southern comfort food can't skip Lucille's . For Vietnamese fare, visit The Blind Goat or Roostar Vietnamese Grill . No matter what you're in the mood for, you won't go hungry in Houston. 

Soul food is another one of Houston's specialties. Located in midtown, the breakfast klub is an award-winning restaurant founded by radio host and motivational speaker Marcus Davis. Opened in 2001, this Houston institution is famous for two dishes: its signature catfish and grits, and its first-rate wings and waffles. Other soul food spots that come highly recommended by travelers include Mikki's Soul Food Café , Houston This is It Soul Food (a family-owned restaurant serving up specialties like oxtails, mac and cheese and gumbo) and Esther's Cajun Café & Soul Food .

Aside from its foodie roots, Houston is also known for its excellent nightlife. From classic honky-tonks with live music to hip-hop dance clubs with well-known DJs, the city supplies an almost endless stream of options for night owls. If you're looking to two-step, head to Stampede Houston . Hoping to dance along to hits from the 80s and 90s? Try  Numbers Nightclub (it's been around since 1978). Meanwhile, travelers who are still kids at heart shouldn't skip a visit to Cidercade Houston . In addition to more than 275 classic arcade games such as Mario Bros. and Ms. Pac Man, Cidercade also serves a wide variety of hard ciders, hard kombuchas, hard seltzers and hard smoothies.

Getting Around Houston

The best way to get around Houston is by car. Having your own set of wheels will make it easier to explore all of the city's top attractions , especially those that are located beyond the downtown core, such as the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum . Driving may be the easiest way to get around Houston, but the city, like most major metropolitan areas, has numerous other transportation options, including buses, a light rail system and a bike-share service. In contrast to its inexpensive public transportation, the city's taxis can be pricey beyond the downtown area.

To get to and from the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), you'll probably want to take a cab or a rental car to make the approximately 30-minute drive south to downtown Houston. To save some coin, consider taking the METRO bus No. 102, which costs just $1.25 and takes travelers from the airport to the downtown METRO station in about 50 to 90 minutes.

Houston's picturesque skyline is framed by the miles-long Buffalo Bayou waterway.

Explore More of Houston

Things To Do

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Laid-back, pick-up truck and boot-scooting town meets high-powered, high-cultured and high-heeled metropolis. Houston enjoys a high standard of living and isn't shy about showing it off.

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HOUSTON – If you’re looking for a great family destination this summer, San Antonio has so much to offer.

From culture and history to theme parks, there’s always something new and fun to explore.

Dee Dee Poteete with Visit San Antonio stops by Houston Life’s Studio B to share what you don’t want to miss out on this summer.

• San Antonio is THE PLACE to visit this summer. Here’s why...

The Visit San Antonio team will be at the Galleria in Houston on Saturday, April 27 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The event is described as fun for both kids and adults with live performances, animal encounters, flower crowns, vacation giveaways and other activities.

Get started planning your next trip at www.VisitSanAntonio.com .

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Take a look at the superyacht the Jefferies CEO just bought from the Houston Rockets' billionaire owner

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• Here's a look at the multimillion-dollar superyacht.

Earlier this week, Jefferies CEO Rich Handler sold $65 million worth of stock in the investment bank — enough to warrant a press release — partly to buy a yacht from his friend and client, hospitality billionaire and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta .

"My sale of shares today was a gift to myself and my family," Handler said in the release.

It's a pretty good gift. The boat in question is a 50-meter superyacht named Boardwalk.

According to the yacht's shipyard, Westport Yachts, the off-market deal was pending as of last month. The sale price isn't public.

Boardwalk, which is currently moored in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , was originally delivered in 2010. She features a spa pool and helipad on her sun deck, as well as multiple bars and 15 bathrooms, of which at least one has a television. The master cabin has a dressing room and a private study, and there are scooters on board to make getting around easier — and more fun.

She can fit 12 guests and 12 crew members, according to industry source SuperYacht Times .

"It isn't cheap, I can tell you that. I just love it," Fertitta told a local ABC affiliate in 2017, referring to Boardwalk's $40 million price tag.

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While Boardwalk is technically part of "a series" — one of a fleet of boats built by the shipyard of this size and general design — Fertitta made many custom adjustments, adding lights throughout and opening up spaces to create a less formal feel, he told Yachts International in 2011.

Handler has been a guest on the yacht before, landing on its deck via helicopter when it was moored in St. Barts , according to a video posted on Fertitta's Instagram account in 2018.

"It's a shame when you have to pick your friends up to come see you. This is @handlerrich roughin' it to the @boardwalk164," he wrote in the caption.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tilman J. Fertitta (@tilmanfertitta)

"It's one of those things that I've always wanted and I'll always have," Fertitta said during the 2017 interview.

While he won't always have this exact boat, Fertitta, who is worth $9.3 billion, per Forbes, will likely always have a yacht and appears to have traded up.

He teased his new, fully custom vessel — a 77-meter giant built by Dutch shipyard Feadship — in 2019. It was delivered in 2021 and is also named Boardwalk.

The new Boardwalk has a more modern design. The gym has a Peloton and a Mirror ; there's a sauna and beauty salon; and there are six sit-down bars — appropriate for a hospitality billionaire.

"This takes it to a whole new level," his son, Michael, told Boat International .

Looks like Handler still has something to aspire to.

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This Texas city requires lowest salary in US to live comfortably. It may surprise you

Somehow, houston clinched the no. 1 spot — but the math ain't mathin'..

A  recent analysis  unveiled the top cities where the lowest and highest salaries are required to maintain a comfortable lifestyle without the pressure of living paycheck to paycheck. Four of the top five cities with the lowest salaries needed are in Texas.

The study by SmartAsset found that the average individual residing in a major U.S. city needs an annual salary of at least $96,500 to comfortably live alone. For a household, the average income needed increases substantially to $235,000. SmartAsset defines a household as two adults and two children, according to the study.

Somehow, Houston clinched the No. 1 spot for the lowest salary needed to live comfortably — but the math ain't mathin'.

More: Texas claims 4 out of top 5 US cities with lowest salaries to live comfortably. See list

What's the median household income in Houston?

The median household income in Houston is $60,440, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This is nearly 19% lower than the national median household income of $74,580.

Housing costs in Houston are higher than many other Texas cities

The average rental in Houston costs $1,885 per month, according to data analyzed by Zillow . This is 10% lower than the national median of $2,100, but higher than the average rent for Amarillo, Corpus Christi, El Paso, Lubbock, San Antonio and Waco.

The median sale price of a Houston home is $287,533, with most valued around $270,000.

Consumer prices are up in the Houston

The city was recently among the top 10 in the nation hit most by inflation.

According to the Consumer Price Index, the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land area saw an average price increase of 1% across all products in January and February — up 3.5% over the year.

Gas and food prices contributed largely to the area's increase, as local energy prices increased by 4%, largely due to the 7% jump in gasoline costs. Prices for food away from home in Houston jumped by 0.9%, and prices for food at home rose 0.5%, according to the CPI website.

More: These two Texas cities rank among top 10 in U.S. hit most by inflation

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Dolphins Select Tackle Paul in Second Round

The Miami Dolphins looked to the future with the selection of tackle Patrick Paul from the University of Houston

• Author: Al.ain Poupart

In this story:

The Miami Dolphins did get help for the offensive line with their second-round pick, which will please a lot of their fans, but it was a selection made more with an eye toward the future.

The Dolphins selected tackle Patrick Paul from the University of Houston, a 6-7, 333-pound prospect with intriguing potential.

Paul was the first offensive tackle selected in the second round after a whopping 10 went in the first round.

Two offensive linemen were selected b efore Paul in the second round — centers Jackson Powers-Johnson to the Las Vegas Raiders and Zach Frazier to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This is a prospect who likely was selected as the eventual successor to veteran Terron Armstead, who will be back for a third season with the Dolphins but has said he has contemplated retirement the past few offseasons.

Paul doesn't look like somebody who could line up at guard in the NFL, so exactly how much he'll contribute as a rookie could be dependent on the health of Armstead and backup tackle Kendall Lamm, whose experience likely would make him the first choice to get into the lineup.

GM Chris Grier said he would never rule out any possibility when it comes to Paul, whether it be guard or right tackle, but it's also clear that Paul was brought in as a left tackle.

Paul made a 30 visit to the Dolphins facility and made an impression on Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel with his exuberance and desire to play for Miami, to go along with his rare athletic ability for a tackle.

Paul was a four-year starter at Houston, though his freshman season was cut short after two games by a foot/ankle injury.

Paul's brother, Chris, is an offensive lineman out of Tulsa who played 10 games with three starts for the Washington Commanders in 2023 after arriving as a seventh-round pick.

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Here’s Where Pro-Palestinian Protests Have Embroiled U.S. Campuses

A crackdown on demonstrators at Columbia University in New York spawned a wave of activism at universities across the country, with more than 700 arrests.

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By Anna Betts

• April 28, 2024

Police officers and university administrators have clashed with pro-Palestinian protesters on a growing number of college campuses across the country in recent days, arresting students, removing encampments and threatening academic consequences.

The fresh wave of student activism against the war in Gaza was sparked by the arrest of at least 108 protesters at Columbia University on April 18, after administrators appeared before Congress and promised a crackdown. Since then, police interventions on several campuses, including in some of America’s largest cities, have led to more than 700 arrests.

Campus Protests Since Wednesday, April 17

Protests where arrests have taken place

Other protests

Note: Data as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on April 27

By Bora Erden, Lazaro Gamio, Helmuth Rosales, Julie Walton Shaver and Anjali Singhvi

Here is where arrests have been reported as the authorities attempt to break up protests or encampments:

Columbia University : The New York City Police Department arrested 108 demonstrators while clearing an encampment at the Manhattan campus on April 18.

Yale University in New Haven, Conn.: The police arrested 60 people on Monday, including 47 Yale students, after they refused to leave an encampment on campus.

New York University in Manhattan: Officers made dozens of arrests late Monday after students occupied a plaza on campus.

University of Minnesota in Minneapolis: Nine people were taken into custody after they erected an encampment on Tuesday. All of those affiliated with the university were allowed back on campus and civil trespass warnings were “set aside.”

University of South Carolina in Columbia: Two students were arrested after a protest on Tuesday, according to a police report.

University of Southern California in Los Angeles: The police arrested 93 people at a demonstration on Wednesday afternoon.

University of Texas at Austin : The police arrested 57 protesters on Wednesday. A spokeswoman for the county attorney’s office said charges against many had been dropped after the office found legal “deficiencies” in their arrests.

Emerson College in Boston: The police arrested 118 people as an encampment was cleared on Wednesday night, the authorities said.

Ohio State University in Columbus: A university official said that 36 people, including 16 students, were arrested on Thursday. Earlier in the week, two students were arrested during an on-campus demonstration, university officials said.

Emory University in Atlanta: At least 28 people were arrested on Thursday morning, an Emory official said; 20 had ties to the school.

Indiana University Bloomington : On Thursday, the university police said 33 people were removed from an encampment and taken to jail. There were 23 more arrests on Saturday, the police said.

Princeton University in New Jersey: Two graduate students were arrested after pitching tents on Thursday.

University of Connecticut in Storrs: Campus police officers removed at least one tent from a rally on Thursday and took at least one person into custody, a university official said.

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt : Protesters have occupied two buildings on the campus in Arcata, Calif., university officials said. Three people were arrested there this week.

Auraria Campus in Denver: About 40 people were arrested on Friday at a campus that houses facilities for the University of Colorado Denver, the Metropolitan State University of Denver and the Community College of Denver, the campus police said.

University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign : Social media posts on Friday showed police officers detaining at least one person and taking down an encampment.

Arizona State University in Tempe: A university official said 69 people were arrested early Saturday after protesters set up an encampment. Three people were also arrested on Friday.

Northeastern University in Boston: The Massachusetts State Police said that 102 protesters were arrested on Saturday. Earlier in the day, the university said that among those who were detained, students who showed their university IDs were released.

Washington University in St. Louis : On Saturday, more than 80 arrests were made and the campus was locked down, according to university officials. The presidential candidate Jill Stein was among the arrests.

Halina Bennet, Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs , Robert Chiarito , Jill Cowan , Matthew Eadie , Colbi Edmonds , Jacey Fortin , J. David Goodman , Johnna Margalotti, Erin Nolan , Jenna Russell , Edgar Sandoval and Jonathan Wolfe contributed reporting.

Because of an editing error, an earlier version of this article misstated when students at Princeton started to pitch tents. They erected tents on Thursday, not Wednesday.

How we handle corrections

Anna Betts reports on national events, including politics, education, and natural or man-made disasters, among other things. More about Anna Betts

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Former Houston Astros prospect Ronny Garcia dead at 24

Ronny Garcia, a former Houston Astros prospect, died in a traffic accident.

The Astros confirmed his death Saturday on social media.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former Astros prospect, Ronny Garcia," the team said on X alongside a photo of Garcia. "Our condolences go out to his family and friends."

Garcia died in a traffic accident, according to Héctor Gómez , a Dominican Republic-based reporter who covers Major League Baseball.

According to Gómez, Garcia's father also died in the crash.

Yahoo Sports reported the accident involved two motorcycles on the Las Galeras-Samaná highway in Samaná, Dominican Republic.

Garcia joined the Astros' organization in 2016 as a 16-year-old international signing, Yahoo Sports reported. He pitched in their system in the Florida Complex League and Class A.

He played for a number of minor league teams, including the Fayetteville Woodpeckers and the Asheville Tourists in North Carolina, for whom he played as recently as last year.

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of Ronny Garcia. Ronny spent parts of three seasons with Fayetteville, always carrying a smile around the ballpark," the Woodpeckers wrote on X .

"He was a talented pitcher and a beloved teammate. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.