There’s a lot to see and do in Texas’s largest city. From the Museum District to the beach, There’s something for everyone! Small children and older adults alike will enjoy all the area has to offer.

You won’t have trouble finding things to do. In fact, the trouble will be fitting all the attractions into your schedule! If you’re planning your vacation to Houston, here are seven of the top things to do.

Space Center Houston

Houston is home to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, headquarters to astronaut training, space research, and flight control. Space Center Houston is a visitors’ center and museum on the grounds that’s open to the public.

This is the perfect attraction for space enthusiasts or families wanting an educational experience for their kids. Space Center Houston offers exhibits ranging from space shuttles and space suits to pieces of moon rock, along with plenty of other interactive experiences. There’s even the option to have “lunch with an astronaut” at an added cost.

Museum of Natural Science

At the Houston Museum of Natural Science, you can discover dinosaur fossils, huge gemstones, Ancient Egyptian artifacts, African wildlife, and much more. The museum boasts 17 permanent exhibitions, as well as limited-time special exhibits.

Connected to the Museum of Natural Science is the Cockrell Butterfly Center. This indoor rainforest conservatory houses an array of colorful and exotic butterfly species. The center also contains a museum dedicated to entomology and a number of interactive exhibits that kids are certain to love.

Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo is the second-most-visited zoo in the United States, with more than 2 million visitors every year. It houses more than 6,000 animals and is spread out over 55 acres within Houston’s Hermann Park. Some of the zoo’s most popular animals include the elephants, the gorillas, the giraffes, and the sea lions. Check the zoo’s website to see which talks and shows going are on throughout the day.

Museum of Fine Arts

Art lovers should certainly check out the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. It’s one of the largest museums in the United States and houses works from around the world. Monet, Cezanne, and Van Gogh are just some of the famous artists on display. It has been recognized as the oldest art museum in Texas.

Galveston Island Beaches

If you get tired of the city buzz, there’s always the option to relax on the beach! Galveston Island is located an hour south of downtown Houston and offers a number of great beaches. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants around for trying local seafood and delicious cocktails.

The island’s 30+ miles of beach mean there’s something for everyone, from quiet areas, to family friendly spaces, to beaches for events and festivals.

Kemah Boardwalk

While down by the coast, it’s also worth taking a trip to the Kemah Boardwalk. This exciting 60-acre adventureland is considered one of the premier boardwalks in the United States. It offers amusement rides (including two Ferris wheels and a wooden roller coaster), midway games, excellent restaurants, and boutique shops.

Downtown Aquarium

With locations on the Kemah Boardwalk and in downtown Houston, the Aquarium is another fun entertainment complex with something for everyone. There is a restaurant, several aquarium ecosystems, touch tanks, white tigers, and even amusement rides on the weekends! It’s a great place to learn, explore, and enjoy rare face-to-face encounters with amazing aquatic creatures.

Need a Place to Stay?

If you need accommodations for your Houston vacation, why not try a rental property? At Soar Vacation Rental, we expertly manage great properties in Houston and Galveston that can be your temporary home away from home. Take a look at our listings!

Have a great vacation!