Houston And Surrounding Area Zip Code Map
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Houston and its surrounding areas offer a plethora of experiences that cater to all interests. From world-class museums and cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures and local cuisine, this city has it all. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and much more.
Top Attractions
When it comes to top attractions, Houston has no shortage of options. The Space Center Houston is a must-visit for space enthusiasts, while the Houston Museum of Natural Science is perfect for those interested in science and history. The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is home to an impressive collection of art from around the world, and the Children’s Museum of Houston offers interactive exhibits for kids of all ages.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, Houston has plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The Menil Collection is a lesser-known art museum that boasts an impressive collection of surrealist and contemporary art. The Orange Show Monument is a quirky outdoor sculpture park that’s worth a visit, and the Buffalo Bayou Park offers scenic views and outdoor activities.
Food Scene
Houston is known for its diverse food scene, which includes everything from Tex-Mex and barbecue to Vietnamese and Nigerian cuisine. For some of the best barbecue in town, head to Gatlin’s BBQ or Killen’s BBQ. For authentic Vietnamese food, visit Pho Saigon or Huynh Restaurant. And for a taste of Nigerian cuisine, try Finger Licking Bukateria or The Africana Restaurant.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re traveling on a budget, there are plenty of ways to save money in Houston. Many of the city’s museums offer free admission on certain days, including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Children’s Museum of Houston. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center is free to visit, and the Buffalo Bayou Park offers free outdoor activities.
Outdoor Adventures
For outdoor enthusiasts, Houston has plenty of options. The Buffalo Bayou Park offers trails for hiking and biking, while the Brazos Bend State Park is perfect for camping and wildlife viewing. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers guided nature walks and birdwatching, and the Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from around the world.
Historical Landmarks
History buffs will appreciate the many historical landmarks in Houston. The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is home to the San Jacinto Monument, which commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, a pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution. The Battleship Texas State Historic Site is a retired battleship that saw action in both World War I and World War II. And the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a historic home and museum that showcases American decorative arts and paintings.
Family-Friendly Activities
For families traveling with kids, Houston has plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. The Houston Zoo is a popular choice, as is the Children’s Museum of Houston. The Space Center Houston offers interactive exhibits and tours, while the Wet’n’Wild SplashTown is a water park that’s perfect for hot summer days.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for unique experiences that are off the beaten path, Houston has plenty of options. The 1940 Air Terminal Museum is a hidden gem that’s dedicated to preserving Houston’s aviation history. The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is a park that features a 64-foot-tall sculptural fountain that’s worth a visit. And the Art Car Museum showcases a collection of cars that have been transformed into works of art.
Natural Wonders
For those who love nature, Houston has plenty of natural wonders to explore. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers a glimpse into Houston’s natural habitats, while the Brazos Bend State Park is home to alligators, deer, and various bird species. The Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens offers a beautiful collection of plants and flowers, and the Houston Botanic Garden is a new 132-acre botanic garden that’s set to open in 2020.
Vibrant Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Houston comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. The Montrose neighborhood is known for its lively bars and clubs, while the Downtown area offers a range of options from rooftop bars to dance clubs. The Heights neighborhood is home to many local breweries and bars, and the Midtown area offers a mix of upscale lounges and neighborhood bars.
Local Markets
For a taste of the local scene, Houston has plenty of markets to explore. The Houston Farmers Market offers fresh produce and artisanal foods, while the Urban Harvest Farmers Market is a popular spot for local vendors and food trucks. The Heights Mercantile Farmers Market is a weekly market that features local products and handmade goods, and the East End Farmers Market is a community market that showcases local artists and musicians.
Beaches and Mountains
While Houston is known for its urban attractions, it’s also within driving distance of beaches and mountains. The Galveston Island State Park is a popular beach destination that’s only an hour away, while the Sam Houston National Forest is a great place to hike and camp in the nearby mountains.
Cultural Immersion
Houston is a melting pot of cultures, and there are many ways to immerse yourself in the city’s diverse heritage. The Houston Museum of African American Culture showcases African American art and culture, while the Asia Society Texas Center offers a range of programs and exhibits related to Asian culture. The Rothko Chapel is a non-denominational chapel that features 14 large-scale paintings by Mark Rothko, and the Holocaust Museum Houston is a museum that documents the history of the Holocaust and its impact on Houston’s Jewish community.
Art and Music Scene
Houston has a thriving art and music scene, with many galleries and venues to explore. The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is a non-collecting institution that showcases contemporary art from around the world, while the Houston Symphony Orchestra offers a range of classical music performances. The White Oak Music Hall is a popular music venue that features both indoor and outdoor stages, and the Menil Collection offers a range of art and cultural programs throughout the year.
Walking Tours
For those who prefer to explore the city on foot, Houston has many walking tours to choose from. The Houston Architecture Foundation offers walking tours that explore Houston’s unique architecture and history, while the Buffalo Bayou Partnership offers guided tours of the Buffalo Bayou Park. The Houston Culinary Tours offers food tours that showcase Houston’s diverse cuisine, and the Houston Historical Tours offers tours that focus on the city’s rich history.
Architectural Marvels
Houston is home to many architectural marvels, from towering skyscrapers to historic homes. The JP Morgan Chase Tower is the tallest building in Texas and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. The Astrodome, also known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is a historic stadium that’s currently undergoing renovations. And the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a historic home and museum that showcases American decorative arts and paintings.
Historical Sites
For history buffs, Houston has many historical sites to explore. The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is home to the San Jacinto Monument, which commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, a pivotal battle in the Texas Revolution. The Battleship Texas State Historic Site is a retired battleship that saw action in both World War I and World War II. And the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a historic home and museum that showcases American decorative arts and paintings.
Biking Routes
For those who like to explore the city on two wheels, Houston has many biking routes to choose from. The Buffalo Bayou Park offers scenic trails that are perfect for biking, while the Heights Hike and Bike Trail is a popular route that runs through the historic Heights neighborhood. The Terry Hershey Park offers a scenic route along the Buffalo Bayou, and the Houston BCycle program offers bike rentals throughout the city.
Wellness Retreats
If you’re looking for a wellness retreat, Houston has plenty of options. The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers yoga classes and guided meditation, while the Four Seasons Hotel Houston offers a range of spa treatments and wellness programs. The Hiatus Spa + Retreat offers a range of spa services and wellness classes, and the Pure Body Studio offers Pilates classes and private training sessions.
Adventure Sports
For adrenaline junkies, Houston has a range of adventure sports to choose from. The iFLY Indoor Skydiving offers the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of a plane, while the Flowrider offers the chance to surf indoors. The Skydive Spaceland Houston offers tandem skydiving experiences, and the Houston Karting Complex offers high-speed go-karting.
With so many options to choose from, Houston and its surrounding areas offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or a taste of the local scene, this city has