Houston TX is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate Houston TX experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of Houston TX you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in Houston TX
Space Center Houston
- Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (36374)
- Phone: +1 281-244-2100
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
5 Replies to 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Houston TX
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Top 15 Tourist Attractions in Houston TX
Houston Zoo
- Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (32908)
- Phone: +1 713-533-6500
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Reviews:
We went during the week and our reservation time was for 9:00 am so it was easy to park and get in the zoo. The later you go, parking becomes a nightmare, so keep that in mind. We had a great visit. I love that it opens at 9 because it gives the kids and I time to enjoy the zoo before it’s lunch and nap time. We were lucky and the animals were out and about that day. The other guests there were respectful or space and taking turns. Some people wore masks, some did not. The only place I was nervous about the closeness was in the reptile house, so we hurried through and continued seeing the animals that are outside. I do wish there were more bathrooms along the way. Seeing the zoo with 2 little ones, someone always has to use the bathroom, ALWAYS. It was a great trip to the zoo. I know we could have easily spent more time there.By Derek & Courtney DeFee (10 months ago)BOO ZOO! One of our favorite times of year to visit the zoo. Great experience for the family as always. Parking was not awful today but I will say the last 5 times we’ve tried to go on Friday or Saturday we haven’t found a parking spot. Definitely would recommend going during the week and earlier in the day if at all possible. But once you get inside it’s a really great zoo! Tons of updates have happened since we’ve moved here nearly 10 years ago and I feel like each time we go there are always improvements happening to make the zoo even better!By Aaron Lathan (a month ago)The Houston zoo is a very nice zoo. We’ve been going since children and all the updates they’ve done over the years definitely add to the experience.
It’s always clean and tidy with great locations for snacks and beverages. The staff and keepers are all awesome and very knowledgeable of their respective exhibits. There are also a ton of volunteers here too which is awesome.
We’ve recently decided to get a membership because it’s really nice to just be able to pop in any time you like for a stroll. It’s like a stroll in the park but full of lovely and exotic animals.
I used to love seeing the familiar white alligator in the reptile exhibit but they’ve since relocated him to a nature reserve south of Houston.
The zoo can get really busy on the weekends and I would highly recommend getting here before 10am otherwise you’ll be driving circles trying to find a parking spot.
By Tom (7 months ago)I LOVE this Zoo! The membership price is so worth it if you live in Houston or the burbs. Two visits and you’ve already paid for the memberships- totally a steal! The exhibits are well done. The animals are in very beautiful habitats and that makes me happy. The staff really takes care of them. Their entire motto is “See Them. Save Them” and I love that they really work to protect and save all of these beautiful creatures. In December they do Houston Zoo Lights and it’s phenomenal! The weather is usually very enjoyable and the lights are spectacular. They even have photos with Santa which is super cute. My one piece of advice is GO EARLY. Parking gets insane on the weekends and you can spend 45 minutes trying to park. Also, bring a stroller! It’s a ton of walking! If you go in summer, bring lots of water, snacks and even a fan! You will love going here!By Meredith Guarino (10 months ago)I’ve been to many zoos throughout the US, but the Houston Zoo has been by far THE BEST. It has the typical animals, but the exhibits are great and have several life like statues that allow the kids to interact. Each exhibit has great information in English and Spanish. The zoo is very beautiful, easy to navigate, has plenty of food options, seating areas and 2 playgrounds for the kids. There was no option for military discount. Feeding the zebras was $7 for 3 pieces of lettuce. The train was $3.75 a person and the paddle boats right outside of the zoo is a great activity to do. I would definitely recommend this zoo and can’t wait to return.By Chelsea Baez (8 months ago)
Hermann Park
- Address: 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (23369)
- Phone: +1 713-526-2183
- Website: Link
- Price Info: Free
- Opening hours:
Monday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMTuesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMWednesday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMThursday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMFriday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Reviews:
This is a large park with gardens and a lake right in the middle of the city. The gardens are well curated and the park has several trails for joggers. There’s a nice 8-minute train ride around the park that children and adults alike will love. The lake hosts a few species of ducks and tortoises. The park also boasts an open-air theatre that hosts shows in the late evening. Overall a good place to hang out with nature and take some lovely photos.By Juzar Mustan (4 months ago)While visiting Texas Hermann Park was on our list during the holidays season. First of all in December it was 80 degree and with a light cool breeze. I just love the weather and on top a place like Hermann Park you can spend all day up there. Its a beautiful park with lots of greenery. There are picnic shelter, train ride which is approx 15-20 min and only for $3 which so cheap or you can take boat or go for long walk. There are ducks and geese. A great place for nature lover.By Mariam (10 months ago)Fabulous park indeed. The monument looks like a small version of Washington monument. There is also a little stream by the monument just like in Washington D.C. There is a amphitheater too. The park is great vibes, lots of people and beautiful ponds. There are lots of ducks in the ponds, bridges, boats and so much more. Large golf area as well.By Riya Sinha (10 months ago)I really REALLY loved this park! Spacious and lovely with plenty of facilities. Good private spaces as well as photo ops especially in the Japanese garden that section closes before the rest of the park though so if you want to check it out you’ll need to get there before 6 which is when they close. However because it’s in the museum district I recommend going on a weekday as parking is a nightmare on Sat/Sun. Anything close by is going to be hard to find before 6. But after that there’s usually some space near the zoo. Fortunately they are open pretty late, 11 I think it is, it’s also well lit and tended.By Joseph Keller (a month ago)Great place to go and enjoy the outdoors and the parks are Beautiful. Just pack your Patience and allow time to find parking. It can get crazy packed. The McGovern Centennial Park is Beautiful and has seating and bathroom. Lots of great Photo Ops!By Patricia Maldonado (8 months ago)
Houston Museum of Natural Science
- Address: 5555 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (21704)
- Phone: +1 713-639-4629
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
Great museum!! Lots to do and look at if you live in the area or close enough the membership is totally worth it. Each special exhibit was an additional cost. The “shows” in the theater are shown on a dome screen sit high up so you don’t have to tilt your head up so far we saw the “death of the dinosaurs” I felt it could have been better I most likely won’t be paying extra for the theater shows anymore but Ramses exhibition was worth the additional cost. Thursdays have free entrance hours just check their website for details.By Vanessa Aldama (5 months ago)Great place to go explore. Lots of interactive exhibits. About 1/4 of the museum is something that you have to pay extra for so keep that in mind. The exhibits were daily clean and there were hand sanitizer stations throughout the museum. Great spot for children or curious adults. We spent about two hours here exploring all of the different floors. We went on a Saturday and it was pretty crowded. Good overall experience.By Katelyn Meredith (9 months ago)This place is amazing. It has a huge collection of dinosaurs. Huge collection of amazing shells. The Cabinet of Curiosities area was so much fun to explore and the kids loved looking in the drawers etc (though some of the drawers need maintenance). The gems and rocks were quite interesting. And can’t say enough about how detailed and awesome the energy floor was. It covered so many topics from the energy perspective and explained in great detail many of the concepts that most people take for granted. 1 day almost wasn’t enough time to fully experience everything here.By Justin Burgess (3 months ago)It was a pretty descent Natural Science museum. I personally loved the mineral/jewelry section see pictures. the mineral/ jewelry section was large dark and quiet. I would highly recommend if you want to avoid kids and summer camp while enjoying natures Wonders. I like how the fossil/ dino section lay out. and they are very informative. You might found some actually paleontologist/geologist volunteering for some extra crush courses. But be aware those sections are fairly popular with kids :).By ANDY XINYU ZHAO (4 months ago)Great place to visit. There is so much to see and do for everyone. They have tons of permanent exhibits you get to check out with your ticket (you can go in and out of these exhibits all day so hold on to your ticket). Plus they have fun extra things to check out like the butterfly and the Egyptian exhibits (you do have to pay a little extra for those though still worth it). You can’t take in food/drinks but you can leave and come back in.By Jenifer Woloson (8 months ago)
Downtown Aquarium
- Address: 410 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.1 (18865)
- Phone: +1 713-223-3474
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
- Reviews:
We had a great time at the aquarium. It was a beautiful day and there weren’t many people. They have amazing exhibitions. Our favorite was the one with the sharks and the tiger.
You have to take the little train to be able to see the sharks so that’s a nice and different experience.
The whole area was clean and the animals looked well taken care of. I’ll definitely would go back.By Steven Díaz Zalduondo (9 months ago)My favorite part of the Aquarium is the stingray exhibit! You can gently touch (or pet) the stingrays and feel their rubbery, slick, soft body. They are fascinating to watch. I was shocked at how very fast they can swim when they want to!
Another favorite spot is the tiger exhibit. They seem so very docile, sweet and laid back when you are looking at them through the glass. If it weren’t for the documentaries that I have seen, I would want to go inside and pet them. They are the very definition of “looks can be deceiving” but I love them so much.
I really enjoyed all of the exhibits. It’s been a while since I have been, but they used to have a large octopus that I enjoyed watching. I was disappointed that it wasn’t there this time, but it’s possible that I just overlooked it??
I think this aquarium is definitely worth visiting as they have done a great job with the exhibits. I think this would be a great place to take a date, and definitely a great day out with the family!By Lisa Marie (a week ago)So much fun, and very educational. Went for my birthday, and bought the all day adventure pass (best value for sure! Highly recommend!) It was so nice being able to see all the exhibits, and ride all the rides as much as we wanted! My inner child and outer adult was very pleased!By Bethany Porter (9 months ago)Fun place for an at most half-day experience. Was there for 2 1/2 hours with an all-day pass. I highly recommend getting the all-day pass if you have children under the age of 10. There’s several kid rides and their most popular is the shark train. That was very fun. The stingray reef is fun too. You get to pet the stingrays and even feed them (pay some $) if you want. There are clear posted instructions and staff on hand to guide you on proper feeding. Parking is a bit pricey (self-park $15) but there’s plenty of space.By Sa Chi (6 months ago)Great spot for the entire family. Visiting from out of town and you will spend extra money buying other things. My family loved seeing the fishes, tigers and feeding the sting ray. The best part is you’ll ride a train and go through a shark tunnel. Very informative and I have never seen a saw shark in person before. So seeing that magnificent sea creature was a treat. While we were there, divers were making sure tanks are clean and keeping it nice.
I recommend taking swim clothes and a towel for the kiddos who want to play in the splash pad.By Ester M (6 months ago)
Discovery Green
- Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (17950)
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Address: 1001 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77005, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (8480)
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
- Address: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (6690)
Buffalo Bayou Park
- Address: 1800 Allen Pkwy &, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77019, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (4596)
McGovern Centennial Gardens
- Address: 1500 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (3913)
The Menil Collection
- Address: 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3017)
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
- Address: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3000)
Market Square Park
- Address: 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (2434)
Holocaust Museum Houston
- Address: 5401 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77004, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1657)
Sam Houston Park
- Address: 1000 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (1514)
National Museum of Funeral History
- Address: 415 Barren Springs Dr, Houston, TX 77090, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (1116)
Although Houston TX is a large state with many amazing places to visit, these 15 locations stand out as the best according to traveler ratings and reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
My family and I visited the Space Center in Houston and it was great! Staff were courteous and helping and the facilities were very clean! We purchased the City Pass because we were only in the area for Spring break so we used it for other venues. The wait was fast. Literally, never stopped walking through the line until we arrived at purse check and then again to scan the electronic tickets. We went on a Tuesday. We spent all day there and still did not see everything. Get Tram and virtual rides tickets early because they sell out fast.
The exhibits were very interesting and kept our 10 year-old daughter engaged. The two virtual rides were awesome. It was as if we were truly in space. Loved it!!
We all left with huge smiles on our faces and vowed it was well worth the money and will be on our list to return to.
Fascinating place filled with an immense amount of knowledge and information! Whether you’re a space enthusiast or not, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. The facility is neatly organized and laid out with various sections and areas. Additionally, maps and employees are everywhere to assist with navigating.
Tickets are very reasonably priced and allows for free roam to choose what activities/exhibits you would like to visit. The only restriction is how much time you have to spare. They have 3 itinerary plans that corresponds to how much time you would like to stay there – 2 hours, 5 hours, 7+ hours. The choice is yours!
The only recommendation for change with the facility is to make the prices for photographs more reasonable. Upon entering, everyone gets a group photo taken (which we all know those are never FREE).
In fact, they’re $30 here, which is essentially the price of another entry ticket which is absolutely asinine. Many people were just taking pictures of the kiosk screen of the group photo instead of buying it which I don’t blame them.
This place is amazing, would recommend coming when it first opens. We got there by 930am and there was a line on a Saturday already. We reserved the blue tram when we got inside and did the tour which was super fun. Some I had little ones doing the blue tram was a better option. Also, I recommend bringing cash. The gift stores credit card machines were not working and we couldn’t get nothing. Next time, we will be more prepared. Wish we could have deep dived every corner but having toddlers it was kinda hard.
Pro tip of photos, utilize your panorama setting on your phone. You’ll be able to be in the picture with rockets. Have walking shoes and water on hand. They don’t allow selfie sticks or extra camera set ups.
Visited again after many years. What a great place. So much to do and see. Lots of educational exhibits. Great gift shop. Food cost was really good considering the captive audience. Come for the day. The tram tours fill up so need to book those virtually as soon as you can. It can get crowded.
We had such a great time here! Two adults and one youth. There was a lot of information to learn. I do suggest doing the guided tour in the starlight gallery; the tour guide was amazing and had such interesting stories! If you have young kids there are a few interactive things here within the exhibits but not a lot. There’s not a lot of interactive things going on for older kids. I do wish there was a lot more interactives throughout each exhibit. There is a lot of reading so be prepared for that! It took us about 2-3 hours to go through everything at a decent pace.