Houston is the most populous city in Texas and the fourth most populous city in America. Founded in 1836, the city is named after General Sam Houston who was the president of the Republic of Texas. Houston's economy today is largely based on energy, aeronautical, manufacturing, and transportation industries. The city boasts of being the second-best in the number of headquarters of Fortune 500 companies (behind New York City).
Nicknamed the "Bayou City", "the 713", "H-Town", and "Space City". Houston has truly become a global city with strengths plenty to do for tourists and locals alike. Whether you like to immerse yourself in the local history or prefer more outdoorsy-type activities, Houston is filled with options for you to entertain yourself. Here is a list of some of the most popular and must-visit attractions in Houston for your next trip.
Space Center Houston
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Houston is the Space Center Houston. It is home to over 400 artifacts and numerous exhibits demonstrating the long history of America's space flight program. Opened in 1963 as NASA's human spaceflight hub, this place still serves as one of the country's major personnel training facilities.
Not only that the center provides the children with STEM education and many interactive fun games and exhibits for kids to learn and get curious about space travel. One of the most popular activities amongst tourists is the 90-minute narrated tram tour exploring some of the most interesting aspects of the space center and the exciting history of the space program.
Hermann Park
Every major city has a park that gives you a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Hermann Park is that park for Houston. While strolling in a park may not be the most touristy thing but Hermann Park borders some of the most popular neighborhoods, universities, and other attractions. The park has playgrounds, picnic areas, trails, and several things to do for kids. Not only that, Hermann Park houses the Houston Zoo as well. Other popular attractions in the park include the McGovern Centennial Gardens and the Miller Outdoor Amphitheater.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Spanning over 124 acres, the Buffalo Bayou Park offers some of the best possible views of the Houston skyline. If you are in the mood to enjoy some sunlight, the park is a great place to trail, hike, and picnic with tons of greenery around you. One of the most popular points of interest inside the Buffalo Bayou Park is its Cistern which was formerly a drinking water reservoir built in 1926 and was decommissioned in 2007 after an irreparable leak.
Galveston Island
Just 50-miles from Houston you will find one of the most popular coastal destinations in Texas in the form of Galveston Island. The island boasts miles of beaches, an amusement park, and some of the most scenic views.
You can walk around the island's historic strand district and explore the several antique stores or you can enjoy the sun on one of 36 beaches that the island has to offer. Fair warning that the Galveston Island is a full day trip so if you are in Houston just for the weekend you may not have enough time on your itinerary to visit Galveston Island.
San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site
History buffs will love this place. This site is where one of the most important battles for Texas' independence took place. When Texas was still part of Mexico, settlers of the region were looking for independence from the then-dictator. General Sam Houston strategically planned his next attack to become the victors of the battle of San Jacinto.
The site today houses a history museum and the San Jacinto Museum which is the tallest masonry memorial structure in the world.
Eclectic Menagerie Park
One of the most unique parks you will ever see, the Eclectic Menagerie Park offers a collection of giant-sized steel monsters guarding Texas pipe works. The collection of 26 massive sculptures contain a towering long-legged spider, a massive armadillo, and King Kong among other monster-sized animals. These monuments are located on Texas Pipe Company's private property.