Houston holidays

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that’s certainly true of Houston. The fourth-largest city in the United States is a sprawling metropolis with a rich cultural landscape that influences everything from its food to its entertainment. NASA may be the headline attraction but a holiday to Houston promises so much more. Whether you come for the astronauts, the Tex-Mex or the world-class museums, you’ll have no problem finding fun.

Houston holiday highlights

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Houston
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Space legacy

No Houston holiday is complete without visiting Space Center Houston, the official visitor centre of NASA Johnson Space Center. Home to artefacts and interactive displays, it’s a day out everyone will enjoy. The most popular attraction is the NASA Tram Tours where you’ll get a glimpse into the Historic Mission Control, the Astronaut Training Facility and George W.S. Abbey Rocket Park.

Texas history

Houston may have one eye on the stars but it’s got plenty of history to explore on the ground too. The George Ranch Historical Park traces 100 years of Texas history through tours and interactive experiences. Learn how Texas won its independence at the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield, where you can even try your hand at loading a cannon.

Sports fans

Houstonians love rooting for their local sports teams. Catch the Houston Astros playing baseball at Minute Maid Park and join the crowds to cheer on the NFL Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Can’t attend a live game on your holiday to Houston? The city’s many sports bars have got all the action covered.

Houston: Know before you go

Language

English

Currency

United States dollar ($)

Time zone

UTC-6 (CST) and UTC-5 (CDT)

High season

June – August and December

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Houston

Weather in Houston

March – May: Warm days and cooler evenings make this an ideal time for outdoor activities. Take advantage of the pleasant weather to dine al fresco at Houston’s restaurants.

June – August: Houston is known as the ‘most air-conditioned city in America’ for good reason. Hot, humid summer days often exceed 37°C, a great excuse to explore the Museum District.

September – November: Although milder than summer, autumn can still be quite warm in the city. Keep your eyes peeled for intense thunderstorms or the rare hurricane.

December – February: Houston’s subtropical weather means mild winters that rarely dip below freezing. Enjoy walks in the city’s parks and shops decked out in Christmas decorations.

Events in Houston

Bayou City Art Festival (March): Take part in this celebration of Houston’s musicians, dancers, painters, writers, sculptors and creative minds. Attend workshops, book readings and live performances, and find vendors selling everything from art to street food.

San Jacinto Day Festival (April): Held annually in San Jacinto, this popular festival marks the final battle of the Texas Revolution in 1836. Historical re-enactments take centre stage alongside family-friendly activities and food trucks.

Fiestas Patrias (September): Join the downtown crowds celebrating Mexico’s historic independence from Spain. Look forward to colourfully dressed dancers, live mariachi bands and the crowning of Miss Fiestas Patrias.

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The best neighbourhoods in Houston

Downtown

If you’re looking for non-stop entertainment, this is where to stay in Houston. Home to sports stadiums, the Theater District and a diverse restaurant and bar scene, expect your days to be filled. Take a break from the bustle with a stroll through Market Square Park. And check out the touring musicians performing on weekends in Discovery Green.

Good for: Parks, theatre shows, live sports

Montrose

Known for its colourful murals and quirky shops, Montrose is the best area to stay in Houston to experience the city’s creative side. Art galleries and cocktail lounges rub shoulders with vintage stores, tattoo parlours and palm readers. And LGBTQ+ bars offer everything from live music to weekly drag shows.

Good for: Vintage stores, art galleries, LGBTQ+ bars

Museum District

You could easily spend your entire trip exploring the Museum District, home to Hermann Park and 19 world-class museums. Families love the interactive Children’s Museum and the Houston Museum of Natural Science is always a big draw. Visiting between March and October? See a free show at the Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Good for: Museums, parks, outdoor theatre

Things to do in Houston

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Houston
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Family-friendly things to do

Kids will love the Children’s Museum with its hands-on activities and play areas. There’s also lots of interaction in store at the Express Children’s Theatre. With the Space Center Houston and the Six Flags Hurricane Harbor Splashtown water park offering thrills for all ages, Houston is a city made for family fun.

Shopping

Houston is a city of malls. The Galleria is a favourite with shoppers for its big brand names and entertainment options. If you prefer a more unique retail experience, the Historic Heights neighbourhood is the place to go for quirky, locally-owned stores and vintage retailers. Staying downtown? Explore Main Street Square with its funky boutiques, cafes and street musicians.

Free things to do

Saturday mornings are a great time to explore the Urban Harvest Farmers Market. Once you’ve gotten your fill of free samples, Market Square Park invites relaxing strolls while admiring its public art installations. Keen to escape the crowds? The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center’s trails are just the ticket. And Port Houston offers free educational cruises along the Houston Ship Channel.

Places to eat

Houston’s diverse neighbourhoods serve up a world of flavour-packed cuisine. In Chinatown, feast on dim sum and Vietnamese-Cajun crawfish. Hit downtown for the city’s best Mexican and Tex-Mex eateries. With barbecue joints, soul food hot spots and steakhouses to tempt you, there’s no chance of leaving Houston hungry.

Beaches

While Houston isn’t on the coast, the Gulf of Mexico’s beaches are an easy drive from the city. Just 30 minutes away, Sylvan Beach is the closest to Downtown and a great spot for families with its gentle waves and air-conditioned pavilion. Another popular day trip for kayaking, surfing and fishing is Galveston Island State Park, a little over an hour away.

Take in the culture

Much of Houston’s cultural scene is found in the Museum and Theater districts. But beyond the stage curtains and rotating exhibits, there’s plenty more culture to discover. In Chinatown, you’ll find the Teo Chew Temple while East Downtown (EaDo) is known for its Graffiti Park. Love architecture? Admire the Victorian homes in Houston Heights.

Plan your holiday to Houston

Budget

With free parks, nearby nature trails and many museums offering free admission on Thursdays, it’s easy to plan a cheap holiday to Houston. You’ll pay around 20 US dollars ($) for a meal in an affordable restaurant and about $5 for a cup of coffee. If you need to catch a taxi, expect a short ride to cost less than $10.

Day trips from Houston

Visit Bellville to see Newman’s Castle, a medieval-style fortress an hour west of the city. And just under 90 minutes away, Port Arthur earns its nickname as the Cajun Capital of Texas with plenty of crawfish and gumbo restaurants. Like hiking? Take a day trip north to hit the wooded trails around Sam Houston National Forest.

Getting around Houston

The best way to get around this sprawling city is to hire a car. If you prefer not to drive, hop on a local bus or use Houston’s METRORail system for connections between downtown and the Museum District. There’s also a flat fare for all taxi rides downtown, as long as the trip stays within the Central Business District.

FAQs about Houston holidays

While on your city break in Houston, everyday interactions will mostly happen in English.
January brings the coolest weather for a Houston holiday. You can expect lows of 5ºC (41ºF).
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) while on your trip to Houston. Along with your cards, consider bringing some cash for things like small purchases and public transport fares.
With maximum temperatures of 40ºC (104ºF), August is the warmest month in Houston.
Your holiday to Houston should be a stress-free experience, as the city is generally considered a safe place. Still, it's important to take a few commonsense precautions. Stay alert in busy places and ensure valuables like your credit cards and phone are out of sight. An anti-theft bag or money belt is worth using wherever your travels take you.
The city has a lower cost of living than other Texas destinations, so it’s possible to have a cheap holiday in Houston. To save on sightseeing costs, consider buying a Houston CityPASS ticket for reduced admission to popular attractions, including the Houston Space Center.
For pleasant temperatures, plan your Houston holiday between February and April or September and November. Travelling on a budget
If you’re limited to a short break in Houston, aim for at least three days to explore the city’s world-class museums, tour the NASA facilities and enjoy the unique neighbourhoods. Extend your stay to five days to explore the Greater Houston area or take day trips to Galveston.
From The Houston Museum of Natural Science to The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Beck Building, this city delivers one highlight after another. Start the countdown to your next adventure by researching the best things to do in Houston.
With around 15 cm of rainfall, May is the rainiest month. If you're taking your Houston holiday then, you might want to include some indoor fun in your plans. Grab a bite at one of the city's best restaurants, check out an art gallery, or indulge in a shopping spree.