Endless ranches, pick-up trucks, cowboy boots and the typical drawling accent: all this is undoubtedly part of the common imagination about Texas, but don't think you are in an amusement park dedicated to the Old West. A state this big can afford to be everything you want it to be, starting with Houston, one of its most vibrant cities.
Houston, the vibrant metropolis of Texas, is known for its thriving business scene, rich cultural heritage, and world-class attractions. When planning your trip to this dynamic city, finding the perfect accommodation that combines luxury, comfort, and impeccable service is essential. Look no further than the 4 star hotels in Houston on www.texashoustonhotels.com, where sophistication meets convenience. There is a selection of exquisite establishments, offering a memorable stay in the heart of the city.
The skyline of Houston, Texas. ©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock
Houston and the new Texas
In particular, Houston is a cross between a casual city, with streets lined with pick-up trucks and clubs dancing to country music, and a sophisticated metropolis full of energy and culture. During the day you can wander around in flip-flops visiting museums and shopping, then enjoy a happy hour in a tree-shaded beer garden and in the evening indulge in the culinary and cultural delights: Houston's gastronomic scene is known throughout the region, as is its entertainment scene. With the exception of very luxurious restaurants, starched jeans are de rigueur.
Residential neighbourhoods of various kinds and areas full of restaurants and shops stretch in every direction. While residents of other cities talk about the weather, those in Houston talk about parking. Thanks to the riches from oil and energy companies, there are many areas with upscale shops, but there are also simpler entertainments, keeping in mind, however, that it is very hot in summer.
Buffalo Bayou Park is the centre for many activities, as well as a great spot to admire Downtown. Houston, Texas.
What to do in Houston
Museum of Natural Science
The magnificent Museum of Natural Science, the most famous in Texas, has always hosted top-notch temporary exhibitions ranging from cave paintings to Mayan civilisation artefacts. No less fascinating is the permanent collection, with huge dinosaur skeletons (the museum's curator was a consultant for the film Jurassic Park), Ancient Egyptian mummies, rare gems (including a 2,000-carat blue topaz) and interactive exhibits dedicated to the biosphere.
Rothko Chapel
Temple for contemplation, church or example of Brutalist architecture? The Rothko Chapel, with its beautiful grounds, will be whichever you prefer. With 14 large paintings by abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko, it is a perfect place to take a moment to pause and reflect.
Buffalo Bayou Park
This winding, recently created 65-hectare park stretches along Buffalo Bayou from Downtown westwards. There is plenty of parking and walking distance to various places of interest. The park also includes areas with exercise equipment, areas for contemplation, art exhibits and more, and offers magnificent views of Downtown. Among the various activities that can be enjoyed in the park are kayak rides or bike rentals.
If you are looking for a charming place to stay nearby, experience the warm and personalized service offered by boutique hotels Houston. With a smaller number of rooms, the staff can provide individualized attention and cater to your specific needs. Whether it's insider tips on local attractions or customized recommendations for dining and entertainment, the dedicated staff ensures a memorable and tailored stay
Street food to die for, Houston, Texas. ©Byungsoo Kim/Shutterstock
Street food: food trucks
Unlike in other cities, food trucks really do move around in Houston and you might see the same food truck in two or three different places in the course of a single day. To find out where to find them check online, but they are often located near the bars and cafes of Montrose.
The car parks of the Menil Collection and the Museum of Fine Arts are also frequently used by food trucks. Keep in mind that in Downtown they are rarely seen due to parking regulations.
- Oh My Gogi!
Fusion of two local cultures; try Korean barbecue tacos or kimchi quesadillas. Conveniently located to Rice University bars.
- Tacos Tierra Caliente
This shabby food truck serves tacos that are some of the best in Houston (try the pastor, with spicy roast pork). There's no seating, but across the street the West Alabama Ice House is a nice place. It also prepares Mexican-style breakfasts.
- Waffle Bus
Waffle and waffle sandwiches, with sweet and savoury toppings (cheeseburger, smoked salmon and so on). Usually open for lunch and often located near the University of Houston.
Space Center Houston, Texas.
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Space Excursion to Clear Lake
Less than 48 kilometres south of Downtown Houston lies the Clear Lake area, where there is the famous Space Center Houston, water entertainment of all kinds, including an amusement park, and a few important historical sites.
To the north, where the Buffalo Bayou creates the estuary with which it flows into the bay, is the industrial city of La Porte, rich in attractions. At the outlet of Clear Lake, look for the towns of Seabrook and Kemah; the latter is a pleasant lakeside village with entertainment and restaurants.
It is possible to visit the whole area in a day while heading to or from Galveston, but for the amount of things to do (and the traffic to/from Houston) it is worth planning an overnight stay. Whatever your itinerary, don't miss Killen's, the best barbecue in the entire Houston region. The Bay Area Houston Convention & Visitors Bureau provides information on the many areas to visit south of Houston.
Space Center Houston
If you have always dreamed of setting foot on the moon, the place to go for a more likely realisation of your wish is the visitor centre and museum (although it looks more like a theme park) next to NASA's Johnson Space Center.
The 90-minute shuttle tour leads, among other places, to the historic Mission Control (the one that received the famous phrase 'Houston, we have a problem' from Apollo 13).
