A sprawling metropolis that is actually the fourth-largest city in the US, Houston’s roots are in the deep south. Having emerged from a swamp, it’s still known as the Bayou City. Today you’ll find a city characterized by a vibrant and diverse culture, a number of affluent neighborhoods and attractions including the Johnson Space Center.
The city’s museum district, located near Hermann Park, is one of the largest of its kind in the US. At least a dozen top-quality museums are within easy walking distance of each other, and in addition to the outstanding collections of American and international art, you’ll find superb galleries here as well.
NASA’s Johnson Space Center is undoubtedly the major attraction for visitors to Houston, where the Apollo and Mercury launch vehicles keep kids and adults fascinated. The beaches of the Gulf coast provide a welcome relief from the busy city and the heat of the summer, and are only an hour’s drive away.
Houston attractions
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens: features a period mansion complete with a remarkable collection of early American antiques, folk-art and furniture, and is set in wonderfully-landscaped gardens.
The Museum District: is a collection of fine museums, including the Contemporary Arts Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Downtown Aquarium: is the place to see underwater life from the Louisiana swamp and the Amazon River as well as a real shipwreck.
Chinatown: spread over four city blocks, Chinatown is loaded with Asian specialty stores offering up foods, herbal medicines, furniture and decorative items.
Bay Area Houston: midway between Houston and Galveston beaches, the area comprises seven cities stretching 35 miles of waterfront and features excellent boating opportunities, great seafood restaurants and some of the best nature reserves in Texas.
** Kemah Boardwalk**: is filled with restaurants offering up delicious seafood, shops and amusement rides such as a Ferris wheel, carousel and miniature train.
Space Center Houston: attracts hordes of visitors who come to see the moon rocks, watch astronauts train for space walks and experience the space shuttle simulator.