A bustling city where great art, music and culture exist alongside the more traditional exports of beef, oil and gas.
Founded on the banks of the Buffalo Bayou in 1837, Houston takes its name from the first President of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston. The city had continuous success in the port and railroad industries, and after the discovery of oil in 1901, Houston became a wealthy and prosperous city. Today this success continues, and prosperity has made it a great place to visit for all the family.
Houston is easy to explore, and many of the city’s top sights and attractions are within easy reach of the Downtown area. Head to the Menil Collection gallery and the Houston Museum of Fine Arts to see works by Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse. Children will love the Houston Zoo and the Downtown Aquarium, both of which are part of the large, peaceful Hermann Park.
Houston is a great place to get outside and active, as the climate is good all year round. Enjoy the extensive running and biking trails at Memorial Park, or try your hand on its 18-hole golf course. The serene Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is ideal for nature lovers and anyone wanting to relax in one its special gardens. Discovery Green offers a breath of fresh air in the city and contains playgrounds and bike trails. Head to the Carol Tatkon Sensory Garden for a full sensory experience or visit the Discovery Room to learn all about the flora and fauna of the surrounding area.
NASA’s iconic Space Center Houston is just a 40-minute drive away and is perfect for science or space enthusiasts. Take the tour through the old Mission Control area and explore spacecraft and equipment that has been out of this world.
Families with children will love Moody Gardens theme park on Galveston Island some 80 kilometres away from the city. Head to the Kemah Boardwalk to enjoy some seaside fun, with a promenade, Ferris Wheel and carousel and some great shopping and dining. If the Texan sun is getting too much to bear then head to Splashtown water park to cool off.
Head to the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site to relive the battle for Texan Independence. This informative site is home to the world’s tallest monument tower and features some great scenery, as well as the Battleship Texas.