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Things to do in Houston

The iconic Space Centre is just the beginning, with museums galore, and a buzzing downtown to explore.

Our most recommended things to do in Houston

Houston: Space Center Houston Admission Ticket

1. Houston: Space Center Houston Admission Ticket

Explore Space Center Houston with its 400 space artifacts as well as permanent and traveling exhibits. Discover attractions and theaters related to the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human space-flight program, all for one admission price. See the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples for public view. Go behind-the-scenes to see NASA Johnson Space Center (based on availability). Learn about the world-renowned home of NASA Mission Control, International Space Station Mission Control, and astronaut training. Experience the newest permanent exhibit, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, displayed outside the center. Walk around and underneath the first-stage booster spanning more than 156 feet long. See the only Falcon 9 on public display outside of SpaceX’s headquarters which is the same type of rocket that launched NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft on May 30 for the Demo-2 mission. It marked the first time since 2011 that astronauts have launched from American soil.

Houston: Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket

2. Houston: Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of natural science with an entrance ticket to the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences, one of the United States most-visited museums. See spectacular mineral specimens, dinosaur skeletons, space-station models, and much more. Gaze at dozens of prehistoric beasts in the Morian Hall of Paleontology brought to life in lively displays that animate their struggle to survive. See a blue topaz crystal of more than 2,000 carats in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals. Celebrate the diversity of America’s indigenous peoples in the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas. Come face to face with wildlife ecology at the Frensley Graham Hall of African Wildlife, or learn about shell science and the study of mollusks at the Strake Hall of Malacology.

Houston: City Tour by Bus

3. Houston: City Tour by Bus

Explore Houston in an open air, double-decker bus around Downtown and the Historic District. This tour offers the best of the city’s symbolic sites and attractions in one easy sitting. Along the way, enjoy commentary from audio or live guide who will tell you about attractions, such as the giant Chase Tower. Hear stories about the colorful theater district and learn more about many of the city's most important landmarks. • Hilton Americas Hotels at the Convention Center • Market Square - Historic District • City Hall and Visitors Center • Downtown Aquarium - Theater District • Sam Houston Park and Heritage Society historic homes • Discover the oldest commercial building still in use since 1840's • Houston's tunnel system • Graffiti park at Old China Town

Houston: City Tour and NASA Space Center Admission Ticket

4. Houston: City Tour and NASA Space Center Admission Ticket

Explore the wonders of space travel on an unforgettable tour that includes a mini-city tour around Houston and roundtrip transportation to the NASA/Johnson Space Center.  Enjoy interactive exhibits and activities, touch a moon rock, take a tram ride to the NASA control center and see the shuttle replica at the Independence Plaza. Begin your day of space exploration on land as you are taken a short city sightseeing tour around Houston where you can see some of its most important landmarks.  Afterward, drive 25 miles from the center of Houston to the Space Center Houston and experience America’s adventures in space first-hand. Space Center Houston is the visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center. It is a separate facility that features activities and exhibits designed jointly by NASA and Disney Imagineering. Get a chance to ride the half-hour tram tour that goes to the gigantic International Space Station Assembly Building and to the NASA control center. Both kids and adults will enjoy the interactive displays. Don’t miss the Starship Gallery Artifact Museum, where you can touch a moon rock or try out the simulator that lets you land the lunar orbiter.

Houston CityPASS®: Save 49% at 5 Top Attractions

5. Houston CityPASS®: Save 49% at 5 Top Attractions

Make use of your Houston CityPASS® on your next trip to Houston. See the wonders of space, amazing animals, fascinating science, world-class art, and more with Houston CityPASS® tickets. CityPASS® tickets offer convenient instant delivery and are valid for 9 consecutive days, allowing ample time to experience each attraction. Save 49% on prepaid admission to 5 must-see attractions: • Space Center Houston – General admission, including Independence Plaza and the NASA tram tour Plus get admission to 4 more attractions of your choice: • Downtown Aquarium – General admission to the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit; rides and games not included • Houston Museum of Natural Science – General admission • Houston Zoo – General admission; not valid for Zoo Lights • Kemah Boardwalk All-Day Ride Pass – All-Day Ride Pass; Stingray, Boardwalk Beast, and Iron Eagle not included • Children’s Museum of Houston – General admission. To enter the museum, your group must be accompanied by a child • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston – General admission to permanent collections and non-ticketed special exhibitions

Houston: Children's Museum of Houston Entry Ticket

6. Houston: Children's Museum of Houston Entry Ticket

Pre-book your entry ticket to the Children’s Museum Houston and let your children run, play, explore, learn, touch, smell, feel, and so much more in a variety of different exhibits. Exhibits regularly change so visiting multiple times is still fun for both locals and visitors alike. Current exhibits may include: • Tot*Spot (ages 0-35 months): Perfect place for the youngest guests to play and grow their brains (reopening September 20, 2022) • EcoStation (ages 2+): Explore the native plant garden, solar-powered research pavilion, woodland area, and the pond habitat • Cyberchase (ages 3+): A math adventure where forces join with the CyberSquad in their quest to save Cyberspace • FlowWorks (ages 5+): Learn about the forces and properties of water with waves, rapids, vortices, and hydropower • Heart and Seoul (ages 3+): Immerse your child in South Korean culture through the lives of children in Seoul • Inventor's Workshop (ages 3+): Use imagination to create extraordinary objects, mechanisms, and inventions • Genius Station (ages 4+): Discover your inner genius with the museum's very own science experts who are ready to answer all your questions • Challenge Course (ages 5+): Using agility, stamina, and balance, kids test out a 7-obstacle, low-rope course • How Does It Work (ages 5+): Conduct hands-on investigations around physical science concepts and how they appear in our everyday lives • Invention Convention (ages 5+): Unleash imagination inside this workshop filled with gadgets and gizmos that kids design and build • Kidtropolis, USA (ages 5+): A city for kids run by kids where kids choose what they want to be and work with other kids to make it function • Matter Factory (ages 5+): Explore the building blocks of matter while immersing yourself in the • Periodic Table of Elements • PowerPlay (ages 5+): Explore the science of nutrition, health, and exercise • Maker Annex (ages 8+): Be creative with 3-D printers, laser cutters, and more • Power Science Lab (ages 8+): Check out the science behind the body and the mind and overall health in a hands-on chemical wet lab • Kids' Hall (all ages): Traveling art and cultural exhibits from across the world with new activities introduced weekly • Parent Resource Library (all ages): A branch of the Houston Public Library right at the museum

Houston: 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart

7. Houston: 2-Hour Downtown Brewery Tour by Electric Cart

Take a unique ride through Downtown Houston in an electric cart. Escape the heat and cruise throughout the city streets in an air-conditioned vehicle. Along the way, learn about Houston's incredible food scene and see some beautiful sites. Your local guide will take you to 3 or 4 different breweries, where you will head in and try whatever beer you like. There are a myriad choices and each brewery has it's own signature brew, as well as many other options to choose from. Your guide will provide lots of fun facts about the city and walk you through why each brewery is unique to the city of Houston. At each brewery, you will also have time to purchase more beer and food as you please. Your group will spend about 20 minutes at each brewery, based on your group's preference. This tour is a small group tour and very flexible, so take this time to enjoy the best that Houston has to offer, and make the most of your time.

Houston: Space Explorer Pass

8. Houston: Space Explorer Pass

Spend your day learning about space and space exploration at two different attractions in Houston. Visit Space Center Houston to learn more about the NASA Mission and astronaut training. Explore space at the Burke Baker Planetarium, which offers an unprecedented immersive experience with a best-in-class projection system.  Space Center Houston features more than 400 space artifacts including the world's largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples. As the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, guests are taken behind the scenes to see NASA Mission Control, International Space Station Mission Control, and areas used for astronaut training. At the Burke Baker Planetarium, the newly updated Digitar 6 system enables our visitors to fly through the universe, experience the vastness of space, roam planetary surfaces, navigate asteroid fields, and watch the latest fulldome shows. With this pass you'll also gain entry to the Museum's permanent exhibit areas that examine astronomy and space science plus a whole host of other topics focused a little closer to Earth!

Houston: Downtown Underground Tunnel Tour

9. Houston: Downtown Underground Tunnel Tour

Discover why Houston, the most populated city in Texas and the 4th most-populated city in the United States can look like a ghost town during warm summer days. This is because just 20-25 feet below street level, there are more than 7.5 miles of underground tunnels that encompass Texas' tallest skyscrapers and serve as a corporate playground for a multitude of Fortune 500 companies. Start the tour in Downtown Houston and set off on a unique tour to some of the city's most well-renowned skyscrapers. Enjoy great photo opportunities alongside Texas' two tallest buildings, the oldest bank in Houston, and the newest portion of the downtown tunnel system. During the tour, learn all about the history of the city's extensive Tunnel System and its modern corporate appeal including a diverse range of great dining options and business amenities that resemble Houston's diversity.

From Houston: Galveston Island Tour

10. From Houston: Galveston Island Tour

Explore Galveston Island, located on the coastline of Texas, just 50 miles from Downtown Houston. The island offers 32 miles of beaches, abundant leisure, vibrant historic areas, and one of the largest well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture in the United States. Start from downtown Houston and take a short tour of the downtown district of the city. Then, travel to Galveston, enjoying the views of Galveston Island as you approach the city. Be dropped off in Galveston and explore the city at your leisure. Enjoy plenty of free time to choose what you want to see and do. Discover the relaxed atmosphere of the island as you explore the relaxing beaches, antique stores, art galleries, and excellent restaurants. Afterward, hop back on the bus back to Houston.

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Frequently asked questions about Houston

What top attractions are a must-see in Houston?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Houston?

The best day trips and excursions from Houston are:

Galveston

Other Sightseeing Options in Houston

Want to discover all there is to do in Houston? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Houston

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 1,161 reviews

It was spectacular! The weather was terrible, but I was so happy to be there! Everything was well organized, the people at the desk were kind and helpful, and they were very nice to schedule our team tours back to back rounding out a wonderful day! I really wanted a NASA, or Artemis or HSC sweatshirt, but they were too expensive. I would definitely revisit the space center.

Who knew there was such a thriving environment below the streets of Houston. Our guide, Vanessa, was knowledgeable, personable, animated, and projected well. We had a great experience and loved learning about some of Houston's history.

Vanessa is a very knowledgeable, very enthusiastic and super helpful guide. It was a pleasure to have her leading our tour.

Vanessa was a wonderful tour guide! We had a great time and she was very knowledgeable.

So much to see, I should have gotten there earlier in the day.