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Things to do in Houston
Houston is an exciting and diverse city located in southeast Texas. As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston is home to a wide range of attractions that draw visitors from around the world. From world-class museums to outdoor parks and shopping centers, Houston has something for everyone. In this essay, we will explore a number of attractions that you should see in Houston.
Space Center Houston
Space Center is the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, and it is one of Houston’s most popular attractions. Visitors can take a tram tour of the space center and see real spacecraft and artifacts from the Apollo missions. The center also features interactive exhibits that showcase the history of space exploration and the work that NASA does to explore the universe.
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is one of the largest art museums in the country, with a collection of over 70,000 works of art. The museum’s collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from around the world, with a particular focus on American and European art. The museum also features rotating exhibits that showcase the latest trends and movements in contemporary art.
The Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from more than 900 different species. Visitors can see animals such as lions, tigers, and giraffes up close and learn about their habitats and behaviors. The zoo also offers educational programs and special events throughout the year, such as the annual Zoo Lights holiday display.
The Menil Collection
The Menil Collection is an art museum located in the Montrose neighborhood of this city. The museum features a collection of over 17,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and drawings from around the world. The collection is particularly strong in modern and contemporary art, with works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Mark Rothko.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular museums in Houston, with a collection of over 2 million specimens and artifacts. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including dinosaurs, ancient Egypt, and the natural world. Visitors can also see live butterflies in the Cockrell Butterfly Center and watch films in the Burke Baker Planetarium.
The Houston Galleria
The Houston Galleria is a shopping center located in the Uptown neighborhood of Houston. The Galleria features over 400 stores, including high-end fashion brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. The shopping center also has a large food court and a range of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a 155-acre nature preserve located in the heart of Houston. The preserve features trails and boardwalks that allow visitors to explore a range of ecosystems, from wetlands to forests. The center also offers educational programs and special events throughout the year, such as guided hikes and birdwatching tours.
The Buffalo Bayou Park
Buffalo Bayou Park is a 160-acre urban park that stretches along the Buffalo Bayou in downtown Houston. The park features walking and biking trails, a dog park, and a range of outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can also see public art installations and attend events such as yoga classes and outdoor concerts.
The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is a popular tourist attraction located in the Galleria area of Houston. The park features a 64-foot-tall semicircular fountain that creates a dramatic waterfall effect. Visitors can walk along the park’s trails and enjoy the sight and sound of the waterfall.
The Houston Museum of African American Culture
The Houston Museum of African American Culture showcases African American art, history, and culture. The museum’s exhibits cover a range of topics, from the history of slavery in America to the Civil Rights Movement to contemporary art by African American artists. The museum also offers educational programs and special events throughout the year.
The Rothko Chapel
The Rothko Chapel is a non-denominational chapel located in the Montrose neighborhood of Houston. The chapel features a series of 14 large-scale paintings by the artist Mark Rothko, which were created specifically for the space. Visitors can sit and reflect in the serene and contemplative environment of the chapel.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a popular annual event that takes place in March. The event features rodeo competitions, live music, and a range of carnival rides and games. The event also raises millions of dollars for scholarships and educational programs for Texas youth.
The Museum of Natural Science’s Cockrell Butterfly Center
The Cockrell Butterfly Center is part of the Museum of Natural Science and features a living butterfly habitat. Visitors can see hundreds of butterflies from around the world and learn about their life cycles and behaviors. The center also includes a rainforest conservatory and a range of interactive exhibits.
The Houston Museum of Contemporary Craft
Museum of Contemporary Craft is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of contemporary craft. The museum’s exhibits showcase a range of craft techniques, including ceramics, fiber arts, and metalworking. The museum also offers educational programs and workshops for adults and children.
The Beer Can House
The Beer Can House is a unique art installation located in the Heights neighborhood of Houston. The house is covered in over 50,000 beer cans, which were used to create a range of decorative elements, from the siding to the mailbox. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and learn about the history of the installation.
All in all, Houston is a city that offers something for everyone, from art and culture to outdoor recreation and shopping. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a fan of live music, there’s an attraction in Houston that will capture your imagination. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that this city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States.
