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How to Spend a Weekend in Houston

May 16, 2024
How to Spend a Weekend in HTX

Planning a Weekend in Houston and Wondering What to Do? Well, a Better Question is What Can’t You Do in Space City?

From outdoor adventures to unique shopping centers to delicious dining and everything else in between, there’s so much to do in Houston, Texas. And whether you're a native Houstonian or simply in town for a short visit, we want to help you make the most of your time. So, here’s all the fun things to do in Houston!

How to Spend a Weekend in Houston

Where to Eat in Houston

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in America, so of course it’s full of delicious restaurants featuring cuisines from all types of cultures. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick bite or for somewhere romantic to spice up your night on the town, there’s a place for you. Have a specific craving? Here are some of our favorite Houston restaurants:
  • Tex-Mex: Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage located in the Oak Forest area.
  • Italian: North Italia located in The Woodlands area.
  • African: Astor Farm to Table located in the Katy area.
  • American: Mia’s Table located in the Baybrook area.
  • Healthy: HS Green located in the Galleria area.
  • Sushi: Tamashi Ramen & Sushi located in the Pearland area.
  • Seafood: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen located in the Sugar Land area.
  • Barbecue: The Pit Room located in the Montrose area.
  • Asian: Mala Sichuan Bistro located in the Katy area.
  • Sandwiches: Antone’s located in the Garden Oaks area.
  • Pizza: Bollo Woodfired Pizza located in the River Oaks area.

Where to Get Drinks in Houston

Looking for a fun bar to kick one back at on a Friday night or a cute coffee shop to meet friends at before brunch? From classic sports bars to quaint neighborhood cafes, Houston has plenty of local watering holes to match whatever vibes you’re looking for!
 
Our favorite coffee shops in Houston:
  • A 2nd Cup Coffee located in the Northside area.
  • Slowpokes. located in the Memorial City area.
  • Cavo Coffee located in the Rice Village area.
  • Black Hole Coffee House located in the Montrose area.
Our favorite local bars in Houston:
  • Little Woodrow’s located in the Heights area.
  • Sonoma Wine & Cheese located in the River Oaks area.
  • 13 Celsius located in the midtown area.
  • Kirby Ice House located in The Woodlands area.
Our favorite places to get a margarita in Houston:
  • Valencia’s Tex-Mex Garage located in the Oak Forest area.
  • Armando’s located in the River Oaks area.
  • Gringo’s located in the Pearland area.
  • Tony’s Mexican Restaurant located in the Katy area.
Our favorite craft breweries in Houston:
  • Saint Arnold Brewing Company located in the downtown area.
  • Karbach Brewing Co. located in the Spring Branch area.
  • Spindletap Brewery located in the northeast Houston area.
  • 8th Wonder Brewery located in the east downtown area.

Things to Do With Kids in Houston

Houston is an extremely family-friendly city—there’s plenty of things to do that the whole family can enjoy! Whether you’re looking to kill a couple of hours or an entire day; whether you’re trying to beat the heat indoors or become one with mother nature; there’s endless opportunities for fun. Here are some of the best places to visit with kids in Houston:
  • The Houston Zoo located in the museum district area.
  • The Ice at the Galleria located inside the Houston Galleria.
  • The Children’s Museum located in the museum district area.
  • Discovery Green Park located in the downtown area.
  • Kemah Boardwalk located in the Seabrook area.
  • Space Center Houston (NASA) located in the Webster area.
  • The Aquarium located in the downtown area.
  • Hurricane Harbor (Splashtown) waterpark located in the Spring area.
We get it, planning activities for the whole family can get expensive… which is why we’ve put together a full list of all the places where kids eat free in Houston. So you can truly enjoy a day (and a meal) with the family without breaking the bank!

Things for Adults to Do in Houston

Planning a weekend in the city without kids? No problem! There are tons of ways to have fun in Houston that don’t involve drinking (but can, if you want them to) and won’t cost you a fortune! From shopping ‘til you drop to watching sports to hanging out with friends, there’s something for everyone! The best shopping in Houston:
  • The Galleria located in the uptown area.
  • Highland Village located in the River Oaks area.
  • Rice Village located in the West University area.
  • Market Street located in The Woodlands area.
  • Houston Premium Outlets located in the Cypress area.
  • Katy Mills located in the Katy area.
  • Baybrook Mall located in the Clear Lake area.

Pro sports teams in Houston:

  • Baseball: The Astros playing at Minute Maid Park in the downtown area.
  • Football: The Texans playing at NRG Stadium in the Astrodome area.
  • Soccer: The Dynamo playing at Shell Energy Stadium in the east downtown area.
  • Basketball: The Rockets playing at the Toyota Center in the downtown area.

Fun places for friends in Houston:

  • Home Run Dugout located in the Katy area.
  • Puttery located in the Heights area.
  • TopGolf located in the Webster area.
  • Pickleball Social located in the Memorial City area.

Where to Stay in Houston

Spending a weekend at a hotel isn’t just for people visiting Houston sometimes, it’s nice to get away from it all and have a mini stay-cation in your own town! Houston has plenty of options when it comes to finding the perfect hotel for you, all with incredible amenities. Here are some of our favorite hotels in Houston, Texas:

  • Hotel ZaZa located in the museum district area.
  • C. Baldwin Hotel located in the downtown area.
  • The Post Oak Hotel located in the Galleria area.
  • Omni Houston Hotel located in the Galleria area.
  • Hilton Americas located in the downtown area.
  • The Westin located inside the Houston Galleria.
  • Marriott Marquis located in the downtown area. (This is the hotel with the famous Texas-shaped pool!)
  • Hotel Indigo Spring located in The Woodlands area.
  • Hotel Derek located in the River Oaks area.

Hidden Gems & Must-see Places in Houston

Houston is full of incredible places that you wouldn’t believe existed in the middle of a huge city without seeing them for yourself. Whether you’re a long-time Houstonian or a weekend visitor trying to complete your tourist check-list, you won’t be disappointed by these must-see hidden gems in Houston:
  • The “We Love Houston” statue located in the east downtown area.
  • Waterwall Park located in the Galleria area.
  • Buffalo Bayou cistern & skatepark located in the Heights area.
  • POST HTX & the Skylawn located in the downtown area.
  • The Houston Tunnel System located in the downtown area.
  • The Waterway located in The Woodlands area.
  • The Sagemont Church Cross located in the Scarsdale area.

Cultural Spots in Houston

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in America, with over 86 different nations and more than 145 different languages spoken. So, of course, there are numerous ways to get some cultural exposure! Whether you’re new to Houston (and maybe even the States) and looking for something that feels like home or simply wanting to experience something new, there are so many places to visit in Houston for a cultural influence!
 
Our favorite farmers markets in Houston:
  • Houston Farmers Market located in the Greater Heights area.
  • Friendswood Farmers Market located in the Friendswood area.
  • Magnolia Farmers & Artisans Market located in the Magnolia area.
  • Memorial Villages Farmers Market located in the Memorial City area.
Our favorite theaters in Houston:
  • Miller Outdoor Theater located in the Hermann Park area.
  • The Alley Theater located in the downtown area.
  • The Wortham Theater Center located in the downtown area.
  • The Hobby Center located in the downtown area.
  • Jones Hall located in the downtown area.
Our favorite museums in Houston:
  • The Houston Museum of Natural Science located in the museum district area.
  • The Holocaust Museum located in the museum district area.
  • The Health Museum located in the museum district area.
  • The Contemporary Arts Museum located in the museum district area.

Things to Do Outside in Houston

There’s nothing better than a beautiful day in Texas, but what is there to do in Houston during nice weather? Plenty!
 
Unfortunately, the humidity isn’t going anywhere in this city, but there are so many fun things to do outside in Houston. From taking your furry friends to a great dog park to soaking up some sun next to a refreshing body of water, here are some of our favorite ways to spend the day outside!
 
The best outdoor spaces in Houston:
  • Hermann Park located in the museum district area.
  • Memorial Park located in the Heights area.
  • Scott’s Ridge located in the Conroe area.
  • The Arboretum located in the Heights area.
  • Buffalo Bayou Park located in the downtown area.
  • Alexander Deussen Park located in the Lake Houston area.
  • Brazos Bend State Park located outside of Rosenberg.
  • The Seawall located on Galveston Island.
  • Jesse H. Jones Park located in the Humble area.
The best dog parks in Houston:
  • Danny Jackson Family Bark Park is located in the Bellaire area.
  • Johnny Steele Dog Park is located in the Heights area.
  • Maxey Park is located in the North Shore area.
  • T.C. Jester Dog Park is located in the Oak Forest area.

Local Advice for Visiting Houston

If you’re visiting Houston for the first time or aren’t familiar with the city, it would be a good idea to research the city a bit before your trip. The last thing you want is to be unprepared in a new place. And while there are plenty of things to love about Houston, there are also some things that even long-time residents wish would go away… yes, we’re talking about the humidity!

Luckily, we’ve put together a couple of quick guides that will really help prepare you for a visit to Houston, Texas:

  • See what you should know before visiting Houston here.
  • Check out some of our favorite local businesses and organizations in Houston here.
  • Discover some fun and interesting facts about Houston, Texas here.

Whether you’re spending a weekend, a season, or your whole life in Houston—there’s always something new to explore. We hope you end up loving the city as much as we do, and if you decide to make it your home. Well, we’d love to help you find the perfect place! Feel free to contact us to get started on your journey to Houston living today. 

Check out all the incredible things you can do and see in Houston, Texas with our exclusive city guide. Download your free copy here and explore HTX!

 

Alexis Feezel article byline headshot

Alexis Feezel is a results-oriented Marketing Coordinator responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing all promotional strategies and activities to effectively market clients & listings and maximize sales.

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