The Top 8 Most Popular Attractions in Houston, Texas
1) Space Center Houston: Space Center Houston is the official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center, and it offers a variety of exhibits and interactive experiences related to space exploration. Visitors can take a tram tour of the Johnson Space Center, see historic spacecraft and artifacts, and even touch a moon rock. The center also has simulators and interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what it's like to live and work in space.
2) Houston Museum of Natural Science: The Houston Museum of Natural Science has a wide range of exhibits, including dinosaur fossils, gems and minerals, and the Burke Baker Planetarium. The museum also has a butterfly exhibit, a planetarium show, and a 3D theater. The Paleontology Hall is particularly impressive, with fossils from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, including a complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton.
3) Houston Zoo: The Houston Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from 900 species, and it offers a variety of exhibits and animal encounters. Visitors can see big cats, primates, elephants, and other animals from around the world. The zoo also has a children's zoo, a petting zoo, and a bird exhibit where visitors can feed and interact with the birds.
4) Buffalo Bayou Park: Buffalo Bayou Park is a 160-acre park that offers hiking and biking trails, a skate park, a dog park, and beautiful views of downtown Houston. Visitors can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and explore the bayou, or they can take a guided tour to learn about the park's history and ecology. The park also has several art installations and sculptures, including the iconic "Houston" sculpture by artist Jim Love.
5) The Menil Collection: The Menil Collection features a diverse collection of art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Jackson Pollock. The museum also has a collection of African and Oceanic art, as well as a large collection of surrealist art. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, with natural light and a serene atmosphere that encourages reflection and contemplation.
6) Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston has an extensive collection of art, including works from around the world and from many different time periods. The museum's permanent collection includes European art from the Renaissance to the present day, as well as American art, Asian art, and decorative arts. The museum also has a large collection of photography and a sculpture garden.
7) Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park: Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park features a 64-foot-tall fountain that creates a stunning water wall. The fountain is made of 186 pieces of sculpted concrete and recirculates 11,000 gallons of water per minute. The park also has a walking path, a picnic area, and several benches where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
8) The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center: The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center offers a variety of trails and exhibits that showcase the natural beauty of Houston. Visitors can hike or bike through the park's forest and wetland habitats, or they can take a guided tour to learn about the local flora and fauna. The park also has an interactive nature center with exhibits and live animals.
