Even if you’re a born-and-raised Houstonian who can quote Astros stats like you majored in it, rattle off the best restaurants for queso like they were blood relatives, and can predict with painstaking accuracy how long a Houston commute is going to be from A to B, know that we all have our blind spots.
Whether or not this is your first rodeo, and you’ve well… been to the rodeo, and embarked on exploration of the Space Center Houston, and eaten every single hamburger in the city, we’re here to tell that you haven’t done it all. And if you’re new in town: welcome.
Without further ado, here are 50 things to do in Houston before you die.
1. Watch Houston Sports Dominate
Watching sports at home is all well and fun, but if you really want the Houston experience, you need to put yourself in the stadium.
Experience the awe of the Minute Maid park roof retract at sunset during an Astros game. Get in on the thrill of fourth quarter at Toyota Center for a Rockets game. Or smash a few beers while tailgating in the parking lot of the NRG Arena for the Houston Texans.
All the same experiencing a Houston-based team dominate the competition in the flesh is an absolute bucket list experience in Houston.
2. Pony Up for the Houston Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of – if not the most – beloved tradition in the city of Houston. From late February to mid March, the NRG Stadium comes alive with headlining artists, bull-riding, agricultural activities, as well as a carnival full of rides, games, and all the unhealthy (but delicious) food you could possibly dream of.
3. Eat Your Heart Out
No, we’re not biased when we say that Houston is home to some of the best food in the country. From its continuous placement on national polls, to its basis of a Top Chef, James Beard-award winning chefs, and more: Houston’s culinary scene is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
- 10 of the best barbecue spots in Houston
- 10 of the best Mexican restaurants in Houston
- 10 of the best Houston hamburger joints
4. Visit a Houston Museum
Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Houston Museum of Contemporary Arts, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Menil Collection, and more: open up your mind to the magic, arts, science, and more with all the knowledge and culture packed inside Houston’s best museums.
5. Catch a Concert
We’ll say it, Houston has been one of the most impactful music cities for generations. Whether it’s the birth of chopped and screwed and independent music, burgeoning underground scenes, or the fact that some of the country’s biggest superstars – Beyoncé, Meghan Thee Stallion, Lizzo – all hail from Houston: music flows through the city.
From jumping into moshpit at Warehouse Live, sitting in on a jam session at Last Concert Cafe, catching headliners at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, find the concert for you at the best live music venues in Houston.
6. Grab a Drink at a Brewery
You might not be a beer person, but Houston beer will turn you into one. The city is home to a wonderful array of breweries with some of the best suds in the country. Check out our list of the best breweries in town to find your flavor.
7. Float Houston’s Rooftop Lazy River
Tubing down lazy rivers in Texas is a long-standing summer tradition. Inside the city limits, you can find one of the most unique lazy rivers in the world. On the rooftop of the Marriot Marquis in Downtown, Houston, there is a lazy river in the shape of Texas.
Day passes for the pool are available to the public. Whether floating down the rooftop lazy river in Houston on a hot summer day, or warming up in heated waters amid an array of festive lights during the holiday season, floating the Texas-shaped lazy river is something every Houstonian should do before they die.
8. Nosh on Churros and Street Eats at Sunny Flea Market
Open every day of the year, Sunny Flea Market between I-45 and Hardy Toll Rd. is an expansive market that features everything from authentic street eats, to clothing, trinkets, and dinosaurs.
Finding the food won’t be difficult. Mexican and Central American food stands are situated along the entrance and walkways—just follow your nose. While you’re there, do stop by Que Tacote for some of the best tacos in town.
You might also want to snack on a few churros as Stop N’Grubb, or at least watch the handsome cowboy make them.
9. Brave the Line at Breakfast Klub for a Hearty Reward
Look, we’re no fans of lines either. But trust us when we say that the breakfast line at Breakfast Klub is one worth queuing for. While we definitely encourage you to go on the earlier side to beat the rush, the line really does go by quicker than you think.
The iconic Houston breakfast hotspot is one of favorite restaurants in the city. Home to an exquisite wings and a waffle, hearty breakfast staples, fluffy biscuits, grits, and more: it’s the food your soul craves.
For other breakfast options, see our list of the best breakfast restaurants in Houston.
10. Watch the Sunset at James Turrel’s Twilight Epiphany
Wander over to Rice Campus for a truly unique Houston bucket list experience. The campus is home to James Turrell Twilight Epiphany, a surreal structure in which the public can visit at no cost.
Here, visitors can gaze skyward through the aperture cut out its slate roof canvas, in which the sunset is synchronised with a sequence of kaleidoscopic colors creating a truly ethereal experience.
12. Witness the Bats take Flight at Waugh Bridge
Watching the sunset is a glorious experience in Houston. You can catch it at the park or on a rooftop, but for a surreal natural experience, check out the hundreds of thousands Mexican free-tail bats taking flight from underneath the Waugh Bridge at sundown!
13. Stand in the Mist of the Waterwall
The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is an iconic monument located in Uptown Park. Nestled among a three-acre greenspace, populated with over 180 live oak trees, the 64-foot high aquatic monolith pumps 78,500 gallons of water every three or so hours.
Whether going for a stroll around the park, planning a romantic outing, or just wanting to do something touristy in Houston, make sure to visit the Waterwall.
13. Drive-in to this Old School, Open-Air Theater
Blast to the past in Houston at Showboat Drive-in. The classic theater is a fully-operational drive-in theater reminiscent of the ’50s. Here, visitors can park in front of one of town screens which show everything from the latest blockbusters to horror, to family-friendly flicks.
14. Go for a Picnic in the Park
For a little taste of nature, be sure to check out one or more of Houston’s wonderful parks. Situated all around the city, these Houston parks allow for visitors to stroll, rollerblade, picnic, or do whatever they so choose in lovely, natural settings. If going for a picnic with a serene skyline view, consider an evening picnic at Eleanor Tinsley Park.
15. Head Up to the POST Rooftop
POST Houston might have just opened up a few years ago, but already the market has quickly become one of the most revered city destination.
Formerly occupied by the Post Office, POST Houston is a multi-tiered market housing top dining destinations as well as a concert venue and five-acre rooftop park and garden.
The venue also regularly hosts a variety of amazing events ranging from seasonal celebrations, to pop-ups, food festivals, art exhibitions, and more!
16. Check Out Houston’s Bean
Chicago’s Cloud Gate, or The Bean as its affectionately known, might get all the hype, but did you know that Houston has its own bean? Not only does Houston have a bean, or the Cloud Column – also created by Anish Kapoor – but it’s actually the original sculpture.
Located at the Brown Foundation Plaza on the grounds of the Museum of Fine Arts, Cloud Column, crafted from polished stainless steel and featuring a sleek, elongated form, stands vertically at a height of 32 feet. This ethereal Houston artwork majestically soars into the sky.
17. Dance the Night Away in a Club
Paint the town red at the best night clubs in Houston. If you’re looking for a dress code-less haven to groove to new wave and techno, a David Lynch-inspired nightclub, or massive venues in which to turn up with bottle-service, pools, and more: you’ll find any and all in Houston.
18. Cruise the Buffalo Bayou
One of Houston’s many monikers is “Bayou City“. While all of us have seen it at one point or another, only few have floated along it. No need to build a makeshift raft and have to deal with probably unsanitary waters, check out these Buffalo Bayou tours for a up-close encounter with the lifeblood of the city.
19. Embark on a Journey of Space Center Houston
This is Space City. You can’t live, visit, or otherwise truly experience Houston without paying homage to all of the city’s cosmic accomplishments at Space Center Houston.
20. Grab Tacos and Beer at Houston’s Oldest Bar
You won’t find many fancy cocktails here—in fact, you won’t find any at all. Staying true to icehouse tradition, the West Alabama Icehouse, the oldest in Houston, serves only beer, wine, and cider.
Feel free to bring your own food, or better yet, order from Tacos Tierra Caliente, one of the city’s best taco trucks located just across the street.
It’s a fantastic spot to hang out day or night, featuring ping-pong tables, cornhole, a pool table, and a basketball court where you can playfully indulge your hoop dreams. Located at 1919 W Alabama St.
21. Play Bubble Soccer at Pitch 25
In addition to being one of the best sports bars in Houston, Pitch 25 is a massive patio, restaurant, and entertainment venue. Here, visitors can play an assortment of games including the endearingly fun bubble soccer.
22. Call Your Shot at Home Run Dugout
Step up to the plate at the TopGolf of baseball: Home Run Dugout. Equipped with an array of batting bays, a beer garden, whiffleball field, and plenty of eats to go around, Home Run Dugout is a grand slam of a good time in Houston.
23. Watch a Movie on a Rooftop
There are a number of fantastic movie theaters in Houston. In these cinemas, can watch anything from the new Marvel movie, to cult-classics, arthouse, and/or family films. But for a truly unique Houston movie-going experience, you need to experience cinema with a skyline view.
Take it to the rooftop at Rooftop Cinema Club, a social-cinema experience where movie-goers can catch classics, animated, and seasonal screenings in a lounge, rooftop setting. For another cinema skyline experience, drive-in to Moonstruck in East River.
24. Explore Houston’s Hidden Mexican Village
In our glorious city, we’re proud of our rich Latin culture. The people, the art galleries, the celebrations, and, of course, some of our all-time favorite restaurants all contribute to this vibrant community.
Old Town Harrisburg in Houston’s East End offers a Latin oasis with its colorful architecture, indoor and outdoor markets, weekend art fairs, and more!
25. Smell the Roses at Bayou Bend and Collections
Planted across 14 acres of gardens in at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Bayou Bend Collections and Gardens is one of the city’s most stunning sites. It boasts a variety of exquisite gardens filled with blooming flowers, trees, and immaculate hedges.
26. Put a Lock on Love Lock Bridge
Whether before or after exchanging rings, solidify your love for each other and for the City of Houston at Love Lock Bridge, located above Allen Parkway near Eleanor Tinsley Park.
Inspired by Paris’s renowned Pont Des Arts bridge, this romantic Houston spot allows couples to leave their mark on the city with a picturesque view of the skyline.
27. Enjoy Migas and Mimosas for Brunch
With Houston being home to some of the best food in the country, through transitive properties, it only makes since that it’s home to some of the best brunch in the country. Find champagne bliss at the best brunch spots in Houston.
Indoors or outdoors, stylish or laidback, taking advantage of the city’s amazing brunch options is something everyone in Houston should do at least once in their lives – maybe even at least once every fortnight.
28. Wine Down at Houston’s Probably Haunted Downtown Dive
Housed in the oldest building in Houston, La Carafe wine bar is a candlelit dive in Downtown, Houston.
Originally built in 1847, and later renovated in 1860, La Carafe maintains its cozy, warmly lit ambiance. Adorned with a chandelier, wax-crystallizing candles, antique relics from bygone eras, and a classic jukebox, patrons can stroll through this candle-lit time capsule and experience Houston as it once was.
29. Visit the Hindu Temple in Houston
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Houston is a stunning 11,500-square-foot traditional Hindu temple located in Strafford. Situated on a sprawling 33-acre property, this place of worship invites everyone to visit, offer devotion, and learn about Hinduism.
The Mandir’s design follows the precise guidelines of ancient Hindu scriptures, with architecture intended to inspire and uplift the soul. Upon entering through a simple white gate, you are greeted by a long reflection pool encircled by lush, beautiful gardens.
The temple boasts an array of spires, domes, and arches, with walls intricately carved with images of deities, flowers, animals, and geometric patterns. Remarkably, the entire structure, including its foundation, is constructed without a single piece of iron or steel.
30. Mini-Golf with a Martini
Mini-golf in Houston is big. Perfecting the nuances of your swing, chasing after errant shots, and facing potential embarrassment in front of colleagues can be overwhelming.
Whether you’re planning a date night, indulging in nostalgia, or looking for fun activities to do with kids in Houston, be sure to explore the best mini-golf the city has to offer!
31. Satisfy Your Late Night Munchies at House of Pies
We’ve all been there. It’s 2 in the morning. Everyone’s a little buzzed, the hunger is kicking in, and all we want to do is kill a big plate of breakfast food. Have Uber take you to House of Pies to cure any and all late night munchies.
32. Watch Sports with the Whole Gang
If you’re not in the stadium, a Houston sports bar is the next best place to catch the game. Get in on all the action of the wins, commiserate in the losses, and utterly lose your mind during overtimes at the best sports bars in Houston.
33. Go for a Round of Pickleball
Get in on the game sweeping the country. Here in Houston there are a number of pickleball courts and entertainment venues. A few notable venues include Chicken N’ Pickle ‘eatertainment’ venue and PKL Social in The Heights comprised of four courts, cabanas, and a 10,000-squaure-foot outdoor patio.
34. Catch Live Music And More at Discovery Green
Discovery Green is a 12-acre green space in the heart of Houston. Located at the foot of the Houston skyline, the park features numerous green spaces where it hosts a wonderful variety of year-long events ranging from outdoor skating rinks to al-fresco screenings, markets, and more!
35. Find Paradise at a Tiki Bar
You don’t need to visit the likes of Hawaii to get a taste of tropical paradise. Houston is home to a sunny array of Tiki bars where you can enjoy all the fruity, tropical drinks to your heart’s content!
36. Enjoy Exquisite Cocktails Behind the Bookcase
Among Houston’s hidden selection of speakeasy bars is Bandista. Named one of the best bars in North America by Esquire in 2023, Bandista is surreptitiously located behind a bookshelf in Four Seasons Hotel. Here, visitors can find a dazzling assortment of cocktails in a ’20s-era ambiance.
37. Go Thrifting on Westheimer
Go treasure hunting at the string of Houston thrift shops along Westheimer. Located in walking distance of each other, nestled among other Houston hot spots like the Agora Cafe coffee shop, Poison Girl pinball and cocktail dive, and Select Skateshop, shoppers can find decades-spanning fashion, trinkets, and throwback athletic apparel from the area thrift stores.
38. Get Weird at NotsuoH
To steal an over-used motto: Keep Houston Weird. Let your freak flag fly at NotsuoH in Downtown, Houston. notsuoH is a unique blend of bar, performance art venue, and vintage art gallery. This DIY space provides a platform for artists, poets, and performers to express themselves freely, without the pressure to impress or entertain.
39. Sip Tea Inside a Buddhist Sanctuary
The Water Drop Teahouse stands out as one of the most unique dining spots in the Houston area. Located within the captivating Fo Guang Shan Chung Mei Temple in Missouri City, this teahouse offers an idyllic setting for lunch, tea, and relaxation.
Nestled within this serene oasis away from the city’s hustle and bustle is the Water Drop Teahouse. Open from 11:30 am to 3 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, this tranquil restaurant offers a garden view and serves a variety of teas, along with vegetarian appetizers, snacks, and rice and noodle dishes.
40. Get Second Breakfast at The Hobbit Café
You don’t need to venture all the way to Mordor to bring your Tolkien-inspired fantasies to life. Located just southwest of Montrose in Houston, The Hobbit Café has been fantasy folks the finest food (and mead) in Middle Earth, Houston, since 1972.
The menu is abundant, juicy, and deliciously crunchy. The café boasts a horde of vegetarian options alongside burgers, sandwiches, and other Dwarvish dishes, catering to breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
41. Let Out the Laughs at a Comedy Show
Houston’s rich legacy of stand-up comedy is sometimes overlooked. The city was the stomping grounds of legendary comics Bill Hicks and Sam Kinison, and is the home of star comedian, Ali Siddiq.
With the city’s amazing array of comedy clubs – ranging from Riot Comedy Club, to the Houston Improv, Secret Group, and more – going to a comedy show is a must bucketlist experience in Houston!
42. Play Volleyball at Wakefield Crow Bar
Wakefield Crow Bar in the upper Heights area is Houston’s first sand volleyball and entertainment venue. This sports bar welcomes both dogs and children (until 10 pm). With four sand volleyball courts, a spacious patio, live music on select nights, a kids’ play area, and a restaurant, Wakefield Crowbar is a great place to hang with friends, family, and work colleagues after office hours.
43. Ride Go Karts in Houston
Driving in Houston isn’t necessarily fun, but driving go-karts in Houston is an absolute blast. Tear up the exciting indoor and outdoor go-kart tracks in Houston, ranging from triple-tiered neon courses, to toddler friendly figure 8 tracks.
44. Swim in the Blue Lagoon
Come summertime, the heat reaches levels of unbearability. Lakehouses, pools, and apartment complexes with infinity pools are all great ways to beat the heat – if you have access. For a publicly-available, all-natural experience, take a dip into the Blue Lagoon just outside of Houston.
Tucked inside the Huntsville State Park at 649 Pinedale Road, the Blue Lagoon is a beautiful swimming hole nestled among lush scenery where the public can swim, float, or even learn how to scuba.
45. Read a Book inside the Lanier Theological Library
Another local that you wouldn’t believe is in Houston is the Lanier Theological Library. Nestled among a replica English village, complete with cobblestone streets, a train, and 17,000-square-foot Oxford-inspired library.
On the 35-acre estate of Mark Lanier, lawyer and CEO of Lanier Law Firm, the library spans 17,000 square feet, offering numerous cozy nooks and crannies for studying, researching, or simply getting lost in one of its 100,000 volumes.
The burnished wooden shelves house a vast collection of books, historical documents, artifacts, and periodicals—including letters by C.S. Lewis, first editions, and an original fragment from the Dead Sea Scrolls.
46. Meditate inside the Rothko Chapel
Nestled in the heart of Montrose, across the lawn from Houston’s delightful Menil Collection, lies the quiet and serene Rothko Chapel. Since 1971, this chapel has been both a modern landmark and a serene sanctuary. Inside, a palpable stillness creates a meditative ambiance, allowing visitors to contemplate the 14 Rothko murals adorning its walls.
47. Go Underground
One of Houston’s open secrets is its underlying network of underground tunnels. Built back in the ’30s as a way for downtown employees to reach their office without passing out from heat exhaustion, the network spans 95 city blocks 20 feet below ground.
Here, Houstonians can explore the network’s many retailers, eateries, and more. As far as eateries go, there are a number of popular franchises, as well as more local spots like the Rice Box and Bird Haus.
It might not be the most exciting experience in the city, but it’s a thing that you should do at least once in Houston.
48. See The Cistern
For another underground experience in Houston, descend into the cistern.
Often regarded as a Houston oddity, the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is a historic drinking water reservoir constructed in 1926. Covering approximately 87,500 square feet, it is supported by 221 concrete columns, each 25 feet tall. When operational, the cistern can hold up to 15 million gallons of water.
Since 2016, the Cistern has been home to a vibrant array of multimedia art installations and video projections.
49. Explore Houston’s Chinatown Areas
Many US cities have a Chinatown district; Houston has multiple Chinatown areas. Here, visitors can find some of the best restaurants in town as well as a karaoke bars, amazing Asian department stores, and more beloved Houston destinations!
50. Check Out the Houston Beer Can House
Featured on Ripley’s Believe It Or Not—you know the one—Houston’s Beer Can House is made with over 50,000 cans. According to the organization’s website, the project began in 1968 when retired railroad upholsterer John Milkovisch started experimenting by embedding pieces of metal, marble, and rocks into concrete and redwood.
Milkovisch then spent the next 18 years covering his house with aluminum beer can siding. The Beer Can House is in the network of The Orange Show and is a must-visit for Houstonians!
See also: 40 spectacular things to do this summer in Houston