Make your way downtown this season in Houston. As one of the best neighborhoods in Houston, Downtown offers some of the best experiences in the city. From the aquarium, to mini-golf, to some of the best bars in the city, here are some of the best things to do in Downtown Houston.
1. Go to a Ballgame at Minute Maid Park
It’s probably accurate to say that the Houston Astros are the most beloved Houston sports team. Root, root, root for the home team at Minute Maid Park in Downtown, Houston. Enjoy America’s pastime with all the hair-raising action, family-friendly fun, and unparalleled spirit of Houston Astros fans.
While you can load up on peanuts and cracker jacks, you can do one better by taking advantage of the incredible food and beverage options at Minute Maid. Vendors here range from Killen’s BBQ (section 434); Tenders, Love, and Chicken (section 116); and The Butcher’s Express (section 152); to Cookies and Creamery (multiple sections); El Tiempo (section 109); and Peux Boys (section 410).
501 Crawford St.
2. Go for a Round of Mini-Golf and Cocktails
Looking to enjoy a game of mini-golf but mindful of your inclination towards Happy Gilmore-style antics? If so, Puttshack might be the perfect spot for you. This vintage, arcade-inspired miniature golf venture in Downtown Houston ditches traditional scorecards and embraces a playful atmosphere, complete with a digital prize wheel for added enjoyment.
1200 McKinney St. Suite 100 & 300
3. Discover Discovery Green
Discovery Green is an urban oasis and beloved green space in Downtown, Houston. The 12-acre space spans from La Branch Street to Avenida de las Americas. In addition to beautiful lawns, trails, a canoe-able pond, and top-notch playground, the venue features a variety of seasonal events and activities.
Their program features the popular Flea by Night, photography workshops, seasonal ice and roller rinks, Park After Dark, and more.
1500 McKinney St.
4. Visit Market Square Park
Formerly the site of Houston’s City Hall, Market Square Park is a one-block park in Downtown, Houston. The central lawn features garden, sculptures, and memorial Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas.
The neighborhood space is bordered by Travis Street, Milan Street, Preston Avenue, and Congress Avenue, and features daily programming. Featured activities include Market Square Fitness, Movies Under the Stars, and more.
301 Milam St.
5. Visit the Aquarium
Get ready for a thrilling adventure as you delve into captivating attractions such as the mesmerizing Stingray Reef and the enigmatic Sunken Temple. And that’s not all! Buckle up for an exhilarating ride on awe-inspiring attractions, including the breathtaking Ferris wheel, ensuring a non-stop cascade of excitement.
410 Bagby St.
6. Explore the Underground
An often overlooked aspect of Houston is its subterranean tunnel system situated 20 feet beneath Downtown Houston. Stretching across more than 6 miles, these air-conditioned tunnels originated in the 1930s as a singular passage connecting two buildings. The initial purpose was to provide Downtown workers with a sheltered route during their lunch breaks, shielding them from the scorching sun.
Multiple locations
7. Kayak the Buffalo Bayou
Many have lived in Bayou City their entire lives, but few have actually been on a Houston bayou.
Experience the city on a deeper level in Downtown, Houston. At Houston Kayak and Paddle Board Rentals, visitors can opt for a special kayak or paddle board tours, or rent and take the bayou on their own.
One-hour kayak and paddleboard rentals are available for $20, with tandem kayak rentals priced at $35 an hour.
333 S Jensen Dr.
8. Float a Texas-Shaped Lazy River on a Rooftop
As summer arrives, the ideal way to stay cool is by drifting on a body of water while enjoying a refreshing drink. Although finding lazy rivers in Houston might be a challenge, you can now head to the Marriot Marquis in Downtown for one of the essential Houston bucket list experiences: floating along the renowned Texas border. Or, if you’re so inclined, you can stop in for a spa day. Day passes are available.
1777 Walker St.
9. Roll into 810 Billiards & Bowling
Get your bowl on at 810 Billiards & Bowling. The downtown entertainment venue features numerous lanes, as well as a pool table, a multi-sport simulator, darts, ping-pong, and board games.
Furthermore, the venue features a full-kitchen in which patrons can enjoy a savory list of gastropub favorites including nachos, dip, chicken wings, egg rolls, pizza, sandwiches, burgers, and more.
The venue is open until 1 am or 2 am nightly, with Happy Hour from 4 pm to 7 pm on weekdays that include half-priced apps, 75-cent wings, $4 wells, $4 wines, $5 craft pints, and $7 signature cocktails.
1201 San Jacinto St.
10. Check Out Post HTX
The United States Postal Service (USPS) office in north downtown has transformed into POST HTX captivating mixed-media complex. Now accessible to the public, POST boasts a myriad of top-notch dining options, a live music venue, a Skylawn rooftop, and various other attractions.
401 Franklin St.
11. See What’s Spinning at Off The Record
Hidden behind a vinyl shop on 416 Main Street, Off The Record is a recently opened speakeasy. Within this stylish hideaway, patrons can relax on plush velvet sofas, savor cocktails inspired by music, and immerse themselves in the tunes curated by resident DJs.
416 Main Street
12. Catch a Concert at House of Blues
House of Blues is an iconic live music franchise and blues-themed restaurant founded in 1992. Their Houston location is conveniently located on Caroline St in Downtown, Houston a stone’s throw from Puttshack, Discovery Green, and the Toyota Center.
Upcoming shows at House of Blues include As I Lay Dying (August 2), Schoolboy Q (August 3), and YG (August 4).
1204 Caroline St.
13. Experience a Candlelight Concert
Nestled in the center of the downtown historic district, Majestic Metro, previously recognized as the Ritz Theater, presents enchanting Candlelight concerts. These performances artfully recreate both timeless compositions and popular contemporary hits.
911 Preston St
14. Eat the Food
We’ll say it: Houston is one of the premier food destinations in the United States. While you can find fantastic restaurants all over town, restaurants in Downtown Houston are some of the best.
15. Hit the Bars
Go for a night on the town these awesome bars in Downtown, Houston.