5 Reasons to Visit® Houston, Texas
The Top 5 Reasons to Visit® Houston, Texas Right Now
Sprawling out to Galveston Bay on the Gulf of Mexico, Houston, Texas is a cosmopolitan destination. Filled with award-winning restaurants, public art, shopping and historic sights—this is where Southern hospitality meets urban chic.
Image courtesy of Visit Houston
1. THE HIKING
Buffalo Bayou Park, a picturesque stretch alongside the Buffalo Bayou waterway, was the site of Houston's founding in 1836 and is now Houston’s destination for outdoor recreation. Remaining in its natural state, the fifteen-mile fully paved trail contains an incredibly diverse urban ecosystem supporting dozens of native species of flora and fauna.
The west end of the trail is particularly popular and easy to access. Much of this section is shaded and you’ll even find a thriving bat colony under the Waugh Drive Bridge. If you want to see the views from the water, canoe and kayak launches are available near the Sabine Street Bridge.
2. THE ART
Houston’s public art scene is in full swing but many people are only starting to notice the amazing murals popping up all over town. Local artist Daniel Anguilu created this 1970s-inspired postcard mural. Greetings from Houston sums up the Bayou City with colorful iconic images.
Image courtesy of Visit Houston
Street murals are everywhere in Houston. You don’t have to look too hard to find an interesting backdrop for your next selfie.
Click here to view the map for a tour of these neighborhood murals and to find these walls in person.
3. THE COCKTAILS
With a robust menu of carefully crafted cutting-edge cocktails and elixirs, The Lobby Bar at Hilton Americas-Houston is fresh, local and one-of-a-kind. We recommend trying the Texas Smoking Honey for your artisanal cocktail fix—concocted with local Texas whiskey, honey syrup, hickory chips, black walnut and orange bitters, plus a black cherry. And perfect for date night, enjoy the Seasonal Cocktail for Two made with local Tito’s Handcrafted Vodka, blueberry purée and grapefruit with fresh basil and thyme grown in their own hydroponic garden.
Perfectly paired with their elixirs and potions, savor small plates and shareables at The Lobby Bar at Hilton Americas-Houston. Favorites include the Chef’s Cutting Board with a mouth-watering selection of cured meats and local artisan cheeses, as well as the Steakhouse Burger on brioche with smoked gouda cheese.
For those craving something sweet, end your experience with their signature Lemon Torte prepared with brûléed meringue, lemon curd and fresh raspberry sauce. Hungry yet?
4. THE GARDENS
Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is situated on fourteen acres of organically maintained gardens in Houston’s historic River Oaks neighborhood. Ima Hogg, a former Houston civic leader and philanthropist, created the formal gardens in 1927 to reflect the Country Place era (1880–1920) in American landscape design, garden formats that were outgrowths of the classical architecture of the house, formal garden "rooms" extending from the house and classical muses as themes.
The gardens at Bayou Bend reflect her love of beauty, flowers and natural woodlands; her passion for history and all things classical, and her meticulous eye for detail. The Woodland Ravines form a spectacular backdrop to the formal gardens. To this day, the gardens remain a living testament to Ima Hogg’s life, vision and generosity throughout Houston.
5. THE ARCHITECTURE
In the heart of Houston’s Chintown and adjacent to Arthur Storey Park, Teo Chew Temple provides an incredible experience with its breathtaking architecture and craftsmanship. Upon entering the grounds, guests are greeted by a statue of Quan Am, the goddess of mercy.
Image courtesy of Visit Houston