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For all its stereotypes of big hair, big hats and big hearts, it’s easy to mistake Texas as just one big ol’ state of sameness. But oh, how you couldn’t be more wrong. Sure, it’s a well-known fact that many things here are truly well, bigger. (The steaks, for starters.) But another big thing we take pride in is our biggest city. As the largest city in the southern U.S., and inching its way to become the third largest city in the entire country by 2025, it’s clear the sky is the limit for Houston. Here are 13 things that prove everything is BIGGER and BETTER in Houston—instant inspiration to plan your Space City escape now.
ALSO: The ultimate Texas road trip
The Space Center
It’s not called “Space City” for nothing. The vastness of space exploration and its Mission Control Center found a perfect home at the 1,620-acre Johnson Space Center — where visitors can get a glimpse into how astronauts train for missions, take a tour of NASA, experience a zero-gravity environment and even touch real moon rocks. Let’s leave the movie quotes to Tom Hanks, shall we?
Check out the NASA Booster Rocket at Houston’s Space Center.
The Skyscrapers
Houston is home to the tallest building in Texas, and the 13th tallest in America. The JP Morgan Chase Tower soars 75 floors up, serving as a vast icon for downtown Houston. The 60th floor Sky Lobby was closed to the public in 2016, but it’s still worth walking by and looking up … and up … and up to really understand the building’s staggering height. Or take a small-group tour to get a full look at the city — from atop the Chase Tower to down low in its underground tunnels (more on those in a minute).
The sky’s truly the limit when it comes to Houston’s skyscrapers.
The Tunnels
Tucked 20 feet beneath Texas’ most populous city, Houston’s Tunnel System is like a secret passageway from your childhood dreams. It’s also a great hiding spot from the sultry sun in a city where temperatures regularly hang near 100 degrees for most of the summer (and sometimes spring and fall, too!). Take the tour mentioned above to explore the more than 6-mile long tunnel system, which connects downtown Houston’s businesses to one another — while offering fun stops along the way including gift shops, restaurants and flower stands. Or head above ground to the skywalks, offering the same climate-controlled comfort and escape from the crowds as the underground tunnels, while linking together some of downtown Houston’s most prominent buildings.
Get a reprieve from the Houston heat in a downtown skywalk.
The Greenery
Nothing but a concrete jungle? Not a chance. Houston rates first in total park acreage among U.S. cities with more than 1 million residents at 52,912 acres, and is home to some of the best green spaces in the country. Take a bike ride through or stroll the 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park, which features a stunning view of the Houston Skyline perfect for city dwelling nature lovers. You can even rent a bike through the city’s bike share program, which makes exploring the large park easy as can be. For a more urban activity-based experience, check out Discovery Green, where you’ll always find something going on, from concerts and exercise classes to special events.
Soak up the sun and great skyline views at the city-centric Buffalo Bayou Park.
The Tex Mex
Taco Tuesday is a must here, but so is Taco Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It’s true, Tex Mex rules in Houston, and after a walk through its enormous downtown and grandiose parks you’ll be craving a taste yourself. And you’ll find countless restaurants and food trucks dedicated to the cause to keep your tummy happy. While you’re at it, don’t miss sharable fajitas, an extra-large platter of enchiladas, endless chips and queso and a Texas-sized margarita to wash it all down.
Tacos, nachos, fajitas, queso … keep it coming.
The Steaks
Now that you’re hungry and we’re on the topic of delectable cuisine, let’s not forget the massive steaks you can experience in Texas. While Houston is not home to the largest steak in the state (that honor goes to The Big Texan Steak Ranch’s 72 oz. steak on the original Route 66,) it does have its share of mouth-watering cuts of meat. We recommend Pappa Bros. Steakhouse, with two local Houston locations showcasing their delicious dry-aged steaks. Their 32 oz. New York Strip Steak even earned a spot on Food Network’s Top 5 Steaks in America. Yum!
You can’t leave Houston without savoring the biggest steak you can stomach.
The Zoo
It’s the number one attraction in Houston and the second most-visited zoo in the country. And for good reason. The Houston Zoo has created a home for more than 6,000 animals and 900 species, visited annually by over 2 million guests. That’s a whole lot of furry fun! Get a Houston CityPASS to save on admission at the Zoo and four other popular attractions.
Lions, tigers, bears … the Houston Zoo’s got them all and much more.
The Museums
If you love museums, you’ll be in heaven in Houston. The city features one of the largest museum districts in the country, with 20 museums and institutions all within walking distance from one another. Don’t forget to include the Health Museum on your must-visit list — home to Houston’s first and only 4D theatre — plus the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the expansive Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Holocaust Museum and the Houston Center for Photography to name just a few.
Education meets entertainment in the Museum District. Visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Museum of Natural Science.
The Festivals & Events
Having the largest population in Texas has its perks, like attracting some of the best artists, performers, athletes and more to create some of the best event experiences. For example, this year kicked off the inaugural In Bloom Music Fest in March, which featured everyone from Beck to Incubus. Spring is also the season for the Houston Open PGA Tour and the Bayou City Art Festival, allowing golf and art fans to take advantage of the city’s best weather. And let’s not leave the foodies out. Houston is a melting pot for some of the best food and drink-based events, including The Great Texas BBQ Festival, the Houston Crawfish, Crab & Grill Festival and the Houston Greek Festival. Promise you won’t leave this city hungry.
Gather friends or family to enjoy some of Houston’s greatest festivals and events.
The Rodeo
Speaking of large events, the 19-day Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is big enough to earn its own spot on our list. After all, it’s the world’s LARGEST livestock show and rodeo. But don’t mistake this for just a bull riding event. The three-week extravaganza features epic food (like the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest), incredible concerts (2019’s line-up includes country music legend George Strait), livestock and horse shows, shopping and dining opportunities and even a city-wide celebration for Houstonians to show off their Western pride on Go Texan Day. Save some room in your suitcase for a truly authentic souvenir — handmade custom cowboy boots!
Plan your Houston trip in late February/early March, and you may be lucky enough to experience the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!
The Ocean
What’s bigger than the ocean? While not technically “in” Houston, the Gulf of Mexico is just an hour’s drive away. Don’t miss your opportunity to visit the beach with a quick jaunt to Galveston Island via a hop-on hop-off tour. Not only will you get to see some of the best sights of Houston, but you’ll also have the chance to get a little sea breeze in your hair as your cruise the Gulf in search of dolphins and other aquatic life. Love to shop? You’ll fit right in with the unique finds at the Strand Historic District, where local boutiques abound.
Did you know the beach was just an hour away from Houston?
The Shopping
Still in the mood to shop? You could make a whole vacation out of it in Houston. Start out at The Galleria, and you may never want (or have) to leave. The 2.4 million-square-foot shopping center is the largest in Texas, and the fourth largest in the U.S. Bring your wallet and your walking shoes to peruse 400 stores and restaurants, a full-size ice skating rink and more. There are even several hotels nearby so you won’t have to travel far to drop off all your incredible finds.
Pack light, you’ll want to leave room for all the new things you find on your Houston shopping spree.
The Hotels
So you’re ready to see why everything is bigger and better in Houston for yourself, but where will you stay? Even many of city’s hotels have a staggering number of room to keep up with the grandeur nature of its surroundings. We love the location and spacious appeal of the Hilton Americas – Houston, featuring 1,200 rooms just across from Discovery Green park. Topping out at just 1,000 rooms (tiny, we know) is the Marriott Marquis Houston, a central downtown escape that actually houses a lazy river. Prefer something a little more quaint? The Hyatt Regency Houston has only 958 rooms — ha! — and it’s connected to the Downtown Tunnel System for optimal exploration opportunity.
Plan your stay at a larger than life hotel, such as the expansive Hilton Americas – Houston.
Enjoy your experience in this city of epic proportions, just remember to keep a map handy so you don’t get lost (unless you want to, of course).
Gina Tagliarino, Travelocity Sr. Creative Copywriter
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