Things to do in Houston

The places in Houston that people know best, ranked by readers who live there or have visited. Vote for the ones you would send a friend to, and add the places a top-ten list always misses.

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Plan around the weather

JanOutsideFebOutsideMarOutsideAprOutsideMayInsideJunInsideJulInsideAugInsideSepEitherOctInsideNovOutsideDecOutside

The best months to be outside are November to April. In May, June, July, August and October, rain makes the indoor picks below the better bet. Month-by-month weather.

Top picks in Houston

Started in order of how widely each place is written about, then ranked by your votes. Links go to each place's official website. Tick "I've been" to track your count in your city passport.

  1. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Art museum Indoors
  2. Rothko Chapel Art museum Indoors
  3. Houston Zoo Zoo Outdoors
  4. Houston Museum of Natural Science Science museum Indoors
  5. Space Center Houston Space museum Indoors
  6. Hermann Park Urban park Outdoors
  7. Cullen Sculpture Garden Sculpture garden Outdoors
  8. Mecom Fountain Fountain Outdoors
  9. Houston Botanic Garden Botanical garden Outdoors

Rainy or scorching day? Head indoors: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Rothko Chapel, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Parks and sights near Houston

The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.

Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.

Readers' picks

No reader picks yet. Add one in the box at the top of the page. Free things, little-known spots and seasonal events are especially welcome.

Add a pick with a description and website

Local favorites

Where people who live in Houston actually eat, drink, shop and spend Saturdays. Nominated by residents. Businesses cannot pay to appear or move up.

No favorites yet. Name the taco stand, coffee shop or trail you would defend to anyone.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Houston?

Well-known places with their own websites include Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Rothko Chapel, Houston Zoo, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and Houston Museum of Natural Science. Readers vote the list up and down and add their own picks.

What can you do in Houston on a rainy or very hot day?

Indoor picks include Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Rothko Chapel, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and Houston Museum of Natural Science.

When is the best time to visit Houston?

For comfortable weather, go in November to April, when highs stay between 62°F and 86°F with modest rain (NOAA 1991-2020 normals).

More about Houston: city profile, weather by month, moving checklist, ask a local.

Starting list from Wikidata (CC0): well-known places in or next to Houston that list an official website, ordered by how many Wikipedia language editions cover them, checked by hand to remove closed places and non-attractions. Opening hours and prices change, so check each official site before you go. Reader picks and favorites are read by a person before they appear.