Houston
Named after Sam Houston, general of Texas army that won independence from Mexico, and president of Republic of Texas. The city, largest in Texas and fourth largest in nation, has experienced phenomenal growth since a small riverboat landing was established on Buffalo Bayou by Allen brothers in August 1836.
Today metropolis is industrial and financial hub for much of the state. Houston is considered to have one of the best culinary scenes in the country, with cuisine from around the world. There are hundreds of exciting culinary attractions in and around the city.
The nightlife in Houston is dynamic and diverse, options abound for a huge variety.
The Houston Museum District:
With more than seven million annual visits, the Houston Museum District is one of the top cultural districts in the country. : The 1940 Air Terminal Museum: is the only educational institution in Houston dedicated to promoting the city’s significant civil aviation history.
Alley Theatre: Houston’s only resident professional theater company that presents a varied repertoire of contemporary and classic plays.
The American Cowboy Museum: This ranch preserves the western heritage of Blacks, Hispanics, Native Americans and women. Tours on foot, horseback or by hayride can be arranged by calling in advance.
The Angelika Film Center: Located in the heart of downtown, the Angelika Film Center is Houstonâ„¢s most stylish cinema, playing an interesting mix of art and independent films and sophisticated films from the major studios.
The Armand Bayou Nature Center: Visit this astonishingly beautiful part of the Texas Gulf Coast and “reconnect with nature.” Visitors can learn about plant and animal inhabitants, bird-watch, hike on the Nature Center’s trails or view live animal displays of snakes, spiders, hawks and bison.
The Battleship Texas: The last of the battleships to participate in World War I and II, Battleship Texas became the first battleship memorial museum in the U.S. in 1948.
Bayou Place: Houston’s premier destination for great food and entertainment featuring Hard Rock Cafe Houston and the Verizon Wireless Theater.
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated primarily to preserving the legacy and honor of the African-American soldier. It houses the largest repository of African-American military history in the world.
Downtown Aquarium: The 500,000-gallon under-water adventure complex includes a Ferris wheel, an aquatic carousel, Shark Voyage, a white tiger exhibit and a restaurant.
The Galleria, an international shopping destination which hosts more than 24 million visitors annually, offers world-class shopping with more than 375 stores, 30 restaurants, two hotels and a full-sized ice rink.
Historic Houston: Antiques, home decor, vintage clothing, art galleries and garden shops abound in this picturesque Victorian neighborhood.
Houston Ballet, the fifth largest ballet company in the country, has been hailed by The New York Times as “…one of the nation’s best ballet companies.”
Houston Grand Opera is the only opera company in the world to win a Tony, two Grammy and two Emmy Awards. The New York Times calls the Houston Grand Opera “the jewel in the cultural crown.”
The Houston Maritime Museum offers insight into maritime history through historic ship models, the Luykx Navigation Instrument Collection and numerous nautical items.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science, one of the most heavily attended museums in the U.S., features the Wortham IMAX Theatre, Burke Baker Planetarium, Cockrell Butterfly Center, permanent exhibit halls and traveling exhibitions.
The Houston Symphony: Founded in 1913, the Houston Symphony is one of America’s oldest performing arts organizations, with a rich history of musical excellence.
The Houston Visitors Center offers information on history, cultural arts, attractions, restaurants, retail and education, plus plenty of Houston merchandise.
Kemah Boardwalk: Overlooking Galveston Bay, the Kemah Boardwalk features themed restaurants, retail shops, and amusements for the whole family.
Moody Gardens, consisting of Aquarium, Rainforest and Discovery Pyramids, is an educational attraction focusing on nature.
The Museum of Fine Arts: Founded in 1900, Houston’s collection numbers more than 51,000 works and embraces the art of antiquity to the present.
Sam Houston Race Park hosts live Thoroughbred and American Quarter Horse racing, as well as a comprehensive simulcasting program 364 days each year.
Space Center Houston, the official visitors center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is the only place on earth where guests can embark on an out-of-this-world journey through human adventures in space.
