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Things to do in Houston

The iconic Space Centre is just the beginning, with museums galore, and a buzzing downtown to explore.

Our most recommended things to do in Houston

Houston: Space Center Houston Admission Ticket

1. Houston: Space Center Houston Admission Ticket

Explore Space Center Houston with its 400 space artifacts as well as permanent and traveling exhibits. Discover attractions and theaters related to the exciting future and remarkable past of America’s human space-flight program, all for one admission price. See the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples for public view. Go behind-the-scenes to see NASA Johnson Space Center (based on availability). Learn about the world-renowned home of NASA Mission Control, International Space Station Mission Control, and astronaut training. Experience the newest permanent exhibit, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, displayed outside the center. Walk around and underneath the first-stage booster spanning more than 156 feet long. See the only Falcon 9 on public display outside of SpaceX’s headquarters which is the same type of rocket that launched NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft on May 30 for the Demo-2 mission. It marked the first time since 2011 that astronauts have launched from American soil.

Houston: Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket

2. Houston: Museum of Natural Science General Admission Ticket

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of natural science with an entrance ticket to the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences, one of the United States most-visited museums. See spectacular mineral specimens, dinosaur skeletons, space-station models, and much more. Gaze at dozens of prehistoric beasts in the Morian Hall of Paleontology brought to life in lively displays that animate their struggle to survive. See a blue topaz crystal of more than 2,000 carats in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals. Celebrate the diversity of America’s indigenous peoples in the John P. McGovern Hall of the Americas. Come face to face with wildlife ecology at the Frensley Graham Hall of African Wildlife, or learn about shell science and the study of mollusks at the Strake Hall of Malacology.

Houston: City Tour by Bus

3. Houston: City Tour by Bus

Explore Houston in an open air, double-decker bus around Downtown and the Historic District. This tour offers the best of the city’s symbolic sites and attractions in one easy sitting. Along the way, enjoy commentary from audio or live guide who will tell you about attractions, such as the giant Chase Tower. Hear stories about the colorful theater district and learn more about many of the city's most important landmarks. • Hilton Americas Hotels at the Convention Center • Market Square - Historic District • City Hall and Visitors Center • Downtown Aquarium - Theater District • Sam Houston Park and Heritage Society historic homes • Discover the oldest commercial building still in use since 1840's • Houston's tunnel system • Graffiti park at Old China Town

Houston: City Tour and NASA Space Center Admission Ticket

4. Houston: City Tour and NASA Space Center Admission Ticket

Explore the wonders of space travel on an unforgettable tour that includes a mini-city tour around Houston and roundtrip transportation to the NASA/Johnson Space Center.  Enjoy interactive exhibits and activities, touch a moon rock, take a tram ride to the NASA control center and see the shuttle replica at the Independence Plaza. Begin your day of space exploration on land as you are taken a short city sightseeing tour around Houston where you can see some of its most important landmarks.  Afterward, drive 25 miles from the center of Houston to the Space Center Houston and experience America’s adventures in space first-hand. Space Center Houston is the visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center. It is a separate facility that features activities and exhibits designed jointly by NASA and Disney Imagineering. Get a chance to ride the half-hour tram tour that goes to the gigantic International Space Station Assembly Building and to the NASA control center. Both kids and adults will enjoy the interactive displays. Don’t miss the Starship Gallery Artifact Museum, where you can touch a moon rock or try out the simulator that lets you land the lunar orbiter.

Houston CityPASS®: Save 49% at 5 Top Attractions

5. Houston CityPASS®: Save 49% at 5 Top Attractions

Make use of your Houston CityPASS® on your next trip to Houston. See the wonders of space, amazing animals, fascinating science, world-class art, and more with Houston CityPASS® tickets. CityPASS® tickets offer convenient instant delivery and are valid for 9 consecutive days, allowing ample time to experience each attraction. Save 49% on prepaid admission to 5 must-see attractions: • Space Center Houston – General admission, including Independence Plaza and the NASA tram tour Plus get admission to 4 more attractions of your choice: • Downtown Aquarium – General admission to the Aquarium Adventure Exhibit; rides and games not included • Houston Museum of Natural Science – General admission • Houston Zoo – General admission; not valid for Zoo Lights • Kemah Boardwalk All-Day Ride Pass – All-Day Ride Pass; Stingray, Boardwalk Beast, and Iron Eagle not included • Children’s Museum of Houston – General admission. To enter the museum, your group must be accompanied by a child • Museum of Fine Arts, Houston – General admission to permanent collections and non-ticketed special exhibitions

Houston: Children's Museum of Houston Entry Ticket

6. Houston: Children's Museum of Houston Entry Ticket

Pre-book your entry ticket to the Children’s Museum Houston and let your children run, play, explore, learn, touch, smell, feel, and so much more in a variety of different exhibits. Exhibits regularly change so visiting multiple times is still fun for both locals and visitors alike. Current exhibits may include: • Tot*Spot (ages 0-35 months): Perfect place for the youngest guests to play and grow their brains (reopening September 20, 2022) • EcoStation (ages 2+): Explore the native plant garden, solar-powered research pavilion, woodland area, and the pond habitat • Cyberchase (ages 3+): A math adventure where forces join with the CyberSquad in their quest to save Cyberspace • FlowWorks (ages 5+): Learn about the forces and properties of water with waves, rapids, vortices, and hydropower • Heart and Seoul (ages 3+): Immerse your child in South Korean culture through the lives of children in Seoul • Inventor's Workshop (ages 3+): Use imagination to create extraordinary objects, mechanisms, and inventions • Genius Station (ages 4+): Discover your inner genius with the museum's very own science experts who are ready to answer all your questions • Challenge Course (ages 5+): Using agility, stamina, and balance, kids test out a 7-obstacle, low-rope course • How Does It Work (ages 5+): Conduct hands-on investigations around physical science concepts and how they appear in our everyday lives • Invention Convention (ages 5+): Unleash imagination inside this workshop filled with gadgets and gizmos that kids design and build • Kidtropolis, USA (ages 5+): A city for kids run by kids where kids choose what they want to be and work with other kids to make it function • Matter Factory (ages 5+): Explore the building blocks of matter while immersing yourself in the • Periodic Table of Elements • PowerPlay (ages 5+): Explore the science of nutrition, health, and exercise • Maker Annex (ages 8+): Be creative with 3-D printers, laser cutters, and more • Power Science Lab (ages 8+): Check out the science behind the body and the mind and overall health in a hands-on chemical wet lab • Kids' Hall (all ages): Traveling art and cultural exhibits from across the world with new activities introduced weekly • Parent Resource Library (all ages): A branch of the Houston Public Library right at the museum

Houston: Space Explorer Pass

7. Houston: Space Explorer Pass

Spend your day learning about space and space exploration at two different attractions in Houston. Visit Space Center Houston to learn more about the NASA Mission and astronaut training. Explore space at the Burke Baker Planetarium, which offers an unprecedented immersive experience with a best-in-class projection system.  Space Center Houston features more than 400 space artifacts including the world's largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples. As the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, guests are taken behind the scenes to see NASA Mission Control, International Space Station Mission Control, and areas used for astronaut training. At the Burke Baker Planetarium, the newly updated Digitar 6 system enables our visitors to fly through the universe, experience the vastness of space, roam planetary surfaces, navigate asteroid fields, and watch the latest fulldome shows. With this pass you'll also gain entry to the Museum's permanent exhibit areas that examine astronomy and space science plus a whole host of other topics focused a little closer to Earth!

Houston: City Sightseeing Tour by Electric Cart

8. Houston: City Sightseeing Tour by Electric Cart

On this tour, let your local guide zip you through the city's top historical landmarks, visiting pristine parks and vibrant murals along the way. Learn more about Houston's vast collection of culinary choices that makes it one of the culinary centers of the world. Visit sports venues, museums, and the third largest theatre district in the country.  One of the highlights of this city sightseeing tour is viewing the so-called 8th Wonder of the World: The Astrodome. Built in 1965, the Astrodome was the world's first indoor air-conditioned stadium. Though the stadium is closed, visitors from all over the world still come to marvel at the iconic structure. After you hit all the top sights, pick up some recommendations from your local guide for nightlife and restaurants in Houston so you can make the most of your time in the vibrant city. Make sure to bring your camera — you’ll have many opportunities to stop for priceless photo-ops. The fleet of carts can accommodate groups ranging from 1-50 people per tour, though groups of 2 may be paired with up to 3 other people.

Houston: Downtown Underground Tunnel Tour

9. Houston: Downtown Underground Tunnel Tour

Discover why Houston, the most populated city in Texas and the 4th most-populated city in the United States can look like a ghost town during warm summer days. This is because just 20-25 feet below street level, there are more than 7.5 miles of underground tunnels that encompass Texas' tallest skyscrapers and serve as a corporate playground for a multitude of Fortune 500 companies. Start the tour in Downtown Houston and set off on a unique tour to some of the city's most well-renowned skyscrapers. Enjoy great photo opportunities alongside Texas' two tallest buildings, the oldest bank in Houston, and the newest portion of the downtown tunnel system. During the tour, learn all about the history of the city's extensive Tunnel System and its modern corporate appeal including a diverse range of great dining options and business amenities that resemble Houston's diversity.

Houston Tour and Aquarium Ticket

10. Houston Tour and Aquarium Ticket

Board a unique open-air bus to discover the best of this amazing city, with breathtaking views of the modern energy capital of the world. Houston is the largest city in the south and it offers its visitors a great variety of attractions, magnificent architecture, historic places, and landmarks. See many of these on this remarkable tour. Tours start every morning from the Texan Cowboy-themed Visitors Center. In addition, receive your tickets to the Downtown Aquarium so that you can discover an amazing collection of marine life, exhibits, rides, and attractions.

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Frequently asked questions about Houston

What top attractions are a must-see in Houston?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Houston?

The best day trips and excursions from Houston are:

Galveston

Other Sightseeing Options in Houston

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What people are saying about Houston

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 1,120 reviews

This tour was a fabulously excellent experience and I absolutely recommend to anyone visiting Houston! The guide was lovely and very knowledgeable with lots of great stories on the trip to and back the Space Center and plenty of time given to wander through and dive in to the exhibits.

The people who built this museum and put it together did an absolutely incredible job. As often as I've read stories over the years about the Holocaust, I found myself still so saddened and shocked when you see man's inhumanity to other human beings. We should never forget.

Rory our tour guide was lots of fun. The food was eclectic and the tour was very interesting.

It was an amazing place to visit. Lots to do and see.

Great history and exploration throughout the museum