Suggested Itineraries for Visiting Houston

From topnotch shopping and museums to bustling nightclubs and restaurants, Houston offers an array of things to do. While the city's heat keeps most people indoors, there are outdoor options, too, including such highlights as the Armand Bayou Nature Center. The following itineraries will help you focus your days on the options that are most enticing to you and your traveling group.

1-, 2-, and 3-Day Suggested Itineraries for Special Events & Attractions in Houston

The special events and attractions in Houston appeal to visitors of all ages. See the suggested itineraries below to make sure you don't miss any of the must-see attractions in Houston.

1 day: A trip to Houston wouldn't be complete without a trip to Space Center Houston (1601 Nasa Rd), the visitor's companion to Johnson Space Center. It is located in Clear Lake and is a 45-minute drive from Houston.

©2006 Greater Houston Convention and Visitor's Bureau  Don't forget to go to the fascinating Space Center Houston.

Since you're in the neighborhood, drive over to Kemah and stop at the Kemah Boardwalk (Bradford and 2nd sts) for a bite to eat at any of the ten restaurants. Stay and watch the sunset, or try your luck at any of the traditional games along the bustling boardwalk. The giant, brightly lit Ferris Wheel acts as a beacon, so keep your eyes open for it.

If the sounds of nature and ocean views are just too enticing to leave, the Armand Bayou Nature Center (8500 Bay Area Blvd) will certainly be a destination. A boardwalk travels through forest, marshes, live animal displays, butterfly gardens, and a hands-on 1800s farm site. The center also offers sunrise and sunset cruises along Armand Bayou.

See why the Port of Houston (111 E Loop N) is one of the busiest ports in the country. Tour the portions of the 25-mile long waterway in air-conditioned comfort in a free 90-minute cruise. Plan to arrive early and leave big bags at home since security is tight.

2 days: Start off looking at the dinosaurs and Egyptian artifacts at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (1 Hermann Circle Dr). Grab a sandwich at Mobil Three-Star La Griglia (2002 W Gray St), where you can eat in their brightly decorated restaurant or get your sandwich to go and head over to the Mecom Rockwell Fountain (between Fannin and San Jacinto sts, ) for a relaxing outdoor lunch.

Since you're in the neighborhood, spend the afternoon at the alligator display and gorilla habitat at the Houston Zoo (1513 N MacGregor Dr). You can spend hours exploring the various sections, including the discovery zoo.

Head over to the Burke Baker Planetarium (1 Hermann Circle) to learn about the planets and stars and watch the laser light shows on Fridays and Saturdays.

Catch a tour of a different kind at Minute Maid Park (501 Crawford St) for a sneak peek at the Houston Astros ballpark. Treat yourself to downtown at dusk and take a twilight tour of the stadium with stops on Rooftop of Union Station, the broadcasting booth and one of the super fancy luxury suites.

For dinner, experience some Southwestern cooking or Creole dishes at Mobil Three-Star Brennan's (3300 Smith St). Try the prime aged rib eye or jumbo shrimp Chippewa, considered a New Orleans classic.

3 days: Houston is a city without zoning, which can make for an interesting mix of places to visit. The Saint Arnold Brewery (2522 Fairway) is located in a business park, but the ales and beers brewed there are authentic and refreshing no matter what time of year you go. The brewery is northwest of downtown and welcomes visitors with a tour and tastings. Don't leave with sampling the Fancy Lawnmower brew.

Stop by and visit the first Emperor's 6,000-piece terra-cotta Army replicated in 1/3 scale at the Forbidden Gardens (23500 Franz Rd, Katy), which is west of Houston.

Finish a Friday night at the Live Oak Friends Meetinghouse (1318 W 26th St), a Quaker meetinghouse in Houston's charming and quirky Heights neighborhood.

Be there at sunset to witness artist James Turrell's Sky Space. The roof of the Quaker House opens until the sky is completely dark, and when the roof closes, "Night Piece," a second light installation by Turrell, is shown.

1-, 2-, and 3-Day Suggested Itineraries for Arts & Culture in Houston

You'll be amazed at the number of arts and culture options available to Houston visitors. These itineraries should help you organize your outings.

1 day: If you have limited time in Houston, then run, don't walk, to the museum district and explore the grande dames of the visual arts scene. The Houston Museum of Fine Arts (5601 Main St) offers self-guided audio tours, which help visitors hit the best of what the museum has to offer.

©2006 Greater Houston Convention and Visitor's Bureau The whole family will enjoy the artwork at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts.

Up for a little more culture? Make a stop at the Menil Collection (1500 W Alabama St) for the art and the architecture. Studying history's great masterpieces can make one rather famished, so head down Bissonnet Street to the Rice Village area for lunch or dinner at Mobil Two-Star Nit Noi (2426 Bolsover), a Thai restaurant that's a favorite of George Bush senior, or as they call him there, Number 41.

2 days: Still along the rail, but definitely off-the-beaten path, is the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (4848 Main St) to experience some hands-on exhibits about the history of craft art. In addition to a wealth of original pieces made by local artisans, the museum gift shop sells beautiful jewelry at discount prices.

Make sure to stop by at the Children's Museum of Houston (1500 Binz), a colorful museum featuring rotating exhibits, as well as storytellers, magicians, and dancers who perform in the Spotlight Performance series on the weekend.

For something outdoors and free, check out the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre (100 Concert Dr), just down the street from all of the major museums. The city-owned stage hosts plays, musical productions, the symphony, and multiple cultural events throughout the year.

Duck into the lower level of the Audrey Jones Beck Building for a light lunch or filling dinner at Cafe Express (5601 Main St). With an emphasis on fresh, budget-friendly food, the menu offers soups, salads, sandwiches, plus pasta dishes that can be topped with chicken or shrimp.

3 days: Start your day at the Tart, within the bold new building that houses multiple art galleries on 4141 Montrose. In fact, that is the space's only name, but inside the building, legendary art maven Barbara Davis will show you the ropes.

If you're still in the mood for more art, make the Gallery Row on Colquitt Street part of your plans. The individually-owned galleries in this residential section of the city offer an intimate experience with plenty of personal attention, if you should need it.

The John Cleary Gallery (2635 Colquitt) displays top-notch photography exhibits and the Hooks-Epstein Gallery (2631 Colquitt) showcases a wide range of art, including American, European, and Latin works.

Take a trip back in time at Rienzi, a European decorative arts wing of the Houston Museum of Fine Arts (5601 Main St). Tucked away in the lush and exclusive River Oaks neighborhood, Rienzi is quiet and cool and a respite from high-concept anything.

Make sure to pack at least one nice outfit to attend a performance by the Houston Grand Opera at the Wortham Theatre (501 Texas Ave).

Most of the downtown restaurants offer menus built to get theatre patrons in and out the door on time for any of the shows, but Artista (800 Bagby St) in the Hobby Center is a show itself with sweeping views of downtown and a Latin-infused menu. Order the churrasco steak and you won't be disappointed.

1-, 2-, and 3-Day Suggested Itineraries for Architecture & Landmarks in Houston

Be sure to check out the many unique buildings in downtown Houston during your visit, as well as the historic homes in the city's outlying areas. Here are three days worth of suggestions:

1 day: You can plan on visiting several major sites in Houston's downtown to experience some of the city's finest architecture.

Stop by the Williams Tower (2800 Post Oak Blvd) to admire the structure dubbed the fourth tallest building in Texas. Remember to go past the property's Williams Waterwall to catch a glimpse of its beautiful multistory fountain. Head over to the J.P. Morgan Chase Tower (601 Travis St), where you can see a panoramic view of Houston on the building's 60th floor. The Bank of America Building (700 Louisiana St) is a unique building to see because of its distinctive edging, but that's what sets it apart from other downtown buildings.

The Rothko Chapel (1409 Sul Ross St) on the campus of St. Thomas University is as much about architecture as it is about spirituality. Founded by John and Dominique de Menil, the chapel was inspired by the paintings of American abstract expressionist Mark Rothko and is a calm spot in an often-busy city.

©2006 Greater Houston Convention and Visitor's Bureau The Rothko Chapel was inspired by abstract expressionist Mark Rothko.

Foodies and those who just appreciate a twist on the traditional burger will appreciate the cutting-edge menu at Pic (4315 Montrose) in the Museum District. The restaurant's burger will run you close to $15, but it will be one of the most decadent burgers you'll ever have.

2 days: In Los Angeles people drive through Beverly Hills; in Houston it's River Oaks, an area inside Loop 610 that boasts multimillion dollar homes owned by influential business owners, sports stars, and local socialites. The homes range from French chateaus to contemporary designs and are well worth driving to see.

Stop at one of the two dueling Starbucks (2050 W Gray, 2029 W Gray) that sit across the street from each other on West Gray in the River Oaks area and some of the few remaining examples of Art Deco design in Houston. The pedestrian-friendly shopping center is couched in curved walls and black-and-white tiling.

For a cozy slice of Houston life and good casual food, pop over to Barnaby's Cafe (1701 S Shepherd). The seat-yourself spot is light and airy with a killer selection of desserts and a just perfect buffalo burger.

3 days: There are some streets in Houston that are just awe-inspiring, and the North and South Boulevards in the Rice University area and Heights Boulevard in the Houston Heights are among the streets that need to be seen. Towering live oak trees and perfectly manicured lawns make these shady streets perfect backdrops for bridal portraits and strolls on a cool day. The houses aren't bad either, and range from Italian-inspired villas to English Tudor mansions.

A little less refined, but exceedingly charming, are the colorful Victorian homes that line Heights Boulevard. Businesses mix with residences along the street that's a delightful peek into the past.

Hermann Park (6001 Fannin) is home to the Houston Zoo, playgrounds, picnic tables, and even a train, but it's the equestrian statue of General Sam Houston that towers above it all.

The Heights has become a hotbed of progressive dining options, but a cool choice is Shade (250 W 19th St) for attentive service and stellar food. The bourbon, coke, and molasses-glazed grilled pork loin is divine.

1-, 2-, and 3-Day Suggested Itineraries for Shopping in Houston

Regardless of how much money you want to spend on shopping, Houston has something for you. Use these itineraries to plan your shopping excursions.

1 day: Spend the day shopping at the various stores at the Galleria (5085 Westheimer Rd), then head over to the laid-back upscale manner of Uptown Park (1001 Uptown Park Blvd), a shopping center that is modeled after European villages and is lined with boutiques, fountains, lavish landscaping, and intimate dining spots. Both offer high-end shopping experiences and plenty of places to linger over lunch or grab a cocktail before dinner.

Uptown Sushi (1131 Uptown Park) in Uptown Park Shopping Center feels like a classy restaurant in Las Vegas, right down to the contemporary and beautifully exaggerated decor. But it's the fresh-from-the-sea sushi that astounds diners.

©2006 Greater Houston Convention and Visitor's Bureau Uptown Park Shopping Center provides an upscale shopping atmosphere.

2 days: You should park in a spot at the River Oaks Shopping Center (1966 W Gray St) and plan on staying a while. You can find top-notch retail items at stores like Chico's or Talbot's or home goods at such places as Sur La Table.

Are you still in the mood to shop? The Village Arcade (2414 University Dr) and Rice Village (2366 Rice Blvd) are both ideal places to pick up that special something you never knew you needed but now you absolutely can't live without. After shopping, try tapas at Mi Luna (2441 University) and stay to see the flamenco dancers.

3 days: Put on your plainest clothes and take off your expensive jewelry before heading to the Harwin area. No, it has nothing to do with safety issues -- you're just likely to get a better deal the more low-key you look.

Harwin is comprised of shop owners from all over the world, most from Asian countries, and haggling is an accepted business practice. Deemed the "Bargain Mile" by locals, Harwin is a no-frills shopping area that offers some of the best deals in town on faux designer fashions, handbags, jewelry, and perfume.

Use caution, though, if a shop owner invites you to a back room. Fake purses that look almost as good as the much higher-priced originals are for sale, but it is illegal to buy them, so beware.

For dinner, head back to the downtown Houston area for Mobil Four-Star Quattro (1300 Lamar St), an Italian-American restaurant inside the Mobil Four-Star Four Seasons Hotel Houston. Try the wood-roasted veal chops or red snapper in lemons and capers.

1-, 2-, and 3-Day Suggested Itineraries for Nightlife & Entertainment in Houston

There's no shortage of nightlife in Houston, no matter what you fancy. These itineraries will steer you toward all the highlights.

1 day: Hop on the rail and hit Main Street for the Main Event held every Friday and Saturday night. The areas between Congress and Capitol are designated for foot-traffic only, making it easy to walk to and from restaurants, bars, and dance clubs, plus you can enjoy street performers, laser light shows, and other seasonal entertainment.

©2006 Greater Houston Convention and Visitor's Bureau Drinks and shopping? What could be better? You'll find both at Dean's Credit Clothing.

If you're all dressed up and wanting someplace to go, pay the cover at the Mercury Room and Boaka Bar (1008 Prairie St) for an upscale evening out. Downstairs at the lavish Mercury Room, live bands play while a DJ spins records upstairs in the Russian-inspired Boaka Bar.

Feeling low-key? Amble into Dean's Credit Clothing (316 Main St) for a drink and some late-night shopping. The space was a former clothing store that has retained some of its original use. Vintage clothing is still available for purchase, and the store windows now house tables and chairs for guests to watch the passersby.

Just a few doors down from Dean's is El Centro Mexican Restaurant (416 Main St), which serves traditional fare like nachos but then spices things up with Shrimp Diablo enchiladas.

2 days: The bars in Rice Village channel frat-boy fabulous without the togas and cheap beer. After the shops close, the bars open to casual crowds who gather on the patios of Brian O'Neill's (5555 Morningside), Bronx Bar (5555 Morningside), and the Ginger Man (5607 Morningside).

Medical and college students have long gone to the Ginger Man to relax and unwind, as the vibe is so mellow you can even take children. (They can buy root beer, of course.) Cover bands of varying abilities take the stages, and on some nights the mike is open for the brave karaoke singers.

One of the few restaurant-brewpub concepts still alive and well in Houston, Two Rows (2400 University Dr) in The Village Arcade is a laid-back restaurant that serves sandwiches, burgers, and steaks, but the stars of the menu are the brick-oven pizzas.

3 days: Hotel bars used to be drab places where businesspeople swilled a beer and picked at peanut shells. These days, some of the most elegant evenings out take place at hotels across the city. The Mobil Three-Star Hotel Derek (2525 W Loop S) in the Galleria area is a popular place for celebrities and rock stars to crash, but before they do, they stop at the hotel bar called Bistro Moderne. Service is respectfully attentive, and the drinks, while expensive, are generously poured.

The Mobil Three-Star Hilton Americas Houston Hotel (1600 Lamar) is an excellent place for a nightcap, with multiple bars in the hotel. The Skyline Bar and Grill on the 24th floor is a top-notch locale for a great view and quiet conversation.

It's called the Blue Plate Bistro (1708 Post Oak), but there's nothing cheap on the menu; rather, the restaurant is an ode to the plates that decorate this relaxed restaurant. Diners order from the counter and then wait staff brings the food to your table and takes care of you from there. Perfect for families, it even has a play area, and the food is standout, including the melt-in-your-mouth chicken pot pie.

1-, 2-, and 3-Day Suggested Itineraries for Relaxing & Unwinding in Houston

Golfers, spa-goers, and everyone in between will appreciate the relaxation options available in Houston. Take a look at the following suggestions.

1 day: To truly relax, go ahead and book an appointment at Mobil Four-Star The Trellis (111 N Post Oak), the spa located inside the Mobil Three-Star Houstonian Hotel. Massage, hydrotherapy treatments, pedicures, and manicures are some of the services available at this gem of a spa hidden deep in Houston's forested Galleria area.

Pop down the street and linger over a luxe lunch at the Decorative Center's Cafe Extraordinaire (5120 Woodway), an open and airy restaurant in the heart of the interior design center. The truffle grilled cheese sandwich wins rave reviews, and the dessert menu is always worth a look.

2 days: Make a trip to Santa Fe, located halfway between Houston and Galveston, for a taste of the wine country, Texas-style at the Haak Winery (6310 Ave T). The winery produces everything from chardonnay to port, and every Sunday evening live music eases weekenders into the week ahead.

Good old home-style cooking is on the menu at Sherry's Busy Bee Cafe (12350 Hwy 6), where the locals go for simple dishes and friendly service. Don't miss the cafe's pie selection.

©2006 Haak Winery Haak Winery is a great place to unwind. It's located halfway between Houston and Galveston.

3 days: Go north and see just how quiet a 45-minute jaunt outside of Houston can really be. The area around Lake Conroe (505 West Davis) is stocked with tall pine trees, rolling hills, and the lake. Moderate adventure-seekers can rent a slow-going pontoon boat, laze around Lake Conroe, and then retreat to any of the area resorts.

History comes alive at the N.H. Davis Pioneer Museum (308 Liberty St) in Montgomery, also in the Lake Conroe area. The museum shows what life was like between 1840 and 1890 through vignettes and other elements of pioneer life.

Golfing is practically a year-round activity, and there are plenty to choose from in the area, but golf enthusiasts will appreciate the thoughtful Devlin von Hagge-designed Walden on Lake Conroe Golf Club (13101 Walden Rd) in Montgomery. Surrounded by towering pines, the course is challenging and enjoyable for novices and serious golfers alike.

Everything is done big in Texas, and Houston is no exception. As you can see in this article, there's no shortage of things to do in this great city.

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