Readers' picks: An essential guide to the best things to do in Houston, Texas (2024)

The best things to do in Houston range from the arts to a dynamic food scene and luxury hotels — Photo courtesy of Sean Pavone / iStock Via Getty Images

Houston is the fourth-largest city in America and the biggest in Texas (and we all know how big Texas is). Unsurprisingly, this phenomenal city is packed with infinite things to do, fantastic restaurants, and places to lay your head down after a very eventful day exploring H-town.

And who better to guide you than the locals: Here's a starter guide for the best of Houston, with lots of picks from the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

Best things to do in Houston

Houston's vibrant art scene includes everything from street art to a world-renowned art museums — Photo courtesy of Visit Houston

Whether it's your first time visiting Houston or your 100th, this city never ceases to amaze with its wide breadth of world-class attractions and events, ensuring never-ending adventures.

Voted among the best arts districts in the country, Arts District Houston features many galleries and public art installations, hundreds of studio spaces, and the highest concentration of working artists in Texas. The arts flourish in Houston's multicultural communities, including the renowned Museum District.

There, you'll find The Menil Collection, which makes the Best Free Museum list for its intriguing paintings, photographs, rare books, and sculptures.

The Children's Museum of Houston ranks high on the Best Children's Museum list for its continued efforts to inspire kids to love learning while playing hands-on activities, like Tot Spot and Bubble Lab. Admission is free every Thursday.

Hermann Park is one of the best city parks in the country — Photo courtesy of Lifted Up Aerial Photography

A Best City Parks winner, Hermann Park has over 400 acres of glorious wide-open green space. This popular urban park boasts a Japanese garden, outdoor theater, playground, beautiful reflection pool, golf course, rose garden, and plenty of picnic areas.

It's also home to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, its magical butterfly exhibit, and the Houston Zoo, which ranks among the best zoos in the country.

Houston also hosts premier events that practically guarantee high-octane adventures, such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which claimed the top spot in the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards for Best Rodeo, and the Wings Over Houston Airshow, voted by readers as one of the best air shows in the country.

Where to eat and drink: Best restaurants in Houston

Enjoy oysters on the half shell at Eunice, one of the best restaurants in Houston — Photo courtesy of Duc Hoang

You could spend a lifetime sampling Houston's culinary smorgasbord, which is rich in diversity and culture. From Tex-Mex and Salvadorian cuisine to Korean and Japanese fare, there are an extraordinary number of original, upscale, chef-driven restaurants. Eunice Restaurant is a perfect example.

The name Eunice may remind you of your great aunt, but this place is anything but old and stuffy. Named for chef Leonard's hometown in South Louisiana, the restaurant features innovative, fresh Cajun-Creole flavors and inspired delights. Think a raw bar with stone crab claws, Gulf oysters, Peruvian scallops, smoked chicken, sausage gumbo, and shrimp and grits with sweet and savory cast iron cornbread.

For a more casual venue, Axelrad is hard to beat. Voted one of the best beer gardens, Axelrad ensures that its beloved patrons have plenty of thirst-quenching beer on tap. It boasts an expansive outdoor area that's pup-friendly and giant rectangular tables for big groups. Be sure to catch live music, including jazz on Wednesdays.

Where to stay: Best hotels in Houston

Blossom Hotel is one of the best hotels in Houston — Photo courtesy of Blossom Houston

With so many amazing places to stay in Houston, including a multitude of stunning boutique hotels, the biggest challenge is deciding which one best matches your vibe. Here's a starting point.

Near Rice University and NGR Stadium, Blossom Hotel Houston has a distinctively sophisticated vibe. Amenities include exquisite marble bathrooms, a fitness room with Peloton equipment, complimentary Mercedes shuttle service, and, most importantly, a rooftop pool with gorgeous skyline vistas. The hotel's restaurant, Molihua, led by Michelin-stared chefs Hideki Hiwatashi and Ho Chee Boon, features refined Japanese cuisine and dim sum.

Hotel Zaza Houston, with its luxury Magnificent Seven and Concept Suites, offers an unparalleled experience. The property has a more residential look and feel (that is, if your best friend is a fashionista influencer). Located in the heart of the Museum District across the street from the Museum of Fine Arts, travelers get a whole sensory experience at this 12-story hotel, not to mention the pool, a full-service spa, and the on-site restaurants: Monarch Restaurant and Bar and Tipping Point Restaurant and Terrace.