I never thought I would be writing a travel blog about all the reasons to visit Houston, but here I am. Over the past few years, I have traveled to places like New York City and Croatia. There have been several people I have met on my travels who get super excited when I tell them I am from Houston. Strangely enough, they all claim they want to visit here! My first response is always a shocked, “Why??”
Houston is an oil and gas city. It is a leader in the medical field. It is a sports town. But a vacation destination? I pondered this for a while, and yea ok. I get it. Houston has a lot to offer. And dare I say it, Houston is a destination you should put on your vacation list!
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A Little About Houston
Houston, also known as the Bayou City (pronounce By-you), is the fourth largest city in America and the largest city in Texas with a total population of 2.3 million people. If you include the broader metropolitan area, the population is around 6.9 million residents. The city boomed with growth in the expanding oil and gas industry, the development of the Texas Medical Center, and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Over the past decade, Houston has transformed itself into a cool, hip city that people want to visit.
Houston Climate
Houston’s climate is classified as humid subtropical. During the summer, the temperatures exceed 90 degrees (F) and often exceed 100 degrees (F). The average relative humidity in the summer months is over 90%. The very mild winters is one of the reasons to visit Houston, especially since it only has a few days a year where temperatures are at or below freezing. Houston is not located in tornado alley but is located in an area that is threatened by hurricanes. Hurricane season is June 1 – November 30 with September being the most active month of the season.
Most Diverse City in America
In 2019, Houston was named the most diverse city in the United States. While this may surprise others around the nation, it came as no surprise to local Houstonians. Nearly 1 in every 4 residents are foreign born. According to the 2019 study, Houston represents 37% Anglo, 37% Hispanic, 17% black, and 8% Asian.
A Foodie’s Paradise
Houston is a great place for people who love food. Partially due to its diversity and partially due to wining and dining clients in the oil and gas business, Houston has become one of the best cities for eating. What makes it even better is that Houston food is more reasonably priced than many other cities in America. No matter what kind of food you are looking for, Houston has you covered: BBQ, steaks, Cajun, Greek, Tex-Mex, and so much more.
NASA Johnson Space Center
The NASA Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center is the training base and home for American astronauts. It is also where Mission Control is housed, and flight controllers monitor astronauts while working in space. On July 20, 1969, locals claim Houston was the first word spoken on the moon as Neil Armstrong reported, “Houston, the Eagle has landed.” You can visit the space center for educational exhibits and experiences that all space-lovers will enjoy.
Major Part of Texas History
Located in Deer Park, just outside of Houston, the San Jacinto Monument stands tall marking the place where Texans, led by General Sam Houston, captured the Mexican general, Santa Anna, securing their independence from Mexico (1836). Texas became its own country, named the Republic of Texas. In 1845, Texas officially joined the United States and became the 28th state in the union.
Across the way from the San Jacinto Monument lies Battleship Texas. This ship commissioned in 1914 saw service in both World Wars I and II. You can visit the ship (if it is not closed for repairs) and see what life was like during wartimes in the early 1900s.
Houston’s LGBTQ Community
Houston has one of the largest LGBTQ communities and pride parades in the nation. According to Wikipedia, Houston (not Austin) has the largest LGBT population of any city in Texas. Since the 1980s, the LGBTQ community has been attracted to the Montrose area of Houston. With this area’s fantastic art scene and vibrant gay bars, Montrose is a must-visit area in Houston.
Nightlife
Houston’s nightlife scene ranges from hopping dance clubs to chill patio bars. You can dress up at bars in the Midtown or Downtown, or you can dress down on Washington or in the Heights. If you really want to get into the Texas theme, try two-stepping at a country western dance hall. Food and nightlife were two of the main reasons to visit Houston according to the people I have met on my travels.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Put on your jeans, cowboy boots, and cowboy hat, and attend the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo held in March each year. (The rodeo will be held in May 2021 due to COVID.) Check out the livestock at the Livestock Show, ride a carnival ride, watch bull riders try to stay on for 8 seconds, and jam out to legendary musicians. Did I also mention the rodeo is kicked off with a BBQ cook-off? Many Houstonians volunteer their time to make this event one of the best in Texas!
Bayou City is a Sports Town
If you love watching sports, you will love Houston. Being the 4th largest city in America earns you professional sports teams such as the Astros (baseball), Texans (football), Rockets (basketball), Dynamo (men’s soccer), and Dash (women’s soccer). No matter what time of year you choose to visit, you should be able to watch the home team play a game.
Museum District
Houston’s Museum District hosts 18 museums and the Houston Zoo. See fossils and ancient artifacts at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, or let your kids’ imaginations run wild at the Children Museum. Walk among fluttering butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center. While you are in the area, have a picnic lunch and ride the train at Hermann Park.
Theater District
Located downtown, Houston’s Theater Districts hosts plays, musicals, and ballets for all arts lovers. Every winter, the Houston Ballet performs The Nutcracker. You can also support the Houston Ballet by shopping at the Nutcracker Market held every November and at the Nutcracker Spring Spectacular held in April.
Weird Houston
Usually Austin is known for being weird, but Houston has its quirks too. One of which is the Art Car Museum and Parade. Every April, you can watch awfully decorated (but also awesome) cars roll down the street. If you cannot visit Houston in April, you can see many of these oddly decorated cars at the Art Car Museum. If that was not weird enough for you, visit the Beer Can House where you can tour a house made with over 50,000 beer cans. Even though there are more weird Houston sights, I will leave you with one last oddity, and that’s the Big Bubble. On Preston Street Bridge downtown, find and press a button. Then, watch as a giant bubble is released from the bayou below.
Instagrammable Spots
All of the reasons to visit Houston listed above plus its impressive street art and sculptures make Houston one of the best for Instagram photos. Some of the most popular places to take and post pictures include Graffiti Park, Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, Sugar & Cloth Color Wall, Biscuit Paint Wall, and the Waterwall.
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