By Olivia Cuccaro
As the fourth-largest city in the US, Houston is a cosmopolitan destination in the state of Texas. This southern city’s warm climate makes outdoor sports and activities a must, while the sheer size of the area encompasses museums, shopping and luxury hotels for the elite traveler. See our picks of the best things to do when visiting Houston, Texas.
Museums & Attractions
Houston is often associated with the US space program, namely for its mention during the Apollo 13 flight. Today, aspiring astronauts and space enthusiasts can visit the Space Center Houston, adjacent to the major NASA hub Johnson Space Center, for exciting exhibits. The exclusive Level 9 Tour goes behind the scenes to observe astronauts in training and Mission Control. The city also is home to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Museum of Fine Arts and Houston Zoo for family-friendly day trips. To get active, Buffalo Bayou Park offers bicycle, kayak and canoe rentals to enjoy Houston’s natural beauty and waterway.
Sports are an integral part of Houston’s culture. The city is home to the Astros baseball team, Rockets basketball team, Texans football team, Dash and Dynamo soccer teams. For an upscale experience, the Houston Polo Club holds weekly tournaments at the course. Watch a polo match with a glass of champagne and attend the traditional divot stomp.
Houston Hotels & Spas
The Houstonian
Bring out your inner cowboy with The Houstonian’s Ultimate Texas Tycoon Weekend package. For a true taste of Texas, the package includes three nights’ stay in the Capitol Suite, treatments at Trellis Spa, cowboy attire including custom boots, private dance lesson, helicopter ride, in-room dining and limo service.
St. Regis Houston
The Presidential Suite spans 2,500 sq ft to encompass two bedrooms with king-size beds, formal dining area, full kitchen and large study. Look out over the downtown Houston skyline from an outdoor terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows, then unwind in the hotel’s Tea Lounge with butler style service and harp musician before your evening out.
Hotel ZaZa Houston
This boutique hotel is known for its luxurious ZaSpa. The extensive spa menu includes signature treatments like The Romance Ritual – a couples’ side-by-side foot soak, sea salt scrub, hydrating shea butter body wrap, hot oil scalp massage and customized body massage. For your stay, we recommend the Magnificent Seven Suites, such as the opulent Black Label suite with an outdoor soaking tub and balcony.
Shopping
Houston’s shopping epicenter, The Galleria draws visitors from near and far to its more than 400 designer stores and restaurants. Gucci, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, David Yurman, Rolex and Montblanc are just some of the retailers featured at this massive shopping destination. Stroll outside in River Oaks District, a popular shopping area that’s home to high-end brands like Baccarat, Canali, Dior, Harry Winston and Patek Philippe. Separate from the malls, design and lifestyle store Kuhl-Linscomb sells unique housewares, beauty products and jewelry.
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