We Got Lost and Found 10 Awesome Things To Do in East Houston (You Should Too)
- Visit the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield
- Visit Juan Seguin Historic Park
- Catch a Live Concert at Warehouse Live
- Watch a Game at Shell Energy Sports
- Go Thrifting at Texas Art Asylum
- Hang Out at Brass Tacks’ Patio
- Check Out the Art in BOX 13 ArtSpace
- Enjoy Tex-Mex cuisine at Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
- Go Shopping at the White Elephant Flea Market
- Play Board Games at Coral Sword
Okay, picture this: you, me, and a side of Houston most tourists totally miss! I stumbled upon some nice spots by chance while driving some visitors to see the San Jacinto Monument and it made me wonder: what else is there to find here?
So I went on a quest to find all the fun and interesting things to do in east Houston and I discovered so much: old battlefields where Texas history was made, experimental art galleries, live music spots to enjoy the night away, and even the birthplace of fajitas!
Turns out, east Houston is a gem just waiting to be explored. Get comfy and keep reading – you’ll find inspiration for your next outing, whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, foodie, or just looking for something new in your own backyard.
Visit the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield
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Website: https://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/
Address: 3523 Independence Pkwy, La Porte, TX
Contact Details: (281) 479-2431
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 6 PM
Admission Costs: Starts at $14 for adults
The San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield marks one of the most significant events in the history of Texas and you’ll find it east of Downtown Houston. You’ll learn all about the story of Texas’ independence by visiting this historic gem!
Try visiting the museum, which you’ll find at the base of the monument. Inside you’ll find dioramas and artifacts that will give you a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who fought in the Battle of San Jacinto. They also show an excellent film depicting the battle!
From the museum, you can go up to the observation deck that’s 570 ft up. You’ll have a great view of the surrounding areas and on a clear day, you might even catch the skyline of Downtown Houston from afar!
After the monument, take a walk around the peaceful grounds where the historic battle happened. Markers will guide you, allowing you to trace the movements of the Texan and Mexican armies. There’s also a reflecting pond for a nice photo op with the monument!
| Pro Tip: There are hiking trails in the grounds if you’re looking to add more to your daily steps count! You’ll find picnic tables in shaded areas around the grounds if you feel like resting or taking a break. |
Visit Juan Seguin Historic Park
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Website: https://www.hcp2.com/News/Blog/juan-seguin-historic-park
Address: 4407 Independence Pkwy, La Porte, TX 7
Contact Details: (713) 274-7275
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday – 8 AM to 5 PM; Tuesday, Thursday – 8 AM to 8 PM; Friday – 8 AM to 12 PM; Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Juan Seguin was a Tejano hero who fought for Texas independence. Today, this park honors his legacy by showcasing the contributions of the Hispanic community to the state’s history.
There are markers all over the park where you can learn all about Juan Seguin and the Tejanos, as well as some fun facts about the Lynchburg Ferry, the Cattle Drive, and more!
Though small, this park offers plenty to do! Kids will love the nautical-themed playground, with its exciting climbing structures, slides, and swings. (Just make sure to keep an eye out because this park is by the water!)
And to cap off the visit, you can chill by the pavilion and watch the ships and barges glide along the Houston Ship Channel. It’s a busy port, so there’s never ending activity in the waters!
| Pro Tip: You’ll have a nice view of the San Jacinto Monument for this park! |
Catch a Live Concert at Warehouse Live
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Website: https://warehouselivemidtown.com/
Address: 2600 Travis St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (832) 767-0513
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 6 PM; Saturday to Sunday – Closed
Admission Costs: Concert tickets start at $37
Are you a fan of live musical performances? Check out Warehouse Live! It’s a popular concert venue in East Downtown that’s hosted the biggest names in music.
Snoop Dogg, Drake, Adele, John Legend, Duran Duran, and the late Prince are just some of the artists who have performed here.
What’s great about this spot is that it feels a lot more intimate than an arena or stadium, which is the usual choice for big-name bands and singers. As a smaller venue, you can watch your favorite artists up close and personal!
For those who enjoy the local nightlife, drinks are available at the venue! And here’s the venue’s unique feature: a skylight roof that lets in plenty of natural light in the daytime and a view of the sky at night!
| Pro Tip: It gets really hot during summer performances, so make plans to stay hydrated and cool during that season! |
Watch a Game at Shell Energy Sports
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Website: https://www.houstondynamofc.com/shell-energy-stadium/
Address: 2200 Texas Ave, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 547-3000
Operating Hours:
- Dynamo Games: Opens 3.5 hours before kickoff
- Dash Games: Opens 3 hours before kickoff
- Other Events: Opening times vary – check event schedule
- No Events: Closed
Admission Costs: Dynamo FC tickets start at $34 and Dash tickets start at $13
If you’re a fan of soccer, you should try catching a game at the Shell Energy Sports Stadium in East Downtown! It hosts concerts, boxing, and more, plus it’s the home of the Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash.
The Houston Dynamo FC is a two-time Major League Soccer champion, while the Houston Dash is a professional women’s soccer team. Each has a loyal fanbase that watches their games regularly (for the Dynamo FC, their fans are called the Texian Army).
Watching a soccer game at this stadium is a treat because it was designed to give both upper and lower seating areas an unobstructed view of the field, so everyone can enjoy the game regardless of where they sit.
And when you’re at the game, make sure to try the numerous food and beverage options available! There’s Hugo’s, Trill Burgers, Taquerias Arandas, and more!
| Pro Tip: Shell Energy Stadium is a cashless venue, so credit and debit cards, gift cards, and mobile payments are accepted! |
Go Thrifting at Texas Art Asylum
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Website: https://www.texasartasylum.com/
Address: 1719 Live Oak St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 224-5220
Operating Hours: Monday – Closed; Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM;
Sunday – 1 PM to 6 PM
Texas Art Asylum is easily one of the coolest stores in Houston and it’s just east of Downtown! They’re a creative reuse center–this means that they accept donations of unwanted items, polish them up, and sell them at affordable prices.
This store usually appeals to arts and crafts enthusiasts with its massive inventory of cheap art supplies, but even if you’re not into those things, you can still find something unique for yourself!
They sell unique light fixtures, antiques, old film, jewelry, eyewear, alarm clocks, wrist watches…We could go on forever with all random things you can find in the store. But our favorite finds were the adorable resident cats (who were, sadly, not for sale but available for petting).
They have a unique pricing system too! You can get a bunch of stuff at $8/lb, but some items, like yarn and jewelry, are priced at $12/lb. Fabrics are usually $4/yard and books are either $3 each or priced as marked.
| Pro Tip: Donate your unwanted items! They’re tax-deductible through their partner, the Houston Center for Creative Reuse. For public donations, set an appointment for Wednesdays and Saturdays. |
Hang Out at Brass Tacks’ Patio
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Website: https://brasstackshouston.com/
Address: 612 Live Oak St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 352-7626
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 7 AM to 10 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 7 AM to 12 AM
Just across from the Shell Energy Stadium in East Downtown is Brass Tacks, a trendy coffee shop and bar with a lovely outdoor patio–the perfect spot to brunch or hang out with friends on a nice evening.
Aside from serving their delicious caffeinated and decaffeinated blends, you can also try their menu of American and International comfort food! We recommend trying the Toasted PB&J or if you prefer something savory, their Cuban Sandwich!
This gem also serves unique alcoholic mixes–for coffee lovers, try their Espresso Martini! Their Spiked Italian Soda is also a must-try for those who prefer their drinks sweet with a kick.
Despite being a busy place with both coffee and drinks, people also like to study and work here! You’ll see people on their laptops or reading, even with all the fun noise around them.
| Pro Tip: Want to know why Brass Tacks is a popular spot to study or work? Well, it’s got everything you need: comfy seating, plenty of outlets, and strong WiFi. Bonus: easy parking! |
Check Out the Art in BOX 13 ArtSpace
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Website: http://box13artspace.com/
Address: 6700 Harrisburg Blvd, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 533-8692
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday, Sunday – Closed; Saturday – 1 PM to 5 PM
Discover Houston’s coolest art scene at BOX 13 ArtSpace! It’s a hidden gem in the East End, run by artists, for artists. They have studios and galleries where artists create and showcase their work through exhibitions.
What makes BOX 13 so special? It’s a haven for experimental art, a place where artists are encouraged to push boundaries and challenge conventions. They keep the studio costs low so that any artist can join the fun!
When you visit, prepare to be amazed! You’ll find everything from captivating photography, to realistic paintings, to immersive installations, and even sculptures made from unexpected materials.
For example, they recently had this amazing show called “los[t] archivos” by Elizabeth Chang that showcased thought-provoking photo-based art. In another gallery, Cody Arnall’s “When You’re Done Dying” featured unique sculptures made from old business signages.
| Pro Tip: Want to support a cool local spot? BOX 13 relies on donations to keep the lights on and the art flowing. Check out their website to see how you can help them out! |
Enjoy Tex-Mex cuisine at Original Ninfa’s on Navigation
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Website: https://www.ninfas.com/
Address: 2704 Navigation Blvd, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 228-1175
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM; Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM; Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM; Sunday – 10 AM to 10 PM
The Original Ninfa’s is one of the best and most loved restaurants in Houston. Mama Ninfa, in 1973, created a dish called tacos al carbon, which the world now knows as fajitas! This culinary gem in the East End is a Tex-Mex staple and can’t be missed!
For starters, try their Nachos! They use an original nacho recipe using house-made chips topped with cheddar, frijoles puercos, jalapenos, sour cream, and guacamole. Another great option is the Queso Flameado for a table-side chorizo prep performance!
A visit to this restaurant isn’t complete without trying the Two Tacos A La Ninfa! It’s the classic fajitas with pico de gallo, guacamole, and chile con queso on a flour tortilla, the perfect homage to Mama Ninfa herself.
And for dessert, finish off your meal with Tres Leches! They have their own version of this classic Mexican dessert that’s flambeed and topped with marshmallows. For something lighter, Kahlúa Flan!
| Pro Tip: Ninfa’s on Navigation is awesome but if it’s too far from you, there’s another one in Memorial–Ninfas’s on Uptown! |
Go Shopping at the White Elephant Flea Market
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Website: https://linktr.ee/whiteelephantfleamarket.com
Address: 379-357 Carlang St, Channelview, TX
Contact Details: (281) 452-9022
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – Closed; Friday – 6 AM to 1 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 6 AM to 6 PM
For those who enjoy shopping, try visiting the White Elephant Market on the east side of the city! It’s the largest indoor and outdoor flea market in the area. It’s been a family-owned business since the 1970s, so there’s a strong feeling of community!
There’s a wide variety of items you can find on this market. You’ll find video games, automobile parts, plants, tools, and even welding supplies! There are also essential oil vendors, vintage clothing, and collectible Hello Kitty merchandise.
For food or snacks, try the freeze dried candies and grilled corn kernels that always get rave reviews! There’s also plenty of choices for authentic Mexican food.
Another cool thing about this flea market is that they are always seeking new vendors! So if you have a business idea and you want to make steps into making it a reality, just call them during their operating hours for booth availability.
| Pro Tip: They recently renovated their parking lot so say goodbye to the potholes that made parking a challenge! |
Play Board Games at Coral Sword
Media Credit: coralsword
Website: https://linktr.ee/coralsword
Address: 1318 Telephone Rd, Houston, TX (in Eastwood Center)
Contact Details: (832) 742-8987
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 8 AM to 10 PM; Friday to Saturday – 8 AM to 11 PM
Coral Sword is a fun board game cafe on the east side of Houston. It’s a haven for fans of card games, role-playing games, and tabletop games. But even if you’re not into those things, you can still enjoy their menu of drinks and baked goodies!
Board game fans will love it here thanks to their extensive game library! They have a dedicated game wall where you can choose which games to play during your visit, all while enjoying your favorite drink!
Try their double espresso Flat White or Pour Over Coffee for a nice caffeine kick. Not a fan of coffee? Try their Matcha Milk Latte or Chai Latte for a creamy and comforting alternative instead!
What we love about this place is its nostalgic and welcoming atmosphere. Those who grew up playing video games will definitely appreciate their collection of iconic weapons like the Keyblade and Buster Sword (the cafe is named after a weapon, after all).
| Pro Tip: Love the games at Coral Sword? You can buy them and keep the fun going at home! Plus, they have those awesome Buy 2, Get 1 Free promos at the end of the year, so start your wish list now. |
