These 11 Houston Bucket List Spots Made Us Feel Like Tourists in Our City
- Explore Space Center Houston
- 2. Discover the Houston Museum District
- Stroll Through Buffalo Bayou Park
- Try Some Texas BBQ at The Pit Room
- Visit the Houston Zoo
- Shop, Dine, and Skate at The Galleria
- Catch a Houston Rockets Game at Toyota Center
- Watch the Houston Astros at Daikin Park
- Check Out the Iconic Murals at the Houston Legendary Graffiti Building
- Go Ice Skating at Discovery Green
- Visit the Beer Can House
Not too long ago, my family came to visit, and somehow, I got put in charge of planning the ultimate Houston trip. No pressure, right? At first, I had no idea where to start. Should we check out the museums? Stuff ourselves with tacos? Hunt for the best Instagram spots?
That’s when it hit me—Houston is too big and too fun to wing it! If you’re visiting for the first time, you’ll want to hit the must-see spots. If you’ve lived here forever, there’s always something new to discover.
So, I put together this ultimate Houston bucket list to help you experience the best of the city. Get ready to explore, have a blast, eat way more than you planned.
1. Explore Space Center Houston
Media Credit: spacecenterhou
Website: https://www.spacecenter.org/
Address: 1601 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 281-244-2100
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 5 PM; Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Admission Cost: Start at $29.95 for adults and $24.95 for kids (age 4 to 11)
If you’re in Houston and haven’t been to Space Center Houston yet… seriously, what are you doing with your life? This place is the closest you can get to space without actually strapping yourself to a rocket.
As the official visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center, this place is packed with mind-blowing exhibits, hands-on displays, and actual spacecraft.
First off, we touched the moon. (Well, technically, we touched a real moon rock, but that still counts, right?) We even took the NASA Tram Tour, where we got to see where astronauts train and visit the historic Mission Control (the one that actually sent people to the moon!).
But the highlight? Independence Plaza. We walked inside a full-size space shuttle mounted on top of a NASA 905 carrier aircraft—because apparently, just having a space shuttle wasn’t cool enough. It’s the only one like it in the world, and trust us, it’s a must-see.
| Pro Tip: Plan for at least half a day to explore everything without rushing. There’s a lot to see, and you won’t want to miss anything. |
2. Discover the Houston Museum District
Media Credit: houmuseums
Website: https://houmuse.org/
Address: 4912 Main Street, Houston, Texas
Contact Details: [email protected]
If you think Houston is just cowboy boots and barbecue, visiting the Museum District will make you think otherwise. With 19 museums, a top-notch zoo, and the beautiful Hermann Park, it’s a great place for curious minds.
At The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, we walked through rooms filled with incredible artwork, from ancient Egyptian treasures to colorful modern paintings. Every turn had something new to admire (needless to say we felt very cultured that afternoon).
For science lovers, the Houston Museum of Natural Science is a must-see. We geeked out at the giant dinosaur skeletons and we even caught a show in the planetarium that made us reflect about how tiny we are in the universe (comforting and humbling all at once).
Families with kids will love the Children’s Museum Houston. It’s full of hands-on fun—kids can build, play, and explore–but just be ready for them to beg to stay longer!
| Pro Tip: Many museums offer free admission days, so plan ahead and save that money for important things—like tacos after your museum trip! |
3. Stroll Through Buffalo Bayou Park
Media Credit: buffalobayou
Website: https://buffalobayou.org/
Address: 105 Sabine St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-752-0314 ext. 301
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
If you’re putting together a Houston bucket list, make sure Buffalo Bayou Park makes the cut! This 160-acre urban oasis offers everything you want in a park–nature, adventure, skyline views, hiking and biking trails, kayaking and underground art tours.
We’ve tried biking along the trails, dodging joggers and trying to look like we knew what we were doing. Then, we decided to try kayaking on the bayou. Even with the upper body workout, it was calm and relaxing—until we wobbled a little too much and had a brief panic about falling in.
But one of the wildest things in the park is the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern! It’s this giant underground space that used to hold drinking water but now hosts art and guided tours.
Walking through it felt like entering a secret lair—dark, echoey, and just mysterious enough to make you feel like a superhero… or a lost tourist. Either way, It was pretty awesome!
| Pro Tip: The gardens and green spaces are beautiful, but Houston’s mosquitoes also think so. Wear bug spray, unless you want to become an all-you-can-eat buffet. |
4. Try Some Texas BBQ at The Pit Room
Media Credit: thepitroom
Website: https://thepitroombbq.com/
Address: 1201 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 281-888-1929
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 to 10:30 AM, 11 AM to 9 PM
Price Range: $$-$$$
When in Houston, there are a few things you simply have to do: visit NASA, complain about the traffic, and—most importantly—eat some good barbecue. And if you want it done right, The Pit Room should be at the top of your list.
This isn’t just another BBQ spot—it’s the real deal. As soon as we walked in, the smoky smell made our mouths water. They keep it simple and stick to true Texas barbecue, just with a little Houston twist.
No need for extra sauce—just perfectly smoked meat with black pepper, wood smoke, and a lot of love.
The brisket? Tender, smoky, and so good it made us wonder why we ever settled for anything less. And if you love tacos, they’ve got those too—because in Houston, we take our tacos just as seriously as our barbecue.
| Pro Tip: If you’re in a hurry and don’t feel like bonding with strangers in a long line, order online—because nothing tests your patience like waiting for BBQ when you’re already hungry. |
5. Visit the Houston Zoo
Media Credit: houstonzoo
Website: https://thepitroombbq.com/
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX (in Hermann Park)
Contact Details: +1 713-533-6500
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Admission Cost: Start from $25
If you’re visiting Houston and don’t stop by the Houston Zoo, did you even visit Houston? This 55-acre animal paradise in Hermann Park is home to over 6,000 creatures, from towering giraffes to tiny leafcutter ants!
Every exhibit felt like a front-row seat to nature. We watched gorillas relax in the shade, sea lions zoom through the water, and even spotted a sloth hanging lazily from a tree. We even got to stand just a few feet away from a massive elephant!
On the zookeeper tour, we got a behind-the-scenes look at how they feed, train, and take care of the animals. It was amazing to see all the hard work that goes into keeping them happy and healthy.
For families with kids, the Wildlife Carousel is a fun stop. But wait until you meet the goats at the petting zoo! They clearly thought we had snacks, and if we didn’t…well, let’s just say they made their disappointment very clear!
| Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes unless you want to regret every life decision. The zoo is 55 acres of walking, so leave the stylish shoes at home unless you enjoy suffering. |
6. Shop, Dine, and Skate at The Galleria
Media Credit: houstongalleria
Website: https://www.simon.com/mall/the-galleria
Address: 5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-622-0663
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 8 PM; Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM; Sunday – 12 to 7 PM
If you’re putting together a bucket list for Houston, shopping at The Galleria should be near the top. As Texas’ largest shopping center, it attracts over 30 million visitors a year—and for good reason!
After all, where else can you max out your credit card, enjoy a gourmet meal, and wipe out on an ice rink, all in the same afternoon?
This mall has everything a shopper could want—over 400 stores and restaurants to explore. We walked past big-name brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci, admiring the displays (and trying not to think too much about the prices!).
But it’s not just about shopping. Families are everywhere, with kids having a blast in the Little Galleria Play Area. And right in the middle of it all? A huge ice rink! We watched skaters glide across the ice, some spinning like pros while others held onto the railing (by “others”, we really meant us).
| Pro Tip: If you value personal space, avoid weekends unless you enjoy dodging shopping bags and slow walkers. |
7. Catch a Houston Rockets Game at Toyota Center
Media Credit: houstonrockets
Website: https://www.toyotacenter.com/
Address: 1510 Polk St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-758-7200
If you’re in Houston and looking for an unforgettable night out, a trip to Toyota Center is a slam dunk. Home to the Houston Rockets, this arena isn’t just for basketball—it’s an all-in-one entertainment hotspot!
As soon as we walked in, we headed straight to Legend Lockers, where Rockets history was on full display. Jerseys, trophies, and all kinds of cool memorabilia filled the space. Of course, we had to snap a photo on the championship court replica!
If you’ve got kids with you (or just feel like one yourself), the Memorial Hermann Sky Court is the place to be. We watched little ones race to play interactive games. We got lucky and met Clutch, the Rockets’ mascot, who was just full of energy—maybe even more than the kids!
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget to buy merch from the Official Rockets Team Shop! It’s a great way to show your team spirit, but remember: buying a jersey doesn’t automatically make you part of the roster. |
8. Watch the Houston Astros at Daikin Park
Media Credit: astros
Website: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/
Address: 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
If you’re making a Houston bucket list, catching a Houston Astros game at Daikin Park should be at the top—right up there with eating too much BBQ and sweating through your shirt before noon.
The energy from Astros fans is contagious—seriously, you’ll be high-fiving strangers like they’re long-lost cousins.
But the fun isn’t just about baseball. First, we checked out Union Station, a cool old building that connects Houston’s past to the present-day stadium.
Then, we made the most important decision of the night: what to eat. The food here? Epic. We grabbed some loaded hot dogs the size of our heads and called it a meal (or maybe two).
And whenever the Astros hit a home run, that big train above left field starts rolling down the tracks, and the crowd always goes wild. (Pretty sure it’s the only train in Houston that actually runs on time.)
| Pro Tip: Use the MLB Ballpark App, so you don’t have to dig through your email for tickets while a long line of annoyed fans waits behind you. |
9. Check Out the Iconic Murals at the Houston Legendary Graffiti Building
Media Credit: ericarenee2088/
Website: https://houstonmuralmap.com/
Address: 2011 Leeland St, Houston, TX
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you’re looking for a more artistic side of Houston, the Houston Graffiti Building in EaDo is a must-see!
Unlike a regular museum, where you have to keep your hands to yourself, this place is always changing. On one visit, we saw an astronaut cat cruising on a skateboard, and the next time—poof!—it’s something totally new. (Makes you wonder if graffiti artists are secretly wizards.)
Some murals, though, have earned VIP status—like GONZO247’s famous “Houston Wall.” It’s basically a city landmark at this point, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
But this spot isn’t just about snapping cool pics (though, let’s be real, your Instagram is gonna love it). It’s a symbol of Houston’s creativity. From Empires13’s tribute to Selena to murals honoring George Floyd, every wall has a story to tell. And trust us—you’ll actually want to hear them.
| Pro Tip: Visit during the day for the best lighting, fewer shadows, and less crowd dodging. Plus, it’s safer! |
10. Go Ice Skating at Discovery Green
Media Credit: discoverygreen
Website: https://www.discoverygreen.com/
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-400-7336
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Ice skating at Discovery Green is the perfect way to pretend Houston is a winter wonderland—even when it’s 70 degrees outside.
The Green Mountain Energy Ice is only open from mid-November to February, so we can only enjoy it for a limited time each year–and why should it be on your bucket list to the city!
As much as we love ice skating, we really enjoyed the bumper cars on ice. We got to crash into each other without any real consequences (plus we could hide the fact we’re no good at ice skating).
If you’re not like us and you’re actually great at skating, there’s Skate Party Saturdays, where there’s a live DJ playing music, so you can groove your way across the ice. There’s also a Skating Stars show, where actual pros make it all look effortless while we cheer from the sidelines.
| Pro Tip: Check out Cheap Skate Mondays and beat the Monday blues with Buy One Get One Free tickets–who says you can’t start the week with a win? |
11. Visit the Beer Can House
Media Credit: theorangeshow
Website: https://www.full.orangeshow.org/beer-can-house
Address: 222 Malone St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: +1 713-926-6368
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM; Monday, Tuesday – Closed
Houston has plenty of cool spots to visit for a bucket list, but nothing is quite like The Beer Can House. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a house covered in beer cans. Over 50,000 of them!
Even from outside, we could tell the was a gem (or a giant wind chime made of beer cans). Back in 1968, a retired railroad worker named John Milkovisch started decorating his house with flattened beer cans. The result? A home that shines in the sun and makes a soft jingling sound when the wind blows.
A visit here means plenty of photo ops, fun facts, and maybe even a neighborhood event with live music if you’re lucky. The best part? We got to enter for free!
