(credit: http://houstonmuseumdistrict.org)
Day One: The Houston Museum District
http://houstonmuseumdistrict.org
Fortunately for visitors, some of Houston’s best attractions can all be found within a dozen or so city blocks off of U.S. 59. In addition to Hermann Park and Rice University, Houston’s Museum District offers at least 18 cultural, educational and entertaining venues. You’d be hard-pressed to see them all in one day, but you could certainly get in a good sampling. Some of the more popular options found here include the Houston Zoo, the Children’s Museum of Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Some of the city’s most popular art museums can also be found here, including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. With plenty of places to rest and grab a bite, you could easily spend a full day touring the Houston Museum District.
(credit: http://www.aquariumrestaurants.com)
Day Two: Downtown Houston
Downtown Aquarium
410 Bagby St.
Houston, TX 77002
www.aquariumrestaurants.com/downtownaquariumhouston
Just a few miles north of Houston’s Museum District is the city’s downtown area. There are plenty of things to see and do here, but one of the most significant attractions is the Downtown Aquarium. This unique aquarium right in the heart of downtown Houston offers rides, exhibits, games and dining options. The aquarium has featured exhibits such as Shipwreck, Louisiana Swamp, Discovery Rig and White Tigers of the Maharaja’s Temple, among others. After a morning of touring the exhibits and riding the rides, you can grab a bite at the Aquarium’s restaurant, which offers a unique underwater view of the 150,000-gallon aquarium. During the afternoon, you might catch a show at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts or an Astros game at Minute Maid Park, both of which are situated in downtown Houston.
(credit: http://www.kemahboardwalk.com)
Day Three: The Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Ave.
Kemah, TX 77565
(281) 334-9880
(877) AT KEMAH
www.kemahboardwalk.com
Although technically not in Houston, the Kemah Boardwalk is only a 45-minute drive away from the downtown area, depending on traffic. And if you’re in Houston, it’s certainly worth the trip. This venue where “the fun never stops” offers rides and games, a marina and unique shopping options along the boardwalk. There are also plenty of places to eat, including upscale options like the Flying Dutchman, Saltgrass Steak House and Red Sushi, as well as more family-friendly fare like the Pizza Oven and Joe’s Crab Shack. With all the events and attractions offered here, you could easily spend a full day on the Kemah Boardwalk. And if you’re too tired to make the trip back to H-Town, there are several convenient lodging options in the area, as well. Hours and rates vary by attraction; see Web site or call for more details.