Houston Tourist Attractions

Houston features world-class museums, space exploration history, and expansive green spaces. Here are some of the city's top tourist attractions.

Space & Science

Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston serves as the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center, giving visitors an up-close look at human space exploration history.

• NASA Tram Tour: Go behind the scenes to see astronaut training facilities and Mission Control.

• Historic Artifacts: Features the flown Apollo 17 capsule, real moon rocks, and the massive Saturn V rocket.

• Independence Plaza: Walk inside a full-scale shuttle replica mounted on top of a shuttle carrier aircraft.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

Houston Museum of Natural Science is located in Hermann Park and stands as one of the most visited museums in the nation.

• Paleontology Hall: Displays prehistoric skeletons arranged in dynamic, life-like action poses.

• Cockrell Butterfly Center: Walk through a glass-enclosed habitat filled with thousands of live butterflies.

• Planetarium & Gems: Features a projection planetarium alongside an extensive collection of rare gems and minerals.

Arts & Culture

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston spans multiple buildings and outdoor sculpture gardens in the heart of the Museum District.

• Expansive Collection: Highlights art spanning thousands of years, from ancient antiquities to modern masterworks.

• Cullen Sculpture Garden: Features outdoor sculptures by renowned artists in a quiet landscaped setting.

• Underground Tunnels: Interconnected buildings feature immersive light installations in the walkways.

Family & Outdoor Attractions

Houston Zoo

Houston Zoo covers 55 acres within Hermann Park and houses over 6,000 animals.

• African Forest: Offers close encounters with giraffes, rhinos, and elephants.

• Galapagos Islands Exhibit: Features sea lions, giant tortoises, and reef sharks.

• Interactive Experiences: Opportunities for feeding experiences and educational keeper chats.

Discovery Green: Park

Discovery Green is a vibrant 12-acre park situated in the heart of Downtown Houston.

• Rec-Activities: Features a small lake with kayak rentals, children's playgrounds, and dog runs.

• Public Art & Events: Hosts regular live concerts, outdoor fitness classes, and rotating art installations.

• Dining: Home to parkside restaurants and food pop-ups.

Downtown Aquarium

Downtown Aquarium combines an aquatic museum with family entertainment and dining.

• Aquatic Exhibits: Features touch tanks, stingray reefs, and a shark tank with a train tunnel running through it.

• Rides & Games: Includes a small Ferris wheel and carousel on-site.

• Full-Service Restaurant: Allows guests to dine alongside a giant 150,000-gallon aquarium tank.