Guide To A Long Weekend In Houston
Attractions
Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058
(281) 244-2100
www.spacecenter.org
Houston's relationship with space travel is widely known. At the epicenter of this outer space activity is the NASA Space Center, located just south of downtown. Visitors can walk through Space Plaza and learn more about space travel, discover what life is like for astronauts and visit the famed Mission Control center where the Apollo moon landings were monitored and guided. NASA is fun for kids and adults alike and a visit to this attraction is both educational and entertaining for all.
Kemah Boardwalk
215 Kipp Ave.
Kemah, TX 77565
(877) 285-3624
www.kemahboardwalk.com
With its dining, shopping and amusement park rides, Kemah Boardwalk represents a great way to enjoy delicious food and endless fun. Located directly on Galveston Bay, Kemah is one of the premier boardwalks in the United States and has been featured in national publications and television programs. A great meal at a seaside restaurant, a spin on one of the amusement park rides and a stroll through the many shops make for a nice afternoon or evening. It's just a short distance from downtown Houston and it makes a great place to visit for a long weekend getaway.
Houston Museum District
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 715-1939
www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org
No weekend getaway in Houston is complete without a visit to the Houston Museum District. One of the most extensive collections of museums in the world, the Houston Museum District has something to interest anyone. Walk through the expansive Museum of Fine Arts and experience culture through the ages. Stroll through the Houston Museum of Natural Science and learn about ancient animals, minerals, energy and Native Americans. Visit the Houston Holocaust Museum and enrich your historical knowledge of one of the most horrific episodes in human history. There are approximately 20 different museums to match most any interest, making the Houston Museum District a must-see attraction for a long weekend getaway.
Related: Fun Texas Weekend Getaways
Buffalo Bayou Park
1113 Vine St.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 752-0314
www.buffalobayou.org
Buffalo Bayou is a great place to visit for some outdoor recreation. The Buffalo Bayou Partnership operates a series of parks and other sites that offer jogging, biking, hiking, kayaking and sightseeing with the skyscrapers of the city in full view. Buffalo Bayou, a twisting, winding waterway, stretches from the west suburb of Katy all the way to downtown and beyond. Buffalo Bayou Park offers multiple recreational benefits for the entire family and it makes a great place to visit when you want to get in touch with nature without venturing very far from downtown.
Galveston Strand
2323 Strand St.
Galveston, TX 77550
www.galvestonislandtx.com
Those who want to soak up some history just a short walk from the Gulf of Mexico should consider a visit to Galveston's Strand. Historic shops, quaint restaurants and educational museums abound on the Strand and it ranks among Galveston's most popular attractions. The Strand is a National Historic Landmark with Victorian-era architecture that dates back to the 1800s. It's a nice place to visit for its history, subtropical climate and short distance from Galveston's beaches.
Related: Best Hiking Trails In Houston
Where to Stay
Hotel Icon
220 Main St.
Houston, TX 77002
(713) 224-4266
www.hotelicon.com
A touch of luxury in downtown Houston, Hotel Icon is every bit as intriguing as its name. The hotel was constructed from a former bank building and its exterior still maintains its neoclassical charm. On the inside, Hotel Icon is all about luxury and guests are encouraged to partake in a spa treatment and massage as part of their stay. The hotel features standard rooms, signature suites and two penthouse suites that are difficult to come by but worth pursuing. This is the perfect place to stay for a Houston weekend getaway.
Where to Eat
Hugo's Restaurant
1600 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
(713) 524-7744
www.hugosrestaurant.net
Houston is deeply influenced by Hispanic culture and a weekend getaway isn't complete without a visit to one of the city's hundreds of Mexican restaurants. Among the very finest is Hugo's Restaurant. Located in Houston's Montrose area, Hugo's offers authentic Mexican food prepared using recipes and techniques taken directly from the other side of the border. Hugo's has been the recipient of many awards and often appears on Houston's top 10 best restaurant lists. It's a place you don't want to miss during your long Houston weekend.
