Houston is an ideal destination for those seeking a vacation that blends urban excitement with outdoor adventure. Known as Space City, Houston offers world-class shopping, dining, and museums, alongside opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and proximity to national forests and preserves. This unique mix of attractions, combined with its relaxed atmosphere, makes it one of the top travel spots in the U.S. — along with one of the country’s largest cities.
If you’re not sure where to start with planning a trip to Houston, our AAA travel experts have decades of travel planning experience for those looking to go to Houston or other cities around the U.S. Start planning your trip to Houston with our comprehensive travel guide.
How to Get Around Houston
Whether you fly into George Bush Intercontinental/Houston Airport or William P. Hobby Airport — the two main airports in the area — you’ll need a way to get around. Renting a car is always a convenient option, but Houston has public transportation options as well. If you’re driving here from other parts of Texas or other states you’ll be set for transportation, however you’ll need to know what it’s like driving around and parking.
Driving Around Houston
Driving is arguably the most convenient way to travel around the city, especially if you want to explore the area beyond downtown. In the metro area however, you’ll hit traffic jams during rush hour, so plan your sightseeing accordingly. Houston has a plethora of freeways and other major roads, making it faster and easier to get from one place to another. Some of the main roads include:
- I-10 W (Katy Freeway or West Freeway)
- I-10 E (East Freeway)
- I-45 N (North Freeway)
- I-45 S (Gulf Freeway)
- Beltway 8 (Sam Houston Tollway)
- I-610 (The Loop)
If you’re in need of a rental car you can catch a shuttle to rental car facilities from the airport, as Houston has several available locations.
Parking in Houston
Having a car to assist in getting around is helpful but it’s not always simple to find parking. Houston is a major city, so parking lots and other spaces can fill up quickly. A good tip to be aware of is to use online parking services to reserve a spot. That saves you from having to drive around looking for somewhere to park, especially during peak hours.
Public Transportation in Houston
If you wish to avoid the complications that can come with parking and dealing with traffic, you’re in luck. Houston has a light rail and buses available to help you get around, as well as the option to rent a bike to get around town.
- METRORail: Ride the light rail to get to major attractions in the downtown area. METRORail has lines going to the Theater District, Texas Medical Center, Museum District, PNC Stadium — and more.
- METRO Bus: Houston has tons of bus routes available for getting around the downtown area and beyond. They’re available seven days a week for added convenience. Always check the METRO Bus schedules and routes for up-to-date info.
Best Time to Visit Houston
Knowing the right time of year to visit Houston depends on different factors such as your budget, weather preferences and any must-see attractions or events. Consider your top priorities and how flexible your personal schedule is. To make things easier, we’ll go through a few of the ideal times to visit Houston based on various factors.
For those looking to plan a budget-friendly vacation, you’ll want to plan a trip during winter. Winter has lighter crowds and colder weather than other seasons, but that means hotels prices tend to the cheapest. Seasonal activities and attractions are usually closed during this time of year, limiting your options.
Summer is peak travel time making it the most expensive. Summer also brings heat and humidity that you'll need to plan for.
If your goal is to find fun events and more temperate weather, spring is the best option. Enjoy events like Houston Astros MLB baseball games or the Houston Art Car Parade in April (one of the country's weirdest festivals). If you’re coming in March, book early as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo takes this month, and hotels fill up early.
Houston offers a variety of festivals in the fall, such as the Dia de los Muertos Festival in October and Texas Renaissance Festival in October and November. Daytime temperatures are cooler this time of year, too, for more comfortable sightseeing and outdoor activities. It’s important to keep in mind that this is also hurricane season for the Gulf area — so keep an eye on forecasts.
Top Things to Do in Houston
With such a variety of things to see and do in Houston, the hard part of planning will likely be narrowing all of your favorite options down. Below we’ve made a list of some ideas to get you started and create a memorable trip.
Visit the City’s Top Attractions
With a Houston CITYPass, you can easily see several key attractions as well as save money. Your pass gives you access to the Houston Children’s Museum, Houston Zoo, Houston Museum of Natural Science, Space Center — and so much more.
Combine a Haunted Tour and Pub Crawl
Learn about the city's paranormal past with a guided ghost tour of Houston, where you’ll explore the historic district while learning about local lore. You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a beer or other alcoholic beverage on stops at haunted bars. (Remember to drink responsibly and plan for a ride home if you don't have a designated driver.)
Explore the Downtown Tunnel System
Did you know that Houston has a whole tunnel system that’s the largest one in the U.S.? You can explore it on a guided tunnel tour, where you’ll get to visit the tallest building in the city, the oldest bank in town and Texas’ very first skyscraper. Along the way, you’ll learn about Houston’s architecture, history and more.
Take a Skyline Tour via Kayak
As a major city, you might assume that exploring Houston would mean a lot of walking. However, you can take a tour of the metro area via water with a kayak tour down the Buffalo Bayou. You might see turtles, herons, fish and other wildlife — along with cottonwood, sycamore and other trees. Check out views of Daikin Park, skyscrapers and more while paddling down the river.
Go For a Food Tour
Your time in Houston might be limited — but you can make the most of its diverse food scene with a guided food tour of Houston. Sample some of Houston’s best cuisine from several restaurants, including hidden gems. From brisket eggrolls to locally made ice cream, it’s worth your time to see what culinary delights Space City has to offer.
Where to Stay in Houston
The downtown area is an excellent choice for accommodations, offering convenient access to museums, entertainment, and major attractions. For more budget-friendly options, consider staying near the Houston Medical Center, which often provides lower rates while still being close to key destinations. The Galleria area is another popular spot, placing you near a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Explore our recommendations for some of the best places to stay in Houston to find the perfect fit for your trip.
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
- Address: 1600 W. Loop St., Houston, TX
- Diamond-designation: Five Diamond
- Parking: Valet
- Amenities: Heated outdoor pool, fitness center, 5 restaurants, full bar, sauna, cabanas, steam room, hot tub, business center, pet friendly
- Best for: Travelers wishing to stay in a high-end hotel for luxurious amenities and spectacular spa options
If your goal is to find a higher-end stay, Post Oak Hotel is packed with upscale furnishings, décor and amenities — from deep soaking tubs to elegant chandeliers and floral arrangements. With five restaurants on site, you also have plenty of convenient dining options to choose from.
InterContinental Houston
- Address: 6750 Main St., Houston, TX
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Parking: Valet and on-site (fee)
- Amenities: Heated outdoor pool, fitness center, full bar, restaurant, pet friendly, wireless internet
- Best for: Those seeking an upscale hotel outside of the downtown area
The InternContinental Houston offers a comfortable place to stay with a touch of luxury — at affordable rates. This AAA Four Diamond-designated location sits in the Medical Center area rather than the bustling downtown area, making for a quieter stay. An on-site restaurant and pool provide added convenience.
Hotel ZaZa Houston Museum District
- Address: 5701 Main St., Houston, TX
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Parking: Valet
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, restaurant, full bar, valet laundry, pet friendly, area transportation within 3 miles, spa, fitness center, cabanas
- Best for: Those who want to stay in a luxury hotel in a convenient location near museums and the light rail
Those planning to visit museums during their trip will find that staying in the Museum District makes this much easier to do. The AAA Four Diamond-designated Hotel ZaZa is located near art galleries, museums and other attractions. This boutique hotel provides a quaint yet high-end place to stay during your vacation, with notable amenities — including cabanas and a spa.
Hilton Garden Inn Houston Galleria Area
- Address: 3201 Sage Rd., Houston, TX
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Parking: On-site (fee)
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, fitness center, pet friendly, full bar, restaurant, hot tub
- Best for: Those looking forward to shopping on vacation
For those planning on shopping in Houston, there’s no better place to book accommodations than right near The Galleria. Hilton Garden Inn gives you easy access to this major shopping center, along with many other retail places in the city. You’ll also have an outdoor pool to enjoy after a long day of hitting the stores and shops.
Le Meridien Houston Downtown
- Address: 1121 Walker St., Houston, TX
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Parking: Valet
- Amenities: Fitness center, restaurant, full bar, wireless high-speed internet, pet friendly, business center
- Best for: Travelers who want to stay in a prime downtown location
Step back in time with a stay at this renovated skyscraper. La Meridien features mid-century decor and furnishings for a charming environment. But it also has modern amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible — including high-speed internet access and a state-of-the-art fitness center. With a downtown location, you’ll also be close to tons of attractions.
Where to Eat in Houston
You can find dining options ranging from a fancy steak dinner to traditional comfort food in Houston’s dining scene. The city’s restaurants range from casual and budget-friendly to upscale and formal. To help you decide where to dine, we offer the following restaurant recommendations.
Pappas Bros. Steakhouse
- Address: 5839 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX
- Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
Head to the St. George District to dine on USSA prime steaks made the way you like. The AAA Four Diamond-designated Pappas Bros. Steakhouse offers an elegant place to dine. You can also find seafood entrees, such as sea bass, on the menu — along with hundreds of wines.
DaMarco
- Address: 1520 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
Make reservations at the AAA Four Diamond-designated DaMarco for a formal evening where you’ll find a menu full of authentic Italian dishes, such as ravioli with lobster. Try Italian wedding cake or cannoli for dessert after enjoying an expertly made dinner and a glass or two of wine. DaMarco also has a lunch menu if you’re looking for a formal afternoon meal.
Brennan’s of Houston
- Address: 3300 Smith St., Houston, TX
- AAA Diamond-designation: Four Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
Brennan’s of Houston has an incredible menu featuring Creole dishes, like shrimp remoulade, jumbo lump crab cakes, and much more. Leave room for Brennan’s bananas Foster with Caribbean rum and cinnamon for dessert. There’s also a brunch and lunch menu.
Ouisie’s Table
- Address: 3939 San Felipe Rd., Houston, TX
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
Head to Ouisie’s Table for brunch options such as eggs Benedict or a plate of French toast. Sip on mimosas while enjoying your brunch at this popular spot. Or come to Ouisie’s for lunch or dinner filled with comfort food, like shrimp and grits or country fried chicken.
Oceanaire Seafood Room
- Address: 5061 Westheimer Rd., Houston, TX
- AAA Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
The AAA Three Diamond-designated Oceanaire Seafood Room serves sushi and other seafood in a nautical/art deco-themed dining room. Try some chicken fried lobster or Chilean sea bass for dinner. Or have shrimp tacos or a lobster quesadilla for lunch. You’ll also find several sushi menu items to choose from.
Houston Photo Spots
Making lasting memories is much easier when you have photos to browse through after your trip. You can find plenty of scenic places downtown and the surrounding areas — but which of them should you move to the top of your list? We recommend going to the following photo spots in Houston for the most eye-catching pictures.
1. Color Factory
Visit Color Factory Houston where every room features different color patterns in stunning arrangements. You can get photos from the facility itself but you’re also welcome to take your own as you make your way through the various rooms. Don’t forget to grab some macaroons or other goodies while you’re there.
2. Buffalo Bayou Park
You don’t have to travel to a national or state park to take stunning photos of the surrounding landscape. Simply head to Buffalo Bayou Park in the city for beautiful natural backgrounds. As an added bonus, you can also take pictures with the skyline behind you. Take photos along the nature trails, while boating or while strolling through the grass.
3. Waterwall
Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park has an artificial waterfall that makes for a stunning backdrop to your trip photos. It also makes for a good chance to escape the summer heat for a few minutes during a hot day.
4. Graffiti Park
Visit Graffiti Park on Leeland St. to take pics in front of impressive urban murals for a nice backdrop. This area has entire buildings covered in visually striking street art, with many of them having been done as part of the Houston Mural Experience Mural Festival.
5. McGovern Centennial Gardens
Visit the gardens to take pictures in front of a granite waterfall that flows through green, grass-covered mounds and a spiral-shaped path. You’ll also have plenty of other opportunities for vivid photo spots as you explore all 15 acres of the gardens.
Houston Day Trips
If you’re looking to add even more during your Houston stay, you can venture outside the city for day trips to picturesque areas that are within a couple hours. Below, we explore a few of these possibilities to give you an idea of what they offer — and why you may want to make a stop.
1. Galveston
Distance: 47 miles
Within an hour of Houston sits Galveston, an island city filled with charm. The location offers incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico and several historical landmarks and buildings to see — including Victorian mansions. Take a guided tour of Galveston to hear all about the area’s history and culture.
2. Sam Houston National Forest
Distance: 58 miles
Sam Houston National Forest is a great destination for outdoor adventures, being less than an hour from Houston. Spend the day hiking along the Lone Star Hiking Trail for views of Lake Conroe and other scenic sights. Or explore the Little Lake Creek Wilderness Area or Big Creek Scenic Area to watch for wildlife and take in beautiful surroundings.
3. Big Thicket National Preserve
Distance: 90 miles
If you don’t mind driving a bit farther, you’ll have even more of the great outdoors to explore at Big Thicket National Preserve. Go hiking along the preserve’s nature trails, like Hickory Creek Savannah or Big Sandy Creek Trail. Or do some canoeing in the Pine Island Bayou or Neches River.
Visiting Houston on a Budget
No matter what your budget is, you can always find cost-effective ways to spend less on travel expenses. We’ll go over some tips for enjoying Space City while staying within your spending limits.
Look for free shuttles and transportation discounts
If you're visiting Houston without a car, it's important to explore cost-saving options for public transportation, like day passes rather than single-ride fares. Take free shuttles to get around from your hotel (if available).
Put your AAA membership to good use
AAA is there for you if your car breaks down, but did you know that as a member, you have access exclusive savings and benefits on vehicle rentals, attraction and event tickets and accommodations? These savings can add up, reducing your overall spending on your Houston vacation.
Explore free and low-cost things to do
Houston has tons of attractions and activities that are low-cost or even free. Visit the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center to stroll through themed gardens. Head to the Art Car Museum to see unusual works of art made from scrap metal. You can easily fill up your days here without spending a fortune.
Visit during a shoulder season
Skip the usual summer or winter holiday vacation plans and aim to come to Houston in spring or fall instead. These seasons come with lower costs, so you can stretch your dollar even further during your vacation. You’ll find great events taking place during these seasons — and you won’t have sweltering heat or crowds to deal with.
Plan Your Houston Vacation with AAA
Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Houston trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or a la carte options.