Houston is the largest city in Texas and the fourth largest city in the United States and was founded by Augustus and John Allen in 1836. The city of Houston and surrounding areas has much to offer tourists in the way of culture, outdoor sports, shopping, fine dining and water activities. Water enthusiasts can head to Galveston beach or up north to Lake Conroe, where they can indulge in their favorite water sport.
Tourist Attractions
Include a visit to NASA located in the city of Clearlake about a half-hour ride ride from the center of Houston. The Space Center at NASA is open to the public, offering daily tours. Visit the Air Terminal Museum, which promotes Houston's aviation history. George Ranch Historical Park offers more than 100 years of Houston in past years with tour guides dressed in historical costumes. If you are a movie buff, you may want to catch a flick at River Oaks Theater, which was built in 1939. Take a tour of Battleship Texas, which participated in world wars I and II.
Parks
Hiking and biking trails are located in the city of Houston and many surrounding areas. Memorial Park is located just west of downtown and offers 1,431 acres of bicycle and jogging trails along with volleyball courts, tennis and a golf course. Brazos Bend State Park located 28 miles southwest of Houston. Bayou Park runs along the Buffalo Bayou, where you can enjoy a bicycle ride or a hike and view the downtown skyline.
Water Sports and Beaches
Head down to Galveston about an hour's drive from downtown Houston to enjoy a day at the beach where the surf is gentle for kayaking and swimming. Take a walk on the Galveston Pier with its many souvenir shops and small restaurants; hike around the city to see all the historic Victorian houses. Lake Conroe, approximately an hour's drive north of Houston, is one of the largest water arenas in the state of Texas, where you can enjoy beautiful natural surroundings and swim, fish, kayak, surf or jet-ski.
Where to Eat
Houston and outlying areas offer restaurants catering to every taste. If chicken is your choice, head for one of three Pollo Bravo eateries in the Houston area, where whole barbecue chickens are spinning on the rotisserie all day and served with house-made salsa, rice and assorted salads and vegetables. Try The Banana Leaf located in nearby Bellaire, where you can choose from a wide variety of Asian dishes. Farmers markets are located throughout the Houston area, where you can select fresh vegetables, cheeses and meats for a picnics at one of the many parks or water spots.
Shopping
Shopping is often an activity of choice in a new city, and a good time to get some walking in. The Galleria located in the central part of Houston offers shopping for the most discerning tastes, along with restaurants where you can enjoy a view of the skaters gliding on the ice rink. Head for the downtown underground tunnel, which is great for rainy or very hot days and offers parking with many boutiques, galleries and specialty shops. Historic Houston Heights shopping district has many antique shops, vintage clothing, art galleries and garden shops
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