Houston 8-Day Trip Itinerary

Airport Transfer

Arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or William P.

Hobby Airport (HOU) and transfer to your downtown accommodation.

Consider pre-booking an airport transfer for convenience upon arrival.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel and take some time to freshen up and settle in.

Relax before starting your Houston exploration.

Discovery Green Park

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Discovery Green, a vibrant urban park in downtown Houston, featuring public art, a lake, and open spaces.

Check for any free events or performances happening in the park during your visit.

Dinner in Downtown

Savor dinner at a downtown restaurant, exploring Houston's diverse culinary scene.

Options range from casual eateries to upscale dining. Consider Xochi for Oaxacan cuisine or Hearsay Gastro Lounge for American fare.

Houston History & Art Walking Tour

Join Houston's only walking tour to dive into the history, architecture, and unique Texan ambiance of the city, exploring street art and hidden gems.

A great way to get acquainted with downtown Houston and its vibrant culture. Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Houston/Free-Walking-Tour-of-Downtown-Houston/d5186-5523706P1?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Rutherford B H Yates Museum

Visit the Printers & Publishers Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of printing and publishing in the African American community.

A unique historical and cultural stop in downtown Houston.

Lunch in Midtown

Enjoy lunch in the lively Midtown neighborhood, known for its diverse dining options.

Midtown offers a variety of cuisines from casual cafes to trendy bistros.

Buffalo Bayou Park Exploration

Spend the afternoon exploring Buffalo Bayou Park, including the Cistern, a historic underground reservoir, and enjoy the scenic trails.

Consider renting a bike or kayak, or taking a boat tour for different perspectives. Check for Cistern tour availability in advance as it requires booking.

Historic Craft Cocktail Tour

Embark on a guided tour featuring a variety of craft cocktails from talented mixologists in Houston's Historic District, paired with delicious bites and a dose of history.

A fantastic way to experience Houston's nightlife and learn about its past. Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Houston/Houston-Historic-District-Craft-Cocktail-Tour/d5186-137843P2?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Space Center Houston

Dedicate a full day to Space Center Houston, home to NASA's astronaut training and flight control.

Explore over 400 space-related artifacts and interactive exhibits.

Arrive early to make the most of your visit. Don't miss the tram tour of NASA Johnson Space Center. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g56003-d669494-Reviews-Space_Center_Houston-Houston_Texas.html?m=66827

Dinner near Clear Lake

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the Clear Lake area, near Space Center Houston, offering fresh seafood and waterfront views.

A relaxing end to your space-themed day. Options include waterfront dining at Kemah Boardwalk (short drive).

Children's Museum Houston

Visit the Children's Museum Houston, offering hands-on interactive exhibits in science, technology, culture, and arts, perfect for all ages.

Great for families, but also enjoyable for adults with its engaging exhibits. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g56003-d269830-Reviews-Children_s_Museum_Houston-Houston_Texas.html?m=66827

Houston Zoo

Explore the Houston Zoo, home to over 6,000 animals.

It's a fun and educational experience fostering appreciation for the natural world.

Located within Hermann Park, allowing for a combined visit. Booking: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g56003-d266874-Reviews-Houston_Zoo-Houston_Texas.html?m=66827

Eleanor Tinsley Park

Relax and enjoy the beautiful skyline views from Eleanor Tinsley Park, a popular spot for outdoor activities along Buffalo Bayou.

Ideal for a walk or bike ride, with various public art installations.

Dinner in Montrose

Experience the eclectic culinary scene of Montrose, known for its trendy restaurants and diverse offerings.

Montrose is a vibrant neighborhood with options ranging from fine dining to casual cafes.

Howdy H-Town Street Art & Bar Tour

Explore the sculptures, graffiti art, architecture, and small bars that make Downtown Houston unique on this engaging walking tour.

This tour is available October - April. A fantastic way to see Houston's vibrant street art scene. Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Houston/Howdys-Downtown-Walking-Tour/d5186-339065P1?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Outdoor Escape Room Downtown

Engage in an urban adventure combining a scavenger hunt, escape room, and city crawl.

Search for real-world clues and solve puzzles to discover the city.

A fun and interactive way to explore downtown Houston's landmarks. Booking: https://www.viator.com/tours/Houston/Clue-Solving-Adventure-around-Downtown-Houston/d5186-430198P4?mcid=42383&pid=P00266106&medium=api&api_version=2.0

Visit Union Station

Admire the historic architecture of Union Station, a grand former train station that now serves as part of Minute Maid Park.

A beautiful historical landmark worth a quick visit.

Leisure & Departure Prep

Enjoy some free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or revisit a favorite spot before preparing for the next part of your trip.

This marks the end of the first chunk of your Houston itinerary.

Space Center Houston

Immerse yourself in space exploration history and exciting future missions at the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center.

Explore interactive exhibits, historic spacecraft, and the world's largest collection of moon rocks.

Space Center Houston is located southeast of downtown Houston, in the Clear Lake area. Allow sufficient travel time. Book tickets in advance online.

Dinner in Clear Lake

Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants in the Clear Lake area, offering a variety of dining options after your visit to Space Center Houston.

Consider local seafood restaurants or casual eateries in the Kemah Boardwalk area.

Buffalo Bayou Park Exploration

Explore the expansive Buffalo Bayou Park, offering scenic trails, public art, and impressive city views.

Visit the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, a historic underground reservoir converted into a unique art space.

The park is free to enter. The Cistern requires timed-entry tickets and has a small fee. Consider renting a bike or kayak.

Lunch & Discovery Green

Enjoy lunch at one of the food trucks or nearby eateries around Discovery Green, a vibrant urban park in the heart of downtown Houston.

Relax by the lake, enjoy public art, or observe local activities.

Check their schedule for any free events or performances during your visit.

Howdy H-Town Street Art & Bar Tour

Explore the vibrant sculptures, graffiti art, architecture, and small bars that make Downtown Houston unique on this guided walking tour.

Dive into the city's creative side and enjoy local insights.

This tour typically runs from October to April. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Includes exploring art and local bars.

Rutherford B H Yates Museum

Visit the Rutherford B H Yates Museum, Inc.

, a unique Printers & Publishers Museum, to learn about a significant part of Houston's history and cultural heritage.

Check their opening hours before visiting, as they may vary.

Shopping at The Galleria

Spend your afternoon at The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center, offering a vast selection of international brands, luxury boutiques, and dining options.

It's perfect for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a relaxing browse.

The Galleria is a major shopping destination, allow plenty of time. Grab lunch at one of the many restaurants inside.

Transfer to Airport

Arrange for a private transfer or take a taxi/rideshare service to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) or Hobby Airport (HOU) for your departure.