Are you planning to spend a weekend in Houston? Then you’ve come to the right place! Houston is the 4th largest city in the US, and it’s full of things to do. So, it can be a bit overwhelming when you’re wondering how to plan a trip to Houston.
But, don’t worry, we’re going to share with you our favorite Houston tips. By the time you finish reading this, you’ll feel ready to pack your bags!
To make it easier, we’ve planned a Houston itinerary that is perfect for just 2 days in Houston. While 2 days in Houston might not seem like much, we promise that you’ll at least get to see the major highlights.
If you have extra time, we’ve also added a section where you’ll find some additional activities you might want to do. However, you can easily do a weekend in Houston and still leave feeling like you saw everything.
As we’ve said, Houston is the 4th largest city in the US, and it’s no surprise that it’s also the largest city in Texas. The population of Houston alone is over 2.3 million people! With all those people, there is truly an endless amount of things to do.
You can explore the historic area known as The Heights, take a short drive to Galveston and see the beach, or visit the NASA Space Center. The city also has amazing museums, unique art installations, and even an underground tunnel system!
Now that you know a little bit more about Houston, let’s take a look at our Houston tips to help you plan the perfect weekend in Houston.
Getting To Houston
It’s very easy to get to Houston. Because Houston is the biggest city in Texas, it has two major airports. About 20 miles north of Houston is the George Bush Intercontinental Airport. This is the larger of the two airports closest to Houston. It serves 27 airlines and has 187 direct flights daily.
Just 7 miles south of Houston is the smallest of the two, the William P. Hobby Airport. Both have flights coming in hourly from all over the country and the world. It serves 4 airlines and has 83 direct flights a day.
If you want to drive to Houston, you can do that too. It’s connected to several major highways and freeways, making it easy to get to. Another perk of it being the largest city in Texas is that it has plenty of bus and train depots that bring you into the city from closer destinations.
Getting Around During Your Houston Weekend Getaway
You’ll find that it’s also very easy to get around the city during your Houston weekend getaway too. Because it’s a major city, its public transit system is the best in the state. There are trains and buses with routes that connect to each other and take you all over the city.
They also have city taxis, or you can use a rideshare program. One of the best ways to see the city, and learn something in the process, is to use the Hop-on Hop-off Bus. It stops at most of the sites on this Houston itinerary and it’s a great deal.
If you’re planning to drive to your weekend getaway in Houston, that’s fine. The city has plenty of parking garages and lots. They also have their own parking app, where you can search for parking and book a spot before you even head to your destination. It is a large city, so it’s not completely walkable. But, that’s why they have such a great public transit system.
Book Your Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
The Ultimate 2-Day Weekend In Houston Itinerary
Day 1: Explore The Heart Of Downtown Houston
For your first 2 days in Houston, you’ll be exploring some of the most iconic sites and activities in the heart of downtown Houston. While everything is relatively close together, we suggest using public transit, the Hop-on Hop-Off Bus, or your own car to get around. It’ll be quicker and your feet will thank you.
Stop 1: Houston Arboretum And Nature Center
The first stop of your weekend in Houston itinerary is the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a non-profit arboretum in the heart of downtown Houston. You’ll find it in Memorial Park, on Woodway Drive. This is a great stop, whether it’s your first time in Houston or your tenth.
The arboretum is open daily and offers free admission. So it’s also one of the best free things to do in Houston in a weekend. At the Arboretum, there is a large learning center, tons of gardens, a small pond, and a gift shop. Throughout the month, they also have different events and activities.
Get Your Houston CityPass Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 2: Bayou Bend Collection And Gardens
After exploring the botanical gardens and arboretum, you’ll take a short 10-minute drive to your next Houston itinerary destination. The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a large 14-acre space. It includes manicured gardens, and a large home full of fine art. In fact, the entire home is a fine art museum.
The beautiful mansion originally belonged to a famous Houston civic leader and philanthropist, Ima Hogg. After her death in 1975, the mansion became a fine art museum. Today, it houses one of the most impressive collections of American art, antique furniture, ceramics, and silver.
The fine art museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. There is a small entrance fee for the tours, but it’s a really cool collection, and totally worth it. It’s one of the coolest things to do in Houston.
Get Your Houston CityPass Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 3: Underground Tunnel Tour Of Downtown Houston
Your next stop during your weekend in Houston takes you underground! Many people may not know that Houston has one of the most extensive underground tunnel systems in the US. When we say ‘tunnel’ you may be thinking of a dark, cramped, and dirty space. But, that’s not at all what the Houston tunnels are like.
Instead, the over 7.5-miles of underground tunnels are air-conditioned. They also connect to pretty much every major building and skyscraper in Houston. So, during the hot summer months, when the streets look empty, it’s because everyone has gone underground!
The guided underground tunnel tour takes you through the tunnel system with your personal guide. You’ll get to see the entrance to a few Forbes 500 companies, shops, cafes, and more. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Houston, tour the tunnels!
Book Your Underground Tunnel Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 4: ArtCar Museum
When you’re done exploring the underground tunnels, head back up to street level, and to the ArtCar Museum. Houston has tons, and tons, of cool museums to explore. One of the most unique museums in Houston is the ArtCar Museum. The ArtCar Museum is a private contemporary art museum that originally opened in 1998.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is always free. The primary focus of this unique thing to do in Houston is art cars. These ornately painted, decorated or interestingly designed cars are how the museum got its name. Inside the museum, you’ll also find other examples of fine art and sculptural pieces.
Book Your Houston Museum Pass Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 5: 19th Street In The Heights
If you only have enough time to see Houston on a weekend, you’ll want to make sure you get out to The Heights. The Heights is a historic area in downtown Houston on 19th Street. The neighborhood is extremely popular to walk around in. It’s full of beautiful Victorian homes on picturesque tree-lined streets.
It’s also home to some of the most quirky shops in all of Houston. Antique stores are filled to the brim, as old-school record shops, and the classic Heights Theater. On the first Saturday of the month, the Heights Theater hosts the Arts Market.
In the Heights, you’ll also find the hike-and-bike trail, one of the best hiking trails in Houston, that loops around downtown Houston. No matter when you visit, you’ll love exploring the Heights during your weekend in Houston getaway.
Book Your Houston City Shopping Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 6: Waugh Drive Bat Colony
The last stop of your first day during your fun weekend trip to Houston is easily one of the most unique things to do in Houston. While we think this stop on the Houston itinerary is super cool, we also realize it might not be for everyone. The Waugh Drive Bat Colony is a colony of bats that live under the Waugh Drive Bridge.
Nightly, as the sun starts to set and twilight sets in, you’ll be able to see thousands of bats take off into the sky. You’ll be able to watch them wind through the city. They pass in between skyscrapers and some of the most iconic sites in Houston. It is estimated that there are about 250,000 bats in the colony. However, that number does fluctuate.
The best time of the year to see the flight of the Waugh Drive bats is the summer and early fall. That’s when most bats will be living in the colony. There are several viewing locations set up around the Waugh Drive Bridge. All of them have been set up by Texas Parks and Wildlife, and they are set up to keep both the viewers and the bats safe.
Book Your Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Day 2: Icons Of Houston
On the second day of your fun weekend trip to Houston, you’ll explore some of the most iconic things to do in, and around, Houston. On day one of this Houston itinerary, you’ll probably want to use public transportation to get around.
Stop 1: Space Center Houston
You can’t go to Houston and not visit the NASA Space Center. You know the quote ‘Houston, we have a problem? Well, that comes from a movie about NASA’s Mission Control, which is located in Houston TX. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Houston, and we definitely think you need to see it.
The Space Center is open daily, and there is an admission fee. However, if you have a Houston CityPass, it’s included in the pass. You’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to explore the permanent exhibitions in this Houston museum. They have a large collection of spacesuits, flown spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.
This is one of our favorite Fun Kids Activities In Houston!
You can also tour a replica of the original Independence shuttle, learn about Mars Rover, or see a SpaceX rocket. It’s such a cool experience and place to explore, and you definitely don’t need to be a huge fan of space exploration to enjoy it.
Get Your Houston CityPass Here: Getyourguide.com
Book Your Space Center Houston Admission Ticket Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 2: The Houston Museum Of Fine Arts
The next stop on our weekend guide to Houston is the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. You’ll find it in an area known as the Museum District in Houston. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and there is an admission fee. However, if you get the Houston Museum Pass, it’s included.
There are a number of permanent and temporary exhibits in the museum featuring their extensive collection. You’ll see antiquities and pieces from places around the world, like Asia, the Americas, and Europe. There are paintings by famous artists like Max Lieberman, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, and Georgia O’Keefe.
They also have a large collection of early films by Robert Frank, photographs by Andy Warhol, and sculptures by Matisse. The Houston Museum of Fine Arts is very big so we suggest giving yourself plenty of time to explore it.
Get Your Houston Museum Pass Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 3: Houston Museum Of Natural Science
While you’re in the Museum District, we suggest making the next stop on your Houston itinerary the Houston Museum of Natural Science. There is always something cool on exhibit or at the Museum of Natural Science. If you’re spending 48 hours in Houston with kids, this is a great museum for them. They’ll have tons of fun exploring all of the cool exhibits!
The museum is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Like the Museum of Fine Arts, it does have an admission fee, but it is included in the Houston Museum Pass. Their permanent exhibitions include the hall of gems and minerals, giant dinosaur skeletons, the hall of Ancient Egypt, and a large collection of Faberge eggs.
They also have interactive exhibits that the kids will really love. In fact, one of those is your next stop on this itinerary for Houston!
Get Your Houston Museum Pass Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 4: Cockrell Butterfly Center
While you’re at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, make sure you take the time to visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center. The Cockrell Butterfly Center is part of the museum, but it has a separate admission fee. The entire environment in the butterfly center was created to replicate a rainforest ecosystem.
So, it’s a steamy, sunny, room that is 3-stories tall and made almost entirely of glass windows. In the butterfly center, you’ll find lush tropical greenery, a 50-foot waterfall, and over 1,500 butterflies.
Because of the atmosphere in the center, there are always butterflies active. They aren’t always the same species, as they all grow at different times, but you’ll always get to see butterflies. If you’re lucky, you might even have one perch on you for a free ride!
Book Your Cockrell Butterfly Center Admission Ticket Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 5: James Turrell’s ‘Twilight Epiphany’ Skyspace
As you wind down the last few hours of your 48 hours in Houston, head to James Turrell’s ‘Twilight Epiphany Skyspace. The Skyspace, as it’s shortened, is a pyramidal structure on the Rice University Campus. It was built in 2012 and has quickly become an iconic attraction in Houston.
The structure holds up to 120 people, on two separate levels. It’s actually specifically designed to be a performance venue. Often the students at the Shepherd School of Music put on performances there.
Equipped in the structure is a LED lightscape that enhances the view of sunrise and sunset through the viewing hole in the ceiling of the structure. If you want to see an incredible sunset or sunrise, this is the place to do it. The Skyspace also makes for a great romantic activity if you’re on a couple’s trip to Houston.
Get Your Houston CityPass Here: Getyourguide.com
Stop 6: Houston Ghost Tour
We suggest going on a ghost tour to end your trip exploring Houston in 2 days! Ghost tours are always a really fun way to end a weekend getaway. You’ve just spent 48 hours in Houston, exploring all over the city. But, when you go on a ghost tour, you get to learn about the secrets and mysteries that make the city unique.
This is truly one of the best things to do in Houston At Night!
There are several companies in Houston that offer ghost tours. They have haunted Houston ghost walks and pub crawls, walking ghost and history tours, and even bus tours. You’ll get to learn about the history of Houston, and the famous ghost stories there, and you’ll probably see a part of the city you completely missed.
Book Your Houston Haunted City Exploration Game Here: Getyourguide.com
What To Do With 3 Days In Houston Or More
If you have more than 48 hours in Houston to explore, there are plenty of other things to do and see. We have a lovely post on the best weekend trips from Houston if you are looking for inspiration!
The museum district is full of some great museums, and almost all of them are included in the Museum Pass. If you’re up for a drive, we suggest heading out to Galveston and the Kemah Boardwalk.
Galveston is a city on the Gulf Coast that is full of fun things to do. Plus, it’s just under an hour south of Houston. When you’re there, you can walk the Kemah Boardwalk, lay out on the beach, or go swimming! If you want to stay in the city, you might want to go on a Mural Tour, and take pictures of some of the coolest murals in the city.
Book Your Galveston Island Tour Here: Getyourguide.com
Where To Stay For A Weekend In Houston
The Cambria Hotel Houston
For those who are looking to stay in the heart of downtown Houston, the Cambria Hotel Houston is a great pick. It’s a beautiful hotel on Texas Avenue, surrounded by parks and plazas. If you’re planning to use public transit to get around the city, you’ll be less than half a mile away from three different train stations.
The Cambria Hotel Houston has its own restaurant, and it’s also close to plenty of other restaurants too. They have a few different room options available. All of the rooms have at least one king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds. However, there are larger rooms that have sitting areas and extra beds as well.
If you want to, you can also pay a little bit extra to enjoy city views from your hotel room. The hotel is reasonably priced and in a great location! You can’t go wrong staying at the Cambria Hotel Houston during your Houston weekend getaway.
Check Rates Here: Booking.com
The Renovated EaDo Home
If your weekend getaway in Houston includes a large group or your whole family, then you may like staying at the Renovated EaDo Home. It is a full private residence that is about two miles outside of downtown Houston. However, you’ll still be close to plenty of attractions, parks, and restaurants.
This three-bedroom home was recently fully renovated and includes tons of awesome amenities. The three bedrooms have one king-sized bed and two queen-sized beds. There is also a pull-out couch. So up to 8 people can comfortably stay here. There is also a fully-equipped kitchen, a spacious living area, and a washer and dryer.
Check Rates Here: Booking.com
The Whitehall Houston
Located in downtown Houston, less than a mile away from the Toyota Center, you’ll find The Whitehall Houston. The Whitehall Houston is a premier hotel, and great for a romantic couples trip to Houston. On-site, the restaurant has three restaurants, a luxurious rooftop pool area, and a full fitness center.
Because it is located in downtown Houston, it’s surrounded by pretty parks and plazas. Plus, it’s close to a lot of great Houston activities.
The Whitehall Houston is definitely a more luxurious option, but it’s not necessarily budget-breaking. Their room options include either a king-sized bed or two queen-sized beds. They also have full suites that are slightly larger rooms with better views of the city.
Check Rates Here: Booking.com
Where to Eat During Your 2 Days In Houston
Better Luck Tomorrow
One of the most unique breakfast restaurants in Houston is Better Luck Tomorrow. Better Luck is known for a few different things. For one, they have one of the best Sunday brunches in Houston. But what probably makes them most unique is their menu.
On their menu, you’ll find classic breakfast foods and some not-so-classic menu items. One of the most unique dishes is probably their spaghetti sandwich. It may not sound good, but people love it, and it’s become one of their most popular menu items. They also have pistachio toast, a dish called hangover hashbrowns, and a classic breakfast sandwich.
Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse
Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse has frequently been awarded the best steakhouse in Houston. If you eat meat, then you can’t go to Texas and not enjoy a classic Texas steakhouse experience. Texas is where some of the country’s best steaks come from and it’s something they’re known for. Vic’s is open daily for dinner and is located in downtown Houston.
Their menu is full of dishes made with the highest quality ingredients. This is a fine dining restaurant, so it’s a bit pricey, and reservations are highly suggested. You can start your meal off with appetizers like the tuna poke, fresh oysters, steak tartare, or shrimp cocktail. They have a variety of different steak cuts as well as seafood like lobster, or other meats like pork chops.
Lucille’s
If you want to try some traditional Southern cuisine during your weekend in Houston, then head to Lucille’s. They are open Tuesday through Thursday for lunch and dinner. Friday through Saturday they are open for brunch and dinner, and on Sunday, they host a popular brunch. No matter when you visit, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from on their large menu.
They have dishes like chili biscuits, fried green tomatoes, and stewed okra and tomatoes to start. For main dishes, you’ll find Southern classics like shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and roasted acorn squash. They also serve sandwiches like their oyster BLT, their oxtail Philly, or the hot chicken sandwich.
There are so many great things to do during a weekend in Houston! We hope that these Houston tips have helped you figure out how to plan a trip to Houston that is perfect for you. You can of course add your own activities to the itinerary we’ve created, or skip the things you’re not interested in.
However, if you want to make sure you hit all the Houston highlights, then this is a great Houston itinerary to use. We’d love to hear about your Houston weekend getaway if you use our Houston itinerary, in the comments!
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