Uber was super easy and convenient, but I didn’t realize that Houston’s traffic is in the red during large parts of the day.  Our Uber driver told us this range of highways marked as “red” was typical at 9 am in Houston.  Not to mention, he further stated it would stay that way most of the day. On the positive side, we didn’t encounter traffic congestion later in the evening.

Day 1 in Houston, Texas

Space Center Houston

1601 East NASA Parkway, Houston, Texas 77058

Be amazed by the big and small.  Walk into Independence Plaza to view the size of the Independence, a replica space shuttle, and the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Next, tour the training facility to learn how future astronauts prepare for missions.  Inside the museum, examine the early modules.  Imagine being an astronaut working within that confined space.  Look through the magnifying glass to see a sample taken from an asteroid during the OSIRIS-REx mission.  

At Space Center Houston, you can view authentic tools, gear, and equipment that showcase our nation’s history with space exploration. You will marvel at the accomplishments of engineers past and present.  Furthermore, this museum is an excellent tribute to the bravery of individuals who have explored the unknown.

Don’t skip the Historic Mission Control tour.  It is an additional fee, but the experience is worth it.  Take a trip back in time to the Apollo 11 mission control.  This tour often sells out, so buy your ticket in advance.  Remember to include in your planning that the last tour departs two hours before closing.

Plan your visit by visiting Space Center Houston online, downloading the app, and buying tickets before arriving.

The Food Lab 

@ Space Center Houston

For a quick and convenient meal, head to The Food Lab at Space Center Houston. The space-themed eatery offers a variety of items, and mobile ordering is available to save you time. While the prices and quality are typical for a museum venue, the experience is worth it.

There is a picnic facility outside the main entrance. The meticulous grounds make an ideal backdrop for a relaxing lunch. However, you cannot bring outside food into Space Center Houston, so you’ll need to buy lunch from The Food Lab or store it in your vehicle until mealtime.

Kemah Boardwalk

215 Kipp Avenue, Kemah, Texas 77565

After a full day at the museum, spend a leisurely late afternoon walking around Kemah Boardwalk.  You’ll find a variety of shops, and it is the ideal location to find the perfect souvenir.  The shopping and dining area around the boardwalk extends for several blocks. We didn’t have nearly enough time to stop at them all, but we were able to find some treats to take home.

As the sunset over the water, we realized a sunset photo was the only souvenir we needed.

Once the lights on the boardwalk attractions turn on, embrace the atmosphere and have fun.  We couldn’t resist a couple of rides and a few carnival games.  This area has a tourist feel, but don’t let that stop you from visiting because the boardwalk was clean, everyone was friendly, and the night was full of joy and laughter.  

Dinner

Landry’s Seafood House

1 Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, Texas 77565

There are so many places to eat along the boardwalk that selecting just one restaurant was the hardest decision. After walking past a creamery, we debated having ice cream for dinner but ultimately decided on Landry’s because of the patio seating and the promise of delectable seafood.  Check out the menu to begin planning your order.

Lodging

Hotel ZaZa

5701 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77005

I recommend getting a hotel near the Museum District to avoid traffic congestion in Houston during the day. This way, you’ll be ready to start the day without the frustration of traffic delays. 

Hotel ZaZa is a boutique hotel in the Museum District, adjacent to Herman Park and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. It boasts elegant decor and upscale amenities at a reasonable price. The stay includes cookies and iced tea in the afternoon. A tea and coffee service is available on every floor in the morning. Also provided is a shuttle service within 3 miles of the hotel. Our room included a balcony with impressive views of the city.   

Day 2 in Houston, Texas

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, includes indoor galleries and an outdoor sculpture park.  

The MFAH collection is guaranteed to have something for everyone’s art tastes.  It is impossible to visit MFAH and not grow your appreciation of art!  Be prepared for the size of the campus and the extensive collection of art.  Due to this, I highly recommend consulting the MFAH Accessibility Resources page and downloading the MFAH map to plan the galleries you wish to visit.  Even the tunnels are immersive art!

The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a glimpse into the past and present. The facility includes the beautiful Cockrell Butterfly Center, which features a breathtaking living display of butterflies and flowers. The museum also offers a collection of items native to Texas and items collected from around the world.

In addition to these renowned museums, you’ll also find a diverse collection of niche and cultural museums within the Houston Museum District.  What sparks your curiosity?  The Health Museum…The Houston Center for Photography…The Czech Center Museum Houston…The Asia Society Texas Center…The Holocaust Museum…The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum

My backpack worked perfectly for this trip.  It easily held what I needed for the weekend and was comfortable to wear all day.  The outside pockets made organizing and accessing my electrics and cords easy.  I added a locking carabiner to the webbing in front to clip my wristlet.  It was secure and accessible when needed.

So, how do you spend your second day in Houston?  There is no wrong answer to this question!  I recommend consulting the Houston Museum District’s website to find the perfect fit for you.   

Here’s how we spent our Day 2 in Houston.

Before Breakfast

Cullen Sculpture Garden

Montrose Boulevard at Bissonnet Street, Houston, Texas 77006

Begin your day with an early walk across the street to the Cullen Sculpture Garden at the MFAH.  There is no fee to enter the garden.  You will find a collection of outdoor sculptures, including the Houston Bean, “Cloud Column.”  Undeniably, it would be amazing to be lucky enough to start every day like this!

Breakfast

Monarch Restaurant and Lounge

@ Hotel ZaZa

After the walk through the Cullen Sculpture Garden, eat breakfast at the Monarch Restaurant inside Hotel ZaZa.  The breakfast portions were huge and very tasty.  Check out of your room before heading out.

Cockrell Butterfly Center at Houston Museum of Natural Science

Next, we spent about an hour at the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Since tickets to the butterfly center are a separate purchase from the science museum, we decided, based on our limited time, to only visit the butterfly center at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.  

Hermann Park  

6000 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77030

We spent the rest of the morning at Hermann Park and McGovern Centennial Gardens.  We visited on a beautiful day that wasn’t too hot or sunny.  The gardens were blooming with flowers of all varieties and colors.  

After leaving the butterfly center, walk to the Japanese Garden in Hermann Park. You’ll leave Texas and enter a Japanese countryside filled with a koi pond, stream, trees, bridges, and trails. The garden has many benches for relaxing and reflecting.

McGovern Centennial Gardens

1500 Hermann Drive, Houston, Texas 77030

After leaving the Japanese Garden, follow the trail to the McGovern Centennial Gardens.  You’ll walk past the Mary Gibbs and Jesse H Jones Reflection Pool and the McGovern Lake.  We were most intrigued by the Arid Garden in the McGovern Centennial Gardens.  Succulent gardens are not the norm in our area, so it was interesting to see the plants growing in a garden.  In addition to the Arid Garden, we enjoyed visiting the Rose Garden and Pergola Gardens.  Take a walk to the top of The Mount for overhead views of the park.

If you love macro photography, these gardens are a must-see. 

Herman Park and McGovern Centennial Park are easy to navigate. The park’s website has an interactive park map.  

Lunch

Fia’s Pizzeria

1200 Binz Street, #130, Houston, Texas 77004

The Health Museum

1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, Texas 77004

The Health Museum is about three and a half blocks from Fia’s Pizzeria. We selected it based on its distance from Hermann Park and because this was the first time we had been to a museum dedicated to health. This interactive museum teaches about the body and how it functions. If your child is a budding scientist, doctor, or researcher, I highly recommend this museum.  

Dinner

I hope this helps you plan your trip to Houston.  I’m happy to provide more planning suggestions in My Essential Guide to Planning a Road Trip.  

Happy Travels, 

Karen

We travel to Houston annually for a convention.  What are your favorite Houston recommendations?