Best Things to do in Houston

With its diverse cultural mix, buzzing city streets and a vibrant gastronomic scene, there’s plenty of things to explore on your visit to the glorious city of Houston. Strap yourself in as we prepare you for a Texas adventure with Hertz. 

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

1001 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77005

Pique your artistic curiosity in this magnificent museum located in the Museum District of Houston. It holds a fascinating permanent collection of over 70,000 works, spanning a massive 6,000 years of history.

See the likes of 17^th-century masterpiece Infant Jesus and infant John the Baptist by Miguel Gonzalez, Faig Ahmed’s 2021 Dragons of Karabakh or Jean-Léon Gérôme’s 1888 Tiger on the Watch. If that isn’t enough to get your creative juices flowing, there are temporary exhibitions all year round to keep things constantly fresh.

Space Center Houston

Without doubt the showpiece attraction and quite possibly one of the best things to do in Houston. Gaze at the Starship Gallery, which includes three real spacecraft that have been into orbit, as well as moon rock samples. Next, check out Independence Plaza where you get to enter the replicas of previously flown models. Rocket Park also has a display of the Saturn V rockets and you can get a close look at the pioneering pieces of engineering prowess for yourself.

It’s also worth making time for the comprehensive astronaut gallery, the Mission Briefing Center and the International Space Station Gallery. Prepare for a fascinating space adventure in Houston.

Discovery Green

Unwind in a serene, 12-acre green recreational space in the heart of Houston. Whether you’re wanting to go for a run, take a picnic or simply get some shade under the lush foliage, you’ll find it at Discovery Green.

As well as being a beautiful spot, there are events aplenty throughout the year if you’re lucky to catch one. Some of the key features to look out for are Kinder Lake, the Grove and the Lake House. If you’re bringing your furry companions along for the Hertz ride, it’s a perfect place to walk your dogs. If you’re wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head on over here for the perfect reset.

Minute Maid Park

501 Crawford Street, Houston, TX 77002

Catch a baseball game with some rip-roaring MLB action on your visit to this architectural behemoth that houses superstars from across the league. If you’re not lucky enough to catch an Astros game, you can visit outside of game hours on a stadium tour.

The stadium opened in 2000 and is nicknamed the ‘Juicebox’ – paying homage to its sponsorship name. It houses a huge 40,963 spectators and the nearest seats to the field are along the first and third base lines. The proximity to the diamond provides an intimate connection to the ballpark, adding to the wild game-day atmosphere.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor SplashTown

21300 I-45, Spring, TX 77373

Prepare for a big splash in this water park, perfect for a day out with the family. Located just outside of the center of Houston, north along U.S interstate 45.

Enjoy the adrenaline-fueled rides such as Bamboo Chutes, Big Kahuna and the Big Spin. As well as the wet adventures, recharge your batteries in the Cabana and premium lounge chairs – you might need to book these prior to your visit as they are very popular.

The kids will love this spectacular water ride park, so hop in your Hertz rental and head on over to join in the fun.

Market Square Park

301 Milam Street, Houston, TX 77002

A historic area where downtown Houston comes together, Market Square Park is a place best enjoyed with company.

Head over to one of the many culinary establishments, with gorgeous food ready to tantalize your tastebuds – you can feast on the likes of street tacos, fried chicken sandwiches and adventurous tapas. Alternatively, aim for one of the live entertainment venues to revel in some quality music.

Get lost in the crowd and enjoy the hustle and bustle of central Houston. There’s something for everyone here so make a beeline for it to make some memories at the heart of the city.

Lake Houston

Bask in the glory of mother nature by Lake Houston. Located 15 miles northeast of central Houston, drive along the I-69 to reach this marvelous lake.

Enjoy a boating session along the waterfront or grab your bait and try for the catch of the day with a spot of fishing. You can really immerse yourself in the wilderness by going camping, while hiking, biking and nature trails really show off the natural beauty of the area.

See the serenity of the Houston countryside with a visit to the lake, where evening views by the lake under the star-lit sky are the perfect recipe for a romantic evening.

Downtown Houston Tunnel System

909 Fannin Street #1650, Houston, TX 77010

Go deep underground for a look at life below the surface of downtown Houston. Located 20 feet below ground, the tunnels are a total of six miles in length.

It started out as a tunnel system between two cinemas, developing into an area with eateries and retail in a zone connecting 95 blocks. Shop, eat and chill in subterranean Houston – the sun may not shine here but the place is lit up with people who visit every day.

Go along for a unique experience and navigate the Houston underworld in a fascinating below-the-surface expedition. you’re enjoying the creativity in The Museum of Fine Arts, the grand rocket designs of the Space Center or the enticing underground of the Downtown tunnel system - there’s a lot to see and do when you hit Houston.

Learn more about Houston

Find out much more about Houston with our essential city guides.

• Best hotels in Houston
• Best restaurants in Houston
• Houston’s Best Neighborhoods