While many people know that New York City, L.A., and Chicago are the three biggest cities in America, few know that Houston is 4th on that list. Luckily for Houston residents, there are enough fun and exciting things to do around the city for everyone. Whether you’re taking a stroll through one of the many parks, visiting the museum district, or dining at one of the many diverse restaurants you’ll love every second of it. We’ve picked our favorite things to do and a few places to live so you too can experience the best of Houston.
What To Do
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
Everything is bigger in Texas, so it’s only fitting that the world’s largest live entertainment and livestock exhibition is held annually in Houston at NRG Stadium. Over 2 million visitors flock to this 20 day event every year to witness championship rodeo action, livestock competitions, trail rides, a Bar-B-Que competition, pig racing, shopping and so much more. There are live daily concerts featuring country music’s biggest stars like Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, and more! The rodeo runs from March 1 to March 20, so grab your jeans, boots, and cowboy hats and get ready for the ride of your life.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Marvel at the gorgeous Houston skyline while walking, skating, or biking on the 4.5 mile Sandy Reed Trail through the recently renovated Buffalo Bayou Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, try out your moves at the state of the art skate park suitable for all experience levels. Don’t miss the iconic Wortham Fountain (a giant dandelion sculpture) or the Waugh Bridge bat colony, where 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from the crevices of the bridge at sunset.
Houston Galleria
The Galleria is one of the premier shopping districts in the world and hosts more than 30 million visitors a year! Modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, the Galleria features over 400 fine stores and restaurants, 2 high-rise hotels, 3 office towers, and an ice skating rink. The Galleria is one of Houston’s most popular retail and tourist attractions and fits everyone’s budget, style, and taste.
James Turrell’s Skyspace
Located on Rice University’s campus is a pavilion that hosts James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace. The beautiful structure accommodates 120 people and hosts 2 light shows a day, at sunrise and sunset. The composition of lights complements the sky’s natural light for a dreamlike and captivating light show on the skyspace ceiling. The shows are free, but be sure to make reservations!
Where To Eat
Breakfast
Although the Revival Market started out as a neighborhood grocery store, it has quickly transformed into a perfect place to grab breakfast. There are traditional breakfast plates the like French Toast made with brioche bread or the Huevos Rancheros, but the grab and go Buttermilk Biscuit Sandwich is to die for. The flaky biscuit comes with a scrambled yard egg and white cheddar, but we recommend adding one of their finely cured meats or bacon for $2.
Lunch
Recently named one of the top 10 restaurants in Houston, Pondicheri Cafe is an industrial chic cafe serving street style Indian combo plates and dishes with a modern twist. Try the Chettinad Dosa or the Vegetable Frankie but if you can’t decide on just one thing, order one of the Thalis, a sampler platter served with roti or naan. The airy Bake Lab upstairs also offers savory sandwiches and sweets to cap off your delicious lunch.
Dinner
The menu at Pax Americana Restaurant is constantly changing, but the quality of the food is not. This modern American restaurant offers both small plates and entrees sure to please your appetite. Creamy Goat Ricotta with charred cucumbers, grilled blackberries, and tomatoes topped with a blueberry vinaigrette and the Portuguese Octopus with okra, Turkish eggplant, and cornbread are two meals that highlight the creativity and diversity of their menu.
Happy Hour
OKRA Charity Saloon
What’s better than enjoying cheap drinks in a fun and friendly environment? When you’re doing it for a great cause! OKRA Charity Saloon offers $3 drafts, $4 well drinks, and half-priced glasses of wine every Monday-Friday from 4-6:30. Enjoy $5 bar bites like their Fried Pickled Okra or three different kinds of Waffle Fries. The best part about all of this is for each drink purchased, guests receive one vote that they may cast that night for one of the four charities selected by OKRA. The charity with the most votes at the end of the month receives 100% of next month’s happy hour proceeds.
Ready to find your next apartment?
Where To Stay
Camden Park Apartments
Want to escape the hustle of the city life but keep the convenience? The Camden Park Apartments in the Westchase District does just that with luxurious one, two and three bedroom apartments. Westheimer Rd. provides residents with a variety of shopping and dining options, but the Galleria and other downtown destinations are just minutes away. The amenities in this pet friendly community are second to none with a resort style pool and sundeck, outdoor grilling and picnic area, and a 24 hour state of the art fitness center. Each apartment home has brand new interiors outfitted with stainless steel appliances, espresso cabinetry, and large walk-in closets. What more could you possibly need?
Camden Post Oak Apartments
If you love shopping, it’s hard to find a better place to live than the Camden Post Oak Apartments. These luxury high rise apartments are located between two of the best shopping districts in Houston, Uptown Park and the Galleria, as well as walking distance to over 40 other bars, shops, and restaurants. The Camden Post Oak apartments feature the largest floor plans and closets in the area with their one, two, and three bedroom apartments and penthouses. Cook a gourmet meal in the kitchen equipped with double ovens and quartz counter tops, then dine on your own private terrace with wonderful views. Find peace in the onsite yoga studio or workout in their 24 hour fitness center before cooling off in one of 2 swimming pools. The Camden Post Oak Apartments define luxury!
Modera Flats
Modera Flats are brand new apartments conveniently located in the heart of the Texas Medical Center near the Houston Zoo, the Museum District, and NRG Stadium (so there’s no excuse to miss the rodeo). These apartments set themselves apart from the competition with large, open floor plans and 9-10 ft ceilings. There are studio, 1, and 2 bedroom apartments designed with beautiful granite counter tops and tile back splashes, stainless steel appliances, and upgraded cabinetry. Hardwood style flooring decorates the kitchen and living room areas, and there is a washer and dryer in every apartment! A 24 hour athletic club with a hydro-massager, a resort style pool with an outdoor kitchen and grilling area, and a spectacular club room are a just few of the amazing features Modera Flats has to offer!
Retreat at Cypress Station Apartments
The Retreat at Cypress Station Apartments are another great option if you’re looking to avoid the hectic, downtown city life and replace it with the convenience and beauty of the suburbs. There are 1 and 2 bedroom apartments equipped with large closets, high ceilings, a fireplace, and a full size washer and dryer to make you feel right at home. Community amenities include a resort style swimming pool and lounge, a fitness center, a resident lounge, and clubhouse. The Retreat at Cypress Station is conveniently located near tons of shopping and dining options as well as public transportation, giving residents easy access to the city.
The Wilcox Apartments
The Wilcox Apartments offer one and two bedroom apartments as well as spacious townhomes to accommodate everybody’s needs. The units come with recently updated interiors, energy efficient features to protect the environment, large walk in closets, and updated lighting packages. Kick your feet up by the pool, grill out at the BBQ and picnic area, and enjoy free WiFi in the common areas. This pet friendly community is located just inside the inner loop and is walking distance from the Houston Texans’ Reliant Stadium. The Wilcox Apartments close proximity to the 610 makes your commute to the Galleria and Downtown simple!
Keep In Mind
Houston is home to a ton of historic museums that are completely free! The Menil Collection is one of the greatest 20th century museums and consists of over 16,000 pieces dating all the way back to the Paleolithic era. Meditate at the non-denominational Rothko Chapel or check out one of the thought provoking exhibitions at the Station Museum of Contemporary Art. There are a handful of other popular museums that are free on certain days of the week, so check out this guide here to all the Houston Museums.
