Houston Texas Hotels

Find Houston and Galveston Island Hotels and information through the Houston City Guide , your one-stop source for Houston and Galveston Island Accommodations and Attractions . Use our Houston City Guide to find information on Houston Hotels in different price ranges and locations, including Houston and Galveston Island Discount Hotels, Downtown Houston Hotels, Galveston Island Beachfront Hotels and more.

In addition, our Houston City Guide provides information on the Space Center Houston, Six Flags Houston , the Houston Astros, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Galveston Island Beaches, Houston and Galveston Island Dining, and much more.

We hope that you enjoy our Houston City Guide and that it may be helpful in your search for information about Houston and Galveston Island . If you find our Houston City Guide useful in locating Discount Houston Hotels and Discount Galveston Island Hotels, please let us know in our comment section. Also, include other types of information you would like to see in our Houston City Guide .

Houston was named for Samuel Houston (1793-1863), the politician and general who was at the forefront of Texas' fight for independence from Mexico. He later became President of the Republic of Texas; when Texas became part of the Union, Houston served as a Senator and later Governor of Texas.

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Gulf Greyhound Park
1000 FM 2004 Road
La Marque, TX 77568
409-986-9500

Gulf Greyhound Park features live greyhound racing, simulcast horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering year-round. Onsite is Texas’ largest full-service restaurant, featuring four levels of dining and race viewing.

San Jacinto Battleground Historical Complex
3523 Battleground Road
LaPorte, TX 77571
281-479-2431

The San Jacinto complex is located about 20 miles east of downtown Houston and marks the spot where Texas won its independence from Mexico. The complex includes the San Jacinto Monument, the Battleship Texas and the San Jacinto Museum of History, where visitors can view artifacts and a film that tell the site’s history.

Traders Village
7979 North Eldridge Parkway
Houston, TX 77041
281-890-5500

The 105-acre Traders Village is an outdoor market where an average one thousand merchants display their wares every weekend. Special events take place regularly and an RV park is located on-site. Rides, food vendors and restaurants round out this outdoor shopping and entertainment venue.

Sam Houston Race Park
7575 North Sam Houston Parkway West
Houston, TX 77064
281 807-8700

Enjoy thoroughbred and quarter horse racing with both live and simulcast racing at this venue in northwest Houston. The park features a 7/8-mile turf track and a one-mile, oval, dirt track. View the races from the grandstand, pavilion or luxury suites. Both formal dining and general concessions are available on-site.

Port of Houston and Ship Channel
7300 Block of Clinton Drive
Houston, TX 77020
713-670-2400

At the Port of Houston, a viewing platform allows visitors to watch tankers and other ships head out to the Gulf. At night, the oil refineries glow with light – the Loop 610 Bridge over the Ship Channel is a perfect viewing spot.

Bayou Place
500 Texas Avenue
Houston, TX 77002
713-227-0957

The Bayou Place Entertainment Complex is a dining and entertainment venue that offers visitors a variety of options. Live concerts take place here and foreign and independent films are shown in the eight-screen theater. A mix of restaurants and bars will please your palate and quench your thirst.

Lawndale Art Center
4912 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-528-5858

The Lawndale Art Center provides an alternative space for local artists to exhibit their works. Rotating exhibits vary in theme and style, making the center an interesting place to visit.

Czech Cultural Center Houston
4920 San Jacinto
Houston, TX 77004
713-528-2060

Promotes Czech/Slovak culture and heritage through language, arts, activities, events, museum, library, exhibits, and more.

Harris County Heritage Society
1100 Bagby Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-655-1912

Historical museum complex offering seven restored structures that showcase Houston’s development. This is the city’s only outdoor interactive historic museum and park. In the heart of downtown Houston.

Greater Houston Soaring Association
15711 Cavendish Drive
Houston, TX 77059
979-478-2323

Learn how to soar in a moderate sailplane and fly like the eagles! They provide instructions and offer programs for beginners and even the experienced!

Houston Ballet
501 Texas Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-227-2787

Season begins in August and runs through June at the Wortham Theater Center.

Houston Symphony
615 Louisiana Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-238-1475

Performs year round offering great music – classical, pops, children’s, and more.

Beer Can House
222 Malone Street
Houston, TX 77007
713-926-6368

This is a highlight of Houston’s thriving folk art scene. Stop by and discover unique uses of 50,000 beer cans as home decorating material.

Asian Heritage Tours
9800 Town Park Drive
Houston, TX 77036
713-271-6100

Tour the exciting Asiatown in Houston where you can experience the best of the Asian culture with tea tasting, herbology, Chinese calligraphy, Dim Sum, shopping, Buddhist temples, and so much more.

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts
800 Bagby Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-315-2400

Productions include everything from classic and modern drama to theatrical spectacles.

Orange Show Monument
2402 Munger Street
Houston, TX 77023
713-926-6368

This unique creation is a 3,000 square foot monument that includes a wishing well, oasis, a pond, stage, a museum, and a gift shop and is considered to be a very important folk art environment.

Saint Arnold Brewery Tours
2522 Fairway Park Drive
Houston, TX 77092
713-686-9494

This is the first microbrewery in Houston and the tours offer the history behind the brewing process and the brewery itself along with taste testing and even your own tasting glass to take home as a souvenir.

Sam Houston Boat Tour
7300 Clinton Drive
Houston, TX 77020
713-670-2416

Take a free 90 minute round trip tour aboard this sailing vessel and see views from the water including international cargo vessels and the Turning Basin Terminal. This vessel offers air conditioning and lounge seating for your comfort.

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
1834 Southmore Boulevard
Houston, TX 77004
713-942-8920

The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum focuses on the contributions of African-American soldiers in the development and protection of the United States. The Cheyenne Indians nicknamed them “Buffalo Soldiers” because they admired the African-American soldiers’ fierce fighting ability. The museum acknowledges accomplishments from the Revolutionary War to present day battles.

Contemporary Arts Museum
5216 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
713-284-8250

Housed in a stainless steel building, the Contemporary Arts Museum features international, national and regional art from the past 40 years. New art is presented, and its role in modern life is explained through exhibitions, lectures and educational programs and events.

Holocaust Museum Houston
5401 Caroline Street
Houston, TX 77004
713-942-8000

The Holocaust Museum Houston is a memorial to the millions of people who were imprisoned and killed in Nazi death camps during World War II.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
1001 Bissonnet Street
Houston, TX 77005
713-639-7300

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is the sixth largest museum in the country. Permanent collections and traveling exhibits are displayed within the museum’s collective 300,000 square feet of space. The museum buildings are complemented by 18 acres of public gardens.

Lawndale Art Center
4912 Main Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-528-5858

The Lawndale Art Center provides an alternative space for local artists to exhibit their works. Rotating exhibits vary in theme and style, making the center an interesting place to visit.

The Menil Collection
1515 Sul Ross Street
Houston, TX 77006
713-525-9400

The Menil Collection features more than 15,000 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, photographs and rare books.

ArtCar Museum
140 Heights Boulevard
Houston, TX 77007
713-861-5526

Dedicated to contemporary art from local, national, and international artists with emphasis on art cars and other rare art by artists who are rarely if ever acknowledged by other cultural institutions.

National Museum of Funeral History
415 Barren Springs Drive
Houston, TX 77090
281-876-3063

Institute that educates the public and preserving the rich heritage of the funeral industry and features the nation’s largest display of historic funeral service memorabilia and artifacts.

The John C. Freeman Weather Museum
5104 Caroline
Houston, TX 77004
713-529-3076

Learn through research, prediction, and education about weather and everything that surrounds it.

American Cowboy Museum
11822 Almeda Road
Houston, TX 77045
713-433-4441

Enjoy learning about the Native Americans, Hispanics and women who contributed to the cowboy culture by touring the facility, looking at the exhibits, listening to oral historians, and more.

Bible in America Museum
Houston Baptist University
7502 Fondren Road
Houston, TX 77074
281-649-3287

Learn about the unique history of the Bible and how it influenced the government, education, and culture of America. It is one of the largest collections of rare American Bibles.

The Byzantine Fresco Chapel Museum
4011 Yupon Street
Houston, TX 77006
713-521-3990

See two 13th century Byzantine frescoes – the only two intact in the Western Hemisphere along with the construction of the museum itself that includes rough stone, opaque glass, and rich woods.

Houston Maritime Museum
2204 Dorrington Street
Houston, TX 77030
713-666-1910

See the history of the maritime industry through ship models, navigation instruments, and other nautical items along with exhibits and lectures and even a library.

Museum of Printing History
1324 West Clay Street
Houston, TX 77019
713-522-4652

Browse through the numerous exhibits including documents and tools long with narratives, galleries, and much more!

Hermann Park Golf Course
6301 Almeda Road
Houston, TX 77021
713-526-0077

The loveliest gardens in Houston encompass this superior course with 18-holes, a clubhouse, and more!

Memorial Park Golf Course
6501 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77001
713-845-1000

This 18-hole course is well known as the best municipal course in the nation with a lighted driving range, putting and chipping greens, and a clubhouse with a golf museum.

Redstone Golf Club
5860 Wilson Road
Humble, TX 77396
281-454-6590

This 18-hole course is located just 15 miles north of Houston and offers a championship design with a rock and glass clubhouse, two pro shops, dining areas, bar, locker rooms, and more!

The Galleria
5085 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77056
713-622-0663

As the fifth largest mall in the nation, The Galleria is an impressive complex that boasts three office towers, two hotels, 2.4 million square feet of retail space and a variety of restaurants. Natural light streams into the Galleria through overhead glass atriums, lighting the way for shoppers to explore the mall’s 375 stores and restaurants. Upscale stores include Neiman Marcus, Cartier, Gucci, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, The Sharper Image, Ralph Lauren Collection, Lord & Taylor and much more.

Highland Village
4055 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77027
713-850-3100

The Highland Village complex is nestled within rows of palm trees. Upscale stores such as Williams Sonoma and Crate and Barrel are located here, as well as specialty shops and eateries.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
4501 Woodway Drive
Houston, TX 77024
713-681-8433

Stroll the trails at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center or take a guided nature walk to learn more about the area’s plants and wildlife. Inside the Discovery Room you’ll find a 15-foot model Learning Tree, interactive exhibits and aquariums.

Moody Gardens
One Hope Boulevard
Galveston, TX 77554
800-582-4673

Located in nearby Galveston Island, Moody Gardens is a 156-acre site featuring a ten-story tropical rain forest under glass. Here you’ll find more than a thousand species of butterflies; the Discovery Pyramid, which focuses on space exploration; an artificial white-sand beach and more. A triple-deck paddle wheeler offers hourly sightseeing cruises as well as dinner cruises and moonlight dance cruises.

Hermann Park
6201 A Golf Course Drive
Houston, TX 77030
713-524-5876

Hermann Park hosts several popular attractions, including the Houston Zoo, the Miller Outdoor Theater, the Houston Zoological Garden, the Japanese Garden, a golf course, picnic facilities, a miniature train, paddle boats and more.

Space Center Houston
1601 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058
281-244-2100

The Space Center Houston is a 180,000-square-foot facility designed by Disney. Exhibits feature the history of manned spaceflight and future exploration. The Kids' Space Place features interactive exhibits, an IMAX theater, a full-scale model of the space shuttle and moon rocks that visitors can touch.

Children’s Museum of Houston
1500 Binz
Houston, TX 77004
713-522-1138

The Children’s Museum of Houston features 13 galleries of hands-on activities that are sure to stimulate young minds. This museum has been rated among the top five children’s museums in the country.

Houston Zoo
1513 North MacGregor
Houston, TX 77030
713-533-6500

The Houston Zoo delights visitors with koala bears, giraffes, tigers, orangutans, flamingos and many other animals. The children’s zoo area features the six ecosystems of Texas: city, forest, coastal, prairie, desert and farm.

Kemah Boardwalk
8 Waterfront and 701 4th Street
Kemah, TX 77565
281-334-9880

The Kemah Boardwalk is a 35-acre carnival attraction, located 20 miles from downtown Houston. Marvel at the 36-foot carousel and feel your stomach drop on the 65-foot Ferris wheel. A miniature train runs throughout the park, where you’ll also find shopping and games.

Splashtown Waterpark
21300 I- 45 North
Spring, TX 77383
281-355-3300

Water lovers will delight at Splashtown! Stop by for the day and enjoy acres of incredible rides, slides, chutes, floats, events, food and drinks covering 40-acres!

Armand Bayou Nature Center
8500 Bay Area Boulevard
Houston, TX 77258
281-474-2551

Located southeast of Houston, the Armand Bayou Nature Center is a 2,500-acre wildlife refuge and nature preserve. It is one of only four Texas State Coastal Preserves. The center features miles of walking trails, tours, wildlife exhibits and some of the region's original ecosystems.

Downtown Aquarium
410 Bagby Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-223-3474

Located near the Theater District, the Downtown Aquarium is a six-acre dining and entertainment site that is fun for all ages. The site features 200 species of marine life in its 500,000-gallon aquatic facility; amusements, including a Ferris wheel and a carousel; a passenger train; two full-service restaurants; an upscale bar; a fully equipped ballroom; aquatic and geographic exhibits and shopping.

Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park
501 Crawford
Houston, TX 77002
713-259-8000

Catch baseball in exciting action as you take in a Houston Astros game or just tour Minute Maid Park.

Water Wall
2800 South Post Oak Boulevard
Houston, TX 77056
713-850-8841

This is the most photographed site in Houston! Dramatic U-shaped fountain has water rushing down its inside and outside walls.

Express Children's Theater
446 Northwest Mall
Houston, TX 77092
713-682-5044

This theater offers performances for younger minds as they present innovative productions that explore and celebrate Houston's diverse culture.

The Health Museum
1515 Hermann Drive
John P. McGovern Building
Houston, TX 77004
713-521-1515

Explore the human body and what it needs to stay healthy with hands-on exhibits such as the 27 1/2-foot intestine, 10-foot tall brain, skeleton riding a bicycle, hearing evaluation test and The Amazing Body Pavilion, which is a larger than life walking tour through the human body.

Houston Aeros
1510 Polk
Toyota Center
Houston, TX 77002
713-974-PUCK

Slide your way to the Toyota Center and see the Houston Aeros in action from October through April. These two-time league champions are sure to offer an exciting game!

Houston Fire Museum
2403 Milam
Houston, TX 77006
713-524-2526

The Houston Fire Museum educated visitors about the history of fire service and fire safety through exhibits such as the Remember 9/11, The Hopkins Collection and The Locker Room.

Houston Museum of Natural Science
One Hermann circle Drive
Houston, TX 77030
713-639-4629

It's no wonder this museum is one of the most attended museums in the United States as it features the Wortham IMAX Theatre, Burke Baker Planetarium, Cockrell Butterfly Center and permanent and traveling exhibits!

Houston Rockets
1510 Polk Street
Toyota Center
Houston, TX 77002
713-627-DUNK

Catch the Rockets in action at Toyota Center during the season or call ahead about tours of the center.

Houston Texans
Two Reliant Park
Reliant Stadium
Houston, TX 77054
832-667-2000

During football season avid Houston Texans fans flock to Reliant Stadium to see their hometown team in action. Despite being a fairly new team they still manage to thrill their audience game after game.

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Waterpark
2026 Lockheed Street
Galveston, TX 77554
409-770-WAVE

Splash you way into some fun with uphill water coasters, a wave lagoon, three beaches, body slides, the Tiki Tikes kids area, the Boogie Bahn surf ride, family raft rides and three interconnecting rivers.

American Cowboy Museum
Taylor Stevens Ranch
11822 Almeda
Houston, TX 77045
713-478-9677

The American Cowboy Museum brings to light the history of western heritage of Native Americans, Blacks, Hispanics and women through tours, exhibits, hands-on activities and stories presented by costumed historians.

Zuma Fun Centers
6787 SW Freeway
Houston, TX 77074
713-981-7888

This center offers fun for the entire family with go-karts, miniature golf, batting cages, bumper boats, video arcade and a snack bar.

Cartoon Art Gallery
4376 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77027
713-522-6499

Cartoon Art Gallery is fun for the kids and a trip down memory lane for the folks. This gallery features original animation art and is an authorized gallery of all the major studios, including Disney and Warner Bros.

January

Elvis Birthday Celebration
218-807-8760

Head to the Sam Houston Race Park on the first weekend in January. As the park begins its new season of live thoroughbred racing they also party in memory of "The King". This event features a peanut butter and banana sandwich eating contest, an Elvis look-a-like contest and many more activities.

February

Flavors of Houston
713-622-1318

Top chefs will showcase their very own dishes from different dining venues around Houston. You will enjoy a five-course dinner, wine, a wait staff and cocktail reception.

February/March

Mardi Gras! Galveston
888-425-4753

This family friendly event typically last two weeks and features ten parades, dozens of concerts, masquerade balls, musical performances, art exhibits and athletic competitions.

March

Bayou City Art Festival
713-521-0133

This annual event features more than 300 artisans showing and selling their works at Houston's Memorial Park.

Annual Pink Tie Gala
713-552-1055

Enjoy this festive event to help support and fight breast cancer! You can bid on luxury items while relaxing with live entertainment, dining and dancing!

Buffalo Bayou Regatta
713-752-0314

This is the state’s largest canoe and kayak race that also includes live entertainment, food, drinks, and more after the race!

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
832-667-1000

This huge annual event attracts more than two million people during its three-week run. Rodeo competitions, livestock judging, bull riding, several vendors, barbecue cook-offs, auctions, carnival and kids’ activities! The major appeal is live concerts put on by big-name artists!

April

Annual H-E-B Children’s Festival
713-522-9723

This family oriented celebration offers six entertainment stages, games, family adventure areas, food, drink, and lots of fun for everyone!

Bayou City Cajun Fest
281-890-5500

This annual festival is full of Cajun fun! Enjoy authentic Cajun food, music, dancing, rides, market, and more!

Japan Festival
713-963-0121

This fun event takes place in Hermann Park and celebrates the fascinating Japanese culture with music, traditional and folk dance, martial arts, flower arranging, a tea ceremony and origami!

Easter Weekend at Kemah Boardwalk
281-334-9880

If you find your family in Houston over easter weekend then head to Kemah Boardwalk where the little ones can hunt for eggs, try and bust the giant egg shaped pinata and decorate eggs.

Grand Prix of Houston
713-629-3700

The JAGFlo Speedway host the Grand Prix of Houston in April every year where patrons can see world-class racing, partake of the great food and drinks and sit back and enjoy the many live entertainment options.

Houston International Festival
713-654-8808

The Houston International Festival takes place on 20 downtown blocks that are closed to traffic. Houston’s diversity is showcased through live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts booths and more. More than one thousand performers appear on outdoor stages during the festival.

May

Houston Dragon Boat Festival
832-687-7208

Join the thousands of people who come out to watch this exciting race and join in on the festivities such as live entertainment, educational cultural booths, authentic cuisine and games for children and adults.

Asian Pacific Heritage Festival
713-784-1112

Celebrate Asian heritage and culture with a parade, live performances, tangrams, origami, Chinese calligraphy and fish kites.

Art Car Weekend
713-926-6368

Patrons line Allen Parkway this weekend in May to see the cars, bicycles, lawnmowers and anything on wheels roll past adorned with art work. Special features include the Art Car Ball, Main Street Drag and the Art Car Parade.

June

Juneteenth
713-558-2600

Celebrate Lincoln's signing of the Emancipation Proclamation that freed the slaves at this annual jubilee featuring live blues, gospel and jazz performances at Hermann Park.

July

Fourth of July at Miller Outdoor Theatre
713-284-8350

This annual celebration with the Houston Symphony draws hundreds every year at the outdoor theater. You’ll also enjoy fireworks and a 16 cannon salute at the end of the show.

BP Power of Freedom Festival
713-522-9723

Pay tribute to the nation’s birthday at one of the summer’s biggest events and you know in Texas the party is always huge! Enjoy big-name rock and country music concerts, fireworks, and more!

Watermelon Social and Dance
281-480-3770

Lots of live music, good food, and a lot of watermelon! Browse for handcrafted items at the Watermelon Market and even partake in the largest watermelon contest. All ages will enjoy this Summer event!

Origami Festival at Tansu
713-880-5100

Explore the wonders of origami through a cocktail reception, exhibits, hands-on workshops and free demonstrations.

August

Houston International Jazz Festival
713-839-7000

Some of the hottest and biggest names in Jazz convene on Downtown Houston during this annual festival!

Blessing of the Fleet
281-334-9880

In early August decorated shrimp boats and personal watercraft receive a blessing from an officiating priest and minister for safe travels.

Houston Shakespeare Festival
713-743-3003

Throughout the month of August free performances of Shakespeare's plays are performed at Hermann Parks Miller Outdoor Theater.

September

Houston Hot Sauce Festival
281-558-3518

This is a “spicy” annual event offering hot sauce, salsa, chips, dips, and other fiery food selections for you to sample! Live entertainment continuously, free kids activities, cold drinks, salsa competition, contests, prizes and crafts make this a fun event for the entire family.

Turkish Festival
832-251-8405

This annual celebration focus on everything Turkish such as live performances and arts and crafts.

October

Texian Market Days
281-343-0218

For two days in October patrons celebrate the history of Texas with live re-enactments by costumed performers, hands-on activities, arts and crafts, a children's carnival, food, musical performances and a tractor pull!

Halloween Boo-Bash
281-890-5500

This annual family friendly event will thrill you! Enjoy live entertainment, activities, trick-or-treating throughout the market, games in the Kreepy Kidz Zone, costumed characters and caricature artists!

Wings Over Houston Airshow
713-266-4492

The Wings Over Houston Airshow includes a variety of events showcasing elite military aircraft. Watch in awe at the accuracy of jump teams and the amazing stunt flying of the aerobatic teams.

Fiesta Italiana
713-524-4222

This lively festival celebrates Italian music, wine, and food with events honoring the culture, heritage, and allure of everything Italy! Take part in the Grape Stomp, enjoy the car show, arts and crafts, and a pasta eating contest.

Greek Festival
713-526-5377

This four-day annual festival offers live music, folk dancing, food, children’s activities, Cathedral tours, gift shop and more!

Ghost Walks
713-222-9255

Throughout October these walks fascinate and thrill patrons as they travel along the streets of Houston and hear the legends and tales of deceased Houstonians.

South Shore Dockside Food & Wine Festival
281-334-1000

Down at the docks patrons will find cars and boats on display as well as cuisine, wine and culinary demonstrations.

Monster Mash Halloween Party
713-521-1515

Let's do the Mash, The Monster Mash! On Halloween at the Health Museum families will find Elmo from Sesame Street, Flossie the tooth fairy, loads of healthy goodies, costume parade and a science show.

October/November

Texas Renaissance Festival
281-356-2178

For eight weekends in October and November visitors can travel back in time to the Renaissance period with live entertainment, arts and crafts, demonstrations, games and rides and food galore!

International Quilt Festival
713-781-6864

This, the world's largest quilt show, takes place at the George R. Brown Convention Center where more than 2000 quilts and fabric art are displayed as well as cloth dolls and other textiles.

November

Ballunar Liftoff Festival
281-488-7676

Dozens of hot air balloons gather and dazzle the crowd as they ascend into the daytime and nighttime skies. The event also features skydiving performances, food from local restaurants, arts and crafts and other flight exhibits.

Beaujolais Wine and Food Festival
713-960-0575

This annual event showcases more than 15 upscale Houston restaurants and will offer a wide assortment of buffets and an array of tasty wines for you to sample. A silent auction will also take place offering luxury items and travel opportunities.

Thanksgiving Day Parade
713-654-8808

This annual parade is fun for everyone! You’ll see large balloons, decorated floats, marching bands, and much more!

December

Winter Wild Festival of Lights
713-533-6500

Magic will be alive during this festive occasion at the Houston Zoo! Come enjoy thousands of lights, arts and crafts, sweet treats, carousel rides, music, a hay ride, and more!

Christmas Boat Parade on Clear Lake
281-334-9880

The Christmas Boat Parade is a juried event featuring more than 100 boats making their way around the lake, into Galveston Bay and back again. Boat owners elaborately decorate their boats, and many feature costumed passengers who dance or play music in hopes of garnering a few more votes.

Holiday Lights Walks
713-222-9255

Take a 90-minute tour with Sandra Claus and her elves and experience the fabulous lights adorning the buildings in downtown Houston.

Other Events:

Sailboat Races
April through October
281-334-4252

On Wednesday evenings professional and amateur sailors get together for a friendly sailboat race on the waters of Clear Lake. These race courses have been set where the race can be enjoyed by spectators from some of the restaurants around the lake.

Population:

2,000,000+

Time Zone:

Central

Climate:

Houston’s location near the Gulf of Mexico means it experiences mild winters and hot, humid summers. Winter’s low temperatures rarely dip below freezing, and highs are often in the low to mid-60s. December is one of the area’s rainiest months, in addition to late summertime. Spring begins as early as late February or early March and is warm, but not as humid as the summer months. From late May to September, temperatures soar into the 90s and above, coupled with high humidity. Luckily, the city has plenty of air-conditioned venues that offer a respite from the heat.

Airports:

William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
7800 Airport Boulevard
Houston, TX 77061
713-640-3000

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
2800 North Terminal Road
Houston, TX 77032
281-230-3100

Rail:

Amtrak
800-USA-RAIL

Bus:

Greyhound
800-231-2222

Getting Around Houston:

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO)
City Bus, Train and Downtown Trolley
713-635-4000

Taxis:

Liberty Cab Houston
800-829-4222

United Taxicab Co.
713-699-4292

Yellow Cab
713-236-1111

Visitor Information:

Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
901 Bagby, Suite 100
Houston, TX 77002
713-437-5200

Dining:

Brennan’s of Houston
3300 Smith Street
Houston, TX 77006
713-522-9711

Voted “Best of the City” for atmosphere, cuisine, and service. You can have the perfect romantic dinner at Brennan’s and choose from offerings such as lamb chops, lump crab cakes, and veal chops. Reservations are required and if you want a little entertainment with your dinner, ask to dine at the chef’s table where you can see everything that is going on in the kitchen!

Pappas Brothers Steakhouse
5839 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77057
713-780-7352

Intimate steakhouse with a beautiful interior! All entrees are cooked to order and arrive at your table with fresh vegetables. They also have a smoker’s lounge with a full service bar. Voted “Best of the City”. Reservations are recommended.

Pappas Bar-B-Q
1217 Pierce
Houston, TX 77002
713-659-1245

Enjoy fresh slow-smoked and juicy Texas barbecue with all the special side dishes including ribs and brisket with coleslaw and fries.

Ruggles Grill
903 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77006
713-524-3839

Serving satisfied patrons since the mid 80’s and still going strong with American favorites jazzed up a little in jumbo sized portions. They offer pizza, pasta, and chicken variations along with grilled lamb chops and the like. Reservations are required.

Avalon Diner
2417 Westheimer
Houston, TX 77027
713-527-8900

Offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed setting. Menu items include cheeseburgers, fries, milkshakes, homemade lemonade, omelets, French toast, huevos rancheros, chicken-fried steak and eggs and more. Be sure to try their “wet fries” – fries topped with brown or cream gravy and their small-tread waffles for breakfast.

Taste of Texas Restaurant
10505 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77024
713-932-6901

They serve only certified Angus beef and have been since 1977! They offer a great selection of menu items including pecan crusted chicken, a 10-oz. buttered lobster tail, 24-oz. cowboy steak, jalapeño stuffed shrimp and an extensive wine list.

Nightlife:

The Mercury Room
1008 Prairie Street
Houston, TX 77002
713-225-6372

Popular with both locals and visitors, the Mercury Room is a hip Houston hotspot. Live bands and DJs provide music for those who want to spend their time on the dance floor. The sidewalk patio area is the perfect spot for a little fresh air and people watching.

Blanco’s
3406 W. Alabama Street
Houston, TX 77027
713-439-0072

This “real” Texas honky-tonk offers some of the best bands belting out country tunes all night long. Dance to the beat or enjoy a cold beverage and a meal.

Marfreless
2006 Peden Street
Houston, TX 77019
713-528-0083

The unmarked blue door keeps this jewel hidden! It’s romantic setting makes it a perfect place for couples to sip wine and listen to soft classical music. Or, if you have a group wanting a quiet night out at a quaint place where you can have a conversation, visit this lounge!

Black Labrador Pub
4100 Montrose Boulevard
Houston, TX 77006
713-529-1199

This authentic British pub serves up ales and stouts and a large selection of whiskeys along with a quiet atmosphere, but always lots of fun. Voted one of the best bars in Houston!

Numbers Houston
300 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77006
713-526-8338

This is one of the top live music and dancing spots in Houston. Alternative bands frequent here but others who have graced the stage include REM, Sheryl Crow, Nine Inch Nails, and Oasis. You’ll find cheap beer and a great dance party every weekend.

Etta’s Lounge
5120 Scott Street
Houston, TX 77004
713-528-2611

Everyone is welcome at Etta’s! They offer the best blues and soul music in the city along with tasty food and cold drinks!