The selection of exhibits at Houston's Museum of Fine Arts covers both modern and ancient art and represents the talent of artists from Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. You will find Frederic Remington's fine Western art mingling with medieval pieces and the work of early European masters. Paintings are abundant, but the lovely sculpture garden here is also worth viewing. Both the Glassell School of Art and the Hirsch Library for Art History call this museum home. Film buffs love the museum for its weekly showings of classic and foreign films. A gift shop and restaurant are both on hand to satisfy your hunger after a day of exploring.
Houston will be forever grateful for George Hermann's generous gift of land in the early 1900s. The park spans over 445 acres (180 hectares) and is one of Houston's oldest public parks. People from all walks of life gather here for various events throughout the year. A monstrous statue of Sam Houston welcomes you to the park. Those seeking an educational outing for themselves or the kids will find many options inside the park. The Museum of Natural Science, Houston Zoo, Burke Baker Planetarium and an IMAX theater are all popular attractions. Lighter family entertainment is available in the form of pedal boats, train rides and other activities.
Buffalo Bayou Park is a lush 160-acre park (64 hectares), where everyone can come to soothe the senses. Eleanor Tinsley Park, located within the park is host to many of Houston's festivals and a variety of activities. Experience a canoe trip or take a serene walk with a loved one through the beauty of this park. The park also has a play area for children, a dog park, unique art installations, sculptures and fountains throughout, and also includes bike trails.
Spread over 1,620 acres (655 hectares) in Houston, the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center is one of the main centers for spaceflight in the United States. Home to NASA's Astronaut Corps, it functioned as Mission Control during the Gemini and Apollo space shuttle programs. It was also the primary flight control center for all following manned space missions, including Apollo 11 which put the first man on the moon. The Lunar Receiving Center at JSC is where they store most of the samples from moon missions and astronaut training takes place at JSC as well. At the forefront of technological and space discovery, the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center continues to push the boundaries of scientific achievement, as it has for over half a century.
Bayou Bend is the former home of Ima Hogg, a famous philanthropist. Visitors can wander through 15 acres (6.1 hectares) of woodlands and formal gardens, or check out the house that contains various works of decorative art. This art represents the American style from colonial to mid-19th Century. The house is a lovely lifestyle museum of that century which offers a look at beautiful period furniture and paintings, along with artifacts such as silverware, ceramics, and other memorabilia. The sprawling gardens are ideal for a leisurely stroll.
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is one of Houston's grandest venues for entertainment. This magnificent building houses two main theaters: Sarofim Hall and Zilkha Hall. Sarofim Hall, the bigger of the two, seats 2650 people and hosts major productions like touring Broadway shows. Zilkha Hall seats 500, and is home to the Uniquely Houston program, which showcases small to mid-level performing arts groups.
The Water Works at Buffalo Bayou Park is one of the major attractions of the sprawling landscape. Popularly called 'Cistern', it served as Houston's first drinking-water reserve built underground. Constructed in the year 1927, it was abandoned when the authorities could not trace a leak source. Atop the historic site, Water Works commands some spectacular views of the city skyline. Bordered with some dense shrubs, it renders itself well for open-air events and performances.
Market Square Park is a brimming center located at Downtown Houston's Historic District. A prominent landmark, the park served as an open air local market. The park comprises a bow-shaped dog run, a brightly lit walkway path and plenty of open space to relax. Visit the Houston's Niko Niko's to delight yourself with the outdoor seating, a performance plaza, and a Greek and American favorites. Do visit the Lauren's Garden, a memorial built to commemorate Lauren Catuzzi Grandcolas - a passenger on United Flight 93. Occasional live entertainment, events and community activities makes this place a vibrant gathering spot for locals.
The West 11th Street Park is located in the Greater Heights district and is a popular spot among the locals. This neighborhood park is unlike any other conventional park and features beautiful trails that run through the park's forested areas and are perfect for birdwatching, hiking, walking your dog, or picnicking under the shade of towering trees. The park is clean and very well-maintained and is a great place to enjoy the serenity of nature.
The Theater District is a lovely 17 acre (6.88 hectare) region in Houston which is a hub for nine organizations for performing arts as well as several restaurants and parks. The area is known to be visited by over two million people every year. The Alley Theater and the Bayou Place Entertainment Complex are major attractions in the area.
Claimed to be one of the most beautiful sites in the city, McGovern Centennial Gardens at Hermann Park is a must-visit while in Houston. This picturesque park offers the perfect getaway from the bustling city, with its lush, landscaped gardens, blooming flower beds, bubbling fountains, and serene sculpture parks. A center of recreation and learning, the garden also provides you with a bit of information on some of its more exotic varieties of plant and flower species.