Tucked away in the 20-acre Sam Houston Park downtown, you will find an impressive bit of Texas history. Visit the Heritage Society Museum & Tour, which features historical records, then take the outdoor tour of noble buildings restored to their original glory. Pathways lead to an assortment of prestigious homes in Greek and Victorian styles. The 1868 Victorian-style Pilot House also happens to be the site of the city's first indoor kitchen. All the homes on the tour are unique in structure and furnishings. There is also a quaint church built in 1891 by German farmers.
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.
Memorial Park is a popular Houston attraction complete with a beautiful three-mile (4.8 kilometers) playground. There are walking paths, picnic sites, baseball fields, pine trees, gardens, and ponds in the sprawling park. Here, you can appreciate nature's beauty and make the most of the sunny weather. The locals love to jog here, but you can also rent a bike and hit the trail. There is also a public golf course with a clubhouse and restaurant, a tennis club, and a workout facility nestled on the grounds.
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.
Situated in the lovely Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals and over 900 species. Experience a true wildlife adventure as you check out the lions, Komodo dragons, flamingos, tigers, gorillas, bears, and bats, just to name a few! There is a wonderful Natural Encounter area where you can get up close and personal with otters and meerkats; and be sure to take a spin on the Wildlife Carousel, featuring hand-carved and decorated animals that showcase many endangered species of the world. If watching the animals eat makes you hungry yourself, there are two outdoor concession stands and one indoor dining area. Get ready to spend a day with the animals as you learn more about the beauty and wonder of the natural world.
The Houston Museum of Natural Science offers a wide variety of exhibits that are worthy of a full day's outing. The three-level live butterfly exhibit will fascinate visitors of any age, as will the dinosaur exhibit in the Morian Hall of Paleontology. The Wiess Energy Hall and the Hall of Gems and Minerals are also worth a visit. You can also catch an interesting IMAX show at Wortham Giant Screen Theatre and spend the night stargazing at the George Observatory.
Bible Days Revival Church on Quitman Street was founded by Apostle E.W. Wilcots. The main aim of the Church community is to spread the word of Christ through the Holy Bible. Regular worship services help foster faith and strengthen belief in God. Besides worship, the church also holds Sunday school and worship to teach the young the importance of the Word.
Lilibeth André Art & Design features a well-curated collection of paintings. Owned, managed and created by artists Lilibeth Andre, the gallery features some of her most precious works, along with a selection of works by other local artists. Specialists in classical and modern forms of art, the gallery takes you through an enriching walk through the aesthetic world.
One of the city's most beautiful attractions, Marmion Park is more than a center for leisure and recreation. Its sprawling landscaped lawns, lush green trees, flower beds and neatly shaped shrubs make it a popular photography destination, while its serene atmosphere makes it a fine getaway from the bustling city. The park features several picnic zones, paved walking trails, and a famous gazebo- that has been the venue for multiple weddings and other private events.
Located in the heart of the First Ward district is a popular little local contemporary art gallery. An exciting and unique selection of beautiful artwork in a wide variety of mediums is on display here. Exhibits include paintings, sculptures, photographs, handmade jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, and much more. The gallery is well-curated with exhibits that frequently rotate, thus ensuring that every visit here is a unique and enlightening experience.
Nestled on the outskirts of the Montrose district east of the city center is the Booker-Lowe Gallery, a novel gem of a gallery that focuses on Australian aboriginal art. Beautiful paintings, thought-provoking sculptures, and exotic artworks that reflect the unique culture of Australia are on display. Exhibits include exceptional bark paintings, ceremonial objects, canvasses, sculptures, and much more. The gallery has a homely vibe and the art is well-curated and lends an in-depth insight into this little-known culture. The gallery definitely is a must visit when in the city.
Opened in 2014, it is the second outpost of the New Orleans gallery. Octavia Art Gallery Houston is a wonderful space for art lovers in River Oaks. Their curated contemporary art exhibits showcase upcoming and established from across Texas. Predominantly done in white, like other galleries, the lighting is adjusted as per the exhibition which is an added advantage in this gallery. From art installation to paintings and portraits, their varied displays are always engaging.