This Texas City Has Everything From NASA to Wide-Open Green Space

Houston is an innovative hub pulsing with the promise of southern charms and hospitality. This Texas city has everything from NASA to wide-open green space.

Known as NASA’s Space City, Houston is home to the Johnson Space Center. The center is a must-visit whether you’re fascinated by modern space exploration or the history of humans’ first space travels.

The city’s Museum District features 19 museums in all, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Children’s Interactive Museum, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where exhibits range from ancient Egyptian artifacts to awe-inspiring dinosaur bones and everything in between.

Houston’s culinary roots go deep, and this is evidenced best in the city’s mix of options, from award-winning fine dining and nationwide restaurant chains to food trucks serving traditional Mexican tacos, and burritos.

Here’s where to find the best dining spots in Houston:

• Best fine dining: Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is a favorite for its fresh Gulf Coast seafood, while Brennan’s of Houston serves up classic Creole flavors in an elegant setting.
• Best steaks: Vic & Anthony’s Steakhouse meat cuts are as sophisticated as its atmosphere.
• Best casual dining: Truth BBQ has some of the best smoked meats in Texas—no lie!
• Best international cuisine (Montrose): Try Hugo’s refined traditional Mexican cuisine or Uchi’s contemporary takes on Japanese flavors.
• Best international cuisine (The Heights): Coltivare is a cozy Italian eatery that focuses on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.
• Best food truck: Check out The Waffle Bus for its creative takes on comfort foods.

If you love the outdoors, you’ll be pleasantly surprised how much green space you’ll find in Houston, such as:

• The sprawling Hermann Park has several walking trails and a beautiful Japanese garden.
• The Houston Zoo is a fun yet peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
• Buffalo Bayou Park’s scenic trails and kayak rentals make this the perfect spot to escape the urban hustle while staying close to downtown.

Whether you explore the exhibits at one of Houston’s museums or take in a show in its Broadway-reminiscent theater district, this city’s blend of experiences is as diverse as its people. This Texas city has everything from NASA to wide-open green space.