Houston, Texas Travel Guide
Also see: Galveston, Baytown, Beaumont, La Porte

Region: Gulf Coast

The nation's fourth largest city, Houston is a thriving community bustling with activities, shopping, and nightlife. Linked by the Houston Ship Channel to the Gulf of Mexico, 50 miles away, the city is a giant in the world of international shipping as well as oil, aerospace, and finance.

Truly Texas-size, the city sprawls across 617 square miles of bayou country while the metropolitan area takes in close to 9,000 square miles, all connected by one of the nation's most extensive highway systems. Dozens of languages are heard in the ethnically diverse community whose residents have relocated here from around the globe.

Mention Houston and Galveston and two icons come to mind: oil money and sandy beaches. Long the capital of the Texas oil "bidness," Houston is still dotted with high dollar hangouts and plenty of opportunities for fun. The choice of fun ranges from mild to wild--everything from highbrow art museums to quiet botanical gardens to truly Texas-size nightclubs.

Attractions

Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens

Children's Museum of Houston

Contemporary Arts Museum

Holocaust Museum Houston

Houston Zoological Garden

Menil Collection

Museum of Fine Arts

Museum of Health and Medical Science

Museum of Natural Sciences

Rice University Art Gallery

Theater District

Nearby

San Jacinto Battlefield State Historical Park

Space Center Houston

Festivals & Special Events

February-March: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
April: Houston International Festival
May: Houston Highland Games & Celtic Festival
August: Houston International Jazz Festival

Hotels

Houston area hotels

In-Depth Travel Articles

Houston's Museums

Houston Meetings

For More Information: Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, www.visithoustontexas.com