Welcome to Lodgeur’s guide of the best things to see and do in Downtown Houston!
We understand that what’s perfect for a business traveler is not always perfect for a family vacation. So we’ve identified each location and activity with an emoji to give you a quick visual and help you make easier decisions. Your trip should be about exploring, not researching.
We’ve also provided indicative pricing from $ to $$$$.
See this symbol and you’re headed to a place drenched in cool. It’s probably new on the scene, on a few of the top “must visit” lists, and great for a photo op.
See this symbol and you’re promised a family-friendly place where you would be comfortable taking children of all ages. They may have a kid’s menu, kid’s pricing, and an understanding of people of all ages.
See this symbol and you’re all set for dinner with the boss, a workgroup, or an expense account.
See this symbol and you’re in for a local treat. It will be very Houstonian but not necessarily traditional. These are some of our personal favorites in the city.
Free
Take a trip down to Market Square Park for a taste of nature combined with the city. Artworks, preserved from before the redevelopment, as well as new pieces, occupy many spaces within the park. Events and performances are also held on the stage, which is permanently set up on park grounds. This location is just a great place to come on a sunny day and enjoy the weather.
Free for all.
$
Image courtesy of MLB.com
The Astros earned history, and now they are ready to take it back. Need to impress that out of town client or take the kids to experience America’s pastime? Take them to see the Astros play at Minute Maid Park. All home games are open to the public and individual game tickets can be purchased even at a minute’s notice! During the off-season, you can take a tour of the stadium. Hope the Astros’ score so you can see the Minute Maid train in action, and if you’re there on a Friday night, stay for the impressive fireworks display.
Photo courtesy of the Houston Grand Opera.
Houston’s premier performing arts theatre district brings together the award-wining Houston Orchestra, the beautiful Houston Ballet, and more! During your stay, look to catch a last-minute performance on the individual event calendars below:
Free
This park is unique to our city, and has a few Instagram worthy spots to check out! Check out their calendar for rotating events – depending on the season, they typically range from art installations, canoeing, attending movie nights, and practicing at the putting green.
$
Image courtesy of Buffalo Bayou.
Houston’s Buffalo Bayou Partnership commissioned famed Franco-Venezuelan artist Carlos Cruz-Diez to create a dazzling projection of continuously moving chromatic modules on the Cistern’s columns, walls, and cubes floating in the shallow pool of water on the reservoir’s floor. This experiential visit will make you feel like you are a part of Cruz-Diez’s colorful dream.
P.S. It’s free to visit on the first Thursday of the month!
P.P.S. If you’re in the military, a college student, or senior (65+), you’ll receive a $2 discount. You must present your I.D. upon checking in.
Free
Image courtesy of Buffalo Bayou.
Stretching from Shepherd to Sabine between Allen Parkway and Memorial, Buffalo Bayou Park is the Crown Jewel of Houston’s greenspaces. Take a walk along the winding hike and bike paths, take your dog and or family & friends down to Eleanor Tinsley park for some incredible views of the Houston skyline. Do keep an eye out for plenty of cool art installations — from the Dandelion fountain to the six 4-foot-tall “Monumental Moments” sculptures along the Kinder Footpaths.
$$
Located on Elgin Street between Crawford and Chenevert Streets and surrounded by townhomes, Baldwin Park boasts more than four acres of fun. In addition to having an entertaining playground with ropes, slides and all sorts of obstacles, the grounds of the park are exceptional. Kids will love playing on the massive old oak trees, which are perfect for climbing because the branches are so close to the ground. While there, make sure to make a stop across the street from the park on Crawford Street to snap a few pictures of your kids next to the street art.
Free
With the city skyline in the background, Houston’s skateboarders show off their skills inside this 30,000-square-foot complex. Designed by Grindline Skateparks, the state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in the region. Whether you’re a skater or not – it’s a great place to take some photos of skaters in action!