Wondering what to do in Houston Texas? Have fun exploring the best of Houston with these Houston Travel Tips and Vacation Ideas… perfect for families, couples, and even solo trips!
Whether you’re looking for drool-worthy BBQ, outrageous Tex-Mex, top-notch performing arts and museums, or epic attractions like the Space Center or Boardwalk, the boot-loving Texans in Houston, Texas know how to show you a good time! Plus… you’ll be just 50 miles away from the nearby waves of the gorgeous Galveston Island beaches!
From popular attractions to amazing food, and exciting tourist spots to hidden gems the locals love, I’ll show you everything to see and do in Houston… on a budget!
Are you ready to start compiling your list of the very best things to do in Houston, Texas? Skip the travel guide book, and check out these tips from locals and repeat visitors instead!
Here’s everything you need to know BEFORE you go…
Related:
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A special thanks to frugal friend Beth for sharing the fun Houston photo above!
So You’re Planning a Trip to Houston?
To keep your vacation budget-friendly, you’ll need to plan ahead. One of the first things you’ll want to do is start stashing cash away for your ‘Houston Trip Fund’. Need to increase your travel fund stash? One of the easiest ways is to make extra money on the side in your free time! Here’s my favorite trick for ramping up the vacation budget…
Top Survey Sites to Make Money Online
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Houston?
Houston can be hot and humid during the Summer months, as well as have hurricane warnings through June through November. You’ll find some of the best months to visit are during the off-season… December thru April. The crowds will be smaller and the weather will be cooler!
How to Visit Houston for Free!
How to Get Free Travel Gift Cards
Where to Eat in Houston:
When visiting Houston, you definitely need to try Rudy’s BBQ for amazing bbq and a great value! Rudy’s is the best mix of amazing BBQ and great prices. Be a little adventurous and try ordering your Brisket moist with extra bark! You’ll also love the Pork Baby Back Ribs, Sweet Corn and Banana Pudding! Teenagers meet their match with the Jumbo Smoked Potato topped with Brisket! Try getting the special Rudy’s Cup, and you’ll score 75 cent refills of Coke or Sweet Tea on all future visits!
Now keep reading for all the very best Houston travel tips and things to do shared by myself and your frugal friends…
Houston Travel Tips
Sheryl said: “Go to Johnson Space Center”
Kema said: “Definitely NASA and the Kema Boardwalk!”
Ronda said: “Space Center, aquarium, zoo and children’s museum – get a CityPass. It makes the museums cheaper.”
Angie said: “Check out CityPass for great Houston deals! Discounts for NASA & other locations!”
Houston CityPASS – 49% off Attractions!
Elaine said: “Art Car Museum, find some cool food trucks, Space Center Houston, Galveston, Kemah, boat ride in the port….”
Kimberly said: “We love the Hermann Park area – which includes HMNS, Cockrell Butterly Exhibit, zoo, etc.”
Deondra said: “Galveston”
Tonya said: “Galveston! The Strand, Pleasure Pier, Moody Gardens, and the Beach!”
Score Free Coffee at Starbucks! With so many things to do and explore all over the city… you just might be needing a caffeine fix or a snack break! There are so many Starbucks locations all around Houston, so check this out to save even MORE money on your trip…
Starbucks Money Saving Hacks
Sheha said: “NASA is amazing for the kids, Galveston Beach, alligator farms. So much to do!”
Joana said: “We have a great zoo! The aquarium is so much fun, and The Galleria area is incredible!”
Shari said: “The Holocaust Museum”
Jennifer said: “Menil Art Museum (free of charge).”
Shari said: “Houston Museum of Natural Science is my favorite. Then you could always make the short drive to Brenham to tour the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory!”
Alisa said: “Ooooh! I live here! Saint Arnold’s is a must… The Grove, Discovery Green and did you know our Natural History Museum is one of the nations largest museums?? Menil Gallery… eat at Goode Company Armadillo Palace, El Tiempo!!!”
Linda said: “Museum of Natural Science & Splashtown!”
Kelly said: “Houston Astros Stadium and the aquarium.”
Jennifer said: “GREAT minor league baseball (Skeeters) at Constellation Field in Sugar Land… and if you are on that side of town, eat at Lopez. We love to take visitors to the Original Chocolate Bar for a Wonderful dessert experience. If you like lakes, head up to the Conroe Area. Check out the Breakfast Klub for a nationally recognized breakfast experience (be prepared for a wait on weekends).”
Frugal Restaurant Tip: Save money when you use my easy Eat Out Cheap Ideas. Making a trip to your favorite restaurant is about to get a whole lot more fun!
Lori said: “Kemah. Eat at Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack!”
Shelly said: “Clear Lake. Kemah. Eat at T-Bone Toms!”
Raquel said: “We have family there ,so we’re usually with them… however if you like food (lol like I do) go to Papadeaux’s! Yummy yummy!”
Sammie said: “Captain Tom’s Seafood & Oysters! The restaurant is a boat..”
Christine said: “We love Saint Arnold Brewing Company. It’s family friendly, you can bring in your own food, and they make their own homemade rootbeer for the kids… or if you aren’t a fan of beer.”
JoAnn said: “This restaurant isn’t frugal, but it is oh so good – Fogo de Chaou. Everyone I know loves Chuy’s Mexican Food.”
Jessica said: “Liberty Cafe in the Heights neighborhood is an absolute must!! Swear they have the best food in Houston!”
Nikki said: “Eat at La Brisa in League City, used to live there and miss that place.”
Deb said: “Have to eat a Po’ Boy sandwich at Antone’s shop”
Score a Deal on your Houston Car Rental! There are so many beautiful places to explore around Houston… and you’ll need a car to see most of them! There are a few easy Rental Car Hacks to slash your costs that you’ll want to put to use! Here are my favorite tricks to save BIG on car rentals…
20 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars
Karen said: “Market Street in The Woodlands is a nice place to walk around, shop & eat…”
Kristi said: “I live here and I love the amazing restaurants! We have tons of really cool small business places to name a few: Lola, Jus’ Mac, Steamboat Steakhouse. Mmm, now I’m hungry! The new outlet mall NW of Houston in Cypress has great high end stores.”
Therese said: “My husband is obsessed with Buc-ee’s Convenience Store / Gas Stations in that area . They are pretty cool. ( weird I know)”
Alexis said: “Check out CityPass for Houston. Worth it if you visit the places everyone has mentioned. And yes, stop at at least one Buc-ee’s.”
Frugal Houston Travel Tips: Use these 8 money saving tips that include a tips fort Free Gas Gift Cards on your trip!
What To Pack for Houston:
Best Baby Travel Gear
Traveling with Baby? Don’t leave home without these Baby Travel Gear Essentials! I’ve taken my babies on the long flights so many times and these must-have items will make traveling with Baby so much easier!
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Be sure to leave extra room in your suitcase to bring home some souvenirs!
Now that you’ve read through these fun Houston Travel Tips and Vacation Ideas, start dreaming of more Vacation Getaways near Houston.
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So don’t miss out!! Get even more Frugal Girls Travel Tips, Recipes + More right here…
So… do You have any favorite Houston Travel Tips to share?
What are some of your favorite places to see, things to do, etc?
Leave a comment & share!
Shawn says
for a quieter beach than Galveston (that you can drive on!), head to Bolivar. Either take the free ferry from Galveston or drive, and eat at Stingaree 🙂
Phyllis says
Visit the Downtown tunnels
Barbara Wendt says
For a family meal check out the Potato Patch on FM1960, just east of the Hardy Toll Road. The coolest part is the wait staff wanders around and offers free side dishes to try-fried green tomatoes, fried okra, hot muffins and dinner rolls. Usually the muffins and rolls get tossed across the room. I always order the huge chicken fried steak with real mashed potatoes, and take about 2 meals home with me.
The natural history museum is amazing, and very close to the zoo. Galveston beach is not the cleanest/prettiest beach in the world, but an afternoon of free entertainment walking and looking at stuff is always good. There are some cool shops on the Galveston Strand (Historic district near the cruise ships, not along the beach where typical tourist stuff exists).
I think the number one thing to see is the Johnson Space Center. Watch the movie “The Right Stuff” before you visit, and you will recoginze and appricate a bunch on the campus-control rooms, memorials, rockets, etc.