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…
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A special thanks to frugal friend Beth for sharing the fun Houston photo above!
Houston Travel Tips
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!
Fun Activities To Do In Houston:
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!
Shannon said: “Check the CityPass deals. We used that for spring break and it was an incredible savings at $46 per person. The only place I had to pay for my 2 yr old was at the children’s museum and it was only $8. Then at the boardwalk we bought him a day pass for $12 with the coupon from CityPass.”
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.”
Tonya said: “Galveston! The Strand, Pleasure Pier, Moody Gardens, and the Beach!”
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: “The Grove, Discovery Green and did you know our Natural History Museum is one of the nations largest museums?? Menil Gallery.”
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. If you like lakes, head up to the Conroe Area.”
Where to Eat in Houston:
Wondering where to eat in Houston? Houston Texas has some seriously AMAZING food!!
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!
Alisa said: “Ooooh! I live here! Eat at Goode Company Armadillo Palace and El Tiempo!!!”
Jennifer said: “We love to take visitors to the Original Chocolate Bar for a Wonderful dessert experience. Check out the Breakfast Klub for a nationally recognized breakfast experience (be prepared for a wait on weekends).”
Lori said: “Kemah. Eat at Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack!”
Shelly said: “Clear Lake. Kemah. Eat at T-Bone Toms!”
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
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”
Jim writes: “Look on Diners Drive-ins & Dives map for great spots to eat!”
Frugal Restaurant Tip: Save even more 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!
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.”
Houston On A Budget:
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 are my favorite tricks for ramping up the vacation budget…
25+ Side Hustles Ideas
How to Get Cheap Flights to Houston:
Wondering how to get cheap flights? My favorite trick is to load up on free mileage points and airline gift cards, then use them to dramatically cut the cost on airfare! I’ve scored so many free flights this way! Are you ready to start earning your free airlines miles and gift cards? Here’s what you need to do…
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Where to Stay in Houston:
Wondering how to plan the perfect hotel stay for your next vacation? It’s so much easier than you think! Don’t book your next hotel without knowing these secrets shared by Hotel Staff and Frequent Travelers…
75 Hotel Hacks Everyone Should Know
In addition to hotels, be sure to also check out VRBO for lodging on your trip to Houston. They have so many vacation rentals listed by owner. I’ve personally stayed at multiple VRBO rentals, and loved every one. Not only were they often significantly cheaper than the nearby hotels, they also came with a full kitchen. One even had in-room laundry!
Now do you want to know my favorite tips and tricks for saving BIG on a VRBO? These little known hacks will save you SO much money! Check this out…
How to Slash The Cost of Your Next Trip Using VRBO
More Budget Houston Travel Tips:
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20 Ways to Save Money on Rental Cars
How To Save On Gas {20 Genius Hacks}
How to Travel for Free or Cheap {20 Brilliant Budget Travel Hacks}
What To Pack for Houston:
11 Carry On Must Haves for your next flight
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 Texas.
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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.