If corporate travel brings you to Texas, you will not want to miss a trip to the southeastern part of the state for the 15 best things to do and see in Houston. As one of the most populous cities in the United States and the most populous in Texas that also has a thriving oil and gas industry, Houston is a magnet for Fortune 500 companies and corporate headquarters. Millions of visitors travel here each year for work and leisure and return home with memories of exciting adventures to share.

Welcome to Houston

The Houston skyline is iconic and is a mixture of skyscrapers, bayous, and green areas. The city has two main business districts – Downtown/Midtown and what most locals refer to as Uptown. Just southwest of the city is the area of Uptown which has several high-rises of its own in combination with dining and shopping locales.

With the city of Houston being so large, there are typically a variety of corporate housing options available so traveling executives can be close to their temporary office or close to one of the city’s amazing attractions if they choose.

15 Best Things to Do and See in Houston

It is true what they say—everything is bigger in Texas, and that includes the list of things to do and see. And the same holds true when it comes to the diverse and thriving southeast town of Houston.

The city is centrally located and within only an hour or so of the Gulf of Mexico, the Space Center, The Woodlands and so much more. When the working day is done, let adventure take the reigns and check out this list of the 15 best things to do and see in Houston:

Space Center Houston

For an out of this world experience with both feet still on the ground, do not miss a chance to visit Space Center Houston to learn more about space exploration, science, and engineering. Enjoy a variety of hands-on exhibits, tours, and educational programs that can immerse you in all things space related.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Every spring for part of the months of February and March, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo gets everyone in touch with their western roots. A trip to the rodeo is a must, with live competitions such as mutton bustin’, carnival rides, and nightly concerts. Come hungry and ready for a turkey leg, funnel cake or fried oreo (or two), not to mention some deliciously authentic barbeque.

Discovery Green

This square of greenspace located just outside the George R. Brown Convention Center is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. It is a relaxing place to rest, bring a picnic, or just enjoy the scenery, including the iconic skyline. There are a variety of attractions to enjoy, including an outdoor skating rink, live music, interactive water features and some seasonal attractions as well.

Nearby Galveston beaches

You would never know by glancing at the Houston city skyline that the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico are within a half hour to hour away. Some of the most popular beaches to catch some sun and waves include Surfside Beach, Stewart Beach, Pleasure Pier, and Galveston Island State Park.

Shopping

There are likely more stellar shopping venues here than there is time to visit them all. Whether you enjoy the upscale selections of the Houston Galleria, the charming shops of Highland or Rice Village, or the River Oaks Shopping Center, there are plenty of locations for some retail therapy and a nice lunch or dinner out.

Professional sports teams

This city loves sports, and to prove it they have a variety of professional teams that call H-town home. Depending on the season, consider catching the NFL’s Houston Texans, the NBA’s Houston Rockets, the MLB’s Houston Astros, or Houston Dynamo FC in action.

Golfing

With warm temperatures most of the year, Houston is the place to be for golfers. Whether you want to hit the links at Hermann Park, visit one of the amazing courses in the suburbs, or enjoy a less formal environment like Top Golf, opportunities abound for you to work on your swing.

The Arts

Entertainment abounds in Houston whether you enjoy the ballet, a concert, a play, or the symphony. Several theaters in the area such as Theater Under the Stars, Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, Wortham Center, and Alley Theater have events throughout the year around the city. Just north of Houston is The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, which is a premier outdoor concert venue.

Museums

This city’s love for museums is so great they have affectionately named one area the Museum District. It is here that you will find exciting cultural and educational learning opportunities through venues such as The Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Museum of Fine Arts, Children’s Museum of Houston, the Menil Collection, the Holocaust Museum, and the Lone Star Flight Museum.

Zoo

Just around the corner from Hermann Park and the world-renowned Texas Medical Center sits the Houston Zoo. This celebration of animals in their natural habitats attracts people of all ages. It is home to more than six-thousand animals and the organization supports more than forty-five wildlife conservation projects throughout the world. Enjoy the amazing animals, interactive exhibits, and do not miss an opportunity to feed the giraffes.

Downtown Aquarium

Visit the Downtown Aquarium for an up-close look at the marvels of the ocean. In addition to seeing the fish inside the Aquarium’s indoor restaurant, visitors can enjoy carnival games, a train ride, and even a ride on the Ferris wheel.

Miller Outdoor Theater

Located in the heart of the museum district in Hermann Park, this popular outdoor theater is open for performances most of the year. When not open for shows, this glorious patch of green in the middle of the city is popular with passersby for picnic lunches and outdoor fun.

The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

This one hundred fifty-five-acre nature area on the outskirts of Memorial Park was founded in 1967 and is still a popular attraction for more than 600,000 visitors annually. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the arboretum which is inundated with beautiful plants and colorful flowers.

Hermann Park

This is a central hub that is close to trails, flower gardens, museums, golf courses, and the Texas Medical Center. Wander the outdoor wonders of Hermann Park if you have a free morning or afternoon.

Rice University

Rated by Niche as one of the seven best colleges in the nation, the campus of Rice University is a must-see while you are in town. From the majestic buildings to the stately tree-lined jogging paths, it is an Instagram worthy stop.

Be sure to take advantage of the 15 best things to do and see in Houston while you are in town for work and combine a little business with pleasure.