Know Before You Go: About Houston
Whoever said “bigger isn’t always better” has never been to Houston
The list of must-see attractions alone couldn’t fit into a 10-gallon hat. This city is the ultimate cosmopolitan destination, yet also maintains its down-home feel. It’s the sort of place where you can peruse the world’s finest art and devour a plate of barbecued ribs all in the same day before taking off into space. Kids, parents, friends and colleagues are more than likely to make memories in this bustling city, so pack your things and prepare for an out of this world trip in Houston.
Climate Queues
If you’re visiting during the summer months, be prepared for extreme weather—thunderstorms, hail, muggy air and temperatures above 90 degrees are all standard. The region sometimes gets hit with late-season hurricanes in the fall, but the daytime highs mercifully decrease to the 70s and 80s. In winter, pack a sweater and a coat just in case, as the occasional snow flurry may arise even though temperatures rarely fall below 60 F. Tepid spring temps hover in the 70s, giving way to pleasant, sunny afternoons—perfect weather for vacationing.
Boot-Scootin’ Sights
Satisfy your inner artist at the ballet in Houston’s esteemed Theater District or bust your own moves at Gilley’s, the world-famous honky-tonk. Worried your kids might get bored on vacation? Houston, we don’t have a problem. Space Center Houston offers an out-of-this-world experience, where children can gaze at moon rocks and, if you’re lucky, an astronaut in training. Your little ones will be entranced with marine life at the Downtown Aquarium and interactive exhibits at both the Children’s Museum of Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Drive one hour south and the whole family can enjoy a day of fun in the sun on the beaches of Galveston.
Energetic Industry
Chances are you've been directly affected by at least one business based in Houston. Energy keeps the city running, both literally and figuratively. Dubbed the “energy capital of the world,” Houston is home to 3,700-plus energy-related groups, including oil companies, exploration firms and refineries. Other big businesses have gravitated to Houston as well, including 26 Fortune 500 companies that have headquarters here. Health care is big in Houston for one reason—the Texas Medical Center. As the world’s largest medical complex, the center includes 21 hospitals and employs more than 100,000 locals.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
You won't have any trouble reaching your destination in Houston. Most major international and domestic airlines fly into George Bush Intercontinental Airport, just 25 minutes from Houston’s city center. Travel by rail on Amtrak’s Sunset Limited, which offers daily service between Los Angeles and New Orleans. Coming by way of Dallas? Interstate 45 will get you to Houston. If San Antonio or New Orleans is your place of origin, jump on Interstate 10. Once you arrive in Houston, your car will still come in handy. Light rails and local buses traverse the metro region, but Houston’s freeway system gets you from point A to point B quickly—assuming there’s not too much traffic.
Ready to travel? Find hotels in Houston
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Slap on your spurs and dust off your 10-gallon hat for a true Western experience in Houston.