Houston Flights And Sights

Everything's bigger in Texas, and Houston is no exception: it's the biggest city of them all. Begin a tour of this cosmopolitan metropolis at Space Center Houston, where interactive displays recreate the challenges of space exploration. A thriving Museum District preserves Houston's rich cultural treasures, while an abundance of parks preserve the city's green spaces. The cow-wrestling days may be over in Houston, but you don't have to look far to find traditional Texas culture: its remnants can be found at Gilley's honky-tonk and barbecue joints everywhere.

Things to Do

"Houston, we have a problem." Space Center Houston brings to life this and other memorable moments in space exploration with lunar simulators and anti-gravity environments. More earthly subjects fill the exhibits at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, including a recreated rainforest and glittering geodes. The attraction forms part of the extensive Museum District, which also includes the Czech Center Museum, the Health Museum, and the Children's Museum of Houston.

Nightlife and Entertainment

The quintessential Texas honky-tonk, Gilley's packs its dance floor with more cowboy hats and oversize belt buckles than you can possibly count. Although the club is large and famous, you'll find a more authentic vibe at Blanco's, including many of the state's best bands. Classical music fans will find plenty to love in Houston, too. The city's thriving cultural scene is centered in the Theater District, including symphony, opera, ballet and theater.

Restaurants and Dining

Sauce-laden barbecue, fresh seafood and spicy Tex-Mex enchiladas fill traditional restaurant menus across Houston. Order up an icy glass of sweet tea or beer and you'll be eating like a local. Houston's favorite local burgers, enormous and served with milkshakes, are beloved at Beck's Prime. The city's landmark restaurant is elegant Brennan's, with Creole redfish, flame-roasted Gulf shrimp and grilled Angus beef steaks.

Active Pursuits

Houston sizzles in the summer, when much of the city finds a way to swim at the beaches of Galveston. Buffalo Bayou draws hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts to its watery banks, lined with bicycle and walking paths. The 3-mile loop takes in views of the gleaming Houston skyline and is dotted with outdoor sculptures. A longer (10 miles) but no less pleasant pedestrian path lies southwest of town, at Brays Bayou.

American Airlines has convenient flights to Houston that make it simple to plan a visit here. Although Houston might be best known for NASA's Johnson Space Center, this city has an impressive list of attractions, including world-class museums, a thriving performing arts scene, professional sports and countless shopping opportunities. The list of things to do in Houston is as big as the Lone Star State itself!

Of course, one of the most popular activities in Houston is a visit to Space Center Houston. The official visitor center for NASA's Johnson Space Center is 180,000 square feet of education, entertainment and exhibits dedicated to human adventures in space. In addition to permanent exhibits and attractions, Space Center Houston features a constant rotation of traveling exhibits, so even if you've been here before, it's definitely worth another trip. Kids are especially big fans of this place, and there are many features that cater to them. Space Center Houston is open daily all year long (two exceptions: October 8 and December 25). It's located approximately 25 miles south of downtown in the NASA/Clear Lake area.

Another one of the most enjoyable things to do in Houston is to spend time in Hermann Park and the Museum District. At Hermann Park you'll find a zoo, an aquarium and a garden center in addition to precious urban green space. Next door to Hermann is the Museum of Natural Science (kids will love the Cockrell Butterfly Center, where you can walk through a living butterfly habitat). The Museum of Fine Art is also wonderful for exploring, with two gallery buildings, a sculpture garden and more. You won't want to miss The Menil Collection, where the personal holdings of John and Dominique de Menil are exhibited. The Rothko Chapel, also founded by the de Menils, is dedicated to displaying the works of Russian-born American painter Mark Rothko. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you can visit the Art Car Museum, a private institution, for the most artistic works on wheels you'll likely ever experience. (Locals like to call it Garage Mahal.)

After educating yourself about space and art, take a break and indulge in Houston's vast assortment of shops and boutiques. Shopping is arguably one of the most popular activities in Houston, with shoppers descending upon the city from around the globe. You'll be able to shop everything from designer boutiques to flea markets to local jewelry stores.

However you'd like to explore the city, American Airlines has many great options for flying to Houston so you can build the trip that is perfect for your schedule and interests.