Welcome to Houston, Texas! Whether you’ve moved to the city for a new job, to be closer to family, or to take advantage of the low cost of living, Houston is full of entertainment, shopping, culture, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. As you get settled in, don’t miss these five activities to get acquainted with your new hometown.
The Waterwall
The Waterwall is Houston’s most photographed site and the perfect place to get a feel for the city. Designed by architects John Burgee and Philip Johnson in 1985, the 64-foot high fountain frames more than 180 live oak trees in the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. Bring a snack or a Frisbee and settle in for an afternoon of people watching. The Galleria, an upscale shopping mall, is right next door, allowing you to pick up any essentials that got lost in the move.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is one of the most popular museums in the United States, and for good reason. Comprised of exhibitions and science halls, as well as a planetarium, butterfly center, and IMAX theater, there is more to do than can be tackled in a day. But not to worry — you live nearby now! For your first trip, check out the gem vault, Cockrell Sundial, and the paleontology hall.
Minute Maid Park
“Take me out to the ball game …” at Minute Maid Park. Home to the Houston Astros, the city’s Major League Baseball team, Minute Maid Park was built in 2000 and features a retractable roof, grass playing field, and plenty of concessionaires. Put on some Astros gear and get ready to cheer on the hometown team with plenty of fellow Houstonians. Snag tickets for an early-season game to take advantage of Houston’s temperate spring weather.
Weekend Trips
Are you ready to start exploring the area around your new home? Pack up the car and head out on a weekend trip to one of the Houston area’s many beautiful and historic towns. Start with a trip to Magnolia in April for the annual Depot Day (grab a hotel room nearby in order to check out the nearby Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary the next day).
For a culture fix, spend a weekend in Lake Charles, Louisiana, to catch the Lake Charles Symphony and see the largest display of Mardi Gras costumes in the world. For a weekend along the water, drive to nearby Galveston and relax along the Gulf Coast.
Hermann Park
Six million people visit Hermann Park each year, and you’ll want to be one of them. Located close to downtown, the Museum District, and Rice University, Hermann Park is a sprawling 445 acres of green space within the bustling city. Inside Hermann Park, there is something for everyone: trails for running and strolling, a lake with pedal boats, a Japanese Garden, and plenty of lawn for picnics, games, and reading a book.
While it can be daunting to move to a new city, Houston is waiting to welcome you with culture, sport, outdoor recreation, shopping, and entertainment.