The 20 best things to do in Houston right now

The first word spoken on the moon was "Houston," so it is fitting that the city is home to one of the finest interstellar museums on planet Earth. NASA’s Space Center Houston boasts masses of permanent displays and attractions, including a flown SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket over 156 feet long. Plus: an extensive artifact collection, live shows, and a NASA Tram Tour that takes visitors behind the scenes at Johnson Space Center.

Houston boasts the second-largest Indochinese population in the U.S. (after Los Angeles), so it is only fitting to visit Chinatown, which (authentically and deliciously) brings together delights from all over Asia. Head to the thriving district in the southwest for an epicurean adventure. Savor the rich (and tempting) tastes, sights, and smells of the bustling Hong Kong Food Market. After that, nibble on dim sum at Ocean Palace or a steaming bowl of vermicelli soup at Tan Tan. Finish your afternoon with a peaceful stroll around Jade Buddha Temple's serene lotus ponds, statues, and gardens. The district is vast; visit Chow Down in Chinatown for the latest events and recommendations.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science boasts several world-class exhibits, including fossils in action. Most major paleontology exhibits feature dinosaur skeletons lined up one after the other, but this museum tried something entirely different; it recreates actual encounters between dinosaurs as they might have occurred millions of years ago. The results are fantastic, with skeletal dinosaurs eating, chasing, and fighting. The breathtaking jewelry vault and indoor rainforest are also not to be missed.

The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston is one of the largest museums in the United States, so expect exhibitions and installations galore. On Thursdays, you can check out everything from Renaissance art to rare African sculptures with a cocktail in hand before enjoying the resident DJ and grabbing a bite from one of the curated food trucks usually parked outside. Plus, if you can tear your eyes away from the Matisses and Rodins in the museum’s sculpture garden, you’ll find yourself in the perfect position to enjoy the sunset over the city skyline, too.

From neon-lit tattoo parlors to tree-covered bungalows and quaint coffee shops, this four-square-mile neighborhood is a pocket of eccentricity like no other on this side of Austin. Spend an afternoon perusing its experimental art galleries or find a one-of-a-kind treasure at one of the offbeat boutiques along Westheimer Curve. Of course, the food scene is stellar, and our pick is Kâu Ba's Viet-Cajun restaurant and bar, an exceptional brunch spot.

One of the most significant art assemblages of the 20th century, the Menil Collection is housed in a magnificent purpose-built gallery designed by none other than Renzo Piano (the same architect behind NYC's Whitney Museum of American Art). Displayed in spacious, naturally lit white-walled sections, the superb works are the collection of John and Dominique de Menil. The nearly 15,000 pieces range from Paleolithic carvings to Surrealist paintings, and many prominent artists—including Picasso and Rene Magritte—have entire rooms to themselves. With free admission and parking, it would be a crime not to spend time here.

Legend has it that the fajita was invented in Houston—and the restaurant that had the bright idea is still serving the treat today. Original Ninfa’s has been around so long that its slogan is the best Mexican food in Texas since Texas was in Mexico. It is not all hot air either; the food here is incredible, especially when ordered with the famous 'off the menu' toppings. They also serve some of the finest margaritas in town. Win-win!

This octagonal building in the Museum District is an oasis of peace and calm where religion, art, and architecture intermingle. The 'Chapel' (a misnomer given that the venue is without denomination) is decorated with 14 mural canvasses painted by celebrated Russian-American artist Mark Rothko shortly before his death in 1970. Rothko considered them his most important works, and their power in this tranquil space is undeniable.

Considered Houston's most significant natural resource, Buffalo Bayou has hundreds of acres of parkland and running trails. One of the finest ways to enjoy the bayou’s beauty is from the water, starting downtown at Allen’s Landing and working your way west. Rent a kayak from the Buffalo Bayou Partnership or join one of the boat tours, including history tours and the popular twilight tours.

Visitors can discover everything from the mysterious traditions surrounding the burial of a Pope to the recreation of Abraham Lincoln’s state funeral at this morbidly curious museum. Alright, a trip to this museum may not be the most upbeat adventure, but it is certainly engaging. The real must-see is the enormous 1916 Packard graveyard bus, created to eliminate funeral processions. It could carry a coffin, pallbearers, and 20 mourners but was hastily retired after the weight caused it to tip over on a San Francisco hill, sending bodies (both living and dead) bouncing down the street like a real-life version of Coffin Flop.

Diversión isn't simply a cocktail bar. It's an immersive experience and one of the coolest things to do in all of Texas. Enter an unassuming grey building to a Harry Potter world of boozy fun. They use the finest ingredients, home or locally-grown and crafted from scratch. Watch your mixologist work their magic in the laboratory-style bar ahead; it is an art. All cocktails (especially the ones from their immersive menu) are outrageously creative and make for excellent social media content if that's your thing.

This non-profit showcases Houston's thriving performing arts scene with a mission to expand the city's reputation as a world-class center for culture. The complex has two performance chambers and an upscale restaurant for those looking to make an evening of it. If you're looking for the perfect excuse to dress up and see some performing arts, think of The Hobby Center as Houston's own Broadway—all of Broadway squeezed into one building, that is. Featuring hits like Tootsie, Hadestown, and Hamilton, not to mention drag shows, parodies, and seasonal goodies, this place has it all.

One of Houston’s brightest cultural gems, Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park has staged free outdoor performances since 1923. With eight months of free arts programming every year, the sloping lawn in front of the stage gets packed with locals toting blankets and picnics. Where else can you enjoy everything from drama to the symphony, free of charge? Just check the event calendar before your visit (and book tickets in advance, if necessary). Besides, it is a great way to lay back and enjoy toasty Texan weather without being accused of laziness.

"Inspired, hip, tasty, funky, savvy" shouts the famous mural at 520 Travis Street, which has become a photographic flag-bearer for the city. This wonderfully vibrant, colorful image is more than just Instagram bait; it is an homage to local pride, drawing attention to Houston's best characteristics in the heart of the Market Square District. Its message is clear; Houston, we don’t have a problem.

Towering over the Houston Ship Channel, the San Jacinto Monument is the tallest war memorial in the nation, standing 15 feet higher than the Washington Monument. The 570-foot obelisk—topped by a massive 220-ton Lone Star of Texas—pays tribute to those who fought for Texas' independence from Mexico in 1836. The outstanding San Jacinto Museum at its base contains several fascinating artifacts from the Texas Revolution and subsequent Republic and serves as the access point for the all-important elevator to the summit. The San Jacinto Museum also houses the Albert and Ethel Herzstein library, where you'll discover rare books and delicate manuscripts.

Formerly the Williams Waterwall, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall is one of Houston’s most popular spots to relax (naturally, it is also one of the most photographed sites in the city). A dramatic 64-foot semicircular fountain, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall recycles a ferocious 11,000 gallons of water per minute in what has become liquid Instagram gold. Once you’ve taken your mandatory snap, grab some lunch to-go from the neighboring Galleria before returning to the oak glades in the Waterwall’s three-acre park for picture-perfect picnicking.

The historic beach town, Galveston, is less than an hour’s drive from Houston. Considered by many an extension of the city itself, there is plenty to do here. From 32 miles of beaches (chilled-out Jamaica Beach is the local favorite) to an evocative historic district full of Victorian architecture and old seafaring inns. Check out the chateau-like Bishop’s Palace before pedaling a beach cruiser bike along the seawall at sunset. Had enough of volleyball and sunbathing? Spend time fishing and exploring the historic ships at Seawolf Park, including the U.S.S. Cavalla and U.S.S. Stewart.

The home of the Houston Astros can keep as many as 40,000 fans cool through all nine innings thanks to its 242-foot-high retractable roof and surprisingly effective air conditioning. If the promise of relief from the Texas heat isn't enough to entice you, Minute Maid Park's food will do the trick. Besides, even if you aren't a baseball fan, the atmosphere alone is worth the ticket price. You'll be rooting for the home team before you know it.

Since Rice University unveiled James Turrell’s "Twilight Epiphany" Skyspace in June 2012, the glass pyramid has become a cult favorite among Houstonians. Locals come out in droves to enjoy the spectacular natural light show, particularly at sunset. The ingenious structure uses LED lights in sequence with the rising and setting of the sun to create a dazzling display projected through a square aperture at the apex of the pyramid. 

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Retired upholsterer John Milkovisch and his friends guzzled some 50,000 beers to give his small home in the Rice Military neighborhood its iconic—and bizarre—aluminum armor. A scenic drive from downtown, Beer Can House is one of H-Town’s quirkiest and most popular sites. It is also, perhaps, one of the world’s greatest examples of recycling. Shell out $5 to get inside the house, or just admire the beloved folk art creation from the sidewalk.