Welcome to Houston Attractions!

When it comes to attractions in Houston this modern progressive city offers a diverse range. With so many, there is sure to be something to please you whatever your taste or age. If it is history you are after go and see the place where Texas won its independence at the San Jacinto Battleground or see what life was like on an 1820s pioneer farm at George Ranch Historical Park. For a collection of 45,000 artworks you would enjoy a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts or perhaps you would prefer another kind of museum experience, Houston has a wide variety. Whether you want a theatrical or musical performance Houston has several venues showcasing everything from local to big name entertainers. If you are a sports fan you might like to take in a game of the city's major league Houston Astros or if NBA is more to your liking you could go and root with the locals for the Houston Rockets. If you feel like relaxing take a stroll along the Kemah Boardwalk and enjoy fresh seafood, specialty shops, and maybe even a concert or festival depending on when you go. These are just highlights of a handful of what Houston has to offer. Let onlinehotels.com show you some of our favorite places to stay and to play.

Downtown Tunnel System
Houston's bustling downtown tunnel system is located 25 feet below the earth's surface. The tunnel's skywalks and subterranean passages, approximately seven miles long, comprise every service imaginable other than a grocery store. The tunnel, which uses color-coded signs to aid pedestrians in navigation, also links businesses above ground to one another. The tunnel system is open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Call (713) 650-3022 for a free map of downtown Houston and its tunnel system, or call Discover Houston Tours at (713) 222-9255 for information about a tunnel tour.

Kemah Boardwalk
Vacationers enjoy the great shopping, lively festivals, concerts, and delectable seafood dishes at Kemah Boardwalk. Specialty shops line the boardwalk, intermingled with some of the best seafood restaurants in Texas. The boardwalk's Aquarium Restaurant, which features a 50,000-gallon floor-to-ceiling aquarium, touts itself as an Underwater Dining Adventure. There are numerous other restaurant selections, amidst all the tasty oyster bars and crab shacks, for those who do not like seafood. Kemah Boardwalk, just 20 minutes from downtown Houston, is located at Bradford and 2nd streets in Kemah.

Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo, located at 1513 N. MacGregor Way in Hermann Park, houses 40 exhibits that take visitors on a journey through the six ecosystems of Texas. The zoo's "Texas Wetlands" exhibit allows visitors to walk above an accurate representation of the southeast Texas coastal marshland - and observe the American alligators below. The Houston Zoo also houses a large number of exotic animals. Admission to the zoo, open 365 days per year, is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors age 65 and older, $2 for children ages 3 to 12, and free for children younger than age 3. Call the Houston Zoo at (713) 533-6500 for information about its hours and free holiday admissions.

Six Flags AstroWorld and Six Flags WaterWorld
Guests get double the fun with a trip to either of Houston's Six Flags amusement parks - one admission price ($38.99 for adults, $23.99 for children under 48 inches) allows guests into both Six Flags AstroWorld and Six Flags Waterworld. Only the brave venture onto SWAT, an Astroworld ride that swings 105 feet into the air and then shoots guests 360 degrees forwards and backwards. For a more relaxing adventure, guests can try WaterWorld's wave pool or tubing river. The amusement parks are located at Loop 610 and Kirby Drive. Call (713) 799-1234 for information about either park's hours.

Space Center Houston
Space Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, educates the public about space exploration. At the "Living in Space" IMAX presentation, guests learn how astronauts eat, sleep, and shower in space. In the "Astronaut Gallery," visitors can see flight suits dating from the first space exploration to the present day. Admission to Space Center Houston is $16.95 for adults, $15.95 for seniors, and $12.95 for children ages 4 to 11. The center is located 25 miles south of downtown Houston at 1601 NASA Road 1. Call Space Center Houston at (281) 244-2100 for information about its hours.

Splashtown
Beat the Houston heat at Splashtown, a 45-acre water park located at 21300 Interstate Highway 45 N. Adventuresome guests can twist, turn, and plunge on the park's various water slides. The .5-million gallon Wild Wave Pool carries and jostles swimmers from one end of the pool to the other. The Lazy River provides a more relaxing venue to float on an inner tube and soak up sun. Call Splashtown at (281) 355-3300 for information about its admission rates and seasonal hours.

The Orange Show
The Orange Show, perhaps the most unconventional attraction in Houston, is an architectural collage known as a folk-art environment. Jefferson Davis McKissack, a Houston postal worker, created it in 25 years. The 3,000-square-foot outdoor monument includes an oasis, wishing well, pond, stage, museum, gift shop, and several upper decks. It was constructed using a variety of building materials and found objects, such as concrete and wagon wheels. Contact The Orange Show at (713) 926-6368 for information about its hours and admission rates. It is located at 2401 Munger St.

Historical

Bayou Bend
Bayou Bend is the former residence of Miss Ima Hogg, a renowned collector and philanthropist. Bayou Bend, a nationally registered historic place, currently serves as a leading museum of American decorative and fine arts. Its 28 rooms house 5,000 Americana objects and art dating from 1620 to 1870, including Paul Revere silver. The historic home, located at 1 Westcott St., also has 14 acres of formal gardens. Call Bayou Bend at (713) 639-7750 for information about hours, admission rates, and special tour arrangements.

George Ranch Historical Park
The George Ranch Historical Park, located at 10215 FM 762 off of Highway 59 South, is a 400-acre living history site that explores Texas in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Guests can witness life on an 1820s pioneer farm, an 1880s Victorian mansion, an 1890s cowboy encampment, and a 1930s ranch house. Costumed interpreters tell stories of Texas within these authentic historical settings. The George Ranch Historical Park, open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., charges $9 for adults, $8 for seniors age 62 and older, and $5 for children ages 5 to 15. Call the historical park at (281) 343-0218 for information about its holiday closings.

Sam Houston Park and the Heritage Society Museum
Sam Houston Park houses eight historic structures, dating from 1823 to 1905, and the Heritage Society Museum. A highlight of the museum is the Duncan General Store, a replica of an actual 19th-century retail establishment. Admission to the museum, located at 1100 Bagby St., is free. Guided tours of the historic homes cost $6 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $2 for children ages 6 to 12. Call (713) 655-1912 for additional information.

San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site
The San Jacinto Battleground marks the site where Gen. Sam Houston and his troops won Texas' independence. Highlights of the 1,200-acre historic site include the San Jacinto Battleground, the San Jacinto Monument, and Battleship Texas. The monument, which has a 570-foot shaft topped with a 34-foot star, houses the San Jacinto Museum of History. Call the historic site at (281) 479-2431 for information about its various hours and admission prices. It is located at 3523 Battleground Road (Texas Highway 134).

Museums

Children's Museum of Houston
The Children's Museum of Houston features 14 interactive galleries focusing on science and technology, history and culture, health and human development, and the arts. Children test their minds by solving riddles, brain games, mind teasers, and more in the "Think Tank." In "Yalalag," children experience life in a real Oaxacan village in Mexico. The museum costs $5 per person, and $4 for seniors age 65 and older. Call the museum, located at 1500 Binz St., at (713) 522-1138 for information about its hours.

Contemporary Arts Museum
The Contemporary Arts Museum features temporary exhibits of modern art and design instead of housing a permanent collection. Regional, national, and international art is showcased within the museum. Exhibits have titles like "Splat Boom Pow! The Influence of Comics in Contemporary Art" and "Subject Plural: Crowds in Contemporary Art." The Contemporary Arts Museum, which does not charge admission, is located at 5216 Montrose Blvd. Call the museum at (713) 284-8250 for information about its hours.

Houston Museum of Natural Science
The Houston Museum of Natural Science is the nation's fourth most highly attended museum and the most highly attended attraction in Texas. The museum's permanent exhibits focus on astronomy, space science, Native Americans, paleontology, energy, chemistry, gems and minerals, seashells, and Texas wildlife. This world-class complex also houses various special exhibitions, the Wortham IMAX Theatre, Burke Baker Planetarium, and Cockrell Butterfly Center. The Houston Museum of Natural Science is located at 1 Hermann Circle Drive in Hermann Park. Call the museum at (713) 639-4629 for information about its admission rates and hours.

John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science
The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science takes visitors on a fun and interactive exploration of the human body and health. The "Jim Hickox Amazing Body Pavilion," exhibit takes guests on a voyage through the human body. Visitors can view giant models of human organs and discover how body systems work and stay healthy. The museum also offers video and live theater productions, hands-on science classes and demonstrations, traveling exhibitions, and summer camps. The John P. McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science is located at 1515 Hermann Drive. Call the museum at (713) 942-7054 for information about its hours and admission rates.

Menil Collection
The Menil Collection features changing exhibits from the collection of John and Dominique de Menil. The various art exhibits are showcased so that viewers can enjoy and contemplate each piece without being overloaded by other sensory material. The Menil's collection comprises antiquities, Byzantine art, arts of tribal cultures, and 20th-century art. Admission to the Menil Collection is free. Call the museum, located at 1515 Sul Russ, at (713) 525-9400 for information about its hours.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH)
The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston houses 45,000 artworks, dating from antiquity to the present, in 300,000 square feet of display space. It has particularly notable collections of Italian Renaissance paintings, French Impressionist works, photographs, American and European decorative arts, African and Pre-Columbian gold, American art, and American and European paintings and sculpture from post-1945. The Museum of Fine Arts is located at 1001 Bissonnet St. Contact the museum at (713) 639-7300 or (713) 639-7310 for additional information about its rates and hours.

National Museum of Funeral History
The National Museum of Funeral History, the largest funeral heritage education center in the United States, houses rare funeral artifacts and supplies historical information about the cultural ritual. Museum holdings include John F. Kennedy's original Eternal Flame, 1860 and 1926 funeral coaches, and several 19th-century caskets. The museum, located at the corner of Barren Springs and Ella Boulevard, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and veterans, and $3 for children ages 3 to 12. Contact the museum at (281) 876-3063 for information about guided tours.

Rienzi
Rienzi, former residence of Harris Masterson III and Carroll Sterling Masterson, is part of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston's collection. The former residence, designed by architect John F. Staub, features 18th-century English furniture, ceramics, and portraiture. Small precious objects by jewelers such as David Webb are also throughout the house. The house's ballroom is magnificent, showing off Worcester porcelain, small gold objects, and furniture. Rienzi is located at 1406 Kirby Drive. Call the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston at (713) 639-7300 or (713) 639-7310 for information about Rienzi's hours and admission rates.

Nature

Hermann Park
Hermann Park, the first public park in Houston, offers a myriad of recreational opportunities for its 5.5 million annual visitors. Picnicking, hiking, jogging, and dog-walking are just a few ways to enjoy the park's natural beauty. Attractions such as the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the first desegregated public golf course add to the park's significance as a recreational destination. Hermann Park is located at 6501 Fannin St. Call (713) 845-1000 for additional park information.

Performing Arts

Alley Theatre
The Alley Theatre, one of the oldest residential theater companies in the country, entertains audiences with works from contemporary dramatists. The company performs classic and new works on two different stages - the Large Stage and the Neuhaus Stage. The Alley Theatre, located at 615 Texas Ave., strives to make the arts accessible to all people through its Pay-What-You-Can performances. Tickets prices range from $20 to $40 for preview performances and $35 to $50 on or after the opening. Call the box office at (713) 228-8421 to purchase tickets.

Da Camera of Houston
Da Camera of Houston was created to boost audience interest in classical performances. It performs chamber music, jazz, early music, and contemporary music in an entertaining style. American and international musicians are selected for specific thematic concerts. The company performs at the Wortham Theater Center and The Menil Collection. Call (713) 524-5050 to purchase tickets.

Ensemble Theatre
The Ensemble Theatre performs contemporary and historical plays that reflect the African-American experience. The professional theatre company's high-quality productions receive rave reviews. Ensemble Theatre's repertoire includes literary classics, contemporary works, local works, and children's programs. Ensemble Theatre is located at 3535 Main St. To purchase tickets, call (713) 520-0055.

Houston Ballet
The New York Times called the Houston Ballet one of the nation's best ballet companies. The company's 54-dancer ensemble performs classical and contemporary pieces in the Wortham Theater Center. The center is located at 501 Texas Ave. The cheapest seats can run as low as $12, while the best seats cost hundreds of dollars. Call (713) 523-6300 to purchase tickets.

Houston Grand Opera
The Houston Grand Opera is world-renowned as an innovator in musical theater. The company performs in the Wortham Theater Center, located at 501 Texas Ave. The company's OperaVison employs a system of plasma and projection screens to improve sight lines from the Balcony and Grand Tier seats. This modernization insures all patrons receive the ultimate opera experience. Call (800) 62-OPERA (626-7372) to purchase tickets.

Houston Symphony
The Houston Symphony Orchestra is an internationally acclaimed orchestra that employs 97 full-time musicians. Its 160 classical, pops, education, and family concerts, performed throughout the year, are attended by approximately 300,000 people. The Houston Symphony performs in Jones Hall, Stude Concert Hall, and Moores Opera House. Ticket prices vary according to performance and seating preferences. To order tickets or to talk to a representative, call the symphony's customer service line at (713) 224-7575.

Theatre Under The Stars
The Theatre Under The Stars is Houston's premier musical production company. The company, founded in 1968 by Frank M. Young, is a leader in creating novel works for musical theatre. The Theatre Under The Stars consistently receives rave reviews for its performances. The theatre company performs in the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, located at 800 Bagby St. Call the Theatre Under The Stars at (713) 558-8887 for a schedule or information about ticket purchases.

Sports

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which takes place in the Reliant Center and Reliant Stadium, is a charity event that benefits Texan youths. The event, held in late February and early March, features rodeo events, concerts, various livestock events, shopping, and dining. The rodeo events include bareback riding, barrel racing, bull riding, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, team roping, and tie-down roping. Pig races, pony rides, and a petting zoo are a few of the livestock attractions. Call (713) 629-3700 for ticket information and purchases.

Sam Houston Race Park
The Sam Houston Race Park serves as a venue for horse races, concerts, and barbecues. The park, located at 7575 N. Sam Houston Parkway, is open 364 days per year. Its quarter horse season runs from June to September. Its thoroughbred season is from October to March. Most races take place Thursdays through Sundays. Call (800) 807-7223 for information about tickets.

Texaco/Havoline Grand Prix
The Texaco/Havoline Grand Prix is a Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) race through the city's downtown streets. The course, set amidst natural boundaries and park-like settings, features 90-degree right- and left-hand turns and speeds up to 150 mph. All this speed and excitement takes place annually in September. Call (713) 739-7272 for course information and tickets.

Houston Aeros
The Houston Aeros are part of the International Hockey Leagues. Spectators can watch the pucks fly at the Compaq Center. The Compaq Center is located at 10 E. Greenway Plaza. Individual ticket prices start at $10 and climb to $50. Call (713) 627-2376 to purchase tickets to a game.

Houston Astros
The Houston Astros are the city's major league baseball team. They play in Minute Maid Park (formerly known as Enron Field), which has a retractable roof. Baseball fans can still enjoy a game even when the Houston heat gets unbearable, because the park is air-conditioned when the roof is closed. Minute Maid Park, which seats 42,000, is located at the corner of Crawford and Texas streets. Call (877) 9-ASTROS (927-8767) to purchase individual tickets.

Houston Rockets and Houston Comets
The Houston Rockets are the city's NBA team. It is recommended that people purchase tickets well in advance in order to see the basketball team play. The Houston Comets are the city's WNBA team, and are very popular with fans as well. Both teams play in the Compaq Center, located at 10 E. Greenway Plaza. Call (713) 627-3865 to purchase tickets to the Rockets, and (713) 627-9622 to purchase tickets to the Comets.

Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are the city's NFL team. They play in the ultra-modern Reliant Stadium, the world's first retractable roof NFL stadium. Tailgating is allowed in the parking lot of the stadium. It is recommended that peoples purchase tickets far in advance. Call (713) 629-3700 to purchase individual tickets.