Planning your Houston Vacation in Texas!

Visiting Houston Texas

Houston is a vibrant city of towering sky scrapers and historical landmarks that attracts visitors from around the world. People come from all over to enjoy the ambiance of this exciting progressive city and all that it has to offer. The fourth largest city in the nation, it claims one of the most impressive skylines anyone could ever hope to see. This skyline serves as a backdrop to the graceful historical mansions that have been restored to their original grandeur and now set among verdant landscape and colorful flowers that bloom year round in Houston's temperate climate. Combine all of this with a booming downtown, world class shopping, over 4,000 fabulous restaurants, unparalleled devotion to the fine arts, and a nightlife that heats up like a summer afternoon in Houston and you start to get the picture of why vacationers and business people alike choose the city as a favored destination. Whether wanting to soar with the city's skyline from a Ferris Wheel, shop at the renowned Galleria, or club hop to some of the fabulous establishments that have created the city's reputation as a premiere night spot Houston has it all. From professional sports to great golfing and some of the finest dining experiences on the planet this city is second to none. Houston, the first place to put a man on the moon, should be the first place you think of when you are planning an extraordinary vacation.

Houston Climate

Houston's climate varies from season to season with hot summers and mild winters. Houston is located near the Gulf of Mexico and heavy showers can move in quickly, with the most rain coming in the latter part of summer and the month of December. The showers are usually short lived and move back out as quickly as they come in. Summers are humid and the average daytime high is 94 degrees. The fall month of October is when humidity is at its highest and can be over 90 percent even early in the morning. Winters are mild and temperatures almost never dip below the freezing point. It is not uncommon for winter temperatures to reach the 60 to 65 degree range. Spring temperatures on the average range between 50 to 80 degrees and humidity is usually a little lower than in summer and fall.

Houston Dining

The restaurant choices in Houston are some of the best in the nation. According to a recent Zagat, the company popular for over 20 years for their excellent restaurant guides, Survey Houstonians eat out more than residents of any other American city. It is no wonder with world class chefs serving up wonderful culinary masterpieces all over Houston. There are so many ethnic representations dotting the restaurant scene, like Greek, Chinese, Indian, and Lebanese just to mention a few. From tender steaks that melt in your mouth seasoned to perfection to the most avant-garde creations, Houston's chefs know how to please their restaurants patrons. Whether grinding fresh cocoa beans to put a new spin on one of their culinary offerings or visiting another country to come back and provide diners with an authentic regional dish Houston chefs go the extra mile. Houston restaurants provide ambiance whether the floor is decorated with marble or customers' peanut shells, bright and bold or subtly lit patrons are sure to find more than one restaurant that satisfies their palette and captivates their senses. Even late at night hungry Houstonians and vacationers don't have to settle for the 24 hour diner. Even in the wee hours they will find a selection of the city's restaurants and clubs that serve up gourmet food and coffees, although sometimes a big burger made with prime Texas beef served up with a side of fries is what the appetite calls for. Whatever their dining desire visitors are sure to find the answer in Houston restaurants.

Houston Travel Tips

The temperate climate of Houston allows visitors to enjoy outdoor activities year round. Summers are humid and can get very hot so vacationers need to drink plenty of water to keep them properly hydrated when they are outside. The sun can burn easily even on cloudy days. To protect the skin it is best to apply sunscreen with a high SPF. Since the sunscreen may become diluted by perspiration it is best to reapply it after a few hours outdoors. A bad sunburn could put a damper on your vacation. Late summer and in December it would be wise to take along a compact umbrella if you are going to be outdoors, these times of year are known for showers that pop up quickly. To make it easier for you to get around in heavily trafficked areas the city of Houston had a system of underground walkways created. These well lit walkways, referred to by locals as "the Tunnels", are very popular and accommodate residents and vacationers alike looking for one of the best ways to connect themselves to stores, restaurants, hotels, and office buildings. These walkways are available in the heart of downtown as well as other areas of Houston. Houston is a safe place to visit, but it's still a good idea to use traveler's checks instead of cash. Do not to leave valuables in your car. Numerous banks are located throughout the area, many of these offer currency exchange and ATM access.