The gorgeous, laid-back yet cosmopolitan Texan city of Houston has something for everyone all year round. It is home to over 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares) of parkland, 2,500 miles (4023 km) of waterway and 345 miles (555 km) of interconnected bikeways; the Clear Lake, which is home to the third largest concentration of sailboats, yachts and pleasure craft in the nation; the Houston Museum District which is home to 19 museums in 4 walkable zones; the Memorial Park, which is bigger than NYC’s Central Park; the Houston Theatre District which is considered second only to New York’s; the NASA Space Center and lots more. The weather is temperate and is ideal for spending a lot of time outdoors and there’s plenty to do and explore for everyone.
Handpicked here for you are some of the guided sightseeing tours that could help you explore the best of the city. Check out the top bus tours in Houston, Texas, in this article.
1. Experience the best of Houston aboard a sightseeing double decker bus (from USD 34.95)
Explore Houston on an hour-long guided city tour. Glide through the city aboard an open-top double-decker bus experiencing the major sights of Houston. On this relaxing and informative excursion, you get to experience its roots and history and marvel at its present. You check out Buffalo Bayou where the city was born, the downtown historic district, the museum district, the sports stadiums, the Rice Hotel where President Kennedy gave his last speech and also the second largest theatre in America. The bus ride continues on the Minute Maid Park which is home of the Houston Astros Basketball team. The guided tour begins at the Hilton Americas Hotel. Hotel pick-up is available for an additional fee.
Houston Hop on-City Tour: 2-Day Pass
Duration: 1 hour
2. Experience the best of the scenic Galveston Bay (from USD 139.95)
Discover the charm and the history of Galveston Island on this six-hour tour from Houston. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, the scenic town truly has some marvelous sights and exciting dolphin watching experiences to offer. The island offers 32 miles (51 km) of beaches and vibrant historic areas, and it is one of the largest well-preserved concentrations of Victorian architecture. Experience the relaxing beaches, antique stores, art galleries and excellent restaurants on this day tour. After the panoramic city, you head over to a fun dolphin-watching tour on a safe jet boat drive to watch them up and close in their natural habitat.
From Houston: Galveston Island Tour
Duration: 7.0 hour
3. Experience the historical sights of Galveston (from USD 139.0)
Experience the key highlights of the Texan city by experiencing the best of central Houston and the historical Galveston on a six-hour coach tour. The tour begins with a 90-minute overview tour of Houston aboard a double-decker bus. At the scenic Gulf of Mexico town of Galveston, you get to explore the place at your own pace. The historic Victorian mansions, the Galveston Seawall and the Strand district are the gems to watch out for. Additionally, you may opt to hit the beach, go on a dolphin watching tour by boat, go shopping.
The departure time is 10 AM and the return is at around 5 PM. The tour operates on all days except Monday and departs from Houston City Tours Visitor Center. The vehicle is air-conditioned. To opt for dolphin watching, the same has to be specified in special requirements on checkout.
Houston Sightseeing Tour and Galveston Day Trip
Duration: 6 hours
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4. Experience Houston on a night tour
This 90-minute holiday lights tour atop a double-decker bus in Houston starts from City Hall at 7:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays in December and travels through downtown’s Historic District and Theater District, passing Market Square Park, Buffalo Bayou, Allen Parkway, the River Oaks district and more, while you take in the colorful holiday light displays.
As you ride in comfort, sipping your complimentary hot chocolate, listening to festive music, the tour guide will provide you with informative insights about the various landmarks. Lap blankets are also provided for warmth.
Houston City Lights Tour
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
5. Take in the beauty of Houston at your own pace with this guided bus tour (from USD 39.95)
Experience Houston at your own pace and according to your own interests with a 24-hour or 48-hour pass aboard a London-style hop-on-hop-off double-decker sightseeing bus with six well-placed stops along the route. The six stops include the Convention Center, Market Square, City Hall, Downtown Aquarium, Sam Houston Monument at Hermann Park, Fine Arts Museum. You also get to visit the home of the Houston Rockets, the Kinder Lake in Discovery Green Park, NASA’s Space City and the best of the city’s symbolic sights and attractions.
Houston: City Tour by Bus
Duration: 80.0 minute
6. Tour Houston and head to Kemah Boardwalk (from USD 102.0)
Sightsee around Houston for 90 minutes on a guided tour aboard a double-decker bus visiting landmarks such as Market Square, Houston Zoo, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Houston Heritage Society, Buffalo Bayou and then board a deluxe coach bus shuttle to Kemah Boardwalk located on the Galveston Bay. Considered to be one among the premier boardwalks of the United States, the Kemah Boardwalk features a variety of amusement park rides, restaurants, shops and a marina. You will have a few hours to enjoy the amusement park (Amusement park tickets to be bought at own expense) enjoying the wooden roller coaster, the Ferris wheel, the carousel, the model train and peruse quirky souvenir shops and grab a bite (at your own expense) while you’re there. You also get to ride a jet boat at high speeds on Galveston Bay at an additional charge. This tour runs daily and departs at 10 AM from the Houston City Tours Visitor Center.
Houston Bus Tour: Market Square, Museum, Zoo, Kemah Boardwalk
Duration: 7 hours
And if you're feeling hungry
The tasty Tex-Mex food is sure to satiate your taste buds after a busy day checking out the best of Houston and surrounding areas. Houston holds a distinction as one of the top cities for food in the US. Make sure you explore the local cuisine and you won’t be disappointed. The city has one of the most vibrant nightlife and clubbing scenes in the country as well.
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