The cosmopolitan city of Houston in Texas offers a swath of activities for tourists and locals to engage in. Houston is filled with world-class dining, arts, hotels, shopping, and nightlife. Breathtaking landmarks like the Heights, the Museum District, and NASA’s Space Center Houston are some of the highlights that are worth exploring. When it comes to accommodation, you would never have to wonder about where to stay. There are plenty of hotels and serviced apartments. You can never miss something to do as the urban chic city has lots of places to visit and explore with opportunities to participate in guided tours around the unique areas in Houston like the Theatre District and several gorgeous museums. As many of these tours usually engage tourists, there are other eye-catching and engaging activities they miss out on. Continue reading to know more about the best non-touristy things to do in Houston, Texas.
1. Check out bats at the Waugh Bridge
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Houston BatsHOUSTON: Join our "Bat Chats" Friday evenings at the Waugh Street Bridge. Right now is an exciting time because all the bat pups are learning to fly. The fun begins about 30 minutes before sunset. For details, see Texas Parks and Wildlife - Houston Urban Wildlife
Posted by Texas Parks and Wildlife on Friday, July 22, 2016
Have an exciting and thrilling encounter during your sightseeing in Houston with one of the nature’s most mysterious mammal, the bat. Nestled among lush green vegetation of Buffalo Bayou Park, the Waugh Bridge is home to hundreds of bats hanging by their toes from the concrete crevice sides of the structure. It is an interesting destination for many, and if you are looking to find out more about why the bats stay in their large colonies at the bridge, then find your way to Waugh Bridge and join the other similar curious people.
Waugh Bridge Bat Colony
Address: Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Website: Waugh Bridge Bat Colony
Opening hours: 7pm - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Discover secret Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
Among the many unique things to do in Houston for adults, Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern features at the top of the list. Engage in the most thrilling and exciting group activities here where you get to explore the aesthetically interesting and intriguing cistern. Discover interesting facts as you walk around the whole cistern in the informative guided tour. Engage in the art exhibits or enjoy relaxing in the beautiful park above the cistern, which also has picturesque views of the city of Houston.
Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
Address: 105 Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007, USA
Website: Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 1pm - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 10 am - 6 pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: 5 USD
3. Hang out at Axelrad Beer Garden
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Houston is full of pubs and beer joints, most people have not tried the Axelrad Beer Garden, a craft beer joint. You are provided with a place to relax and hang out with friends. Axelrad is one of the coolest spaces to enjoy memorable moments. It features a mix of native, regional, and heirloom plants, and hosts a variety of video art pieces, film screenings, live music, events, festivals, and more which offers you a truly unforgettable experience.
Axelrad Beer Garden
Address: 1517 Alabama St, Houston, TX 77004, USA
Website: Axelrad Beer Garden
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 12pm - 1am; Thu - Sat: 12pm - 2am
Price: 15 USD
4. Find engaging exhibits at the Art Car Museum
This is a great place to be for the car enthusiast. The Art Car Museum features an array of crazy unique cars as well as rarely seen contemporary artwork done by local, national and international artists rarely acknowledged in most cultural institutions. You get to learn a lot from the exhibit forums and events.
Art Car Museum
Address: 140 Heights Blvd, Houston, TX 77007, USA
Website: Art Car Museum
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
Price: Free
5. Revel at the Orange Show
The Orange Show is one of the important folk art environments in Houston. It features an accumulation of handmade architectural art. Created by the late Jefferson Davis McKissack who made a destination out of concrete, brick, steel and found objects including gears, wagon wheels, tiles, tractor seats, mannequins, and statuettes. You can be sure to have a fun and engaging site which has an oasis, a wishing well, a pond, a stage, a museum, a gift shop and many more. The overall result is charming, demonstrating the quirky side of Houston’s innovative spirit.
Orange Show
Address: 2402 Munger Street Houston, TX 77023
Website: Orange Show
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: 5 USD
6. Visit the unique Beer Can House
Get an opportunity to experience a bit of history when you visit the Beer Can House. The historic house was built during the late 1960s by John Milkovisch, a Houstonian who decided to cover his house using thousands of beer cans, bottles, and other miscellaneous beer items. This is a landmark and top attraction in the Rice Military area, Houston, and has gone on to be one of the most iconic landmarks in Houston.
Beer Can House
Address: 222 Malone Street Houston, TX 77007
Website: Beer Can House
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
Price: 5 USD
7. Explore the National Museum of Funeral History
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
In our 19th Century Mourning exhibit you will get to walk through a full-scale model of a typical Victorian living room,...
Posted by National Museum of Funeral History on Saturday, May 21, 2022
The National Museum of Funeral History is a museum that has stored years of history of funerals. The museum contains a collection of exhibits including caskets and coffins, hearse and any other artifacts related to funerals from around the world and how they have been conducted over time. May seem a bit odd for most but if you seek to know more about the death and burial of some of the famous Americans including presidents and celebrities then this destination is the one for you. The museum aims to educate the public and preserve the heritage of death care.
National Museum of Funeral History
Address: 415 Barren Springs Drive Houston, TX 77090-5918
Website: National Museum of Funeral History
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Price: 7 USD onwards
8. Marvel at the beautiful outdoor gallery at Smither Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Beautiful morning out here with the Southeast Texas Suzuki Association! #stxsa
Posted by Smither Park on Saturday, September 25, 2021
This activity is great for art lovers. A visit to the Smither Park, one of the hidden gems in Houston, promises a great time. This colorful place is where you get to see an array of beautifully crafted mosaic artworks of imaginative or abstract creatures made from recycled materials like broken dishes and discarded glass. You can bring a picnic at the colorful park while enjoying a vibrant outdoor gallery made by self-taught artists.
Smither Park Artwork
Address: 2441 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023, USA
Website: Smither Park Artwork
Opening hours: 6am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
9. Watch an NBA game at the Toyota Center
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Houston Toyota Center on Monday, December 19, 2016
Immerse yourself in the excitement of professional basketball by watching an NBA game at the Toyota Center in Houston. Home to the Houston Rockets, this state-of-the-art arena offers a thrilling and immersive sports experience.
Cheer alongside passionate fans as you witness the fast-paced action, incredible athleticism, and electrifying moments on the court. Feel the thrill as star players showcase their skills, make impressive shots, and compete for victory. The vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by the cheers and chants of the crowd, creates an unforgettable experience. The Toyota Center provides excellent views from every seat, allowing you to immerse yourself in the game entirely. Enjoy the modern amenities, comfortable seating, and top-notch facilities that enhance your enjoyment.
10. Go for a walk at the Hermann Park Conservancy
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Have you been to the McGovern Centennial Gardens recently? If you haven't you don't want to miss the opportunity to see the plant life around the Gardens in full bloom! We're open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Posted by Hermann Park Conservancy on Monday, June 5, 2023
Escape the hustle and bustle of Houston and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature at the Hermann Park Conservancy. This urban oasis offers a picturesque setting for a leisurely walk and a rejuvenating retreat from city life. Stroll along winding pathways under the shade of towering trees, and discover hidden corners where you can pause and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Take a leisurely walk around the park’s iconic features, including the tranquil Japanese Garden, the charming McGovern Centennial Gardens, and the scenic reflection pool. Enjoy the company of ducks and turtles as you cross picturesque bridges and soak in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The park also features various recreational activities, including pedal boat rentals, a mini-train ride, and the renowned Houston Zoo.
11. Show off your pro puzzle-solving skills
The Heist Escape Room is a fun and exciting place for family and friends. You get to engage in fun puzzle games, uncover clues and escape the room in an adventure that will put your wit to the ultimate test. The immersive game involves finding a missing artwork and working as a team to recover the invaluable piece of art. Of course, you get photo opportunities! Go now and get the chance to be crowned national heroes, or be treated like a criminal by the authorities.
Book Tours : The Heist Escape Room
12. Explore Houston while gliding on a Segway
A cool way to tour the spectacular Houston Theatre District and Houston’s scenic downtown parks is by gliding on a segway. The segway guided tour takes place in the late evening and you get to see the exciting landmarks, historic plazas, and unique art displays. Not to forget seeing incredible views of the Houston skyline, Market Square Park, Tranquility Park, Houston’s City Hall, and Herman Square and many more.
Book Tours : Houston City Lights Segway Tour
Houston's hidden attractions
Its no doubt that the cosmopolitan city of Houston is full of great places to visit for tourists and locals. The things to explore in Houston are well known, some have heard of them and are yet to visit them. If you have extra time on you and you have checked out the famous landmarks, you can check out these little known destinations among tourists. Have fun!
Frequently asked questions about non-touristy things to do in Houston
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Jerk .over 1 year ago
Makes an article for Non-Touristy things then posts only touristy things. Nothing here that is uniquely Houston about this...
0 . Reply