Who says you can’t have fun when you find yourself all alone in a big city? In Houston, it’s more than possible to have a good time even though your buddies aren’t with you. A number of great outdoor activities will make sure you are well entertained. Who knows, you might also create new long-lasting friendships. Sign up for guided tours and explore unique areas during your solo trip to Houston. Discover numerous upscale restaurants and beautiful architecture. Here, you can also visit several museums as well as the famous Buffalo Bayou that flows through Houston. Many more things are yet to be discovered, so book your preferred accommodation, whether it’s a luxury Airbnb or a cheap Airbnb. Then, read on to find out about the top things to do alone in Houston, Texas.
1. Immserse yourself in the world of butterflies at The Cockrell Butterfly Center Admission in Houston (from USD 34.0)
One of the best things to do by yourself in Houston is to immerse in the world of butterflies at the Cockrell Butterfly Center. Located in the Houston Museum of Natural Science, this stunning attraction allows you to explore exhibits that feature not only live but also preserved specimens. As you explore the three-story glass structure, you get to learn all about the different insects and plants. You can even participate in the interactive games.
The best part? The place provides opportunities for you to listen to interviews with entomologists and pick up tips about butterfly gardening as well.
Houston Museum of Natural Science and Cockrell Butterfly Center
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
2. Buy tickets for a hop-on hop-off city sightseeing tour (from USD 34.95)
An excellent way to discover the city of Houston from atop a unique double-decker bus is this hop-on-hop-off tour. During a one-hour tour, your live guide will tell you all about the important sights of Houston. Your fun excursion includes a visit to Buffalo Bayou, apparently the birthplace of Houston, and the downtown historic district where you can admire stunning skyscrapers and the city’s tunnel system. Later on, you’ll see Rice Hotel, where President Kennedy gave his last public speech. Other sights include the second-largest theatre district in America as well as museum districts and sports stadiums.
Also See: 32 Most Fun & Amazing Things to do in Houston
Houston Hop on-City Tour: 2-Day Pass
Duration: 1 hour
3. Explore Houston Zoo
On your trip to Houston, don’t miss out on the chance to see the country’s second most-visited zoo. This famous attraction is situated inside Hermann Park and houses over 6,000 animals. The zoo is open daily, and guests can experience animal encounters with gorillas, sloths, cheetahs, and more. You can also check out the bird habitats, bug houses, and the reptile and amphibian house. On-site dining options are available so you can stop at one of the cafes or food trucks for a bite to eat.
Houston Zoo
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Website: Houston Zoo
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 22.95 USD
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4. Embark on a city tour and a NASA Space Center visit (from USD 98.95)
Ideal for space lovers, this six-hour-long tour to Space City USA starts from Houston and includes a live guide either in English or Spanish. Among the highlights of this city tour are certainly the unique moon rock touching and the half-hour tram ride to the International Space Station Assembly Building. The lovely tour is suitable for kids and adults thanks to its interactive nature, and there are activities and exhibits that are designed by both NASA and Disney Imagineering.
Houston: City Tour and NASA Space Center Admission Ticket
Duration: 7.0 hour
5. Sign up for a 3.5-hour-long food tour (from USD 76.0)
What better way to get to know a place than by trying its gastronomic specialties? This 3.5-hour-long food tour takes you through some historic neighborhoods of Houston, especially White Oaks, where you’ll have the chance to learn about the history and the culture of this funky area. Along the way, you’ll stop at five awesome restaurants to try selected dishes and drinks.
The Heights Food Tour in Houston
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
6. Visit Houston Museum of Natural Science (from USD 25.0)
Don’t miss the chance to visit the largest dinosaur hall in North America and enjoy a vast collection of splendid exhibits. The self-guided tour will give you the opportunity to explore the museum at your own pace. Permanent exhibits include collections of rare gemstones and geodes, exhibits on Ancient Egypt, Texas wildlife, African wildlife, and more, making this museum one of the best places to go alone in Houston. There is an additional cost to visit special exhibits like the Planetarium or Brown Hall of Entomology. This place is wheelchair-friendly.
Houston Museum of Natural Science General Admission
Duration: 3 hours
7. Enjoy a pub crawl and ghost walking tour all in one (from USD 36.0)
Wondering what to do in Houston by yourself? Try exploring downtown Houston through this haunted Houston ghost and pub walking tour that takes approximately 2.5 hours. During the tour, you’ll have the chance to visit several pubs in historic buildings where you can enjoy a drink while hearing ghost stories and learning history at the same time. The tour departs on Fridays and Saturdays and is lead by a professional costumed guide.
Do note that you have to be over 21 years old to take part in this tour.
Haunted Houston 2.5-Hour Ghost and Pub Walking Tour
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
8. Drink and play at Cidercade Houston
From 8 pm onwards, Cidercade Houston is an adults-only zone where solo travelers can enjoy drinks and choose from over 275 arcade games, including classics like Pac-Man and Defender. Seasonal drinks, hard seltzers, and kombuchas are available but do note that they don’t serve food. For one night in the city, forget the usual bar scene and head to Cidercade for a fun time.
Cidercade Houston
Address: 2320 Canal St Suite 100, Houston, TX 77003, United States
Website: Cidercade Houston
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 10am - 1am
Price: 10 USD
9. Watch local bats emerge from Waugh Drive Bat Colony
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Waugh Bridge may look just like any other bridge in Houston, but it’s actually home to an impressive number of Mexican free-tailed bats. They stay in the city year-round and, on most nights, tourists stop by to watch them emerge from under the bridge from a nearby viewing platform. If you’re planning to watch them one night, be sure not to use flashlights or flash photography.
Waugh Drive Bat Colony
Address: Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Website: Waugh Drive Bat Colony
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Hike or bike your way through Buffalo Bayou Trail
Buffalo Bayou Trail is a 15-mi (24-km) paved trail that takes hikers and bikers across the city to various parks. The west end, from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street, is popular among locals and usually sees heavy foot traffic. The east end, from US-59 to Port of Houston Turning Basin, is a little quieter and great for bikers.
11. Reserve a free seat for Sam Houston Boat Tour
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Although boat tours sound like a group activity, this is a free and fun thing to do in Houston even for solo travelers! Sam Houston Boat Tour is an experience you don’t want to pass up if you want to enjoy a 90-minute tour along Houston Ship Channel. For a free activity, you get your pick of air-conditioned seats or standing room on the deck. Be sure to make a reservation on their website before you go!
Sam Houston Boat Tour
Address: 7300 Clinton Dr, Houston, TX 77020, United States
Website: Sam Houston Boat Tour
12. Head out of the city for a Galveston Island tour (from USD 139.95)
Fancy some kind of island adventure? Then jump on this six-hour Galveston Island tour to discover the city of Galveston that lies on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. There will be enough time to enjoy the stunning beaches of the island, admire the impressive and well-preserved Victorian architecture, and pay a visit to several art galleries or antique stores. The highlight will come at the end of the tour, which is an exciting dolphin-watching tour.
From Houston: Galveston Island Tour
Duration: 7.0 hour
13. Tunnel into the heart of Houston (from USD 35.0)
Is the Texas heat making you dizzy? Then step into the shadows for a moment and try out this tunnel walking tour with an English-speaking guide. Explore underground Houston and learn a bit of history through the art and architecture of the city. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to see Chase Tower, the tallest building in Texas, and also Philip Johnson’s award-winning Pennzoil Place. Moreover, you’ll get to see beautiful sculptures by famous artists.
Children below 6 years old are not permitted, but children aged 6 to 11 get a child rate.
Houston, We Have A Tunnel Walking Tour with Local Guide
Duration: 2 hour
14. Have fun on a historic downtown pub crawl (from USD 35.0)
Houston is home to many pubs, and the best way to explore the city’s best is by trying this awesome pub crawl tour with a local guide. With this tour, you can enjoy local beer and designer cocktails in four great Houston pubs. You’ll also get a chance to play pool, pinball, or table shuffleboard in original Texas venues.
Walk through the famous Market Square Park and pass by historic buildings, fine restaurants, and great sculptures. This activity combines entertainment and history beautifully.
Historic Downtown Pub Crawl
Duration: 3 hour
15. Listen to spooky stories on a Houston ghost tour
Are you ready for a paranormal experience in Houston? If you want to feel the chills down your spine, then try this one-hour walk through a haunted park while listening to spooky and mysterious stories local to the area. You can even get answers about the paranormal from your professional guide. There are also family-friendly tours for all ages. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothing and to bring along a bottle of water.
Houston Ghost Tour
Duration: 60 minutes
16. Go on a city shopping tour (from USD 24.0)
Instead of exploring the usual shopping malls, you can indulge in a day of retail therapy guaranteed by this special shopping tour in the city of Houston. You’ll be visiting five of the best shopping venues in the whole city, and the good news is that you’ll receive great discounts and deals at each of these venues. Just to have an idea, the tour includes stops at Galleria Houston, Houston Premium Outlets, Macy’s Galleria, Outlets at Conroe and, lastly, Sam Moon.
Shopping Tour in Houston with Special Discounts
Duration: 1 day
Fun-filled holiday in Space City
Does traveling to Houston by yourself sound like a nice idea? If you are open to adventure and you are comfortable meeting new people while discovering the city and its history through splendid tours, then this place should definitely be high on your bucket list.
Frequently asked questions about the top things to do alone in Houston, Texas
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