Why is it worth visiting Houston, ‘The Space City’

The city of Houston is the biggest city of Texas and is fondly referred to as the Space City, a vibrant cosmopolitan city, a blend of innovation, culture and southern charm. Although the city is globally renowned because of the presence of the Johnson Space center of NASA, there is much more to the city than the interstellar image. Houston is an exciting place with a variety of attractions that any type of traveler can enjoy due to its rich cultural diversity, great culinary and arts experiences.

Not a science or culture fanatic, a food lover, an outer space fan or an adventure seeker, Houston is sure to provide you with a memorable time that combines science, culture and adventure. This is why this gem of the south should be included in your travel list.

1. A Gateway to the Stars

It was no accident that the nickname of the Space City was so. The city of Houston has been the center of space discovery in America over the decades. Among the most recognizable attractions the city has to offer, the NASA Johnson Space Center is one that provides the visitor with a thought-provoking experience of knowing more about the world of astronauts and missions out of the earth.

The official visitor center, Space Center Houston, provides a visitor’s opportunity to visit interactive displays, observe real spacecraft, and even feel the piece of the moon rock. The tram tour is an activity that should not be missed- you get to see what is happening behind the scenes at NASA- including their Mission Control Center and astronaut training. It may be a science lover or it may be that you are always interested in discovering how life is over there but in any case this is an awe inspiring journey that is sure to make one remember why the human endeavor to explore the stars remains inspirational.

2. A Cultural Powerhouse

Houston is a city with the most diverse cultures in the United States and the diversity in the city is well portrayed in the museums, neighborhoods, and the people as well. The cultural centre of the city is the Museum District where 19 of the world-class museums are located within a walking distance.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science enchants the guests by the huge hall of paleontology, bewitching gemstones, and the immersion of the planetarium. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, is also very impressive, being the museum of more than 70,000 works of art of various world regions, and the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston presents innovative exhibitions that make people open their eyes.

The Holocaust Museum Houston is an experience that is emotionally impactful and educational to the history enthusiast and makes them feel empathy and reflection about the events of the Holocaust. The Children Museum Houston will be a favorite of families of all ages with its interactive exhibits which make the learning experience enjoyable and educational. Spending a day or a week sightseeing, the cultural landscape of Houston is inexhaustible.

3. A Culinary Adventure

Houston is one of those cities which celebrate food. Houston is often considered one of the best food cities in America and its cuisine is a manifestation of its global population and southern heritage. You will end up with award-winning fine and simple food trucks that sell delicious street foods.

Tex-Mex and barbecue might predominate in the local preferences, yet the restaurant industry in Houston is much more than that. The high number of immigrants in the city gives it the true taste of foreign foods, Vietnamese pho, Indian curries, Nigerian jollof rice and Chinese dim sum are all stapled in the city menu.

Do not overlook the local staples such as brisket tacos, chicken-fried steak, and kolaches (Czech pastry which is adored by Texans). Complete your meal with locally made craft beer or have a cocktail in one of the chic rooftop bars of the city. Eating in Houston is not merely a meal, it is an entire cultural ordeal.

4. Green Spaces and Outdoor Activities

Although a large metropolitan area housing more than two million people, Houston may surprise one with the number of parks and outdoor areas. The green sanctuaries in the city provide tranquil retreats to the rollicking downtown.

Hermann Park is one of the most frequented urban parks and it covers an area of 445 acres and there are walking paths, beautiful gardens and a peaceful lake where paddle boating can be enjoyed. It also hosts the Houston Zoo and the Miller Outdoor Theater where they have free performances during the evenings.

One more attraction is the Buffalo Bayou park which is an amazing green strip of 160 acres going through the center of the city. In this, the visitors can bicycle, jog or kayak through the bayou as they enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Houston skyline. To nature lovers, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center offers a peaceful experience whereby the visitor gets to walk through native forests, wetlands, and meadows. These green oases also render Houston one of the most enjoyable and lovable big cities in America.

5. A Thriving Arts and Music Scene

Houston is full of art whether it is its colorful murals or its high culture performing arts stage. The Downtown Theater district is among the biggest in the U.S. as well as in the concentration of theater seats, only surpassed by New York City. It hosts nine large performing arts groups, one of which is the Houston Symphony, the Houston ballet, and the Alley Theater.

There will also be a lot to listen to as music lovers. The music industry in the city is diverse with small jazz bars on one end, all the way to concert halls. Houston has given individuals that have become musical legends such as Beyonce, Travis Scott, and the live music culture in Houston still continues to flourish. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Essence Festival, and the Free Press Summer Fest are all popular festivals that attract people in all parts of the nation, whether they are country and hip-hop, pop and Latin music.

The creative rhythm of the city is quite contagious, starting with the street performers to symphony orchestras.

Final Thoughts

Houston is more than a city that is associated with space exploration, it is a lively and constantly developing metropolitan region that is rich in cultural artifacts, natural resources, and food genius. Houston welcomes you in search of the ideal blend between tradition and innovation whether you are visiting the stars at NASA, world-class museums, international food, or just enjoying its green parks.

Therefore, when you are planning a visit to the state of Texas, put the Space City at the top of your list. You will find that Houston is not a tourist destination but an experience destination.