If you are new to the area, or even just visiting, you might be wondering what are the top things to do in Houston, TX. Well, brace yourselves–there’s a long laundry list of things that you can get into.
I’ve been here for about 13 years now and I still stumble upon undiscovered places to visit on a daily basis. Read on to hear my top things to do in Houston for Socialites.
Don’t forget to check out my list of Houston restaurant reviews! My most recent foodie adventure was at The Juicy Crab. If you want detailed descriptions, then be sure to head over to that section of my blog.
Where To Brunch
Breakfast is definitely one of my most favorite meals of the day. Anytime there’s time for you to just be lazy and go to brunch, you know it’s going to be a great day.
So, whether you’re a bacon fanatic or just trying to nurse a hangover, these are some of my favorite local breakfast spots.
EggHaus Gourmet
2042 E T C Jester Blvd | Houston, TX 77008| egghaus.com
Pelican Breakfast & Lunch
3142 E NASA Pkwy | Seabrook, TX 77586 | pelicanbreakfast.com
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
5000 Westheimer Rd Suite 120 | Houston, TX 77056 | snoozeeatery.com | *
The Back Yard Grill
9453 Jones Rd | Houston, TX 77065 | thebackyardgrill.com
The Breakfast Club
3711 Travis St | Houston, TX 77002 | thebreakfastklub.com
Toasted Yolk
2110 Town Square Pl | Sugar Land, TX 77479 | thetoastedyolk.com | *
Toute Suite Cafe
2001 Commerce St | Houston, TX 77002 | toutsuitehtx.com
Where To Have Dinner
If you’re looking for a nice hearty meal, then check out some of these recommendations. I’m all about good flavor and feeling full after I leave. These restaurant options will do just that!
Whiskey Cake
23139 Grand Cir Blvd | Katy, TX 77449 | whiskeycake.com | *
State Fare Kitchen & Bar
947 Gessner Rd #B190 | Houston, TX 77024 | statefaretx.com
Turkey Leg Hut
4830 Almeda Rd suite a/b| Houston, TX 77004 | theturkeyleghut.com/
YardHouse
800 Sorella Court Space 116 | Houston, TX 77024 | yardhouse.com | *
Best Places To Drink
There are a ton of bars to go drink at, no matter what part of Houston you’re in. Each area kind of has its own little vibe. My favorite areas to visit are downtown on Main Street, Midtown or The Heights.
If you want to wild out, then Main Street is definitely the place for that. Come early and try to Uber. You’ll thank me later!
Midtown is also a party area, mostly for the younger, less crazy crowd.
The Heights is a more mature type of spot. It comprises of business professionals that still like to drink every now and then, but they prefer to be in a civilized atmosphere.
Bad News Bar & Spirit Lounge
308 Main St | Houston, TX 77002 | Bad News Bar
Height Bier Garten
1433 N Shepherd Dr #1 | Houston, TX 77008 | Heights Bier Garten
Lei Low Rum & Tiki Bar
6412 N Main St, Houston, TX 77009 http://leilowhtx.com/
Sugar Refinery
2248 Texas Dr | Sugar Land, TX 77479 | tsrbar.com/
Where To Go For Chill Vibes
Don’t want to party? Why not go for the chill vibe with these options below. The crowds at these spots are very relaxed. Enjoy your drinks, on a patio, in a carefree and light atmosphere.
77 Degrees
2416 Brazos St, Ste 200 | Houston, TX 77006 | http://77-degrees.com/
Beaver’s
6025 Westheimer Rd |Houston, TX 77057 | beavershtx.com
Nobi Public House
241 E NASA Pkwy | Webster, TX 77598 | nobipub.com
Pitch 25
2120 Walker St | Houston, TX 77003 | Pitch 25
Sambuca
909 Texas Ave | Houston, TX 77002 | sambucarestaurant.com
Best Dance Spots
If you enjoy the good music and big crowds, then check out these recommendations below. They offer huge dance floors, badass DJ’s, and of course–loud music! Whether it’s swing, alternative, or just your typical mainstream music that you enjoy, you won’t be disappointed!
Cabo Bar & Grill
2513 NASA Road 1 | Seabrook, TX 77586 | caboclearlake.com/
Whiskey River
7637 FM 1960 Rd W | Houston, TX 77070 | whiskeyriverhouston.com | *
Shot Bar
2315 Bagby St | Houston, TX 77006 | Shot Bar
Lincoln Bar
5110 Washington Ave | Houston, TX 77007 | Lincoln Bar
Where to Shop
We’ve discussed pretty much every other venue and type of establishment. I felt that I should also mention shopping. No vacation getaway is complete without a good shopping session.
As a local, I love to visit the following spots for a good shopping spree.
Vintage Stores on 19th St
W 19th St | Houston, TX 77008 | 19thstreetheights.com/boutiques.html
Galleria Mall
5085 Westheimer Rd | Houston, TX 77056 | simon.com/mall/the-galleria
First Colony Mall
16535 Southwest Fwy | Sugar Land, TX 77479 | firstcolonymall.com
Houston Premium Outlets
29300 Hempstead Rd | Cypress, TX 77433 | premiumoutlets.com/outlet/houston
Sight See in Houston
For those of you that are visiting, I’m throwing in the section. Here are several places to go if you really want to soak up the culture and what Houston has to offer.
If you’re really good at planning, you might be able to land at these sightseeing spots on discounted days. Create an itinerary ahead of time to take advantage of free days!
Galveston Island
Galveston, TX 77550 | galveston.com
Houston Zoo
6200 Hermann Park Dr | Houston, TX 77030 | houstonzoo.org/
Museum District
Houston, TX | houmuse.org
Schlitterbahn
2026 Lockheed Rd | Galveston, TX 77554 | schlitterbahn.com/galveston
Space Center
1601 E NASA Pkwy | Houston, TX 77058 | spacecenter.org/
Hines Waterwall Park
2800 Post Oak Blvd | Houston, TX 77056 | uptown-houston.com/news/page/water-wall-park
Other Seasonal Events in Houston
If you’re visiting, check out some of the seasonal events that we have to offer! Houston has a multitude of sports teams: basketball, baseball, football, and soccer. Why not watch a live game to really create some memories while you visit.
For additional seasonal events, be sure to check out Eventbrite. This is a great way to find events that are local to you, no matter what area you’re in.
Astros Games
Houston Livestock & Rodeo Show
HUE Mural Festival
Texans Games
Rockets Games
Dynamo Games
Is there anything that I missed? Have you been to any of the bars that I mentioned? If so, drop me a comment below letting me know how your experience was.
Until then, cheers!
What a great list! I need to check out the shops on 19th.
Thank you for reading! You’re such a loyal supporter. Hope you catch some nice steals!
Wow! These are some great suggestions! I’ve been to the Breakfast Kluth before. I would like to try the Turkey Leg Hut and Snooze! Next time I come, I’m going to make it a point to try some of these spots!
Yes, do it!! Let me know if you visit any other cool places here too!
Very informative post! I have only been to houstom once but couldnt figure out what to do or where to go. Now I have things on my list. Thank you!
?????? Thanks for stopping by!
Omg thank you for sharing this I love Houston and planning to go back to explore more
No problem! ?
Wow! Oh wow! This list is so comprehensive. I’ve been to Houston once and I was in and out. I pinned this post so that I can reference it when I go back. The Turkey Leg Hut.. I will be there as well as the vintage stores. Great info and well researched.
Aww.. Thank you! I’m glad the list is helping people. You will absolutely love the Turkey Leg Hut!!!
I’ve only been to Houston once and wished I had more time to see all it has to offer. I did go to the aquarium and they had happy hour with good food and drink specials on a Monday!
The aquarium is very nice. I just recently found that they had one in Galveston and one downtown. I thought it would be boring, but I actually had a great time!
My sister recently moved to Dallas, I’m not sure how far away that is from Houston but I’ll share this list with her. I love a relaxed chill environment. I am too old and cute to get shot or stepped on, lol.
Hahahhah!! Okayyyy!! You are too funny. Dallas is like 5 hours from Houston. But yes, still share it, she may want to have a weekend getaway!
This is such a great travel guide! Pinning this now.
You have made a good guide list, especially the food i love me some good food when visiting new places.
i love this post thanks for giving me some insight on things to do in houston
I’ve never been to Texas, but I would love to go! I’m all about exploring and seeing what is happening in different states, and no matter where I go, I could always go for a bomb brunch with a delicious mimosa to top it off!
I definitely hope to visit there some day, and if I do, I know what to check out! Great post!