Houston 3 Day Itinerary: A Perfect Weekend Escape in Texas
Downtown Houston
The Ultimate 3-day Houston Itinerary
In this article, we’ve put together the ultimate insider's guide to spending a long weekend in Houston, Texas. Whether you want to spend your time exploring the city, eating up a storm, or taking in some history and culture, this guide is full of activities you'll love. We've also made you an easy-to-use map, that is color coded for each day in the 3-day itinerary, making it simple to head out and get the most of your time in Bayou City. You can find these at the bottom of the page, and each of the google maps have downloadable directions.
Houston, Texas is a city on the riseKnown for its warm weather, diverse population, museums, and historic sites. Houston is quickly becoming one of the top destinations in the US for travelers. The city is bursting with culture and is on par with other US cities renowned for arts & theatre, like New York and Los Angeles, but seems to fly under the radar. There are so many reasons to visit Houston, including its vibrant restaurants, the city center packed with green spaces, and the progressive art scene. As well as having an abundance of popular attractions, Houston is also known as a hub for great live performances and shows. Make sure you take some time to check any upcoming shows at the Toyota Center, Jones Hall, and Miller Outdoor Theatre before planning your trip.
How To Get To Houston
Houston is one of the USA's major cities, being the fourth largest city in the US. It is the biggest city in the state of Texas, with a seemingly endless urban sprawl. Famous sites like the Nasa Johnson Space Center and Galveston Island make it a popular place for international travelers taking road trips around the USA.
There are 2 major airports used to travel to Houston, The George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Hobby Airport (HOU). The George Bush is a large international airport that is a transport hub for many flights into the US, while the Hobby Airport has a small number of international flights but is largely used for domestic flights, it is conveniently located 11 miles from Downtown Houston. The George Bush Intercontinental Airport is very well managed, we rate it as one of the best airports in the USA. While it's often busy, queues and processing through customs and immigration move pretty quickly. It takes about 25 minutes to drive from IAH to Downtown Houston, just keep yourself informed about construction updates at the airport as this often creates traffic delays.
Because it is such a large and widely spread city, if you are located within driving distance of Houston then traveling by car is a great way to get there. Having a car will make your trip a much smoother experience. If you are flying in, we would recommend renting a car when you arrive. There are a number of well-known car rental agencies located at the IAH airport that offer car hire for less than $50 a day.
Getting Around Houston - Transport
Houston may be a sprawling metropolis, but transport is relatively easy to find with apps like Uber and Lyft available as well as taxis and cost-effective car rental. There is also an easy-to-use metro with multiple routes that stop at popular tourist destinations. The metro has a hub right in the heart of downtown near many of Houston's best hotels. Houston is also a bike-friendly town and has the largest number of bike commuters in Texas. There are more than 160 miles of well-maintained bikeways. Bikes can be hired using credit cards at BCycle hubs located throughout the city. You will find these self-service hubs along the bike path with rental starting at as little as $3 for 30 mins.
Best Time To Visit Houston
Houston is known for being uncomfortably humid during its hot season, which runs from the start of June till the end of September. It's best to avoid this period and visit Houston on the cusp of either side, so you can lap up the sunny weather without the mugginess.
We think a great time to visit Houston is from late March to May. During this period it's spring, and Houston is considered one of America's best spring cities due to its lush gardens and greenery reaching full bloom. There is also a raft of local events hosted in the city during this time, creating a festive atmosphere. The outdoor pavilion in The Woodlands always has a strong lineup of international acts planned for the spring, you'll also find crawfish boil-ups on offer throughout the dining scene and the famous Houston Livestock & Rodeo show is hosted in March.
Another reason to visit over spring is that many of the city's university students from Rice University & Downtown Houston University leave town for Spring Break, making it a little bit quieter around the museum district and theatre district. Just watch out for the spring break airport traffic!
Houston Downtown, near Buffalo Bayou Park
Where To Stay
Houston has a great range of hotels available from luxury to large hotel chains, you'll be able to find something that suits your needs. We've pulled together a few select recommendations for the best places to stay below. A point to note, Houston has a bustling rooftop culture, and these hotels have been selected with this in mind, offering rooftop pools that provide an inner-city retreat from the heat and refreshing cocktails.
The Laura Hotel rooftop pool
Luxury Hotels
The Post Oaks Hotel
The Post Oaks Hotel is Houston's most premium inner city hotel, and the only Forbes Five-Star awarded Houston hotel. This hotel has consistently spectacular service and is located in the city's upper-class suburb of Post Oak, above The Galleria. Staying here means you're steps away from luxury boutique stores such as Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga and gourmet dining like Nobu. The concierge team at The Post Oaks Hotel are famous for being able to organize unique, once-in-a-lifetime local experiences, making this hotel the perfect place for a special occasion. The spa menu here is expansive with cutting-edge treatments available and a well-equipped wellness center.
Address: 1600 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons Houston is located across from the Toyota Center, ideally located if you are in town to watch the Houston Rockets or go to a concert. Head to the Four Seasons chic Bayou & Bottle bar for the best bourbon in the Downtown area. Every bartender at Bayou & Bottle is a Certified Bourbon Steward. Unwind in their sophisticated warmly lit leather-clad nooks and peruse the menu of 200 premium whiskies on offer. The main fine dining restaurant at the hotel, Toro Toro, is also highly rated with an extensive raw fish bar and Pan-Latin style churrasco steaks. The rooms are modern and well appointed, with views of the cityscape or pool.
Address: 1300 Lamar Street Houston, TX 77010-3017, USA
Click here to book Four Seasons Houston
Mid-Range hotels
The Laura Hotel by Autograph
Located in the former Hotel Alessandra building in the heart of Houston Downtown, The Laura Hotel is a newly renovated boutique hotel from the Autograph Collection. This property's highlight is the pool and wellness facilities. There is a spa onsite next to the rooftop pool which has skyline views of downtown, but the pièce de résistance of The Laura's wellness offering is that guests receive full access to the LifeTime luxury fitness facility next door. This includes access to a range of premium hot yoga and pilates classes, a high-tech fitness facility, as well a sauna, steam, and cold plunge area. Personally, we loved having access to so many wellness amenities at our doorstep and this additional perk definitely made our stay at The Laura Hotel. If you would rather spend the weekend indulging, fear not, there is an impeccably designed southern-inspired restaurant in the middle of the hotel called Hull & Oak.
Address: 1070 Dallas Street, Houston, Texas 77002
Click here for The Laura Hotel reservations
The Za Za Museum District
The Za Za Hotel takes cues from the Museum district surrounds, with an interior filled with color, texture, and ornate finishes. We like this hotel when we are doing short stops in Houston due to its location, just steps from many of Houston's best attractions. The staff here are excellent and attentive, but in particular, the fantastic bar staff at the pool will make you want to stay all day. Za Za is known for its concept suites that pay homage to the art and design found in the local area, want to wake up and have coffee with an astronaut? What about a room with a private cinema? The Za Za suites are bound to have a concept on offer that you'll find intriguing.
Address: 5701 Main St, Houston, TX 77005, United States
Click here to make reservations at Za Za Museum District Hotel
Overview of 3-Day Houston Itinerary
In this long weekend itinerary, we've tried to capture a good mix of all Houston city's tourist attractions, don't feel as though you need to follow this in exact order. I would recommend checking the weather and doing Buffalo Bayou park on a clear day that isn't too muggy. If there's a day where the weather is a bit rainy or windy then head out on the shopping day (day 3) and save the museums and parks for the good weather. If you have a limited budget we've included plenty of free things to do on this list, so you can save your cash to splash out on a nice dinner or rooftop bar cocktail at one of Houston's phenomenal eateries.
Also, consider grabbing a Houston Citypass. The Citypass offers admission to 5 Houston attractions at a discounted rate and is valid for 9 days. Many of the city's most popular attractions are available to select including the Children's Museum, Kemah Boardwalk, Houston Zoo, and the Museum of Fine Arts. The pass can save you up to 50% so worth considering if you have a decent amount of time in Houston.
Le Colonial Restaurant - River Oaks District, Houston
Day 1 - The Museum District
Houston has a thriving museum district there are over 19 different museums, sectioned into 4 walkable areas within one district, ranging from modern arts to natural science. We think this is a great place to spend your first day as it's also a beautiful part of Houston. There are limited breakfast options in the area, so we recommend loading up on a good brekkie and nice hot coffee at your hotel prior to heading out to the Museum District.
Houston Museum of Natural Science and Cockrell Butterfly Center
Make your first stop of the day the Natural Museum of Science which is one of the first museums to open, at 9 am. You'll want a couple of hours to see the exhibits here and the Cockrell Butterfly Center, which is also part of the museum. Tickets to enter the permanent exhibits are $25 per adult and give you access to a range of large exhibits. Our favorites were the Ancient Egypt exhibit, full of fascinating old-world artifacts including well-preserved mummies and decorated Egyptian coffins. The Morian Hall of Paleontology is also a fantastic exhibit showcasing dinosaur fossils and prehistoric remains. The Natural Science Museum regularly plays host to a revolving special exhibit lineup, so it's worth checking what's on here before you plan your day.
The Cockrell Butterfly Center can be found in the glass observatory near the dinosaur exhibit. This beautiful 3-story glass structure is a simulated tropical rainforest that is home to over 2000 butterflies. There are over 60 species of butterflies from all around the globe, flying amongst the lush fauna and waterfalls. You'll feel as though you’ve been transported to a tropical destination. Tickets are an additional $12 for adults and $6 for children.
National Museum of Fine Arts
From here take a 10-minute walk past the Mecom Fountain, to the National Museum of Fine Arts, located on Main Street. The museum is the second largest art museum in the United States, with over 70,000 individual international pieces. The largest part of the gallery's permanent collection is the Italian Renaissance section, the French Impressionism section, and the photography section. The museum is prized for its strong impressionists and post-impressionist collection which includes masterpieces by some of history's most influential artists, Monet, Vincent Van Gogh, and Renoir.
Lucille’s
Walk 8 minutes down Binz street and turn left onto La Branch Street to find the ultimate southern brunch venue, Lucille's. Here you'll be able to indulge in Southern fare, with comforting classics like chili biscuits and shrimp & grits. This local favorite is run by chef Chris Williams and chef Khang Hoang who were nominated as finalists in the James Beard Awards. This is hands down one of the best southern brunch spots you'll find in Houston and from 10 am - 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday they have live music so you can sip on a bloody mary and soak up the vibe.
The Contemporary Arts Museum
The next stop is just across from the National Museum of Fine Arts, the Contemporary Arts Museum. The building will be hard to miss with its iconic stainless steel exterior. The contemporary art museum hosts exhibitions from local artists as well as international artists from all over the world. It's also free admission, just in case you spent all your money on old-fashioned cocktails at Lucille's. Here you'll find modern contemporary art that is progressive and unique. The museum's purpose is to influence & inspire the local modern art scene with exhibitions that showcase new-wave art techniques, highlighting the role of modern arts in society.
Mcgovern Centennial Garderns
Mcgovern Centennial Gardens
After taking in some of Houston's finest galleries and collections, walk back down past the Mecom fountain towards the National Science Museum and you'll find the stunning Mcgovern Centennial Gardens. These can be found inside Hermann Park alongside a raft of attractions that include the Houston Zoo and the Outdoor Miller Theatre. The Mcgovern Centennial Garden is 8 acres of Gardens that include the Rose Garden, the Celebration Garden, and the Woodland Garden. You'll also find more art installations, fountains, monuments, and sculptures to admire. Take your time and enjoy strolling through all the gardens.
Dinner at B&B’s Steakhouse
We suggest checking if there are any shows on at the Miller Outdoor Theatre before you head in. They host weekly free performances here that are worth sticking around for. If not, then make your way to the East end of Washington Ave, to find B&B Butchers for a rooftop cocktail and sunset view over the city. This prestigious must-try steakhouse is known for its Texas beef and Japanese Wagyu and is one of a few select US restaurants to be Kobe Beef Association certified. For those who love to accompany a great steak with a glass of fine wine, at B&B's an onsite sommelier is on hand to help with your selection.
DAY 2 - Buffalo Bayou Park & Downtown Houston
Lovelock bridge, overlooking Houston skyline
The city of Houston, Texas is known as the "Bayou City," and for good reason. The city is surrounded by water on all sides, from Buffalo Bayou on the west to Galveston Bay on the east. This means that there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and you don't even have to leave the city — rolling green spaces, and rivers run right through Houston, which is home to 337 parks,
Buffalo Bayou park has been named one of America's best urban parks by Travel + Leisure magazine, it's definitely worth seeing if you're looking for something more than your typical tourist trap. You can rent bikes or take a guided tour while visiting this park—either way, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience. Buffalo Bayou park is home to many attractions, including nature trails and an outdoor amphitheater where you can catch live music acts. You'll also find restaurants and shops in the park—there's no better place for an afternoon picnic than here! In this itinerary, we've included a bike ride, a gallery visit, and a lunch stop at the park's best restaurant - Flora.
Morning Coffee at Common Grounds and Biking to Buffalo Bayou Park
There is no better way to start your day than with a nice strong coffee, head to Common Grounds to try one of Houston's finest espressos. You can find Common Grounds at 1401 Mckinney Street. Common Grounds is located Downtown, 15 minutes walking distance to the start of Buffalo Bayou park. You'll walk from Common Grounds through downtown to pick up bikes from the B-cycle charging station across from the entry into Sam Houston park, on the corner of Bagby St and Lamar. The walk is a nice way to see some of the Downtown street art and city skyscrapers. If you want to take a quick wander through Sam Houston Park before starting your bike ride through the Bayou it will only take about 15 - 20 mins. There are historical buildings, plus you'll get to say good morning to some entertaining squirrels.
Once you paid for your Bcycle bike using your credit card at the self-service station, you can start your bike ride down to Buffalo Bayou Park.
Biking Buffalo Bayou Park to Lovelock Bridge
There is a clearly marked bike lane along the park. Head down the Buffalo Bayou park bikeway for 10 minutes.
To see Love Lock bridge, stop about 10 minutes into the bike ride and head back up to Allen Pkway, and then turn onto Montrose Boulevard where you'll be able to see the stairways to the bridge. The bridge has been decorated in padlocks by lovers who want to profess their undying love to each other. Up on the bridge, you'll have a unique view of the cityscape, as skyscrapers peak out through chain link gaps and locks adorned with romantic love letters.
Bayou Bend
From here head back down the stairs and along Buffalo Bayou park for 15 - 20 minutes (depending on your pace) to stop at the Bayou Bend and Centennial Gardens. The gardens at Bayou Bend run across 14 acres and were developed by Ima Hogg and her brothers in the 1920s. The Bayou Bend is home to a large collection of American decorative arts that date from 1600 - 1800, curated by Ima Hogg. You can do a self-guided tour of the gardens and roam around this beautiful historical site for $12.50, this also includes a guided tour of the Bayou Bend historical house.
Lunch at Flora
Once you've soaked up the sun and magnolias, bike back through Buffalo Bayou park to stop at Flora for lunch. Flora is a fine dining Mexican restaurant that overlooks the park. Sit on the outdoor terrace and cool yourself down from your bike ride with a couple of Ginger mezcalitas, while indulging in aguachile and oysters. Tacos, tostadas, beef short rib, everything on the menu is delicious, you'll find something here to whet your appetite after an active morning.
Downtown Aquarium
From Flora, you can bike 10 - 15 minutes back to Sam Houston park to drop off your bikes back at the Bcycle station, then head out on foot to the Downtown Aquarium. You can pick up an all-day pass to the Aquarium for $25, which will give you access to all of the Aquarium exhibits including the stingray reef. At the Aquarium, you'll be able to see an abundance of sharks, tropical fish, alligators, and even some Bengal tigers.
Discovery Green and Dinner at Xochi
Finish up with dinner at the highly acclaimed Xochi restaurant and a stop by Discovery Green park. An uber from Downtown Aquarium to Discovery Green takes about 4 minutes and should be under $10 USD. If you feel like you could still get some extra activity in, or want to stretch out after all that biking and walking, Discovery Green hosts outdoor classes of yoga and pilates classes in the evenings. Check to see what's on at the park before you go as they will often have outdoor movie nights and live performances. Once you've had a quick look around the park, you'll find Xochi right next door at the Marriot Marquis Houston Hotel. The food here is influenced by the Oaxaca region, with delectable moles, and traditional Mexican flavors, another one of Houston’s top spots for dining. Make sure to book in advance.
Day 3 - The Menil Collection & River Oaks District
River Oaks District Shopping
The Menil Collection is another highlight of the extensive arts scene in Houston, we've combined a visit to the Rothko Chapel and The Menil Collection with a stop at The Colour Factory.
We suggest finishing the day with dinner and a stroll around the boutique shopping destination River Oaks District. The River Oaks area is the Beverly Hills of Houston. In River Oaks you’ll see manicured gardens framing rows of classicly designed southern estates. The main shopping area of River Oaks District has a curated collection of luxury stores and fine dining. If you are a cinema fan, then River Oaks also has a fantastic luxury cinema called IPIC Cinemas. In this itinerary, if you want to squeeze in a movie then you can opt to skip The Color Factory, or alternatively, you can have dinner delivered to your seat by the team at IPIC during your film screening.
Late Breakfast at Common Bond’s Montrose
Look, I know we drone on about good coffee, but one of the best spots for coffee and pastries is just a 5-minute drive from the Menil Collection. So head to Common Bond's Montrose location to sip on espresso while indulging in their pistachio croissants, and start your day right. You can thank us later. From Common Bond walk down to the Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel, just a 12-minute walk away. Admission is free, with access from Wednesday to Sunday 11 am - 7 pm, but you need to reserve a space as numbers are limited.
The Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel
The Menil Collection consists of a number of collections of art in 5 different galleries connected by green spaces. The main gallery holds Menil's permanent collection, while the other areas showcase a range of changing exhibits. There are also a few installations. Conceptually the purpose of the gallery and surroundings is to promote a serene environment that encourages direct connection and interpretation of the art without distraction. Rothko Chapel is next door to the Menil collection and was originally commissioned by the founders of the Menil collection. The Rothko Chapel is a unique space with artworks dedicated to stillness and spirituality. The atmosphere created at both Menil and Rothko is very calming and reflective, with inspiring and thought-provoking works.
The Color Factory
From here you can catch a 6-minute Uber to The Color Factory. The Color Factory is an Instagrammers dream with highly aesthetic colorful and immersive exhibits. For the inner kid in all of us, The Color Factory has rooms full of confetti, gigantic glow-in-the-dark ball pits, and vibrant light installations that celebrate color. It will take about an hour to an hour and a half to go through all the rooms. Tickets range from $25-$39 depending on the day and need to be booked in advance.
River Oaks District & Dinner at Le Colonial
Finish your day off at River Oaks District. An uber from The Color Factory to River Oaks District will take 9 minutes, if you have a car, free parking is available at River Oaks District. At River Oaks, you'll find plenty of places for an exceptional dinner, we recommend making reservations at the quaint French Vietnamese restaurant Le Colonial restaurant before your arrival. Try and get yourself a spot on the second level to take in the opulent interiors and cozy mahogany bar.
Strolling through the shops at River Oaks will feel like you stepped into another art gallery, pavements are lined with exquisitely decorated shop fronts and floral arrangements. The selection of boutiques is refined, with a bespoke collection of luxury labels that will have you grabbing out your credit card. You can find stand-alone stores from Zimmerman, Alice & Olivia, Hermes, and many other fashion-forward labels as well as fine jewelry stores, beauty, and homeware. Once you've worked up a sweat swiping your credit card, stop for some dessert at one of Houston's most popular ice cream stores, Amorino Gelato. Which can be found in the center of River Oaks District, just past the IPIC Cinemas.
Day 1 Map This map can be downloaded for Day 1 - The Museum District and includes directions for walking to each location. You will want to drive or uber to B&B’s Steakhouse for dinner as it’s over 20-minute walk from The Museum District.
Day 2 Map Day 2 starts in Downtown, where you’ll go for coffee and then walk to hire bikes on the corner of Lamar Street and Bagby Street. You’ll use the bike right up until you come back to Sam Houston Park. You can drop them off there at the Bcycle station and walk to the Downtown Aquarium. From the aquarium catch an uber up to Discovery Green, dinner is right next door.
Day 3 MapOn Day 3 you’ll need a car or an uber. Common Bonds - Montrose is a 12-minute walk to The Menil Collection and Rothko Chapel is right next door. If you are taking a car you’ll find free parking at the Color factory and also at River Oaks District.