Off the Beaten Path to Unusual Houston Spots
- Listen to the Beer Can House Tinkle
- Get Prickly with the Cactus King
- Explore David Adickes’ Studio
- Go Big at Eclectic Menagerie Park
- Pay a Visit to the Giant Armadillo
- Go through the Hermann Park Train Tunnel
- Experience Japan at Hidden Omakase
- Learn about China at Lucky Land
- Find the Hidden Marfreless Bar
- Immerse Yourself in the Macabre at the National Museum of Funeral History
- Experience Unconventional Art at the Orange Show Foundation
- Greet the Space Cow
- Meet the Beatles at 8th Wonder Brewery
- Make the Bayou Bubble
- Indulge in a Tolkien-Inspired Feast at The Hobbit Café
- Fuel up at Wolfsmiths Coffee
Deep in the heart of Texas, Houston isn’t just about the Astros or BBQ pits, although those are must-dos. There’s a side of the city that won’t show up in your average guidebook.
So, if you’re a local eager to rediscover your city or a curious traveler looking to veer off the tourist trail, join us on this quirky journey. Houston’s strange, offbeat, and sometimes downright weird side awaits.
Listen to the Beer Can House Tinkle
Image Source: Beer Can House Website
Address: 222 Malone St, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 926 6368
Hours: Saturday and Sunday – 1 pm to 5 pm
Nestled in Rice Military, Houston, the Beer Can House is a testament to one man’s passion for both art and beer. John Milkovisch, the mind behind this quirky masterpiece, started with using metals and marbles in his artistic pieces.
He made all sorts of unique house accessories like enchanting fences, charming patios, and whimsical flower boxes. As time passed, his eccentricity evolved into covering an entire house with over 50,000 beer cans and beer bottle caps.
| Pro Tip: Entrance tickets to the Beer Can house can be bought through their website, but kids under 12 get in for free. Make sure you drop by the yard where you’ll find a unique garden with the same artistic elements curated by John and his wife. |
Get Prickly with the Cactus King
Image Source: Cactus King Website
Address: 7900 I-45, Houston, TX 77037, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 591 8833
Hours: Monday to Saturday – 9 am to 6 pm
A sanctuary of spiky cacti and eccentric artistry, the Cactus King is far from your typical plant nursery. Although, they do actually sell an extensive array of cactus of all shapes and sizes, with some being kinds we’ve never seen before.
These plants, which are almost synonymous with Texas, are great keepsakes that will last forever.
The place is more known for the Cactus King. As you venture onto this curious place, expect to encounter an eclectic collection of weird art, life-sized mannequins, and a larger than life cactus made from a decorated metal water container.
| Pro Tip: To make it to Cactus King, make your way to I-45 and turn the corner on Stuebner Airline. If you just want to drive by, the huge cactus can actually be seen from the highway, but we recommend going inside to not miss out on the other fun things there. |
Explore David Adickes’ Studio
Address: 2401 Nance St, Houston, TX 77020, United States
Contact Details: Instagram Page
Hours: Open 24/7
David Adickes, an artist renowned for his giant sculptures, has made Houston his artistic playground. The David Adickes Studio, which he did not initially intend to be a traditional tourist attraction, showcases
his talent.
This workshop that also functions as a gallery provides a glimpse into his world of colossal art.
As you wander through the studio, you’ll encounter giant heads just lying around and even a monumental President Bush. What’s even more intriguing is that you might just spot Adickes himself, working alongside his team on new masterpieces.
| Pro Tip: Entrance to the place is still free and open to the public, but the new location has a chain link fence that blocks the area. Make sure you send him a message on his Instagram Page to schedule a visit. |
Go Big at Eclectic Menagerie Park
Image Source: Eclectic Menagerie Park Website
Address: 2838 W Bellfort St. Houston, TX 77051, United States
Phone Number: +1 715 598 9577
Hours:
If you ever find yourself on Highway 288 in Houston, there’s a weirdly delightful surprise waiting for you. As you drive along, your eyes will be drawn to the sight of colorful planes and steel creatures in front of the Texas Pipe and Supply Company.
This collection of 26 sculptures is the brainchild of Ron Lee who has worked as a contractor and designer for the company for 40 years. Using discarded pipes and equipment from the company, he made the oversized animals and unique machines.
The yard is home to a towering daddy long legs spider, a metal eagle mid flight, a rusty armadillo, cows on a raised balancing beam, and old school plane models.
| Pro Tip: As enticing as these colossal creations may be, the company discourages visitors from approaching them for safety. You can still admire the sculptures from a distance and enjoy the sight without taking unnecessary risks. |
Pay a Visit to the Giant Armadillo
Image Source: Goode’s Armadillo Palace Website
Address: Goode’s Armadillo Palace, West University, Houston, TX, South of US Hwy 59 on Kirby Drive
Phone Number: +1 713 526 9700
Hours: Open 24/7
Houston is not just a city of skyscrapers and contemporary art. It’s also home to some delightfully quirky landmarks that we can’t really explain but still love nonetheless, like the Giant Armadillo.
This 22-foot sculpture is located in front of the Goode Co. Armadillo Palace, a lively venue offering good food, refreshing drinks, and live music.
The Giant Armadillo is a towering statue and spans a length of 14 feet. The entire thing is decorated with metal plates for a texture that looks like the real deal. What makes this piece even more fascinating is its dynamic nature with smoke billowing from its nostrils.
| Pro Tip: Make sure you visit the Giant Armadillo in the daylight to appreciate the details of the individual metal plates on it, but also at night. The eyes of the armadillo glow red for a cool and admittedly a little creepy sight to see. |
Go through the Hermann Park Train Tunnel
Image Source: Hermann Park Conservancy Website
Address: 6102 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 524 5876
Hours: Everyday from 10 am to 6 pm
The Hermann Park Train, which has been a cherished Houston attraction taking families on scenic rides around the park for years, includes a trip to a tunnel. In the past, this tunnel was a simple, metal shed. It was later turned into an art mural
Local artist Trenton Doyle Hancock then created Destination Mound Town. As you pass through the tunnel, you’re transported to a super colorful world filled with so many cartoon animals, imaginary plants, and Sammy the Owl, the mascot of Rice University.
The art shifts as you make your way through the tunnel with a black and white portion that symbolizes night time and a section decorated with mirrors that reflect light.
| Pro Tip: You can only access the tunnel on the 20 minute train ride for $3.50. Tickets are available at the Kinder Station in Lake Plaza, but you can get on the train on any of the platforms. Don’t miss out on the conductor tour for a behind the scenes experience. |
Experience Japan at Hidden Omakase
Image Source: Hidden Omakase Website
Address: 5353 W Alabama St #102, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 496 2633
Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday – 6:30 pm to 9 pm
- Sunday – 5 pm to 7:30 pm
Located in Uptown, the Japanese restaurant, Hidden Omakase lives up to its name. When you first get to the address, the outside looks like a closed comic book store. But, inside is actually one of Houston’s hottest dining experiences.
This intimate restaurant offers an omakase-only dining experience, featuring a fixed multi course menu made by chef Niki Vongthong and her team of skilled sushi chefs right in front of the guests at a wraparound sushi bar.
You’ll savor fish aged for almost 2 weeks, imported Wagyu, and classic handmade noodles. If you’re still hungry for more, you can order from their a la carte menu.
| Pro Tip: Hidden Omakase can only seat 14 people at a time and does only 2 services each evening, so we recommend making reservations around a week or 2 in advance to make sure you secure your spot. |
Learn about China at Lucky Land
Image Source: Lucky Land Website
Address: 8625 Airline Dr, Houston, TX 77037, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 447 3400
Hours:
If you’ve always wanted to go to China but just can’t commit to the long distance flight to Asia, you’ll be glad to hear that you can see all the iconic Chinese sites right in the city. Lucky Land is like a miniature museum that takes you on a cultural and historical trip.
Located just 20 minutes from downtown, this hidden gem sprawls across 2 acres. As you explore the exhibits, you’ll encounter replicas of the legendary Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang.
Lucky Land also houses smaller-scale replicas of traditional Chinese villages and gardens, all meticulously designed to showcase the beauty and diversity of Chinese culture.
| Pro Tip: This museum is a great family-friendly destination where you can bring the kids, especially if they’re into kung fu. Displays on the ancient sport are scattered in the area. Don’t miss out on checking the koi ponds either! |
Find the Hidden Marfreless Bar
Address: 2006 Peden St, Houston, TX 77019, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 630 6248
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 5 pm to 2 am
- Sunday – 7 pm to 2 am
Marfreless is a favorite nightlife destination among the locals since the 70s. Recognizable by its iconic blue door with no outside signs, Marfreless Bar is a beloved establishment only privy to those who have been here before or are in the right friend groups.
Inside, the ambiance is cozy and inviting, You can enjoy classic cocktails like the martinis they’re known for, wines, and hard liquors in an interior that makes you feel like you’re part of the elites of an older era.
| Pro Tip: The new management has recently enforced a strict dress code of coming in your business casual or formal wear to promote the upscale and exclusive nature of the bar, so make sure you dress to impress. |
Immerse Yourself in the Macabre at the National Museum of Funeral History
Image Source: National Museum of Funeral History Website
Address: 415 Barren Springs Dr, Houston, TX 77090, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 876 3063
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 am to 4 pm
- Saturday – 10 am to 5 pm
- Sunday – 12 pm to 5 pm
If you’re looking for a museum experience that’s as unique as it is informative, the National Museum of Funeral History should be on your list. This museum offers a collection of artifacts and exhibits on the history of the nation’s funeral industry.
It has accounts and memorabilia of the funerals of famous people from movie stars, singers, and even presidents, and film stars. There are caskets, coffins, and hearses from different periods on display as well.
The museum also houses its standout piece, The Shroud of Turin, the ancient linen cloth that Jesus Christ was supposedly wrapped in.
| Pro Tip: In addition to these, the National Museum of Funeral History features informative talks by guest speakers and educational presentations about the history of the funeral industry that you can join. Make sure you stay updated on schedules on the website. |
Experience Unconventional Art at the Orange Show Foundation
Image Source: Orange Show Foundation Website
Address: 2401 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 926 6368
Hours: Saturday and Sunday – 10 am to 2 pm
The Orange Show Centre for Visionary Art is a hidden gem located in Houston’s East End. What sets this place apart is its transformation of a simple lot into a sprawling maze of architectural wonders using common found objects and building materials.
As you wander through this space, you’ll encounter a collection of artistic displays, including statuaries, walkways, arenas, and balconies made from repurposed stone bricks, fences, tiles, and even farm tools.
These exhibits cover an impressive 3,000 square feet of space and are the brainchild of a former postal worker, Jeff McKissack, who had a profound affection for oranges, making them the central theme of his creation.
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget to drop by the oasis area that comes complete with a wishing well and a pond, watch a show on the Broadway style stage, check out the on-site museum, and buy souvenirs from the gift shop. |
Greet the Space Cow
Image Source: George Bush Intercontinental Airport Website
Address: 2800 N Terminal Rd, Houston, TX 77032, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 230 3100
Hours: Open 24/7
How seriously does Houston take being weird? Very. The moment you get off your plane, one of the city’s more questionable but admittedly fun and hilarious installations already await you in the lobby of Houston Airport’s Terminal A.
A larger-than-life figure standing at an impressive eight feet tall, is a cow astronaut wearing an actual space suit holding a Texas flag. It’s almost like the city’s unofficial welcoming ambassador to all passengers arriving in Space City.
While the statue is officially named “Moonwalker,” most people affectionately refer to it as the “Space Cow.” Originally, created for a fundraiser it was donated to the airport.
| Pro Tip: Make sure you check out its base which is shaped like a chunk of moon rock. Look for the hidden and very fitting inscription that reads “HOUSTON WE HAVE LANDED,” and take a photo with the iconic cow. |
Meet the Beatles at 8th Wonder Brewery
Image Source: 8th Wonder Brewery Website
Address: 2202 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77003, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 581 2337
Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 12 am to 10 pm
- Thursday to Saturday – 12 pm to 12 am
Right in Houston, the legendary Beatles stand tall and proud behind the 8th Wonder Brewery famous for their wide selection of beer (that you should check out).
These sculptures, each weighing four tons and towering at 36 feet, are the artistic creation of Houston’s own legendary artist, David Adickes. You’ll find the 4 members dressed in their iconic Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band costumes.
The figures of John Lennon, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney are standing with their guitars while Ringo Starr is seated, playing the drums, making him notably shorter.
| Pro Tip: If you’ve ever dreamt of having the Fab Four in your backyard, you’re in luck – they’re for sale, as a set, for a mere $350,000. You can get in touch with the artist through his Instagram Page for inquiries! |
Make the Bayou Bubble
Address: Preston Street Bridge, Preston and Smith, Downtown Houston, United States
Hours: Open 24/7
Houston is home to a whole list of unusual and inviting weird things, but none of them are hidden in such plain sight. It’s not often that you encounter a big red button right out of a movie sitting out in the open.
With no signages or information, a button is set into a shallow square nook on a red brick column on Preston Street Bridge. When you press it, the bayou waters below bubble.
It’s part of an ecological art installation designed to prevent the Buffalo Bayou from becoming stagnant and foul-smelling. By pressing the button, it releases a blast of oxygen into the water.
| Pro Tip: Since not everyone has the audacity to press a mysterious button out of nowhere, the bubbles are also triggered automatically throughout the day, so don’t get surprised when you suddenly see the waters bubbling unprompted. |
Indulge in a Tolkien-Inspired Feast at The Hobbit Café
Image Source: The Hobbit Café Website
Address: 2243 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77098, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 526 5460
Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 am to 9 pm
- Friday to SAturday – 11 am to 10 pm
The Hobbit Café, inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary work is a must-visit for fans or anyone looking for a unique cafe.
For more than 50 years, The Hobbit Café has been serving gastropub food and good beer. The Tex-Mex dishes they serve all come with creative twists and names. Everything from their Dragon Wings, the Gandalf sandwich, and the Frodo.
They also serve up smoothies with the My Precious Peach being our favorite summer drink.
| Pro Tip: We recommend visiting during the colder months in fall or winter so you can enjoy your meal at the cafe’s a large outdoor seating area decorated with holiday lights all year round for a real feel of being in another world without sweating in the summer heat. |
Fuel up at Wolfsmiths Coffee
Image Source: Wolfsmiths Coffee Website
Address: 636 W 26th St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 433 3283
Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 9 am to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday – 9 am to 3 pm
With cars and motorbikes in the middle of being repaired out front, it’s easy to walk past Wolfsmiths Coffee thinking it’s just your typical auto-body shop. Well, it is. It’s a fully operational motorcycle repair shop that just happens to serve burgers and coffee too!
Whether you’re a motorcycle enthusiast looking to get some spare parts this repurposed garage is the place to be with motorcycles scattered inside the cafe too.
They also have some motorcycles on sale!
| Pro Tip: When you’re at Wolfsmith’s, make sure you order their breakfast tacos and tortas Don’t miss out on buying some of their on-theme merch like leather gloves and biker shirts and hats! |
