A Map of Houston’s Most Iconic Landmarks
- Take Flight at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum
- Walk around 19th Street in the Heights
- Dock at the Battleship Texas
- Pay Your Respects at the Bear Creek War Monument
- Drop by the Beer Can House
- Go Underground into the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
- Make a Splash at the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall
- Go Back in Time at the George Ranch Historical Park
- Check out the Giant Armadillo
- Immerse Yourself in History at the Heritage Society
- Get Artsy at the James Turrell Skyspace
- See the Sights at the JPMorgan Chase Building
- Take Off at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
- Hit It Out of the Park Minute Maid Park
- Cheer at the NRG Stadium
- Explore the Sam Houston Park
- See History Reenacted at the San Jacinto Battleground
- Shop at the Galleria
- Catch a Show at the Toyota Center
- Take a Photo at the We Love Houston Sign
Houston, the fourth-largest city in the United States, is a vibrant, sprawling metropolis that’s as diverse as it is dynamic. From space exploration to historic spots, this city boasts a treasure trove of landmarks.
If you’re like us, and a trip doesn’t feel complete without visiting all of the iconic spots, you’re in luck! Come with us as we guide you on a treasure hunt of all things Houston.
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, sports fanatic, or something in between, grab your boots and sense of adventure because we’re about to journey through the most iconic spots in the Bayou City.
Take Flight at the 1940 Air Terminal Museum
Image Source: 1940 Air Terminal Museum Website
Address: 8325 Travelair St, Houston, TX 77061, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 454 1940
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10 am to 5 pm
Pricing: $10
For aviation enthusiasts and history aficionados, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum takes you on a journey through time. This Houston landmark offers a look back at the golden age of air travel and the incredible advancements that have taken place since.
Once you step inside, you’ll discover vintage aircrafts, original artifacts, and memorabilia that paint a vivid picture of aviation’s evolution. It’s a great place if you’re a pilot or simply curious about aviation history like us.
| Pro Tip: Remember that the 1940 Air Terminal Museum is closed on Mondays. Also, try to time your visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. When there are less people, you get to experience the installations more intimately and up close. |
Walk around 19th Street in the Heights
Image Source: 19th Street Heights Website
Address: West 19th St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Contact Email: [email protected]
Hours: Every Day – 10 am to 6 pm
Pricing: Free Entrance
Houston’s 19th Street in the Heights is made up of a very diverse array of shops. Known for its vintage clothing, retro decor, and an eclectic assortment of collectibles, this historic street dates back to the late 19th century.
Aside from shopping, the street is also known for live entertainment, hole in the wall restaurants, and an overall aesthetically pleasing background for Instagram worthy pictures.
| Pro Tip: Most of the shop owners have been there for a long time and have established a rapport with locals and tourists, so if you’re friendly enough, you might be able to bring down the price on some of the items by haggling. |
Dock at the Battleship Texas
Image Source: Battleship Texas Foundation Website
Address: One Riverway Suite 2200. Houston, Texas 77056, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 841 3500
Hours: Every Day – 10 am to 5:30 pm
Pricing: $5 for children and $10 for adults
A true titan of history, Battleship Texas stands as a testament to the resilient spirit of America.
As the last surviving Dreadnought battleship and the sole witness to both World War I and II, this Houston landmark played a pivotal role in shaping naval technology.
Permanently docked at La Porte, just east of downtown Houston, the Battleship Texas offers an immersive experience where you can step aboard to explore the inner workings of this colossal warship and find yourself transported back in time.
| Pro Tip: The Battleship Texas is not open to the public for walkins, but you can schedule walking tours through the website where guides will walk you through the inside of the ship and share tidbits of information. Make sure to book your tours in advance! |
Pay Your Respects at the Bear Creek War Monument
Image Source: Harris County Government Website
Address: 3535 War Memorial St, Houston, TX 77084, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 353 8100
Hours: Every Day – 7 am to 10 pm
Pricing: Free
For those seeking to pay homage to the nation’s heroes, the Bear Creek War Monument is an essential stop.
The monument is made of a series of rectangular structures with the names of Harris County residents who died fighting for freedom ever since World War I. Visitors take the time to honor and remember those who have dedicated their lives to their country.
The statues serve as powerful reminders of the sacrifices made by brave people who fought to protect our freedoms. With its striking design and heartfelt message, it provides a moving experience for all who visit.
| Pro Tip: The Bear Creek War Monument is located in Bear Creek Pioneers Park which is a 2,154-acre park filled with lots of green space that you can walk around it to reflect on the sentiment of the memorial. |
Drop by the Beer Can House
Image Source: Beer Can House Website
Address: 222 Malone St, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 926 6368
Hours: Anytime
Pricing: Free
In the heart of Houston, you’ll discover the quirky and unique landmark that’s more a lot less serious than some of the entries in this list.
The Beer Can House is a folk art house made entirely from over 50,000 recycled beer cans that the creators flattened and attached to the walls.
This unconventional house was created by John Milkovisch in the late 1960s and it has become one of the city’s most iconic pieces of art. Some of the beer cans hanging from the house’s roof jingle in the wind like a giant wind chime!
| Pro Tip: Try to visit on a sunny day. When the sunlight reflects and bounces off the metallic exterior, it creates a shimmer that’s amazing to see and catch on video! |
Go Underground into the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
Image Source: Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Website
Address: 105b Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 752 0314
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10 am to 5 pm
Pricing: Starting from $10 per person
The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, a relic from 1926, once served as a drinking water reservoir for the city of Houston. Today, it has transformed into a captivating public space, thanks to the diligent restoration efforts of BBP.
With an expansive 87,500-square-foot interior, the Cistern treats visitors to immersive tours where you’ll get to explore some of the weird spots inside like one with a trippy 17 second long echo.
The Cistern has als been converted into a showroom for rotating art installations that use light projections and sounds. Don’t miss out on these by checking the schedule on their website.
| Pro Tip: The Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern offers different tours depending on what you want to focus on. They have tours for history lovers and those who want to try meditation inside the space, but we recommend theExperiential Tour for first time visitors. |
Make a Splash at the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall
Image Source: Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Website
Address: 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 850 8841
Hours: Every Day – 8 am to 9 pm
Pricing: Free
Houston has lots of one of a kind architectural wonders, but the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall is probably the most fun and our favorite. This Houston landmark is basically a 64-foot man made waterfall set in obsidian aggregate that makes the water pop.
The sheer amount of water that the waterwall recycles at 11,000 gallons per minute is already awe-striking, but combine that with the sounds of the cascading water and the sight of the water splashes catching the sunlight is something otherworldly.
| Pro Tip: Try to time your visits during sunrise or sunset for a magical play of light and shadows that enhances the Waterwall’s beauty. If you get there early, walk around the park the waterwall is located in and enjoy the 186 live oak trees there. |
Go Back in Time at the George Ranch Historical Park
Image Source: George Ranch Historical Park
Address: 10215 FM 762 Rd, Richmond, TX 77469, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 343 0218
Hours: Sunday – 9 am to 5 pm
Pricing: $10 for children, $12 for seniors, $15 for adults
Nestled just 30 miles southwest of downtown Houston, the George Ranch Historical Park is spread across 480 acres of pristine Texan landscape.
Here, you get to step back in time as you explore over 100 years of Texas ranching history on this working ranch turned living history museum.
The four distinct historic home sites let you follow the captivating lineage of a Texan family from the 1830s to the 1930s where you get to step inside authentic buildings and experience old school activities like farm work or chopping wood.
| Pro Tip: The George Ranch Historical Park doesn’t have a formal restaurant or place where you can buy food, so try to pack snacks and drinks or even a picnic that you can enjoy on one of the many grassy fields that are open for visitors to use. |
Check out 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: Anytime
Pricing: Free
A whimsical and eye-catching landmark in Houston, the Giant Armadillo statue stands as a testament to artistic ingenuity or just plain weirdness, the good kind! This huge sculpture depicts an armadillo with breathtaking attention to detail.
The statue stands 22 feet and spans a 14 foot length, with the whole thing plated in steel discs. The eyes glow red at night and smoke comes out of its nostrils.
It serves as both a delightful photo opportunity and a tribute to the armadillo which is considered an official mammal state symbol for Texas.
| Pro Tip: After checking out the Giant Armadillo statue, head to the Goode Co. Armadillo Palace just behind it for good food, drinks and live music! Try their fried pork skins and fried okra for food that’s equally unique as the statue. |
Immerse Yourself in History at the Heritage Society
Image Source: Heritage Society Website
Address: 1100 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 655 1912
Hours: Wednesday to Saturday – 10 am to 4 pm
Pricing: $5 per person for entry, $15 per person with guides
The Heritage Society stands as a cornerstone among Houston’s landmarks, offering a rich tapestry of history through its collection of 18 meticulously preserved historic structures.
Each of these buildings provides a unique portal to the city’s past, offering glimpses into the lives of its early settlers. From charming Victorian homes to intricately detailed churches, each of the 9 historic structures date back from 1823 to 1905.
| Pro Tip: A trip here is best enjoyed if you engage with the knowledgeable guides for insights that you can’t find in history books, and don’t forget to stroll through the lush parkland surrounding the Heritage Society for a serene escape within the city. |
Get Artsy at the James Turrell Skyspace
Image Source: Rice University Website
Address: Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion, Houston, TX 77005, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 348 2787
Hours: Every Day – 6 am to 8 pm
Pricing: Free
Nestled within the heart of Rice University, the James Turrell Skyspace is a masterpiece of acoustics, light, and sound, designed by the renowned artist James Turrell.
Aptly nicknamed ‘Twilight Epiphany,’ this installation was created to showcase the combination of controlled light displays and the sky.
LED Lights are projected onto the ceiling of the installation while the roof cutout allows the lights to play with the changing sky. Visitors can sit on the first or second level which offer different experiences depending on the angle of viewing.
| Pro Tip: Although the structure itself is a must see, make sure you visit either during the sunrise or sunset shows to really enjoy the visuals that the artist intended. Make sure you get there early because there are limited seats inside. |
See the Sights at the JPMorgan Chase Building
Image Source: JPMorgan Chase Tower Website
Address: 600 Travis St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 223 0441
Hours: Monday to Friday – 6:30 am to 6 pm
Pricing: Free
Dominating the Houston skyline at a staggering 1,002 feet, the JPMorgan Chase Tower in Downtown Houston is an architectural marvel. This Art Deco Stye skyscraper is the tallest building in the city.
While much of the building’s interior remains dedicated to office space, its exterior is admirable from all angles. For the best views, head to the lobby, the nearby streets, or look for a vantage point from afar.
| Pro Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the plaza outside which is home to a captivating 55-foot steel and cast sculpture by Spanish artist Joan Miró, his largest freestanding work in America. |
Take Off at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Image Source: NASA Johnson Space Center Website
Address: 2101 E NASA Pkwy, Houston, TX 77058, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 483 0123
Hours: Every Day – 9 am to 6 pm
Pricing: $24.95 for kids, $29.25 for adults
If you’re looking for the center of space exploration, you’ll find it at the sprawling Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, an iconic hub of NASA’s historic space missions.
This facility, once the nerve center for Apollo 11’s moon landing, was immortalized by the infamous words, “Houston, we have a problem.”
Today, it continues to play a vital role in space research and training while offering an array of space-related exhibits. You can walk through Rocket Park to gaze at full-scale replica rockets, including the mighty Saturn V, a key player in moon landings.
| Pro Tip: Don’t leave without dropping by the preserved original mission control center of the historic Apollo 11 mission, where they left and preserved everything as it was during the iconic launch, coffee mugs and all! |
Hit It Out of the Park Minute Maid Park
Image Source: Minute Maid Park Website
Address: 501 Crawford St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 259 8000
Hours: Entry only with tickets
Pricing: Dependent on Ticket Prices for Scheduled Games
Anchoring downtown Houston, Minute Maid Park has been the spirited home of the Houston Astros since 2000.
This 45,000-seat baseball stadium ushers in a new era for the sport in Houston, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and lively energy during Astros’ games.
The iconic sports gem boasts a remarkable retractable roof, for an enjoyable game regardless of the weather. With 400 strategically placed speakers in the seating areas, you won’t miss a beat of the action.
| Pro Tip: Grab a hot dog and a cold drink from the concession stand or from the roaming staff for a more authentic American baseball game experience, soak up the electric atmosphere, and keep an eye out for the seventh-inning stretch traditions. |
Cheer at the NRG Stadium
Image Source: NRG Stadium Website
Address: NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 667 1400
Hours: Entry only with tickets
Pricing: Dependent on Ticket Prices for Scheduled Games
More than just an NFL stadium, NRG Stadium has been the spirited home of the Houston Texans since 2002. Beyond hosting NFL games, it hosts an array of events throughout the year, including rodeos and music concerts.
To truly experience the stadium’s vivacious spirit, grab tickets for an NFL game and immerse yourself in the roar of 72,000 passionate Texan fans.
For an insider’s look at the stadium’s inner workings, embark on a guided tour, unveiling areas typically off-limits to the public.
| Pro Tip: Join the tailgating festivities before a game for the full Texan football experience, complete with barbecues and team spirit. |
Explore the Sam Houston Park
Image Source: Sam Houston Park Website
Address: 1000 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 832 394 8805
Hours: Every Day – 7 am to 9 pm
Pricing: Free
Located in downtown Houston, Sam Houston Park is a living testament to the city’s rich history. Named after Sam Houston, a pivotal figure in Texas history, this park is Houston’s oldest green space that allows residents to take a breather from city life.
Its origins date back to 1900 when it served as a parade ground for the Texas National Guard, later evolving into the cherished park it is today.
Over time, Sam Houston Park has transformed, welcoming lots of improvements and additions, like a serene reflecting pool, a grand fountain, a playground and a picturesque rose garden.
| Pro Tip: Walk through all of the park’s pathways to discover hidden historical gems like plaques or information boards, as well as statues that pay homage to Houston’s rich past. |
See History Reenacted at the San Jacinto Battleground
Image Source: Texas Historical Commission Website
Address: 3523 Independence Pkwy, La Porte, TX 77571, United States
Phone Number: +1 281 479 2431
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 9 am to 6 pm
Pricing:
- Free to explore the grounds
- $6 for kids and $14 for adults to see the monument
The San Jacinto Battleground is a hallowed ground with a rich history surrounding the winning of Texan independence in 1836. Here, General Sam Houston’s forces won over General Antonio López de Santa Anna’s troops, securing Texas’ freedom.
The star of this significant site is a colossal 567-foot obelisk topped by a 220-ton star, a tribute to the Lone Star State’s victorious struggle.
If you want to truly immerse yourself in history, stay for one of the riveting re-enactments of the legendary battle.
| Pro Tip: For those with a head for heights, head to the obelisk’s observation deck, offering breathtaking views of the city from 500 feet above the ground. There is also a museum on site you should visit if you want to find out more on the history of the battle that took place here. |
Shop at the Galleria
Image Source: The Galleria Website
Address: 5085 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 622 0663
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday – 12 pm to 7 pm
Pricing: Free Entry
The Galleria is a huge shopping complex spanning over 2.4 million square feet. This Houston landmark is a shopper’s haven, housing a diverse array of 400 fine stores, dining establishments, two high-rise hotels, and three office towers.
Established in 1970, The Galleria has evolved into Houston’s premier retail and tourist destination, with an indoor skating rink!
Within the building complex, you’ll discover an extensive range of shopping options, from luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada to popular department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom.
| Pro Tip: There are a lot of dining choices including everything from quick bites to upscale dining experiences, but our favorite is the Fig & Olive Tasting Kitchen and Bar for their seasonal Mediterranean meals heavily featuring, you guessed it, all sorts of olive oils! |
Catch a Show at the Toyota Center
Image Source: Toyota Center Website
Address: 1510 Polk St, Houston, TX 77002, United States
Phone Number: +1 713 758 7200
Hours: Entry only with tickets
Pricing: Dependent on Ticket Prices for Scheduled Events
The Toyota Center, an iconic sports and entertainment arena, has been a vibrant part of Houston’s cultural scene since its opening in 2003. Home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets, this arena hosts an array of spectacular events throughout the year.
From electrifying concerts featuring stars like Katy Perry, Fleetwood Mac, Prince, and The Rolling Stones to gripping sports events, including WWE’s Survivor Series and thrilling UFC matches, the Toyota Center caters to diverse tastes.
| Pro Tip: Since the Toyota Center is in Downtown Houston, where traffic is already bad on a regular day, traveling to and fro by car can be hellish. We suggest taking public transportation or booking from a rideshare app for a stress free commute. |
Take a Photo at the We Love Houston Sign
Image Source: EaDo Houston Government Website
Address: 2202 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77003, United States
Hours: Any Time
Pricing: Free
Standing proudly at 28 feet tall, the “We Love Houston” sign is a whimsical and beloved Houstonian landmark.
Made by local artist David Adickes, this eye-catching sign was inspired by the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, making it Houston’s own welcoming emblem.
Visiting this quirky sign is a delightful and cost-free experience, perfect for capturing memorable photos that commemorate your Houston journey.
| Pro Tip: The We Love Houston sign is located behind the 8th Wonder Brewery, so finish off the day with a pint from the equally famous brewery to celebrate a great trip in Houston! |
