The Houston Museum of Natural Science is a great venue for satisfying anyone’s curiosity about humans, wildlife and the earth. A planetarium presents awesome 3D movies about various topics in this museum. Kids can also enjoy an educational and fun visit to the Children’s Museum of Houston. This museum includes various playgrounds and interactive exhibitions.

The Holocasut Museum Houston educates visitors about the horrors of the Jewish Holocaust during World War II and about tolerance in today’s diverse world. The Houston Museum of African American Culture also presents historic exhibitions about African Americans and blacks in the United States. Some other unique cultural venues in Houston include the Health Museum and John C. Freeman Weather Museum.

The Houston Fire Museum is located in the former Fire Station No. 7 building at 2403 Milam Street, a two-story structure completed in 1898. In 1899, it began serving as Houston\’s first fully paid fire station, housing Hose Wagon No.7 and Steamer No. 7, each drawn by two horses.

Between the two bays was once a leisure area, but this was modified in 1926 to house a new chemical engine, to be ridden by a pair of battalion chiefs. The old No. 7 station continued serving until it was replaced by a newer one in 1969.

In 1980, conversion of the building into a fire museum began under the supervision of Captain Calvin Mendel. Now fully renovated, the Houston Fire Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places. Although a new Fire Museum is planned, the old building will remain open to visitors after being restored to its 1899 appearance, complete with vintage hose wagon and steamer.

Kemah Boardwalk – Open daily, this waterfront complex offers a busy day of fun. You will find carnival rides, games, shopping and many delicious restaurants.

Galleria – If you want to shop head to the famous Galleria. They have over 375 stores and places to eat. Try the indoor skating rink, the perfect opportunity to cool off in the Texas heat.

San Jacinto State Park – To soak up some Texas history take the ferry ride to this lovely park.I found some more information here. It is home to The San Jacinto Monument, and Battleship Texas. See where Texas fought and won its independence from Mexico.

Museum District – The district offers eighteen distinct museums. For families try The Children\’s Museum, or The Museum of Natural History. For art lovers The Museum of Fine Arts is world class.

Galveston – A day trip to Galveston should be on your list. Popular with tourists and locals there is a lot to visit. Spend the day on the beach or shopping on the strand. Moody Gardens is perfect for families.

The Houston Grand Opera has reached thousands of people through wonderful opera and the message of music, and has gained both national and international acclaim, and is the only opera company to have received a Tony, two Grammy awards, and two Emmy awards. In addition to its other achievements, HGO has toured the world.

The company\’s phenomenal success can be attributed to the theatrical aspirations envisioned by its original supporters–Edward Bing, a local opera singer and teacher, Mrs. Louis G. Lobit, and Charles Cockrell Jr..

The company\’s first production–Salome–performed in January of 1956, under the leadership of its founding general director and conductor–Walter Herbert was followed by its second production– Madame Butterfly. Since 1956, more than forty operas have been performed by the HGO. The company\’s permanent residence–Wortham Theater Center, was completed in 1987, at a cost of $72 million.

The company\’s acclaim has not placed productions out of reach. Single tickets, as low as $25.00, are available, as well as free performances. Exceptional programs such as Young Artists\’ Vocal Academy are available for undergraduate students.

Hugo’s is one of Houston’s trendiest restaurants because of its authentic Mexican dishes and extensive wine list. Hugo’s adds unique flourishes to traditional dishes to offer memorable food selections.

Rainbow Lodge offers a classic Houston dinning experience because of its log cabin appearance and impressive selection of wild game and seafood. Locals enjoy the traditional tastes that have been creatively tweaked, and visitors enjoy the presentation and authentic Houston samplings.

Burns serves some of the best barbeque in Houston for low prices. This take out fare can afford to go cheaply because crowds frequent this well know establishment. The tender meat and inventive sauces make the place a hit. Smart customers may be able to avoid long waits and snag a nearby picnic table.

Many would not peg Houston for being home to quality seafood, but Reef is lauded as one of the nation’s finest sushi restaurants. Reef is unusual for bringing high end raw and cooked seafood to Houston, but tourists will not regret sampling these flavorful, inventive dishes.