Brits travelling to Texas might perhaps first think of Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, but there are plenty of reasons why they should make sure Houston features on any self-drive itinerary of the Lone Star State, Lizzie Cooper, Senior Account Director of Visit Houston, tells Steve Hartridge.
So, why Houston?
Firstly, it is very easy to get to, with great access by air and road.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is served by direct flights from the UK and has connections to 180-plus destinations.
For those arriving by road, the city is located at the crossroads of Interstates 10 and 45, and Houston provides seamless access to other popular Texas hotspots like Austin, San Antonio, and beyond, making it a great place to start or end a Texas road trip.
Secondly, it is a city with some top attractions, such the Space Centre, cultural hubs like the Museum District and Theater District and restaurants serving everything from MICHELIN Star fine dining to local Tex-Mex and barbecue fare.
It is also a city that combines urban excitement with access to scenic escapes.
What are some of the city’s key ‘must see’ highlights?
Space Center Houston, the official visitor centre of NASA Johnson Space Center, is a top experience.
Highlights include the NASA Tram Tour and NASA Johnson Space Center for a behind-the-scenes look at human space exploration.
You can tour iconic locations like Mission Control, Rocket Park – home to the massive Saturn V rocket – and astronaut training facilities like the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility.
The Starship Gallery is home to multiple flown spacecraft and national treasures including artifacts that trace the progression of human space exploration.
See the Apollo 17 Command Module from the last mission to the Moon, walk inside the Skylab-1G Trainer where astronauts first trained for extended life in space, touch a Moon rock – and more.
Elsewhere, the Houston Museum District is home to one of the country’s largest concentrations of cultural institutions. The district houses 19 museums, arts, and other organisations within a nine-square-mile area.
There is a diverse range of facilities – from large to small; from science to art – that provide a variety of revolving exhibitions, art collections, performances, film series, and hands-on activities.
The Houston Theatre District is a cultural and entertainment hub located downtown. The district features seven world-renowned performing arts organisations and close to 30 small-mid size companies in four venues – Jones Hall, Wortham Theater Center, Alley Theatre and Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.
Houston is also a city for gourmets and gastronomes. The MICHELIN Guide landed in Texas last year and the city emerged as a standout, with six restaurants awarded the prestigious one-MICHELIN-Star accolade and a total of 30 local establishments earning a spot in the guide.
The Bib Gourmand designation celebrates restaurants offering exceptional food at great value. In Houston, 18 restaurants earned this honour.
Are there any festivals or events that visitors could plan a visit around?
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which takes place this year from March 4-23, is a spectacular event.
What began in 1931 as a modest, seven-person lunch at the Texas State Hotel has since evolved into an iconic Houston tradition and the world’s largest rodeo event.
Each year, nearly two million people visit Houston for the 20-day celebration, to be immersed in Texas cultural events that range from lively carnivals and competitive barbecue cook-offs to prestigious wine-tasting competitions, unique shopping and trail rides.
For rodeo enthusiasts, the action unfolds with adrenaline-pumping events like bull riding, where cowboys and cowgirls compete for a slice of the $2.5 million prize purse.
The calf scramble is another crowd favourite, featuring 30 young Texans racing across the stadium floor, each aiming to catch one of the 15 calves.
Once the rodeo dust settles each evening, the fun continues with live performances from Grammy Award-winning artists, with past line-ups such as Tim McGraw, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber.
This year’s acts include Post Malone, Journey, and Luke Bryan. Tickets went on sale on January 16 and are available at rodeohouston.com.
Is there anything new in 2025 that travel agents should know about?
A brand-new property, Hotel Saint Augustine, opened in December.
Just a 10-minute drive from the Museum District, this property, designed by the renowned Texan architectural firm Lake|Flato, is something unique for Houston.
The hotel’s inspiration is drawn from the character of the city itself, blending the old world with the new to create a space of rich diversity and forward-thinking sensibility.
With 71 hotel rooms and suites, a lobby bar, a stunning cloistered circular courtyard pool, event space and a state-of-the-art restaurant led by chef and restaurateur Aaron Bludorn, Hotel Saint Augustine should quickly become a favourite of visitors.
If travel agents (our readers) are keen to learn more about Houston what resources/collateral/contacts are available to them?
They can contact Lauren Kelly, Trade Senior Account Manager, Black Diamond, at lkelly@blackdiamond.co.uk.
Also, they can sign up for the free travel training platform, Houston Travel Pro, to gain insider intel on how Houston brings together a world of culture, attractions, and entertainment to offer something for everyone.
