The Ultimate Guide to a Staycation In Houston
If you’re running low on paid time off or you’re jonesing for a quick “getaway”, consider a staycation in Houston.
A staycation is defined as a vacation spent exploring local treasures. With a city as dynamic and diverse as Houston, there are plenty of ideas! We go through all the fun areas in Houston with ideas on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay for your ideal Houston staycation.
Midtown is a bustling area in Houston that is in the middle of a revitalization.
This Houston neighborhood is full of gems that will make for a perfect staycation in Houston.
What To Do
Project Row Houses
Project Row Houses is one of those hometown gems that is incredibly treasured but also undervalued. With events like book readings, cultural collaborative workshops, and art exhibits, Project Row Houses aims to empower people through engagement, art, and direct action. Take some time to explore this local haven during your staycation in Houston.
Hermann Park
Revel in your inner child by visiting Hermann Park and taking a roll down Hippie Hill. The park covers over 400 acres and is a green haven in the middle of an urban city center. There’s a golf course, train tracks, playgrounds, a centennial garden, a lake with paddleboats, an outdoor theater, and more.
Miller Outdoor Theater
What’s better than a play? A free play! Take in an outdoor performance at Miller Outdoor Theater while lounging on Hippe Hill completely free of charge. [Note: be sure to bring your own folding seats and/or blanket. Don’t forget snacks!]
Houston Zoo
Tap into your inner child and enjoy one of the best zoos in the nation. It’s missing some of the exotic animals you might find at a drive through safari in Texas but there is plenty here for a fun afternoon during your staycation in Houston.
Houston Museum District
The Houston Museum District is second to none and has many exciting exhibits available to view during your staycation in Houston. The Houston Museum District has 19 museums in total:
Asia Society Texas Center – Educational organization promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among the peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and the West
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum – Museum dedicated to exploring and displaying the stories and contributions of African-Americans in the military
The Children’s Museum of Houston – Museum focused on innovative, child centered learning
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston – Museum for extraordinary, thought-provoking contemporary art
Czech Cultural Center Houston – Museum dedicated to the art, culture, and history of the Czech people
DiverseWorks – Gallery for commissioning, producing, and presenting new and daring art forms
The Health Museum – Smithsonian Affiliate Museum dedicated to all things health
Holocaust Museum Houston – Museum dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft – Unique gallery of modern craftwork with information on the product, process, and history of craft.
Houston Center for Photography – Exhibition gallery featuring contemporary photography
Houston Museum of Natural Science – Natural science museum with all kinds of exhibits from Texas wildlife to paleontology
Houston Museum of African American Culture – Museum dedicated to African-American culture, art, and films
Houston Zoo – Zoological park with over 6,000 animals from 900 species
Jung Center of Houston – Providing psychological, artistic, and spiritual topics and continuing education
Lawndale Art Center – A non-profit space for the exhibition of contemporary works of art in all media
The Menil Collection – A neighborhood of art spanning 30 acres which includes the main gallery and four additional themed galleries
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston – Museum dedicated to fine art with more than 64,000 works of art from 6 continents
Rothko Chapel – Rothko Chapel is a spiritual space, a forum for world leaders, and a place for solitude and gathering.
Where to Eat
Turkey Leg Hut
This restaurant is all the rage! Dine on turkey legs smothered with different kinds of pasta, seafood dishes, and other delights. Reservations are strongly recommended or be prepared for a wait.
Taste Bar + Kitchen
If you’re up for some late-night eats, stop by Taste Bar + Kitchen for their southern cuisine. They are also well known for their specialty-crafted cocktails.
Crumbville, TX
Your staycation in Houston deserves something sweet! Stop by Crumbville, TX for vegan cupcakes, cookies, and other baked goods. Try a stuffed cup – a cupcake stuffed with one of their delicious cookies – for a unique treat!
Where to Stay
You’re in luck if you choose to have your staycation Houston in Midtown! There are some fabulous hotels in this area of Houston.
Hotel Zaza
Hotel Zaza in the Museum District is a boutique hotel that assigns a unique theme to the rooms in their hotel. Lounge by the pool, dine at one of their restaurants or grab a cocktail at the bar. Whatever you do during your stay, you’re likely to enjoy your staycation Houston at Hotel Zaza in the Museum District.
La Maison in Midtown
La Maison in Midtown is a quaint European B&B in the heart of Houston. This hotel only offers 7 rooms so you will get a unique, intimate lodging experience that you couldn’t find anywhere else.