Houston, Texas

Overview

Houston, Texas, a sprawling metropolis of 2.3 million, hides an offbeat soul where quirky art, historic haunts, and cultural gems draw curious travelers beyond NASA’s glow, attracting over 20 million visitors yearly. Founded in 1836 by the Allen brothers, this city sits 50 miles northwest of Galveston and 190 miles south of Dallas, cradled by Buffalo Bayou and Gulf Coast prairies. Beyond the Space Center, Houston offers eccentric treasures like a beer can house, a museum of funeral history, and vibrant murals in the East End. It’s an offbeat urban jungle where Tex-Mex flavors, swampy bayous, and avant-garde art collide, perfect for those craving quirky city adventures over tourist staples.

Top Attractions (Beer Cans & Bat Colonies!)

Beer Can House

John Milkovisch’s folk art marvel—50,000 beer cans cover this quirky home in the Heights neighborhood.

National Museum of Funeral History

A 30,500-square-foot museum in North Houston with vintage hearses and Day of the Dead exhibits.

East End Murals

Houston’s Mexican-American heart paints the walls with vibrant street art along Navigation Boulevard.

Buffalo Bayou Park

A 160-acre downtown park featuring bat colonies, kayak trails, and art like the Tolerance sculptures.

The Orange Show

A 3,000-square-foot psychedelic art maze in the Third Ward, built as a whimsical tribute to oranges.

Art Car Museum

A 7,000-square-foot space in Gulfgate celebrating painted cars and lowrider culture since 1998.

Unique Stories & Facts (Bats, Beer Cans & BBQ!)

• Beer Can Legacy: Artist John Milkovisch spent 18 years covering his house in beer cans, which now jingle musically in the Gulf breezes.
• Bat City: Every night, 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from under the Waugh Drive Bridge, a spectacle that draws crowds.
• Space City Roots: While nicknamed for the Apollo missions, Houston’s quirkier side shines brighter in its folk art than in its rockets.
• Smalleys’ BBQ: The historic Allen’s Landing, the birthplace of Houston in 1884, is now home to a BBQ joint where you can eat where the city began.

Best Travel Seasons (When to Visit Houston!)

Popular Activities (Beyond the Space Center!)

• Art Exploring: Tour the Beer Can House to see how 50,000 cans can sparkle in the Heights neighborhood.
• Mural Strolling: Wander Houston's East End to see vibrant murals telling Chicano stories along Navigation Boulevard.
• Bat Watching: See a colony of 250,000 bats emerge from under the Waugh Drive Bridge at dusk (April to October is peak season).
• Museum Diving: Visit the National Museum of Funeral History to see a 1900s hearse or a replica of a papal coffin.
• Bayou Kayaking: Paddle down Buffalo Bayou for an urban nature experience with stunning skyline views.
• Car Gazing: Check out the Art Car Museum to see painted lowriders and other quirky, custom-designed rides.

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

There are no casinos within 30 miles of Houston due to Texas law. The nearest major casino is Delta Downs in Vinton, Louisiana, approximately 100 miles away. For local thrills, it's better to explore the city's murals or bayous.

Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles - Houston's Quirky Side!)

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles - Ghosts of the Bayou City!)

• La Carafe (Market Square): One of Houston's oldest bars, this 1860s candlelit spot is said to be haunted by the ghosts of long-gone sailors.
• Spaghetti Warehouse (Downtown): The upper floors of this old warehouse building are rumored to have phantom footsteps and other unexplained noises.
• Glenwood Cemetery (Washington Ave):** The spirits of the prestigious Rice family are said to roam the elite plots of this historic 1871 cemetery.