This Christmas, we packed up the truck and hit the road for an 11-hour drive to Louisiana to spend the holidays with my in-laws. My birthday is just two days after Christmas, so I wanted to find the perfect little getaway to celebrate with my husband—and lucky for us, Houston was only three hours away!
This trip was a huge deal because it would be our first time leaving the state without the kids since becoming parents almost 11 years ago. Safe to say, I was feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. But I was determined to push aside the anxiety and actually enjoy myself. Houston, here we come!
In this article, I’ll give you an insider guide on how to create a memorable ONE day in Houston, Texas. Whether you’re a foodie like me, traveling to the city with your friends, or going with your significant other, I am sharing my itinerary that I know you will love.
About Houston
Houston is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., and for good reason! According to the US Census, the city added 140,000 people between July 2022 and July 2023, making it the second fastest-growing city—right behind Dallas.
But growth isn’t the only thing Houston has going for it. It’s also one of the most culturally diverse places in the country, with over 145 languages spoken by its residents. And if you’re looking for things to do, you won’t be disappointed. From exploring the famous Space Center and learning about Apollo 11 to experiencing Houston’s legendary rodeo—yes, an actual nationally renowned livestock and rodeo event that runs from late February through mid-March—there’s always something happening in this vibrant city.
The Ultimate One Day in Houston Itinerary
Morning:
- Breakfast at The Breakfast Klub – Start your day with Southern comfort food like chicken and waffles, or eggs and grits at this popular Houston spot.
- Visit the Museum of Fine Arts – Explore a world-class collection of art, including works from European masters to contemporary artists.
- Walk through Hermann Park – Stroll through one of Houston’s most scenic parks, featuring beautiful gardens, the McGovern Centennial Gardens, and serene reflection pools.
- Space Center Houston – If you’re a space enthusiast, kick off your day with a visit to the Space Center. See real spacecraft, astronaut exhibits, and learn about NASA’s history.
Afternoon:
- Lunch at Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen – Indulge in delicious Gulf Coast seafood with dishes like crawfish étouffée, po’boys, or fresh oysters.
- Houston Museum of Natural Science – Head to this family-friendly museum to see fascinating exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to space exploration.
- Explore the Houston Zoo – With over 6,000 animals across 900 species, it’s one of the top-rated zoos in the U.S. Perfect for animal lovers of all ages.
- Shopping at The Galleria – Houston’s largest shopping center, offering everything from luxury brands to popular retail stores. Enjoy a bite to eat while you shop in its spacious food court or at one of its high-end restaurants.
Evening:
- Dinner at Brennan’s of Houston – Experience fine dining with Cajun-inspired dishes and classic Creole flavors in an upscale setting.
- Sunset at Buffalo Bayou Park – Take a relaxing walk or bike ride along the park’s trails, and enjoy a stunning view of the city skyline at sunset.
- Catch a Performance at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts – Whether it’s Broadway, ballet, or a concert, enjoy world-class performances in a stunning venue.
- Nightlife in Midtown – End the evening by exploring Houston’s vibrant nightlife scene. Enjoy craft cocktails, live music, and dancing in this trendy district.
How to Get to Houston
We traveled to Houston from the West Central part of Louisiana, which is only a three-hour drive. That said, Houston has two major airports: Hobby Airport (HOU) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)—if you are flying in from your departure point.
The Hobby Airport (IAH) is just about ten miles from downtown Houston, and George Bush Intercontinental is a little further out. It will take about 25 minutes to get to the downtown area from IAH.
If you are brave enough, you can get around the city without a car by using the metro system called the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO). However, most people I spoke with said the METRO isn’t reliable or efficient. So, I recommend you rent a car or catch an Uber.
What is the Best Time to Visit Houston
Houston has many flood reservoirs throughout the metro area. These reservoirs significantly increase the moisture in the air so the humidity can be extremely high in the summertime.
I recommend traveling in the Fall to Winter timeframe. We went in December, and the high was 81 degrees and the low was 61. The days we gorgeous, while the nights were slightly chilly but quite enjoyable.
Where to Stay in Houston
Houston has a large variety of hotels, from luxury options to affordable hotel chains so you’re sure to find something that suits your needs. Below are my favorite recommendations.
La Colombe d’Or hotel
We stayed at the La Colombe d’Or hotel during our visit. It is a 1920s mansion renovated into a hotel with luxurious rooms and bungalow-style suites. When we pulled up to the hotel, we left like driving onto someone’s private property.
We were immediately greeted by the valet who took our car and bags to the bungalow while we checked in. The bungalows range in size from 900 square feet to 1,500 square feet, overlooking a spacious courtyard decorated with ornate water fountains. It felt very secluded and chic!
We were welcomed by fresh flowers, a bottle of champagne, and macarons! We were only a short walking distance to many shops, restaurants, and cafes. But why go anywhere when there is a beautiful cafe and restaurant within the hotel premises? It was like eating in an actual dining room at your rich friend’s house, and the food was divine.
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston is the city’s only AAA Five-Diamond hotel, making it the top choice for luxury travelers. It features high-end dining, an elegant rooftop pool, and a world-class spa, providing a refined and indulgent stay.
The hotel is located near The Galleria, Memorial Park, and the upscale River Oaks shopping district, making it ideal for those who want to explore Houston’s best shopping and dining options.
Hotel ZaZa
For a more artsy and boutique experience, Hotel ZaZa in the Museum District is an excellent choice. Known for its eclectic decor and themed suites, this hotel offers a stylish and creative atmosphere.
Guests can enjoy a luxurious spa, a scenic pool area, and a vibrant on-site restaurant. The hotel is located near the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Hermann Park, and the Museum of Fine Arts, making it perfect for travelers interested in culture and the arts.
Where to Eat in Houston
Houston is a food lover’s paradise, where you can find everything from world-class barbecue to authentic international cuisine. Here are some of the best places to eat in the city, depending on what you’re craving.
Citizen of Montrose
Have you ever had an Aussie Breakfast? Me either! The Citizens of Montrose was amazing! I would eat there everyday if I could. The food was well plated, full of color, with bold flavors! There were many menu items to choose from, so you won’t be disappointed.
What I really loved was this restaurant accommodated my food sensitivities. They had a lot of gut-friendly options like sourdough bread and radishes. I was even impressed by their honey selections and natural sweetener options.
I ordered the Smoked Salmon Benedict with a side salad. I substituted the biscuit for sourdough bread and I had a Matcha Latte with a splash of vanilla and honey as the sweetener. AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING!
Despite not making reservations on a Saturday, we were able to sit at the bar without waiting. The bonus part was getting to watch them make decorative coffee drinks as we dined!
Rating: 5.0
Address: 907 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas
Bungalow
For dinner, we dined at a restaurant called the Bungalow (not where we stayed). It is an upscale steakhouse and cocktail bar with multiple dining areas and a beautiful rooftop bar.
The locals told me that this was one of the best upscale restaurants in the area. The attire was typical of an upscale restaurant, but I did notice a few casually dressed patrons as well. Of course, I ordered one of my favorites—Red Snapper! I can never turn down this fish! I ordered it whole and fried with a side salad. I also had ginger-glazed carrots and seared asparagus. The Red Snapper was how can I put this……..OMG! Dreamy good!
Rating: 4.5
Address: 407 Main St, Houston, TX
Voodoo Doughnuts, Montrose
Of course, after you eat you need something sweet! We found a local favorite called Voodoo Doughnuts. They had over 50 artisan donut flavors and 25 vegan options. You could stand there for a while looking at all the unique donut designs. They even had one shaped like—let’s say something “R” rated. So, I am glad the kids weren’t around, lol!
We ended up ordering Houston’s favorite 713 box which is a sample box of their top Houston sellers. It included a Homer Simpson-inspired donut, The Dirt, Raised Glazed Chocolate Ring, Blueberry Cake, and the Churro! Excuse me while I go into a food coma!
Address: 3715 Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007
Where to Shop in Houston
While the city has a wide range of options, below are my favorites for shopping in Houston.
The Galleria
I live in Huntsville, Alabama, and unfortunately, we don’t have a high-end quality mall or stores, so we had to go to the Galleria Mall. OMG, I could have stayed in there for several days!
The mall had store after store of high-end fashion designer stores like I am used to seeing in NYC. It was huge! I didn’t count, but there are about 400 stores—a shopper’s dream!
Since we visited right after Christmas, all the holiday decor was still up. The mall was so big, and it had an indoor ice skating rink that was in the shadow of the tallest indoor Christmas tree I’ve ever seen! Huntsville doesn’t have a nice shopping mall yet, so every time I travel, I’m eager to explore the shopping scene, and Houston doesn’t disappoint.
I’ve always heard that Texas is known for shopping and to top it off this mall has a massive internal ice skating ring. If you like to shop to your drop, the Galleria is for you.
That’s My One Day in Houston!
Unfortunately, we only stayed for one day, but hopefully, this gives you a sense of what you can experience there. We will return for an extended visit soon to see what other unique things Houston has to offer.
If you have any suggestions for what to see or do in Houston, please share with me in the comment below. I would love to get your feedback and read about your Houston experiences!
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