How to Tour Houston Like a Local

In the state where “everything is bigger,” Houston reigns as the biggest city, teeming with experiences and adventures as diverse as its sprawling population. Whether you crave the buzz of live music, the serenity of nature trails, the awe of renowned museums, or the tantalizing flavors of a global culinary scene, Houston offers a slice of magic for every palate. If you are considering moving to this lively city, but feel swamped by the sheer abundance of attractions, fear not. We’ll equip you with the knowledge to navigate Houston like a pro, transforming you from newcomer to local in no time. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of “go big or go home,” and get ready for the vibrance of Houston to sweep you away!

Local Life in Houston

Ready to tour Houston like a local? For starters, dine in at these restaurant favs.

Food

Burns Original BBQ

Located in Houston’s Acres Homes neighborhood, Burns Original BBQ honors over five decades of family tradition by serving up some of the country’s best barbecue. The menu features staples like brisket, ribs, and homemade links, along with some novelties like a 10 lb. loaded baked potato platter. With an unpretentious atmosphere and an emphasis on flavor, this historic barbecue joint cannot be beat.

Our favorite dish: 

The rib sandwich is the signature dish of Burns Original BBQ, served on white bread with pickles, onions, and BBQ sauce.

Xochi

Award-winning Chef Hugo Ortega’s restaurant, Xochi, serves up authentic Oaxacan cuisine in the heart of Downtown Houston. The menu boasts handmade tortillas, exotic moles, and nearly 100 different varieties of Mezcal. They even offer a separate menu devoted entirely to chocolate, which is made from cacao beans roasted and ground in-house.

Our favorite dish: 

Featuring a grilled steak accompanied by carrots, potatoes, and masa dumplings, the “Barbacoa de Res de Zaachila” brings authentic Oaxacan flavors without alienating diners with less adventurous palates.

Coltivare

This Houston Heights neighborhood eatery cooks up rustic Italian food with a Gulf Coast focus. Coltivare, meaning “to cultivate” in Italian, is faithful to its namesake, emphasizing seasonal ingredients, many of which they farm from their 3,000-square-foot backyard garden. Their cocktail menu is filled with elevated classics, such as an Old Fashioned made with sorghum molasses.

Our favorite dish: 

With a rotating, seasonal menu, few dishes remain the same from month to month, but you can’t go wrong with any of their personal-sized, wood-fired pizzas.

Outdoor Activities

Discovery Green

This 12-acre park in Downtown Houston features an amphitheater stage, children’s playground, and one-acre lake. Get some exercise on the jogging trail that surrounds the park, grab a bite to eat at The Grove, or pick up some local artisan wares at the flea market. Discovery Green attracts locals who love any kind of outdoor activity, creating an urban oasis for residents of all stripes.

Houston Zoo

For a fun, family-friendly excursion, look no further than the Houston Zoo. This zoo houses over 6,000 animals, representing over 900 species from around the world. Check out the piranhas as you crawl through a see-through tunnel, feed the elephants, or take a ride on the wildlife carousel. No matter how you spend your day at the zoo, know that your visit will help fund their 49 wildlife conservation projects operating in 27 countries around the globe.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

To experience a day of fresh air and wildlife education, free of charge, look no further than the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Here you will learn about local plants and wildlife as you navigate five miles of trails winding through this 155-acre nature sanctuary. Get hands-on with plants and animals in the Discovery Room, or learn on your own by stopping at the six field stations located throughout the arboretum.

Hidden Gems

Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston serves as a museum and visitor center for NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Offering interactive exhibits, guided tours, educational programs, and hundreds of artifacts, the center provides hours of entertainment for space lovers of all ages. Do not miss the tram tour, which gives visitors behind-the-scenes access to locations like the astronaut training facilities and the historic mission control center.

Houston Museum of Natural Science

The Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) boasts an impressively diverse array of exhibitions. Whether your interests lie in local Texas wildlife, ancient Egyptian artifacts, dinosaur skeletons, or even Faberge Eggs, this museum delights everyone. Aside from the exhibitions, the HMNS contains a planetarium and an IMAX theater. If you see nothing else at the museum, visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center for an immersive experience in which butterflies surround you in a three-story glass structure that simulates a rainforest environment.

Live Music & Theaters

Anderson Fair

Located in the historic Montrose area of Houston, Anderson Fair is one of the county’s oldest, continuously operating folk and acoustic music venues. This intimate venue, which once helped begin the careers of legendary acts like Lyle Lovett and Lucinda Williams, continues to feature music largely performed by Texas singers & songwriters.

White Oak Music Hall

This 8,000-square-foot music complex features numerous stages, both indoors and out. Since opening in 2016, this venue has hosted big-name acts, such as The Lumineers, Future Islands, and The Flaming Lips. With a prime location, just minutes from downtown and walkable from the MetroRail Red Line, The White Oak Music Hall belongs on your bucket list.

Weekend Activities

Galveston Island

Only an hour outside of Houston lie the sandy shores of Galveston Island. Get away from the big city for a weekend of relaxing on the beach, touring The Strand District, or taking in the amusements on the Historic Pleasure Pier.

The Texas Renaissance Festival

In the Fall, head just 55 miles Northwest of Houston to The Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest such festival in the world, hosting over half a million guests annually. Started in 1974, this festival features Renaissance-themed food, artisan shops, and performers. Head there for the day, or take advantage of their 200 acres of campgrounds for a longer visit.

Land Your Dream Apartment and Tour Houston Like a Local Every Day

Now that you know how to tour Houston like a local, it is time to find your dream Houston apartment. With a team of incredible apartment specialists and a huge database to work from, AptAmigo is your one-stop shop to find your perfect Houston home. Best of all, our service is completely free. Call us today to get started!