'Tis the season to count our blessings, and living in the nation's 4th largest city gives Houstonians plenty of reasons to be thankful. Foodies have their pick of great restaurants to choose from, sports fanatics can catch a game any time of year, and culture buffs have world-renowned operas, top-notch museum exhibits, and exciting traveling shows at their disposal. There's a lot to be thankful for living in our great city, and here we've rounded up 16 of our top picks.
Beautiful Places
Image 1
Buffalo Bayou Park is one of Houston's most beautiful open areas and spans 160 acres near Downtown Houston. With hike and bike trails and unique spaces, there is something for everyone.
Image 2
Hermann Park's 445 acres welcome over six million visitors each year. Visitors can stroll through trails, gardens or enjoy a quiet moment on McGovern Lake.
Image 3
Check classic beach activities off your bucket list with a visit to Galveston. There are also museums, amusement parks, and delicious Gulf Coast seafood to enjoy while savoring island time.
Image 4
Memorial Park is ever-changing. Most recently, Memorial Park Conservancy completed the Land Bridge that joins the north and south halves of the park.
Unique Culture
Image 1
Established as the Houston Fat Stock Show in 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has grown into the world's largest livestock show. It brings thousands of people together yearly for great events and live entertainment.
Image 2
Space Center Houston allows guests to explore the most extensive collection of space artifacts in the United States, walk through a life-size shuttle replica, and experience life in space with immersive exhibits.
Image 3
The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Established in 1922, the Zoo is a leading conservation and education nonprofit organization providing care to thousands of animals.
Image 4
The Rothko Chapel, a non-denominational chapel, is home to 14 significant works of art by its namesake, Mark Rothko. A landmark in Houston for over 50 years, the chapel welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually.
World Class Entertainment
Image 1
Encompassing 6,000 square feet that feature over 60 exhibits, the Museum of Illusions is one of Houston's most popular installations with exhibits including Grand Illusions, Vortex Tunnel, Reversed Room, Tilted Room, Cloning Table's, and the Beuchet Chair.
Image 2
Cirque du Soleil's Corteo will be returning to Houston after six years. From February 29 to March 3 at the Toyota Center, audiences can enjoy one of the most enchanting shows produced by Cirque du Soleil.
Image 3
The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts is just one of the stages where Houstonians can watch world-class performances from singers, dancers, and actors from around the world. Audiences can catch The Lion King this summer beginning in July.
Delicious Food
Image 1
Texas and good barbecue are synonymous with Houston leading the way with several of the best 'cue joints in the state.
Image 2
Houston is known for having one of the country's most diverse populations; the same goes for its vibrant food scene. Foodies can travel the world while never leaving the dinner table.
Image 3
The demand for well-crafted cocktails in Houston is constantly growing, and mixologists keep up by continuously innovating delicious libations.
Sports
Baseball, football, soccer, and basketball fans have their pick of world-class athletes to root for year-round. With multiple world championships across several sports, Houston franchises are consistently exciting to watch on TV or in person.