Houston Is Texas' Overlooked Travel Destination

Don't sleep on this cool Texan city — but definitely stay a few nights.

Houston Is Texas' Overlooked Travel Destination

Couple Riding Bikes Across Bridge in Downtown Houston Park

Sometimes it seems like Austin, Dallas and San Antonio get all the love. Meanwhile, travelers continue to ignore Houston for the awesome destination it is. We get it; the city is, well, a city and its charm isn't as obvious to first-time visitors. But if you like discovering cool places that aren't overrun by tourists, you'll love this Texan powerhouse.

So, what makes Houston special? Let's start with its most compelling offer: the Space Center Houston. If you love science and the mysteries of the universe fascinate you, you absolutely have to visit and enjoy interactive exhibits and amazing experiences like meeting NASA astronauts.

If your appetite for knowledge is still unsatisfied, head over to the city's Museum District, where you'll find a total of 19 museums, which include the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Your real appetite will also be satisfied, as the city is an epicenter of immigration and offers mouthwatering fusion foods like Tex-Mex and Viet-Cajun. Oh, and of course, tons and tons of BBQ. Walk off your food baby at one of Houston's many urban green spaces, like Buffalo Bayou Park or Hermann Park.

And if you still need convincing to book your flights to Houston, consider that the beautiful beaches of the Gulf of Mexico are only about an hour away.

Best High-End Hotels in Houston

Houston Downtown sunset skyscrapers Texas

Catering largely to business travelers, Houston has some impressive high-end hotels. You can never go wrong with a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Houston or St. Regis Houston, but we also love the opulent decor of Hotel Granduca Houston. And if you want a five-star hotel at a relatively affordable price, JW Marriott Houston Downtown is the perfect choice.

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Best Mid-Tier Hotels in Houston

If you're looking for a classically elegant stay within your price range, look into staying at the Whitehall Houston or the Hotel ICON Autograph Collection. Business travelers love the Hyatt Regency Houston West. Or book the Blossom Hotel Houston for a pink-hued design that will set you back less than $200 per night on average.

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Best Budget Hotels in Houston

The Robert R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX.

You don't have to go broke to enjoy Houston. It's entirely possible to find decent accommodation for less than $150 per night on average. Guests of Sonesta Es Suites Houston Galleria will get proximity to convention centers, the Houston Arboretum and Memorial Park and the Houston Galleria. Other trust-worthy chains include Best Western Plus Downtown Inn & Suites and Houston Marriott Energy Corridor. And if you want to stay near the airport, Holiday Inn Houston Intercontinental Airport is cozy and convenient.

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Good Alternative to Houston: Cape Canaveral

Cape Canaveral, USA. The arial view of port Canaveral from cruise ship

Can't make it to Houston? You can still live out the magic of space travel by visiting Florida's Space Coast. Cape Canaveral attracts those looking to see rocket launches or go on a tour of the Kennedy Space Center, which is one of the state's most underrated (and seriously amazing) attractions.

Besides space, Cape Canaveral boasts gorgeous Florida beaches and proximity to Canaveral National Seashore, where sea turtles come to nest. The best part? You'll only be about an hour from Orlando and its theme parks.

Where to stay in Cape Canaveral: