What is a must see while Im in Houston for the day? (Galveston: live, restaurants)

[Proud2bPinoy]

nasa

[Oildog]

Depends on what you like to see art? History? Parks? shopping?

[westres1]

Shopping and lunch in the Village then a museum or walk thru Herman Park...rose gardens or Japanese Gardens.
Mia Bella for dinner on Main
Houston Pavillians after dinner for bowling, Blues or dueling pianos.

[Spacecityroller]

If your going to walk downtown go into the tunnels and the Chase and Wellsfargo buildings have free observation decks. They are only open during business hours and the tunnels close at 6pm. Great photo ops.

[desert sun]

Originally Posted by Oildog

Depends on what you like to see art? History? Parks? shopping?

I dont care for art, parks are ok I guess but Im just looking for something different, I will google the other suggestions and check them out.

[Malvie]

Originally Posted by desert sun

I dont care for art, parks are ok I guess but Im just looking for something different, I will google the other suggestions and check them out.

One thing about the Galleria---the a/c is GREAT.

Just south of the Galleria is the Williams Tower, which features a magnificent (participatory) fountain by Philip Johnson, a true landmark (also cooling....).

Drive down South Main, past the Mecom Fountain, down the avenue of 100 year old oaks, past Rice University to the Medical Center (largest in the world); through the medical center, turn left at Kirby Dr. to see the Astrodome and Reliant Stadium.

NASA.

San Jacinto Tower and Battleship Texas. Be sure to watch the movie at the San Jacinto Tower (15 feet taller than the Washington Monument). On the way, you'll pass the less-than-scenic but extremely vital oil refineries that make up 15% of US refining capacity. Battleship Texas is fun for all ages.

[SouthernBoy205]

You should see Downtown.

[DANNYY]

Honestly this is what I would do.

I would go to downtown, and I would walk at the walkable area of Buffalo Bayou (basically like a riverwalk), then I would get something to eat in the Downtown Tunnel in downtown, and since you're going on a Monday, yes downtown tunnels are operational.

To get there, park your car, go into any of the large office buildings like Wells Fargo Plaza (2nd tallest building in Texas, it's the big Aqua colored building) go to the basement level and the tunnel entry is there. If you can't find it, ask someone and they will assist you.

There's literally hundreds of options down there for eating choices and the air condition level is fabulous, and you'll see so many people down there, it will be lively.

Anyways pick a place to eat or shop down there and then head on to downtown parks like Discovery Green. Check it out briefly but don't spend too much time in the heat. Go to Houston Pavilions shopping center off Main Street area, check it out maybe go bowling or something.

Anyways after that head on to Rice Village, where Texas Medical Center is, and you'll find it to be quite charming. Shopping and food options everywhere. Architecturally nice.

I would highly recommend the Houston Museum of Natural Science, even if you're not into art, you will get a kick out of the attractions there.

Anyways, you already stated you don't want to venture out of the city too far so that cancels Kemah Boardwalk, the third best boardwalk in the country... with a lot of attractions. And that also cancels out Lake Houston & Lake Conroe in the North Houston area..and not to mention Galveston & the other Islands along with Moody Gardens and such.

That's fine though. Check out Uptown. The Galleria is there, you'll literally get lost there, I believe it's one of the largest malls in the country...I have a hard time remembering where I parked. Enjoy walking around the Williams Waterwall and seeing the Williams Tower (4th tallest building in Texas, and tallest building in world outside downtown). There are some very unique shops and restaurants in Uptown be sure to check them out.

Check out some bars or something on Montrouse and Rice Village area. Westheimer, Greenbriar, Sheppard, those streets will have some shops that might interest you.

Also there's the San Jacinto Monument, if you want you can see that.

And if you don't want that and just want a compact area where you can relax, then I recommend City Centre in Memorial, and also Memorial City Mall... you'll enjoy it there.

Hmm, I'll check to see what else there is, since the art galleries & theater places are not of your interest it limits it somewhat. Let me check to see what else there is.

[TVC15]

I would suggest seeing downtown Houston and the bad a** Texas Medical Center. Hop on the light rail at the U of H downtown campus (one main st) and take it to the TMC. Stop along the way to see the various downtown Houston sights that look interesting to you!

[boywithstick]

Originally Posted by Proud2bPinoy

nasa

How did I forget about visiting NASA when I visited Houston a few months ago?!?!