Good neighborhood to stay in for a Tourist (Houston, Dallas: hotel, university)

[k374]

I plan to drive down from Dallas one of these weekends to visit the Johnson Space center mainly but I probably want to check out some other spots as well. What is the best location to stay near downtown in terms of access/safety?

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by k374

I plan to drive down from Dallas one of these weekends to visit the Johnson Space center mainly but I probably want to check out some other spots as well. What is the best location to stay near downtown in terms of access/safety?

Well, for walkability (is there such a word?), restaurants, bars, museums, culture, downtown, shopping, I would say stay in Midtown/Montrose. There are lots of AirBNBs, and they should have good rates during this pandemic. You would just be within walking distance, or a cheap Uber ride to everything, including grocery stores.

Good luck!

[PutDownBoars]

If you're in town for a weekend, you'd have two good options logistically:

Option 1: I-45 day

- If this is your space center day, I'd recommend to also check out any areas around the southeast portion of this freeway (NASA, Galveston, Kemah, etc.) and then staying somewhere in East Downtown (no further east than the BBVA stadium).

Option 2: West Loop

- I'd recommend exploring this area (between I-10 and 59 north to south, and between Westchase and Downtown west to east, and maybe around Rice University too). For this option I'd recommend finding a place around the Midtown area or around the University of St. Thomas.

[Double L]

Hermann Park is a good option too. It’s designed for tourists and you will have access to the light rail which will give you access to downtown/midtown.

[astrohip]

Originally Posted by k374

I plan to drive down from Dallas one of these weekends to visit the Johnson Space center mainly but I probably want to check out some other spots as well. What is the best location to stay near downtown in terms of access/safety?

Key factor is your budget. The best areas will have higher rates. [Aside: Have no idea how Covid may have affected hotel rates].

Hermann Park area is great suggestion. Hotel ZaZa and others. Puts you close to the park, which is a great tourist spot. Light rail, up & down Houston, for more sightseeing. About 30 minutes to NASA. About twenty minutes to Galleria area.

If you only/primarily are going to NASA, you can always stay in that area. But it is a good thirty minutes to any other part of Houston.

[DanielWayne]

I live in the NASA area. This question really depends on what you like to do. But, not far from JSC is the Kemah Boardwalk and Lighthouse district, which is a big tourist draw. If you go now, it is unlikely to be crowded. But I'd be hesitant to touch anything so that does detract from the fun. If you are staying for just a weekend, and you aren't a person who has to cram everything in at once, then JSC and the Boardwalk area would keep you busy.

An advantage with staying in the NASA area is you are exactly midways between Houston and Galveston. So you could come here with no plan whatsoever. And when you arrive you are within easy driving distance of Houston or Galveston if you decide to see more than JSC.

[donblackie]

The Heights.

[tstone]

Originally Posted by DanielWayne

An advantage with staying in the NASA area is you are exactly midways between Houston and Galveston. So you could come here with no plan whatsoever. And when you arrive you are within easy driving distance of Houston or Galveston if you decide to see more than JSC.

Webster (I-45/Bay Area Blvd) would be the place to stay if the main goal is to visit NASA and wing it for the rest. About 10 minutes to NASA, 20 to Kemah, 30 to Galveston or Downtown.