A Day in Houston – How to Enjoy This City if You Only Have 1 Day

The fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston, Texas, is where history and modern technology meet. Vibrant, massive, and filled with compelling and inspiring activities, Houston would take weeks to explore thoroughly. However, if you only have one day to see Houston, the information below can help you decide what to do with your time here. It’s a 1-day itinerary you can use to enjoy Space City, brought to you by the Texas storage experts at Move It Storage!

Morning: Fuel Up with a Big Texas Barbecue

The old saying that “everything’s bigger in Texas” begins with their breakfast, which is typically a mouthwatering Texas BBQ. There are dozens of delicious barbecue joints around the city where you can enjoy some local favorites, including smoked sausage, brisket, and BBQ ribs, to get your day started on a delicious note. We recommend Killen’s Barbecue in Pearland!

Late Morning: Houston Space Center

No visit to Space City is complete without a trip to the Houston Space Center! It’s a fascinating glimpse into the history of NASA and the amazing wonders of our universe. Some highlights include the astronaut training center, the historic Saturn V rocket on display, and a thoroughly enjoyable Johnson Space Center tram tour.

Lunch: Delicious Vietnamese-Cajun Crawfish

One thing Houston is known for worldwide is its fantastic cuisine and electrifying culinary scene. One of its most remarkable aspects is the unique fusion flavors of Vietnamese-crawfish, which offers a mix of exotic and spicy in one delicious bowl. If that sounds like a treat you’d like to experience, head over to Crawfish & Noodles in Asiatown. (It’s located in the Houston Farmers Market.) Be sure to try their signature garlic butter crawfish with spicy noodles!

Early Afternoon: Enjoy the Houston Zoo and McGovern Centennial Gardens

family at zoo with bear standing

After lunch, nothing is better than a nice stroll to work off those calories. One of the best places to do that is the Houston Zoo and McGovern Centennial Gardens. One of the better zoos in the country, Houston’s Zoo, boasts majestic big cats in their African forest section. The gardens are located in the same complex (and are gorgeous), offering a peaceful retreat from the activities if you need a few minutes to relax and catch your breath.

If you’re not a big fan of zoos, consider visiting the Children’s Museum of Houston with its dynamic displays and exciting, hands-on activities. If you prefer to stay outside and enjoy the weather, a relaxing stroll in Hermann Park might be just a ticket! The park offers water play areas for the kids, the Hermann Park Railroad (a real treat if you’re visiting Houston with your children), and the Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children.

Late Afternoon: Thrill to the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park

If you’re traveling to Houston during baseball season, you must catch a game at Minute Maid Park, home of the Houston Astros. This is, without a doubt, the quintessential Houston experience and offers an electric atmosphere and exciting major-league baseball fun!

We recommend checking out the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in February and March. One of the largest rodeos in the world, you’ll thrill with exhilarating rodeo competitions, exciting carnival rides, and a varied lineup of live musical groups. And remember to grab a bite to eat at one of the many excellent food vendors and trucks you’ll find.

Early Evening: Dinner at One of Houston’s Phenomenal Restaurants

crawfish and other seafood

We mentioned earlier that Houston is well known for its phenomenal cuisine and out-of-this-world restaurants. As the sun sets on your day trip to Houston, choose one of the city’s top eateries and enjoy a delicious meal before heading back home. Below are our top 5 choices, but there are hundreds more!

1. The Pit Room

One of the best Texas barbecue joints in the city, The Pit Room is known for its delicious homemade sausage and smoked brisket. Their mouthwatering jalapeƱo cheese rice and elote corn are also highly recommended.

2. Uchi Houston

If contemporary Japanese cuisine is more your style, Uchi Houston offers a sophisticated take on this Japanese classic. Our recommendation is their Omakase Tasting Menu, a genuinely delightful culinary journey.

3. Brennan’s of Houston

Another southern creole-inspired restaurant, Brennan’s of Houston, is more of an elegant dining experience and is housed in a historic Houston location. They also have a beautiful courtyard where you can try their turtle soup, Gulf Coast seafood, and one of their signature desserts, their incredible Bananas Foster.

4. Ninfa’s on Navigation

Ninfa’s on Navigation serves one of Houston’s signature foods, Tex Mex, and does it with a unique style and flair that has made it one of the city’s most popular eateries. The restaurant offers a dynamic atmosphere and rich history to go along with its famous fajitas and homemade flour tortillas.

5. Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen

Famous for its creole-inspired seafood, Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is a vulnerable Houston institution with a lively atmosphere and an extensive wine list.

Late Night: Midtown and the Heights District for a Nightcap

steak and other dinner items

If you still have a little energy and want to enjoy a nightcap before bedtime, we recommend heading to Houston’s vibrant Midtown or the historic Heights District. Both are known for their exciting nightlife, live music, and rocking Texas vibe!

Let Move It Storage Help You Store Your Stuff in Houston

If your day in Houston has convinced you to move to this exciting city, Move It Storage can help you when you arrive. We offer safe, secure, and affordable storage units in Houston where you can store almost anything. From household goods to wine collections, office supplies, retail overstock, and more, if you need to store your stuff in Houston, Move It Storage is your best choice! Ready to reserve a storage unit in Houston, TX? If so, you can do it online in minutes! There’s no deposit necessary and no credit card needed.