Spring is finally here, and there’s lots to do and see in Houston right now, whether you’re a local or just visiting Htown. Houston is known for its parks, food, and for being the Space City. What better time to enjoy these things than in spring? There are so many fun things to do and explore, and tons of patios to get your sip on! Spring is the most popular time of Patio season before the weather gets too hot and muggy, so check out this list of what to do in Houston:
1. Elephant Art Installation in Herman Park
The Great Elephant Migration, the great elephant art exhibit has made its way to Houston, raising money for efforts to protect migratory animals and fund human-wildlife coexistence projects. The installation includes 100 life-size elephants, made out of Lantana Camara, and is a one-of-a-kind exhibit.
2. Smither Park
Smither Park is a small park in Southeast Houston that is built out of mosaics. Designed by Dan Phillips, this unique spot showcases great artistry and dedication, and sometimes you can even see artists still working on adding to the great story told by the mosaics at this park. Smither Park is adjacent to the Orange Show museum, which is currently closed for renovation but is also a great site of artistry to add to your Houston bucket list. Entry to the park is free, but you may want to note that there are no restrooms.
3. POST Houston
POST is a delicious Cultural center and concert venue that came to life in 2021 with a vibrant food court and Skylawn patio with breathtaking views of the Houston skyline. It’s the best spot to capture your Insta-worthy Htown picture and ensure everyone in your group finds something they’ll love to eat! Most nights, restaurants in the food court even hand out free samples to passersby so you can get a taste of several things before deciding where to eat. Constructed out of an old Postal office Expo center, POST is most certainly a unique and historical Houston icon. While there, you can also check out the rotating art installation and see Houston’s famous Art Cars parked in one of the entryways. Their website also lists fun events such as free line dancing and salsa (dance) classes, as well as their concert series calendar for $25 concert tickets at Skylawn.
4. Sips on the Patio
Cedar Creek Patio Bar & Grill is a vibrant and eclectic patio cafe that’s great for both families and Happy Hour with friends. With live music on the weekends and crawfish a’cookin’, this place brings the Texas vibes with a Hill Country theme to The Heights in Houston. Cyclone Anaya‘s and El Tiempo Cantina are additional great options with opportune Happy Hours if you’re looking to get your TexMex fix while in Houston. With multiple locations in Houston, these two restaurants are staple spots for Houstonians celebrating birthdays and other occasions.
5. Country Dancing at Austin’s Backyard
While Thursday might be their big, promoted Country Night, every night is country night at Austin’s Backyard in The Heights. With multiple bars and line dancing under the disco balls, it’s a fun atmosphere and adjacent to a few other bars if you’re looking to bar hop in The Heights.
6. Take a Buffalo Bayou Cruise
Afternoon & Evening boat rides with Buffalo Bayou Park on the pontoons leaving from Allen’s Landing off Allen Parkway are becoming increasingly popular, as it’s a great way to get a new glimpse of the city. A perfect activity for a date night, this $15 pontoon ride offers historic tours of Houston out on Buffalo Bayou, as well as the bat tour, which is more geared towards viewing the bats exiting the Waugh bridge every evening at sunset. While the bats flying is certainly an incredible phenomenon to witness, it certainly comes with a smell, as you might imagine, so you may want to bring that travel perfume in your purse to freshen up afterwards. These boat rides are a perfect opportunity to see some of Houston’s birds and great park networks along Buffalo Bayou.
7. Picnic at the Eastern Glades in Memorial Park
The gorgeous Eastern Glades are one of the newest sections of Memorial Park and boast beautiful grounds near a pond loop that has a boardwalk around part of the edge, which is great for families hoping to see frogs, fish, or other wildlife. You’re very likely to spot an armadillo, the state animal of Texas, at Memorial Park, whether it’s here or on the Arboretum side, which also has many great trail networks and boardwalks (which you’re likely to find Armadillos scurrying out from under boardwalks), so pack your walking shoes.
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8. Brunch at Osso Y Kristalla
If you’re looking for an upscale but affordable brunch spot in the city, Osso y Kristalla is the perfect spot. You can reserve a table on OpenTable for this gorgeous spot for either indoor or outdoor seating. However, their patio is small, so you may wish to book in advance if you want the streetside option. However, if you do book outside, pop inside to see the gorgeous interior or make a point to come early for a drink at the bar, as it’s a lovely atmosphere.
9. Sound Bath and Meditation at Buffalo Bayou Cistern
The weekends offer lots of wellness activities at Houston’s great network of parks, but the classes at the Buffalo Bayou Cistern offer a very unique experience in this incredible historic hollow space underground. You can attend the healing sound bath meditation for $20, or join in a free wellness walk during the week.
10. Saint Arnold Brewery
One of Houston’s favorite spots is Saint Arnold, which has great beer, food, and vibes. It’s just outside of the city and located in EaDo (East Downtown), which includes other fun bars with great views of the city, fun live music, and a couple of other breweries just a short distance away. If you plan to bar hop in Eado at night, just be cautious and stay in a group, as the day crowd or post Astros crowds are the friendliest and best times to go.
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