Weekend in Houston: Epic 2 Days in Houston Itinerary

Two days isn’t much time, but with this picture-perfect plan on your side, we can guarantee that your weekend in Houston will be packed with a balance of unmissable sights, cultural destinations, and good Southern grub.

This Texas hotspot truly is a world-class destination, with award-winning restaurants, incredible urban parks, and some of the country’s best museums.

Of course, that makes it a bit difficult to narrow down your list of things to do in Houston this weekend.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide! It has something for every kind of traveler, whether you love digging into a good historical site or hope to experience Houston nightlife the local way.

Save this Houston itinerary and keep it handy when you head down South because trip planning has never been so easy!

Where to Stay in Houston

There are a plethora of unique places that offer top-notch comfort, from modern apartments to cozy and secluded spaces. How cool is that?

Here’s a quick answer for the top 3 places:

• Lovely Townhome: It’s a house in Midtown that can host up to six people and has all the amenities you’d need to feel at home.
• 3-Star Hotel in Downtown: This hotel is within walk distance to many attractions in the city, such as Discovery Green and Minute Maid Park, and offers a lot of comforts, amenities, and breakfast.
• Cool Apartment in Downtown: Unique and modern apartment within walk distance to La Carafe Bar, Market Square Park, and many other hotspots in the city.

When to Visit Houston

There are perks to visiting Houston any time of the year. Each season brings with it its own unique events and attractions.

Here are a few things you should keep in mind when putting together your Houston itinerary, from how busy the city will be to what the weather will look like.

Summer in Houston

Temperatures in the 90s and high humidity mean summer visitors to Houston better be prepared to sweat.

Luckily, the city has plenty of options to stay cool–waterparks, shady picnic spots, and AC-cooled museums and restaurants all offer a respite from the heat.

Tons of beloved events like Pride Houston, Juneteenth Celebration, and the Pasadena Strawberry Festival all take place in the summer!

Fall in Houston

As the sweltering summer dies down, autumn ushers in smaller crowds and comfortable temperatures that generally stay in the 70s and 80s during the day.

If you travel to Houston in the fall, don’t miss the Dia de Los Muertos Festival and HUE Mural Festival every October, or check out the Texas Renaissance Festival (running September-November) for a quirky historical celebration.

Winter in Houston

With the coast not too far away, Houston experiences relatively mild winters and rarely sees much snow.

Hotel prices tend to dip in this season, so you’ll be able to score some great deals. As an added perk, the Christmas celebrations are larger than life, with symphonies, markets, and massive light displays.

Spring in Houston

February-April is one of the best times to visit Houston. This season brings with it warm weather, wildflowers, and tons of events to choose from.

However, the downside of such perfect conditions is that crowds flock to the city.

The Livestock Show and Rodeo, Houston’s biggest tourist draw, happens every March and consistently fills up hotel rooms and drives prices skyward.

How We Structured This Houston Weekend Guide

First, we will talk about our perfect 2-day Houston itinerary with tips on what to do, see, and eat.

But, if you actually have 3 days in Houston, so a long weekend, you will want to read our suggestions on what to do on that last day of your trip. Enjoy!

Houston Weekend Itinerary: Day 1

Day one of your weekend in Houston kicks off in the heart of Downtown, where you’ll explore quirky attractions and sprawling parks and sample some of the best food the city has to offer (all with Texas-sized portions).

Catch the sunset and a special surprise as dusk falls, then head to the restaurant that invented fajitas for a TexMex dinner.

Start the Day With Soul Food at The Breakfast Klub

Fluffy pancakes, buttermilk biscuits, and fried chicken are all part of a complete breakfast at Houston’s one-stop-shop for Southern comfort food.

The Breakfast Klub, located in Midtown, has been dubbed one of the best breakfast restaurants in the country as well as the best breakfast in Houston by numerous magazines and shows, including Forbes, USA Today, and Good Morning America.

For two decades, The Breakfast Club has been feeding Houston’s finest. Business people, families, and tourists alike flock here in the mornings before heading to work, church, home, or off on some sightseeing with full bellies and happy hearts.

Indulge and go all out!

See an Architectural Wonder at the Beer Can House

Next up for your weekend in Houston itinerary is a strange attraction that has held the attention of visitors for more than 50 years.

It all began back in 1968 when John Milkovisch found a new way to decorate his home.

He slowly filled his yard with bits of marbles, rocks, and metal pieces because he was “sick of mowing the grass,” and when that was done, he moved onto the house itself.

Today, the iconic Beer Can House is covered with more than 50,000 flattened beer cans, lids, and tabs that cover the siding, dangle from the roof and adorn the entry gate.

Marvel at this weird and wonderful architectural art piece for only $5 for adults. Kids 12 and under get in free! For more things to do in Houston with kids, check out our article.

Enjoy the Outdoors at Buffalo Bayou Park

Get to know the unique natural features that gave Houston its name of the “Bayou City.”

These slow, meandering waterways are central to the city’s development. Many have been converted to serve as green spaces and urban parks, homes to hike and bike trails, gardens, restaurants, and so much more.

Buffalo Bayou Park is one of the prime examples, a sprawling 160-acre area that offers a lovely getaway from the hustle and bustle of Downtown.

You can find everything from a massive skate park to an impressive playground (equipped with a three-level treehouse and climbing net) within the park, as well as some fascinating Houston history.

The 1926 Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern, one of the city’s first underground drinking-water reservoirs, runs guided tours every day and often hosts local art installations in its cavernous subterranean space.

Read next: Romantic Restaurants in Houston For Date Night

Catch a Sunset at Sabine Street Bridge

Before dusk falls, make your way to Sabine Street Bridge, located just next to Buffalo Bayou Park.

This picturesque spot has been used for engagement, wedding, and graduation photo shoots for years.

And that’s because it boasts some of the most stunning perspectives of the dazzling Houston skyline, with sweeping views of Downtown’s iconic buildings.

Insider tip here–Texas is known for its sunsets. Wide-open skies and fierce colors make the evening a memorable moment in the Lone Star State, so your time in Houston wouldn’t be complete without a designated sunset viewing.

This is also a good chance to snap all those postcard pics you’ll want to show to friends and family back home. Say cheese!

Eat a Fajita at The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation

A weekend in Houston means as much TexMex as your taste buds can handle. From breakfast tacos to midnight burritos, Houstonians love their fusion food.

And there’s no better place to sample the local cuisine than at Ninfa’s on Navigation. Here, it is rumored, fajitas were brought into the world more than four decades ago.

Since then, Ninfa’s has had plenty of time to perfect its specialty offering. They dish up fajitas of all kinds–steak, chicken, beef, portobello mushroom, and more.

The menu also boasts handmade tamales, enchiladas, customizable tacos, and Ninfaritas (their take on the traditional margarita).

Celebrities, locals, and tons of tourists can be found clambering for seats in the restaurant and spilling out onto the patio, all trying to grab a slice of this powerhouse in the Houston food scene.

They say it best themselves… it’s “The Best Mexican Food in Texas Since Texas was in Mexico!”

Houston Weekend Itinerary: Day 2

Day two is all about arts and culture, with a splash of fun thrown in. Grab your morning coffee at one of Houston’s trendiest cafes, experience lift-off at Space Center Houston, and savor the salty breezes of the coast.

In the afternoon, explore the offbeat Montrose neighborhood, then look and learn throughout the Museum District.

Wrap up your weekend trip to Houston with a stop at some local watering holes that guarantee cheap drinks and great conversations.

Enjoy a Texas-Sized Breakfast at Day Six Coffee

Enjoy a delicious morning pick-me-up in the heart of Downtown Houston while also supporting local businesses.

The ultra-trendy Day Six Coffee is black-owned, family-owned, and locally-owned and operated.

It was designed as a haven for artists and entrepreneurs, which explains the stunning historic building and its rustic interiors that feature work from local painters and authors.

Try their signature caramel and vanilla bean Texas latte, or opt for a classic brew. The menu is also packed with pastries, sandwiches, and breakfast tacos. (This is Houston, after all).

At Day Six, you’ll find all the fuel you need for a busy day out on the town.

Blast Off at Johnson Space Center & Space Center Houston

No weekend in Houston would be complete without a visit to some of its most popular and well-known attractions.

Kick things off with a tram tour through the NASA Johnson Space Center & Space Center Houston, during which you’ll snag a behind-the-scenes look at human space exploration, including Mission Control and the astronaut training facilities.

Step inside the world’s only replica space shuttle mounted on a massive shuttle carrier aircraft, and see for yourself how astronauts travel.

Explore the museum’s collection of spacesuits, retired spacecraft, and other artifacts from decades of travel throughout our solar system.

You can even touch a piece of Mars and ride in a simulator that mimics the feeling of rocketing through space.

3, 2, 1…blast off!

Don’t miss out! Book your admission ticket in advance! Alternatively, you can go on a 5-hour private tour of NASA Space Center with a Real Rocket Scientist!

Soar Over the Gulf of Mexico at Kemah Boardwalk

Space Center Houston is about 30 minutes outside of Downtown Houston, taking you almost to the coast.

Since you’ve made it most of the way to sand and sea, you might as well pop by for a proper visit!

Kemah Boardwalk (ticket included in the Houston CityPass) is one of the most renowned boardwalks in the country, with thrill rides (some of which fly out over the water), arcade and midway games, and excellent shopping and dining.

Grab a hearty lunch at a mainstay like Tookie’s Burgers (a rustic spot serving up traditional American cooking) or Crazy Alan’s Swamp Shack (the more lively option, complete with a rooftop deck, live music, and finger-licking Cajun food).

Hunt for Vintage Treasures in Montrose Neighborhood

The quirky Montrose district located just outside Downtown is known for its art galleries, gay bars, and excellent vintage shops.

At the pedestrian-friendly Westheimer Curve, you’ll find yourself in thrifting heaven.

Shop the cult favorite Leopard Lounge for vintage fashions, or browse American-made and locally-inspired jewelry, home decor, art pieces, and more at Space Montrose.

While in the area, make sure to stop by the Rothko Chapel, the first non-denominational religious space of its kind and also home to a series of renowned paintings and sculpture displays.

Stylish coffee shops like Agora or Blacksmith are there to give you a little afternoon caffeine boost, or you can visit the iconic Anvil Bar & Refuge to sample drinks from the very place that put Houston’s cocktail scene on the map.

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, right?

Look and Learn in the Museum District

There’s something for everyone in the dazzling Museum District, which holds 19 world-class institutions within its quiet neighborhood streets.

DiverseWorks showcases up-and-coming young artists with its contemporary displays dealing with cultural commentary.

At the same time, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts offers a look back into 6,000 years of history with masterpieces from ancient Egypt, the Italian Renaissance, contemporary Latin America, and beyond.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science is another unmissable spot, with halls full of fascinating interactive exhibits.

Permanent exhibitions include displays of gems and minerals, dinosaur fossils, and the alluring Cabinet of Curiosities, home to strange artifacts collected throughout the years.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Soldier National Museum examines the history of African American soldiers who have fought in the country’s wars.

Say Cheers to Houston History at La Carafe

Wrap up your weekend in Houston with a bang at the city’s oldest commercial building and bar, which is still serving up drinks today.

La Carafe was first constructed in 1847 and has since functioned as a bakery, Pony Express station, and more, all while living through multiple wars and constant changes to the Downtown streets that surround it.

Lit by candlelight and filled with the tunes of their vintage jukebox, this watering hole is a great spot to meet both locals and travelers.

Get to know your new friends over a cheap wine or beer, and take in the city views from the upstairs balcony.

It’s hard to think of a more memorable way to end your time in this dynamic Southern city.

Have 3 Days in Houston? Here’s What You Can Do!

• Visit a couple of breweries in Houston: Houston has some delicious craft beer. So do yourself a favor and visit one of its great breweries, such as 8th Wonder Brewery or Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. Alternatively, you could take a breweries tour in the city!
• Go mural hunting: Houston, like Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin, has a strong street-art culture. The city is packed with colorful murals and lots of photo ops you can’t miss.
• Go on a day trip: Texas has no shortage of incredible towns and places to visit, so you have a wide range of day trips from Houston to choose from. Some of our favorite places are Galveston (it’s not only a lovely beach town in Texas but it also has some of the best beaches near Houston), Brenham, and Conroe.

Houston Itinerary Summary

We made a handy summary of this Houston itinerary to make your life easier. Still, you will want to bookmark this page to check all the details later on.

Day 1

• Start the Day With Soul Food at The Breakfast Klub
• See an Architectural Wonder at the Beer Can House
• Enjoy the Outdoors at Buffalo Bayou Park
• Catch a Sunset at Sabine Street Bridge
• Eat a Fajita at The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation

Day 2

• Enjoy a Texas-Sized Breakfast at Day Six Coffee
• Blast Off at Space Center Houston
• Soar Over the Gulf of Mexico at Kemah Boardwalk (tickets and more here)
• Hunt for Vintage Treasures in Montrose Neighborhood (Leopard Lounge, Space Montrose, and more)
• Look and Learn in the Museum District (Houston Museum of Natural Science)
• Say Cheers to Houston History at La Carafe

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