Whether you’re a Houston native or new to the city, here are some of my favorite places to visit in or around the Museum District.

1 - Do you enjoy animal watching? If so, visit the Houston Zoo. Tickets aren’t too expensive, and there are plenty of animals to see. If you visit during winter, check out the Zoo Lights event.

2 - If you’d prefer something indoors, check out the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. In 2020, the new Nancy & Rich Kinder building was completed, added quite a few more galleries to the museum. (there’s free admission each Thursday)

3 - After visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, walk down the street and view the dinosaur exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. (the museum is free to all visitors every Thursday between 3–6 p.m.)

4 - Within walking distance of the Museum District, Hermann Park is great for picnics, spending time with family or significant others, watching the sunset over the park’s reflection pool, and a great place to take photos.

5 - Across the street from Hermann Park and the Houston Museum of Natural Science, is the McGovern Centennial Park. Here, you’d be able to walk through and enjoy the park’s large rose garden, as well as enjoy a few waterfalls.

6 - Located on Rice University’s Campus is the Twilight Epiphany Skyspace by James Turrell. Not only is the structure used for musical performances by the university, but it also makes for a nice picnic area. The structure lights up during each sunrise and sunset.