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Old 02-03-2013, 01:03 AM
 
Location: Bangor, Maine
108 posts, read 60,787 times
Reputation: 38

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HI all, I booked my flight and hotel tonight for my trip to Houston. I have also requested a visitor's guide, but wanted to get a local's perspective on what there is to do in Houston...

What are some off the beat places that are fun to visit? I am really into photography, scenery, and love to explore new places. I have never been to Houston before so I am completely lost on where to begin considering the size of the city,

I am going to be staying near the Medical Center south of downtown so I will be fairly close to the main hub. I will be without a car and utilizing the public transportation a lot which is perfectly fine with me!

Any suggestions would be great! Thanks and I look forward to seeing your awesome city!
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Old 02-03-2013, 12:18 PM
 
703 posts, read 1,240,689 times
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Nasa, Moody Gardens, theme park in Katy that's been in the works for like 6 years, old astroworld which is now new homes but they want to put it off as a tourist attraction, green acres, 4th ward, Galveston, China town, Korea town.

Oh...you said public transportation. Maybe someone here will be kind enough to show you around the city. Our public transportation is lacking.
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Old 02-03-2013, 10:11 PM
 
Location: Bangor, Maine
108 posts, read 60,787 times
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are there any free attractions worth seeing?
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Old 02-03-2013, 11:39 PM
 
Location: Central Bay Area, CA as of Jan 2010...but still a proud Texan from Houston!
7,484 posts, read 10,465,198 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by daninAZ View Post
are there any free attractions worth seeing?
For the size of Houston and its many wonders it is not a tourist destination.

Just curious what made you decide to vacation there? Assuming that is what you are doing.

But for photography Houston has many very interesting things to photograph.

Since you are staying by the Texas Medical Center I would suggest exploring there with your camera. It is a very interesting Medical Center as well as one of the best on this planet.

Free attractions don't really pop into my mind but Houston is best seen with someone who really knows the city inside out. Sorry I did not mean to sound discouraging. It is just a huge diverse place but not necessarily for tourism. Actually many locals don't even know the city inside out. It takes a bit of time to discover all that Houston offers.

Without a car you are going to be pretty limited since public transportation is not that great in Houston.

But at least you are close to Downtown, the TMC and the Museum District. Hopefully you can find things going on in those areas.

What interests you?
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Old 02-04-2013, 03:16 AM
 
Location: Bangor, Maine
108 posts, read 60,787 times
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I wanted to visit just to experience someplace new. I have never been to Houston but heard it can be a great place to visit considering its challenges. I basically just like to explore, take photos (i'm big on photography), architecture, cultural aspects, and just all around seeing a new place
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Old 02-04-2013, 05:47 AM
 
4 posts, read 6,454 times
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I live near this area and can help you out.

I would definitely spend time in Hermann Park, completely free and can be reached by the metro line. The Japanese gardens are free too. Worth a walk round Rice University, great architectural images, that's free, could even include popping over to Rice Village for a meal. The museums and zoo are close to the Med center but there will be a charge. If I recall the Holocaust museum is free and I think some of the other museums have free entry on a Thursday. I would definitely take the metro into downtown and visit Tranquilty Park and Discovery Green, great locations for downtown/architectural photography.

At the med center, see if you can sign up for a tour, very impressive, that used to be free and might still be!
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Old 02-04-2013, 03:03 PM
 
2,639 posts, read 8,300,949 times
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You will need a car to go to any of the destinations mentioned above. If you are planning on staying in Med center and just using the train then you are restricted to Herman Park, Museum district, Rice Village for shopping and dining, short walk to Montrose area with vintage and trendy shops and great dining,Mid town with lots of bars,pubs and more great food options, then dowtown, with discovery green, more dining and bars plus the major venues for the arts and sporting events. Check to see if there is a festival downtown or special events at Discovery Green. Those will be a must do if its a pretty day! Have fun and enjoy the city!
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Old 02-04-2013, 03:08 PM
 
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Check out the Houston Press for local events. Houston Events and Entertainment Calendar | Houston Press
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Old 02-04-2013, 03:43 PM
 
Location: Houston, TX
17,029 posts, read 30,972,805 times
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Check out Hermann Park, Rice U and the Museum district since your staying nearby. Take the Metrorail down town and walk to Discovery green. Maybe you can tour Minute maid Park.
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Old 02-04-2013, 03:49 PM
 
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Without a car this may be tough - but if you can get south it's worth checking out Galveston, Kemah boardwalk and Johnson Space Center!! Also walking Downtown Houston would also be a cool place to take pictures if you want close up shots of the tall buildings, you may want to check out the Chevron building at 1400 Smith St.......Have a good time!
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