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USA - TEXAS - HOUSTON : SPACE EXPLORATION’S HOME BASE
 Home to a respected and energetic cultural arts scene, the fourth largest shopping center in the country, the oldest African-American theater in the Southwest and the brains behind United States space exploration, Houston is as diverse a city as they come.
Downtown Houston has become one of the most vibrant areas in the city. More than 50 restaurants and bars have opened within the past several years, and the 7.5–mile METRORail facilitates travel to and from the Museum District, Texas Medical Center and Reliant Park.
The Main Event! in downtown Houston is an open-air celebration on Main Street, an entertainment district with street cafes and live music. Every Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 2am, Main Street is closed to vehicular traffic between Congress and Capitol streets to become a pedestrian-friendly area for all people enjoying downtown's offerings. The Downtown Aquarium and Bayou Place are also popular entertainment destinations.
Visitors get their culture fix in Houston's 17-block Theater District, just blocks from the METRORail. The district is home to resident companies in theater, ballet, symphony and opera.
Whether you're experiencing a space shuttle landing at Space Center Houston or splashing around in more than two-million gallons of water at Six Flags SplashTown, Houston's attractions are full of adventure.
You can explore the world's oceans from inside Moody Gardens' 12-story Aquarium Pyramid, then appreciate science and nature in the Rainforest and Discovery Pyramids; place bets on horses at the Sam Houston Race Park or greyhounds at the Gulf Greyhound Park; or visit Traders Village on the weekends for food, fun and great finds from more than 800 vendors.
For history buffs, visit the San Jacinto Battleground Complex, which marks the spot where Texas won its independence from Mexico, or the Lone Star Flight Museum, a large collection of restored aircraft and photo archives housed in a hanger. Step back in time at the George Ranch, a working ranch, where visitors can experience more than 150 years of Texas history.
Houston's modern climate encourages year-round recreation. Gulf beaches, a boardwalk, lakes, 165 public and private golf courses, countless swimming pools and tennis courts and hundreds of parks make getting out and about a pleasure.
The Museum District is within walking distance of Hermann Park – home of the Houston Zoo, Japanese Tea Gardens and Miller Outdoor Theatre – and is adjacent the beautiful Rice University. The Museum District is home to 15 museums.
A visit to Houston would be incomplete without a shopping spree. The Galleria is Houston's premier shopping destination, with more than 375 stores and restaurants and a full-size ice rink. Several miles from the Galleria are Uptown Park, Houston's European-style shopping center, and Highland Village, an outdoor upscale center.
For a long while, Houston has had one of the most exciting food scenes anywhere. Home to more than 5,000 restaurants, Houston offers everything from fine dining to hole-in-the-wall Tex-Mex. You'll find every variety of ethnic food
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