"The Menil Collection—so named because the worksonce belonged to philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil—is perhaps the most famous museum in Houston. The main collection alone features works by titans like Vincent van Gogh, Georges Seurat, Paul Klee, Joan Miró, René Magritte, Paul Cézanne, Henri Matisse, Odilon Redon, and Pablo Picasso. Also of note: the Cy Twombly Gallery, the Dan Flavin installation, and the Byzantine Fresco Chapel. There are also a variety of parks and outdoor sculptures located around the museum. The main building is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is free. Oh, and if you get hungry, Bistro Menil is a fantastic spot to grab a bite."

"What started as one man’s simple hobby has turned into a Houston landmark that attracts visitors from across the country: The Beer Can House. Back in 1968, owner John Milkovisch, a retired upholsterer for Southern Pacific Railroad, realized he really enjoyed drinking beer but was tired of throwing his cans away. Instead, he decided to recycle them as decorations for his house, from aluminum beer-can siding to beer can garland that hangs from the roof’s edge. Now, 50,000 cans later, it’s a stunning work of art that stands as a testament to, well, beer. Admission is $5; children 12 and under are free. Open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday between Memorial Day and Labor Day; open Saturday and Sunday only the rest of the year."

"Space Center Houston Who hasn’t daydreamed about being an astronaut at least once?Thankfully, Space Center Houston makes it easy to learn about the great beyond. It’s the area’s No. 1 attraction for international visitors and the first Smithsonian Affiliate in the greater Houston area. The center features more than 400 space artifacts and several exhibitsrelated to the past, present, and future of America’s human spaceflight program. It’s also home to the world’s largest collection of moon rocks and lunar samples for public view, and offers guests the opportunity to go behind the scenes to see NASA's Johnson Space Center."

"Find a Sanctuary in the City at the Arboretum One of the locals' favorite sanctuaries in the city, this 155-acre non-profit urban oasis plays a vital role in protecting native plants and animals in the heart of the city. Check out the special evening events where you can sign up to spot owls, watch meteors, go for a night hike, or enjoy cheese and wine under the stars."

"Visit Rothko Chapel Rothko Chapel is a must-see for anyone visiting Houston . Founded by philanthropists John and Dominique de Menil, the Rothko Chapel is a tranquil and beautiful sanctuary for people of every belief, dedicated in 1971. Open every day."

"Explore Regional Contemporary Pop Art Lawndale is probably the best Houston art space that the average Houstonian has never heard of. It's also one of the only institutions in Houston that is dedicated to the presentation of contemporary art with an emphasis on work by regional artists. Popular annual shows here are the summer Big Show and the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities in November. Admission is free, and Lawndale is just a few minutes from the MFAH and Contemporary Craft Museum. Photo via Lawndale Art Center Facebook page."

"Since opening to the public in April 2008, this 12-acre park has quickly become the heartbeat of downtown. Here you’ll find a playground, a man-made lake, a dog park, and the Grace Event Lawn, which frequently hosts events like yoga classes, concerts, movie screenings, art shows, and farmers' markets. The new adjacent Marriott Marquis Houston even features a lazy river in the shape of Texas! It may look familiar from TV: Discovery Green was one of the main event zones during 2017's Super Bowl LI."

"See a Ballet or Opera at the Wortham Center The Wortham Center will remain closed until September 2018 while it recovers from Hurricane Harvey flood damage. Wortham Center is home to the Houston Ballet and the Houston Grand Opera, the only opera company in the country to win Tony, Emmy, and Grammy awards."

"Always Fresh, Always Free: CAMH The CAMH, whose exhibits are always compelling and sometimes disturbing, fun, interesting, or emotional, is the only Texas museum dedicated solely to exhibiting and interpreting contemporary art. And the gift shop has the coolest toys, bags, jewelry, and other random gifts."

"See a Play at the Alley Theatre The Alley was founded over 60 years ago as Houston’s theatre company. There are two stages at the Alley -- the Hubbard and the Neuhaus -- both without a bad seat in the house. The Alley presents work throughout the year including world premieres by company writers as well as the classics. Photo via Flickr user J Jackson Foto"

"Celebrating “the artist in everyone,” this fantastic art space created out of folk art—and, OK, sometimes junk—proves that one person’s trash truly can be someone else’s treasure. It was created by Jefferson Davis McKissack between 1956 and 1979 and serves as a museum, playground, and art space for the local community. It includes a stage, a pond, a wishing well, and raised platforms that make it a fantastic place to lose yourself. Surprises such as tractor seats, mannequins, and wagon wheels can be found around every turn. Admission is $5; children under 12 are free. Hours vary depending on the season."

"Hear Folk and Country Music at A-Fair Many people consider Anderson Fair – Houston 's legendary folk and acoustic music "listening room"– an unsung cultural treasure. Grammy Award-winning artists like Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett, and Lucinda Williams have all played here. It began as a coffee shop and restaurant, hence the name. Doors are usually open on Thursdays at 8 p.m. for a $10 cover (bring cash). Photo via Flickr user Nieve44/Luz"

"Experience the Creative Process at HCCC The Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, also known as HCCC, is one of the few venues in the country dedicated exclusively to craft at the highest level. It holds free exhibitions featuring sophisticated crafts made from a variety of mediums. The venue offers visitors a glimpse into the creative process – not only will they find creations on display, but guests can also stop at Artist Hall to witness resident artists working in their studios. HCCC also holds several workshops throught the month so the guests can try their hand at crafts. If that’s not for you, you can still bring home a one-of-a-kind souvenir from the center’s popular gift shop. Image courtesy of Houston Center for Contemporary Craft."

"No matter how old you are, you’re bound to find something to do at Hermann Park, which is located near downtown Houston and is bustling with activity any time of day. Pack a picnic or rest a whileon awooden bench to watch the miniature train that chugs through the park. There's also the Japanese Garden, pedal-boat rentals, and the McGovern Centennial Gardens. The Miller Outdoor Theatre features a variety of shows, from Houston Symphony performances and concerts to plays and musicals, throughout the year. The Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science are also located just a short walk away."

"A Foggy Morning on the Bayou Eleanor Tinsley Park in Houston is a great place to spend time outdoors. There's the Waugh Bridge Bat Colony, hiking and biking trails, and tons of green space to enjoy. By Darius R. Porter"