Village Cottage Guidebook

Sightseeing

Johnson Space Center

The nonprofit space museum Space Center Houston is the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, which is home to Mission Control and astronaut training. At Space Center Houston, visitors can experience space — from its compelling future to its exciting present and dramatic past. Space Center Houston is one of the only places on Earth where visitors can see astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock and take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA. Visitors can go inside the unprecedented international landmark Independence Plaza, the only exhibit in the world with a full-scale shuttle replica mounted on top of the original shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905 and standing eight stories tall. The exhibits, attractions and hands-on activities in this 250,000-square-foot educational entertainment complex tell the story of America’s human space flight program, giving guests an experience like no other. Space Center Houston is owned and operated by the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation and is Houston’s first and only Smithsonian Affiliate. It attracts nearly 1 million visitors annually and welcomes an additional 100,000 teachers and students to its educational programs, including Space Center University, an immersive weeklong science program, and the annual Space Exploration Educators Conference.

426 locals raden deze aan

Johnson Space Center

2101 E NASA Pkwy

426 locals raden deze aan

The nonprofit space museum Space Center Houston is the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center, which is home to Mission Control and astronaut training. At Space Center Houston, visitors can experience space — from its compelling future to its exciting present and dramatic past. Space Center Houston is one of the only places on Earth where visitors can see astronauts train for missions, touch a real moon rock and take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA. Visitors can go inside the unprecedented international landmark Independence Plaza, the only exhibit in the world with a full-scale shuttle replica mounted on top of the original shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905 and standing eight stories tall. The exhibits, attractions and hands-on activities in this 250,000-square-foot educational entertainment complex tell the story of America’s human space flight program, giving guests an experience like no other. Space Center Houston is owned and operated by the Manned Space Flight Education Foundation and is Houston’s first and only Smithsonian Affiliate. It attracts nearly 1 million visitors annually and welcomes an additional 100,000 teachers and students to its educational programs, including Space Center University, an immersive weeklong science program, and the annual Space Exploration Educators Conference.

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

Pleasure Pier offers amusement park rides and dining, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., funnel cakes and turkey legs on the Gulf Coast.

662 locals raden deze aan

Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier

2501 Seawall Blvd

662 locals raden deze aan

Pleasure Pier offers amusement park rides and dining, including Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., funnel cakes and turkey legs on the Gulf Coast.

Galveston Beach

161 locals raden deze aan

Galveston Beach

6285 Seawall Blvd

161 locals raden deze aan

Houston Zoo

The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals to inspire action to save wildlife and is committed to being a leader in the global effort to save animals in the wild. We are home to over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide the highest standard in animal care. Each year, we welcome over two million guests who come to experience our incredible animals and ecosystems, and through their admission ticket or membership, help us fund the protection efforts of the counterparts of every species at the Zoo, in the wild. Through guests visiting the Zoo, we support 49 wildlife conservation projects in 27 countries around the world. We are proud to be the second most visited Zoo in the US, and the most-attended cultural attraction in the region.

1102 locals raden deze aan

Houston Zoo

6200 Hermann Park Dr

1102 locals raden deze aan

The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals to inspire action to save wildlife and is committed to being a leader in the global effort to save animals in the wild. We are home to over 6,000 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide the highest standard in animal care. Each year, we welcome over two million guests who come to experience our incredible animals and ecosystems, and through their admission ticket or membership, help us fund the protection efforts of the counterparts of every species at the Zoo, in the wild. Through guests visiting the Zoo, we support 49 wildlife conservation projects in 27 countries around the world. We are proud to be the second most visited Zoo in the US, and the most-attended cultural attraction in the region.

The Houston Museum of Natural Science

When you visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science, you’re not just going to one place. You’re exploring tropical rainforests and worlds galaxies away. You’re going back in time to when dinosaurs walked the Earth and blasting forward to the future of renewable energy. With five floors of permanent halls and a steady rotation of traveling special exhibits, this Houston attraction will take you beyond our walls to experience the wonder and delight of science. Browse our resources below for information on making the most out of your visit to this must-see location in Houston.

863 locals raden deze aan

The Houston Museum of Natural Science

5555 Hermann Park Dr

863 locals raden deze aan

When you visit the Houston Museum of Natural Science, you’re not just going to one place. You’re exploring tropical rainforests and worlds galaxies away. You’re going back in time to when dinosaurs walked the Earth and blasting forward to the future of renewable energy. With five floors of permanent halls and a steady rotation of traveling special exhibits, this Houston attraction will take you beyond our walls to experience the wonder and delight of science. Browse our resources below for information on making the most out of your visit to this must-see location in Houston.

Holocaust Museum Houston

Charged with educating students and the public about the dangers of prejudice and hatred in society, Holocaust Museum Houston opened its doors in March of 1996. Since that time, impassioned notes, poems, artwork, and other gifts, from school children and adults alike, attest to the life-changing thoughts generated by just one visit to this unique facility. In 1981, Siegi Izakson, a Holocaust survivor and long-time Houston resident, had an epiphany. After attending an international gathering of Holocaust survivors in Israel, Izakson realized his peers were getting older and, as they passed away, their stories and memories of unchecked prejudice would go with them. He returned to Houston convinced that the city needed a Holocaust education center and memorial that would preserve for future generations the memory of those who had perished and the stories of those who had survived. On March 3, 1996, just 13 years after Izakson first dreamed of the idea, Holocaust Museum Houston was officially opened for admission with Izakson proclaiming, “This means the Holocaust story will not go away.” After a $34 million expansion, the Museum reopened in June 2019 after more than doubling in size to a total of 57,000 square feet. Ranked as the nation's fourth largest Holocaust museum and fully bilingual in English and Spanish, the new three-story structure houses a welcome center, four permanent galleries and two changing exhibition galleries, classrooms, research library, café, 187-seat indoor theater and 175-seat outdoor amphitheater. With more than 50 screens, mini-theaters and interactive terminals are featured throughout the Museum.

117 locals raden deze aan

Holocaust Museum Houston

5401 Caroline St

117 locals raden deze aan

Charged with educating students and the public about the dangers of prejudice and hatred in society, Holocaust Museum Houston opened its doors in March of 1996. Since that time, impassioned notes, poems, artwork, and other gifts, from school children and adults alike, attest to the life-changing thoughts generated by just one visit to this unique facility. In 1981, Siegi Izakson, a Holocaust survivor and long-time Houston resident, had an epiphany. After attending an international gathering of Holocaust survivors in Israel, Izakson realized his peers were getting older and, as they passed away, their stories and memories of unchecked prejudice would go with them. He returned to Houston convinced that the city needed a Holocaust education center and memorial that would preserve for future generations the memory of those who had perished and the stories of those who had survived. On March 3, 1996, just 13 years after Izakson first dreamed of the idea, Holocaust Museum Houston was officially opened for admission with Izakson proclaiming, “This means the Holocaust story will not go away.” After a $34 million expansion, the Museum reopened in June 2019 after more than doubling in size to a total of 57,000 square feet. Ranked as the nation's fourth largest Holocaust museum and fully bilingual in English and Spanish, the new three-story structure houses a welcome center, four permanent galleries and two changing exhibition galleries, classrooms, research library, café, 187-seat indoor theater and 175-seat outdoor amphitheater. With more than 50 screens, mini-theaters and interactive terminals are featured throughout the Museum.

San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site

On a chilly April afternoon in 1836, this strip of coastal prairie rang with the boom of cannon, crack of musket fire and shouts of “Remember the Alamo!” and “Remember Goliad!” Despite being outnumbered, General Sam Houston’s army of settlers, Tejanos and foreign volunteers decisively defeated General Antonio López de Santa Anna’s forces and won Texas’s independence. Today, the 1,300-acre site, San Jacinto Museum of History and the 567-foot tall San Jacinto Monument celebrate their sacrifice and victory.

67 locals raden deze aan

San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site

3523 Independence Pkwy

67 locals raden deze aan

On a chilly April afternoon in 1836, this strip of coastal prairie rang with the boom of cannon, crack of musket fire and shouts of “Remember the Alamo!” and “Remember Goliad!” Despite being outnumbered, General Sam Houston’s army of settlers, Tejanos and foreign volunteers decisively defeated General Antonio López de Santa Anna’s forces and won Texas’s independence. Today, the 1,300-acre site, San Jacinto Museum of History and the 567-foot tall San Jacinto Monument celebrate their sacrifice and victory.

Jumping World

100 Gulf Fwy N

Topgolf

60 locals raden deze aan

Topgolf

21401 Gulf Fwy

60 locals raden deze aan

NASA Mission Control Center

See Space Center Houston

113 locals raden deze aan

NASA Mission Control Center

113 locals raden deze aan

See Space Center Houston

Butler Longhorn Museum

Visitors can learn about local resident Milby Butler, who helped save the longhorn from extinction. The museum features local art, history and science exhibits, and contains a gift shop.

Butler Longhorn Museum

3304 Coryell St

Visitors can learn about local resident Milby Butler, who helped save the longhorn from extinction. The museum features local art, history and science exhibits, and contains a gift shop.

Lone Star Flight Museum

Visitors can see various exhibits, including Heritage and Waltrip hangers, which are each over 30,000 square feet and feature different types of aircrafts.

45 locals raden deze aan

Lone Star Flight Museum

11551 Aerospace Ave

45 locals raden deze aan

Visitors can see various exhibits, including Heritage and Waltrip hangers, which are each over 30,000 square feet and feature different types of aircrafts.

Moody Gardens

Moody Gardens offers a multitude of attractions, including its Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, and the Discovery Museum focusing on music, and 3D and 4D theaters.

620 locals raden deze aan

Moody Gardens

1 Hope Blvd

620 locals raden deze aan

Moody Gardens offers a multitude of attractions, including its Aquarium Pyramid, Rainforest Pyramid, and the Discovery Museum focusing on music, and 3D and 4D theaters.

Space Center Houston

Space Center Houston offers a variety of exhibits and attractions that look into the history of space exploration and plans for future missions. Activities include the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket exhibit and the NASA Tram Tour that takes people to the Johnson Space Center.

429 locals raden deze aan

Space Center Houston

1601 E NASA Pkwy

429 locals raden deze aan

Space Center Houston offers a variety of exhibits and attractions that look into the history of space exploration and plans for future missions. Activities include the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket exhibit and the NASA Tram Tour that takes people to the Johnson Space Center.

Armand Bayou Nature Center

People can enjoy various activities, including a 2 to 3 mile kayak tour and hikes along the prairie, forest, and bayou. The Armond Bayou Nature Center also offers a variety of programs for children in the fall.

69 locals raden deze aan

Armand Bayou Nature Center

8500 Bay Area Blvd

69 locals raden deze aan

People can enjoy various activities, including a 2 to 3 mile kayak tour and hikes along the prairie, forest, and bayou. The Armond Bayou Nature Center also offers a variety of programs for children in the fall.

Bayou Wildlife Zoo

Bayou Wildlife Zoo offers tram rides for people to experience the animals the zoo has to offer. Addie Lou's Barnyard features pygmy goats, lemurs, and giraffes.

29 locals raden deze aan

Bayou Wildlife Zoo

5050 FM517

29 locals raden deze aan

Bayou Wildlife Zoo offers tram rides for people to experience the animals the zoo has to offer. Addie Lou's Barnyard features pygmy goats, lemurs, and giraffes.

Nassau Bay Peninsula Wildlife Park

The Nassau Bay Peninsula is a 76-acre wetland area connected to Nassau Bay at the end of Harbour Drive. A nature trail, complete with information signs and benches, is open to the public.

Nassau Bay Peninsula Wildlife Park

The Nassau Bay Peninsula is a 76-acre wetland area connected to Nassau Bay at the end of Harbour Drive. A nature trail, complete with information signs and benches, is open to the public.

Clear Lake Park

This 59-acre park features plenty of activities and attractions for families, including playground equipment, sports fields, and a trail and access to fishing on Clear Lake.

33 locals raden deze aan

Clear Lake Park

5001 E NASA Pkwy

33 locals raden deze aan

This 59-acre park features plenty of activities and attractions for families, including playground equipment, sports fields, and a trail and access to fishing on Clear Lake.

Galveston Island State Park

The park has both beach and bay sides, offering various activities for day trips and overnight stays. There are 4 miles of hike and bike trails, as well as canoe and kayak launch. There is also a fish cleaning station on site, and a fishing license is not required to fish from shore at a state park.

104 locals raden deze aan

Galveston Island State Park

14901 FM3005

104 locals raden deze aan

The park has both beach and bay sides, offering various activities for day trips and overnight stays. There are 4 miles of hike and bike trails, as well as canoe and kayak launch. There is also a fish cleaning station on site, and a fishing license is not required to fish from shore at a state park.

Cinemark 18 and XD

23 locals raden deze aan

Cinemark 18 and XD

20915 Gulf Fwy

23 locals raden deze aan

Grand 1894 Opera House

The Grand has a very special place in the history of our community and in the lives of many of our residents. It survived the storms of 1900 and 1915, and Hurricanes Carla and Alicia, as well as years of neglect at various times throughout its history. Of these events, the greatest threat to its survival was the 1900 storm, and it remains a testament to the determination of the people of Galveston that The Grand was quickly repaired and reopened. The Grand is one of the few remaining theatres of its era in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As further recognition of its importance to the citizens of Texas, in 1993 the 73rd Texas Legislature proclaimed The Grand “The Official Opera House of Texas“. Galvestonians exhibited great vision in 1894 when they undertook to support the arts in Galveston by construction of The Grand. A later generation of Galvestonians renewed that commitment with equal vision when they undertook to save and restore The Grand in 1974. In 1894, Henry Greenwall raised the needed funds of $100,000 for construction with substantial commitments from a handful of prominent businessmen and civic-minded Galvestonians. When $8 million was raised for the Grand’s restoration between 1974 and 1990, it was a remarkable community effort which included the volunteer efforts of literally thousands of residents from Galveston county, the greater Houston area and the state of Texas.

99 locals raden deze aan

Grand 1894 Opera House

2020 Postoffice St

99 locals raden deze aan

The Grand has a very special place in the history of our community and in the lives of many of our residents. It survived the storms of 1900 and 1915, and Hurricanes Carla and Alicia, as well as years of neglect at various times throughout its history. Of these events, the greatest threat to its survival was the 1900 storm, and it remains a testament to the determination of the people of Galveston that The Grand was quickly repaired and reopened. The Grand is one of the few remaining theatres of its era in Texas and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. As further recognition of its importance to the citizens of Texas, in 1993 the 73rd Texas Legislature proclaimed The Grand “The Official Opera House of Texas“. Galvestonians exhibited great vision in 1894 when they undertook to support the arts in Galveston by construction of The Grand. A later generation of Galvestonians renewed that commitment with equal vision when they undertook to save and restore The Grand in 1974. In 1894, Henry Greenwall raised the needed funds of $100,000 for construction with substantial commitments from a handful of prominent businessmen and civic-minded Galvestonians. When $8 million was raised for the Grand’s restoration between 1974 and 1990, it was a remarkable community effort which included the volunteer efforts of literally thousands of residents from Galveston county, the greater Houston area and the state of Texas.

Minute Maid Park

638 locals raden deze aan

Minute Maid Park

501 Crawford St

638 locals raden deze aan

Moody Mansion

Restored to its turn of the century splendor, this 28,000 square-foot, four-story Galveston historic home was completed in 1895. The home has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior since 1994 and a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark since 1967. Today, our guests visit 20 rooms on a tour that depicts the home life of a powerful Texas family. The Moodys established one of the great American financial empires. Based on cotton, it grew to include banking, ranching, insurance, newspaper publishing, railroading and hotels. W.L Moody Jr. bought the Galveston Broadway mansion from the heirs of the original owners soon after the Great Galveston Storm of September 8, 1900. It was designed by British architect William H. Tyndall and decorated by the world-famous interior design firm of Pottier & Stymus of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Moody and their four children celebrated their first Christmas in the house in December of that year, just three months after the 1900 hurricane. The house remained home for Moody family members until 1986. Today, its rooms are filled with the furnishings and personal effects of the family.

180 locals raden deze aan

Moody Mansion

2618 Broadway Avenue J

180 locals raden deze aan

Restored to its turn of the century splendor, this 28,000 square-foot, four-story Galveston historic home was completed in 1895. The home has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior since 1994 and a Recorded Texas Historical Landmark since 1967. Today, our guests visit 20 rooms on a tour that depicts the home life of a powerful Texas family. The Moodys established one of the great American financial empires. Based on cotton, it grew to include banking, ranching, insurance, newspaper publishing, railroading and hotels. W.L Moody Jr. bought the Galveston Broadway mansion from the heirs of the original owners soon after the Great Galveston Storm of September 8, 1900. It was designed by British architect William H. Tyndall and decorated by the world-famous interior design firm of Pottier & Stymus of New York. Mr. and Mrs. Moody and their four children celebrated their first Christmas in the house in December of that year, just three months after the 1900 hurricane. The house remained home for Moody family members until 1986. Today, its rooms are filled with the furnishings and personal effects of the family.

Galveston Water Adventures

Dolphin Tours, Sunset cruises, and jet boat thrill rides https://galvestonwateradventures.com/

26 locals raden deze aan

Galveston Water Adventures

2100 Harborside Drive

26 locals raden deze aan

Dolphin Tours, Sunset cruises, and jet boat thrill rides https://galvestonwateradventures.com/

Strand

Address: 2100 Strand Galveston, TX 77550 Galveston's Historic Strand District, or The Strand, is the heart of the island and a great place to shop, dine and be entertained. Fronting Galveston Bay, The Strand is a National Historic Landmark that harkens back to Galveston's heyday in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many of the buildings here are more than a century old, stunning in their detail and craftsmanship. Storefronts here are a mix of antique shops, art galleries, souvenir shops and more. The Strand is also home to an assortment of restaurants, from Mexican to seafood. And be sure to stop in at La King's Confectionery for a sweet treat. The Strand serves as the commercial center of downtown Galveston. In and around the district are nightclubs, hotels and much more. There are also a number of entertainment options, including the Ocean Star Offshore Energy Center and Museum, Pier 21 Theater, the Texas Seaport Museum and the tall ship Elissa. The Strand is also the center of Galveston Mardi Gras festivities, the annual holiday celebration Dickens on the Strand and other seasonal festivals and activities.

13 locals raden deze aan

Strand

13 locals raden deze aan

Address: 2100 Strand Galveston, TX 77550 Galveston's Historic Strand District, or The Strand, is the heart of the island and a great place to shop, dine and be entertained. Fronting Galveston Bay, The Strand is a National Historic Landmark that harkens back to Galveston's heyday in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Many of the buildings here are more than a century old, stunning in their detail and craftsmanship. Storefronts here are a mix of antique shops, art galleries, souvenir shops and more. The Strand is also home to an assortment of restaurants, from Mexican to seafood. And be sure to stop in at La King's Confectionery for a sweet treat. The Strand serves as the commercial center of downtown Galveston. In and around the district are nightclubs, hotels and much more. There are also a number of entertainment options, including the Ocean Star Offshore Energy Center and Museum, Pier 21 Theater, the Texas Seaport Museum and the tall ship Elissa. The Strand is also the center of Galveston Mardi Gras festivities, the annual holiday celebration Dickens on the Strand and other seasonal festivals and activities.