FACTS ABOUT HOUSTON
State: Texas
County: Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery
Population: 2,099,451
Climate: The climate leads to year-round humidity, whether in the summer when temperatures regularly go into the 100s, or autumn and winter, when the cold and humid air mix to create volitile weather.
Time Zone: Central
Houston’s Top Venues: Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, Reliant Stadium
Teams in Houston: Houston Texans, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets
Featured Events in Houston: Texas Bowl, Houston Rodeo
Houston is a city with a diversity of both culture and events as large as the state it represents. Everybody, from sports fans to art lovers, will be sure to leave both satisfied with what they saw–and frustrated at what they couldn’t. This rich history makes Houston a can't-miss destination.
On the sports front, the NFL’s Texans franchise looms large in a state where football reigns supreme. It may be a “newer” franchise (they have only been in the league since 2002), the Texans have enjoyed a loyal fan base since their inception, thanks in no small part to their impressive arena - Reliant Stadium. With a seating capacity of more than 71,000, it is one of the largest stadiums in the NFL and has hosted everything from the Super Bowl in 2004, to the 2011 Final Four.
On the Major League Baseball front, the Astros play at Minute Maid Park, widely considered to be one of the most beautiful stadiums in the league. The park pays homage to the city's history with an authentic train in left field. The NBA’s Houston Rockets also call Houston home, and have brought it two championships. They play in the Toyota Center, which is also a venue of some of the city’s hottest concert stops.
A stop by Houston is not complete without a trip to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center. The famous hub of human spaceflight, this iconic 100-building complex includes a number of interactive features for guests including flight simulators and exhibits that appeal to all ages. You can't overlook Houston Zoo, either, which is one of the most frequently visited in the country.
Those looking for a more high-brow trip are in luck as well, as Houston is home to a thriving theater scene. Second only to New York City in terms of the number of available seats, Houston's theater district is a 17-block stretch through downtown that includes a resident company in all of the performing arts. The Alley Theatre is among the highlights of the district and is often home to a wide variety of productions.