Dylan and Maddy
Weekend in Houston, Texas: Best Things to Do
Houston, Texas is one of those cities that’s way bigger than you expect — in size, personality, and things to do. This trip was another annual guys’ weekend, built around football, golf, and a little beach time, but Houston honestly surprised us in a good way.
In this guide, I’m breaking down the best things to do in Houston for a long weekend, how we got around, where we went, and what stood out most. From golfing at Hermann Park Golf Course to hitting Galveston Beach and catching an NFL game, this itinerary is perfect if you want a fun, low-stress weekend with friends.
Getting to Houston
Houston is super easy to fly into, especially from major U.S. cities. We flew into George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), which has nonstop flights from all over the country.
The airport itself is big but manageable, and getting out with a rental car was straightforward. Whether you’re coming from the Northeast, Midwest, or South, Houston is a solid option for a quick flight and long weekend trip.
How to Get Around Houston
Houston is huge — like, deceptively massive. Public transportation exists, but realistically, you’ll want a rental car. We had a car all weekend, and it made everything way easier:
- Golf course access
- Day trip to Galveston
- Getting to the stadium
- No relying on rideshares for a big group
Parking was easy almost everywhere we went, and traffic wasn’t nearly as bad as people make it out to be (outside of peak hours). For a guys’ weekend, especially, renting a car is a no-brainer.
Where to Stay in Houston
We stayed in the Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park neighborhood, and honestly — we loved it. If you’re doing a guys’ weekend, this area checks a lot of boxes.
Our Airbnb was right across the street from a Walmart, which ended up being way more clutch than expected. We were also close to a ton of restaurants and quick food spots, which made getting around super convenient.
The neighborhood itself felt safe, lively, and well-located. It was easy to get downtown, to the stadium, and even out toward Hermann Park without dealing with insane drive times.
One of the best parts of staying here was honestly the Airbnb itself. We spent a lot of time just hanging out — playing pool, watching football, and relaxing when we weren’t out and about. It had that perfect balance of being close to everything while still feeling like a spot you actually want to hang out at and feel safe.
Why We’d Stay Here Again:
- Central location with easy highway access
- Tons of nearby restaurants and bars
- Walmart right there (major underrated perk)
- Great area for Airbnbs
- Perfect setup for a guys’ weekend
If you’re planning a weekend in Houston with friends, the Washington Avenue Coalition / Memorial Park area is an awesome place to base yourself. Zero regrets staying here.
Best Things to Do in Houston, Texas
Hermann Park & Hermann Park Golf Course
Hermann Park was one of our favorite stops of the weekend. It’s a massive green space right in the heart of the city and feels like a much-needed break from Houston’s urban sprawl.
We also played a round at Hermann Park Golf Course, which was a perfect guys’ trip activity — but let’s be real about it. The course isn’t anything fancy, and the rental clubs definitely aren’t top-tier. That said, for what you pay, it’s hard to complain.
We paid around $60 per person for 18 holes with a cart and rental clubs, which is insanely affordable, especially for a course located right in the middle of Houston. For being in the heart of the city, the course was decent, fun, and totally worth it.
If you’re looking for a laid-back round of golf without spending a ton of money or driving way outside the city, Hermann Park Golf Course gets the job done — affordable, convenient, and perfect for a casual round with the guys.
Galveston Beach & Historic Pleasure Pier
Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Bills Game
The main event of the weekend — Houston Texans vs. Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium.
The stadium itself was awesome. Super clean, easy to navigate, and the atmosphere was electric. Texans fans showed up, and the energy inside was great all game long.
Unfortunately… pain. The Bills lost at the very end on a 59-yard game-winning field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn. Josh Allen had one of the worst games of his career, which somehow seems to be a recurring theme when we see him on the road — but we still love watching him play football in person.
Even with the loss, the experience was great. Watching the Bills in a new stadium, soaking in the atmosphere, and hanging with your friends is always worth it.
NASA Space Center Houston
While we didn’t have time to visit, Space Center Houston deserves a mention because it’s one of the city’s top attractions.
This is where you can:
- Learn about NASA history
- See real spacecraft and exhibits
- Experience interactive displays
If you have extra time during your weekend in Houston, this should absolutely be on your list — especially if you’re traveling with family or just want something uniquely Houston.
Houston Zoo
Another popular attraction we didn’t get to but is worth mentioning is the Houston Zoo, located close to Hermann Park.
It’s one of the most visited zoos in the country and a great option if you’re traveling with kids or want to add something more relaxed to your itinerary.
Dinner at Laurenzos
One restaurant that really stood out during our weekend in Houston was Laurenzos. The place is massive, with a fun, lively sports-barish atmosphere.
What really impressed us was the menu — there are a ton of options, so everyone can find something they’ll love. Whether you’re craving seafood, steak, or something lighter, Laurenzos has you covered.
Standout dishes we’d 100% recommend:
- Crab fingers
- Steak
- Lemon butter fish
They also have great dessert options. Their key lime pie and cheesecake were both great and the perfect way to end the meal.
If you’re looking for a solid dinner spot in Houston with good food, a relaxed vibe, and something for everyone, Laurenzos is an easy recommendation.
Final Thoughts on Our Weekend in Houston
Overall, we had an awesome weekend in Houston! Between golfing, beach time, and football, the city delivered exactly what we were looking for in a guys’ trip.
Houston is spread out, but that actually works in its favor — you can mix city activities with easy day trips like Galveston and never feel stuck in one area. The food scene is great, the stadium experience was top-tier, and there’s no shortage of things to do.
Would we go back? Yeah, honestly — especially if the Bills play there again (even though history says that’s dangerous for our emotions). If you plan smart, rent a car, and build a solid itinerary, Houston makes for a really fun long weekend.
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