Updated January 30, 2023

Nicknamed “Space City” for NASA’s home base, which has been headquartered in the city since the 1960s, Houston is big on history, BBQ, and the outdoors. As the fourth most populous city in the United States, Houston has a variety of activities to keep its residents and visitors engaged.

This also makes it a great city for a clinical experience. At AMOpportunities, Houston is a popular choice for many trainees. To help medical trainees more easily navigate all there is to do outside the clinic, we’ve compiled a list of nine things to check out during a rotation in Houston.

What to Do

1.) Walk the Washington Arts Avenue District

Situated in the northwesternmost part of the city, this area is home to art studios, galleries, restaurants, and public art displays. The area is easily walkable, spanning just a few blocks from either direction of Sawyer Yard, the hub of studios located at the heart of the area.  

2.) Picnic at Discovery Greens

Discovery Greens spans 12 acres and has been the heart of Houston for the last decade. Visitors are invited to picnic on the lush greens, relax near the lake, listen to performances at the amphitheater, take an exercise class in on the lawn, or throw coins in the fountain. The park is complete with Wi-Fi, so if relaxing isn’t on the calendar, get fresh air while working, doing research, or streaming your favorite show.

3.) Bike Buffalo Bayou

Buffalo Bayou is the 52-mile river that hugs the city of Houston. Visitors can hike, bike, or walk two miles of the scenic path. If watersports are more your speed, kayaking and canoeing on the river are also possibilities.

Where to Visit

4.) Houston Space Center

A top attraction on many tourist lists, the Houston Space Center is a museum, research, and education center. Visitors can view replica shuttles, restored rockets, and even catch a movie at the center’s theater.

5.) Cockrell Butterfly Center

Located within the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Cockrell Butterfly Center is home to over 50 species of butterflies. Visitors are free to explore the enclosure and interact with its insects. Visitors hoping to get up close and personal with the butterflies are encouraged to wear bright colors.

6.) The Art Car Museum

This museum is perfect for vintage car enthusiasts and art admirers alike. The museum features vintage cars that have been repurposed into art by talented individuals from across the world. If you happen to be visiting Houston in April, you may be lucky enough to catch the annual Art Car Parade, which features a contest for the most creative cars, live music, and interactive art performances.

7.) The Galleria

Located in Uptown Houston, the Galleria is a good place to escape on a hot day. The shopping center features over 375 stores, two hotels, multiple dining options, and an ice skating rink!

Where to Eat in Houston

8.) Goodnight Charlie’s

Named after the most famous rancher in Texas History, this restaurant, dance floor, and bar is the embodiment of the south. Diners can expect to eat a range of BBQ and Tex-Mex dishes with the option of two-stepping in between. Live-Music can also be found at the venue.

9.) Wakefield Crowbar

A restaurant, bar, and recreation center, Wakefield Crowbar encourages diners to get exercise before, after, or during their meals. A range of activities are hosted on the property, including corn hole, volleyball, and trivia. The space allows you to connect with other dinners in a competitive yet laid back atmosphere.

Check out some of our rotations in Houston to start your AMOpportunities journey!