What is Houston Known For? 20+ Things You Should Know

Just five things Houston is known for – with some things you might not know about them!

Lone Star State

Texas is famously known as the Lone Star State, a nickname that reflects its independent spirit and pride in its history.

This title was adopted after Texas declared its independence from Mexico in 1836 and symbolizes its history of self-reliance and resilience.

Liveable Forest

Houston is often referred to as the "Liveable Forest" due to its extensive green spaces and tree-lined streets.

This nickname highlights the city’s commitment to preserving natural beauty amidst urban development, offering residents a high quality of life with ample parks and green areas.

Hurricane City

Houston’s location along the Gulf Coast makes it susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms.

The city has experienced significant hurricanes over the years, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which brought heavy rains and flooding.

Despite this, Houston's infrastructure and community resilience play a vital role in recovery and preparedness.

Low Cost of Living

Compared to other major U.S. cities, Houston has a relatively low cost of living.

Affordable housing, lower transportation costs, and no state income tax contribute to the city's economic attractiveness, making it a popular choice for newcomers seeking a higher quality of life without the financial strain.

Energy Capital of the World

Houston’s economy has long been tied to the energy sector.

The city is known as the "Energy Capital of the World" and is home to hundreds of oil and gas companies.

The annual Offshore Technology Conference, one of the biggest energy-related conferences, is held here each year.

Houston Ship Channel

The Port of Houston is one of the busiest and most important ports in the U.S., playing a critical role in international trade.

The Houston Ship Channel is a key artery for maritime commerce and economic development and has been critical in making the city a global center for energy, trade, and shipping.

Though younger and less documented than that of New York, Houston’s graffiti scene has carved out a unique place in the art world.

In the late 1970s, the Urban Animals, a group formed by Edie Scott and Scott Prescott, became notorious for their graffiti, a movement that was heavily influenced by the rise of hip hop. This cultural crossover helped bring graffiti into the mainstream, making it an accepted and celebrated art form.

Today, businesses and the city commission artists to create street art that promotes tourism and beautifies public spaces—so keep an eye out for Houston’s dynamic graffiti scene, with colorful murals and street art adding character to various neighborhoods.

Read more about Houston’s graffiti scene here: Graffiti Park Houston - Houston, United States | CityDays.

Houston is home to the world’s largest art car parade, where hundreds of artists transform everyday vehicles into beautiful works of art.

The elaborately decorated vehicles then take to the streets to showcase their new designs in a jubilant celebration of creativity and self-expression.

The parade is a quirky and unique highlight of the city’s arts scene and attracts thousands of visitors each year exemplifying the city’s spirit.

Houston’s Art Car Parade is a unique event where artists transform everyday vehicles into elaborate works of art.

For those who want to see the art and get a taste for Houston’s rich history, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is a must-see.

Located in River Oaks, this 14-acre property once belonged to Ima Hogg and is now home to a significant collection of American decorative arts.

Our CityDays scavenger hunts will lead you through the serene beauty of Bayou Bend, challenging you with puzzles that reveal fascinating details about this hidden gem.

Houston is known for its diverse districts, and one of the most popular is Downtown Houston, which serves as the city’s central business and entertainment district.

The area is characterized by its impressive skyline and non-stop activity. It is home to key attractions such as Discovery Green, an urban park that hosts concerts, festivals, and public art installations.

The area’s revitalized streets, historic architecture, and thriving dining scene contribute to its status as a vibrant urban center.

Known for its eclectic and artistic vibe, the Montrose District is a cultural hotspot in Houston.

It is home to a mix of trendy boutiques, art galleries, and historic homes, providing a unique blend of old and new.

This area is also a hub for Houston’s LGBTQ+ community and progressive culture, with vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options, and frequent cultural events.

Montrose’s historic charm and artistic energy make it a must-visit for those interested in the city’s creative scene.

Speaking about Houston’s Montrose District, let’s delve into other areas where Houston’s world renowned culture thrives…

Rich in African American heritage and history, the Historic Third Ward is a culturally significant district in Houston.

It is known for landmarks such as the Project Row Houses, an art and community space that supports local artists and cultural programs, and the Houston Museum of African American Culture, which celebrates the contributions and history of African Americans.

The district's deep historical roots and ongoing cultural initiatives offer visitors a meaningful insight into the African American experience in Houston.

It's always wise to keep an eye out when traversing Houston’s streets, you never know what kind of art and culture you’ll encounter along the way.

A premier shopping and business district, The Galleria is Houston’s largest shopping mall, which spans 2.4 million square feet.

It features 400 stores offering high-end retailers and luxury brands, two hotels, all offering high-end retailers, luxury brands, and a diverse range of dining options, from gourmet restaurants to casual eateries.

The Galleria’s sprawling shopping complex and office spaces make it a central hub for both business and leisure, attracting shoppers, professionals, and visitors alike.

The district also hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year, enhancing its appeal as an expression of Houston’s art and cultural scene.

As you may have already guessed, Museum District is a cultural treasure trove, featuring a dense concentration of museums and cultural institutions.

Encompassing only a few square this neighborhood is home to 19 museums, including prominent institutions like the Houston Museum of Natural Science, known for its extensive exhibits on natural history and science, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, which boasts a diverse collection of art from various periods and cultures.

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston offers innovative and contemporary exhibitions, while the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the McGovern Centennial Gardens, located at Hermann Park, provide family-friendly experiences and educational programs.

Interested in finding out more about Houston’s dazzling districts? Check out our Houston Scavenger Hunts!

Located in the heart of downtown, Houston’s Theatre District is a cultural epicenter, showcasing a diverse range of theatrical performances, musical productions, and dance events.

And where would these incredible performances be held? In some incredible performance venues of course!

The Alley Theatre, one of the oldest and most respected regional theaters in the country, offers a wide variety of productions, including classic plays, contemporary works, and new plays from emerging playwrights.

Meanwhile, the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts, hosts the Houston Symphony and other musical performances.

Comprising two main theaters, the Brown Theater and the Cullen Theater, the Wortham Theater Center is the primary venue for the Houston Grand Opera and the Houston Ballet.

The Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS), specializing in musical theater, produces a variety of musical productions, from classic Broadway hits to contemporary musicals, often featuring large-scale, high-energy performances.

The Theater District’s mix of historic and modern venues makes it no wonder that Houston has come to be known for its broad spectrum of theatrical and musical experiences.

Houston is famous worldwide for its legendary association with space exploration.

The phrase "Houston, we have a problem" has been etched into popular culture since the Apollo 13 mission, but the city’s connection to space doesn’t stop there.

As the home of NASA’s Mission Control, Johnson Space Center is central to the United States’ space exploration efforts.

It plays a crucial role in human spaceflight missions, where astronauts train and key spaceflight operations are managed.

For visitors the space station is a landmark feature of Houston, where they can get a glimpse into this world through interactive exhibits and a tram tour that offers behind-the-scenes views of NASA's ongoing work.

From space flight operations to surgical operations, did you know that Houston is also known for containing the largest medical complex in the world?

The Texas Medical Center is renowned for its advanced healthcare facilities and research institutions.

With more than 100,000 healthcare professionals working here, it's a global leader in health and medical research and provides top-notch care to patients around the world.

This leading hub for health and research is at the forefront of medical innovation and has made groundbreaking advances in cancer research, heart surgery, and organ transplantation, among other areas. As such it attracts top talent from around the globe.

Houston’s skyline is as impressive as its space and medical feats, with soaring skyscrapers like the JP Morgan Chase Tower, the world’s tallest five-sided building, and the 50-story One Shell Plaza, completed in 1971.

Completed in 1913, the Rice Hotel is a historic landmark in downtown Houston. Its grand architecture and historical significance highlight the city’s early 20th-century prosperity and its role as a major Southern city.

While Houston is known for its historic architectural treasures, Houston’s skyline also incorporates more modern architecture such as the strikingly designed Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Williams Tower.

As a defining feature of Houston’s skyline, the Williams Tower is a 64-story skyscraper known for its sleek, modern design. It was once the tallest building in Houston and remains an iconic symbol of the city’s growth and architectural innovation.

While Houston is known for its truly impressive architectural landmarks like the Johnson Space Center, it also has some pretty impressive natural ones too—inasmuch as a man-made park can be considered natural!

Buffalo Bayou is a 2.3-mile urban park with walking and biking trails, a scenic waterfront, a cistern that once provided water to the people of Houston but is now used to exhibit art —we told you Houston loves its art—recreational areas, and even, another park.

Buffalo Bayou is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as skateboarding, and hosts community events, offering a natural retreat in the heart of the city.

It’s also home to the Waugh Drive Bat Colony, where thousands of bats take flight at dusk, an incredible sight to witness.

Ready for an outdoor adventure? CityDays’ team building activities will challenge you to solve riddles while you explore Buffalo Bayou’s walking trails and spot its wildlife.

Celebrated for its diversity—nearly 145 languages are spoken here—Houston is one of the most multicultural cities in the United States.

Consequently, Houston's food culture is as diverse as its population. With over 11,000 restaurants representing 70 nations, the city offers a wide array of dining options, serving anything from Vietnamese to Georgian to Afghan food.

One of the main examples of Houston’s diverse food scene is Tamales, a Mesoamerican delight. These delicate parcels have become a staple of the holiday season in Houston, and the process of making tamales has turned into a festive tradition, known as a tamalada.

With diversity comes the need to celebrate and showcase (and rightly so!), therefore it’s no wonder that Houston hosts so many food festivals from the Houston Tamale Festival, to the Houston BBQ Festival, and the International Festival.

Discover more about the city's cultural history with CityDays scavenger hunts in Houston.

The blending of Mexican with Texas’ local flavors has resulted in what we now recognize as Tex-Mex cuisine, and Houston is a hotspot for it; boasting nearly 500 fantastic restaurants, plus countless taco trucks and stands.

The love for Tex-Mex here is so widespread that it’s common to see fusion options like Korean-Tex-Mex or Vietnamese-Tex-Mex eateries.

It's safe to say that you’ll always find something to satisfy your cravings in this city, whether it's a breakfast burrito or a light lunch taco.

When springtime rolls around, Houstonians celebrate crawfish season with gusto by serving up one of the city's most iconic dishes: The Viet-Cajun Crawfish!

Even though this dish, first prepared by Vietnamese immigrants, originated as an experiment, it has become one of the main culinary staples Houston is known for.

You’ll find this Cajun delicacy, featuring boiled crawfish, butter, garlic, and olive oil, at festivals, restaurants, and backyard gatherings across the city.

The dish is also celebrated annually at the Houston Crawfish Festival, which brings thousands together to indulge in spicy, flavorful crawfish dishes.

If you wanna go to sleep and wake up in Food Truck heaven, then we recommend a trip to Houston.

The city is dotted with more than 650 food trucks and stalls, which serve everything from gourmet tacos to mouthwatering barbecue.

Okay, so this fact about Houston’s culinary scene is a little more random but it's true!

Thanks to the city's favorable weather, Houstonians have a strong tradition of dining al fresco—more so than in any other city in the U.S.

The outdoor dining culture is supported by approximately 140 delis, and about 100 wine bars (alongside its food trucks of course), reflecting the city’s love for socializing and gastronomy.

If you're a foodie, CityDays has you covered! Our scavenger hunts include stops at top-rated eateries where you can refuel and sample local favorites along the way.

Houston is home to some of the most beloved sports teams in the country.

The Houston Astros, winners of multiple World Series titles, call the city home, as do the NBA’s Houston Rockets, MLS’ Houston Dynamos, and NFL’s Houston Texans.

In college sports, the University of Houston Cougars compete in various sports, with football and basketball being major draws for local fans.

College football's Texas Bowl is also a major sporting event in Houston.

Interested in finding out more about Houston’s famous sporting reputation? Check out our Houston Scavenger Hunts!

Known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Astrodome was the first multi-purpose domed stadium and remains a symbol of Houston's innovation.

Minute Maid Park, home of the Astros, and NRG Stadium, where the Texans play, are also two iconic sporting venues in the city.

The city also hosts large-scale sporting events like the Houston Marathon and yet, if there's one event Houstonians eagerly await each year, it’s the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, held at NRG Stadium.

This is no ordinary rodeo—it's the largest in the world, combining rodeo competitions with major concerts, carnival rides, and livestock auctions.

With more than 2 million visitors annually, it’s a true celebration of Texan culture and tradition.

Houston is known for its diverse array of genres and influential artists, and one of the most popular is Beyoncé.

A global icon, Beyoncé honed her craft in Houston before achieving international fame.

ZZ Top, another Houston-born legend, is renowned for its blues-infused rock.

These celebrities have contributed to the city’s cultural and entertainment landscape, enhancing its global reputation as the home of music legends.

With a reputation for birthing some of the world’s most influential music artists, it's important that Houston has the venues to match.

House of Blues is a staple of Houston’s live music scene. It has an intimate setting where you can experience everything from rock and blues to soul and jazz.

White Oak Music Hall is a favorite among locals and visitors for its eclectic lineup of performances.

For fans of larger-scale performances, NRG Stadium is where you’ll find major international acts. This state-of-the-art venue hosts concerts from some of the biggest names in music and is known for its impressive production values.

Interested in discovering these iconic venues and those more secret, local favorites you'd typically walk right past? Check out our Houston Scavenger Hunts!