Houston, TX is a rapidly growing metropolis. In addition to its population increase, the city is drawing more and more exhibitors and attendees to events at the . It’s a great town filled with awesome attractions—but it can also get extremely hot in the summer. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to beat the heat and check out the local scene when you have some time off from the show floor.
Port Houston Boat Tour
What better way to cool off than to spend some time on the water? Less than 15 minutes from the George R. Brown Convention Center, you can embark on a Port Houston Boat Tour. This is a 90-minute boat ride that starts at the Sam Houston Landing and takes you through the Houston Ship Channel. While aboard, you’ll have your choice of air conditioned indoor seating as well as spots to stand on the outdoor deck.
And here’s the real kicker: this tour is free! You’ll just need to make an online reservation to secure your spot.
Downtown Tunnels
If you want to avoid the scorching sun altogether, check out Houston’s sprawling Downtown Tunnels, which lie 20 feet underground. These passages were originally built in the 1930s to connect two different movie theaters, and now serve as thoroughfares for commuters making their daily trip to and from school or work.
In all, the tunnels now provide access to 95 city blocks underneath downtown Houston. You can access the subterranean walkways from a number of street-level points throughout the area and grab some snacks and refreshments at one of the shops that thrives deep underground.
Houston Museum District
Houston natives love showing off their history and culture. The city has an entire Museum District where you can explore and learn new things. The District is divided into four zones and boasts 20 museums, including:
- Houston Center for Photography
- The Menil Collection
- Rothko Chapel
- Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
- Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
- Houston Museum of Natural Science
- The Health Museum
As you stroll through the District, you’ll also come across the Houston Zoo, where you can visit the lions, watch the elephants get a bath, and meet a Galápagos Tortoise.
Space Center Houston
You’re probably familiar with the infamous line “Houston, we have a problem”, which came from NASA’s troubled Apollo 13 mission in 1970. This Texas town has a long history with NASA, and you can learn all about it at Space Center Houston!
This facility boasts a large collection of spacesuits and other artifacts, plus a long list of interactive displays that will teach you (and the kids, if you bring them along to your Houston trade show) about space travel. You can even board a replica of the space shuttle Independence or spend a little extra time by going behind the scenes on a NASA Tram Tour. This otherworldly adventure will be a welcome break when you have a day off from the GRBCC.
National Museum of Funeral History
If you’re looking for an experience that’s a little more eerie, check out the National Museum of Funeral History, which is about a 30-minute drive from the George R. Brown Convention Center.
You’ll learn about the history of funeral service, see examples of caskets and coffins built throughout the centuries, and even find out details on the funerals of world leaders like Popes, U.S. Presidents, and other celebrities. And be sure to enjoy every moment, because as this museum’s slogan says: “Any day above ground is a good one.”
We’ll Handle Your Trade Show Exhibit While You Enjoy the Town
Houston can get toasty just about any time of year—but there are plenty of cool things to do to help you beat the Texas heat. Our experts will handle your entire trade show exhibit at the George R. Brown Convention Center so you can enjoy the local attractions.
Contact us today to find out how we can help make your next Houston trade show a success!
