Exploring Houston: Fun Activities Near Hobby Airport

what to do around hobby airport

William P. Hobby Airport, also known as Houston Hobby, is an international airport in Houston, Texas, located 7 miles from downtown Houston. Hobby Airport is surrounded by several attractions, including the Houston Botanic Garden, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, and the Lone Star Flight Museum. The airport itself offers various dining options, such as the Hangar Kitchen and the Pappas family of restaurants. For those seeking outdoor activities, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park and the Houston Botanic Garden provide serene natural escapes. Additionally, the NASA Johnson Space Center is a 20-minute drive from the airport.

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Visit the Houston Botanic Garden

If you're looking for something to do near Houston's Hobby Airport, the Houston Botanic Garden is a great option. Located just a short distance from the airport, the garden offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Spanning 132 acres, the Houston Botanic Garden features a diverse collection of plants, flowers, and trees that showcase the region's biodiversity. The garden includes themed areas such as the Global Collection Garden, the Woodland Glade, and the Culinary Garden, each offering a unique and immersive experience. The Global Collection Garden, for example, showcases plants from tropical, subtropical, and arid zones from around the world, while the Culinary Garden displays edible and medicinal plants like olives and grapes.

In addition to its botanical offerings, the Houston Botanic Garden also provides educational and research opportunities for visitors. The garden's "Habitat" exhibit invites visitors to learn about the importance of habitats and how they can help preserve them. Throughout the year, the garden also hosts a variety of programs and cultural events, making it a dynamic and engaging space for the community.

If you're looking for a quiet place to relax and connect with nature, the Houston Botanic Garden is the perfect spot. With its convenient location near the airport, you can easily fit a visit into your travel plans. So, whether you're a plant enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, be sure to add the Houston Botanic Garden to your itinerary.

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Explore the 1940 Air Terminal Museum

The 1940 Air Terminal Museum is located in the old Houston Municipal Airport terminal building on the west side of Houston Hobby Airport. The museum is the only educational institution in Houston dedicated to promoting the city's significant civil aviation history. The original Art Deco building, designed by noted architect Joseph Finger, served as the primary commercial air terminal for Houston from 1940 until 1954. The interior of the building has been partially restored, with the central waiting room featuring a high ceiling, an original chandelier, stone flooring, and detailed walls. The museum also offers a front-row view of Hobby Airport's diverse airport operations, including airline traffic, business aviation, and fixed-wing and rotary wing general aviation traffic.

The museum is home to a variety of exhibits, collections, and memorabilia that showcase Houston's aviation history. Visitors can explore flight and cabin crew uniforms, playing cards, documents, photos, plane models, and other airline paraphernalia from the 1940s to the 1970s. The museum also offers a unique experience of allowing visitors to go inside some of the amazing planes on display. The museum is typically open from 10 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday, and a visit usually takes around 1.5 hours.

In addition to the main museum building, the campus has expanded to include the restored 1928 Carter Field Airmail Hangar. The upper floors of the historic terminal, including the observation decks and the tower cab, are currently pending restoration. The museum is a great option for those looking to fill an empty afternoon in Houston, as it is conveniently located near Hobby Airport and can provide an interesting and educational experience for visitors.

For those looking to grab a bite before or after their visit, there are several nearby options. The Hangar Kitchen, located near the airport, offers a variety of made-to-order burgers. Alternatively, for a taste of Houston's favourite pho, visitors can head to Pho Binh Trailer, a converted trailer that has been a local landmark since 1983. For a sweet treat, The Original Kolache Shoppe, open since 1956, offers a variety of pastries made with locally sourced ingredients and crafted with old-school methods.

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Try authentic Tex Mex food at Taqueria Del Sol

If you're looking for something to eat near Houston's Hobby Airport, Taqueria Del Sol is a great option for authentic Tex Mex food. The restaurant has received positive reviews for its excellent food, great service, and casual setting. It is also conveniently located near the Houston Botanic Garden, which is about a 7-8 minute drive from the airport.

Taqueria Del Sol offers a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including enchiladas, quesadillas, carne asada tacos, and fajita burritos. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. The restaurant is also known for its bakery, which you can visit for a sweet treat after your meal.

In addition to the food, Taqueria Del Sol offers a friendly and efficient waitstaff, making it a perfect spot for a quick bite before or after your flight. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and it is easily accessible from the airport by car or public transportation.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, Taqueria Del Sol is a great choice for authentic Tex Mex cuisine near Hobby Airport. The restaurant's convenient location and delicious food make it a popular spot for travellers and locals alike. So, if you're looking for a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine in Houston, be sure to check out Taqueria Del Sol!

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NASA's Johnson Space Center is a 20-minute drive away

William P. Hobby Airport, colloquially referred to as Houston Hobby, is an international airport in Houston, Texas, located 7 miles from downtown Houston. While the airport itself offers a variety of restaurants and public art, there are several attractions within a short distance.

NASA's Johnson Space Center is a 20-minute drive from the airport. The space centre is a fascinating attraction for anyone interested in space exploration and the history of the US space program. As the home of NASA's astronaut corps, it offers a range of interactive exhibits and artefacts, including moon rocks, spacecraft, and mission control centres. Visitors can explore the centre's vast collection of space artefacts, step inside a replica of the International Space Station, and even experience a simulated space mission. The centre also showcases the latest advancements in space technology and provides an insight into the future of space exploration.

For those interested in aviation history, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, located within the airport, offers a glimpse into Houston's aviation past. The museum, housed in the original Art Deco terminal building, showcases collections, memorabilia, and exhibits that bring to life Houston's rich aviation heritage. From historic aircraft to interactive displays, the museum is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and those curious about the early days of flight.

The Houston Botanic Garden, just a short drive from the airport, offers a tranquil escape. Spanning 132 acres, the garden features horticultural displays, natural ecosystems, and walking trails. Visitors can explore the Global Collection Garden with its themed tropical, subtropical, and arid plants from around the world. The Woodland Glade, with its magnolia trees and sculpted hedges, offers a serene escape, while the Culinary Garden showcases edible and medicinal plants from various regions.

For those seeking a bite to eat, the airport's proximity to downtown Houston opens up a plethora of culinary options. From authentic Tex-Mex cuisine at Taqueria Del Sol to the pho revolution sparked by Pho Binh Trailer, there's something to satisfy every taste. The Hangar Kitchen, located near the airport, offers a range of mouth-watering burgers, while Houston's oldest family shop, The Original Kolache Shoppe, serves up delicious pastries made with locally sourced ingredients.

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Take a boat tour

If you're looking for a thrilling adventure near Hobby Airport, consider taking a boat tour! While there aren't any boat tours in the immediate vicinity of the airport, if you're willing to travel a little further, you can find some exciting options.

One option is to head to Orlando, Florida, and take an airboat ride through Boggy Creek. This tour will take you through untouched wetlands and wildlife habitats, giving you a chance to see alligators, birds, and other native wildlife up close. You can even book a VIP tour, which includes lunch, a visit to the butterfly exhibit and gator pond, and more.

If you're looking for something a bit more extreme, Captain Jack's Airboat Tours in Everglades City offers high-speed tours through mangrove tunnels, grasslands, and a cypress forest. Their custom airboats are designed for comfort and safety, and their licensed captains will ensure you have a thrilling yet informative experience.

For a unique combination of history and nature, consider the Everglades Holiday Park airboat tour in Fort Lauderdale. This narrated tour will take you through the River of Grass at top speeds, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the Florida Everglades. You can even upgrade your experience with an animal encounter to get up close and personal with some of the local wildlife.

So, while there may not be boat tours right next to Hobby Airport, there are plenty of exciting options within a reasonable distance. Whether you're seeking a nature-filled escape, a thrilling ride, or a historical journey, these boat tour options are sure to provide lasting memories.

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Frequently asked questions

There are a few attractions near Hobby Airport, including the Houston Botanic Gardens, the Lone Star Flight Museum, and the 1940 Air Terminal Museum. If you're looking for food, you could try Pho Binh Trailer, Hangar Kitchen, or Taqueria Del Sol for authentic Tex Mex.

Hobby Airport is located approximately 7 to 11 miles from downtown Houston.

Hobby Airport, or Houston Hobby, is Houston's oldest commercial airport and was its primary airport until 1969 when Houston Intercontinental Airport opened. It then became a secondary airport for domestic airline service and a centre for corporate and private aviation.

Hobby Airport has a variety of restaurants, including Pappas family restaurants. If you have a priority pass, you can access Gameway and get a free hour for you and a guest with free snacks, computers, and games consoles. There is also an aircraft viewing area where you can watch planes take off and land.

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