Exploring Houston: Exciting Activities Near The Airport

what to do around houston airport

If you're looking for things to do around Houston Airport, you're in luck! There are plenty of attractions and restaurants nearby. For instance, you could visit the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, which is on the same campus as Hobby Airport, and offers a unique insight into Houston's aviation history. If you fancy a bite to eat, you could try Pappas BBQ, Killen's BBQ, or Corkscrew BBQ, all of which are highly-rated. If you're looking for something to do that's a little more active, you could play a round of golf at the interactive driving range, Top Golf, or at the Cypresswood Golf Club. Or, if you fancy something a little stronger, you could take a tour of the BJ Hooker's Vodka distillery.

Characteristics Values
Transport METRO bus, Uber, Taxi, Rental car
Attractions NASA's Johnson Space Center, San Jacinto Monument and Museum, 1940 Air Terminal Museum, Jesse H. Jones Park and Nature Reserve, Sam Houston Park
Food Texas BBQ, Tex-Mex, Cajun, Pappas BBQ, Pappasitos Cantina, Pappa's Burgers, Pappadeaux, Killen's BBQ, Corkscrew BBQ

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Try the local food, including Tex-Mex and Texas BBQ

Houston is known for its delicious local food, including Tex-Mex and Texas BBQ. If you're looking to try some of the best local cuisine during your layover, here are some suggestions:

If you're craving Texas BBQ, Killen's BBQ is a great option, ranked as the No. 2 BBQ Destination in the U.S. by Food Network in 2015. It's just a 20-minute drive from the airport and offers a range of mouth-watering BBQ options. Pappas BBQ, located in the Southwest terminal lobby of the airport, is another popular choice for Texas BBQ.

For those seeking the famous Houston Tex-Mex, Pappasitos Cantina, located in the main concourse of the airport, is a good choice. You can enjoy Tex-Mex staples such as tacos, chilaquiles, margaritas, and queso. El Tiempo Cantina, near gates A17-A24 and Terminal B, is another Tex-Mex spot where you can indulge in similar offerings.

If you're looking for a quick bite, Houston's favourite fast-food burger joint, Whataburger, has an outlet at the airport. You can enjoy their classic burgers, taquitos, and breakfast options.

For pizza lovers, Pink's Pizza at IAH is a well-known local option. Blaze Pizza, near Gate A7, offers fast-casual pizza and breakfast options. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Nutella calzone at Pala, located at Gate C5.

Houston also has a variety of other dining options, including upscale sit-down restaurants and grab-and-go kiosks. The Annie Cafe and Bar, an iconic Houston restaurant, offers delicious American cuisine such as lobster salad, mushroom rigatoni, and a fried chicken sandwich. The city also boasts a range of Asian food options in Asia Town on Bellaire and Asia Town Katy.

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Visit the San Jacinto Monument and Museum

If you're looking for things to do around Houston Airport, you could consider visiting the San Jacinto Monument and Museum. Located just 20 miles east of downtown Houston, the San Jacinto Monument is a towering structure that commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, where Texas won its independence from Mexico. Construction of the monument began in 1897, and it was officially dedicated on April 21, 1939, the centennial anniversary of the battle. It is the world's tallest masonry column, standing at 566.452 feet, and features an observation deck that offers panoramic views of Houston and the San Jacinto battlefield.

The San Jacinto Museum of History is located within the base of the monument and is home to one of the largest collections of Texas art, artefacts, and history. The museum focuses on the history of the Battle of San Jacinto, as well as Texas culture and heritage. Visitors can explore the museum's wide array of exhibits and antiquities, including the Jesse H. Jones Theatre for Texas Studies, which showcases the world's tallest memorial column.

In addition to the monument and museum, the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site offers a variety of other attractions and activities. Visitors can tour the historic Battleship Texas, once the most powerful weapon in the world, enjoy a nature trail, go biking, or simply walk the battlefield that played a significant role in the state's history. The site is currently undergoing a multi-million-dollar expansion, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

To get to the San Jacinto Monument and Museum from Houston Airport, you can opt for a rental car, taxi, or ride-sharing services such as Uber. The drive typically takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can use public transportation by taking the METRO bus from Curbzone 13 outside the baggage claim area, which will take approximately 1 hour to reach downtown Houston and the museum district.

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Play a round of golf at the interactive driving range, Top Golf

If you're looking for something fun to do near Houston Airport, why not try your hand at an interactive round of golf at Top Golf Houston - Katy? This premier entertainment destination offers year-round comfort in their hitting bays, with cooling fans for the summer and heated bays for the winter. Each bay is equipped with HDTVs, and you can use their complimentary clubs or bring your own. Take aim at the giant outfield targets, and let their high-tech balls do the rest by scoring themselves!

Top Golf Houston is located in the Katy suburb, which is about an hour's drive west of the airport. The metro area has just over 80 golf courses, and Top Golf is a great option for those looking for a modern, interactive golfing experience.

If you're looking for a deal, head to Top Golf on a Tuesday, where you can get 50% off golf with walk-in, app, or website bookings. Prices are per hour and per hitting bay, so gather your friends or family and head on down for a fun and unique golfing experience.

In addition to the interactive golf experience, Top Golf also offers a sports bar and restaurant with HDTVs throughout, so you can enjoy a meal and a drink while you take a break from the game. Whether you're a golf enthusiast or a beginner, Top Golf Houston - Katy is a great option for some indoor fun near Houston Airport.

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Tour a vodka distillery, BJ Hooker's Vodka

If you're looking for something unique to do near Houston Airport, why not tour a vodka distillery? BJ Hooker's Distilleries offers an insightful and educational experience for vodka enthusiasts and novices alike. Here's what you need to know to make the most of your visit:

About BJ Hooker's Vodka

BJ Hooker's Vodka is a family-run distillery with a simple yet ambitious goal: to create one of the best vodkas on the market. Established in 2012, BJ Hooker sets itself apart by producing its vodka in-house, right in Houston. Their vodka is distilled eight times using a hybrid pot and Texas winter wheat instead of corn or more common grains, resulting in a smooth and soft taste.

The Distillery Tour

The distillery tour is an hour-long, immersive experience that takes place every Saturday at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. For just $9.25 for two people, guests can explore the recently renovated distillery, learn about the vodka-distilling process, and even enjoy complimentary tastings (for those of legal drinking age). It's a fantastic opportunity to discover the art of vodka-making and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

Planning Your Visit

BJ Hooker's Distilleries is located at 1300 East Richey Road in Houston, Texas. While reservations are not required, they are appreciated for larger groups. Remember to bring a valid ID if you plan to partake in the complimentary tastings, as proof of age is necessary. The distillery tour is a fantastic way to support a local business and immerse yourself in Houston's craft beverage culture.

Other Attractions Near Houston Airport

In addition to the distillery tour, there are several other attractions near Houston Airport that might pique your interest. Downtown Houston is a popular destination, offering a variety of restaurants, cool hotels, and museums to explore. If you're looking for a bite to eat, Killen's BBQ, ranked as the No. 2 BBQ Destination in the U.S. by Food Network in 2015, is just 20 minutes away. For a space-themed adventure, the Space Center Houston, the official visitor centre for NASA's Johnson Space Center, offers an out-of-this-world experience.

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Watch planes from the Lee Road Public Observation Area

If you're an aviation enthusiast, head to the Lee Road Public Observation Area near Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport to watch planes take off and land. This spot is accessible to the public and offers a great view of the airport's aircraft in action. It's a fantastic way to spend a few hours, and you can even see airport police drive by from time to time.

To get to the Lee Road spot, you can refer to online resources such as www.Houstonspotters.net, which provides detailed information about the airport and other Houston-area airports. Additionally, you can utilise the Mosaic Airport Viewer, a free application that allows you to monitor ground movements at the airport in real time on your mobile device.

When visiting the Lee Road Public Observation Area, it's important to be mindful of airport security requests. For instance, they have asked that vehicles refrain from driving up Rankin Road, so please respect this instruction. Additionally, be aware that certain areas might be coned off or become construction sites, so always follow the latest updates and stay within permitted boundaries.

The Lee Road Public Observation Area is just one of several spots around Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport where you can watch planes. Other popular locations include Rankin Road and the roof of the airport terminal. Each spot offers a unique perspective on the airport's operations, and you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and convenience. Remember to plan your transportation accordingly, as Ubers and taxis can be expensive, and renting a car adds time for pick-up and drop-off.

Frequently asked questions

There are plenty of things to do near Houston Airport, depending on how much time you have. If you're looking for food, try some famous Houston Tex-Mex or Texas BBQ. For museums and galleries, check out the Museum District, including the Rothko. You can also visit the San Jacinto Monument and Museum, the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, and the Space Center Houston. If you fancy a round of golf, try the interactive driving range at Top Golf.

You can get to downtown Houston from the airport by taxi or Uber, which will take around 20-30 minutes, or by catching the METRO bus from Curbzone 13 outside of the baggage claim area, which will take around an hour.

Even budget meals in Houston are rarely below $10. Budget hotel rooms will generally cost at least $80.

If you don't have much time, you could try plane spotting at the Lee Road Public Observation Area, which is the only free public spotting area for IAH. You could also take a stroll through Sam Houston Park to see historic Texas.

There are plenty of great restaurants near Houston Airport. For Texas BBQ, try Killen's BBQ or Corkscrew BBQ. For Tex-Mex, Pappasitos Cantina is a good option. For Asian food, check out Asia Town on Bellaire and Asia Town Katy.

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