Envision Houston Region

The saying that “Everything is bigger in Texas” is a famous one. And, Houston may just be the right place in this Texas State that embraces this popular saying. It can’t be denied that Houston is the largest among the cities in Texas but what’s fascinating is that it holds fourth place to being the largest city in the whole US, too. But the land is not just the only thing deemed the biggest in this city. Find out below other things that are found to be the largest in Houston.

One thing which is known to be the largest in Houston is its medical complex. The Texas Medical Center is the world’s largest concentration of healthcare institutions and research. It has close to 50 member institutions and employs more than 70,000 people in its impressive array of hospitals, medical schools, nursing schools, public health and research centers.

Houston is also a known leader in the building of oilfield equipment. Its petrochemical complex known as the Port of Houston is one of the largest in the whole US. Impressively, the port ranks tenth in the whole world.

Speaking of culture, Houston has the third-largest concentration of consular offices. It represents as many as 86 countries. This city also has the largest livestock show and rodeo festival in the world, known as the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It also possesses the record of having the second-largest concentration of theater seats in US downtown area. Interestingly, Houston also is the seat of the largest mall in Texas, The Galleria. The Galleria is the seventh-largest mall in the whole US.

Houston is one of the best cities to travel because there are lots of things you can do for free. As a traveler, much of the chunk of your budget is relegated to your airfare, food and accommodations. Coming to Houston then with so many places to explore and discover for free is certainly a welcome and a surprising bonus.

The tourist attractions you can enjoy without having to spend huge bucks for entrance fees in Houston include museums, parks and theaters. There are around four museums in Houston which drop admission fees to nothing for one day every week. It is best that you time your visit on a Thursday as the Museum of Fine Arts, the Health Museum, the Children’s Museum and John C. Freeman Weather Museum can be accessed for free.

Apart from these museums, the theater in Houston which is the Miller Outdoor Theater offers performances that are free of charge, too. From March to October, this place becomes a performance venue for jazz, ballet, Shakespeare, classic films, ethnic music and dance. There’s the covered area which can be afforded assigned tickets that you can get on a first-come first-serve basis or you can just sit by the grassy hillside to watch the performances.

Finally, there are many free parks that you can also enjoy. There’s the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark which is a world-class in-ground skatepark to get you practicing and trying out your skating prowess. If you like nature, you can visit the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center which is a nature sanctuary for native animals and plants. If you love travelling by water, you can set sail on a 90-minute boat tour of Port of Houston. This boat ride is for free but bear in mind that reservations are required.