24 Hours In Uptown Houston, Texas

For a good start to your morning, try a tasty breakfast at The House of the Pies, which is one of the few 24-hour restaurants in Houston and is very famous for its delicious freshly baked pies and cakes in tons of different flavors — they even have sugar free options! Try their carrot cake, which is covered in delicious cream cheese frosting that pairs perfectly with a cup of hot coffee.

After breakfast, take a stroll through Memorial Park.Its 30 miles of trails allow locals and visitors alike to experience the joys of nature right in the middle of the city, and it is a favorite spot for athletic types, thanks to its great jogging and biking trails. Memorial Park is also a great spot for families, thanks to its numerous picnic areas and playgrounds, along with facilities like croquet courts, a golf course, a tennis center, some sports fields, and an indoor fitness and swimming center. Some of these spots are free to use, while others require a small fee to book.

Be sure to visit the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens, where you’ll find a historical anthology of decorative style in America ranging from from the colonial era to the late 19th century. This property used to belong to Ima Hogg (1882-1975), who was once an important benefactor of Houston society in many different senses. With the goal of preserving traditional American legacy, she bequeathed her home to Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts in order to donate her historic property, gardens, furniture and art collection. Begin your visit at the Lora Jean Kilroy Visitor and Education Centerwhere you can see a video about the Hogg family and an exhibit on their lives.

Relax in the afternoon with a peaceful picnic at The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. Grab a salad or sandwich and a spot on the grass, and breathe in the fresh air while enjoying the beautiful scenery and incredible 64-foot, U shaped fountain, which recirculates 11,000 gallons of water every minute. Marvel at the fountain’s incredible man made waterfalls, and embrace a moment of stillness during a busy day.

You can’t leave Uptown without visiting the Galleria Mall, one of the largest malls within Texas. With 400 stores and restaurants, Galleria is a very attractive tourist destination and has stores that cater to every taste and budget. You will also find a playground for little kids and one of the largest ice rinks in the United States! Check out what sales they’re running, or look for a perfect gift for someone special. Once you’re shopped out, relax with a glass of wine at 51 Fifteen Restaurant Loungeat Saks Fifth Avenue.

Take a relaxing walk along the Tanglewood Boulevardand marvel at the sights across its mile-long span. Old oak trees line this historic street and create a sort of beautiful, natural tunnel over several benches where you can sit and relax, if you’re so inclined. Enjoy the majestic and historic mansions throughout the boulevard, and people-watch to your heart’s content.

Close out a long, fun day in uptown Houstin at Belvedere, a night club that any night owl will absolutely love. Depending on which night you visit, you’ll find hip-hop, urban, or Latin music playing, and be sure to order an apple martini, which pairs perfectly with any genre!