Houston is a large and unique city that combines local Texas traditions along with a very international mindset. With an abundance of restaurants, museums and live events, Houston is a wonderful place for couples to visit during any season.
With so much to see and do, it can be helpful to plan ahead so you can make the most of your Houston getaway. This guide will help you discover nine things to do in Houston for couples, so that you can find the right date spot for you on your trip.
1. Sunset Kayaking Tour
- Location: Buffalo Bayou
- Cost: Around $60
With stunning views of the skyline and surrounding nature, you and your partner can enjoy a sunset kayaking tour in Buffalo Bayou to make your Houston vacation extra special.
You’ll ride past numerous skyscrapers and historical buildings along with many adjacent parks for wonderfully diverse scenery. The sunsets in Houston are often visually dramatic, making this a great romantic outing and photo opportunity.
2. Try a Haunted Pub Crawl
- Location: Downtown Houston
- Cost: $30 and over. Prices may vary.
A haunted Houston pub crawl can be a fun way to explore downtown bars while also learning about local lore and legend. With various tours available, you can choose one that fits your schedule best all throughout the night. Even for the skeptically minded, ghost tours can provide unique stories and history while exploring major attractions and hidden gems. For those looking for a more spooky date night in Houston, you can’t go wrong with a boos and booze tour.
3. Have a Picnic in Buffalo Bayou Park
- Location: Downtown Houston
- Cost: Free entry
Buffalo Bayou Park is a lovely 160-acre park right in downtown Houston along the Buffalo Bayou. With ponds, gentle walking trails, plus an amazing view of both downtown and the bayou, this is a great romantic destination to enjoy a picnic and light stroll. The park also has several unique sculptures and art installations throughout the park to help make each visit memorable.
This is also a great spot to watch the sunset and its convenient location allows you to easily reach some great restaurants and nightlife nearby as well.
4. Explore the Houston Museum District
- Location: Downtown Houston
- Cost: The district is public access and many museums are free aside from special exhibits.
Houston’s Museum District is a sprawling area complete with 19 museums along with parks, restaurants and assorted sculptures and fountains throughout the area.
You can wander through the vast area and simply enjoy the greenery and magnificent architecture or choose one or more of the many world-class museums to explore further.
This can be a great outing for couples interested in the arts, sciences, plus local and international history.
Some of the attractions include:
- Contemporary Arts Museum
- The Health Museum
The adjacent Hermann Park is a gorgeous 180-acre area that features blooming flowers, gentle ponds and wonderful decorations, making it one of the best romantic Houston places to explore today.
5. Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens
- Location: 6003 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
- Cost: $12 entry fee
The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is an expansive and gorgeous garden featuring manicured pathways, decorative lawns and an assortment of colorful flowers in every season. This is a wonderfully romantic place to stroll with your partner while visiting Houston and it offers a great slice of tranquility away from the bustling city. Walk along quaint bridges over ponds, enjoy streaming fountains and take note of the many historical sculptures that dot the pristine area. Although part of the Museum of Fine Arts, the gardens do require a separate ticket which costs $12.
6. Explore Montrose District
- Location: Montrose, Downtown Houston
The Montrose neighborhood is one of Houston’s most lively and entertaining districts for couples and it has an eclectic mix of bars, restaurants and boutique shops that are worth exploring at any hour.
Stop by to check out unique shops specializing in handmade clothing, local designs and vintage art. From vinyl record stores to pop-up museums, Montrose has something for every taste.
Plus, the area is full of incredible cafés, restaurants and bars that stay open late into the night. Whether you want a relaxing meal or wish to dance and enjoy pulsating music, this is a great district to enjoy the best of Houston’s food scene and nightlife.
7. Catch a Show and Enjoy the Theater District
- Location: Downtown Houston
- Cost: Public access, although tickets for shows will vary in prices
Houston’s Theater District is a massive 17-block area featuring historical and modern venues along with multiple restaurants, bars, plus malls and boutiques. With so many offerings, there’s likely a show you and your partner will enjoy while staying in town.
Some of the venues include:
- The Revention Music Center, which focuses on live music and comedy shows.
- The Hobby Center, which features off-Broadway performances and theater.
- The Wortham Theater, which homes the Houston Ballet and the Houston Grand Opera.
- The Alley Theatre hosts the longest-standing professional theater company in Houston and they put on numerous original productions throughout the year.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, the Theater District and its endless attractions can be a great place to have an unforgettable date night in Houston.
8. Enjoy a Romantic Meal at Houston’s World-Class Restaurants
- Prices and location may vary
Houston is home to a number of incredible restaurants, from homegrown BBQ joints to upscale and modern bistros focusing on international flavors and modern American cuisine.
To help you find the perfect date night restaurant, here are some incredible Houston restaurants that combine fantastic food with an unforgettable ambiance:
- Rainbow Lodge, which is beautifully decorated and features modern American cuisine, seafood and many locally sourced ingredients.
- Brenner’s on the Bayou, an upscale steakhouse with patio dining featuring gorgeous views of the water and skyline.
- Bungalow Downtown Dining, which focuses on steaks and American cuisine in a sleek setting and with an impeccable cocktail and wine bar.
9. Stroll through Market Square Park
- Location: 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002
- Cost: Free entry
Market Park Square is a gorgeous downtown park that has a wonderful selection of seasonal flowers, unique art installations and endless photo opportunities.
This is regarded as one of the best Houston date locations that’s gorgeous in any hour and it’s also a great place for a romantic picnic during the day or at sunset.
Plan Your Trip to Houston with AAA
Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your trip to Houston today. Dream up the perfect trip and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.
