Houston is a happening town! For a relaxing getaway with the girls, romantic away date with , or even just a home-away-from-home, the possibilities are endless for your weekend. Here are some tips of what to do and where to stay in the largest city in Texas, that lives up to its motto of “The City With No Limits.” 

WHERE TO STAY

The newly renovated Hyatt Regency Houston is in the midst of it all. It’s just a few miles away from the city’s finest museums, parks, dining, shopping and, for sports fans, the Toyota Center and Minute Maid Park.

Soaring Atrium

As you walk into the hotel’s lobby, you’re greeted by a Hyatt-signature dramatic 30-story atrium space, which was recently redesigned.

The LobbiBar serves as the focal point of the atrium, with distinct seating zones (that are socially distant) to create a sense of intimacy in the soaring space. There’s an inviting and homey feel, so grab a bite or drink at the LobbiBar, or something at the on-site Einstein Brothers Bagels. (I recommend the Bacon, Avocado & Tomato breakfast sandwich.)

Dining

The hotel’s signature restaurant, Shula’s Steakhouse, and Spindletop, the city’s only revolving restaurant, are both temporarily closed until further notice. However, you will not go hungry in Houston! We’ve previously loved The Tasting Room, plus check out our #FoodieFriday review of Houston’s wonderfully-named eatery, Vibrant.

Winding Down

Wind down in one of the Hyatt’s spacious 955 rooms, including 40 suites. If you’re looking for a romantic quiet, relaxing getaway, I recommend the King Bed Corner Room. I loved the dual aspect of this 430 square foot room. I also appreciated the spacious, open bathroom with a lighted vanity mirror. A door separates the toilet and shower from the sink and mirror, so you’re able to get ready while someone else is in there. The suite is perfect for a couples getaway, a work trip, or really just anyone who wants peace and quiet. 

To make the most of your hotel stay, take a dip in the rooftop pool overlooking the city, or get your sweat on at the indoor fitness center. 

Hyatt Regency Houston: 1200 Louisiana Street, Houston, Texas, United States, 77002

DAY ONE

What To Do

The Houston Experience Marketplace is a great resource for planning a Houston getaway. You’ll find the Marketplace has the city’s best attractions, tours, and tickets for you to browse, all in one place. 

Passes for All

For the beer lovers, choose a 1-Day Houston Brew Pass to quench your thirst and sample new flavors at local craft breweries. If drinking isn’t your thing, get the 1-Day Houston Museum Pass, where you have free access to 12 pay-to-enter museums delivered conveniently to your phone. 

Fun With Skeletons, Sculptures,  STEM and More 

It’s only 3.4 miles from the Hyatt to the Houston Museum of Natural Science, so stop by and meet Victoria, the world’s largest and most complete T. rex skeleton. Check out the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, hosting more than 450 stunning crystallized mineral specimens, including some of the world’s rarest. You can spend a whole day at this gorgeous exhibit. 

However, to make the most of your day pass, plan carefully — maybe setting a couple of hours time limit on each visit. Add to your time juggling act with The Museum of Fine Arts, just 3 miles from the hotel. Discover the sculpture garden, theater, and other treasure showcasing some of the world’s most iconic artists. Then, check out Houston’s newest museum, the Lone Star Flight Museum; coast through their collection of historic active aircraft. For the youngsters, The Children’s Museum is only 3.1 miles away and opens back up June 8th. 

Evening Adventures at Cidercade

After an exciting day of museum hopping, stop by Cidercade, the best arcade in Houston for your nighttime adventure. Located in EaDo, as popular east downtown Houston is known, Cidercade Houston has over 275 games. Serving also tasty adult beverages, it’s basically a playground for grownups! Admission is only $10, and just like that you have access to unlimited play, all day or night long. 

Games Galore

From the classics to driving and sports games, there’s something out there for everybody. Play the classics like Galaga and Pac-Man, or hit one of the OG pinball machines. Want more action? Check out the driving games like Batman and The Fast and the Furious Super Bikes, or try to beat your significant other at basketball hoops. Personally, my favorite game is Guitar Hero, and apparently it’s other people’s favorite too since there always seems to be a line. But, it’s definitely worth the wait! The best part is that no quarters or bills are necessary, in fact, Cidercade’s cashless, so bring on those plastic cards. 

On Tap

At the bar, they have 48 taps of 24 different hard ciders (my favorite is the Texas Tea), hard kombuchas, hard seltzers, and wines. Can’t decide? Buy a flight of four 7oz pours for only $15. For those non-drinkers, purchase a cup for unlimited drinks from the Maine Root soda fountain. 

Safety

In terms of COVID-19, Cidercade is taking several precautionary measures. Other than being cashless, they also use an Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) swab tester that enables total surface hygiene verification. On top of that, there’s the usual stuff like requiring masks, constantly sanitizing games, and having hand sanitizer everywhere. 

Littles By Day, Bigs By Night

To all the parents, yes, this place is family-friendly during the day, but starting at 8pm it’s 21+, so be sure to leave the kiddos at home to get your game on. 

Cidercade: 2320 Canal St, Houston, TX, United States, 77003

DAY TWO

What better way to get to know the city than to explore it by bicycle? The Houston Parks and Recreation Department maintains over 160 miles of trails so rent a bike from any B-Cycle station. It only costs $3 per 30 minutes. Pay with a credit card or mobile app, and you’re good to ride! Simply return the bike to any B-station.

Trail Tips 

I suggest biking on the Buffalo Bayou Park Trail. The views of the city are spectacular, and it’s even more beautiful when it’s raining. (Yes, I rode bikes in the rain and it was super fun!) Plus, the variety of sculptures make the trail extra fun. Check out the Gus S. Wortham Fountain along the way, aka the iconic Dandelion Fountain. 

Kids + Nature

For those active kids, the Lee and Joe Jamail Skatepark is close to the parks and trails. Soak in another amazing view of the Houston skyline while they get their skate on. 

If you’re still wanting that nature high, you can’t go wrong by visiting the beautiful Japanese Garden in Hermann Park. Every spot is a great backdrop for your next Instagram photo, so expect photoshoots all around the garden. Feed the ducks or simply enjoy a nice picnic day-date.

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Cover photo courtesy Visit Houston

Leean Vargas is an Editorial Assistant at Texas Lifestyle Magazine and an honors graduate of

Texas State University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations.