Shops, Food and a Major Arts District in Nearby Houston

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The nation’s fourth largest city offers world-class cuisine, diverse shopping options, nightlife, live entertainment and one of the most renowned museum districts in the country. Houston’s proximity to Louisiana — Southeast Region residents can reach the city in approximately five hours along Interstate-10 — and its range of activities make it a popular destination for Louisiana residents of all ages.

The Houston Museum District contains ​19 different museums, 9 of which are free year-round. Nationally respected facilities include:

• The Children’s Museum of Houston
• The Houston Museum of Natural Science
• The Houston Zoo
• The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

The district also holds smaller, engaging institutions such as the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and the interactive, kid-friendly John C. Freeman Weather Museum.

Houston’s Hobby Center for the Performing Arts hosts both local and Broadway Across America productions, many of which are aimed at young audiences. The city’s Galleria is the largest shopping mall in Texas and is flanked by two shopping districts that hold hundreds of high-end and eclectic boutiques and specialty stores.

Houston’s stunning 445-acre Hermann Park features jogging trails, paddle boats and landmarks such as Mecom Fountain, the Sam Houston statue and Bloch Cancer Survivors Plaza. The city draws thousands of sports enthusiasts from all over the region for Houston Astros baseball games at Minute Maid Park and Houston Texans football games at NRG Stadium.