Downtown Houston
Downtown Houston in Houston, Texas, is the largest business district in Houston and home to a wide variety of attractions, including downtown's Historic District, shops, restaurants, art galleries, and theaters. The area is also well known for its towering skyscrapers, such as the Chase Tower and Bank of America Center.
Downtown Houston offers something for everyone: outdoor activities like walking along Buffalo Bayou Park, shopping at GreenStreet, or catching an Astros game at Minute Maid Park. There are also plenty of nightlife options, with bars and nightclubs that open late into the evening. Whether you're looking for a stroll or an exciting night out on the town, Downtown Houston has it all!
History
Early Downtown Houston
Houston has a long and varied history, with its downtown area undergoing many changes. Located in the heart of the city, early downtown Houston was primarily residential and home to numerous banks, law offices, and government buildings. Many of these original structures still stand today and are listed as historical monuments.
The early settlers were largely German, Irish, and African American populations who settled in the area during the mid-1800s. By the early 1900s, railroad companies began to move their offices and warehouses into the area, which caused significant growth in downtown Houston.
Modern Downtown Houston
The emergence of the city's oil industry during World War I brought even more people and businesses to downtown Houston, causing rapid population growth. In 1926, construction was completed on one of Downtown's most iconic buildings – the JPMorgan Chase Tower (formerly Texas Commerce Tower). The tower stands 75 stories tall and is now considered a symbol of modern-day Downtown Houston.
Today, Downtown Houston continues to be a bustling hub for business, shopping, and entertainment. The area boasts 6.2 million square feet of office space, numerous hotels and apartment complexes, the Houston Ballet, and many other businesses and cultural institutions.
Local Attractions
Here are some of the points of interest anyone can visit in Downtown Houston:
- The Houston Zoo. This is a great place for families to explore and learn about animals from all over the world.
- Houston Museum District. This area is home to 19 museums, galleries, cultural institutions, and performance venues that delight any art or history lover.
- The Downtown Aquarium. This unique aquarium offers plenty of interactive exhibits and activities for visitors of all ages.
- Discovery Green Park. This 12-acre park in downtown Houston is perfect for picnics, outdoor concerts, and other events throughout the year.
- The Houston Museum of Natural Science. This museum is one of the most popular attractions in Houston, offering educational and interactive exhibits about science and nature.
- Buffalo Bayou Park. This park is perfect for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and biking.
- Minute Maid Park (Home to the Astros). This ballpark is home to the Houston Astros and a great place to catch a game or tour the stadium.
- Toyota Center (Home to the Rockets). This arena is home to the Houston Rockets and hosts various other events, such as concerts and shows.
- GreenStreet Shopping & Entertainment Complex. This complex offers over 50 stores and restaurants, making it the perfect afternoon to spend.