Southern culture weaves through America’s fourth-largest city, an enormous metropolis that people from around the world call home. From its location on the Gulf of Mexico, it embodies the stereotype of everything being bigger in Texas, while also taking everything slow, as befits its Southern nature. The city is home to Rice University, the University of Houston, and NASA and much of the American space industry, while an exciting culinary scene stems from the many immigrant entrepreneurs. Downtown Houston’s bustling urbanity hosts a variety of professional sports teams, theaters, and live music venues, while suburbs offer slower options, like the greenery of Pearland, or the small-town feel of Sugar Land and Cypress.

Houston’s enormous size means that visitors arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) — as most major national international carriers do — or at the smaller William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), which mostly receives budget and domestic flights. Hobby’s small size can make for an easier experience, but both have plenty of rental car services for those wishing to get a private vehicle. The sprawl of the city means it’s helpful to have a car, but carshares and taxis cover the whole city and public transportation can be easy in some places. The Metro Rail system covers many of the major tourist destinations, and buses fill in gaps. Houston is also reasonably flat, which makes the BCycle bike share program a great option for getting around.

Houston’s spring tends to be pleasant, with average high temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit and lows in the 50s and the least amount of rain of the year. Winter is a bit cooler, but similarly comfortable. Summer teeters toward extremely hot, with average highs hitting the mid-90s and the lows staying well above 70 degrees, accompanied by significant humidity. The hot weather comes in tandem with the rain — especially in June, which averages more than six inches. Summer also brings hurricane season in Houston, which can bring wild rains until fall — so you should always be aware of the current forecasts when visiting.

The public is invited to explore one of the country’s main training, research, and flight control centers. The giant center offers tram tours, galleries, interactive exhibits, and displays of artifacts that show off the history of human space flight. Moon rocks, simulated capsule rides, and shuttle replicas help you understand space and what’s involved in exploring it.

This 160-acre park is located along a 2.3-mile stretch of the Buffalo Bayou near downtown. You can hike, stroll, bike, or paddle here; boat and kayak rentals are available. Along with traditional park amenities, the space includes a decorative fountain and a bat colony with observation deck, while a dog park, nature play area for kids, and a skate park mean the park has something for everyone.

Just outside the city’s downtown core, the Museum District brings together many of Houston’s most important cultural institutions. The walkable neighborhood features 19 institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the biggest art museums in the country; a children’s museum; museums that focus on local African-American, Czech, and Asian culture; and a chapel.