Situated on a flat, Gulf Coast plain, Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States. Home to one of the U.S.A.'s largest sea ports, Houston revolves around computer manufacturing, gas and oil. However, even with this heavy urban concentration, Houston is green and lush, situated at the end of a belt of forest coming down from the north, and characterised by marshlands and bayous lined with cypress trees in the southern reaches.

Due to its often hot, humid climate, the city centre sports an air-conditioned seven-mile (11km) pedestrian tunnel system full of restaurants and shops. Unlike most cities, downtown in Houston is the hub of residential development, so it remains busy and bustling long after dark.

Houston is best known, however, for N.A.S.A. and the Space Center Houston. The Center boasts simulated space voyages and mission control panels. It also houses the Astronaut Gallery, the Mission Status Exhibit, the Starship Gallery and the N.A.S.A. Tram Tour.
Downtown is also worth a visit from Bayou Place to the museum district where you’ll find not only 11 institutions, but the excellent Houston Zoological Gardens, the Rose Garden at Hermann Park, and depending on the time of year, a free performance at Miller Outdoor Theater.

Visitors can also step back in time at the Heritage Society Museum as well as Sam Houston Park. While a short drive east or west takes you to the famed San Jacinto Battleground, the site of Texas’ independence from Mexico, or George Ranch Historical Park, a living history museum.