Houston Metro Rail Map
Are you planning a trip to Houston and looking for the best way to explore the city? Look no further than the Houston Metro Rail Map. With over 22 miles of track, the Metro Rail will take you to some of Houston’s top attractions, hidden gems, and outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your Houston Metro Rail experience.
Top Attractions
No trip to Houston is complete without a visit to Space Center Houston. Take the Metro Rail to the Clear Lake Station and catch a bus to the Space Center. You’ll get an up-close look at the history and future of space travel, including tours of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the chance to see real spaceships and rockets.
Another must-see attraction is the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Take the Metro Rail to the Hermann Park/Rice U Station and spend the day exploring the museum’s exhibits on dinosaurs, gems and minerals, and space exploration. Don’t miss the Cockrell Butterfly Center and the Burke Baker Planetarium.
Hidden Gems
For a unique Houston experience, take the Metro Rail to the EaDo/Stadium Station and visit the Houston Graffiti Building. This abandoned warehouse has been transformed into a vibrant art space with colorful murals and graffiti. You can even book a guided tour to learn about the history and meaning behind the artwork.
If you’re a fan of craft beer, head to the Preston Station and check out the Saint Arnold Brewing Company. This local brewery offers tours and tastings of their award-winning beers, as well as a restaurant serving up delicious pub fare.
Food Scene
Houston is known for its diverse food scene, and the Metro Rail can take you to some of the best restaurants in town. Take the rail to the Downtown Transit Center and walk to The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation for authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. Or head to the Museum District Station and try the famous barbecue at The Pit Room.
For a more budget-friendly option, take the rail to the Midtown Station and visit the food trucks at Axelrad Beer Garden. You’ll find a variety of cuisines and flavors, from Korean BBQ to Venezuelan arepas.
Outdoor Adventures
With over 160 parks in the city, Houston is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Take the Metro Rail to the Memorial Hermann/Houston Zoo Station and spend the day at Hermann Park. You can rent a pedal boat, visit the Japanese Garden, or take a stroll through the McGovern Centennial Gardens.
For a more rugged adventure, take the rail to the Fannin South Station and catch a bus to Brazos Bend State Park. This park offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and opportunities to see alligators in the wild.
Historical Landmarks
Houston has a rich history, and the Metro Rail can take you to some of the city’s most important landmarks. Take the rail to the Main Street Square Station and visit the Christ Church Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Texas. Or head to the Museum District Station and tour the historic Rienzi Mansion, which houses a collection of European decorative arts.
Another must-see landmark is the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum. Take the rail to the Museum District Station and learn about the African American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army from 1866 to 1948.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities along the Metro Rail route. Take the rail to the Museum District Station and visit the Children’s Museum of Houston. Your kids can explore hands-on exhibits on science, technology, and culture.
For a fun day out, take the rail to the Hermann Park/Rice U Station and visit the Houston Zoo. Your family can see a variety of animals, from giraffes to elephants, and even ride a carousel or train.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
For a unique Houston experience, take the Metro Rail to the Burnett Transit Center and visit the Art Car Museum. This small museum features a collection of art cars, which are vehicles decorated with paint, found objects, and other materials.
Another off-the-beaten-path experience is the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. Take the rail to the Williams Tower/Richmond Station and walk to the park, which features a 64-foot-tall water wall that cascades down a curved concrete structure. It’s a great place to take photos and cool off on a hot day.
Natural Wonders
While Houston is known for its urban attractions, there are also natural wonders to explore along the Metro Rail route. Take the rail to the Preston Station and catch a bus to Galveston Island. This barrier island offers 32 miles of beaches, as well as opportunities for fishing, boating, and birdwatching.
Another natural wonder is the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Take the rail to the Memorial Hermann/Houston Zoo Station and hike through the center’s trails, which wind through forests, wetlands, and meadows.
Vibrant Nightlife
Houston has a vibrant nightlife scene, and the Metro Rail can take you to some of the best bars and clubs in town. Take the rail to the Midtown Station and visit the Continental Club, a legendary music venue that has hosted acts like Stevie Ray Vaughan and The Black Keys.
For a more laid-back vibe, take the rail to the Main Street Square Station and visit La Carafe, Houston’s oldest bar. This cozy spot serves up wine and beer in a historic building that dates back to 1847.
Local Markets
For a taste of Houston’s local flavor, head to one of the city’s farmers markets. Take the rail to the EaDo/Stadium Station and visit the Urban Harvest Farmers Market. You’ll find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade baked goods.
Another great market is the Heights Mercantile Farmers Market. Take the rail to the Heights Station and shop for handmade crafts, jewelry, and locally sourced foods.
Beaches and Mountains
While Houston is mostly flat, there are still opportunities to explore nearby beaches and mountains. Take the rail to the Northline Transit Center and catch a bus to Sam Houston National Forest. This forest offers hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives through the piney woods.
If you’re looking for a beach getaway, take the rail to the Burnett Transit Center and catch a bus to Surfside Beach. This quiet beach town offers miles of sandy beaches and opportunities for fishing and water sports.
Cultural Immersion
Houston is a melting pot of cultures, and you can experience this diversity along the Metro Rail route. Take the rail to the Bell Station and visit the Asia Society Texas Center. This center offers exhibitions, performances, and educational programs that showcase the arts and cultures of Asia.
Another cultural destination is the Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Take the rail to the Preston Station and walk along the bayou to see public art installations and outdoor performances.
Art and Music Scene
Houston is home to a thriving art and music scene, and the Metro Rail can take you to some of the best venues in town. Take the rail to the Museum District Station and visit the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. You’ll find a collection of over 70,000 works of art, from ancient to contemporary.
For live music, head to the White Oak Music Hall. Take the rail to the Burnett Transit Center and catch a bus to the venue, which hosts a variety of acts from indie rock to hip-hop.
Walking Tours
If you prefer to explore on foot, Houston offers a variety of walking tours along the Metro Rail route. Take the rail to the Downtown Transit Center and join the Houston Urban Adventures walking tour. You’ll learn about the city’s history, architecture, and culture, and get a taste of its food scene.
Another walking tour option is the Houston Street Art Tour. Take the rail to the EaDo/Stadium Station and walk through the neighborhood to see colorful murals and street art.
Architectural Marvels
Houston is home to some impressive architectural feats, and the Metro Rail can take you to see them. Take the rail to the Main Street Square Station and visit the JPMorgan Chase Tower, the tallest building in Texas. You can take a tour to the observation deck on the 60th floor for panoramic views of the city.
Another architectural marvel is the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design at the University of Houston. Take the rail to the University of Houston Station and walk to the college to see the cutting-edge design and technology on display.
Historical Sites
For a deeper dive into Houston’s history, visit some of the city’s historical sites along the Metro Rail route. Take the rail to the Hermann Park/Rice U Station and visit the Rice University campus. You can take a self-guided tour to learn about the university’s history and architecture.
Another historical site is the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic
