MUSEUM DISTRICT. Founded in 1900, the MFAH is Texas's first art museum and one of the nation's largest. Its holdings represent the range of history, and its collections include Renaissance and Baroque items, Impressionist and post-Impressionist art, and African gold pieces. Along with the museum's campus structures, the MFAH includes Cullen Sculpture Garden, 18 acres of public gardens, and two historic house museums in the River Oaks neighborhood: Bayou Bend and Rienzi. Traveling exhibitions bolster the museum's own 51,000 works. Cafe on premises.

LA PORTE. This state historical park commemorates the place where Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836 when Gen. Sam Houston defeated Gen. Santa Ana. The memorial column that distinguishes the site stands 15 feet taller than the Washington Monument and is crowned by an enormous star; a museum can also be found in the monument's base. At the top of the monument (elevator accessible), visitors can take in expansive views of the Houston Shipping Channel and the surrounding area. The Battleship Texas Memorial is also located on the grounds.