The Alamo

The site of one of the most notorious battles in history has been remarkably preserved and is open to tourists. Visitors to the Alamo are able to stand in the very spot some of the famous Texas defenders stood during the historic siege of the Alamo.

Texas State Capitol

Of course, the Capitol itself is the main attraction. Completed in 1888, the Texas Capitol was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. In 1993, an extension to the Capitol was added on the north side. However, you won't see it when you approach the Capitol, as the extension was built underground so the original view of the Capitol would remain.

San Jacinto Monument and Museum

Most everyone is familiar with the story of the Alamo. And, certainly, everyone realizes Texas eventually revenged that loss and won its independence. However, few people can name the site of the decisive battle in the Texas Revolution.

Located just a short distance outside of Houston, the San Jacinto Battlefield is one of Texas’ most significant, yet least recognizable historic sites. The Battle of San Jacinto, which took place on April 21, 1836, won Texas its independence from Mexico. The Texan Army, commanded by Gen. Sam Houston, captured General Santa Anna – Mexico’s dictator and leader of the Mexican troops. However, rather than execute the captured leader, the Texans allowed him to return to Mexico after he promised to lobby the Mexican government to recognize Texas as a sovereign nation.

Moody Mansion in Galveston

W.L Moody Jr. bought the home from the heirs of the original owners soon after the great hurricane of 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Moody and their four children celebrated the first of more than eighty Christmas seasons in the house in December of that year. The house remained home for Moody family members until 1986. Today, its rooms are filled with the furnishings and personal affects of the family.
The philanthropic legacy of the Moody family of Galveston is carried on today by the Moody Foundation and the Mary Moody Northen Endowment. Both charitable foundations are major forces in health care, education, historic preservation, and the arts.  The Moody Foundation has developed spectacular Moody Gardens on the west end of the city.

Houston ZOO

Essentially a small city encompassing a world of ecosystems and experiences, the Houston Zoo is made up of many moving parts. We have over 4,500 permanent residents (our animals) for whom we provide housing, meals, medical care and, yes, even education! In addition, we have 1.5 million guests each year who come to experience our incredible variety of animals and ecosystems, as well as attend special private and public events and entertainment. Our dedicated staff works around the clock to ensure that the Zoo is always running smoothly for the safety and well being of our residents and guests.

Downtown Houston Aquarium

Downtown Aquarium is the product of redeveloping two Downtown Houston Landmarks-- Fire Station No. 1 and The Central Waterworks Building.  This magnificent six-acre entertainment and dining complex is a 500,000 gallon aquatic wonderland, home to over 200 species of aquatic life from around the globe.  With a full service restaurant, an upscale bar, a fully equipped ballroom, aquatic & geographic exhibits, shopping and a variety of amusements, Downtown Aquarium has it all!

Texas Prison Museum in Huntsville

Billboards along the city's highways invite motorists to pursue careers as guards. The city's Prison Driving Tour winds past every jail and the prison cemetery. But its first stop is north of town, on Hwy. 75, at the brand-new, 10,000 sq. ft. Texas Prison Museum (which moved and expanded from it storefront roost downtown in late 2002).

Sam Houston Memorial Museum

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum is located across the street from the University bearing the same name. It is more than just a museum about Sam Houston. It is a must see for any Texas, or history buff. The museum has exhibits in the traditional museum setting, artifacts from the Texas Revolution and state of the art interactive presentations that are easily interfaced for children and adults.

NASA

The general public is welcome to visit and tour many NASA installations. Some NASA Centers operate their own visitors centers, and others have contractual arrangements with private firms. Admission fees are charged at some sites. To check on hours, admission and tour availability, visit the Web pages.