Houston/East Houston

Rough-and-tumble East Houston is the city's beating, industrial heart - along with William P. Hobby Airport, you'll find the Houston Ship Channel and working-class neighborhoods (as made famous by John Travolta in the film Urban Cowboy) in the shadow of the somewhat alien landscape of oil refineries that line the shores. On closer inspection, though, East Houston is not so easily defined - here is also rich Hispanic culture (and eats!), Houston's namesake university (with surprisingly good student-run hotel and restaurant!), and off-the-wall live theater (bring the kids!).

Get in

• 🌍 Hobby Airport. The smaller of Houston's two airports, dominated by discount carrier Southwest Airlines, and serving mostly domestic flights. Public transportation to the airport consists of several bus routes. (updated Jul 2017)

See

• 🌍 Battleship Texas and San Jacinto Battleground Monument (in San Jacinto State Park, Battleground Rd., La Porte (From IH-610 east, take SH-225 east for 11 miles to Battleground Road (SH-134), continue north approximately 2 miles. Turn right on Park Road 1836 for the Monument or continue on SH-134 another mile to reach the Battleship.)). Open every day (closed for major holidays), 10-5 (battleship), 8-6 (monument). San Jacinto Monument is free. Tour a World World II battleship. The monument commemorates the battle at which Texas won its independence from Mexico. Adults $5, Children (6-18) $3, Children (5 and under) free. Senior discounts.. 
• Linh Son Pagoda (in Santa Fe (Texas)). Has a 50ft/15m high brilliant white statue of the Buddha, North America's largest. 

Do

• The Orange Show, 2402 Munger St (IH-45 South (Gulf Freeway to SH-35 (Telephone Rd) exit), ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. 10AM-5PM Sa-Su. One-of-a-kind attraction dedicated to the eccentric, artistic and scientific. Features the Beer Can House and annual Art Car Parade. $1. 

Buy

Eat

• Chabuca's, 316 NASA-1, Webster, ☎ [phone], fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. South American style food and buffet served in a great atmosphere. 
• Frank's Grill, 4702 Telephone Rd, ☎ [phone]. One of the city's best places for a great breakfast on a budget. Texas size pancakes, a heaping plate of grits and the best bacon around. 
• Taqueria Del Sol, 8114 Park Place Blvd. Authentic Mexican food. 
• Tokyo Bowl, 2402 Bay Area Blvd, ☎ [phone]. Japanese fast food. $10. 

Drink

Sleep

Connect