Things To Do
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
A world-class art museum (and the 12th largest in the world) is just steps away from the Hotel ZaZa. Enjoy an early spring stroll through the sculpture garden where Julie and Ross meandered on their third date. Or head inside to explore over 80,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years of history.
Houston Zoo
Ranked as the third “must-visit” zoo in the US, spend some time with the animals before you become a party animal at our reception! The Zoo is walking distance from Hotel ZaZa.
Hermann Park
Hermann Park is a 445 acre urban park just steps away from Hotel ZaZa. Check out the beautiful Centennial Gardens and the Japanese Garden (both of which Julie and Ross visited on their third date). Paddle boat on the lake, ride the Hermann Park Railroad, or feed the ducks.
Houston Museum of Natural Science
Check out the bling in the Hall of Gems, fly away at the Butterfly Center, stargaze at the planetarium, and see lots of other great exhibits, just a short walk away from Hotel ZaZa.
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston
For the modern art buffs, stop by CAM—admission is free, and the museum is a 6-minute walk from Hotel ZaZa.
Rice University Trail
Walking distance from Hotel ZaZa, pick up the Rice University Trail, a three mile loop around the campus through one of Houston’s most beautiful neighborhoods. The azaleas will be in bloom in early March and the trail is shaded by a canopy of mature oak trees. The trail is a favorite activity of Julie, Ross, and most especially, Oliver the Dog!
Rice Village
Shops, restaurants, and more! Stroll to Hamsa for amazing Israeli food and to the sister bakery next door, Badolina, for a sweet treat (try the coffee granita and basque cheesecake!!) after a walk on the Rice Trail. Visit Love & Make, a DIY workshop, to design your own candles (a favorite activity of Julie and Ross!). Sip on bubble tea. Go to the British Isles shop for goods from across the pond. Slurp on soup dumplings at Tiger Noodle House. The village has it all and is extremely close to Hotel ZaZa.
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
Houston may be the fourth largest (and most diverse!) city in America, but once a year, we get a little bit country. And lucky for you, that once a year (March 4-23, 2025) will be going on during our wedding weekend! Kick up your boots, grab your Stetson, and check out the Rodeo—featuring miles of food stalls, a carnival, lots of animals, nightly concerts from some of the world’s biggest artists, and more. (But beware of crowds!)
Space Center Houston
Houston is also fondly known as Space City! Go to infinity and beyond at Space Center Houston, with exhibit halls, simulators, and more out of this world activities to explore. (Please note Space Center Houston is about a 30-minute drive from Hotel ZaZa).
Houston Restaurant Scene
Houston was named one of the top five food cities in America by Travel & Leisure in 2023, and there’s a reason for that! Houston has every cuisine you can imagine, ranging from hole-in-the-wall spots to elevated fine dining. If you’re looking for some serious eats in between wedding events, feel free to contact Julie and Ross for recommendations!
Houston Botanic Garden
Stroll through beautiful gardens featuring plant life from near and far. Don’t miss the banana tree grove, the succulent garden, and the culinary garden.
Memorial Park
Houston’s largest urban park, talk a walk, a run, or rent a bike and ride through miles of oak tree-lined paths. The beautiful Eastern Glades area of the park is over 100 acres, and features a lake, wetlands, trails, and boardwalks—and it’s a great spot for a picnic!
POST Houston
A historic post office turned arts and culture hub in the middle of downtown Houston, POST is a great spot for a taste of local cuisine at the food hall or skyline views from Skylawn, the rooftop urban garden.
Houston Shopping
If you’re looking to shop til you drop in between wedding events, check out the following shopping centers: Galleria (classic mall), Uptown Park (high-end stores, boutiques, and restaurants), Highland Village (high-end stores and boutiques), River Oaks District (luxury shopping), Rice Village (see above).