South Central Houston Travel Guide
Houston
Visit South Central Houston
Popular places to visit
Rice University
Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Rice University during your travels in Houston. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theatre scene.
Houston Zoo
Feed a giraffe, catch a 4-D movie or cool off in the water park at this extraordinary zoo.
University of Houston
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of University of Houston during your travels in Houston. Experience the great live music and acclaimed art galleries in this vibrant area.
Houston Methodist Hospital
If Houston Methodist Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Houston.
Houston Natural Science Museum
You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Houston Natural Science Museum during your trip to Houston. Experience the area's entertainment choices and great live music.
Houston Museum of Fine Arts
Architecturally stunning and filled with pieces by renowned artists of the world, this museum is a must-see for art lovers.
Things to do
NASA's Space Center Admission Plus Houston City Tour
Houston's Official City & Mural Tour!
Houston: Houston Botanic Garden Entry Ticket
Astroville Tunnel Tour of Downtown Houston (Air-Conditioned)
Houston: Children's Museum Houston Entry Ticket
Top hotels in South Central Houston
Hotel Zaza Houston Museum District
Thoughtfully designed property with perks like complimentary shuttle to/from the hotel in 3 mile radius, proximity to great museums, and little amenities like chocolates or prosecco in the room for Valentine’s Day. :)
Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026
Downtowner Inns - Houston Downtown
Good
Reviewed on 14 Feb 2026
Hilton Houston Plaza/Medical Center
Clean, comfortable rooms. Very convenient location for access to MD Anderson.
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026
The Westin Houston Medical Center/Museum District
Everything above!
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026
InterContinental Houston by IHG
Nice stay
Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Houston Medical Center Hotel & Suites
Helpful staff
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around South Central Houston
Greater Third Ward
If you're spending time in Greater Third Ward, check out sights like Carl Lewis International Track and Field Complex or Fertitta Center and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Elgin/Third Ward Station or TSU/UH Athletics District Station.
Midtown
Midtown is well liked for its restaurants and live music. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Houston Fire Museum and Midtown Arts and Theater Center Houston are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at McGowen Station or Ensemble/HCC Station to get around.
East Downtown Houston
The restaurants and live music are just a few things visitors like about East Downtown Houston. Shell Energy Stadium and Giant Beatles Statues are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Leeland/Third Ward Station or EaDo/Stadium Station to get around the larger area.
Museum District
Known for its abundant dining options and interesting museums, there's plenty to explore in Museum District. Top attractions like Children's Museum of Houston and Houston Natural Science Museum are major draws, and you can catch the metro at Museum District Station or Hermann Park/Rice U Station to see more of the city.
Houston Central Business District
If you're spending time in Houston Central Business District, check out sights like Toyota Center or House of Blues Houston and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Bell Station or Downtown Transit Center Station.
Houston Convention District
If you're looking for things to see and do in Houston Convention District, ample dining options and great live music are highlights. You might also check out Kinder Lake while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Convention District Station to get around town.
