The video above captures a full day of exploring Houston — from iconic outdoor spots to a live music gig just north of the city. If you're looking for things to do in Houston that go beyond the usual downtown tourist loop, this is a solid starting point. David Bridwell hits up two of the city's most popular outdoor attractions before heading to Porter, Texas for a Friday night set at a local brewery.
What Are the Best Outdoor Attractions in Houston?
Two spots stand out in this video, and both are worth the trip. The first is the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park, located in the Galleria/Uptown area right across from Williams Tower — a 64-story skyscraper and the tallest building in Houston outside of downtown. The water wall itself is 64 feet tall with 11,000 gallons of water flowing per minute, and it's one of the most photographed spots in the city. It's the only waterfall in Houston, even if it is man-made, and it's genuinely striking to see tucked into such an urban setting. Just be aware that it closes seasonally for maintenance, so check before you go. There's a paid parking structure on-site, though some free parking exists nearby.
The second stop is the Memorial Park Land Bridge, a newer addition to Memorial Park — Houston's largest urban park at 1,500 acres, which is actually double the size of Central Park. The land bridge spans over Memorial Drive and connects the north and south sides of the park for both people and wildlife. It offers some great views of both the Uptown and downtown skylines. Memorial Park itself has plenty of trails for walking, hiking, and biking, and driving down I-10 past it is one of those moments where Houston suddenly looks like nothing but trees and green space instead of concrete.
Live Music Near Houston
After spending the day outdoors, David Bridwell headed just north of Houston to play a set at a brewery in Porter. Here's the venue featured in the video:
- Deca Beer Company — A brewery in Porter, Texas that serves house-brewed beer and fills growlers. It draws a loyal local crowd on weekends, and the atmosphere is laid-back with good food, outdoor space, and live music on Friday nights.
This was a third-time gig at Deca, and the Friday night crowd was in good spirits — good weather, cold beer, and that particular energy that comes with being in Astros country. If you're up for a short drive outside Houston proper, it's the kind of spot where you can settle in for the evening without any pretense.
For more videos covering live music, small towns, and day trips across Texas, check out the full library of content here on the site and over on YouTube.