If you’re looking for an ideal baseball road trip destination, Houston should be at or near the top of your list. Not only is there much to see and do in and around the city, but it’s easy to get to Houston from just about anywhere. Let’s explore Houston, home of the Astros…
Houston: An Overview
One of the best things about Houston is how easy it is to travel to get there. No matter where you live in the United States, there’s a good chance there’s a direct flight available to Houston.
The city itself is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country, especially in terms of its footprint. If you plan to explore the outlying areas, you will definitely need to rent a car. The city center is compact enough, with a light rail system designed to get you from one place to another. Also, taxi service in the city center uses a flat-rate system, a refreshing idea that eliminates budget surprises.
If you plan to limit your activities to downtown and the ballpark, you can get by without a car. But if your stay extends beyond two or three days, you’ll want to do some exploring.
Spring and fall are the two best seasons to visit. Due to its proximity to the Gulf Coast, Houston tends to be humid. Air conditioning is a constant staple here, and while summer can be sweltering, spring and fall are usually delightful.
baseball in houston
Houstonians are proud of their Astros, a National League franchise since the early 1960s. The current ballpark, Minute Maid Park, sits adjacent to downtown and is one of the most unique places of major league baseball. Center field is wide and expansive, while the left field wall is 315 feet from home plate.
The stadium is located right next to the city’s soccer venue, Reliant Stadium, and the Astrodome. The Astrodome was the home of the Astros from 1965 to 1999 and is still used for various conventions and public events.
The area around the ballpark is known as Union Square. There are numerous entertainment options available not only here, but also minutes away in downtown Houston. Public transportation is available for the games, and many restaurants offer shuttle services.
Currently, the Astros are in a downward cycle in terms of competitiveness, although in baseball that can change from season to season. Tickets are usually available on game day, but popular opponents occasionally sell out, so it’s best to plan ahead. However, you never have to worry about rain. Minute Maid Park has a retractable dome, so your comfort is assured.
houston entertainment
A neighborhood not to be missed in Houston is the Rice Village area. Due to its name from nearby Rice University, this is the city’s dining and entertainment hub. Lively and active both day and night, Rice Village is packed with shopping options and numerous dining options.
Two of our favorites are Little Woodrows and Two Rows Restaurant, both located in the heart of this area. They are just a few steps from most shops and are ideal for lunch or dinner. A good option with a sports theme downtown is Front Porch Pub, which is popular with the after-work crowd.
If you have an extra day or two, the Galveston coast is a popular destination less than an hour away. Historic architecture and numerous seafood restaurants beckon, along with a beach and outdoor culture that makes the most of the warm gulf waters.
Resume
Houston is an ideal destination for baseball road trips, especially for a weekend. The city is easy to get to and you can rely on safe public transportation if your visit is limited to the center and surrounding neighborhoods.