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City Cast Houston

What isn't there to love about Houston? Whether we're admiring our beautiful diversity, eating at another delicious restaurant, jamming to new music from a Houston artist, exploring our wonderful parks, there is SO much to love about this city.  

So, that's why in honor of our legendary 713 phone number, we (the City Cast Houston team, our podcast guests, readers, and listeners) have compiled a list of 713 things we love about Houston. We hope this list makes you smile, helps you remember the memories you've made in Houston, and inspires you to try something new. 

Seeing the Be Someone graffiti as you drive into downtown

Trail riders going along Allen Parkway and downtown

When your power comes back on after a storm

All of our tire shops and that flats get fixed ASAP

Brays Bayou (as long as it doesn't overflow)

Going to Bun B's Takeover at the Houston Rodeo

The summer rain shower that breaks the heat

Picking up Houston Chronicle’s Sunday paper	

Hearing Houston Public Media in your Uber

Snapping a photo on POST Houston's rooftop

You can wear summer clothes in the winter

The way we band together after disasters		

40 and under night at Houston Grand Opera

Bringing a cocktail into the theater while you watch a show at Hobby Center

Adult skate night at Dairy Ashford Roller Rink

Escaping Houston and getting to the Seawall in Galveston

Movies on the roof at Rooftop Cinema Club

When all the Houston sports team are winning

Walking through downtown when it's decorated for Christmas	

Drinking glass of wine at Postino's patio in The Heights	

Getting Trill Burgers at the Houston Rodeo

Sunset in Buffalo Bayou Park with Downtown Houston as backdrop

Spring day on a patio denying the summer heat that will roll in soon enough

Collecting shells along the beach in Galveston

713 Things We Love About Houston

Find the best of everything that Houston has to offer.

Houston’s Best

Houston's Best

Ready or not, it’s officially hurricane season! Whether you’re new to Houston or have hunkered down through previous storms, I’m sharing tips that will help you prepare for hurricane season. Let’s get to it!

Hurricane season begins on June 1 and lasts all the way until Nov. 30. The peak season for the Texas coast 

usually falls between August and September

. It’s time to start preparing now because the storm season can be unpredictable. For example, last year, Houstonians experienced Hurricane Beryl on July 8. It was the 

earliest time on record for a Category 5 hurricane

 to develop in the Atlantic. By the time it made landfall near Houston, it had weakened to a Category 1. But as Matt Lanza with Space City Weather recently told City Cast Houston, one big lesson from Beryl is that “there is no such thing as 

 a Category 1.” Beryl knocked out power for over 2 million people and caused billions in damage.

Throughout the summer, you may hear that Houston has been issued a tropical storm warning. What is the 

difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane

? Primarily, their wind speed. A hurricane needs a couple of ingredients to begin to form: warm ocean water and moist, humid air. As the storm strengthens, it can go through different stages. It can start as a tropical disturbance and then strengthen to a tropical storm if wind speeds reach between 39 to 73 miles per hour. Once wind speeds reach 74 miles per hour or higher, then we have a hurricane on our hands. Still, a tropical storm can still wreak havoc, like 

Tropical Storm Allison that dumped over 30 inches

Check out this checklist from Harris County on 

what to do before, during, and after the storm

. Some key items to take care of right away:

Check in with your elderly loved ones and neighbors 

Think about your power outage plan. Make sure you have what you need if you lose power for days.

Stock up on water and non-perishable items now.

Have more questions? Check out our full conversation with Space City Weather’s Matt Lanza on 

How should you prepare for hurricane season in Houston in 2025? 

What To Know About  Hurricane Season 2025 in Houston

What To Know About Houston's Hurricane Season

What Houstonians have been wondering. We break down why things in Houston are the way they are and how they work.

Houston, Explained

As you woke up on Tuesday morning, did you find yourself asking, “What’s all this white stuff?!” Well, I did. In Montrose, I woke up to snow-covered rooftops, and as my cat Shadow looked out the window, she seemed to wonder the same question. I enjoyed walking around my neighborhood, admiring the snow on the trees and the hush that fell on our normally bustling streets. I never thought I would see a snowman built in my neighborhood, but my neighbors were building one as I came home from my walk ⛄

In Houston, we rarely get a snow day, and even if it does snow, it’s usually barely an inch. We’ve only seen 

more than an inch of snow on a single day nine times in the last 129 years

! Our last winter freeze fell on Feb. 15, 2021, and it wreaked havoc on the city, leaving millions without power. However, on this beautiful snow day, the Texas power grid managed to maintain power for the majority of Houstonians, letting us all breathe out a collective sigh of relief.

Houstonians celebrated our snow day in very Houston fashion. Some made snowmen, including

 one dressed in boots ready for Rodeo Houston

, and another donned Astros gear. And even though we don’t have any mountains in Houston, a family found a way to 

ski on the top of a parking garage in Bellaire

. Others found the hill at Hermann Park perfect for 

video went viral of someone skiing near the beach

Houstonians know how to enjoy a snow day, because we know that we’re probably not getting another one for a long time 😉

Only in H-Town is a new occasional series on Wednesdays in Hey Houston, where we highlight the quirky, insightful, entertaining, and inspiring stories, places and people that can only come out of the city we call home.

Snow day in Houston 

How did you celebrate the snow day?

How did Houstonians celebrate our historic snow day? 

A Historic Snow Day 2025 in Houston

Only in H-Town: A Historic Snow Day 

We could all use a bit of “vitamin sea.” So, whether you’re overdue for a splash or are looking for a new spot, these are some of our favorite beaches around Houston.

, this is a no-brainer. There are 32 miles of coastline along the Gulf of Mexico and it’s just around an hour-drive away from Houston. Stewart Beach makes for a great family outing, with plenty of amenities nearby and a no-alcohol policy. Plus, you can bring your dog!

. Maybe it’s my ADHD, but my ideal beach day includes more than laying in the sand — there’s birding, biking, and paddle boarding.

 Stewart Beach $15, Galveston Island State Park $5.

Nestled near the historic Fort Velazco just over an hour away from Houston, this is beach bum paradise. The deep waters make Surfside Beach a great place for water sports and the village is full of restaurants and nightlife, so there’s plenty to do. Plus, the 

 is a beautiful spot for weddings and events.

Grab a coffee or natural energy drink from 

If a clean swimming beach is more your speed, this is the only one in Texas with a Blue Wave Beach certification, which means it follows a set of guidelines for protecting beach goers and the environment.

 Free to pedestrians and cyclists. Parking passes available for $10 per day or $40 for a year.

The perfect beach weekend is just five hours and some extra planning away. There’s a beautiful coastline, water sports, an adventure park, a dolphin watch, and so much more. Did I mention you can 

 Start a dance party with Rigo Tovar’s “

,” named after the nearby Mexican town.

More Houston Summer Ideas

The Best Beaches Around Houston, Texas

I love traipsing the neighborhoods around Rice University. The area, which sits near the city’s Museum District, is known for the tall live oaks that line many of its streets, and is quiet enough to make you forget you’re near the center of a big city. Besides a 

, you’ll find enough restaurants, bars, and shops to make your head spin. Here’s what to look for.

You can’t make a trip to this area without journeying through Rice Village, a walkable shopping area. Grab a glass of wine and sit on the patio at 

On most days, you can see people biking, running or walking 

the shady trail that loops around Rice University

. Try it out if you’re looking for some peace and quiet amid all the city noise. While you're there, take in the majestic Rice University campus. Stop by the must-see 

 which displays beautiful light sequences at sunrise and sunset.

Relax and unwind with an adult beverage at one of these neighborhood spots: 

. Where should you head first? My favorite is, of course, Under the Volcano because of its moody lighting, eclectic decorations, and all the memories I made there during my 20s at celebrations or after-work happy hours.

Planning a sunrise or sunset visit to the James Turrell Skyspace? Here’s a 

behind-the-scenes look at the one-of-a-kind space

Here are the best restaurants, shops, hidden gems, and other spots to explore around Rice University. 

The Best Spots To Explore Around Rice University

Everything to know about Houston neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Houston Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Is this your first time enjoying a Houston summer? Bad news: It’s only going to get hotter. Good news: There are tons of ways for you to live it up this summer despite the triple-digit temperatures. Enjoy this Houston summer bucket list I’ve compiled with the help of some Hey Houston readers -- perfect for Htown newbies and veterans.

free ferry ride from Galveston to Bolivar Peninsula

? City Cast Houston Host Raheel Ramzanli used to do this as a kid every summer. Enjoy the beautiful view of the water, spot dolphins, shrimp boats, and feed the birds on your trip. Bolivar Peninsula is also home to 

, which is a nice escape from the crowds at the main beaches along Galveston’s Seawall.

It’s not officially a Houston summer, unless you’re cooling off with the city’s most famous margarita, The Original Ninfarita, on a hot summer day. You also can’t 

 without ordering their fajitas. ¡Buen provecho!

to break up your routine and expand your food palate. 

 at the Houston Museum of Natural Science since it reopened? It closed for maintenance earlier this year, but now it’s back with a new 

 alongside its collection of 1,500 butterflies.

San Leon, a small bayside town right between Kemah and Galveston, is perfect for a peaceful day trip. Grab some fresh Gulf Coast seafood and cocktails from 

, which sits right near the water. While you’re there, check out the oldest bar in the town, 

, known for cheap drinks and a great time.

 at Memorial Park. As you finish your walk, stop at the 

 as the sun sets and take in the breathtaking views of the park.

backstory on Memorial Park's major renovation

, which feature hiking trails, a butterfly house, and picnic areas. The arboretum and botanical gardens cover 250 acres and have 

the largest collection of native and cultivated plants in the area

, inlcluding rare daisies and orchid trees.

This former drinking water reservoir is one of Houston’s underground hidden gems. At t

learn about the history and architecture 

of the 87,500-square-foot space or take in Rachel Rossin’s new media and sound installation, “Haha real.” What’s even cooler, a Houston author was 

inspired to write a book after visiting one of The Cistern’s light shows.

, a 12-acre lagoon in Texas City open to the public this summer. Pretend you’re on a tropical island as you kayak, swim, and paddle board in the crystal clear water. Mark your calendar for their 

 on Friday, July 26, featuring Doug E. Fresh, Donnell Jones, and Case.

How can you enjoy a Houston summer despite the triple digit temperatures? I've compiled a bucket list of activities, so you can live it up this summer. 

Your Houston Summer Bucket List 

Earlier this month, severe thunderstorms and dangerous wind caused extensive damage and power outages across the Greater Houston area. Houstonians are used to severe weather, but many didn’t see this kind of storm coming. The unusual event on Thursday, May 16 was the result of a derecho, a rare type of severe thunderstorm. Let’s learn more!

 that can cause rapidly moving thunderstorms and produce similar damage to a tornado, according to the National Weather Service. The difference between a derecho and tornado is that it produces damage in a straight-line path. A derecho can form from bow echoes. Bow echoes can develop from a cluster of thunderstorms or a single strong storm. Dr. Gustavus Hinrichs, a professor at the University of Iowa, 

came up with the name “derecho” in 1888,

 which means “straight ahead” in Spanish.

A heat dome in Mexico is one of the factors 

that led to the derecho forming in Houston.

 The high atmospheric pressure in Mexico has continued for weeks, causing sweltering temperatures across Central America, south Texas, and southern Florida. Severe thunderstorms and an unstable atmosphere began to occur over the south-central United States as air from the northern edge of the heat dome collided with cooler, drier air. After the derecho hit Houston, it continued to 

cause wind damage stretching more than 1,000 miles

 all the way to Cape Canaveral, Florida. Eight deaths occurred in the Houston-area and nearly one million people lost power. 

 in Waller County and near Cypress with 100 mph winds. This is how Houston’s 

widespread power outages looked from space.

The derecho event in Houston was only the fifth to occur in Texas within the last 40 years. However, about 70% of derecho events usually happen between May and August, according to the National Weather Service. Before Houston’s big storm event, the most recent derecho occurred from just west of Missouri through West Virginia in early April.

So, where were you during the derecho? Did you lose power and or notice how quickly the skies darkened? 

I want your stories for an upcoming Houston Chatter.

how to prepare in case a tornado hits Houston.

Where were you during the derecho?

The unusual event on Thursday, May 16 was the result of a derecho, a rare type of severe thunderstorm.

How Did a Derecho Form In Houston?

If you keep driving north on I-45, you’ll find this not-so-secret oasis, 

 This master-planned community about 30 miles north of downtown first came to life in 1974. Since then, 118,000 people and 2,100 businesses now make up the community. This suburb also has tons of places to eat, shop, walk, and bike. I mean, 151 parks all in one place?! Let’s explore!

 remains an unparalleled place to listen to live music outdoors. During my freshman year of high school, I watched Gwen Stefani perform live at the Pavillion — my first concert! It was truly B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Another place, where, yes, you will spend your entire paycheck, is the ginormous 

, filled with more than 160 shops. It’s a great place to get lost. You’ll also want to stop by 

 at Grogan’s Mill on Saturdays. Sign-up 

 to learn which vendors you’ll find each week. 

 for a taste of the Big Easy. For fans of seafood, especially those who aren’t close to the Houston location, try out 

Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood & Crab.

, a family-owned Greek restaurant, to your list. For other essential places for a bite, read this 

There are tons of parks to hike, bike, and walk in around The Woodlands. Fun fact: Every house in this community is located 

 of a park, pathway, or open space. Explore the sprawling 1,800-acre 

, an outdoor adventure aerial course. If you’re looking for a water adventure, try the 

 or Lake Edges Boat House for kayaks, paddle boards, and water bikes. 

The Woodlands, about 30 miles north of downtown, first came to life in 1974.

Why You Should Visit The Woodlands This Spring 

Why You Should Visit The Woodlands

It’s January and maybe — let’s cross our fingers — it will get cold again. But we don’t need freezing weather to ice skate: Both indoors and outside, Houston has some great rinks. Hot chocolate is optional.

iconic ice rinks in the city is the focal point of The Galleria

. It’s open year-round to the public and also offers ice skating lessons. You can still skate around that magnificent Christmas tree before they take it down on Jan. 10.

Discovery Green’s outdoor ice-skating rink

, located downtown, is also magical. There’s something about gliding on the ice and gazing up at all the downtown buildings lit up around you. It’s only open until Jan. 29, so hurry. On Mondays, you can skate for $8. The Rink was City Cast Houston’s AK Al-Moumen choice for the best spot to experience joy this month in 

, and you don’t have to fight Galleria traffic to get to it. Located inside the mall on the west side of town, it also offers skating lessons, hockey lessons, and birthday parties.

This is the last Saturday to check out the holiday extravaganza 

Festival of Lights at Galveston’s Moody Gardens

 and access the outdoor ice rink. Don’t miss your chance!

🎧 And more fun January activities!

Where in Houston to Ice Skate this January

We love a fresh start! To help you get the most out of this energizing time of year, the City Cast Houston podcast has put together 

! From fitness adventures to indulgent eats, the team has picked their must-do things around H-Town to jump-start your best 2024 ever. Here are a few of their suggestions:

🧑‍🎨 If you want to add more arts and culture to your 2024:

Host Raheel Ramzanali is planning to check out the 

From fitness adventures to indulgent eats, the City Cast Houston team picked their must-do things around H-Town to jump-start your best 2024 ever. Check out their suggestions.

outdoor activities

713 Things We Love About Houston

What To Know About Houston's Hurricane Season

Only in H-Town: A Historic Snow Day

Latest articles

713 Things We Love About Houston

What To Know About Houston's Hurricane Season

Only in H-Town: A Historic Snow Day

The Best Beaches Around Houston, Texas

The Best Spots To Explore Around Rice University

Your Houston Summer Bucket List

How Did a Derecho Form In Houston?

Latest articles

The Best Beaches Around Houston, Texas

The Best Spots To Explore Around Rice University

Your Houston Summer Bucket List

How Did a Derecho Form In Houston?

Why You Should Visit The Woodlands

Where in Houston to Ice Skate this January

The Best January Activities in Houston