Looking to get away with your best girlfriends? Houston, Texas is the perfect city to take your party on the road! Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, bachelorette party, or just enjoying a random trip together, there’s something special about making memories that last a lifetime with your girls. Pack your bags, set that “out of office” email, and hop a flight with your friends to this bustling cosmopolitan city where southern hospitality meets urban chic! Here’s the perfect guide to your next girl’s trip in Houston.
Day 1
Check In! Where to Stay in Houston
The best accommodations for a girls’ trip will have a common space to hang out, multiple mirrors, more than one bathroom – and if you’re lucky, it’s pretty Instagrammable too! While hotels are great, the options can be limited for a space with more than one bedroom. That’s why I recommend booking a house or luxury condo through AirBnb. There are so many options to choose from, but this spacious two bedroom suite from Rare Stays was perfect for getting ready together in the giant master bathroom, watching Tinder Swindler in the living room and snapping pics in the full-length mirror.
If that one doesn’t suit your group, here are a few others we nailed down on our pre-trip spreadsheet (planners over here!):
1️⃣ Luxe King Suite + Loft (Sleeps 8)
2️⃣ Spectacular Downtown View From Modern Luxury Loft (Sleeps 8)
3️⃣ Convenient Cozy Downtown Apartment (Sleeps 4)
Indulge in a Houston Delicacy at Turkey Leg Hut
Three words. Stuffed. Turkey. Legs. You absolutely need this in your life. The Turkey Leg Hut is a Black-owned business with the claim to fame of being the ORIGINATORS of The World Famous Stuffed Turkey Legs! Kick off your trip with a bang by filling up on turkey legs topped with shrimp alfredo, dirty rice, Cajun crawfish mac and cheese, or even glazed in Hennessey.
Sip Drinks and Get Cozy at Kamp Houston
After filling up on Turkey Legs, you’ll want to wash it down with delicious drinks! Head to Kamp Houston for specialty cocktails and shots, photo ops, and an “indoor + outdoor kamping experience.” The bar and restaurant features a cabin vibe complete with a cozy campfire and colorful murals. We loved their Apple Pie Shots and margaritas! If you’re feeling dangerous, try the “Giant Mosa” – a $200 monster drink containing five bottles of champagne, cranberry, orange, pineapple, sparkling water, and fresh fruit.
Day 2
Fuel Up With a Southern Brunch at Lucille’s
Start your day with a delicious brunch! Located in the heart of Houston’s Museum District, Lucille’s features modern takes on Southern favorites set in a 1930s vintage home. The eatery, opened in 2012 by two brothers, is a tribute to their great-grandmother, Lucille B. Smith, who was a successful entrepreneur who founded her own food corporation. The restaurant serves as a beacon of her culinary excellence, with the menu recreating her most famous recipes while introducing an innovative spin on other Southern dishes that celebrate her legacy. The Chicken & Waffles with Texas Pecan-Infused Syrup should not be missed!
Hot Tip: Be sure to book a reservation ahead of time
Shop, Skate, and Selfie at The Galleria
The Galleria is the LARGEST and most luxurious shopping mall in Texas, with over 375 retailers. Prepare to shop ’til you drop, from Chanel to Forever 21 and everything in between! While shopping is an experience in and of itself, you can lace up your skates and bust a move at Ice at the Galleria, an indoor rink by the main food court. If that’s not your speed, snap a selfie (or a hundred) at TFTI, the newest interactive selfie museum in Houston, which is located directly above the Apple Store. Explore over 15+ curated rooms for fun photos — including an Infinity Mirror Room, LOVE room, Peach Room, DJ Confetti Room and more. Bring your Polaroid camera as a bonus!
Stand in the Mist at Waterwall Park
Have you ever wondered what 11,000 gallons of cascading water per minute looks like? You don’t have to wonder anymore if you visit Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park. Perched beside canopies of live oak trees in the heart of downtown, the 64-foot-tall wall is an iconic Houston centerpiece and attraction. Stroll along the perimeter of this architectural wonder, hear the roar of the cascading water, and feel the gentle mist on your face. Don’t forget to snap some photos with your girls!
Fuel Your Inner Curiosity at Seismique Immersive Art Exhibit
Seismique is one of the best immersive art exhibits I’ve ever visited – and I’ve been to A LOT of them. Step inside for a mind-bending, otherworldly experience. From the moment you enter the exhibit, you’re enveloped in a sensory experience! The creative playground contains 40 “galaxies”(galleries) with murals, light displays, extra-terrestrial beings, artificial intelligence, natural elements, and more multidimensional features. Exercise your imagination and curiosity as you dive deeper in to the 40,000-square-foot space, discovering new rooms around hidden corners.
Eat Dinner With a Side of Vibes at KISS Houston
KISS Restaurant touts themselves as “Houston’s Original Vibe Dining Experience” – and for good reason! Elevated dining, Cajun flavors, and amazing music come together under the blue lights of this must-try establishment. If you’re looking for luxurious vibes with a dash of turn up, this is the place to be. The ambiance of the restaurant is beautiful, dark, and sexy – complete with a dress code of formal/business casual. Yet, you’ll still get a party vibe from the bumping music and fun DJ. Aside from the setting, the food and drinks are delicious! Be sure to try the Jerk Lamb Chops (pictured) because they’re cooked and seasoned to perfection.
Hot Tip: Be sure to make a reservation beforehand to guarantee your table!
Skyline Views and Drinks at 77 Degrees Rooftop Bar
77 Degrees takes cocktail hour to new heights with their modern, 3-story rooftop patio bar! This hot and trendy spot brings Caribbean cocktails and vacay vibes right to Midtown. On the first patio, you’ll find the perfect photo next to a large HTX sign that lights up in the night. The second floor up, you’ll feel like you’ve been teleported to Miami with their luxe cabanas, wispy plants, and wicker swinging chairs. Be sure to climb all the way up to the top to take a peek at the optimal views.
Important: After reading the reviews on Yelp, it has been highly suggested that 77 Degrees enforces a dress code that targets People of Color disproportionately. While my friends and I had no issues, it has been stated multiple times that POC have been turned away for wearing Air Jordans, Gucci, Nike, “camo jackets,” and other attire while they see non-POC patrons being admitted with the same attire. Please make an informed decision.
Take a Photo Stop at Wonder Bar
Remember that saying “like a kid in a candy store?” If there was an adult version, it’d probably include something about cocktails and Wonder Bar. At this selfie-museum-meets-watering-hole, you can drink and snap photos to your heart’s content. Neon signs, patterned walls, disco balls and more adorn the walls of this whimsical late night activity. Right now, they also have an Ice Bar installation serving shots from ice cups!
Important: After reading the reviews on Yelp, it has been highly suggested that Wonder Bar also enforces a dress code that targets People of Color disproportionately. While my friends and I had no issues, it has been stated multiple times that POC have been turned away for wearing Air Jordans, Gucci, Nike, and other attire while they see non-POC patrons being admitted with the same attire. Please make an informed decision.
Day 3
Hit the Old Town Road on Horseback at Cypress Trails Ranch
Saddle up and hit the dusty trail! Start the last day of your girls trip by escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. About 40 minutes north of Houston is Cypress Trails Ranch, located in a small town called Humble. Since we weren’t lucky enough to plan our trip during the huge annual Houston Rodeo, we got our fill of country culture with a leisurely one-hour trail ride through rural Texas. Not only were the horses beautiful and well-behaved, the guides were super patient and sweet also. I definitely recommend going – bonus points for a cute cowgirl outfit!
Feast on Mexican Favorites at Gloria’s Latin Cuisine
Salvadorian with a twist! Gloria’s Latin Cuisine serves up Latin favorites and award-winning margaritas in a casual-chic setting. The Carne Asada is cooked to perfection, along with the Spanish rice and pinto beans. Aside from the delicious food, the restaurant itself is just beautiful and the staff is attentive. We didn’t experience the nightlife, but apparently they have Latin bands and DJs in the evenings!
Explore POST Houston
A former post office turned food hall and rooftop sky lawn? What could be cooler!? POST Houston, located in Downtown, transforms the former Barbara Jordan Post Office into a hub for culture, food, workspace, and events. The massive restoration project is housed in a 550,000 square-foot building with a spiral staircase with mounted tubes of light at the center. Under the neon signs of various food stalls, you can find everything from Nashville Hot Chicken to tacos. Grab a seat at one of the tables in the communal areas and enjoy people watching, eating, and drinking your heart away. After, be sure to head to the roof for unforgettable views of the Houston Skyline (especially at sunset).
Follow the Flowers at BLOOM
BLOOM is one of the CUTEST spots in Houston! The expansive venue boasts an outdoor patio, indoor dancefloor, and upstairs lounge all adorned in floral décor. Aside from the aesthetic, this is the place to be if you love fun cocktails! Whether you want to sip out of a mini ceramic bathtub with rubber duckies, a lightbulb, or an adult Capri-Sun pouch – you’ll find something that’ll make you say “really!?” I fully recommend ordering the Watermelon Duckface and Bright Idea. Both were delicious. We visited during the day and it was empty, but it turns into a bustling club in the evenings. Be sure to snap a photo in front of the flower wall!
Enjoy Barbecue at The Pit Room
After a power nap from all those drinks (and a shower from those horses), put yourself into another food coma for dinner. Visiting Houston without sampling some of their famous BBQ would be a crime, after all! The Pit Room is a “Proudly Texan, distinctly Houstonian” eatery that’s making a name for itself. In fact, they’re even featured on Conde Nast Traveler. Like any good barbecue place, the meats are smoked slowly and packed with flavor. Don’t you dare miss the brisket! If you wanna get crazy, they also come in taco form with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and salsa roja. Fun Tip: You can also bring it back to the house and watch a movie in your pajamas before hitting the town at night!
Jam to a Throwback Song at Cherry
Start the night off back in the ’80s and ’90s at Cherry, a retro-themed bar with next-level décor. From the hovering disco ball unicorn to the giant canvasses of iconic artists, the vibes are immaculate! We were lucky enough to be let up to the VIP lounge with the DJ, and definitely recommend attempting to get up there because the floor is packed. The bartenders send up sparklers on a mini elevator – see if you can snag one! For the full experience, be sure to order one of their themed drinks, like the Raspberry Beret.
Lost & Found
End your final night in H-Town with some late night bites and drinks from Lost and Found in Midtown. With Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken, Shrimp and Crawfish Dip, and even Fried Lobster Bites – the Black-owned restaurant is serving up southern deliciousness! In terms of the space, the neon signs and giant zebra make the spot completely Instagrammable. The wait can get long, so it’s best to make a reservation – but you can also snag open seating at the bar. A perfect (and tasty) way to end the trip!
As you can see, Houston is filled to brim with good eats, photo ops, shopping, night life and more! No matter what your girl group is into, you’re bound to find it here. Let the party begin!
