Car rental Houston George Bush International Airport (IAH)

Houston’s wide and sunny streets are laid out in big grids, making it an easy city to navigate. A network of highways connect the suburbs and flow out into the rust-coloured Texan wilds.

Take Interstate 69 out of the airport to reach the bustle central Houston, or merge on to Interstate 10 before using the Gulf Freeway to swing into the central Theater District. This neighborhood backs into Downtown, where you’ll find thriving business headquarters and major attractions, including theatres and the Downtown Aquarium.

Navigate west to explore various parks and green spaces surrounding the Buffalo Bayou. At the end of this snakelike river lies Memorial Park and the Uptown neighbourhood – Houston’s primary retail district.

Interstate 610 is a convenient orbital highway connecting Uptown with important attractions outside the centre of the city. Head south to see the lively NRG Stadium, which hosts numerous sports, including soccer, American football and even the rodeo.

If you plan to venture further afield, there is no shortage of impressive scenery in rural Texas. There are rusty cliff faces, impressive waterfalls and, of course, the glorious Gulf of Mexico coastline.

Take Interstate 45 south from Houston to the coast surrounding Galveston Bay. Interstate 10 is the primary coastal freeway, stretching west towards San Antonio and Corpus Christi. In the east, this highway stretches through Beaumont and Lafayette towards New Orleans.

Inland adventures are also packed with treasures and the northbound stretch of Interstate 45 weaves through arid plains and thick forests.

The maximum speed limit is usually 70mph (112km/h) in Texas, but sometimes increases to 85mph (136km/h). Keep an eye out for speed limits on signposts, and be mindful that it drops significantly when driving through urban or residential areas.

When in Houston, take care to yield to road users on your right and drivers on the through street at T intersections.

From the sky-high charm of central Houston to the honky-tonk bars dotted along Texan highways, the Lone Star State is a unique place to spend anything from a lively weekend to a long vacation.

Whether you’re planning relaxing family travels or the road trip of a lifetime, Houston George Bush International Airport is the ideal gateway one of the most beautiful parts of the US.

Explore Texan coastal gems

Houston is in southern Texas, so charming coastal towns are never far away. Experience the best of both worlds when you venture from the lively city sights to beachside relaxation.

Galveston is the closest seaside resort, where you’ll find rolling beaches, a traditional pleasure pier and an eight-square-kilometre acre state park. Take the whole family to see old-fashioned games, rides and amusements, then relax in the sunshine and soak up southern rays.

Corpus Christi is another thriving coastal city, located further south-west along the shores of Texas. This city is known for its sheltered beaches and is home to the Texas State Aquarium. This intriguing center houses species as diverse as flamingos and horn sharks. There are plenty of interactive exhibits, making it a great place to take the whole family.

See otherworldly attractions

Houston has a galaxy of space-themed attractions, including NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the Space Center Houston. At every turn, intergalactic treasures are waiting to be uncovered.

Step aboard replica rockets and learn about the historic Mission Control Center and Neil Armstrong’s breakthrough ascent to the moon in 1969, as well as the exciting frontiers of 21st-century space science. The Space Center Houston also has an out-of-this-world Destiny Theater where you can watch high-quality movies about the history of NASA.

The Johnson Space Center is a leading research facility – ideal for dedicated fans of the great beyond. This venue hosts exhibits and welcomes speakers at the cutting edge of space research. There is a small rocket park and you can take a tram tour of the grounds to find out more about current operations.

The Independence Space Shuttle is a must-see exhibit, alongside the breathtaking Starship Gallery and Moon Vault. Here you can touch genuine moon rock that is out of this world.

Whether you’re an aeronautics devotee or simply a fan of Apollo 13, there are few better places to experience space-themed tourism.

Delve into the museum district

The central attractions are not confined to the ethereal – Houston has museums spanning every topic from the Holocaust to Contemporary Arts. There is even a Children’s Museum to enrich the younger members of your party.

Head south from Downtown and Midtown to emerge in a hub of exciting attractions. Houston Zoo is set in a sprawling park, with the Museum of Natural Science located just next door.

Museum Park is packed with surprises, so you can soak up knowledge from every continent within a few small blocks of Houston.

Rodeo and Southern Hospitality

The southern United States is known for its unique values, customs and flaming cuisine. In the sprawling Texan landscape, you can say howdy to unique cultural experiences.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo runs each year during February and March, offering a unique window into US culture. Eat hot dogs, head to the carnival and learn about the cultural importance of ranching and rodeo. There are even music concerts and special themed events to enjoy.

From experiencing your first authentic rodeo to visiting space centers, renting a car from Houston George Bush International Airport is your gateway into the wonders of Texas.