car hire houston

guide to houston

One of the ten largest cities in the United States, Houston is a booming metropolis with something for every traveller. The discovery of oil in 1901 put Houston on the map, drawing people to the burgeoning city in droves. The advent of air-conditioning around the mid-20th century established humid Houston as a liveable location. Houston is known as Space City USA, and is home to America’s Space Program and Astronaut training centre. Many airlines fly direct to Houston from the UK. Houston is located on the Gulf Coast and is close to the border of Mexico and the State of Louisiana. Many people choose to take a hire car around the southern United States due to wealth of history to be found in this area.

Dominated by the Rio Grande and the Mexican border, Texas played a large part in the US Civil War and waged it’s own war of Independence from Mexico. The last stand of Davy Crocket and his companions at the Alamo has gone down in American history. It is still possible to visit the Alamo and it’s memorial. This is located a short drive away towards San Antonio. The Mexican influence can also be seen in the food of the region, especially in the Tex Mex specialities.

Nightlife seekers should head to Market Square, where many of the city’s popular bars are found. Houston’s performing arts scene is fantastic, and the symphony, ballet, opera, and Alley Theatre (its main theatre company) are all conveniently located in the theatre district downtown.

Many of the attractions to be found in Houston and Texas capture the spirit of the Wild West and the American frontier. Many famous western movies have been set in the state and many people from American folklore have ties to the southern part of Texas where Houston is located. Famous examples include Butch Cassidy, The Sundance Kid, Jesses James and Billy the Kid. Famous personalities of the region include Buddy Holly and Bonnie and Clyde. The memorial to Buddy Holly can be found in the city of Lubbock. Sports are very popular in Texas especially American Football and Baseball. The main sports teams include the Houston Texans, Texas Longhorns and The Houston Astros.

Houston’s metropolitan sprawl and humidity make (air-conditioned!) cars its most practical means of transportation when you’re on holiday. You can pick up a car at either of Houston’s two airports.