Houston Warrior Trip

As a working professional based in the US, I embarked on a weekend sprint from ATL to Houston for David Tao’s concert—packing a fun, jam-packed 3-day, 2-night itinerary that hit all the right notes 🎶. Houston is a sprawling city, so renting a car is an absolute must! 🚗 We went with ALAMO, and the experience was top-notch all around. They had a huge selection of brand-new vehicles to choose from—if you opt for the cheapest tier, they’ll assign a car for you, but there’s a whole row of options if you upgrade. Best of all? No surprise fees when we returned the car 👍. 📅 Itinerary Breakdown Day 1: Park Strolls, BBQ Feasts & Concert Thrills 📍 Hermann Park 🌳This is the perfect spot for a daytime wander! The Japanese Garden inside is a total photo magnet—think tranquil ponds, traditional pavilions, and lush greenery that makes every snapshot look like a postcard. It’s also super close to the Houston Zoo; if you’ve got extra time, you can easily tick both off your list in one go. 🍖 The Pit RoomWhen in Texas, BBQ is non-negotiable—and this spot is a winner, right near the park with plenty of parking to boot. The meat is tender, flavorful, and incredibly budget-friendly, coming in at around $30 per person. Absolute perfection for refueling after a morning of exploring! 🍪 Tiny’s Milk and CookiesRun, don’t walk, for their chocolate croissants and chocolate chip cookies—they’re to die for! Their lattes are also chef’s kiss ☕, the ideal pick-me-up for a busy day. We kept the afternoon low-key to save energy for the concert, squeezing in a visit to The Galleria—Houston’s massive, iconic mall. Pro tip: The HeyTea is on the basement level—we wandered around for ages before finding it! The concert was held at the Smart Financial Centre—it’s a pretty intimate venue, but it was packed to the brim with fans. David Tao delivered a non-stop, 3-hour performance with zero filler—total professionalism at its finest 👏. It was easily the highlight of the trip! Day 2: Cozy Airbnb, Delicious Eats & Scenic Views We stayed at a friend’s Airbnb, and it was chef’s kiss 🏡—wake up to unobstructed views of a forest, plus it had a pool, coffee machine, and a fancy bathtub. Total luxury for a weekend getaway! 🥩 Xiao Shenyang RestaurantThis spot serves up amazing Chinese comfort food—their sweet and sour pork and braised pork ribs with long beans were so authentic, even our friends from Northeast China gave them two thumbs up 👍. 📍 Houston Museum of Fine ArtsA must-visit in Houston! It’s right next to the Museum of Natural Science, making it easy to pair the two. Here’s a hack: On the first weekend of every month, you can get free tickets with a Bank of America card 🎫. Don’t miss this chance to soak up some art without spending a dime! 📍 Eleanor Tinsley ParkThis park is magic at night—stunning skyline views that are perfect for photos, and we even stumbled upon a massive fireworks show 🎆! It felt like the universe was adding an extra dose of fun to our trip. Day 3: Brunch & Space Adventures 🍜 Afu RamenWe tried their famous yuzu ramen—and honestly, it was just okay, nothing to write home about. The restaurant’s ambiance is super nice, though, so it’s still worth a visit if you’re in the area. 📍 NASA Space Center Houston 🚀Do your research before you go! Pick out the tours you want to do in advance to plan your time wisely. The only paid tour is the Mission Control Tour, which lets you see the actual control room used during the US moon landings—100% worth the extra cash. All in all, you’ll need about 4–5 hours to experience all the tours and exhibits properly. Whether you’re a David Tao fan chasing a concert high or a traveler looking to explore Houston’s best spots, this 3-day itinerary has something for everyone. You’ll leave with full bellies, unforgettable memories, and a newfound love for this vibrant Texas city! #US #Texas #Houston