What to do in Houson, or IAH, for 8 hours in August?

[uppityperson]

I am flying through and have a 8 hour layover and have books, but wondering if there is anything nearby, or any advice. Thanks.

[Richardo]

1. #1: Stay indoors

Whew. August.

Unfortunately, there's nothing REALLY close by, besides the usual strip malls and hotels. But if you've got 8 hours, you could get to a few places in town and back. Are you in on a weekday, or weekend? That makes a big difference traffic-wise.

[uppityperson]

2. Tues from early morning, coming in on red-eye, 'til early afternoon

I figured staying inside as I am not that good in really hot weather. Yay for freq flyer tickets but bah for long connections with them. Dang, was hoping some fun space museum next door, but figured if like most airports would be pretty boring.

Note to self, bring water bottle to refill.

[TBF]

3. San Jacinco monument

You might be able to rent a small car right at the airport and drive to the San Jacinto Monument - it is on that side of town. Traffic should be going opposite of you for the most part. If you had breakfast and left the airport at 8:30 I bet you'd get there around 9:00.

Here's the link: http://gotexas.about.com/od/landmarksandhistoricsite/a/SanJac.htm

Located just a short distance outside of Houston, the San Jacinto Battlefield is one of Texas’ most significant, yet least recognizable historic sites. The Battle of San Jacinto, which took place on April 21, 1836, won Texas its independence from Mexico. The Texan Army, commanded by Gen. Sam Houston, captured General Santa Anna – Mexico’s dictator and leader of the Mexican troops. However, rather than execute the captured leader, the Texans allowed him to return to Mexico after he promised to lobby the Mexican government to recognize Texas as a sovereign nation.

Be sure to bring that water bottle along!

[Richardo]

4. Also in that same park is the battleship USS Texas (at top of photo)

Pretty interesting place.



It IS more than 40 miles from the airport - it will take at least an hour to get there.

[TBF]

5. I didn't know how far -

just guessing from the map (I am down south further in Pearland). My husband took the kids to see the USS Texas once and they were very impressed.

[ceile]

6. It is very cool, but it's on the other side of town.

It takes 45 minutes from downtown- add another 30 from the airport....that's a lot of driving for an out of towner. But that said- there's nothing near the airport anyways!

[ceile]

7. Well, it's in the deep suburbs...

Hmmm...if you did want to rent a car, you could try Old Town Spring (shoot, you could probably find a bus route too)
http://www.oldtownspring.com/index.htm
It's cute in a kitchy sort of way. And it's off the Hardy Toll Road and IH-45 which are main highways. That's all I can think of that far north Houston...