George Bush Intercontinental Airport is just a 40-minute drive to the campus – drive along the I-69 to get to the South Central neighborhood. To get downtown, it's less than a 10-minute drive from the University of Houston, and a similar distance to the Museum District.
The Houston Zoo is often cited as one of the best in America. It's the second-most visited in the country and offers opportunities for amazing photos of rhinos, giraffes, reptiles, and more. The Houston Museum of Natural Science features an IMAX cinema and butterfly house.
Another iconic institution in Houston, the historic base of NASA's operations, is the Johnson Space Center. See iconic artifacts of space travel in its Starship Gallery, or take the NASA Tram Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at the work undertaken here.
Close to the university is the South Loop, where you'll find a fantastic selection of bars, restaurants, and shopping outlets. In particular, the Rice Village neighborhood has many places to eat, drink, and pick up souvenirs for your trip.