| If you're looking for an ideal baseball road trip | | | | conventions and public events. |
| destination, Houston should be at or near the top | | | | The area around the ballpark is known as Union |
| of your list. Not only is there plenty to see and do | | | | Square. There are numerous entertainment |
| in and around the city, but Houston is easy to | | | | options available not only here, but minutes away |
| reach from just about anywhere. Let's explore | | | | in downtown Houston. Public transportation is |
| Houston, home of the Astros... | | | | available to the games and many restaurants |
| Houston: An Overview | | | | offer shuttles. |
| One of the best things about Houston is the ease | | | | Currently, the Astros are in a down cycle in |
| of travel to get there. No matter where you live | | | | terms of competitiveness, although in baseball |
| in the United States, there is more than likely a | | | | that can change from season to season. Tickets |
| direct flight available to Houston. | | | | are generally available on the day of games, but |
| The city itself is one of the largest metropolitan | | | | popular opponents do occasionally sell out, so it is |
| areas in the country, especially in terms of its | | | | best to plan ahead. You will never have to worry |
| footprint. If you plan to explore outlying areas, | | | | about a rain out though. Minute Maid Park has a |
| you will definitely need to rent a car. The | | | | retractable dome, so your comfort is assured. |
| downtown area is compact enough, with a light rail | | | | Houston Entertainment |
| system designed to get you from place to place. | | | | One neighborhood not to miss in Houston is the |
| Further, taxi service in the downtown area uses a | | | | Rice Village area. Owing its name to nearby Rice |
| flat fee system, a refreshing idea that eliminates | | | | University, this is the dining and entertainment |
| any budgetary surprises. | | | | center of the city. Lively and active both day and |
| If you plan to confine your activities to the | | | | night, Rice Village is brimming with shopping |
| downtown area and the ballpark, you can get by | | | | options and numerous dining choices. |
| without a car. But if your stay extends past two | | | | Two of our favorites are Little Woodrows and |
| or three days, you will want to explore a bit. | | | | Two Rows Restaurant, both located in the heart |
| Spring and fall are the best two seasons to visit. | | | | of this area. They are just steps away from |
| Because of its proximity to the Gulf Coast, | | | | most of the shops and are ideal for lunch or |
| Houston tends to be humid. Air conditioning is a | | | | dinner. A good choice with a sports theme |
| constant staple here, and although summer can | | | | downtown is the Front Porch Pub, which is popular |
| be sweltering, spring and autumn are often | | | | with the after work crowd. |
| delightful. | | | | If you have an extra day or two, coastal |
| Baseball In Houston | | | | Galveston is a popular destination less than an |
| Houstonians are proud of their Astros, a National | | | | hour away. Historic architecture and numerous |
| League franchise since the early 1960's. The | | | | seafood restaurants beckon, along with a beach |
| current ballpark, Minute Maid Park, is adjacent to | | | | and outdoors culture taking full advantage of |
| downtown and is one of major league baseball's | | | | warm Gulf waters. |
| most unique venues. Center field is wide and | | | | Summary |
| expansive, while the left field wall is an enticing | | | | Houston is an ideal baseball road trip destination, |
| 315 feet from home plate. | | | | particularly for a weekend. The city is easy to |
| The stadium sits right next to the city's football | | | | reach, and you can rely on safe public |
| venue, Reliant Stadium, and the Astrodome. The | | | | transportation if your visit is limited to downtown |
| Astrodome was home to the Astros from 1965 | | | | and surrounding neighborhoods. |
| through 1999 and is still used for various | | | | |