If you want to go big for your bachelorette, you know what they say about Texas. While it’s certainly not rocket science, planning your final fling in the Space City–the fourth largest city in the U.S.–can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. To craft the ultimate Houston bachelorette party itinerary, we tapped a born-and-raised Houstonian and event expert to share her highlights.
Meet the Expert
Danielle Frias is a native Houstonian and founder of DFINE Events. With over a dozen years of experience in the event industry, Frias has combined her communications degree, passion for people, and creative flair to create stunning events in Texas and beyond.
Round up your girls and head to Houston for the perfect combination of international appeal and Southern charm, and if that’s not enough, it’s the hometown of Beyoncé–how could you go wrong following the footsteps of Queen B?
Why You’ll Love Houston
"I was born and raised in Houston and love everything about my city," Frias says. "Houston is such an exciting and vibrant city with so much to offer." Being the fourth largest city in the country, Frias says it offers a wide range of activities for any bachelorette group. "From shopping to live music, fine art, or tasty food and cocktails, there is plenty to stay busy all day!"
- Shopping: High-end malls, premium outlets, vintage hole-in-the-walls, bohemian markets, and more. No matter your personal style or budget, you won’t go home from here empty-handed.
- Food: Houston is arguably the hottest foodie destination in Texas. There’s barbeque, of course, but it's the city’s diversity, from upscale eateries to endless food trucks, that make it a culinary haven.
- Live entertainment: The options are endless when it comes to entertainment. Whether it's live music, a comedy show, performing arts, or a classic Texan rodeo you're hankering for, Houston will not disappoint.
The current outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. As the situation remains fluid, we’ll be sharing tips and stories from industry experts to give you of-the-moment advice and help you navigate wedding planning today. For the most up-to-date guidelines and latest on travel restrictions and requirements, check the CDC and U.S. Department of State websites.
Where to Stay in Houston
It's hard for Frias to select just one neighborhood, but she ultimately proclaims the Museum District the winner. "It's centrally located making it easy to call an Uber and get to any popular destination in less than 10 minutes," she explains. "The Rice Village shops, museums, as well as Hermann Park all lie within walking distance of each other. In the heart of the district lies one of Houston's most chic hotels, Hotel Zaza. It features luxurious rooms, on-site restaurants, as well as a spa making it the perfect bachelorette weekend hotel."
- Montrose: Just west of downtown Houston and around the block from the celebrated Museum District, this walkable neighborhood is one of Houston’s most dynamic places to stay thanks to its abundance of art galleries, quirky bars, and local boutiques. Stay at La Colombe D’Or, a high-end boutique hotel with its own art gallery, courtyard garden, and a rooftop pool with dramatic views of downtown Houston.
- Downtown Houston: This is where to stay if you want to be right in the heart of the action. C. Baldwin Hotel is the perfect place for a girl gang to celebrate thanks to its nod to "The Mother of Houston," Charlotte Baldwin Allen. The vintage-inspired lobby bar and on-site nail salon are major bachelorette-friendly perks.
- Uptown: For the uptown girls, the ultimate place to stay in Houston for a bachelorette celebration is the Forbes Five-Star Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston. The high-society hotel is home to a rooftop helipad for grand arrivals, a brand new wine bar with a $5-million cellar, and a 20,000-square-foot spa featuring the Uniquely Post Oak Spa Retreat–a day of pampering that includes personalized treatments, a private yoga class, and a nourishing lunch from the hotel’s cafe.
For groups looking for more of a slumber party vibe or a lakeside hideout, check out the vacation rental portfolios for sites like Vacasa, which feature cozy bungalows and spacious homes for you and your girls to crash after a day or night on the town.
Where to Eat in Houston
- Best Brunch Spots: Taste Kitchen + Bar brunch looks like elevated comfort food that includes an extensive chicken and waffles selection and handcrafted cocktails, topped off with a lively ambiance. And Toro Toro, located inside Four Seasons Hotel Houston, is the new Pan-Latin steakhouse by world-renowned celebrity chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval is one of the city's newest hotspots. The atmosphere is chic, fun, and sexy, with a menu of delectable dishes meant to be shared.
- Best Dinner Spots: Kâu Ba is the latest concept from celebrated Houston Chef Nikki Tran. The restaurant is an elevated take on the city’s signature Viet-Cajun cuisine featuring a cocktail menu with Vietnamese and French influences. Start here for dinner before a night out in the surrounding Montrose area’s lounges and bars. Make your reservations now at Nobu Houston. The world-renowned restaurant recognized for pioneering new-style Japanese cuisine is the ideal spot to enjoy good company in good spirits ahead of your special day. Lastly, if you’ve ever questioned "What exactly is Mediterranean food?" you’ll find the answer at March. The team at March has deeply researched the layers of cultures, languages, ideas, and skills that make up this regional cuisine and are presenting the flavors in a stunning reservation-only dining room. The entire experience will be unforgettable (and really, really Instagrammable too.).
What to Do in Houston
Daytime Activities
"Shopping in the Galleria and the Historic Heights District is a must," Frias says. She recommends The Galleria for more of a high-end shopping excursion and the Heights for a variety of more eclectic shops. Groups can spend an entire day at Post HTX, a space that is transforming into a one-of-a-kind urban ecosystem featuring one of the world’s largest rooftop parks; an organic urban farm; a concert venue, and an international food hall with local favorites and nationally acclaimed restaurants. Take a break from the shopping and soak up some local color at Seismique, a massive experiential museum boasting 40-plus unique galaxies (galleries) overflowing with dazzling displays of light, color, sound, and natural elements.
Nighttime Activities
"A bachelorette party wouldn't be complete without a classic night out on the town! Book a party bus and visit clubs/bars in the Montrose, Midtown, and Eado area," says Frias. "If you're looking at getting out of the hustle and bustle of the big city, drive a little South to Galveston and rent a quaint beach house." For a good time with a nostalgic nod, head to Cherry and dance the night away at one of their '80s and '90s themed parties. The retro bar is decked out in neon, wild prints, and has its very own unicorn-shaped disco ball. For a more laid-back time with an equally as playful atmosphere hit up the Truck Yard, a borderline dive bar that describes itself as a "playground for adults." The beer garden has a sprawling outdoor area with a carnival-style Ferris wheel, live music, and a rotation of local food trucks.
How to Get Around in Houston
Similar to most major cities, you can easily get car service from ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft. There’s also the METRORail option with service between downtown Houston and NRG Park, including the Museum District and two additional lines that connect the Theater District with PNC Stadium and destinations east of downtown. You can get a METRORail pass for $3 a day. If you want to arrive in style or leave in luxury, look into a semi-private flight from a company such as JSX; the Texas-based hop-on jet service has a robust intra-state network with flight service from Houston, Austin, and Dallas, as well as flights servicing locations such as Miami, Destin, and Las Vegas out of Dallas.
Houston Bachelorette Party Itinerary
Day One
Morning: Arrive, check-in, and refresh!
Afternoon: Decorate the suite or vacation rental for the guest of honor; surprise her with a big reveal and toast to the bride-to-be.
Evening: Catch up over cocktails at a nearby bar and come back to the hotel for a fun slumber party-style hangout or game night.
Day Two
Morning: Grab a quick bite for breakfast and make your way over to the Museum District to kick the day off with a bit of culture.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon shopping for your party ‘fits or take a day trip to Lake Conroe.
Evening: Go for a nice dinner, trendy cocktails, and lots of dancing in Montrose.
Day Three
Morning: Sleep in and then head out for a hair-of-the-dog boozy brunch.
Afternoon: Recover from the night before with a leisurely and refreshing spa day.
Evening: Indulge in an upscale dining experience for the last night of the trip.
Day Four
Morning: Get together for one last meal at a local restaurant or café, trade photos from the trip, and share your favorite memories.
Afternoon: Pack up, say your goodbyes, and head home!