A sprawling patchwork of lively neighborhoods, Houston is the nation's fourth-largest city and a globally renowned energy center. With its impressive array of skyscrapers, parks, museums and shops, downtown Houston exudes both cosmopolitan vivacity and old-school Southern charm.
Long the city's business and government center, downtown Houston has slowly transformed into a thriving social and cultural hub as well. The city's renowned arts program is well represented by the Houston Grand Opera and the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Meanwhile, Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center -- homes of the Astros and the Rockets, respectively -- keep sports fans cheering.
Nestled near downtown Houston, the main drag of Montrose runs along Westheimer Boulevard. The hip, artsy district offers everything from antique stores and coffee shops to tattoo parlors and ethnic restaurants. Every June, the neighborhood plays host to the largest Gay Pride Parade in the American Southwest.
At the southern end of Montrose Boulevard you'll find a grassy traffic island adorned with a glorious fountain. This is the hub of the Museum District, one of Houston's most popular areas due to its wealth of key attractions. The Museum of Fine Arts, the Children's Museum, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and Hermann Park -- home of Houston's zoo -- all reside in this picturesque setting.
Houston's temperatures rarely exceed 100 degrees, but you can expect highs in the nineties for more than 25 percent of the year. The hottest month is July. Humidity stays high throughout the year, peaking during the summer. As you might expect, Houston skies are sunny most of the time.