Pre-Cruise Stay in Houston - Astros Game & NASA

[PSU_Redhead]

Hey everyone - 

We are cruising out of Galveston (my two boys, ages 9 and 10, and myself) in August and I'm planning to fly in 1-2 days early and stay in Houston. We will arrange for transportation to Galveston the morning of our departure. While in Houston, I'd like to take my boys to see the NASA Space Center and maybe catch an Astros game (they are at home - I already checked!). I'd prefer not to rent a car and instead utilize airport shuttles (if available) and Uber/Lyft. Where would be the best place to stay in Houston knowing what we plan to see while there? Any specific hotel recommendations would be welcomed! Thank you 🙂 

 

Also! For those who have been to the NASA center...how long does it typically take to get through it?

[Texas Tillie]

Minute Maid is downtown. NASA is about half way to Galveston from the downtown area. Are you flying into Hobby or Bush? Hobby (basically Southwest Airlines) is about half way between downtown and NASA. Bush is far north and far from all that (closer to downtown). So, with info on the airport, we can help plot out your best options.

[PSU_Redhead]

30 minutes ago, Texas Tillie said:

Minute Maid is downtown. NASA is about half way to Galveston from the downtown area. Are you flying into Hobby or Bush? Hobby (basically Southwest Airlines) is about half way between downtown and NASA. Bush is far north and far from all that (closer to downtown). So, with info on the airport, we can help plot out your best options.

I actually haven't booked my airfare yet because I was trying to solidify a few other plans. However, it's looking to me like maybe Hobby is my best option (price-wise and for a location closer to Galveston). I have my Southwest gift cards in hand and hope to book the airfare by the end of day today 🙂 I'm trying to fit in as much research and read as many messages on this board today to figure it all out! LOL

[Rudyard]

If you want to see an Astros game and plan to stay downtown, I recommend the Hilton Americas. It's just on the other side of Discovery Green from Minute Maid Park and within easy walking distance. I live local but have stayed there a few times over the years for various conventions and conferences. There's a Marriot that's closer but I have no experience with that hotel. 

Edited March 14, 2022 by Rudyard

[Texas Tillie]

Here's an idea as Houston is a car city as it is s..p..r..e..a..d out for miles and miles. On the day you fly in, stay downtown and go to the baseball game. The next morning, go down to the NASA area and check in a hotel near the Space Center. The morning after that the trip to Galveston will be shorter from the NASA area. The Houston area is at least 70 miles north so south and the same east to west. That is no joke!!

[1kaper]

13 hours ago, Texas Tillie said:

Here's an idea as Houston is a car city as it is s..p..r..e..a..d out for miles and miles. On the day you fly in, stay downtown and go to the baseball game. The next morning, go down to the NASA area and check in a hotel near the Space Center. The morning after that the trip to Galveston will be shorter from the NASA area. The Houston area is at least 70 miles north so south and the same east to west. That is no joke!!

This is our plan.  We are staying two nights in Houston near the things we plan to do. Leave Friday morning to drive down to Galveston, stopping at NASA along the way.  
I would look into the option of picking up the car at the airport and dropping at Galveston.  It's probably going to be cheaper than using Uber. 

[Texas Tillie]

14 minutes ago, 1kaper said:

This is our plan.  We are staying two nights in Houston near the things we plan to do. Leave Friday morning to drive down to Galveston, stopping at NASA along the way.  
I would look into the option of picking up the car at the airport and dropping at Galveston.  It's probably going to be cheaper than using Uber. 

 

Enterprise is the only car rental on the island and operates limited hours, especially on the weekend. Think you need to investigate further.

[1kaper]

1 minute ago, Texas Tillie said:

 

Enterprise is the only car rental on the island and operates limited hours, especially on the weekend. Think you need to investigate further.

It's all good. They are open until 12 pm on the day we sail.  But I guess a one way drop off isn't an option for OP. 

Edited March 15, 2022 by 1kaper

[Lane Hog]

Renting and dropping off in Galveston is not cheap.  Renting and dropping off closer to Webster/Hobby and taking Uber down is cheaper.

Depending on where you stay, Houston has a pretty good light rail system and it goes near enough to Minute Maid Park to be useful.