While attending 2023 Grand Chapter Congress in Houston, members are encouraged to explore the city during their downtime. During GCC, free time will be available Tuesday and Thursday night, as well as Saturday afternoon.
Check out the following places for fun Houston activities:
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center features 155 acres of nature sanctuary and five miles of walking trails to escape the city life. The center is free of charge and provides an escape from busy city life with the rich scenery.
Hours:
- Center: 9:00 a.m. – 4: 00 p.m., daily
- Grounds and Trails: 7:00 a.m. – dusk, daily
Parking:
- Parking is $5.50, but free on Thursdays for all guests.
Location (from Marriot Marquis Houston):
- 18 minute drive
- 38 minute transit ride
Sam Houston Park
Sam Houston Park is a beautiful setting rich with the past and present of Texas. Free to visit; the park offers monuments and art like the Alexander Hodge Memorial, Armillary Sphere piece, Scanlan Fountain and many more!
Hours:
Parking:
- Free parking at the Heritage Society from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Tuesday – Saturday.
- Additional parking is available at the Heritage Clay Street Garage for a fee.
Location (from Marriot Marquis Houston):
- 17 minute walk
- 5 minute drive
- 10 minute transit ride
MATCH – Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston
MATCH – Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston is a performance venue that features different types of art organizations for audiences to view. Deltasigs will need tickets to see dance, music, theatre, art and film works in Houston.
Hours:
Parking:
Location (from Marriot Marquis Houston):
- 9 minute drive
- 21 minute transit ride
Houston Botanic Garden
Houston Botanic Garden is a dazzling environment great for those interested in walking around 132 acres of trails, horticultural and stunning gardens. Attendees will need tickets for general admission to see sites like the Culinary Garden and the Welcome
Fountain.
Hours:
- 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., daily
Parking:
- Free on-site parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location (from Marriot Marquis Houston):
- 14 minute drive
- 42 minute transit ride
Downtown Aquarium
Downtown Aquarium combines entertainment, shopping and aquatic life all in one. Tickets will be necessary for the Downtown Aquarium; the all-day adventure pass includes entrance to the aquarium exhibit, stingray reef, and rides like the Diving Bell Ferris
Wheel.
Hours:
- 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sunday - Thursday
- 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m., Friday - Saturday
Parking:
- Parking is $15 for self-parking, $18 for valet parking.
Location (from Marriot Marquis Houston):
- 20 minute walk
- 8 minute drive
- 18 minute transit ride
While you’re out and about in Houston, make sure to tag/mention us on social media, or use the hashtag #dspgcc!