Houston's skyline is testament to the oil boom era and a period of extensive development that stopped abruptly in the 1980s.

Several buildings, such as the Chase Tower, have observation floors from where it is possible to see the vast flat area over which the city sprawls. An extensive system of underground pedestrian tunnels and sky walks add an extra dimension to the street grid and are particularly welcome as an escape from the summer heat.

The Sam Houston Historical Park illustrates the early history of Houston. Across the street is the recently renovated art deco-style City Hall. Lovers of open spaces will be drawn to the lovely Hermann Park, which is not only home to the Houston Zoo but also contains two gardens that are totally different in style - the Japanese Gardens, with a traditional teahouse and wooden footbridges, and the Houston Garden Center. In addition to this, there is also a golf course and the Miller Outdoor Theatre, which offers free outdoor performances during the summer months.

Close by is the Museum District (a beautiful area of tree-lined paths, landscaped gardens and fountains) which is packed with many of Houston's finest museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the Menil Collection and the Holocaust Museum Houston.

Also worth a visit is the Williams Tower Water Wall, where water cascades down a 19.5m (64ft) curved black wall in the shape of a horseshoe. The latest popular attraction Downtown is the Downtown Aquarium with its stunning displays of underwater life.

The Astrodome was the world's first air-conditioned domed stadium for baseball and football. The Astrodome (so large that an 18-storey building would fit inside it) prompted the invention of plastic Astroturf, after the grass died during the first season of play.

Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau
901 Bagby Street
Tel: (713) 437 5200.
Website: www.visithoustontexas.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1600, Sun 1100-1600.

Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
20710 Gulf Freeway (I-45), Webster
Tel: (281) 338 0333.
Website: www.visitbayareahouston.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1600, Sun 1100-1600.

There are no tourist passes currently available in Houston.