The Texaco-Havoline Grand Prix
The Texaco-Havoline Grand Prix is an international motorsport which happens on the through streets of downtown Houston, Texas, in a totally enclosed, state-of-the-art, 1.53 mile, ten-turn street circuit anchored by the George R. Brown Convention Center and the Houston skyline. Its more than just racing...other activities include an up-close look at the cars, drivers and teams, along with interesting booths and displays held in the George R. Brown Convention Center. Race week is filled with numerous related functions like charity balls, golf tournaments, personal appearances and autographs sessions by the CART (Championship Auto Racing Team) drivers. The Grand Prix is usually held in September or October. 713.739.7272 (information)

Minute Maid Field
Minute Maid Field is a new signature in downtown Houston's skyline. With its impressive architecture and new features, Minute Maid Field is quite unique with a retractable roof, which takes 12 minutes to open and close, and a great view of downtown Houston. Inside Minute Maid Field holds a full-size locomotive that runs along a track on the left-field wall. The baseball park is located downtown at Union Station, were it was built to reflect Houston's relationship with railroads. Tours are available year round for a look at the Broadcasting booth or press boxes, Historic Union Station, the Luxury seats and a lot more. 713.799.9567 (information and tickets)

Port of Houston
The Port of Houston is among the top 10 ports in the world and is the first in the United States in foreign tonnage and the second in total tonnage in the Nation. The Port is a 25-mile-long complex of diversified public and private facilities located just a few hours' sailing time from the Gulf of Mexico. The Port of Houston has been instrumental in Houston's development as a center of international trade. The Port offers a free 90-minute tour of the Houston Ship Channel aboard its 100-foot sightseeing vessel, M/V Sam Houston. 713.670.2416 (tour reservations)

Texas Medical Center
The Texas Medical Center was organized in 1945 where it began its extreme growth to more than 100 buildings and 650 acres in southwest Houston, south of Hermann Park. The complex has been the center of hospitals, medical and nursing schools, research institutions and patient care and research. Texas Medical Center was created for people of all walks of life, rich, poor, young, old, famous or alone. The Medical Center is a place where there is something to meet everyone's needs and the best health care facility around. The Texas Medical Center has the county's two trauma facilities and institutions specializing in every imaginable aspect of health care, including care for children, cancer patients, heart care, organ transplantation, terminal illness, mental health and wellness and prevention. Free tours are available. 713.790.1136 (information and reservations)