We all know our home city’s widely accepted and oft-repeated reputation: Houston is ugly as sin. But to accept this as fact doesn’t do justice to the pockets of beauty that dot the landscape. If you still think this too, perhaps you just need to take a closer look. For Houstonia’s Fall 2024 issue—a.k.a. the Vanities Issue—we combed through our so-called concrete jungle to uncover beautiful green spaces, perfectly preserved historic landmarks, popular photo op destinations, and a few other surprises along the way.

In This Feature:

There’s Always a Photo Shoot at Houston’s Broadacres

The beautiful oak-lined boulevard is a go-to for engagement, quinceañera, and graduation photos.

08/20/2024 By Meredith Nudo

Buffalo Bayou’s Transformation Will Soon Connect to the East End

The Buffalo Bayou Partnership has been working to revitalize Houston’s natural resource since 1986, but there is so much more to come.

09/06/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

The Hidden Natural Beauty of Houston

The city is so much more than a concrete jungle of highways—you just have to know where to look.

09/13/2024 By Sofia Gonzalez

Houston’s Mini Murals Turn Mundane Objects into Art

As much-needed city beautification projects flourish, the UP Art Studio initiative has grown to 400 traffic control cabinets in the past decade.

09/03/2024 By Meredith Nudo

Stunning Sacred Spaces in Houston to Channel Your Spirituality

From temples to cathedrals, the city’s religious institutions add grace and charm to our urban landscape.

08/20/2024 By Uvie Bikomo

Houston Views We Love to Admire while Driving

These roadside vistas make navigating the city by car more bearable.

09/04/2024 By Emma Balter

We’re Begging You to Get Off the Highway

Driving on “avoid highways” mode is the only way to truly appreciate all of Houston’s beauty.

08/19/2024 By Emma Balter

Meet the Houstonians Preserving the Past to Serve the Future

Multiple local groups are protecting historic landmarks despite the city’s penchant to tear down the old and build the new.

08/26/2024 By Uvie Bikomo

An Exploration of Houston’s Most Important Pieces of Art

The city is home to some great artwork, but does anything here reach Mona Lisa status?

08/29/2024 By Daniel Renfrow