Houston Astros

Houston Astros Travel Guide: Daikin Park

Getting to Houston & The Ballpark

• Flying In: Houston has two major airports. George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) is the larger hub to the north, heavily serviced by United. However, if you can, fly into William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to the south. It is a massive Southwest Airlines hub and is significantly closer to the stadium (only about 10 miles away).

• Public Transit: Houston’s METRORail system is a fantastic way to beat the downtown traffic. The Convention District stop drops you right across the street from the ballpark. Better yet, scanning your Astros game ticket gets you a free ride on the light rail.

• Parking: The Astros operate several large lots near the stadium, but they get expensive. Local Tip: Look for paid street parking meters or head to the east side of the stadium (EaDo) near the breweries, where you can often find much cheaper public lots.

Where to Stay

Daikin Park is located right on the edge of downtown near the George R. Brown Convention Center, meaning you have ample hotel options within easy walking distance.

Budget Options

• Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center: A simple, modern hotel housed in a historic building. It features a bistro-style restaurant, a vintage cocktail bar, and a coworking space. Best of all, it is less than a five-minute walk to the ballpark, making it the perfect crash pad after a long day of downtown activities.

• Hampton Inn Houston Downtown: Located just two blocks from the stadium and Discovery Green, this is a fantastic budget option. It features a unique 4th-floor roofscape pool with park views and offers a free daily hot breakfast. Heads Up: Like many downtown Houston hotels, they only offer valet parking (no self-parking), so keep that in mind if you are renting a car.

Higher-End Options

• Marriott Marquis Houston: This is the premier luxury stay in downtown Houston, made famous by its incredible rooftop lazy river shaped like the state of Texas. If you are traveling during the brutal Houston summer, relaxing in the lazy river before a night game is the ultimate experience. It is located right across from Discovery Green and just a couple of blocks from the stadium.

• The Westin Houston Downtown: Formerly known as the Inn at the Ballpark, this is the absolute best hotel for die-hard baseball fans. It is located directly across the street from Daikin Park, with many rooms offering direct views of the stadium. The massive lobby bar is always packed with fans before and after games, creating a fantastic social atmosphere.

Nearby Activities

• Discovery Green: A vibrant park in the middle of downtown featuring walking trails, restaurants, weekly outdoor concerts, and a lake with kayak rentals. It is a fantastic place to take kids, offering splash pads and fountains to beat the Houston heat.

• Downtown Aquarium: Located on the opposite edge of downtown, this massive aquarium also features outdoor carnival rides and a Ferris wheel.

Pregame Food and Drink

• The EaDo Party Scene (East Downtown): Just under the freeway from the stadium, you will find the best pregame tailgating in the city. 8th Wonder Brewery offers Houston-themed local beers and a massive, laid-back outdoor gathering area. Right next door is Truck Yard, a massive adult playground featuring live music, food trucks, and its own Ferris wheel. It is always packed with Astros fans.

• Classic Tex-Mex: You cannot visit Houston without getting good Mexican food. Irma's Southwest Grill on Texas Ave serves incredible local cuisine in a nice, authentic environment.

• Upscale Sports Bars & Healthy Bites: Head to Biggio's (inside the Marriott Marquis and named after the Astros legend) for a massive, multi-level sports bar experience. If you want something lighter before the game, MKT Bar near Discovery Green offers excellent wraps, salads, and higher-end pub fare.

Where to Sit at Daikin Park

• The Bucket List Seats: First-time visitors should absolutely try to sit in the Crawford Boxes in left field. It is the stadium's most iconic and unique seating area. There are only about 15 rows, so you have to plan ahead and buy early to snag these tickets.

• The Best Skyline Views: Look for tickets along the first-base line on any level. The stadium was specifically designed to open up over left field, giving fans on the first-base side a stunning view of the downtown Houston skyline through the glass.

• Away Fans: If you are coming to town to cheer on the visiting team, grab seats in Sections 112-114. These put you directly behind the visitor's dugout along the third-base line.

• Budget Seats: While the Astros' sustained success has driven ticket prices up over the last decade, you can almost always find a great, affordable view in the upper deck behind home plate.