Third Ward / Emancipation Park
Historic Black Houston — home to Texas Southern University, Emancipation Park (one of the first parks for Black Texans)
Best time
October-April (avoid brutal summer humidity), Juneteenth (June)
Currency
USD
Language
English
Mid-range / day
USD 200
Is Houston safe for Black travelers?
Houston scores 4.0/5 (Very good) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. Houston is generally welcoming. Midtown, Third Ward, Galleria, and Museum District are safe tourist areas. Like any large city, be aware of surroundings in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Summer heat is extreme.
Community welcome
5/5
Police climate
3/5
Discrimination risk
4/5
Black-owned presence
4/5
Why this score: Large Black community; Third Ward; significant BOP
Neighborhoods to Know
Midtown / Museum District
Arts scene, nightlife, close to Hermann Park and Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Sunnyside
Historic African American neighborhood, strong community ties
Acres Homes
Known as the City of Acres — unique semi-rural Black Houston community
Must-Visit Places
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
Only museum in the US dedicated to the Buffalo Soldiers — a Houston gem
Houston, Texas
Project Row Houses
Transformative public art project in Third Ward — 40+ shotgun houses turned into art spaces
Houston, Texas
Houston Museum of African American Culture
Celebrates African American contributions to Houston and beyond
Houston, Texas
Frenchy's Chicken Black-Owned
Houston's legendary Creole fried chicken — Third Ward institution since 1969
Houston, Texas
Texas Southern University Campus
Historic HBCU with a rich legacy and beautiful campus
Houston, Texas
Juneteenth Celebrations
Houston celebrates Juneteenth big — it originated in Texas. Major events in Emancipation Park
Houston, Texas
Wanderstay Boutique Hotel Black-Owned
First hotel in Houston opened by a Black woman — Deidre Mathis. Stylish boutique accommodations with a community-focused vibe, featured in Black Enterprise.
2417 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, TX 77054
Davis Street at Hermann Park Black-Owned
Black-owned restaurant in Houston.
Houston, Texas
Jamburritos Cajun Grille Black-Owned
Black-owned restaurant in Houston.
Houston, Texas
Caribbean Jerk Palace Black-Owned
Black-owned restaurant in Houston.
Houston, Texas
Late August Black-Owned
Black-owned restaurant in Houston.
Houston, Texas
The Puddery Black-Owned
Black-owned dessert shop in Houston.
Houston, Texas
La Maison in Midtown Black-Owned
Black-owned urban B&B in Midtown Houston — European flair in the heart of the city. Twin/queen/king guest rooms plus a full-size suite with a private veranda. Hearty Southern breakfast served daily. lamaisonmidtown.com.
Midtown, Houston, TX
Visa
No visa required for US citizens
Frequently asked questions
Is Houston safe for Black travelers?
Houston scores 4.0 out of 5 (Very good) on the ROAM BLK safety index for Black travelers. Houston is generally welcoming. Midtown, Third Ward, Galleria, and Museum District are safe tourist areas. Like any large city, be aware of surroundings in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Summer heat is extreme.
Which neighborhoods in Houston are good for Black travelers?
Third Ward / Emancipation Park, Midtown / Museum District, Sunnyside, Acres Homes. Historic Black Houston — home to Texas Southern University, Emancipation Park (one of the first parks for Black Texans)
Are there Black-owned businesses in Houston?
Black-owned presence in Houston is strong. Black-owned spots ROAM BLK recommends include Frenchy's Chicken, Wanderstay Boutique Hotel, Davis Street at Hermann Park, Jamburritos Cajun Grille, Caribbean Jerk Palace.
When is the best time to visit Houston?
October-April (avoid brutal summer humidity), Juneteenth (June)
How much does a day in Houston cost?
Budget: USD 100 · Mid-range: USD 200 · Luxury: USD 400 per day, per ROAM BLK estimates.
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