Houston's cityscape has changed drastically since the photo below was taken by Dmitri Kessel in 1946; one would expect nothing less from a city that's continually reinventing itself, erasing its own history and creating new futures with each passing day.
Photo courtesy of LIFE through the LIFE Photo Archive hosted at Google.
If you're looking for the perfect vantage point from which to take in our constantly-evolving landscape, impress visitors or just take a few bird's-eye view shots of Houston, then look no further. Houstonist has scoped out a few spots around town -- some familiar and some hidden gems -- for your aerial pleasures. Those with a fear of heights need not apply.
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Chase Tower Observation Deck: The observation deck at the Chase Tower downtown (formerly the Texas Commerce Tower) sits on the 60th floor of the tallest building in Texas. It's also one of the many great things you can do in Houston for free. Although it's only open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays, a trip up to the observation deck (a.k.a. "sky lobby") is a fascinating view onto the city that few people get to see. Just make sure not to sit down or linger for what could be construed as "too long," as the security guards seem to be quite jumpy and will chase you away.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user j-a-x.
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More views are below the jump!
Jury duty: The next time you're called for jury duty at the Harris County Civil Courthouse, don't despair. Instead, pass the interminably boring time in the assembly room enjoying the gorgeous view and blissfully ignoring any questions directed at you while the prosecutors and defense attorneys try to determine whether you're crazy/stupid enough to be excluded from the jury.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user laanba.
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The 43rd Restaurant: This oft-forgotten restaurant on the "wrong" end of downtown Houston on Louisiana Street, at the top of the Wedge Tower. The food at The 43rd is standard chafing dish banquet fare, but the view from their windows is amazing. A huge bonus is their outdoor deck, where the wind will whip your hair into a frenzy while you ooh and aah over the views towards the Medical Center and the poor old Enron building. We recommend getting a cocktail or two from their bar and enjoying the view at sunset.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user slight clutter.
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The San Jacinto Monument: This popular tourist attraction is more than just a tall, pointy piece of concrete. The 570-foot tall monument commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, which lasted a mere 18 minutes yet secured victory for Texas in their battle for independence from Mexico. Inside the monument's observation deck, you can take in an unrivaled view of the city and the Houston Ship Channel from nearly 500 feet in the air. Fun fact: the San Jacinto Monument is fifteen feet taller than the Washington Monument. Take that, Founding Fathers!
Photo courtesy of Flickr user laanba.
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The Medical Center: While no one enjoys ending up in the Medical Center -- whether to visit a sick relative, undergo treatment or file medical transcripts at a lousy temp job that takes half your paycheck in parking -- at least the view is great.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user QSNguyen.
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Do you have a favorite undiscovered vantage point, readers? Or simply one that we forgot? If so, share it with us in the comments section below.
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My absolute all time favorite vantage point of downtown is from the Sawyer Street Bridge/Flyover, heading into town. It's a truly spectacular view!
I like this one from Telwink: Memorial City. Mostly because you can see how green the city is, and also cause you can see my office. :)