we love Houston, too

Iconic Houston artist David Adickes installs new sculpture at Hobby Airport

Sculptor David Adickes recreates one of his most famous pieces

A warm and iconic message greets travelers at Hobby Airport

Photo Courtesy of Houston Airports

For the next year, travelers through William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) will be greeted by a colorful and iconic sight. Sculptor David Adickes installed the second of his famous I Love Houston statues along the Arrivals Curb on January 29. It will move to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) sometime later this year.

“People deserve something fun yet lasting to enjoy,” said Adickes. “The We Love Houston, Too, work is one of my ‘love letters’ to Houston, and it makes for the ultimate selfie-station, from what my granddaughters and lots of Houston arts fans have said!”

Adickes, 98, has long been one of Houston's most famous sculptors, specializing in large pieces that celebrate Houston and Texas History. After studying under French sculptor, painter, and filmmaker Fernand Léger in the 1950s, Adickes returned to Houston to create large-scale works. These include his 67-foot statue of Sam Houston in Hunstville, the busts along I-10 affectionately known as Mount Rush Hour, and a towering representation of The Beatles.

We Love Houston, Too, like most Adickes works, is larger than life. Made of cement, canvas, and steel, it measures 30 feet wide and 16.5 feet tall. Expect to see it on a lot of Instagrams as people use it to commemorate landing in the city.

Houston airports have been specializing in art since 1999, when the city passed an ordinance that mandated 1.75 percent of funds to improve public buildings and be spent on art to beautify spaces. In recent years, this has included large scale installations such as the massive Dale Chihuly glass flowers piece suspended above the the new International Central Processor (ICP) at IAH and a couple of Houston's infamous art cars dedicated to legendary musicians. Under the leadership of Alton DuLaney, Curator of Public and Cultural Arts for Houston Airports, art in the terminals has ranged for the wonderfully weird to the whimsically welcoming.

“Art is an essential part of the passenger experience, transforming our airports into cultural gateways that reflect the vibrant spirit of Houston. As the only 5-Star Skytrax-rated airport in North America, Hobby Airport is a shining example of world-class hospitality," said DuLaney. "As the home of the World’s Best Airport Art Program, Houston Airports is honored to showcase the iconic work of David Adickes — because we love Houston, too. This installation ensures every passenger is welcomed with the warmth and character that define our global city."

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surf's up

2 Texas beaches near Houston swim among 10 best in U.S. for 2026

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Jamaica Beach earned a 9.20 "local secret" score.

The Lone Star State has already preheated for the summer, and two coastal shores on Galveston Island have emerged atop a new list of the best beach destinations in the U.S.

HomeToGo's 2026 U.S. Beach Index ranked Galveston's Jamaica and Terramar beaches the third and sixth best destinations nationwide for a "beach break" in 2026.

To determine the rankings, HomeToGo created a shortlist of 100 U.S. beaches where vacation accommodations had a median price per person of less than $200 per night. The list was then ranked based on five metrics: a "hidden gem" score; the median nightly price for accommodations; average high temperatures from April to September; average visitor satisfaction based on Google, Tripadvisor, Yelp, and Facebook reviews; and a "local secret" score based on the average distance traveled by vacationers to reach the destination.

"While traditional hot spots remain popular, this year’s index shines light on some lesser-known beach destinations where travelers can make the most of their vacation without the stress of overcrowded shorelines or overburdened budgets,” said HomeToGo spokesperson Eleanor Moody.

Jamaica Beach, a tiny beach town located next to Galveston Island State Park, landed in third place nationwide after Florida's Saint Joe Beach (No. 1) and Bethune Beach (No. 2). Last year, Jamaica Beach ranked 17th on the list.

Other than sunbathing and getting your feet wet in the water, visitors are welcome to fish from the shore or in West Bay, go kayaking in dedicated areas, or enjoy a relaxing picnic in the sand. Visit Galveston recommends travelers visit during the middle of the week during spring and fall to avoid heavy crowds and the brutal summer sun.

Jamaica Beach is a vacation hotspot for 2026. visitgalveston.com/

According to the report's findings, many visitors who travel to Jamaica Beach aren't coming from too far away. The beach earned a 9.20 "local secret" score, where locations with the shortest average distance traveled by visitors are awarded a maximum score of 10.

Vacationers expect to spend about $93 per person per night on accommodations at Jamaica Beach, which also earned it high marks for its affordability.

"Covering just under a square mile, this small coastal community moves at an easy island pace, offering quieter sands than busier parts of Galveston and space for beachcombing, sunbathing, kayaking, and paddleboarding," the report said.

No. 6-ranking Terramar Beach is situated less than 10 miles west from Jamaica Beach down Galveston Island. This little seashore offers an even better "hidden gem" feel than Jamaica Beach, and is slightly more affordable. Accommodations cost about $86 per person per night at Terramar Beach, HomeToGo found.

The top 10 best beach destinations in the U.S. in 2026 are:

No. 1 – Saint Joe Beach, Florida
No. 2 – Bethune Beach, Florida
No. 3 – Jamaica Beach, Texas
No. 4 – Butler Beach, Florida
No. 5 – South Bethany Beach, Delaware
No. 6 – Terramar Beach, Texas
No. 7 – Satellite Beach, Florida
No. 8 – Shell Beach, California
No. 9 – Litchfield Beach, South Carolina
No. 10 – Indian Beach, North Carolina

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