Watch gliding pelicans and wading herons. Stroll along tranquil trails that meander along creeks and through inner coastal wetlands. Aim for a hole in one or embark on a citywide scavenger hunt. With more than 200 days of sunshine per year, Pearland is just the place to immerse yourself in the outdoors. Located about 20 miles south of downtown Houston and within an hour of Galveston’s sandy shores, this destination sits in the heart of the southeast Texas Gulf Coast. From urban hiking and birdwatching to spectacular golfing, you’ll find it all here. Discover the best ways to enjoy nature in Pearland, then plan your visit here.
Explore Urban Trails
Tie on your running shoes and immerse yourself in the outdoors as you follow one of Pearland’s many city trails. Just as ideal for early morning hikes and bike rides as they are for afternoon jogs, traversing these concrete pathways is a great way to savor some fresh air. Spanning 700 acres of green space, the1.5-mile nature trail at Shadow Creek Ranch passes through wetlands and past sports fields laid out in a master-planned community. Take your time here, then head to either the 1.7-mile trail at Independence Park or the Green Tee Terrace Trail, one of the newest in town. Run or bike over an impressive 250-foot pedestrian bridge over Clear Creek as you traverse this 1.5-mile path that connects with several other trails in the area if you want to extend your time out.
For longer jogs and rides, set out on Mary’s Creek Trail. Set along Magnolia Parkway, the trail merges with the John Hargrove Environmental Complex Trail and the Centennial Park Trail, giving you plenty of space to roam. Finally, don’t miss a ramble along the Edible Fruit Trail. Located just off the Mary’s Creek Trail, the 0.42-mile trail features trees and plants that produce fruits like grapefruit, pummelo, blueberries, peaches, figs, and pomegranates when each is in season. These are just a few of the trails you can explore while you’re in Pearland. See an interactive map of all the others here.
Play a Leisurely Round of Disc Golf
There’s nothing better than a relaxed day outdoors with friends, especially if you’re competing for bragging rights. What better way to do that than by playing disc golf, one of the most accessible and easy-to-play sports around? Grab your discs and start at the Centennial Park Disc Golf Course, a nine-hole course set in a moderately wooded area. The course is also one of the few places you can play footgolf in the Houston area, as each bucket stands in a hole large enough for a soccer ball. Make sure you also visit the Shadow Creek Ranch Disc Golf Course, another nine-hole course set within a residential area. Line up your shots as you soak up the sun and you’ll feel like you’re exactly where you need to be. No matter how you relish the outdoors, you’ll find an amazing way to do just that in Pearland. Learn more about this destination and plan your visit here.