5 of the Best Ways to Enjoy Nature in Pearland

5 of the best ways to
enjoy nature in pearland

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.

Experience the Best of Inner Gulf Coast Birdwatching

Roseate spoonbills, cormorants, and pelicans. These birds may be common sights throughout the Gulf Coast, but you won’t have to go far to see them and many other birds; just find your way to the John Hargrove Environmental Complex and the Delores Fenwick Nature Center. Bring your binoculars and observe native and migratory birds as you wander along trails around a small lake. Then step into the nature center and you’ll see a stunning floor-to-ceiling mural depicting a roseate spoonbill, green treefrogs, and other wildlife. Watch fish swim in a 720-gallon aquarium and check out an educational wetland diorama and an array of other interactive exhibits for all ages. Visiting during the summer? Don’t miss the emergence of more than 10,000 Mexican free-tailed bats at the nearby Fite Road Bridge observation area. Fall, winter, and spring bring their own arrivals as well, so visit throughout the year and you’ll see something new.

Tee Off at First-Rate Golf Courses

If you believe it’s not a getaway unless you spend some time on the golf course, you’re in luck. Pearland is home to two spectacular golf courses that you can play, and the experience at each couldn’t be any more different. The gently sloping hills and coastal vibes (complete with the occasional palm tree) of the 18-hole, links-style course at Southwyck Golf Club set the stage for a captivating round. Multiple tee boxes make play accessible to everyone, while the champion Bermuda greens offer an unparalleled putting surface.

From the very first hole of Pearland Golf Club’s 18-hole championship course, you’ll notice a difference. Fairways and putting greens reside among majestic oaks, with sand and water hazards strategically placed to keep you on your toes. Sink your final putt, then stop by The Grille for breakfast fare, sandwiches, burgers, and a cold drink.

Ready to tee off? You can book a tee time online at both courses’ websites.

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.

5 of the best ways to enjoy nature in pearland

5 of the best ways to
enjoy nature in pearland