The Old Townsite Mural on Broadway Street
Pearland is defined by a rich heritage, with its inception dating back to 1894, and the city showcases a few historic sites that speak to Pearland’s legacy.
Once Upon a Time in Pearland
Historic Zychlinski Park is named for Witold von Zychlinski, the Polish nobleman who came to Brazoria County in the late 1880’s and fell in love with the flowering pear trees in an area he called Pear Land. It’s the oldest park in the city, home to two pear sculptures on the Pear-Scape Trail, and is just steps away from the famous Killen’s Barbecue. Ronnie Killen renovated the 1937 schoolhouse cafeteria and opened his first barbecue restaurant in Pearland in 2014.
Just a five-minute drive north to Halik Street off highway 35 you’ll find the Old Settler’s Cemetery, the original community graveyard for the city of Pearland that can be toured after scheduling a visit through the Pearland Recreation Center and Natatorium.
Around 1900, the Santa Fe Railroad built a depot near Pearland which soon became a gathering place for settlers to meet visitors and pickup mail and supplies. Pearland’s development was sustained for many years by the promotion of the area as an agricultural wonderland with vital railroad access. The facility was donated to the city and moved to its present site by City Hall.
Where to Eat
Follow the barbecue trail from Killen’s to Central Texas BBQ, where the same family has owned, operated, and manned the kitchen since 1969. Their specialties are hickory smoked barbecue and indulgent sides with a Cuban twist; an experience you won’t want to miss while in Pearland.
In 1992 Russell Ybarra was asked to take over his father’s failing restaurant here in Pearland, and through hard work and dedication his remodel blossomed into the multi-location Tex-Mex empire we know today as Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen. Eat at the original location on Broadway for a delicious taste of Pearland history.
Pearland’s culinary scene includes a variety of international and locally owned restaurants offering something appetizing to every palate. Register for the Pearland International Cuisine Trail while planning your visit, and take a trip across the globe with a taste of the distinct cultures that make Pearland one of the most diverse and delicious cities in Texas.
Zychlinski Park Pear-Scape Sculpture
Find Your Peace at Two Special Temples
The Sri Meenakshi Temple is the only one of its kind outside of India dedicated to Meenakshi, the goddess of marriage. Beyond being a notable religious center, the temple offers a captivating way to discover and experience Hindu culture. Download or bring a physical copy of our self-guided tour brochure, or call 281-489-0358 to schedule a tour. Visits to the Kannappan Art Museum can also be scheduled through the same contact.
The Dharma Spring Temple is a unique Buddhism center located at 1838 County Road 129 in Pearland. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot the beautiful, large pillars and the 29-foot-tall statue of Buddha welcoming you to the Zen Park for meditation and reflection.
Get Artsy in Pearland
Art is kind of a big deal in Pearland, where citywide activities like the Pear-Scape Trail and the Pearland Mural Tour showcase local artists in unique and exciting ways.
Be sure to visit the West Pearland Library and ask to see the GONZO247 (The artist behind the famous Houston is Inspired mural!) original ode to Pearland and stop by the Pearland Visitor Center at Pearland Town Center for a recreation on the exterior of the building.
Plan your visit for the second weekend in October and check out the Pearland Art on the Pavilion event where you’ll experience a real burst of Texas creativity, including an artisan market, live music, art cars, and food trucks.