7 of the Best Things to Do in Pearland

Step inside the only Hindu temple of its kind outside of India, dig into some of the tastiest German food in the country, and shop like there’s no tomorrow. These are just a few of the many things to do in Pearland. Situated just south of Houston, Pearland is both a destination all its own and the ultimate starting point to exploring the Texas Gulf Coast. Get to know a few of the great ways to spend your getaway in Pearland below.

Visit the Sri Meenakshi Hindu Temple

With its looming towers covered in deftly carved statues, the Sri Meenakshi Hindu Temple is much more than an architectural wonder and a cultural oasis; it’s a Houston icon. The temple is the only one outside of India dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, the wife of Shiva.

Admire the intricate shrines and figures of animals, deities and gods, and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to the other side of the world. When you do visit, make sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees (so no shorts or sleeveless tops). Also, always be respectful. This is a place of worship, after all.

Go Birding

Watch as roseate spoonbills and great blue herons wade in shallow waters and listen to the chirps of colorful songbirds as you wander along woodland trails. Located in the heart of a major migratory path, Pearland is a fantastic place to go birding. Even better, its variety of habitats—from wetlands to riparian forests—provide a safe haven for an array of birds that are rare to find all in one place. Although Pearland is a year-round birding destination, each season has its own surprises.

Warblers and other songbirds arrive in the spring and fall, while woodpeckers, ducks, and red-shouldered hawks reside here throughout the year. To see these amazing avians, head to either the John Hargrove Environmental Complex or the Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Trail, each of which has their own trails to explore. Needless to say, don’t forget your binoculars.

Taste True Texas Craft Beer

Is there anything better than a hoppy IPA or a refreshing Belgian-style wit poured right from the tap? If you answered “no,” then you’re in the right place. Pearland is home to Vallensons’ Brewing Company, purveyors of such inventive beers as a lemongrass and ginger wheat ale and the dark Settlers Oat Meal Stout named in honor of Pearland’s early settlers.

Killens BBQ

Enjoy Some of the Best Barbecue in Texas

Sink your teeth into some slow-cooked brisket and ribs at Killen’s Barbecue. Named in Texas Monthly’s list of the top 50 barbecue joints in Texas, Killen’s Barbecue is a must visit for every foodie. Open for lunch and dinner it should come as no surprise that the line regularly extends out the door but it is worth the wait.

Even if barbecue isn’t your thing, there are so many locally owned eateries serving up food from around the world that you probably won’t know where to start.

the Pearscape pears

Follow the Pear-Scape Trail

Pearland was named for the abundance of pear trees that were here in the community’s earliest days. Where better than here to have a collection of four-foot-tall pears spread throughout town? Each pear, painted by a local artist, sits at eight of the major locations in Pearland. Visiting each site is like going on a massive scavenger hunt to some of the coolest places in town, such as Pearland Town Center and Independence Park. Take your tour of the Pear-Scape Trail to the next level with one of these actual scavenger hunts and head out on your quest to find all of Pearland’s pears.

Shop Until You Drop

Whether you’re hunting for a great deal or something fashionable, you’ll find it in Pearland. Start at the Pearland Town Center, a sprawling outdoor, retail center that houses big-brand department stores like Macy’s and Dillard’s, as well as specialty shops like Pandora, James Avery Jewelry, and Barnes and Noble Bookstores. When your appetite hits, stop by one of the on-site restaurants ranging from La Madeleine and Red Robin to Gringo’s and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse.

Although the Pearland Town Center has more than enough to keep you busy, that’s not all the shopping you can do in Pearland. Cruise along Broadway Street and you’ll encounter a plethora of antique and boutique shops where you can browse for one-of-a-kind treasures you won’t find anywhere else. Visit as many as you can and you may just leave with something you’ll be proud to showcase in your home.

Explore Houston and Beyond

Pearland sits just minutes south of downtown Houston and a short drive from the beaches of Galveston, making it a magnificent launch pad for exploring all that the Houston area has to offer. Embark on your own journey of discovery through the Houston Museum District, home to the Houston Museum of Natural Science; The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; and the Houston Zoo.

Head toward the coast for other adventures. See the mission control room that guided the astronauts on the Apollo and Gemini missions and take in a sunset on Mars at Space Center Houston. Walk the grounds of the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, where Texas won her independence. For some sun bathing, make your way down to the sandy beaches of Galveston, home to a captivating downtown full of breathtaking Victorian-era architecture.

With plenty to see and do in town, plus its ideal location in the Houston area, Pearland is a great starting point for your next getaway.