Enjoy the outdoors at the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, a 182-acre attraction on Oso Creek that offers a unique experience for guests of all ages. A mostly outdoor museum of Mother Nature, the gardens’ exhibits include a butterfly house, a bromeliad conservatory, an orchid conservatory, a rose pavilion with 300 different roses, a hummingbird garden, and a sensory garden filled with artscapes.

Also included are a tropical garden called Arid Garden and the multi-colored EarthKind Demonstration Trial Gardens. During the warmer season, guests can enjoy the aroma of the tropical plumeria garden with a bird's-eye view on an elevated ramp.

After spending time absorbing the beauty of nature, guests can take a walk on the wild side on the garden’s officially designated Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail Site. Nature trails and a boardwalk lead to shaded natural habitats, bridged ravines, native wetlands, and a bird tower overlooking Gator Lake. Other exhibits feature native South Texas wildlife such as exotic parrots and reptiles. The informative visitors center and Nature Boutique offer one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs as well as cold drinks and snacks.

The South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is located at 8545 S. Staples St. For more information, call 361-852-2100 or visit stxbot.org.

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