Enjoy the outdoors at the South Texas Botanical Gardens and Nature Center while easily following COVID-19 safety protocols. The 182-acre attraction on Oso Creek offers a unique experience for guests. 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 newly built 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 renovated Nature Boutique offer one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs as well as cold drinks and snacks.

Under new pandemic health and safety measures, visitors are required to wear face coverings indoors and to maintain 6 feet of physical distance whether indoors or outdoors. Online ticketing is available, and credit or debit card payments at transaction centers are preferred if you pay on arrival.

Hand sanitizer is available at check-in, but visitors are advised to bring personal hand sanitizer when touring the grounds. Additional portable restrooms with hand sanitizer are located near the visitors center.

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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