South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center

South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center is at 8545 S. Staples St. Comprising 182 acres, the grounds feature the Samuel Jones Orchid Conservatory, the Anderson Bromeliad Conservatory, a screened-in butterfly house, and a rose garden with a pavilion. Other exhibits include the Arid, Tropical, Hummingbird and Sensory gardens plus the seasonal Plumeria Garden, which has a viewing platform. After meeting the resident reptiles and exotic parrots, nature tourists and bird lovers can explore the Mary Hope Brennecke Nature Trail and birding platform on Gator Lake and learn about wetland plants and wildlife in the Palapa Grande and along the Wetlands Awareness Boardwalk.

Picnicking is permitted. Time: Allow 1 hour minimum.