"Let’s start big picture. What’s the vibe here? The 132-acre Houston Botanic Garden, which opened on September 18, 2020, feels like a lush oasis. It’s worth visiting for the sheer range of plants that reflect various Texas Gulf Coast habitats, from coastal prairie to woodland glades. With 2.5 miles of walking trails and six outdoor galleries filled with tropical, sub-tropical, and arid specimens, it's both playful and serious. Kids will enjoy the several interactive elements like a boardwalk maze around a lagoon. This is a place to reflect, meditate, and soak up some plant trivia. Any standout features or must-sees? The culinary garden has a neat apothecary corner that highlights some herbal and medicinal species ideal for boosting immunity. The Stormwater wetlands is great to observe for the scientifically-minded. The pine grove near the lagoon in the Susan Garver Family Discovery Garden is an especially relaxing area to stroll around and gather your thoughts. Was it easy to get around? The garden is well-marked and divided into distinct sections, and invites meandering and introspection. Almost every plant is labeled, and there are outdoor seats for those who want to pause and take a break. It is fairly flat and suited to those with disabilities. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? The Houston Botanic Garden is ideal for those who love to learn, and those who love nature. It’s worth allocating at least an hour to explore." - Charu Suri
