Staycation: vacation right here in Houston! A destination for many travelers, and it's all right here at our fingertips. World-renowned museums, restaurants, shopping, expansive parks, art and cultural installations and programs ... explore right here at www.downtownhouston.org.

Nothing soothes the soul like a day by the ocean! The Galveston Bay area boasts Moody Gardens, Schlitterbahn Waterpark and nearby Kemah Boardwalk in addition to the beaches and bay along the Bolivar Peninsula and the island. Stay near the boardwalk for best access to shopping and dining. Find a hotel, vacation rental, RV park or resort closer to the bay or beach to dip your toes in the sand and enjoy some R&R.  

Concerts at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, outdoor shopping and dining, public art festivals, outdoor recreation, splash pads and much more. If you're visiting day or night, you've got plenty of options for all ages and interest levels. In April, keep an eye out for the Ironman Texas triathlon. www.visitthewoodlands.com 

An escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life and the opportunity to experience the natural world. The 155-acre nonprofit urban nature sanctuary provides education about the natural environment.

4501 Woodway Dr., Houston, TX 77024-7708

713.681.8433

In a pine grove near the Sam Houston Monument in Hermann Park, you'll find this slice of heaven featuring waterfalls, bridges, and stone paths that wander among crepe myrtles, azaleas, Japanese maples, dogwoods, and cherry trees. Designed by world-renowned landscape architect, Ken Nakajima, you won't be able to deny a feeling of serenity. 

Explore a wide variety of plant life and ecosystems contained in the world-class gardens. Their mission: enriching life through discovery, education, and the conservation of plants and the natural environment. 

8210 Park Place Blvd., Houston, TX 77017

Located just 16 miles north of Fredericksburg, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area has cast its spell on human visitors for more than 12,000 years. Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 1700s, and the era of modern-day explorers began in 1978, when this massive pink granite dome became a state natural area. Rising 425 feet above the base elevation of the park, Enchanted Rock peaks 1,825 feet above sea level. The entire dome covers 640 acres, and climbing it is equivalent to climbing the stairs of a 30- to 40-story building. Activities include hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, bird watching and stargazing. Don't forget to stop by Texas wine country while are you there! 

Hatari Wildlife Park | Weimar
Be transported to a magical world just a short distance from Katy, where you’ll make new friends with amazing creatures such as bison, camel, emu, zebra, lemur, warthog, kangaroo, peacocks and many more! Once you’ve enjoyed the drive through the open safari spaces, find yourself in the Explorer’s Retreat where you’ll grab a bite to eat, dig for artifacts, pet the barnyard animals, take a shady stroll through the Lowland Forest. Don’t leave before enjoying an encounter at the Sahel range where you can feed their giraffe, Puzzles.
www.hataripark.org

Franklin Drive-Thru Safari | Franklin
One-hundred-plus acres, Franklin Drive-Thru Safari is an exotic animal adventure park that is worth the drive. Not only will you get to meet adorable critters, but the park also offers an island full of lemurs, aviary, baby animal room and encounters with sloths and dingos.
www.franklinsafari.com