Houston , United States

Three Hour Garden Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The ideal time of the year for comfort and flowers for such a tour is in the last half of February, March, April, and October. The environments are tranquil, relaxing, full of flowers and you will see ducks, koi fish, squirrels, and more and sit in one or more of the pagodas. These are good sites to take photos. Be prepared to sweat in May, June, July, August, and September and dress warmly from November through the first half of February.

Available options

Three Hour Garden Tour

What's included

Entrance fee

Guided Services

Detailed itinerary

Allow 25 to 30 minutes. Rienzi was built in 1952; however, we do not enter the house. Landscape architect Ralph Ellis Gunn designed the gardens in the 1950s. It has 4.4 acres. Two steep ravines that lead to Buffalo Bayou slice through the area that has a variety of native plants as well as a reflecting pool. A bayou is a slow moving river whose movement is so slow that it may be imperceptible to the eye. Closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Allow 30 to 45 minutes. The site is The John P. McGovern Centennial Gardens in Hermann Park. This redesigned area opened in December 2014. It has 8 acres. This includes seeing the statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr, Confucius, approximately one-dozen busts of Latin American revolutionary leaders, rock formations, fountains, a waterfall, a Chinese pagoda, and more. You can climb a ramp that wraps around a hill with a waterfall that you will cross 3 times to the top which serves as an observation deck.

Allow 25 to 30 minutes. This is the Japanese Gardens. This was dedicated on May 4, 1992. It is on 5 acres. World recognized landscape architect Ken Nakajima designed the gardens. It is built in the Daimyo style. It has a small pond and waterfall, stone lantern, winding stone paths, crepe myrtles, Japanese maples, irises, a grove of pine trees, peach trees, and more. Twenty cherry trees were planted in 2012. A rarely used tea house is in the center.

Allow 45 minutes. This covers 155 acres. It is home to over 75 varieties of native trees and shrubs, 160 species of birds, and 5 miles of walking trails. It has a pond, overlook, children’s playground, and a small museum and gift shop. Guided.

Walk through Hermann Park from the Centennial Garden to the Japanese Garden. See the replica of the Washington Monument, reflecting pond, Kinder Lake with its peddle boats and large fountain, Miller Outdoor Theatre, statue of General Sam Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, children's train, and more.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

If parents or grandparents bring their own infant seats, the children can sit in them after they are secured.

I have selected what I think are 2 of the most interesting and verdant trails to hike in the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center: The Serpentine Donors' Boardwalk Trail that crosses over a swamp and the Ravine Trail. You may want to take several photos on either of these trails. We will have time to only trek on one trail. The Serpentine Trail is probably the shorter of the 2 trails. Keep this in mind when we are going through the other sites so that you allow more time if you want to walk along the Ravine Trail.

Meeting point

We meet inside the rotunda of the Houston City Hall at 901 Bagby Street, Houston, Texas 77002 on Monday through Friday. City Hall is closed on weekends. On weekends, we meet at a park bench on the east side of City Hall.

About Houston

Houston, the largest city in Texas, is renowned for its space exploration history, diverse culinary scene, and vibrant arts culture. As the home of NASA's Johnson Space Center, the city offers unique attractions, a thriving economy, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Top Attractions

Space Center Houston

The official visitor center of NASA's Johnson Space Center, offering interactive exhibits, historic spacecraft, and behind-the-scenes tours of NASA facilities.

Historical/Adventure 4-6 hours Moderate ($29.95 for adults, discounts available)

Museum District

A collection of 19 museums, cultural centers, and galleries, showcasing art, science, and history.

Cultural/Museum Half day to full day Varies by museum (many have discounted days)

Discovery Green

A 12-acre urban park in downtown Houston, featuring gardens, fountains, and hosts to various events and concerts.

Nature/Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (some events may have fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tex-Mex

A fusion of Texan and Mexican cuisine, featuring dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and nachos.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or vegan with substitutions.

BBQ

Slow-smoked meats, often served with tangy BBQ sauce, coleslaw, and baked beans.

Main Course Meat-heavy, but vegetarian options like smoked jackfruit are available.

Gulf Seafood

Fresh seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, including shrimp, oysters, and crab.

Main Course Can be prepared in various ways to suit dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Space Center Houston tours Kayaking on Buffalo Bayou Hiking in Memorial Park Spa treatments Picnics in Discovery Green Yoga classes Museum District visits Theater District performances

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city. The crowds are moderate, and major events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo take place during this time.

15-30°C 60-85°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

CST (GMT-6) / CDT (GMT-5) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Houston is generally safe for tourists, but as with any large city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help

Getting there

By air

George Bush Intercontinental Airport • 22 miles (35 km) north of downtown
William P. Hobby Airport • 7 miles (11 km) south of downtown

By bus

Greyhound Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and affordable, but coverage is limited to certain areas. Good for reaching major attractions and the Medical Center.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Montrose The Heights

Day trips

Galveston Island

50 miles (80 km) • Full day

A barrier island off the coast of Texas, offering beautiful beaches, historic sites, and family-friendly attractions.

San Antonio

180 miles (290 km) • Full day or overnight

A historic city known for its Spanish colonial missions, vibrant River Walk, and cultural attractions.

Festivals

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo • February to March Houston Pride Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit the Museum District on Thursday nights for free admission to many museums.
Explore the Houston Farmers Market for fresh produce and local delicacies.
Take advantage of the city's diverse dining scene by trying Tex-Mex, BBQ, and Gulf seafood.
Use the METRO Q App for real-time updates on public transportation.
Check for free events and concerts at Discovery Green throughout the year.