Top 10 Things Not to Miss in Houston, Galveston Island, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Beaumont

1. There’s nothing like a walk in the park for getting better acquainted, and the Houston Botanic Garden offers an ideal conversation ground. Observe various exotic and native flowers and trees among birds and butterflies as you stroll the picturesque grounds, take part in an educational or cultural event, or participate in an interactive tour – all just a few miles from downtown and the airport.

2. Immerse yourself in a surprisingly intense yet highly entertaining team-building exercise at The Escape Game Houston. Located in the Galleria hotel, shopping, and dining center, The Escape Game pits small groups against puzzling escape scenarios where communication and cooperation are key. You’ll emerge energized with a broader appreciation of your co-competitors.

3. Galveston Island has no shortage of dining options, but Katie’s Seafood House on Pier 19 overlooking Galveston Channel fits the place like a glove. Katie’s offers a delicious way to sample local delicacies. It’s just a few blocks from the Strand Historic District, and Katie’s Seafood Market nearby serves as a source for all the great food.

4. Moody Gardens in Galveston is a world unto itself and a wonderful way to immerse yourself in the island’s unique take on nature and entertainment. More than 2 million visit Moody Gardens annually to stay, golf, attend events, participate in immersive experiences, dine, and just have a world of fun. Things are always changing there, so you never know what surprises are in store.

5. It’s hard to believe Sugar Land is just a hop, skip, and jump from Houston, but things operate on a smaller scale there, which can present a welcome change after a day of networking. For example, although the Astros offer big-league baseball in Houston, the Space Cowboys play at the minor league level at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, and it’s a decidedly different, more up-close experience.

6. The Sugar Land Town Square is an all-in-one evening out for folks interested in relaxing after a busy day, with a plethora of shopping, dining, and imbibing options, live music, events, and exhibitions. It’s a place full of the hustle and bustle of locals and visitors having fun together and enjoying all that beautiful Sugar Land has to offer.

7. Work and recreation commingle at Waterway Square in The Woodlands. It’s a nexus for business stays and restaurants with waterfront views. The Square also hosts its own concert series for open-air entertainment and is near the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, one of America’s most spectacular outdoor entertainment venues. You’ll find it all at Waterway Square.

8. Market Street in The Woodlands combines luxury shopping, dining and happy hour destinations, and cultural attractions in a walkable, open-air environment ideal for unwinding and visiting with locals and colleagues. There’s never not a reason to take away a little of what The Woodlands has to offer by visiting this quaint yet complete after-hours locale.

9. Beaumont is near Houston, but it’s also on the road to Lafayette and New Orleans, putting it square in the middle of a cultural melting pot that makes it ideal for a visit. Among widespread historical, cultural, and outdoor attractions is a dining scene where it all comes together. A prime example is Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp, home of what locals call Mexican Cajun seafood – with drinks that will tick all your after-hours checkboxes.

10. Shopping in Beaumont, with its rich history, can be like taking a trip down memory lane. If you’re interested in bringing something unique back home, check out the Old Town Antique District on lower Calder Avenue. The area includes Urban Habitat, where shabby chic, industrial, and French flea market decor rule. If you have a spot in your home that needs filling, Urban Habitat has your back.

Sources: Visit Houston, Visit Galveston, Visit Sugar Land, Visit The Woodlands, Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau