Nature lovers of all ages enjoy the Armand Bayou Nature Center because it offers visitors the chance to connect with nature along the Texas Gulf Coast. Canoeing is one of the most popular activities here, and it offers an up close and personal view of the center’s natural wildlife. Geese and other local birds frequent the area around the water, and you’re almost guaranteed to see an alligator or two while canoeing (just remember not to get too close!).

A well-maintained boardwalk runs along the bayou for those who aren’t as partial to boating, while a circular nature trail creates a loop from the parking lot throughout the park’s wooded areas and back again. There are also guided tours for those who are interested in learning about the area’s wildlife, and you can even take a pontoon boat tour ride.

There are often events held at the center, so check the website for a full calendar.

Armand Bayou Nature Center
8500 Bay Area Boulevard
Pasadena, TX 77507
(281) 474-2551
www.abnc.org
www.yelp.com/biz/armand-bayou-nature-center-pasadena

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Baytown Nature Center offers visitors a chance to relax in the beauty of the natural world in a wetland setting. Here, bird watchers can view some of the more than 200 species of birds that call the area home at different times of the year, including raptors, sparrows, woodpeckers, waterfowl, and songbirds. A wide variety of butterflies—more than 30 species!—also call the park home, so don't skip a lap around the butterfly garden (keep your eyes peeled for hummingbirds!).

Hiking, biking, and jogging on the more than five miles of nature trails in the park provide a chance to get some exercise while observing nature in a pristine setting. Pick up a trail map at the Butterfly Garden parking lot. Fishing and crabbing are a favorite pastime on the pier at the San Jacinto Point Recreation Area. There’s also a fishing pier at Crystal Bay and Burnet Bay. Note that people 17 and older must have a fishing permit.

Baytown Nature Center is open sunrise to sunset daily. Admission is $3 per visitor aged 13 and up.

Baytown Nature Center
6213 Bayway Drive
Baytown, TX 77520
(281) 424-9198
www.baytownnaturecenter.org
www.yelp.com/biz/baytown-nature-center-baytown

CC-BY-SA-2.0/Flickr/likeaduck

In Texas, you certainly won't be hard-pressed to find a great barbecue joint. With that being said, King’s BBQ brings something special to the table through its charming, country atmosphere, fast service, and friendly employees—oh, and we can’t forget about the food!

King’s BBQ serves traditional Texas barbecue based on decades-old traditions, and every dish comes in a serving large enough to food at least two people. Choose your preferred meat from the menu of fried chicken, turkey, brisket, or even combinations of a few, or treat yourself to a full steak dinner prepared in the King’s way. Your meal comes with a variety of classic barbecue side dishes like cole slaw, baked beans, or fried okra, and it’s all available at affordable prices.

If you want to take the whole family out for barbecue without breaking the bank, King’s BBQ might just be the place to do it.

King’s BBQ
521 West Main Street
La Porte, TX 77571
(281) 470-8358
kingsbbq.biz

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr/free-stock