9 Fun Things to do in Pearland, Texas

Created in Partnership with Visit Pearland

One of the fastest-growing cities in Texas, Pearland borders Space City to the south. And while some view it as an extension of Houston for overflow housing or another suburb, Pearland does have its own quaint and charming persona. A masterfully planned community like the Woodlands, Pearland features well-landscaped parks and thoroughfares, recreational opportunities, and shopping. We’d even say it’s the pearl of the fruit cities with its edible fruit trail and different seasonal crops to snack on that extend far beyond pears. Here’s what to do on a visit.

But First… Let’s Take a Selfie 

The brand-new Pix Selfie Studio in Pearland Town Center is the place to snap that perfect Instagram shot. With five rooms and 15 different backdrops, it’s like a private photo studio. A max of five people are allowed in at a time (one per room), so you have the whole place to yourself to be silly, goofy, or whatever you need to do to create a mood and capture the vibe.

Each room has a ring light and tripod you can hook your phone into, and they give you a remote to change the intensity and color of the lighting, so you don’t have to bring anything other than your smile (and maybe a few outfit changes). They’ll be open for at least six months and will be switching out the backdrops seasonally, so bring the fam, your boyfriend, or your selfie and document those memorable moments.

Feast on Award-Winning Barbecue

Part of Killen restaurant group, Killen’s BBQ has racked up so many accolades it’s hard to keep track. From being named “one of the 50 things you must do in Texas” to “best barbecue period,” from Texas Monthly, Killen’s is to Houston what Franklin’s is to Austin, and by far the most well-known BBQ joint in the metro area. With a cult following, the line forms before they are even open, even in the rain, albeit not nearly as bad as the 6 am crowds that are common up north. They usually sell out by three each day, so get there early (around 10:30-10:45) and come hungry.

The dinosaur-sized beef ribs and brisket are what they’re best known for, but I gravitated toward the pulled pork and pork ribs, which were much more palatable, and don’t sleep on the mac and cheese. There are three sauces on the table; tangy was the one that hit home for me, but try the coffee because it’s super unique.

Tour the Temple

The Sri Meenakshi Temple is an insanely impressive compound and major cultural attraction, only the third like it in the US. An exact replica of the Hindu Sree Meenakshi Temple in Madurai with granite imported from India, it’s the only temple in the country dedicated to Meenakshi, the Goddess of Marriage, which means it’s full of female empowerment messaging and strong goddess vibes. There’s one main sanctuary and four smaller synagogues in the corners dedicated to 16 different deities where you can find your favorite on a self-guided tour.

Also inside is the Ayyappa, or the Holy 18 Steps, the oldest of its kind in the United States, which believers climb to reach salvation. The smaller Ganesh temple in the back was the original temple on-site and the first traditional Hindu religious landmark in the Southwest. Behind that is a peacock sanctuary, the national bird of India. There is also a cafeteria on-site if you’re keen on trying traditional Indian fare.

Make sure to respect religious norms when you’re there, as it is still an active prayer center. Remove your shoes, wash your hands, and explore in a counterclockwise circle to your left (always keeping god on your right) as you take in the various shrines.

Find a Nature Reprieve  

The Delores Fenwick Nature Center has been open for two years and is part of the John Hargrove Environmental Complex, which overlooks 1.7-miles of trails around a floating wetland where you can hike or fish. The center has local animals (your friendly neighborhood alligators, turtles, and snakes) on display and kid’s activities to learn about the habitat and ecosystem. They can hear animal sounds, identify footprints, etc.

As in Beaumont, birding is big business in this corner of the world, so there’s lots of info about what species you can spot at what time of year. You can also head to the Shadow Creek Ranch Nature Trail for hiking and an overlook.

Make it a Pear Scavenger Hunt

Pearland’s painted Pear-scape is a notable feature of the area, with 20 pears commissioned by local artists scattered around 10 locations in town. There’s a map to follow along with three versions of scavenger hunts – one for adults and two for children. Many pears are clustered in groups, so you can find your favorite without driving all over town, the easiest to hit being Pearland Town Center, City Hall, in front of a gorgeous gazebo, and the hike and bike trail at Independence Park.

Eat Your Way Around the World

Houston’s food scene is as diverse as its population, and Pearland is no different. Boiling Dragon is Casian (Cajun-Asian fusion), fast-casual counter service to get your fill of boiled seafood (crab, crawfish shrimp, the works), fry baskets (catfish, tilapia), and munchies like baos, Korean street tacos, and bulgogi fries. It’s messy finger food but so satisfying, especially for the fellow garlic lovers.

Grazia is the area’s top-rated Italian kitchen with coal-fired pizzas and homemade pasta, beloved for their wagyu meatballs and lasagna egg rolls. But you can find everything from pho to Mongolian BBQ, Thai to Mexican to satisfy any craving.

Don’t Skimp on Brunch

Home to fan-favorite, First Watch, the Pearland location was the brand’s first Texas restaurant to serve brunch cocktails — and you know what they say, “brunch without alcohol is just a sad late breakfast.” Another excellent morning option is Eggcellence, a busy cafe counter with favorites from healthy to indulgent.

I highly recommend the Avocado Benedict, as cayenne and chive Hollandaise and mozzarella are a game-changer. For an off the menu life hack, you can get just one of their sweet pancakes on the side if you’re craving dessert for breakfast without busting your diet (I recommend Red Velvet). They also have ahh-mazing fresh juices you can mix — orange, watermelon and pineapple felt tropical and bright on a rainy day. Seabrook Waffle Company is another unique option with sweet and savory liege waffles and a gourmet coffee bar.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Cinnaholic might just be the best thing I’ve ever put in my mouth, and I don’t say that lightly. My three favorite things in one decadent dessert, I had s’mores and cookie dough atop a cinnamon roll at this DIY cinnamon bar. If that’s a bit too indulgent and rich for your taste, there’s also Smallcakes (cupcakes and ice cream), rolled ice cream, and boba tea in the area.

On Your Way There…. Don’t Miss These Instagram Opportunities

Hidden in plain sight on a random pedestrian street 20-minutes away in Houston, The Orange Show and Smither Park are down the block from one another and two legendary photo spots. Open year-round and free, Smither Park is decorated with colorful mosaics and tiles reminiscent of Gaudi’s Park Güell in Barcelona. Over 300 local artists contribute recycled materials to the swing set, amphitheater, and picnic tables, coined a “work in progress.” The Orange Show is a carnival-like maze of materials that looks like a circus in the middle of a cul de sac, bringing a bit of whimsy to the mundane. You can see a bit from beyond the fence, but to explore fully, you’ll need a ticket for one of their guided tours which are offered on weekends.

Stay – the Courtyard by Marriott 

Literally in Pearland Town Center, staying at the Courtyard by Marriott is about as close as you can get to living out your teenage fantasies of sleeping in a mall. Just steps from department stores, boutiques, and restaurants, it’s modern, comfortable, and dangerous for your wallet… in the best way possible. Plus, the outdoor pool and hot tub come in clutch during the sweltering Texas summers.

If you’re looking for more places to explore, check out these are other intriguing areas in Southeast Texas:

• Baytown: Try geocaching, the art scavenger hunt app, and don’t miss Buc Ee’s, a gas station that has better BBQ, jerky, and snacks than most of America.
• The Woodlands: Pleasantville on steroids, the Woodlands has great shopping, riverfront trails, and one of the best outdoor concert venues in the country.
• Brazosport: Five destinations in one, Brazosport, is one of Southeast Texas’s most accessible beach getaways.
• Beaumont: The Cajun capital of Texas, tour the historic downtown and get your fill of tasty cuisine.
• Corpus Christi: A bit further afield, Corpus is home to thousands of acres of dunes as part of the Padre National Seashore. Try watersports, go horseback riding on the beach, and watch the waves.
• Houston: We don’t have a problem in this eclectic hub of food and culture.

More Texas Travel:

• 75+ Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do in Texas
• 14 Surprising Road Trips You Need to Take in the Lonestar State
• An Austin foodie and photo guide.
• Things to do in the Big D…. Dallas, get your mind out of the gutter.
• Instagram Spots and Must-dos for First-Timers in Fort Worth.

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