If you are heading on down to the Lone Star state for your next family vacation, it's a good idea to check out a few off-the-beaten-path tourist attractions near Houston, Texas. Lose the crowds, bring a water bottle and plan to find out if everything, including adventure, really is bigger in Texas.
This area is so far off the beaten path that you must take a boat to get there. The wildlife management area is located on the northern tip of the island, and there are no restrooms. Bring drinking water, sunscreen and bug repellent with you.
Nature lovers will appreciate the opportunity to observe wildlife in a natural habitat. Be aware that most of the wildlife is not exactly people-friendly. Some of the animals you can expect to encounter during your visit include birds, rattlesnakes and raccoons.
Atkinson Island WMA
10 Parks & Wildlife Drive
Port Arthur, TX 77640
409-736-2551
tpwd.state.tx.us
Sam Houston National Forest is located about 50 miles north of Houston. Some of the activities and attractions that draw visitors to this 163,037-acre national forest include fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, bicycle trails, camping, swimming, pleasure boating and other watersports.
Camp in designated areas only. Remember the insect repellant and bring along plenty of bottled water. Take precautions like extra bottles of water, frequent breaks and cooling bandanas during summer months when the heat and humidity can be brutal.
Sam Houston National Forest WMA
P.O. Box 868
Livingston, TX 77351
396-344-6205
fs.fed.us
Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center is a 2,800-acre outdoor classroom. The park is located on the edge of Houston and is a short drive from most area hotels.
The learning center provides an education in pond ecology to area students and park visitors through nature walks, catch-and-release fishing, native plan gardening and recycling and composting education. Sheldon Lake is a recreational lake in which fishing is the primary attraction.
Sheldon Lake State Park & Environmental Learning Center
15315 Beaumont Hwy.
Houston, TX 77049
281-456-2800
visithoustontexas.com
