Relaxing & Unwinding in Houston

Sometimes going without a strict list of things to do and places to go is just as important as planning a detailed trip. Spas, parks, and shady patios are among the preferred places for a little R&R in Houston.

Put lower Westheimer on the list if lingering over coffee while reading the paper and people-watching is your idea of a good time. Brasil and the Empire Cafe are definite destinations for some relaxing without the pressure of giving up your table.

Spas are tranquil oases of calm, and Houston spa owners pride themselves on the latest and most indulgent treatments. Nature provides a wonderful sanctuary for those seeking a way to unwind, and Memorial Park, with its tree-lined trails, is an easygoing destination for a break from the everyday.

Insider's Guide: The Best of Relaxing & Unwinding in Houston

If you're going with the flow, try a trip to the seawall in Galveston. An hour's drive from Houston down Interstate 45 takes you directly to the coast, salty air, and sunshine. You can pull up alongside the beach and watch the waves roll in, or you can rent bicycles built for two or four and gently pedal your way down the seawall. A loose schedule can mean trying something new, and yoga studios offer beginner classes for the curious.

Just 20 minutes outside of downtown, the Cypress Trails Equestrian Center (21415 Cypress Wood Dr) is a working ranch with horses and trails for all skill levels. If peace and quiet and the comfort of countless books is what you crave, the Alabama Theater Bookstop (712 Main St) is for you. The scent of freshly ground coffee wafts through this converted movie theater that has personality, without being over the top.

©2006 Greater Houston Convention and Visitor's Bureau The Cockrell Butterfly Center is one way to spend the day away from the bustle of downtown Houston.

Golfers have plenty places to tee off in Houston, and there are courses open from sunup to sundown to accommodate any traveler's schedule. Many courses dramatically discount rounds the later it is in the day.

Spot sports celebrities and soak in the downtown skyline on the rolling hills of the 36-hole Wildcat Golf Course (12000 Almeda Rd), or play a budget-friendly game at the municipal Memorial Park Golf Course (1001 East Memorial Loop Dr), which is a 600-acre course with a lighted driving range, putting and chipping greens, clubhouse facility, and a golf museum.

A lazy weekend can still hold a little exploration, and many locals like to discover new cheeses, vegetables, organic goods, and wine at Central Market (3815 Westheimer), a shrine to all things gastronomic. There's no pretension at this upscale grocery store that encourages visitors to ask questions, sample new foods, and even grab a bite on the two-story patio while listening to live music. The grocery store offers classes that range from cooking to floral arranging.

Slip into the peaceful Cockrell Butterfly Center (1 Hermann Circle Dr) for a leisurely stroll through a glass-encased rainforest inhabited by various butterflies. Always in a constant state of evolution, visitors can experience the life experiences of a butterfly, from cocoon stage to emerging from its home and flying throughout the center.

Want to see Houston via an organized tour? Check out our suggestions on the next page.