Anyone else reaching their quarantine limit with how many times they can walk around their same neighborhood block for the umpteenth time? Same. I’ve been refreshing my routine and breaking my quarantine habits by getting outside the loop and exploring all the wonderful things the Houston suburbs and surrounding area have to offer–like the Baybrook Mall! If you’re looking for some fun Houston day trips during COVID, look no further!
This post is sponsored by Brookfield Properties Retail. By supporting them, you’re supporting It’s Not Hou It’s Me! All opinions and experiences are my own.
Baybrook Mall is a mecca for outdoorsy adventures
So you may be thinking, why Baybrook Mall as a starting point? Well let me tell you. It’s a mecca for outdoorsy adventures. Any gear, snacks, clothing you might need for your trip, Baybrook Mall has got it all in one place, including: Duluth Trading Co., Dick’s Sporting Goods, REI, Field & Stream, and Golf Galaxy. They also just opened a brand new lululemon! And an Amazon Books store to pick up your next beach read. If you need anything for your next hike, camping trip, picnic or beach extravaganza. Baybrook Mall has got it.
If you’re looking to adventure nearby, there’s plenty of places to visit just a short drive away in Clear Lake, Pasedena, and Galveston areas. Baybrook Mall has a lot of places to pick up food to-go for a picnic. I grabbed Salata last time I was there and then Maggiano’s pasta (and bread omggg) for my hike. Other great options would be Yard House or Sweet Paris.
New measures have been implemented at Baybrook Mall to help ensure the health and safety for all who enter the mall, including hand-sanitizing stations, touch-free interactions to open doors, frequent and intense cleanings, social distancing directions and floor dots marking where to stand. They also have a new filtered air system that captures airborne viruses. I was happy to see everyone wearing masks as well.
5 Outdoor Adventures by Baybrook Mall
Sylvan Beach, La Porte
Just because summer is “over” doesn’t mean it isn’t beach weather in Texas. This beach is a closer, less crowded alternative to Galveston. Sylvan Beach is a small beach inside a public park with a stretch of sandy sand (it’s a thing) and a short area roped off to swim. This was great because it’s just 30 minutes away from Houston.
El Jardin, Pasadena
El Jardin is located in a neighborhood and has a rather small parking lot compared to the beachfront which keeps the crowd size down. I had to wait a minute to get a spot, but it was totally worth it. Pack some chairs and a picnic lunch for a lovely afternoon by the water. Peek my fabulous Maggiano’s spread below.
Boating in the bay, Galveston
More people need to be talking about how easy it is to get out on the water from Houston. You can take a cruise on a 1800s paddlewheel boat in Galveston or go sailing around Kemah in a catamaran.
Armand Bayou Nature Center, Pasadena
ABNC offers 5 miles of well maintained walking trails for your enjoyment including a loop boardwalk and bison viewing platform. They coordinate family night hikes and are offering pontoon boat tours soon. Spot alligators and 220 species of birds along Armand Bayou. You can book a tour and learn about the ecosystem with Armand Bayou Nature Center or rent boats from one of the many retailers, including the REI in Baybrook Mall!
Houston Botanic Garden, Houston
Having just opened in September, this new greenspace features 132 acres of horticultural displays, natural ecosystems, walking trails and hundreds of plant species from around the world. The Houston Botanic Garden is a great space to explore and socially distance outside with 2.5 miles of walking trails and 2 miles of water front.
Thank you so much for the outdoor activities ideas near Baybrook mall! I’m visiting Houston this weekend and your post helped me out 🙂
Enjoy! It’s a fun place to explore