Texas is more than sand and tumbleweeds, and anyone living in Dickinson can see the many sides of Texas that get less attention. Each of these day trips are convenient for Dickinson residents, and each shows off a unique aspect to Texan life.
Moody Gardens
Likely an hour or less from your house, Moody Gardens on Galveston island combines educational family museum and indoor park with a focus on conservation. This is an awesome place compared to the typical chain amusement park that keeps you outside and thirsty. The aquarium and rainforest pyramids are literally cool indoor attractions, packed with sea and land creatures respectively. Moody Gardens even has 4D movie theaters with physical effects, on top of an MG full 3D theater, a Spongebob Squarepants-themed submarine adventure, and more.
Brazos Bend State Park
A solid hour due west of Dickinson, this nature reserve on a Gulf Coast plain has both hiking and horse riding trails, with opportunities to go boating if you’re not afraid of the alligators (just ignore them and don’t feed them). It’s one of the greenest and swampiest bits of Texas, almost like the Everglades, so anyone who loves to see all new plants and animals will get a lot of great sights out of a day spent here.
Note: Brazos Bend State Park was currently closed as of April 25, due to flooding damage. Check in to be sure the park is open again before you visit.
Gambling in Lake Charles
Heading west, travelers will find the more natural parts of Texas, but to the north up the shore from Dickinson, the Golden Nugget Casino (and hotel) awaits in the neighborhood of Lake Charles. Anyone with a hunger for gambling will appreciate the most popular casino in the area, and the hotel has everything from a spa to golf bookings and pristine, professional restaurants.
Guadalupe River State Park
This is one of the longer drives, but for nature lovers it can’t be ignored. This sandy, wild state park is just what you need to see on the hotter days of the year. The four-mile river is perfect for tubing, rafting, canoeing, and fly fishing, not to mention a bit of hiking before you hit the water. Make sure you don’t bring glass bottles or containers of any kind in your picnic or drink storage, as glass isn’t allowed at the park.
As it’s just about 200 miles from some Dickinson areas, it makes for a nice day trip if you start early and pack well, or you could camp for a night on a free weekend and get two or more full days to enjoy this natural wonder.
These four day trips give you many ways to get to know and enjoy your location in Dickinson all the better. Despite being on the shore off Houston, you’re never locked into only exploring Houston’s thriving community. Take time to explore in all directions, and you’re bound to find something amazing.
This photo, “Guadalupe River State Park” by Allison Meier used under CC BY-SA 2.o. “Guadalupe River State Park” is licensed under CC BY 2.0 by Gay Family Kia.
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