Location is the name of the game in Pearland. This growing suburb is perfectly positioned between the two major vacation hubs of Galveston and Houston. The city offers visitors an ideal getaway with luxurious big-city vibes to the north, sunny beach days to the south, and plenty of fun in Pearland! Read on for a taste of what a Pearland summer getaway is all about!

Where to Stay

Courtyard by Marriott Houston Pearland

One of the most important parts of any summer getaway is making sure you’ve got a comfy bed, and the city “where town meets country” has no shortage of cozy stays. Find the hotel names you know and love and book an affordable room for the whole family!

Narrowing down a hotel can be a lengthy task with all of the choices Pearland has to offer, and the hotels vary greatly depending on your budget and your preferences. Some hotels offer weekend rates well below $100, so you’ll want to be sure you check out all the options the city has to offer so you can spend less time searching and more time relaxing. 

Where to Shop

Everyone loves shopping, and Pearland grants you the ability to make shopping an integral part of your summer getaway! We’re talking about adorable boutiques, bountiful antique stores, engaging multicultural destinations, and shops of every sort. These local favorites feature everything from diverse, stylish apparel to unique, South Texas-inspired home decor and everything in between. Be sure to bring an extra suitcase because you’re bound to find tons of meaningful souvenirs and gifts you just can’t live without!

Mainstream Boutique, image by @mainstreamboutiquepearland via Instagram

Two wonderful boutiques worth checking out are Mainstream Boutique and Queen Bling Boutique. Mainstream is a locally owned and operated style hub and it’s anything but mainstream. The boutique is devoted to celebrating and empowering women through fashion, and this central Pearland stop offers a great selection of apparel and accessories.

Queen Bling Boutique is also located on Broadway Street, and it’s smack dab in the middle of all the action. This boutique has a diverse selection of fashionable apparel, and they offer a specialized selection of bright beach vibe apparel and genuine Western wear. Their extensive inventory also features a trendy selection of fashionable footwear and jewelry to pair with an exciting new outfit. 

Pearland does not joke around when it comes to antiquing, and shops like BrowsAroun’ Antiques offer visitors a bountiful glimpse into the past with authentic collectibles, furniture, home decor, glassware, and so much more. Whether you consider yourself a true American picker or you’re just looking for a vintage piece to add some character to your home, BrowsAroun’ Antiques is well worth checking out! 

BLCK Market, image by @shopblck via Instagram

Pearland is home to a number of cultural influences, and BLCK Market is a black-owned and operated hub featuring a diverse lineup of over 50 local vendors and entrepreneurs. The retail products are bold and creative, and they work to reinforce local entrepreneurship while fortifying unique and stylish apparel, so be sure to stop by and check out what they have to offer. 

Where to Eat

Pearland features a thriving dining scene with creative, new restaurants and locally-loved favorites that have served the community for years. The city has a truly impressive lineup of eateries spanning the length of the famed Broadway Street and beyond, and the South Texas suburb covers all the bases with dining options to fit every style and every occasion. 

With superb selections featuring authentic cuisines catering to every kind of palette, Pearland pulls from a wide array of international and domestic flavors to create a truly mouth-watering selection of both casual and upscale dining destinations. You’ll find everything from Mexican and Italian to delicious BBQ and so much more. 

Taglia Italian, image by @tagliaitalian via Instagram

If you’re in the mood for Italian, Pearland has some great options that’ll surely have you coming back for seconds. Grazia Italian Kitchen is a semi-casual venue that offers authentic Italian dishes and refreshing cocktails in a relaxing, warm atmosphere. Taglia Italian Restaurant is another solid choice with traditionally-crafted Italian options and sauces made from scratch. You can never go wrong with Pizza, and what better way to end the night than with a creamy shake? If you feel the same way, then perhaps Grace Pizza and Shakes is the place for you. 

Texas is perhaps the best state in the nation for authentic Mexican food, and Pearland has some terrific spots that can genuinely compete. Emma’s Mex Grill is a great choice if you’re craving a little spice on your getaway, and don’t forget to try their awesome dessert menu featuring traditional tres leches cake and sopapillas that are to die for! 

Pearland is big on BBQ, and it can be a true challenge to pick from the city’s long list of impressive barbecue destinations. Killen’s Barbecue is a top-notch choice that is perfect for those looking to chow down on a smoky, fall-off-the-bone rack of ribs. Central Texas Style BBQ is another good choice for those that are partial toward a LoneStar State style of barbecue, and they’ve been a local favorite in the Pearland area since 1969!

Be sure to check out BB’s Tex-Orleans for spicy gumbo, stacked po’ boys, and quality fried seafood with a Texas twist! Their menu is full of bold flavors and spices, and their unique combinations present a fresh take on Cajun cuisine. 

Killen’s Steakhouse, image by @abbystanfordx via Instagram

Killen’s Steakhouse is another great option. Much like its counterpart, Killen’s BBQ, this high-quality, semi-casual eatery offers tender cuts, superb service, and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for a romantic date night. Good Vibes Coastal Kitchen is a terrific, casual restaurant with some delicious seafood and classic American options. They’ve also got a one-of-a-kind oyster bar! 

While you’re narrowing down the dinner options, be sure to sign up for the free Pearland International Cuisine Trail digital passport. This exclusive offer combines some of the best international flavors in Pearland and gives you the ability to earn points at the participating restaurants you check in at. After checking in at 3 restaurants, you’ll be automatically entered into a sweepstake where you’ll have the chance to win some awesome prizes!

What to Do

We know you want to get the most out of your Pearland summer getaway, but it can be tricky to fit everything there is to do in such a short amount of time. So, we figured we’d compile a list of our favorite things to do in the Pearland area so you can plan your getaway around the activities that mean the most to you. Read on and discover some of the ways you can make sure this year’s summer getaway is memorable! 

Pearland is a great summer destination for those that value some quality outdoor time.  The city’s parks, nature centers, and intricate trails present scenic values that are hard to come by, and there are countless activities that help make sure you get the most out of Pearland’s natural beauty. 

Delores Fenwick Nature Center, image by @dfnc_pearland via Instagram

If you’re looking to get a glimpse at Pearland’s diverse wildlife, then birding might be right up your alley. Take a stroll through the Shadow Creek Nature Trail or the John Hargrove Environment Complex and experience the calming serenity of bird watching. Extend your love of the outdoors to the Delores Fenwick Nature Center and experience a picturesque walk through the Pearland wilderness. 

Scavenger hunts are always fun, and they can be a great way to keep the mind sharp. Head on over to the Pear-Scape Trail and enjoy an engaging scavenger hunt that’s perfect for you and the whole family. The Pearland Mural Tour gives you the opportunity to visit some of Pearlands most inspiring public artwork. Through a partnership with Visit Pearland, you have the chance to earn prizes for visiting the murals by tagging the Pearland Convention and Visitors Bureau on social media. The more murals you visit, the better your chances! 

For those that enjoy a fun game of golf, Pearland boats some impressive Championship 18-Hole golf courses! And for a list of events taking place all around the city of Pearland, be sure to check out the official events page. 

Vallensons Brewing Company, image by @vallensons via Instagram

If you’re a fan of a cold brew then you might want to stop by Vallensons Brewing Company on Rice Drier Road. You can get an inside look at the brewing process while enjoying one of their signature craft beers made in a variety of unique flavors. They also host fun events like pet days and food truck fests! 

Rustic Brush is another great group activity that focuses on the creative art of crafting. They regularly host workshops, and it’s perfect for a date, a girl’s trip, or even a day of family fun. If you want to keep the group fun rolling, head on over to the Pearwood Skate Center. This groovy roller skating rink is another top-notch choice for a group outing with lively music, concessions, and fun events! 

Pearland is a true multicultural hub, and visitors can experience a number of international influences across the South Texas suburb. For those interested in learning more about Hindu culture, the Sri Meenakshi Devasthanam Hindu temple on McLean Road is the perfect destination. The temple is defined by exquisite architecture, fun events, and authentic Hindu culture and traditions. 

As we mentioned earlier, Pearland is located in an optimal location providing easy access to Houston and Galveston. “H-Town” is home to a ton of great things to do from the world-renowned Houston Zoo to the Johnson Space Center. A few other worthy stops in the Houston area include the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and the 1940 Air Terminal Museum. Also, be sure to check out the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site for an educational stroll through American history. 

The San Luis Resort in Galveston, image by @thesanluisresort via Instagram

A short drive south and you’ll have access to the many opportunities of sunny Galveston. In addition to visiting the famed historical sites and checking out all the spots along The Strand, you’ll want to take advantage of the Beaches of Galveston for a day of family fun. Built along the shores of Galveston Bay is the Kemah Boardwalk theme park with a ton of games, plenty of rides, great dining options, and fun events.